The rest of the week at Malfoy Manor was really fun. Even though he wasn't allowed to move around a lot in order to let his body recover he didn't feel restricted because someone was always around to entertain him. Snape would come and sit with him whenever he was doing his holiday homework and give him ideas on how to improve his essays. Snape would also explain the story behind the pictures in his new photo album and who had sent the photo so he could find out more if he wanted to. Narcissa would sit next to him and wrap a blanket around them both before telling him embarrassing stories about Draco from when he was young. Throughout these times Draco would sit and complain about his reputation being ruined to which he just giggled. Lucius was more of a silent presence; he would sit and go through paperwork or other important business and Harry would sit and draw – which he had found out that he was quite good at. But it was Draco's presence that made he enjoyed the most. The blond boy had millions of toys to play with or a broom he could go fly but instead he spent his holiday sitting with him. Explaining the rules of quidditch or using fake wands to have duels with him or telling dramatic stories that always made him laugh. And his favourite time of the day was mealtimes where they would all sit around the large dining table chatting happily amongst themselves. He had never experienced a family dinner before where he was allowed to sit at the table and join in. This was why when the time came for them to go back to Hogwarts, he felt quite bittersweet about it. On the one hand he was excited to get back to school and classes so he could learn even more about magic but on the other hand he would miss Malfoy Manor and its residents.
They had apparated to Kings Cross Station, Narcissa taking Draco and Snape taking him, and they were now huddled in a quieter area of the platform next to a pillar.
"Now boys you be good, don't be getting into any mischief and Harry I don't want to hear of you being sent to the hospital wing again my poor heart can't take it." Narcissa was fussing over both him and Draco, fixing their robes and ties and attempting to smooth down his wild hair.
"I promise mum I won't do anything dangerous, intentionally." Even though Dracos last word was whispered he was still sent a sharp look from both his mother and father.
"The train will be leaving soon dear; you will need to let them go before they miss it."
"I know but I don't want to let them go, the house is soo quiet without them." With that Narcissa brought Draco into a tight hug before turning and doing the same thing to him. He stiffened slightly, shocked before bringing his arms up and squeezing her tightly. He didn't want to let go, he felt safe and warm in her arms. When Narcissa let go he barely restrained himself from clinging to her and stepped away, grabbing his bag to prevent himself latching back onto her.
"Thank you for having me."
"It was our pleasure; you are welcome any time. Now on you go boys before it's too late." With a last goodbye he followed Draco onto the train and joined Theo and Blaize in a compartment.
They were soon joined by Daphne, Millicent, Pansy and Tracey. It was a bit of a tight fit with 8 of them in the one compartment but they managed it. They spent the journey playing card games – they really needed to find more games – and chatting about their holidays. Thankfully no one questioned why he was at Malfoy Manor for the last week, and he was able to relax not feeling as bad about leaving the Manor behind now he was with his friends again.
They must have been getting close to Hogwarts when the compartment door slid open with a bang and Ron Weasley swaggered in with two boys looking apologetic standing behind him. He recognised them from the flying lesson, they were the first Gryffindors to get the broom to come to their hand. The one on the right was tall and dark skinned with short dark hair and the one on the right was shorter with brown floppy hair and freckles who had spoke in the Irish accent.
"Look what we have here, a group of slimy snakes plotting together."
"Piss of Weasley and mind your own business." Pansy said, she was one of the most outspoken of the group.
"What you gonna do Parkinson, spread some gossip about me." Ron sneered at her." Anyway I'm here to speak to Potter. Need to speak with him about messing with my family."
"I haven't done anything to your family, what are you talking about."
"I'm talking about the twins liking you more than me causing mum and dad to join in with them gushing about you at the table and don't even get me started on Ginny's obsession about you. It's disgusting I have no idea why they are so interested in a slimy orphan snake."
"It's not his fault that your family like him more than you. He can't help it that you are a complete asshole." Draco spoke up now.
"Haha, got your wee boyfriend defending you now, can't you speak for yourself Potter, it's pathetic. I thought you would be brave and powerful but so far you are just a disappointment. Your parents are probably rolling in their graves at having a son like you." As Weasley was speaking the two boys behind him were trying to grab his arm to make him leave.
"Ron this is going to far." The tall boy said.
"Be quiet Dean, I wanna hear what he has to say for himself."
He stood up trying to look strong, but he knew because of his height that wouldn't work. "Repeat that again Weasley and you will regret it."
"What you gonna do, kick my knees." Weasley was sniggering.
"Seamus let's go, this won't end well." The boy called Dean said to the shorter one before they quickly exited leaving Ron alone in front of him. Not discouraged by his friends lack support Ron kept going.
"Your so weak and scrawny, the wind could blow you over. Don't know why Malfoy would ever wreck his reputation for you, if the minister found out that his right-hand man's son was friends with such an embarrassment he would probably get demoted. Actually, stay friends with him it would do a whole lot of good to get the death eater out of power."
