.Gawd. Remind me to never write three chapter in one ever again! I was like Imma finish this shiz on a even number! (Read note at end, it's important!)
Broken glass shimmered in a thousand pieces on the floor, a man in a turban crouched above the shattered mirror terrified. He searched the glass frantically, cutting his fingers into ribbons. Dark red now covered the pieces as well.
"It's not here. It's not here. Master, I'm sorry." Cried Quirrell, collapsing to the ground in sobs. He had failed. Quirrell hated being punished, and he knew his master would not hesitate to punish at his failure.
"You're pathetic. Let me see this instant!" Hissed a voice from his turban. Quirrell obliged immediately, unwrapping the cloth from around his head. And right on the back of his skull was Voldemort.
A disgraceful amalgamation that had no right to exist. Two thin slits for a nose. Eyes that were snake-like but had none of the beauty of the creatures. Voldemort should have died a long while ago, yet he kept pushing to live, going against nature with his disgusting existence.
Little sniffs came from Quirrell as he turned around so the being on the back of his head could see the remainder of the mirror. They had tried, and nothing had worked. The stone hadn't appeared, and this was a last-ditch effort.
Voldemort scowled horribly, wishing he could torture Quirrell for his failure. Clarity came to Voldemort then.
"You won't last much longer Quirrell, unicorn blood has its toll..." It was true. Voldemort might have grown more powerful, but Quirrell lost more of himself each day. To kill a unicorn and drink its blood was one of the most inhumane things a person could do.
Such pure creatures, yet Quirrell hunted them down and drank them dry for Voldemort. Quirrell could feel his soul degrading, but it would be worth it. That's what he told himself, at least. He would retrieve the stone for his master, revive Voldemort, then be healed.
And after they could rid the world of filthy mudbloods. He'd be Voldemort's, right-hand man. Rich, powerful, famous. He salivated at the thought; he wouldn't be weak anymore. It was his greatest desire.
"That's true, master..." Quirrell finally replied, nervously fidgeting with himself. Voldemort thought long and hard; someone must have stolen the stone. That meant this plan was doomed. Voldemort wasn't one to go down with a ship.
"That means you're worthless," Voldemort said simply, and Quirrell froze in utter terror. Worthless? That meant he was disposable. But surely not, right? Voldemort had promised him after all.
"Master, this isn't the end! I can find the stone, I promise! Just give me some time." Quirrell begged, but Voldemort just chuckled.
"You were a good servant, I admit, very loyal to me. But all good things must come to a stop, I'm afraid." Quirrell was shaking, tears leaking from his eyes once more. An indignant fire raged up in him, along with betrayal.
"I sacrificed everything for you! You promised me riches and power." Quirrell blubbered, wringing the cloth in his hands.
"Promises are worth nothing, my friend. There is no room for loyalty or truth if you want a pure world." Voldemort started to leave Quirrell, and the man began to crumble into dust. The phantom that was Voldemort left Hogwarts and left his servant too.
Harry's tutoring had gotten more intense as exams came up, but she found herself less anxious about it. Xira managed to learn with Harry's teaching; he was rather good at it. And when the test finally came, she felt she actually might have passed.
Harry had such faith Xira succeeded; it even fueled her own belief. Xira really couldn't believe this year was ending. It was an event-filled year for sure. Three whole months at home seemed like a lot, if she was honest.
Harry didn't seem happier; he looked positively grey at the thought of going home. He didn't talk much about his family life, but Xira guessed it wasn't great. The Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher had disappeared a week had chalked it up to the jinx on the position.
It wasn't really a loss for Xira as she disliked the subject. And the teacher had given her a strange feeling anyway. She was currently reading a book, though she wasn't really; her mind was drifting.
"Whatcha reading?" Asked Harry, he had come from nowhere to plop beside her on the couch. He was smiling; he seemed in such a happy mood Xira was taken aback.
"Just a book. What's gotten you so happy?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. Harry snickered and shrugged.
"I've been getting fewer nightmares this week, is all. Really helps your mood when you can sleep through the night." It was true that the constant bags under his eyes were gone, his green eyes vibrant, though still dark and hiding secrets.
Xira blushed when she realized she'd been staring into his eyes for far too long. She turned her attention back to her book.
"I'm going to miss this place." He said bitter-sweetly; Xira saw that he looked around the common room. She punched his shoulder lightly, which caused him to look at her in confusion while clutching his shoulder. Xira grinned at him, finding it stupid he was acting like they'd never come back.
"We'll be here again, you dumb dumb! We have another six years in this place." Harry laughed while rubbing where Xira punched.
"You're right. It just feels like I should take my time and say goodbye each time I leave in case it's my last one." Xira gave him a deadpan look. Was he ill or something?
