When Harry set foot into Hogwarts, the first thing he became aware of was the presence of Voldemort. It was a tiny, barely tangible link that extended somewhere to Quirrell's office, but after two weeks afar distinctly noticeable. He didn't get more time to ponder over it as his attention snapped to Dumbledore's twinkling eyes.
"I've seen that you enjoyed your stay at Malfoy Manor." His tone was the usual jolly politeness, but Harry detected a small note of careful wariness.
"Yes. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity, Headmaster." Harry mirrored the politeness and for a brief moment, as he caught Dumbledore's eye, he suddenly felt a gentle brush on the surface of his mind. Harry casually supplied his dance with Parkinson, Draco flying on the broom, decorating the manor with Narcissa… That was enough. He blinked, cutting the flow to a stop.
Dumbledore smiled cheerfully. "Of course, my boy. You can always come to me if you have anything you'd like to discuss."
"I'll keep that in mind, sir."
Classes resumed in the new term with new homework quickly piling up. Having read ahead Harry had no trouble doing it on time, and focused more on practising his versions of spells through Parselmagic, refining his Occlumency shields and reading up on the law books he borrowed from the Malfoy library. The books were astonishingly boring. Back at Malfoy Manor, Harry preferred listening to what Lucius had to say on the matters that could personally concern Harry. Now he was just determined to power through them to confirm everything with his own eyes and see if anything else caught his attention. Otherwise, Harry trusted that his brewing case against Dumbledore was in capable hands. Lucius Malfoy was thoroughly motivated by his own agenda, and he also had useful resources to exploit.
Lessons with Voldemort continued and Harry found himself almost relieved, reacquainted with that near-constant presence in his mind. He didn't enjoy his privacy breached, his memories were detestable and better forgotten, but a steady rhythm of progress, made little by little, further within Harry's reach each time he tried, it was noticeable now. He could tell that he wasn't running in circles, he could ward off better, humiliating memories surfaced less, and without fully realising it, Harry simply got used to colliding his mind with Voldemort's on a weekly basis.
After recently seeing the dream again Harry found his thoughts wandering to those of his parents and how he was now in active cooperation with their murderer. Logically he made peace with this long ago, but sometimes he wondered… He was hesitant to broach that subject directly to Voldemort though. It wasn't the time, nor a place. For now, they had this sort of peace figured out. Everything else could wait.
On the first resumed Occlumency session after the winter break, Harry's mind was breached, but not forcefully so. With Harry's momentarily confusion Voldemort went through his recent memories at Malfoy Manor flipping through them like pages of a book. Afterwards he retreated not waiting for Harry to form a defence.
"Taking advantage of Malfoys now?" he hummed, looking more intrigued than displeased.
Harry could really get used to such interactions with Voldemort that didn't include sudden bouts of anger. Maybe a little gift he sent him at the end of the year helped as well, Harry noted, pleased, that Voldemort indeed was now drinking that chamomile and mint blend of tea, known for its strong calming properties.
That was the first time Voldemort commented on anything he'd seen in Harry's head, but then again, it was also the first time he searched for any particular memories with intention. He must have been really interested to know how Harry's time with Malfoys went. Harry couldn't blame him. After all, it also concerned his Death Eater, and one cannot be too careful.
"You aren't opposed to it, are you?" Harry wasn't going to ask for permission neither before, nor now, but it would still help to know Voldemort's opinion.
"No. And Lucius shouldn't be so terrified." he smiled maliciously over the cup of tea. "He will get his fair share of Crucios for publicly denying loyalty to me anyway."
"Huh." Harry didn't know what to say to it. It didn't really look like Voldemort was joking.
"Then again," he continued, red eyes gleaming, "If it means one less thing going Dumbledore's way, it's all fine by me. And the advantage of keeping the Boy Who Lived close can't be denied."
"I thought it was me taking advantage of Malfoys?" Harry remarked half-jokingly.
"One doesn't exclude the other." Voldemort put the cup down and in a swift motion took the wand out. "Now, shall we start with the lesson?"
It was the only warning Harry got before his mind burned.
Occasionally Harry went around Hogwarts after curfew, putting his Invisibility Cloak to use. He was just as entranced by portraits in the Hogwarts corridors. Some of them were clearly more ancient than the others and the variety of artistic styles was even more evident. He went around the forbidden third-floor corridor several times but ultimately decided against entering. Without a solid plan he would only jeopardize everything, and inwardly he anticipated another solution, another way, something that would save him the trouble of undergoing through inane obstacles.
When he stumbled through an empty unused classroom, Harry was about to turn around when a large ornate mirror caught his eye. It looked like an ancient artefact, golden frame barely visible through a layer of dust. When he drew closer, he was able to distinguish inscribed letters:
Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.