Throughout Rons's ramblings he could feel his anger building; anger at what he was saying, the built-up anger from his time at the Dursleys for causing him to look so fragile that he never got to release; anger at the insult about his friendship with Draco and anger about the comments made about Lucius, a man who had treated him so well. It kept building up until his magic was crackling around him, uncontrollably, and spiking out towards Ron. The red head seemed to realise now that he had underestimated the power contained in his small frame but before he could run out his magic had shot forward blasting him against the door of the compartment. He collapsed to the floor groaning.
"You will tell no one of what happened to you. If I find out that you told someone that I attacked, you or hurt you in anyway I will find you and this will look like a pat on the back compared to what I will do to you." His voice was near enough a growl. "Do you understand me." He received a nod from the boy on the floor. "Now get out and don't come back." The boy fled from the room without another word, and he collapsed back on his seat exhausted from the display of magic. When he looked up everyone was looking at him in a mixture of shock, fear and concern.
"Harry are you alright. He had no right to…"
"Stop Draco, it's fine." He cut off the other boy from finishing his sentence not wanting to hear the end of it. He could guess that Draco was going to tell him that everything he said was a lie. But was it really? He knew that Lucius being evil was wrong but could him being friends with Draco really jeopardise the man's standing in the ministry. And if that was right, could he affect Snape's career if it was found out the man was going to become his guardian. He knew that he was weak and pathetic, the red head was right that his parents should be disappointed in him, he was a wizard, and he couldn't even protect himself against his muggle uncle. He didn't deserve any of these friends or the kindness of the Malfoy's over the holidays. He would need to distance himself, so he didn't ruin their lives. This decision is what influenced his next words. "And if any of you dare tell Snape what happened I will not be happy at all."
"But he is our head of house, he would take your side you know that." Tracey spoke up, normally she was shy and would prefer to read her book than get involved but the fight between him and Ron had apparently been more interesting than her charms book.
"He doesn't need to be annoyed with this. He has dealt with too many of my problems he doesn't need anymore of them."
"You know he would want to know" It was Draco who said that, and he knew he was referring to the guardianship deal. That Snape wanted him to come to him with any problems so he could receive help, but he needed to learn to be independent and not rely on everyone else to ruin their lives for him.
"He doesn't need to know. Weasley was just being an ass. Promise me you won't tell him." He felt kind of bad making Draco promise because he knew the other boy would never go back on one.
"Fine I promise, but I don't like it." With that the conversation was over and the rest of the journey was sat in a tense silence no one really knowing how to dispel it.
Apparently, Ron hadn't learnt his lesson because for the past three weeks he had been relentless in his attempts to get a reaction out of him. The red head had however moved on from confronting him in person but would now slip notes into his bag containing varying messages but there were three favourite themes amongst them:
1. You are ruining everyone's live by being close to them
2. You look pathetic and weak how on earth did you become famous
3. You are a disappointment to your parents
It was the first and last ones that hurt the most. He didn't mind being insulted about his appearance, but it was getting harder and harder to ignore the dread of him ruining the lives of his friends, their parents or his soon to be guardian or the constant reminder that he wasn't good enough to live up to his parents' honour. (Hermione had given him some books about how his parents fought against Voldemort and he found out that they were war heroes how could he ever be good enough for them). Despite how much the comments affected him he still refused to let his friends tell Snape because these were just silly school yard problems. They weren't important. He pretended to be alright in front of his friends; laugh with them on breaks, play games and hang out all the time, he ate plenty from his plate even though he ended up throwing up later due to his stomach not being used to food still. He took his potions like Madam Pomfrey asked – he had been taken for another checkup when they got back to the school and all progress he had made had been lost. So he was back to square one but he followed her instructions (except the one about lying down if he was tired because he did not want to miss classes). He continued to shower earlier than everyone else so no one ever saw his scars and he even learned how to cast a silencing charm so he could place one around his bed to prevent them hearing his nightmares. All in all, he thought he was doing alright in acting normal. Not even Draco suspected he was struggling with exhaustion
It was mid February before he lost control. He had had a particularly bad sleep the previous night and it was a Wednesday, so they had astronomy, which started at 10pm, up in the highest part of the school. He had been walking up the spiralling staircases leading up to the astronomy tower along with Draco, Blaize, Theo, Daphne, Pansy, Tracey, Millicent and Hermione - Hermione wasn't actually in their class but she had a question about her homework so had decided to join them – when he started to feel lightheaded again. Slowing down slightly he dropped behind the group to try and regain some strength before suddenly the world went black. He couldn't have been out for long because when he opened his eyes, he saw all of the others standing arguing about who would go to get Snape.
"You guys promised you wouldn't tell Snape and I don't need Pomfrey. I'm fine just got a bit too tired on the stairs I will take it easier next time. Now can we get up to class please." Without even waiting for an answer, he stood up and started up the stairs again. The others all walked behind him sharing whispers with each other. He ignored them all and when they reached the class he went straight to his telescope and got started on the work not speaking with anyone else.
They were only about 25 minutes into the lesson when a knock sounded on the door and Professor Snape entered.