"You're eleven. You've got plenty of goodbyes left." Xira said dismissively, waving away his worry. Harry huffed, and Xira gave him a weird look.
"What?" Harry seemed to contemplate something for a minute before sighing. Xira put her book down as he looked deeply into her eyes.
"Listen, Xira, you know who I am. I'm Harry fricken Potter." Xira rolled her eyes; he sounded cocky to her.
"Yeah, okay, Mr. Famous." She commented dryly. Harry shook his head furiously. He appeared jittery now, desperate to say something but wanting to keep it a secret. Good thing the common room was basically empty at that moment.
"I didn't mean to sound arrogant. What I meant was I'm well known. That could be dangerous." Xira knew by the look on his face that he was utterly serious, as Harry usually was. But what was he afraid of? Xira didn't really understand his fear.
"What do you mean?" Xira questioned, studying his face in befuddlement. There was a bit of crazy in Harry's eyes. A touch of something wild that sort of scared Xira.
"I have a feeling my life will never be simple. I will always be in danger, Xira." Xira didn't know how to respond to that, so instead, she grabbed his hand. Harry twitched but let her touch him. Even though he was acting odd, Xira wanted to comfort him.
"Well, I have a feeling it's all going to work out." There was a thankful grin on his face, and she let his hand go. Harry chuckled and closed his eyes; he leaned back, relaxing a bit.
"I hope so," Harry uttered after a few seconds, and Xira lightly smiled and picked up her book to try and reread it. The book still didn't capture her interest, just words on paper. Something about what Harry said was gnawing at her.
A feeling his life would never be simple. After Xira met Harry, she's had the same feeling. A sense that every day after, they'd be fighting a force, and they both had to defeat it. Xira didn't know where it came from or what she and Harry were fighting, but it was big.
"I think I understand you in a way," Xira stated suddenly, closing her book and looking over at him. Harry opened his eyes lazily and gave her an inquisitive look.
"Do you wonder if maybe you're destined for something huge? Something you don't get, something terrifying and life-changing?" Xira stared into his eyes, and she saw him get it. Harry hesitated in saying something; Xira saw the words on his lips.
He's always been so secretive, but she hoped today he'd open up a little. He'd already shared quite a bit today. She wanted to not be alone in this thought; it felt so crazy.
"I know I am..." Harry said it like a fact, though he said it with regret. Xira went wide-eyed; Alarm, curiosity, and confusion were all present on her face.
"How do you know?" He groaned at her question, his eyes pleading with hers to not question him. But Xira wanted to know. What in the world was he hiding that was so big? Did he not trust her?
"I-I-I just know, okay? I just know." Harry granted her an apologetic look, but he immediately removed himself from beside her. In a way, he put a distance between them once more. Xira felt hurt, the emotion beating her heart into a pulp.
"I've got to pack," Harry mumbled, and he shuffled away from Xira as quick as he could. She held back her tears, but they were inevitable. Xira just wanted to know him, but he pushed her away anyhow.
Harry wanted to tell her badly; he felt angry at his actions. He didn't like hurting Xira, but Harry couldn't tell her. There was a barrier within himself that kept his secrets locked up. Harry told himself it was safer that way, better that way.
There was another person in the dormitory. Luckily, only the quiet Slytherin boy was packing in the corner. He glanced up as Harry walked in but otherwise ignored him. That's what most did, except, of course, the entitled little brats who wanted to 'teach him a lesson.'
Rio and Saffi were both under the covers, Rio passed out, but Saffi looked up when he came in. She stuck her tongue out, and Harry knew she was aware of his mood. He sat down on the floor, right by his bed.
"Why so sad?" Saffi asked in a sort of teasing way. Harry wasn't in the mood to converse though, there would be less pain if he didn't speak. Saffi was the kind of being who could pull any information from someone if she tried.
"Not right now, Saffi." She gave him a peeved look, staring daggers into his skull. If she had arms, they'd be at her hips. Harry was ignoring her, though, picking at a scab on his foot.
"Yes, right now. What's wrong, speaker?" Harry basically growled fury; he wanted her to drop it. He showed that rage by ripping open his wound and drawing some blood.
"No! Please, just drop it." He said through clenched teeth. Saffi zigzagged straight for him, looking into his soul from the corner of his bed. Harry, who wasn't really paying attention, jumped back in surprise.
"I don't drop things. If I dropped things, I would've died. Tell me, or I'll bite you." Saffi didn't make empty threats, so he inhaled, sighed, and decided he didn't want to die that day.
"I hate keeping things from Xira." He muttered. And Saffi looked at him like he was stupid. Harry pulled his knees to his chest; he felt protected that way.
"Then tell her." Harry unfurled. And turned around to face the snake in restrained madness.