Looking in a mirror itself Harry saw nothing. Cautiously, aware of the silence in the castle, he took the Invisibility Cloak off and stared at the mirror once more. Eyeing his corporeal body over, sure that the Cloak isn't in a way anymore, Harry was mystified, still seeing nothing. He looked around. In the mirror he could see the desks and chairs, the same that stood against the walls behind him. What he didn't see was his own reflection.
Harry was confused but intrigued. The next night he was back before the mirror, half expecting to see something different there. On the fourth night Harry paused on his way to the disused classroom. There wasn't anything particularly interesting in that mirror, nothing at all really. Yet, he was going back again and again as if compelled.
Harry sat on the floor in front of the mirror with an invisibility cloak on his head covering only his back in case someone passed by. His front was visible in reality, but the reflection was absent. In some way, staring back at his own non-existence brought Harry calm. Beyond anything, he felt free.
I show not your face but your heart's desire.
Without not much else to stare at, it didn't take long for Harry to figure out the inscription. He wondered what it said about him if it showed him nothing.
He heard footsteps and soon Dumbledore appeared looking like a caring grandfather with a gentle smile on his face. Harry didn't bother hiding himself entirely, not quite surprised by the company.
"Ah, Harry. I see you found the Mirror of Erised." Dumbledore sighed, but he didn't sound disappointed. If anything, there was barely noticeable excitement in his voice.
Harry looked up to inspect the old man. "The mirror that shows your heart's desire."
"Indeed." Dumbledore's eyes gleamed. "You are one perceptive young boy. Alas, it'll do more harm than good dwelling on your dreams instead of living a life. However tempting the image shown to you might be, it is time to say goodbye."
Harry hummed, turning back to the mirror. "I don't see anything." he admitted.
"Oh?" Dumbledore sounded very surprised. "If one sees only themselves like in an ordinary mirror it means they already have everything they could possibly wish for. It means they are truly happy."
"It makes sense." Harry concluded after a moment of pondering over it. If the mirror somehow detected the deepest desires and also gauged the level of happiness, well, it clearly wouldn't work on Harry. Dumbledore must have taken his words another way as he now looked very perplexed.
"What?" Harry questioned just to spite, not correcting the assumption. "Is it so unusual to be happy?"
Dumbledore shook himself from his astonishment. "Not at all, my boy. I can only be happy for you," he still sounded unsure, but chuckled lightly. "Very well then. If that is the case you won't be disappointed to know that the mirror will be moved to another place soon. I would have warned not to come looking for it again in danger of loosing sight of yourself. But it seems my worries were unfounded." Pausing for a moment, brows furrowing just the slightest, he observed, "You spent quite some time with it."
"I was just curious." Harry explained and then his eyes momentarily widened. "How did you know?"
"I don't need a cloak to become invisible." Dumbledore smiled like he shared a secret. Harry felt sick.
It was an early March when Harry was notified of Petunia's death. Lucius didn't hesitate with his arrangements and soon another notification followed, inviting Harry to attend a hearing concerning his guardianship.
As Harry received an official invitation from the Ministry, Dumbledore couldn't outright forbid him from attending it, but he still tried to discourage him.
"Harry, that is unfortunate, of course." Dumbledore looked concerned. "But you don't have to worry about it. I will take care of everything."
"What do you mean not to worry? Sir." Now wasn't the time to play nice. Harry will confront Dumbledore outright if he must. "This directly concerns me, and seeing as I am invited to the hearing, I sure will be there."
"As of now, Harry, I am your magical guardian, and it is my duty to ensure what's best for you."
So now he chose to acknowledge it to Harry's face.
"Are you, sir?" Harry didn't bother to sound surprised and for once there was something akin to guilt flashing in Dumbledore's eyes. "Do you really know what is best for me?"
"Let's not jump to conclusions, Harry. Your situation is unique and complicated, there are many things to consider.…"
"Is there a reason then, why I shouldn't be present at the hearing concerning my own interests? Is there a reason you don't want me there? If you represent my best interests, it wouldn't hurt for me to hear everything out."
"What are you saying, Harry? You don't think…" He cleared his throat and shook his head, as if disappointed, but then smiled. "Ah, I only wished to spare you the boring formalities but very well. If you insist."
Once they arrived at the Ministry, it was clear that the hearing wasn't just a boring formality. All the members of Wizengamot were present, along with the Minister himself. Harry was shown to take a seat among the witnesses, while Dumbledore proceeded to his place as the Chief Warlock. Harry didn't miss how the man shared a long look with a couple of red-heads along the way. As Harry approached, they smiled at him, fidgeting as if ready to say something. Harry pretended he didn't notice, walking past them further up the seats to join Narcissa Malfoy. She greeted him with a nod, not allowing her impeccable mask to break in public. Although, once he sat, she took his hand, squeezing it briefly in reassurance and Harry relaxed slightly, only then realising he was tense.
Harry looked around at the crowd, curtly exchanging nods with Lucius Malfoy, who was among Wizengamot members. It was a closed hearing with no journalists allowed. Once everyone was at their places, the Undersecretary stood up to announce in a loud monotonous voice.