"Professor Sinastra would you mind if I borrowed Mr Potter. He will need his stuff with him he won't be coming back."
"That is perfectly fine, Mr Potter I will send the homework instructions with one of your friends on you go."
He glared at the others who looked away guiltily as he left before he started the long silent walk back to Snape's office.
Once again sitting on the couches in the potions master's office he was fuming wondering which one of his friends broke the promise.
"Now Mr Potter, it has been brought to my attention that you not only collapsed on the stairs earlier, but you also refused to go to the hospital wing or for me to be alerted. I have two questions. Why did you collapse in the first place? And why did you refuse to allow yourself to get help?"
"Who told you?"
"You are not the one asking the question right now. Answer mine and I will answer yours. Does that sound like a fair deal?"
"Fine." He was angry now. His voice rising with each word he said. "You want to know why I collapsed because I am weak and useless, and I can't even sleep or eat without being an embarrassment. I didn't want help because no one can cure me of being pathetic so what is the point. I am ruining everyone's lives by being close to them, I'm selfish enough to not be able to give up my friendship but they don't also need to deal with my insignificant problems." He was red in the face and breathing heavily after his outburst. He wasn't exactly sure why he was angry at Snape but once he had started talking, he was unable to stop himself.
"Harry, where are you getting this from. You are in no way ruining anyones life and you are not an embarrassment for needing help. You are a child who has been through far too much you are allowed to lean on others. You don't need to do this alone. Please let me in Harry."
Somehow the repetition of his name from Snape seemed to ground him, the anger leaking out him leaving him feeling drained. "I don't know how to ask for help sir." His voice was a whisper.
"How about you start with telling me where you got those ideas from. Small steps remember, you won't be better immediately but hopefully over time you will realise others are here for you."
"It was Ron sir. He keeps giving me notes telling me I'm a disappointment and an embarrassment. He also told me that because I'm friends with Draco I will ruins Lucius's standing in the ministry. That I will ruin them." He looked up at Snape, his eyes showing how vulnerable he truly felt. "Is that true sir. Am I going to ruin them?
"No." The professors voice was firm. "That is all lies. You are anything but a disappointment. I have told you this before, but I will tell you again and again till you believe it. You are smart, funny, kind, caring and hardworking. You have the biggest heart despite what has happened to you. He is wrong Harry. Also, you are one of the most famous wizards in Britain, being associated with you would never ruin someone career. Now I know I will need to keep repeating this before you stop looking so doubtful so how about we move onto my next question. Why did you collapse?"
"I haven't been sleeping very well because of nightmares. I also can't keep food down since what happened in the holidays."
"You can't keep going on like that Harry, you need to tell someone when you get like that, it isn't healthy. You could go to me, Madame Pomfrey, Narcissa, Lucius or any other member of staff. You can't keep it to yourself."
"I'm sorry sir."
Snape sighed. "It isn't your fault, this is all you know. I should have been keeping a better eye on you. As your future guardian I need to do better."
"I think we both need to do better sir." Snape smiled at that. "Yeah, I guess we do."
They sat in a comfortable silence just drinking their tea before Snape spoke again.
"Harry, I have something I want to ask you and I'm not sure if you will like the idea of it but please hear me out." Receiving a nod, he continued on. "I have been thinking that we should maybe get you a mind healer. So that you can talk about these things and get them off your chest regularly."
"I'm not crazy." His voice was rising again. He didn't want to be sent to a mad house. Uncle Vernon had always threatened to send him to one.
"No, you are not. That is not what a mind healer is for. They are there to help you come to terms with trauma and to find coping mechanisms to make daily life easier. I have been to a few mind healers myself are you saying I am crazy."
He deflated again. "No sir."
"I'm not saying you need to decide right away but please just think on it. I know a nice mind healer who used to be a student of mine that I think you would get along with. Or we could look for someone that neither of us knows if that makes you more comfortable. Just please think it through talk to your friends if you wish and come to me when you think you have come to a decision."
"Alright I will think about it. Also, about my friends you never answered my question. Who told you?"
"Now don't be angry with her. It was Miss Granger. She informed me about the promise all the Slytherins made but you never made her promise so after your incident earlier – which you will be taken to Madam Pomfrey for tomorrow morning – she came straight to me. "
He now has a lot to think about. Whether or not to be annoyed with Hermione for telling someone against his wishes? Whether or not he wanted a mind healer? If he did want one who? The one thing he was certain about was that he didn't want to ask his friends about these issues because he didn't want to tell them about the Dursley's. He felt he needed advice from someone who he wasn't as close to but that he still felt comfortable talking to. Maybe he would ask Gemma, she was always nice to him and, she helped him out a lot. With his mind racing trying to find an answer to all his problems he bid Snape a goodnight before leaving the office to get ready for bed aware for the fact he would have to be up early to go to Madame Pomfrey. Tomorrow would not be fun.