"It's not that simple! She'll think I'm insane!" He burst out. Honestly, he wasn't worried about what she would think of him. Harry was more concerned about Xira being part of his inner circle. It was scary for someone to know that much about you, at least for Harry.
"Problems are only as complex as you make them," Saffi said, and she was right. But Harry wasn't ready yet; he didn't know if he'd ever be ready. Harry got off the ground, remembering why he came here in the first place.
Saffi had crawled back under the covers, and Harry shook his head at her. He grabbed his books from under the bed and threw them in his wooden chest, then his clothes, some stray notes, and one random sock.
"You know you could just use a spell." Called a voice. Harry was definitely daydreaming, so he was somewhat alarmed. He looked around, almost thinking it was his imagination.
"Pardon?" Harry asked the unknown stranger. And a boy came into view. He was taller than Harry and thicker, but he'd still probably be considered small. He had dark hair and eyes, slightly tanned skin. He looked familiar to Harry, but he couldn't recall the boy's name.
"Sorry, I'm Theodore Nott, but most people just call me Theo." He said with a small smile. Theodore Nott, a pure-blooded wizard who usually stayed out of trouble and was pretty clever. Harry had rarely seen the kid before, even now that he was in Slytherin.
"Harry Potter," Harry said cautiously, wondering why in the world he was talking to him now. Did he see him talking to Saffi? He should have been more careful. Harry knew he wasn't alone in this room.
"I know who you are; everybody does, really," Theodore smirked and shrugged; Harry nodded awkwardly.
"Anyway, you're making packing up so difficult. Just point at your rubbish and say 'pack.'" Harry eyed him suspiciously but did what he said, getting his wand from his pocket.
"Pack," Harry said sternly and pointed to his things with his wand. They did just what Theodore suggested they would, marching neatly into his chest. Harry had to let out a laugh of pure awe. Even now, he forgot how amazing magic was.
"Thanks," Harry said to Nott, and he waved Harry's gratefulness away.
"Don't mention it. Honestly, I was being tortured watching you fumble around shoving things into your poor trunk." Harry chuckled, and Theodore grinned in response.
"I'll see you around Potter, stay sharp and watch your back." And just like that, Nott left, leaving Harry very perplexed. Harry sensed a message at the end of his sentence. Was Nott trying to warn him? Probably not, but Harry would remember what he said just in case.
But Nott leaving was a good idea. Just looking at the clock and the sky, it was apparent the feast would be starting soon.
"Hey guys, I'll be leaving tomorrow. I'll have to either keep you on me or put you in a cage." Rio sleepily blinked at Harry.
"I'll take the cage! I don't want to smell like a human." Saffi called, still keeping her eyes closed. Harry rolled his eyes at that. Rio woke up a little more and thought.
"I'll take your leg, I guess, as always, brother." Harry grinned fondly at the snake, pulled the robe from his trunk out, and put it on. Rio gave a sly grin too, but he returned to a relaxed pose, watching Harry walk out of the room.
Harry headed to the feast, admiring the scenery. Each robust brick had magic ingrained into it. Each painting had a story. Every door was unique. Harry knew he was running a little late, but he didn't have it in him to rush.
He let his pale fingers run across as he walked. A Gryffindor girl ran past, eager to meet up with her friends. She glanced back at Harry weirdly. Eventually, Harry did make it to the feast. Slytherin snakes of green and silver were everywhere.
Slytherins won once more. Snape looked smug; McGonagall and Dumbledore appeared somewhat disappointed. Harry caught Hagrid's eye, but the half-giant quickly darted his eyes away. That avoidance hurts more than it should.
Harry sat down next to Xira. She glanced over at him and smiled. Harry could tell she was still offended, though. Harry couldn't blame her. Dumbledore stood, drawing everyone's eyes to him. He looked around at everyone but primarily focused on Harry.
It made him squirm in his seat. He'd tried to stay out of Dumbledore's sight this entire school year. Harry hoped Dumbledore didn't suspect him of anything. If Harry was lucky, the man would have forgotten about him. The man had always been one step ahead, though.
"Another year gone..." Boomed Dumbledore sounding anxious, but he stood up and grinned, sparkle in his eyes. Harry couldn't prevent his grimace. Just hearing the headmaster's voice made him irked.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Quirrell is not here to watch it go with us, but at least all of you are here! I'm sorry to trouble you with this pointless jabbering, but I must say things before you sink your teeth into your last feast at Hogwarts." Dumbledore sat down, glancing down at some paperwork.
"As I understand it, the House Cup needs to be rewarded. The points stand thus: In fourth place, we have Hufflepuff with two hundred and ninety points; in third place, there's Griffindore with three hundred and eight-"
Dumbledore was interrupted by hoots and hollers from the Gryffindor table. Harry could make out phrases like 'We aren't last place this year!' and 'Suck it badgers!'. Dumbledore had a fond beaming grin on his face at that but still made motions to settle down.