"The termination of guardian rights hearing of the twenty-first of March, into the lack of evidence proving eligibility of the current magical guardian Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, to Harry James Potter, resident at number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey…"
Harry glanced above to see an unusually serious expression on Dumbledore's face. This was good. Harry should be taken seriously. He couldn't wait to finally get rid of any influence Dumbledore might have had over him, to dissolve the notion that Harry would ever allow to be toyed with by anyone. The anticipation was like a buzz before dealing a final blow to an irritating bug.
Just as he thought about it, Harry caught sight of a flashy insect flying over Dumbledore's head before settling under the Undersecretary. Yes, getting rid of Dumbledore's involvement in his life would be definitely as satisfying as smashing such an annoying little thing.
THE BOY WHO LIVED IS TO LIVE WITH THE MALFOY FAMILY FROM NOW ON! SHOULD WE BE WORRIED?
(written by Rita Skeeter)
The termination of guardian rights hearing and the following decision for the new magical guardian of The Boy Who Lived was dropped seemingly out of nowhere. For one, why would there be a need for such a case? Wasn't Harry Potter happily living with his muggle family? Wasn't his magical guardian someone trustworthy with at least somewhat significant blood relation to him? Wrong!
While he was indeed living with his muggle relatives from his mother's side (Lily Potter née Evans, a heroic woman who died protecting her son, for a reminder on these accounts, see page 34), Harry Potter never knew who his magical guardian was until recently. Who would be so careless as to not provide our hero even with a hint of knowledge about his rightful heritage? Most of you would never guess but others, me included, might not be surprised at all. Dumbledore has done well over the years maintaining a reputation of a white light hero with shining beard, a wise old man who knows better than most. But is he? Now you probably already guessed why I am bringing Dumbledore all of a sudden. That's right, up until today he was Harry Potter's magical guardian!
Bur how could this be? As far as records go, he has no blood relation to the Potters. To be fair, he was appointed as a magical guardian very quickly after Potters' unfortunate death on the basis of the will from Potters themselves. He was already the Chief Warlock of Wizengamot at the time, so this surely played in his favour to speed up the process and make it so no one questions his right. Was he the only option to consider? Of course not. The Ministry Archive unfolded numerous requests from several wizarding families, including Malfoy, Longbottom, Tonks, Macmillan and Bulstrode.
However small their relation to Harry Potter might be, they should have been given equal consideration versus Potters' will. Which was completely disregarded. Now you might be wondering what's so wrong with Dumbledore being a guardian to our hero? The fact of the matter is, the aforementioned will was only brought up in the conclusive record, the document itself is nowhere to be found in the Ministry Archive. Vanished, completely gone! Or had it ever existed at all?
Upon discovering this fact, Lucius Malfoy, as a member of Wizengamot saw fit to request a hearing immediately to fix the mistake and determine a new guardian for Harry Potter.
The question of a non-existent will was brought forward. Before the full Wizengamot Albus Dumbledore had to defend the eligibility of the previous court decision. Questions were asked like, Where is the document right now? Was it there in the first place? Predictably, Dumbledore confirmed only that it existed but, and I quote, it escapes his understanding as to why and where it disappeared.
As you know, the will is a sacred document that can be written any time during a wizard's life but only becomes active upon death of said wizard. There is no way of forging a will because the magic itself seals the truth of it when the document loses connection to a life force. Thus, it cannot be fabricated after someone's death as well.
Now, I'm not implying Dumbledore tried to cover up the fake document making it disappear from the Ministry Archive so no one gets a close look onto it (but yes, that is exactly what I am implying). The majority of Wizengamot wasn't convinced that Dumbledore was capable of doing something so deplorable. With how hectic the things were at the time it was likely for things to get mixed up, and no one had reason to suspect Albus Dumbledore in anything. Until now.
What exactly are you hiding? A valid question that got repeatedly dodged by the current (still) Chief Warlock.
And dare I mention that by the end of the hearing another subject was brought forward. Was Dumbledore still deserving this position? Even if he managed to dodge most of the questions, the suspicion was already born. There shall be a thorough investigation leading to yet another hearing scheduled to late May. By the end of it, Wizengamont will hold a voting session to determine whether a demotion of Albus Dumbledore from the Chief Warlock position should take place.
Back to Harry Potter. This young boy already managed to surprise us from the moment he made his first public appearance. Not many could have predicted he would be sorted into Slytherin. Our hero who defeated You-Know-Who? In Slytherin? That shocked the magical world immensely. Many of us realised that we didn't really know much about our hero. Whose fault was that, once again? Not only the magical world was hidden from The Boy Who Lived, our hero was hidden from us as well. We had to face reality that many assumptions were just that, assumptions. Especially considering the hero himself wasn't all too bothered by his sorting (as many reports from our younger readers suggested). It shouldn't come as a surprise that he would make a number of friends in the Slytherin House.