The next day, he saw Madam Pomfrey who had scolded him for not coming to her sooner. Not only does he have to take the nourishment potion, but he also now needs to take an anti-nausea one before each meal so he can keep it down. He was told that if in any classes he felt unwell he had to go straight back to the common room or he would be back on bed rest in the hospital wing. Given that information, he made sure not to tell them about the constant headaches he experiences in defence. He wasn't missing anymore classes. He would only say something if it got worse.
After he was released by Madam Pomfrey, he found Gemma and asked if she could go a walk with him after classes because he needed advice. She happily accepted and said she would meet him at the entrance hall. When they were finally released from charms that afternoon, he told Draco that he would meet up with him later before he headed towards the entrance hall. Gemma was already there waiting so they set off for the grounds.
It was still cold outside, but he needed the fresh air to help him think.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"I have some questions I am worrying about, but I don't really want to ask my friends."
"Ok, I will help you as much as I can. If you don't mind me asking, why me."
"You have been nice to me this year and have helped me with catching up and even let me learn some of your stuff. I don't know, I just feel like I can trust you." He stumbled over his words because in all honesty he didn't know why he trusted her.
"Thanks, it's nice to know that I have helped. Now onto your questions, what do you want to ask."
"Erm well the first one is about Hermione. I made all my friends from Slytherin promise not to tell Professor Snape about my struggles with Ron saying stuff because I didn't want to bother him. But yesterday I passed out on my way to Astronomy and the promise still stood that they couldn't go to Snape. However, Hermione went and told him. She didn't directly promise me, but she knew I didn't want that, should I be annoyed? On one hand I don't like that she ignored my feelings about going for help but rationally I know she was just looking out for me." He turned to Gemma who was listening carefully.
"I don't think you should be. I know why you would feel a bit frustrated that she went behind your back, but ultimately it shows that she cares for you. She saw you hurt, and she went for help. I would have done that in her situation, maybe you should talk to her instead of being silently angry. Does that help?"
"Yes, that is really smart actually, I don't know why I didn't think to just talk to her."
"No one ever thinks off it, it would be so much easier if people just communicated. Is there anything else?"
"Yes, this one needs a bit of background info though. Could we maybe sit down I don't really know how to explain?"
"Of course, why don't we sit in front of the lake."
Once they had sat down, he heard a hoot from overhead and then Hedwig soared down and landed next to his hand. He stroked her head softly finding it oddly soothing and it helped him start his explanation.
"My home life isn't great. My Uncle wasn't very nice, and I wasn't treated great." He knew he was downplaying what happened, but he couldn't bring himself to go through all the details. "Anyway, after we were all sent home for Christmas, Snape came to the house and found me injured. He took me to Malfoy Manor where I was treated, and he offered to become my guardian – although that still hasn't become official. After what happened yesterday, he asked if I would consider seeing a mind healer and I just don't know whether I should or not. I was always told therapists were for people who are crazy."
"Mind Healers are not for crazy people. They are just there to offer you help and support. I think it would be a good idea for you, I know you are hiding the majority of what you went through, and a mind healer would help you be able to come to terms with your past." After Gemma had stopped talking, Hedwig cooed as if agreeing with what she had said.
"How would I know who to choose? What if I didn't get on with them?"
"The prefects were told that Professor Snape has a few ads in his office that you could look through, or if you don't like any of them, I'm sure he would don't you more options . And, if you don't like them, then you can ask for a new person. They won't be offended; everyone connects with different people."
"Thank you, Gemma, this has helped a lot. I will ask Snape for the ads to see if I like any of them."
"I'm here anytime Harry."
They both got up and headed back to the school chatting about lessons with Hedwig flying around them happily. He felt slightly lighter now that he wasn't worrying about these things, and he would talk to Hermione as soon as he found her in order to talk about the previous day's events.
It had been a few months since his chat with Gemma and it was now the Easter Holidays. However, the holiday wouldn't be peaceful since within the two weeks break from classes, he would need to study for the exams that would be starting just a week after lessons started. Not only that but he was nervous about his first appointment with the mind healer he had chosen. He would be meeting the healer on the last day of the holidays, and he was worried that the man might not be as good as he seemed in the ad. This was why instead of listening to Hermione – who he had forgiven after he talked with her – enthusiastically talk about study timetables, he was zoned out and tapping his foot anxiously.
"Harry, you need to listen to the plan otherwise you will fall behind when trying to go over everything." Hermione had apparently noticed that he was ignoring her.
"Leave him be, he is worried about his appointment, and he won't listen to reason." He had told Draco, Hermione, Blaize and Theo about seeing a mind healer. He hadn't given them all the details, but he had given a slight hint as to why because he didn't want to keep secrets from them, especially when they were so worried about why he passed out. He hadn't told any of the Slytherin girls however, because they enjoyed gossiping too much and he was worried they would accidently let it slip out.
"He has no reason to be worried though."
"I know that, but he is stubborn when it comes to believing things. Maybe the chocolate tomorrow will help him out."
"I am here you know guys; you don't need to talk about me as if I am non-existent. Also, just because its easter doesn't mean I will have chocolate and even if I did it's not some miracle cure to all illnesses."
