Four Heads Are Better Than One

Year One: Questions and Disturbances

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Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

"I love Christmas." Minerva and Pomona chuckled at Filius' words. Given that the Ravenclaw had been just as excited as the students the previous morning; they felt that that was a bit of an understatement.

Minerva stretched happily. "It was a good day. Did I thank you for that painting, Pomona?"

"Of course you did."

At that point, Severus' arrival effectively disrupted the calm atmosphere. The Slytherin was not in a good mood; dark circles under his eyes indicated a sleepless nightand he was muttering furiously under his breath as he slammed the door shut.

Minerva sat up in alarm. "Merlin's beard Severus, what's happened?"

"You look like you haven't slept a wink," Pomona observed. "Severus, you know that isn't good for you."

Severus gave a half-hearted scowl as he took a seat next to her. "Argus heard someone sneaking around the Restricted Section last night. I had to help him search for the intruder for a few hours."

"Why did he come to you though?" Filius asked. "Surely he could have done that himself."

Severus shook his head. "I told him to come to me immediately if he ever found anything suspicious."

Pomona frowned. "Why would…oh. Quirrell."

Minerva did not look pleased. "Your diligence is commendable Severus, but you could have woken one of us. You don't have to do everything by yourself."

Severus shrugged. "Maybe next time."

Filius' brow was furrowed in thought. "Why would Quirinius be in the Restricted Section though?" The others looked at him in surprise, so he elaborated. "After all, he's the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. He's perfectly within his rights to study the books there whenever he wants, so why the need to do so in the middle of the night?"

Severus looked troubled. "That's a very good point."

Minerva suddenly sat up straight. "I'm not so sure it was him."

Severus scowled at her. "Who else would it be?"

Minerva rolled her eyes. "If you listen, I'll explain." Severus folded his arms and leant back as she continued. "I was speaking to Irma the other day, and she told me that some students have been asking questions about Nicolas Flamel!"

Pomona groaned. "It wouldn't be Potter, Weasley and Granger by any chance, would it?"

"Got it in one."

"Do you think they've found out about the Stone," asked Filius sharply.

Minerva shook her head. "Irma wouldn't tell them anything, and they'll have trouble finding much about him since Albus removed the relevant books before term began."

Pomona grimaced. "That won't stop Miss Granger."

Minerva nodded. "Exactly. If she can't find anything in the main library, I wouldn't be surprised if she started considering the Restricted Section."

Severus still looked doubtful. "But Flamel isn't in the Restricted Section. They have no reason to look there."

"But they don't know that," Filius reminded him. "Besides, it's forbidden. That's going to pique their curiosity, even without the mention of Flamel."

"But Argus searched there. I could understand Quirrell managing to evade him, but first years?"

Pomona started abruptly and turned to Minerva. "Minerva, didn't James Potter possess an Invisibility Cloak?"

Minerva grimaced. "Unfortunately." Her face paled. "Oh no!"

Severus looked furious. "Are you telling me that Potter has an Invisibility Cloak? He'll be a bigger menace than his father."

Having heard this before, the others ignored him. Filius had just raised an interesting point. "How did Harry get hold of this Cloak?"

"It could have been in his vault at Gringotts," Pomona suggested.

Minerva shook her head. "It doesn't matter how he got it. We have more pressing concerns at the moment. If he knows the name Flamel, and if he is anything like his parents, then it won't be long before he knows about the Stone."

The others nodded unhappily, Severus' mutterings about 'nosy Gryffindors' going unheeded.

Pomona broke the silence. "What are we going to do?"

Minerva sighed. "What can we do? Despite Mr. Potter's talents, I think we can safely assume that the Stone is protected well enough to prevent any first years from getting hold of it." She glanced at Severus. "You'll still keep an eye on Quirrell though?"

Severus nodded. "And on Mr. Potter. Just in case."