At the end of last year we all saw the proof of it, when he was noticed attending the exclusive Yule Ball at Malfoy Manor. The Malfoys don't extend such invitations lightly (me personally never got a chance to attend, no matter the effort I was willing to put). Harry Potter even shared a dance with one of the Slytherin students, Pansy Parkinson. Could we be witnessing the start of a beautiful young romance? (For the recounts of the event and my take on it, see page 12).
So it is clear that Harry Potter formed a close connection with the Malfoys already, and it became reasonable for Narcissa Malfoy to extend her offer of guardianship once again. Narcissa Malfoy née Black is second cousin to Harry Potter, which prompted her to take this action in the first place. At the time of the current hearing only one family argued against Malfoys. Arthur Weasley is second cousin once removed to Harry Potter, while Molly Weasley née Prewett shares her own distant connection to the Black, and thus Potter, family.
Albus Dumbledore himself put strong arguments for the Weasley family to take up the guardianship, but there were enough arguments against that suggestion. The fact they never extended such an offer before, which was confirmed by the Archive, let some Wizengamot members believe their sudden interest was not sincere. Others voiced a sensible concern of their financial ability to take another child into the household. It was also brought to light that Harry Potter never interacted with the senior members of the family beforehand. Now that the circumstances don't revolve around a toddler anymore, who can't voice their own opinion, word of the interested party has been taken into a serious consideration.
So should we be worried, that the Malfoy family won the dispute and now officially became Harry Potter's magical guardians? Perhaps not. From what I myself had seen and heard, the decision is logical and favourable for Harry Potter himself.
Why some readers might still be worried? (For detailed reminder of Lucius Malfoy's history, trial for association with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and other speculations, see page 22). Why shouldn't we be worried? (For detailed exploration of Lucius Malfoy's career in the Ministry of Magic and Wizengamot, see page 26).
Attentive readers might be wondering why the change in magical guardian has to follow up by the change in Harry Potter's living arrangements at all. He was living with his muggle family until now, and surely he could continue to do so. But that is yet another reason for this hearing taking place on such a short notice. It was discovered that Petunia Dursley, who was terminally ill, died in her sleep two weeks prior, the fact that shocked Ministry officials who hoped to talk to her as part of a procedure for the upcoming hearing. She was the only remaining relative of Harry Potter, and Albus Dumbledore, despite being Harry Potter's magical guardian at the time, failed to notice even her death. That begs a question, of how good of an eye he kept on The Boy Who Lived throughout the years…
Harry closed the paper with a sigh, folding it several times and tossing aside. He didn't plan on the reveal to happen so soon, but it seemed that even the closed hearing didn't stop Rita Skeeter from conjuring a scandalising article on a hot topic. She even managed to poke into the Yule Ball, despite not being there herself, only speculating based on the previously published article. Pansy Parkinson looked like she regretted her every decision and avoided speaking to Harry ever since she read through page 12 and beyond. Understandably, it wasn't very pleasant to be suddenly put on a spot like this. While Harry was pretty used to it already, that particular section felt like an invasion into his personal life, which was ridiculous. He was only eleven, why would anyone even be interested in the topic?
Yet Harry was still in too good mood to be particularly bothered by anything else. His plans resolved in a success. He achieved the very thing he hoped to achieve, and even more. If Dumbledore were to come out of this with one less title attached to his name, it would make for a delicious cherry on top.
There was also a sense of accomplishment, Harry could finally put his mind at ease. He didn't have to return to the Dursleys anymore. Finally, he was truly and completely separated from them.
However, knowing for a fact that there were so many families who expressed the will to take him in after he was orphaned, rubbed Harry the wrong way. While not all of them might have had the most genuine intentions, they were still there, numerous options to choose from. And with all of that he had to be stuck with Dursleys. Someone who should never have been allowed to take care of a child. To think his life could have been completely different.
Despite the bitterness that settled at the reminder of how he was treated, Harry was glad he decided against disclosing that information to the court. Just painting his story of an unfortunate boy, who lost his relatives, sticking to the image he formed ever since he took control of Petunia, already worked quite well in his favour.
The temptation to reveal everything was there, it could have ruined Dumbledore's reputation further, a proof of neglect and strong argument against him. But Harry wasn't ready for people to know, even if it was supposed to be a closed hearing. While Narcissa suggested that if he had something to say that could further the case, he should. But only if he was comfortable to do so. Which he wasn't. He didn't even tell anything to her, she only drew her own conclusions, probably not realising how bad his situation actually was. That was a part of his soul he buried deep within even for himself, only Voldemort and Nagini knew. And that was more than enough.
When the article was suddenly published the very next day Harry experienced a moment of crushing relief. Things he truly wished to keep private remained so, and it felt almost like barely dodging the bullet at the last moment.