"Nonsense, you will have chocolate and it will make you feel better and that is final." He found out very quickly that Draco believed that chocolate could heal anything whereas he didn't really see the appeal but went along with it to please the blond boy.
"I'm not having this argument with you. Anyway, its near curfew so we should head back to our common rooms. We will see you tomorrow, Hermione." With that they went their separate ways.
It was far too early the next morning when Draco woke him up, it was if it was Christmas with how excited the other boy was. He was dragged out of his own bed to sit in Draco's where there were piles of wrapped presents spread out at the bottom of the bed and the trunk connected.
"What the hell is all this?" He had no idea what to think.
"It's our easter chocolate your stuff is on the right and mines is on the left." With that Draco picked up the first present and unwrapped it to reveal a box of chocolate frogs. He followed on until eventually the bed and surrounding floor was covered in a variety of different chocolates that he received from the people close to him including: Draco, Lucius and Narcissa, Theo, Blaize, Pansy, Daphne, Millicent, Tracy, Hermione, Fred and George, Gemma and even Snape. He was surprised that Snape had got him something, he didn't think the man would be interested in easter shenanigans, but he was grateful for everything he got and he was grateful that Draco had sorted out his gifts to others because he had no idea what he would have done. There was one last parcel on the end of the bed addressed to him, but it didn't look like it contained chocolate. He peeled of the paper to reveal a shimmering fabric that looked like a cloak.
"Draco, what is this? "The other boy was too engrossed in his food to hear him, so he poked his shoulder and repeated. "What is this."
"Wait, I think I know what that is, but it can't be. Put it on." Draco was staring in awe at the cloak.
"What?"
"Put it on so I can see if I am right."
He put the weird cloak around himself and looked down. His body was gone. He was about to panic before Draco cut in.
"Oh my god, you have an invisibility cloak. How the hell did you get one.."
"Not so loud you will wake the others."
"Who gave that to you. They are incredibly rare."
"There was a note saying it used to belong to my dad but there was no name for who sent it."
"Don't let anyone know, do you know the number of things we could get away with if we use this."
"But Snape doesn't want me keeping secrets."
"Yeah, about your safety, this is for a bit of mischief. He would confiscate it so what he doesn't know won't hurt him. Now I think we should use this tonight, get Hermione in on it. She follows the rules too much but with help she will relax a bit."
"So, we can tell her but not Snape."
"Yes, because Snape can take it away, Hermione won't tell because she would want to be able to go to the library after curfew. Eventually we will show her fun things we can do with it but for now that should keep her happy."
He didn't really like how pushy Draco was being about this, but he is probably just excited about seeing an invisibility cloak if they are that rare and how much trouble could it really cause.
"Fine we will tell Hermione we will collect her at 11."
It was 10.50 when they left the common room both comfortably walking under the cloak. They were both small enough that Hermione could easily fit in with them, so with the confidence that this would work they head off for Gryffindor tower. When they got there, they waited outside for just a minute before they were joined by Hermione.
"What are we going to do." Draco asked excitedly.
"I thought you said this could be used for going to the library."
"That was just to get you to come with us. We need to do something fun."
"ugghhhh honestly you are such a bad influence on both me and Harry."
"I know." Draco semes far too smug. "How about we go to Quirrell's office to snoop around and see how much garlic he keeps there."
They all agreed and made the journey down to the defence corridor. They found the office but just as they were about to unlock the door, they heard a voice coming from within.
"b-b-but m-master I'm not r-ready. I h-h-haven't f-f-figured out the d-d-defences."
There was a pause.
"I-I-Im s-s-s-sorry I will h-h-hurry i-it up."
They backed away from the door when they heard someone moving towards the door and didn't speak again till they were a few corridors away.
"What was that about." Hermione said confused.
"The man is mad; he is talking to himself."
"But Draco what if this is about what I overheard on Halloween."
"Harry, he isn't going to try steal the stone, he is scared of everything, he wouldn't try and go behind Dumbledore's back."
"I don't know maybe he has a point. We should keep an eye on him. If he tries anything we get help." He was surprised that Hermione agreed with him because she never went against teachers.
"Ok, for now we will treat it as nothing, but we will use the cloak to keep an eye on him. If we see him try anything around the third floor, we will get help."
"Now that that is agreed, can you drop me back at the tower its nearly 1."
They dropped Hermione off before going back to their common room, slipping into the dorm quietly so as not to disturb the others.
"What if this is about Voldemort. Like the centaur in the forest was talking about." He had been worrying about this since he initially heard the conversation, but they hadn't told Hermione about what happened in that detention.
"He wouldn't be working with You-Know-Who. He is not death eater material. Just relax, get some sleep."
He couldn't relax. That night his sleep was filled with dreams of Quirrell stealing the stone and a green light flashing across a room.