"I'll continue. Ravenclaw ended up with four hundred and thirty points, and Slytherin won with four hundred sixty points." It was Slytherin's turn to get up and cheer, especially Malfoy, who taunted the other tables.
Harry couldn't help but express the school spirit, pride-filled him, and he got up with everyone else. Xira laughed joyously, and Harry cheered right beside her. It felt more earned than the first time; it felt more real.
"WE WON!" Xira screamed, slightly hurting his ears, but Harry still was chortling. She seemed so overloaded with positive emotion that she grabbed Harry and squeezed him so hard his ribs ached.
"Ow..." He whispered with a smirk on his face. Xira let go of him and rolled her eyes; the honest delight didn't leave her eyes, though.
"It's not my fault you're a stick," Xira said nonchalantly, and Harry let out an unexpected snicker. Finally, the Slytherins settled down, and they all dug into the feast. Harry had to say the green and silver really suited the place.
As a little more time passed, Xira was delighted to know she'd passed. Though she pretended for Harry, she was utterly confident. She wasn't. But she'd passed her weakest subject and everything else with decent grades.
"It's because of my tutoring, of course." Harry had teased when she showed him, and he earned a big wack on the head from Xira. If anything, they both helped her pass. Xira had worked hard to learn, too, and that paid off.
All Xira's pride was wiped away when she saw Harry's results, though. He'd managed to ace everything with flying colors, and she sulked, green with envy. She hadn't forgiven him before, but Xira was ready to forget; that had been the last straw.
"It's not fair! You barely even studied!" Xira pouted. And she'd get even madder because he'd just laugh every time he saw her jealousy. He must have found her failure oh so amusing. It was the day they were leaving when he finally came to her.
Xira tried to ignore him, but he grabbed her shoulder to stop her from stomping away again and looked into her eyes. There's was an aged, tired look to him. Xira didn't like it when he looked like that; it made her feel like a child.
"Xira, you did a great job, and that's all you should be focused on! Comparing yourself to me isn't fair, you know. We're different people, and we have different strengths." Xira glared at him. That was easy for him to say.
"You're just trying to make me feel better. I don't have any strengths, not compared to you..." Xira mumbled under her breath, her arms crossed childishly. Harry gave her a disbelieving look.
"How do you not have strengths, Xira? You're fierce, you're kind, you're loyal, you're clever, and you're really damn amazing." Harry blinked after he was done speaking; he'd kind of rambled. Was that how he saw her?
"You mean it?" Was all Xira could ask, looking into his eyes. Xira's arms fell to her sides, sort of demonstrating that she was opening up.
"Absolutely," Harry said with utter confidence, making Xira's eyes water a bit. His brow was set in a determined line, as was his mouth. She launched herself at him, hugging him tightly. Xira had always liked to hug people, but she liked hugging Harry the most.
She wasn't honestly insecure, not any more than girls are at her age, but his certainty in how great she was felt so lovely. Unlike her mother, her mother thought she was awesome because she was Xira's mother. That's what mothers have to believe.
Harry didn't have to feel that way about Xira, yet he did, and it made his words mean that much more. Xira stopped holding him, realizing that maybe he was uncomfortable with her squishing him again.
Each time Xira had hugged him, he'd felt tense in her arms, and he flinched when she neared him. She hated that; she wished she could make him stop it, but all Xira could do was be careful with her psychical affections.
"Do you want to come over sometime during the break?" She asked nervously, fiddling. The last time Xira had tried to make that happen, it was a disaster, but now she knew to ask. Harry hesitated, and Xira feared he'd refuse again.
"I'll let you know over a letter." Harry finally said, a sweet smile on his face. She nodded; her optimistic side told her it was a yes, but she tried to tell herself that he might say no.
"You better." Xira threatened finger in his face. Harry just shook his head at her, amusement all over his features.
"I promise I will." And Xira could tell he wasn't lying. They both took their packed bags and left to go on the train; Xira met Saffi there. She wasn't happy that Harry got another animal not allowed at Hogwarts.
Faster than either one wanted, they were at that train station, and they each went to their family. Harry with great reluctance, and Xira with great glee. Though Xira thought that was a crazy year, she didn't realize their story was just beginning.
Yes little guys, this is it for the first year. Whether it's it for the story is utterly up to ya'll! Either way imma take some time to work on my book (yep I've even got a cover in work for it). Thanks so much for sticking through with this story. I know there are rough spots and def some plot holes but goddamn I'm proud I made it this far! Hope I see ya'll again! Peace!
-Lemon Nugget