All in all, Harry was pleased with the way things played out. Now that he put his guardian issue aside and Dumbledore was to be busy with his own upcoming investigation, Harry could focus more on other pressing matters. Not that Voldemort put a pressure on him, but he occasionally dropped reminders that he had to acquire the Philosopher's Stone before the school year ends, and the sooner, the better. So it was pressing enough. What better way to withhold pressure than putting it on someone else's shoulders instead?
Severus Snape didn't forget his task, partially because Harry didn't forget to remind him from time to time, relaying Voldemort's impatience to get his hands on the stone. Harry acknowledged it was indeed an urgent matter, as the end of the school year was coming closer with each week.
With every conversation with Snape Harry got better in emitting a menacing aura. He couldn't quite replicate the barely contained anger, but he still managed to get across that the only thing stopping him from throwing Crucio was that they were on Hogwarts grounds. Snape trembled before him, falling on his knees and promising to do his best in cracking Dumbledore's plan.
Either Snape was tremendously motivated to please his Lord, or Dumbledore was more distracted due to his recent failure and yet another looming one. Regardless, it wasn't all too long before Snape disclosed that Dumbledore was working on enchanting a mirror. And later, that there was another way to get to the final room, without having to overcome all the tricks behind the guarded door at the third floor. He even suggested a day when Dumbledore would be away on official business.
Harry couldn't possibly hide this information from Voldemort, so naturally they both were now following Snape through corridors, with Harry covered under the Invisibility Cloak to avoid suspicion if someone were to see them.
Earlier that day Snape experienced yet another existential crisis, for his reasonable inquiry 'Quirinius, what are you doing here?' he was met with burning red eyes and a burst of dark energy overpowering him to kneel. He gulped as Harry entered Snape's office next, with a smaller Nagini tightly wrapped around his shoulders.
"My Lord?" Snape asked unsure, throwing glances between Harry and Quirrell.
"Surprise?" Harry tried to keep his voice cheerful. This had to happen sooner or later. With Voldemort soon rising to power again there was no need for Harry to keep acting as the Dark Lord. Snape proved himself trustworthy and surely will be summoned by Voldemort at some point. Tormenting Snape was entertaining while it lasted but more than anything Harry was relieved to peel off this layer of pretence off.
"Severus," Voldemort brought attention to himself. "We meet at last. Now do as promised and lead us to the stone."
Severus had no other choice than to obey.
They stood before the Mirror of Erised, the only object in a sparse room. They entered through the hidden back door from an obscure corridor on the first floor. The door held a complicated array of wards, which took Snape at least half an hour to untangle without triggering any alarms.
On the other side of the room there was another pathway separated by a wall of black flames, something that was supposed to be entered through other trials lying beyond. But that was of no importance now.
Voldemort's full attention was on the mirror. He was trying to figure out the trick to Dumbledore's enchantment himself.
"My Master is sure determined to avoid a contract ritual with you."
Harry stood to the side ignoring the perplexed glances Snape was shooting his way.
"It would definitely be the best outcome for him."
"Not for you though."
Harry hummed in thought. On one hand, if Voldemort succeeded on his own, Harry would be left vulnerable without any guarantee that Voldemort won't kill him someday. On the other hand, Harry wasn't confident he'll be able to acquire the stone himself. While Dumbledore set the enchantment against the Dark Lord there was no reason for him to leave any openings. The fact that it was the exact Mirror of Erised Harry accidentally stumbled upon seemed more than a coincidence, with the extent of accident being questionable as well.
"Less danger for you at least." Harry retorted, choosing not to share his doubts.
"Please, Harry. This snake is not so lacking in judgement as to willingly select a truly dangerous position. I know my hatchlings can behave."
"What if you are wrong?"
"Then I will face the consequences of putting my trust in either of you. Living with misconception is not that better than dying because of it. Seeing the truth is worth the risk."
"I still do not know why he wanted me dead in the first place."
Nagini didn't answer, it was yet another thing Harry will have to confront Voldemort about someday. Whatever the reason, all Harry could do now was secure his own safety. For that he had to first find the stone.
He heard Quirrell muttering desperately, almost losing his mind as another voice, that of Voldemort, became more demanding.
"Let me see it with my own eyes!" Voldemort snapped, and Quirrell quivered, turning around. His back was to the mirror now, and he started to slowly unwrap the turban on his head.
What Harry saw next was extremely disturbing. There was another face attached to the back of Quirrell's head. Snape gasped, his eyes widening with recognition. That was the true form of Voldemort.
After it became apparent that Voldemort won't be successful, he drawled, "Come here, Severus."
Snape hesitantly approached. Harry inwardly sighed. Well, yes, if Snape managed to succeed there was no need for Harry's help either. He watched as Snape stood before the mirror with brows furrowed.
"Well? What do you see?"
"I see myself with…" he stopped, swallowing hard. "With my Lord, making a potion. Elixir of Life."
Voldemort hissed irritably, turning his burning gaze to Harry. Despite the impact of this gaze now more intimidating than on Quirrell's face, Harry was calm. He only needed to find the stone, that was the only most important thing to him right now.