The rest of the Easter holiday was spent with the Slytherin first years and Hermione studying in the library. Well Draco, Theo, Pansy, Millicent and Daphne weren't really studying, they were more interested in trying to hit each other with pieces of parchment which got the group glares from the librarian, Madam Pince. Tracey and Theo joined him and Hermione in their efforts of reading over and making questions for the whole first year course. They had come up with a system, Theo and Tracy would make questions for half the subjects while Hermione and him would make them for the other half. Once they were done, they quizzed each other on the questions. It was working quite effectively and overall, with the last day of the easter holiday approaching quickly he was feeling more and more confident about doing well in these exams. Also, with the added stress of studying any worries he had about Quirrell were forgotten in favour of cramming all the knowledge into his brain.
It was the morning of the last day of the holidays, and he was sitting eating breakfast while chatting to Theo about their plans for History of Magic, the one subject they both hated studying when Hedwig flew down to join him. He traded her a piece of bacon for the letter she dropped in front of him before with a quite hoot she flew off again. He unrolled the piece of parchment to reveal a short note.
Harry,
If you could please join me in my office after you are finished breakfast, Healer Jones will join us there.
Professor Snape
His face must have shown his nerves because Draco turned from his conversation about hair products with Pansy to shoot him a smile and tap his foot under the table.
"It will be fine Harry, when have you to go."
"Once I'm finished with breakfast. So now."
"Do you want me to walk you down."
"I'll be fine." Draco gave him a look. "I promise I will be fine; I will come find you in the library once I'm done." With that he stood up and made his way down to Snape's office.
As always it didn't take long for the professor to open his office and he was once again sitting on the black couch with a mug of tea in front of him.
"The healer shouldn't be long now but before he arrives, I want to remind you that if you at any moment don't feel comfortable you come get me. I will be in my lab which is that door over there." The man pointed to a small wooden door positioned in the corner of the room. "I will not be working on anything dangerous so you don't need to knock, you can just walk in. Does that sound alright?"
"Yes sir, that will be ok." Just as he said that the flames in the fireplace turned green and a tall, thin man with light brown hair and brown eyes stepped out. The man must have been in his mid 30s and he had smile lines carved next to his eyes. He was wearing casual clothing, just a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. All in all, he looked friendly and calming.
"Hello, Severus, it's nice to see you again." He had chosen this mind healer because the man already knew Snape before but not as closely as the previous student that Snape had first mentioned. "And I take it you must be Harry."
"Yes sir."
"I will let you two get settled Ok, Harry you know where to get me if you need me." Once Snape had left, the healer sat down on the couch across from him.
"I know the first couple of sessions can be somewhat awkward, so we probably won't get very far today. First, I want to assure you that everything we will discuss will be at your own rate, but I do have one rule. You don't need to tell me anything but please don't lie to me, if you are uncomfortable answering just say that and I will stop the question there. Are you alright with that?"
"Yes sir."
"Another thing, you don't need to call me sir or even Healer Jones, I find it too formal. You can just call me Matthew."
"Ok Matthew, how does this work?" He quite liked the man but was still anxious about what he would have to be reminded about. He didn't think he was ready to go through everything that happened.
"Well, it is entirely up to you, but I do have a couple of options that we could do. The first option would be for you to write down a list of things you feel we would need to talk about, we wouldn't need to talk about them today just create the list and we can use that to make a plan for next sessions. The second option would be for us to find activities that make you feel calm that we can use to help you stay focused while talking about what has happened to you. The third option would be for us to go a walk to find a place where you feel most comfortable, a safe place of sorts. Obviously, you can do something completely different if you wish, it is all personal preference."
"I quite like the sound of the second option. I think focusing on something positive would make it easier. Is that alright?" He liked the thought of taking it slow and finding something comfortable and safe before even starting to talk and he could feel himself start to relax a little.
"Of course, that is alright if that is what you want to do. How about we make a list of activities we will try today and at the end of the session, we can rank them in order from the most calming to the least because some days might have a different activity that helps and having a list will make it easier for us to find a stating point. Do you have any ideas of what we can try?"
"I like drawing, I find it relaxing. I also really like baking; it was the one chore I used to enjoy." He was so intent on finding things he enjoyed doing he didn't even notice that he had let slip a piece of information about his life with the Dursleys.
"Those sound-like good ideas, we would need to ask Severus if we could use his kitchen but I'm sure he would be alright with that. Is there anything else you can think of?"
"Well since the start of the year me and three other boys in my dorm play card games at night and I enjoy doing that."
"I like that idea; we could even try and learn a new game if you want. How do you feel about music, that is another thing people use to calm themselves?"
"I have never really listened to music before but I'm willing to try it."
"Ok that is four things we have chosen, is there one more we can think of to make it into five."
"It's kind of similar to drawing but colouring in."
"It is alright that they are similar the only thing that matters is if they help, now which one do you want to start with?"
"Can we start with baking so it will be finished before the end of the session, and we can have some?"
"That sounds like an amazing idea, do you want to go ask Severus if we can use the kitchen in his quarters."
"Yeah, give me a minute." He was now really excited, he never got to bake just for fun and he definitely never got to try what he made.
