Four Heads Are Better Than One

Year One: Quidditch and Quirrell

Sorry for the delay everyone, the past couple of days have been a bit hectic, but thank you to everyone who's reviewed. I've increased the rating to a T because of a little bit of bad language, but there's nothing terrible. I really hope you enjoy it, and please don't hesitate to give constructive criticism and suggestions.

One quick question, does anyone know any good Mad-Eye Moody stories? He's my favourite character and I'd really like to read more about him. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

"Can someone please explain what happened out there?" Minerva's voice was harsh with anger.

Severus scowled. "I thought it was obvious. Someone tried to kill Mr. Potter, and damn near succeeded too."

Pomona sank into a chair. "Someone was jinxing his broom?"

Severus nodded. "Correct. And we're very lucky they stopped when they did."

"Do you think they were the ones who set you on fire?" Filius asked sharply.

"Who else would it be?"

Minerva snorted. "Do you really want us to answer that?"

Severus opened his mouth angrily, but Pomona silenced the pair of them with a glare. "We don't have time for childish squabbling! Now, do either of you have any idea who could be behind this?"

Minerva frowned. "We all know that Potter has enemies."

Filius stared at her incredulously. "Here? Under Albus' nose? They would have to be completely insane."

"The Dark lord isn't known for his sanity," Severus pointed out dryly. "Nor are many of his followers."

Pomona shook her head. "But there's still no way they could get into Hogwarts, let alone assassinate a student, with Albus here."

Minerva and Severus glanced at each other uneasily. They knew far better than their colleagues the potential extent of the threat they were facing, but they had no ideas either.

Filius leaned forward. "It seems to me that someone capable of hexing a broom without attracting attention could also be capable of getting a troll past out defences." His dark eyes glinted dangerously as he turned to Severus. "Severus, I understand your reticence, but this is the second time that our students have been put at risk in as many weeks. This cannot be allowed to continue."

Severus looked troubled. "I have already shared my suspicions with the Headmaster."

Minerva's eyes narrowed. "And he has done nothing about it! Severus, one of my students is being deliberately targeted. I demand to know what's going on." Spots of colour had appeared in her cheeks and her eyes were blazing.

Severus didn't attempt to argue further. "Very well. But," he glared at each of them in turn, "none of what I say is to leave this room."

Filius held up a hand. "Wait a moment." He got to his feet and waved his wand in an intricate pattern. "There. Now we can speak safely."

Pomona glanced at him. "Do you think we're being observed?"

Filius met her gaze steadily. "Under the circumstances, I think it's better to be over cautious." Pomona nodded soberly and he turned to Severus. "Go ahead, lad."

The Slytherin nodded reluctantly. "It was Quirrell." He was expecting a barrage of questions and denials, so was rather surprised when the other Heads maintained and expectant silence. Slightly nonplussed, he continued. "He travelled in Albania last summer, and that was the Dark Lord's last known location. And he has boasted on several occasions of his talent with trolls."

Silence reigned while the others digested his words. Severus waited patiently; he knew it was a lot to come to terms with. A few minutes later, Filius sighed.

"I don't like it, but it does make sense."

Abruptly, Minerva got to her feet. Her face was white with fury as she started across the room. Pomona caught her arm in alarm as Severus crossed the room to block the door.

"Minerva, think about this," he began, but the Gryffindor cut him off.

"I have thought about it, now stand aside Severus, I need to blast that traitorous bastard to pieces!"

Severus shot a dismayed glance at Filius as Pomona attempted to reason with her friend. "Minerva, that isn't going to help."

"She's right," Severus said. "As satisfying as the act might be, all it would achieve at this point is getting you thrown in Azkaban for murder."

Minerva's fist was clenched tight around her wand. "He tried to murder my students!"

"I know, but we have no proof!"

Filius stepped between the two of them. "Minerva, Severus is right," he said firmly. "Albus might believe us, but we would never be able to convince the Wizengamot."

Minerva remained where she was, but her grip on her wand relaxed. After a moment she let out an explosive sigh and slumped back into her chair. "I see your point."

The others looked relieved, and Severus and Filius returned to their seats, though both kept a wary eye on their colleague.

Pomona patted her arm reassuringly. "We're not going to do nothing, Minerva. Now that we know about the threat, we can protect Harry more effectively."

Severus nodded in agreement. "His actions at the match were a mistake. There are precautions we can take in the future to prevent similar incidents."

Minerva sighed. "I still don't like it, but it doesn't look like we have any choice." She turned to Severus. "I know you said you've been keeping an eye on him, but if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

Severus nodded gratefully. "I would appreciate the assistance."

Pomona glanced at Filius and then spoke for the both of them. "We will also do what we can."

A trace of a smile flickered across Severus' face. "Thank you."

They sat in companiable silence for the next few minutes then Filius gave a small chuckle.

"I'm just surprised that no-one's mentioned the other interesting event of the morning," he said in response to their curious looks.

Severus frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Minerva's face broke into a grin as Filius announced blithely. "Well, Gryffindor defeated Slytherin this morning, didn't they?"

Severus just groaned.

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