Nagini slithered to her Master and Harry stepped to the mirror expecting to see nothing. Instead, there was his normal reflection, only it smirked, put a hand into the inner pocket of his robe, procuring a blood-red stone. The reflection winked, and the instant it put the stone back, Harry felt its weight for real. It was in his secret pocket, spelled to be accessible only to him. But now undoubtably something was there. Something he didn't put himself, but his reflection did. Something with an unmistakable shape of the stone, as Harry assessed, touching it through the fabric.
He stepped away from the mirror in case it changed its mind and turned to Voldemort.
"I have it," he stated, and then repeated in Parseltongue to show he wasn't lying, "I have it."
"Already, Potter?" Voldemort raised an eyebrow.
Harry smirked, not unlike his reflection before. "It was that simple, yes."
Voldemort stared at him, before sighing in exasperation. "As to be expected from the Golden Boy."
Harry wasn't sure that was the case. He felt the luck was on his side, or somehow whatever enchantment Dumbledore applied worked for him. Harry wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth, so he reminded. "Now you can have it, but only after we seal our deal."
"No need to remind me, Potter."
Nagini was now settled on Quirrell's shoulders watching them attentively. Her steady gaze was the only thing keeping Harry standing with as calm demeanour as he could muster. He was fully aware that nothing really stopped Voldemort from assaulting him right now, taking the stone by force.
Harry motioned with his hand to Snape, masking his tension, as he suggested. "We can have a witness for an Unbreakable Vow now, if that would be preferable."
Breaking an Unbreakable Vow meant death. There was no way Voldemort would put himself at such a risk. Even if all he had to do was to avoid killing Harry, he would still see it as a direct endangerment of his own life, something he treasured above anything else.
"That will not be necessary." he confirmed Harry's estimation. "We will proceed as agreed."
"My Master is not the one to break his word, Harry." Nagini must have sensed some of Harry's unease.
Voldemort turned to Snape, who at this point was still as a stone himself.
"Severus, your contribution won't be overlooked. You may expect to be summoned soon."
"Of course, my Lord." Snape bowed.
"Follow me, Potter." With that Voldemort moved to the backdoor, as Quirrell hastily rewrapped the turban over his head.
Harry complied, offering Nagini a hand to climb over, hiding them both under the Invisibility Cloak. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Snape sending their way an unsure look before switching his attention to the mirror. There he stood unmoving, an expression of deep longing on his face.
Harry followed Voldemort patiently, they were clearly headed somewhere else than Quirell's office, going up and up, all the way to the seventh floor. At last Voldemort stopped in front of the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy teaching trolls ballet. Before Harry could voice his confusion, Voldemort faced the opposite wall and started walking past it with concentration, clearly knowing what he was doing. After he walked for the third time, the door appeared in front of him.
"Wait here, Potter." he hissed as he opened the mysterious door, then paused, "Nagini, come with me."
Nagini all too happy to do so, slithered down, disappearing through the entrance after her Master. Harry had nothing else to do, so he leaned against the wall and waited.
Not long after they reappeared, but instead of leaving this place Voldemort started to pace in front of the door again. As he watched him with piqued curiosity, Harry suddenly realised Voldemort's presence was somehow more prominent. He didn't have time to dwell on it, as Voldemort re-entered the room now allowing Harry to follow as well.
"What is this place?" Harry asked, taking in the surrounding. It was a sparse room without any furniture. Only a large circle was drawn in the middle with a number of candles arranged in a specific pattern.
"Room of Requirement." Voldemort answered. "It shapes itself with whatever need you have on your mind before entering."
"And that's what all the walking was about?" Harry guessed.
"Precisely. It is also not attached to the rest of the castle's wards, so none of the magic performed here will be detected, and no one will disturb us."
"That is… very convenient." Harry took another look at the circle. "So we are performing the contract ritual here."
"Yes." Voldemort motioned for Harry to sit at one of the points of the circle, as he himself took a position opposite, with his back turned to Harry.
Even though Harry already knew what to expect he still shuddered at the gruesome sight as Quirrell revealed Voldemort's face once again. Harry was convinced that at this moment he was seeing Voldemort at his worst, possibly second only to however he was right after his demise. Quirell's hands twitched at odd angles as Voldemort controlled his movements, so he could hold the wand in front of him.
"The ritual will require an outmost control from me." Voldemort explained even though Harry didn't ask, only watched, bizarrely intrigued. He only snapped out of it when Nagini at her full size slithered past him taking a place at the centre of the circle. Inspecting it closely Harry could see that there was a smaller circle surrounding Nagini as well, with numerous runes inscribed on the edges.
"Let us confirm the conditions." Voldemort started. "By receiving the Philosopher's Stone from you, I agree not to kill you or attempt it through someone else, otherwise my Familiar, namely Nagini, will suffer the blow of collateral magic resulting in her death."