He burst through the door to Snape's lab and started rambling quickly.
"Woah, woah. Harry slow down I can understand what you are saying. Are you alright, do you want me to get rid of Jones?"
"No." he said it a bit too loudly in his haste to answer the question. "No, I don't want him to go. We have come up with a plan, but we were wondering if we could use your kitchen to bake?"
"You can use it on one condition. I want a piece of whatever you make." His excitement was brought to an even higher level at the professors' words, and he just got out a quick thank you before he was out the room again and following Matthew into Snape's private quarters.
"So, what do you want to make." They were standing at the kitchen island, and he was surprised at the size of the kitchen. The staff quarters were spacious with an open plan layout for the kitchen and living room. The island the only thing separating the two areas. The living room had three doors placed around the half circle shape which he figured led to a bedroom and a bathroom and he had no idea what the third door led to.
"Erm…. What do we have ingredients for?"
"We don't need to have all the ingredients; the house elves will bring us anything we are missing."
"Oh alright, could we make a lemon drizzle cake. I have always wanted to try it."
"Of course." Matthew then called for a house elf name Missy and asked for the ingredients. "I will follow your instructions."
For the next 20 minutes they measured out all the ingredients, adding them to the bowl and mixing. It was relaxing and the silence was filled with quiet chatter from Matthew about random topics. Once they were finished and the cake was in the oven and the icing was ready in the fridge, they sat at the stools at the bar table to go onto their next task.
"I was thinking we go for both drawing and colouring next. If colouring works, we will get a book for it but for the now we will have to deal with colouring in our own drawings." Another elf this one named Callie brought them muggle paper with pencils and pens. "Draw whatever you feel like."
He decided to draw Hogwarts and the surrounding grounds with the moonlight glistening on the lake. He had already found out he was good at drawing from the art supplies he got for Christmas, but he had never tried to draw Hogwarts before. They sat in silence for this task, focused on their own pictures until he was startled by Matthew speaking from next to him.
"That's the cake done in the oven and out to cool down. Why don't we start to colour in the starts of our pictures and then we can ice the cake while listening to music. Then we can get Severus to join us in our card game and have a slice of cake. Sound like a plan."
"Yeah, that sounds good."
He was just finishing the shading on the lake when the cake was cool enough for icing. They turned on the radio Snape had in his kitchen and listened along while decorating. He didn't recognise any of the songs, but he found it nice to have some noise on in the background, it distracted him from his normally racing thoughts. Once they had finished with the cake, they collected their drawings and went through to the office once more to find Snape already waiting on the couch.
"Do you want me to move." Even though Snape offered to move away he could see the man eyeing up the cake being carried through obviously not wanting to leave without a slice.
"Actually, we need you for the next step. Do you know how to play rummy? We are going to learn a new game, but I feel for today we should stick with what Harry knows."
"Yeah, I know that one, is that all we are doing?"
"That's it for now. Harry why don't you set up while I cut the cake."
They all sat round the coffee table, he was on the same couch as Snape with Matthew on the opposite one and played a few rounds. Snape had understated how much he knew how to play as the man managed to win every single round they played. Despite not winning however, he greatly enjoyed the game, but the best part was the cake. He had always imagined the desserts he made for his aunt tasted good, the guests seemed to enjoy them, but he didn't think it was this good. Both Matthew and Snape raved about the dessert, and he loved that his efforts were finally being appreciated.
"So, Harry, it's now time to rank the activities. Number 1 being the most calming and 5 being the least." Matthew said startling him from his thoughts.
He was handed a piece of parchment where he was to write down his ordering. His final answer was:
1. Drawing
2. Music
3. Baking
4. Colouring
5. Cards
"I know it may seem that today wasn't very productive, but this task has been extremely helpful in finding your coping mechanisms. These can be used whenever you want to, but we will work with through them at our sessions, that is if you want to continue seeing me."
"I would like to stick with you."
"That's brilliant, I am thinking we meet up every two weeks for a 2–3-hour session so you have time in between to think about what you may wish to share. If the both of you are alright with that, I best be off before I'm late for a meeting."
"I don't mind how it works as long as Harry is happy with the arrangements." He smiled at Snape's words, no one ever took into consideration his feelings, but Snape always thought of him first.
"I'm happy with that. It was nice meeting you."
"It was nice meeting you as well Harry. I will send an owl with the date of our next session. Goodbye for now."
Matthew threw something into the flames that made them turn green before he stepped inside and disappeared with a shout.
"How did he do that." He asked Snape.
"That is called travelling by floo. It is as disorientating as apparition but with the added bonus of dust choking you. Awful mode of transport but it gets by the protective wards against apparition that are around most houses."
Just as Snape stopped speaking the flames turned green once more but instead of Matthew appearing, he realised it was Lucius Malfoy that was stepping out of the fireplace.
"Afternoon Severus, I have some news." The man seemed to notice him now. "Ahhh Harry your already here that's good this involves you as well. I finally managed to do it."