Harry nodded, not seeing any loopholes in this wording, and continued. "By offering the Philosopher's Stone to you, I give up any possibility of ever killing you and will not attempt it through any means." Harry didn't repeat the part about Nagini because it was only required from the one bonded to a Familiar. It could seem like it put Harry in a better position because he had nothing to lose. But the action of exchanging the Philosopher's Stone itself was the catalyst that will seal the contract. Voicing the meaning behind it cleared Harry's intention. If he ever broke it attempting to kill Voldemort, he'd only trip himself over, as it will annul the contract and open the possibility for Voldemort to kill Harry without repercussions. So ultimately, it was in Harry's own interests to keep these words true. As he pondered over it, another thought occurred to him. "How can we be sure that the stone isn't fake?"
"We should add it to our wording." Voldemort contemplated. "By receiving the only true Philosopher's Stone… and if the object exchanged happens to be fake, the contract will not be sealed."
Harry agreed, chancing to take the stone out to finally look at it. At this point Voldemort still could attack, in a room that won't even detect Unforgivables no less. But Harry trusted Nagini, so he allowed himself to trust her judgement in Voldemort as well.
The stone was blood-red just as he saw it in the Mirror. Its glow reflected in Voldemort's eyes, that burned with manic desire.
Harry put the stone back, the concentrated look returning to Voldemort's face.
Since they both agreed on the wording there was no reason to hesitate. Voldemort chanted a long incantation, candles lit up one by one, runes glowing. Harry said his words first, as the initiator of the contract. Voldemort repeated his, as the one agreeing to put it through his Familiar bond. The circle surrounding Nagini expanded into a glowing sphere encompassing her inside. Harry's scar suddenly flared, not painfully so, but with overwhelming heat. Crimson eyes snapped at him with a sudden intensity.
After the final incantation everything returned to the initial state. Only some runes emanated light. It was time to seal the contract with the action.
Harry took the stone and pushed it to Voldemort. The ritual accepted Harry's action, and the part of the circle right in front of him went aflame. The fire spread further in both directions as the stone slowly rolled past Nagini directly into Voldemort's hands. Once he grasped it, the fire reached his side, closing the circle. Shortly after everything dimmed. The contract was sealed.
Voldemort examined the stone briefly, but then abruptly his eyes snapped to Harry. He put the stone inside his robe, now examining Harry instead, with almost the same burning interest.
"Is everything alright?" Harry inquired. He was almost completely sure it was, but Voldemort acted not entirely as Harry would have expected him.
"The contract was formed, and the stone is authentic." He was still looking at Harry as if trying to solve a puzzle. "Tell me, Potter. Why do you have the Familiar bond with Nagini?"
"What? I do not." He would have noticed if he formed a bond with her, wouldn't he?
"I have been in your mind so many times. It is incomprehensible how I never noticed it before."
"How can it be? I have done no such thing."
"And yet, she found you." Harry blinked realising that Voldemort referred to the very first time he met her. He didn't think he had actually done anything, somehow the bond was always there. "My mind is clearer now, so I can see… and the ritual also proved it." Voldemort lifted the wand pointing it at Harry. "Shall we have one last lesson? There is something I would like to confirm."
Harry didn't know what to think, the only way to have any answers was to allow this final Occlumency lesson. Harry assumed it wouldn't be like any other lesson, Voldemort was clearly on the lookout for a specific memory. So despite the sudden unease, Harry nodded.
The intrusion wasn't fast and forceful. Through the last weeks Harry actually improved, able to block Voldemort sooner than later, not allowing him too deep into his mind. But now, understanding Voldemort's intention, Harry wasn't trying to reinforce his barriers, almost walking the foreign presence through his mind himself.
They skimmed through different memories involving Nagini, but Voldemort seemed uninterested in watching through them, searching for something else. All too soon Harry was drawn to a part of his mind that he associated with a bridge through his mind to Voldemort's. He was familiar with it enough, and he managed to avoid it during most of the Occlumency lessons, but now Voldemort went there on purpose tugging Harry along.
Instead of cutting the memory short, like he usually did, Voldemort let it play out. There he saw Nagini, as she lazily sprawled near the fireplace, and Voldemort just watched her. It had no particular significance. Like with all the memories he only saw what Voldemort did from his perspective at the time, so he couldn't tell from when this memory was. But the memory itself wasn't what interested Voldemort.
Now that Harry had more time to appraise what was happening, he could feel Voldemort's presence in his own mind due to Legilimency spell but at the same time Harry was in Voldemort's mind too. They were connected.
After another long moment Voldemort withdrew seemingly satisfied.
When Harry opened his eyes he was met with an intense magnetic stare.
"Harry," Voldemort said slowly. "I do not wish to explain yet what happened and why, but you need not worry."
If Voldemort didn't wish to disclose information, then that was it. Up until now Voldemort was very protective of his mind and had a lot of things he didn't want to tell. Whatever he learned now must be in the same top secret category. The fact he took his time to still offer some roundabout thoughts on the matter was baffling. So Harry settled for this.
"So you have the explanation now."
"Yes. It bothered me before, but I had… less of a clear perception then. Now I know for sure."
"And it does not bother you anymore?"
"Somewhat still. But in a different way. The ritual we did, while I had my doubts about it before, now only pleases me. It was not a mistake."
Harry looked at Voldemort in astonishment, he could tell, that now Voldemort finally let go of any residue need to kill Harry. While he wasn't sure why, Harry was glad about the development.
One last question.
"Will you tell me someday?"
"I might."
On the way back to the dungeons Harry was intercepted by Severus Snape. By his glare Harry understood what exactly the man wanted to discuss. There was no point in delaying that confrontation, so mentally preparing himself, he walked after Snape.
As soon as they were in his office, Snape turned to Harry, face aflame with fury.
"Potter!"
"Yes?" Harry drawled innocently, which only infuriated Snape more.
He stomped towards Harry. "You insufferable brat! Making a fool out of me like that-"
"You were the one who totally bought my act, Severus." Harry interrupted, not in the mood to hear any accusations.
"Don't you dare to call me that!" Snape was looming over Harry looking ready to strangle him anytime.
"Then it's Mr Potter to you, not a brat." Harry retorted, scowling, not intimidated by Snape's stance. Harry took a step back, reclaiming some personal space, and crossed his arms. "Whatever was your deal with James Potter, it's irrelevant now. Our situation is different now. And everything worked out in the end, you still followed the orders of your Lord. If anything, I made you a favour. You are now among his trusted servants again. As long as you keep fooling Dumbledore, that is."
Snape's nostrils flared in anger, but he seemed to see the reason behind Harry's words.
"You truly sided with him, are you?"
"We saw mutual benefits in our cooperation, that is all."
"Mutual benefits… don't you care about your mother in the slightest?"
There was a pained expression on Snape's face and Harry was taken aback by how raw his voice sounded.
"She is dead. So is my father, by the way. So what? Is it enough of a reason not to see the best course of action?" Harry wondered out loud. "What was I supposed to do? Seek revenge at the cost of my own life? I am not ready to die yet, thank you very much. And now I won't, not at the hand of Voldemort at least."
"He will just use you and throw away at the very first chance, you stupid boy. Do you even realise what you've done?"
"Helped the Dark Lord to secure a vital object for his resurrection and eventual rise to power? Believe me, I am perfectly aware of what exactly I did."
Snape's anger subsided, and he now looked just incredibly tired as he muttered. "Fine, suit yourself. See if I care."
Harry huffed, "Wouldn't dream of it," he looked curiously as Snape pinched the bridge of his nose. "That's it, isn't it? You shouldn't even care. Your Dark Lord is rising to power soon, you should be delighted and simply follow his orders. If I didn't know better, I would think you're worried about me."
Snape blinked, opening his mouth to spit out a retort, but in the end not saying anything. With a pinched look on his face, he turned around abruptly and went over to sit at his desk. He put his face in his hands, a picture of despair. Minutes ticked by, and finally he looked up a Harry, now seemingly perfectly calm.
"Of course I will follow my orders, Potter." His voice was tired but still somewhat bitter. He looked somewhere past Harry, his eyes unfocused as if not seeing Harry at all. There was almost the same pained expression on his face as when he talked to Lucius. Contemplating his next words Harry decided that he indeed wanted to know, so he asked, "Did you see my mother in the mirror?"
Snape drew a sharp breath now staring at Harry with full attention. "How do you…" he closed his eyes cutting himself off. "That is none of your business, Potter."
"Hm. I am merely curious." Harry made a few steps to the desk plopping himself in the chair. "Is that why you hate me? Me and James Potter?"
Snape remained silent. And he didn't deny anything.
"Yet you don't have any real reason to hate me. Other than me being born to a wrong man."
The way Harry put it was severely blunt and Snape flinched because it was also true.
"I'm not my father, or my mother. I'm not expecting any change of heart from you. Nor do I care, really. It's just… it would be only fair to see me as a separate person, for once."
Snape looked at him sharply, but there wasn't any usual malice in his eyes. Maybe, for once, Snape actually listened to him.
There was no reason to remain in the castle any longer. Still, Nagini felt the departure was too hasty, and she did not even have a chance to properly say her farewell to Harry. She grew attached to the boy after all. The fact that there was also her Master's soul attached to the boy was unthinkable. It was impossible, every bit not intentional. But it made sense and allowed reasonable explanation for her unusual connection with Harry.
That alone made it easier for her to follow her Master far away from Hogwarts. She was certain they will cross paths in the future again and there was no reason to say goodbye when truly they would not be really separating. There was no way her Master would let Harry ever slip from his attention after this. For now, he needed her undivided devotion. They had the Philosopher's Stone at last, and the body to regain.
Soon, she thought. They will rise at full force once more.