"Wait you done it, you seriously done it." Snape seemed to understand what Lucius was talking about.
"It was all filed this morning all I need are your signatures and the Dursleys signatures, and it will be legal."
"Professor, what are you talking about?"
"Lucius has managed to file the guardianship paperwork and all he needs if for us to sign the legal document and for the Dursleys to sign as well and it will be official. You won't need to go back to the Dursley's after everyone has signed."
"Really, where do I need to sign." He was ecstatic, he wouldn't need to go back, he would get to live with Snape. "Wait, I need to go back there for the signatures. What if I can't leave again? Also, what if they refuse to sign? Even if they do sign, what if someone overrules it and takes me back." His excitement was toned down by the worry that something would go wrong either during the process or after.
"I will be right next to you for every second we have to spend there when we go back. They will not do anything to you under my watch. I promise you Harry you will not be alone." Snape then turned to his friend. "Lucius once this is finished will anyone be able to break it."
"No, once this is filed the only people that can cancel it would be either yourself or Harry." At Lucius's words he relaxed once more.
The paper was laid out in front of them. Both he and Snape signed before a white glow emanated out of the paper and disappeared just as quickly as it had started.
"That part is done. I am going to go back to the ministry to make sure it is filed correctly so I can collect it again when we are ready for the Dursleys and then the guardianship will be legal."
As soon as Lucius left, Snape turned round and hugged him tightly, he wrapped his arms around the man and thought that maybe, finally things were starting to look up.
As soon as he left Snape's office, he ran to find his friends in the library in order to tell them the good news. He found them all gathered around a table in the back corner hidden behind a bookcase - this was their favourite place to sit as it was the most private area of the library. When he reached them, he wrapped his arms around Draco who jumped slightly.
"Your dad did it. He did it." He squeezed his best friend even harder.
"What on Earth are you talking about Harry. What did my dad do?" Despite the confusion in his voice the blond turned around and returned the hug.
"He sorted out the guardianship, it's legal now." He didn't know why but he didn't want to tell his friends about needing the Dursleys to sign the document. All he knew was that he just wanted to be happy about something going right and didn't want to bring up anything that was going wrong.
"Wait really. Oh my god this is amazing we need to celebrate this."
"Sorry to interrupt but what is so amazing we want to join in on the excitement." Of course, it was Pansy who said this, the girl couldn't pass up any opportunity on learning about the gossip.
"Snape is now my legal guardian thanks to the help of Draco's dad." He beamed.
At this everyone stood up and joined him and Draco until they were in more of a huddle than a hug, all piled around each other. It took a while for everyone to separate but eventually they all made it back to their seats.
"So how we going to celebrate this then, midnight party in the dorm." Leave it up to Blaize to mention a party.
"Yeah that sounds good, but how are we going to get Hermione down. She is in the tower." The bushy haired girl blushed at Daphne's comment clearly not expecting to be invited down to the Slytherin dorms.
"Leave that to me and Harry, we can sort that, and we can get to the kitchens for the food." Draco then turned to him. "We need you to mention this to Gemma, so we know how to get the girls into our dorm because apparently there is spells used to stop the opposite gender entering."
"I can do that, actually I saw her in a table over there I will go ask her now."
He walked back nearer the entrance of the library where he had seen Gemma sitting studying and sat down next to her.
"Hey, can I ask you a quick question."
"Of course, I already told you that you can ask me for help anytime."
"Well, the guardianship with Professor Snape has now been completed and we were going to have a midnight party. We were wondering how to get the girls into our dorm for it."
"That's fantastic that the guardianship has pulled through and there is nothing stopping the girls going into the boy's dorm. Its only if the boys try to get into the girls corridor that something happens."
"What happens."
Gemma smirked. "You can find that one out for yourself, don't want to ruin the fun."
"You are a bad influence." He laughed before becoming a bit more serious. "I also want to thank you on your advice about the mind healer. I had my first session today and it went well."
"I'm glad I was off some help. Now you should get back to your friends before they come over here, they don't seem to be very patient." He turned around and found that all his friends were peeking around the bookcase staring at them.
"Yeah, I will go sort them, bye."
"Bye harry."
He went and told his friends the good news about the dorms before they all got back to the books scattered in front of them ready to spend the time before the party studying.
It was half 11 when they decided to head up for Hermione. They hid the cloak still not telling the rest of them how they were retrieving the girl. Once they got out the common room, they swung the cloak over them and headed up for Gryffindor Tower.
"Harry, how did your appointment go earlier, I didn't want to ask in front of everyone else in case you were uncomfortable with questions." They were waiting outside the Gryffindor common room waiting for Hermione to appear, apparently Draco had spent a lot of time working up the courage to ask this question.
"It went surprisingly well, we didn't talk about anything today leaving that for later sessions so, we spent the time finding tasks that are calming to help me when I start giving him information. And thanks for not asking in front of the others, I know they know about the sessions, but I don't want them to know all the details."
"You're welcome." Draco was about to go on but shut his mouth as the portrait Infront of them swung open to reveal Hermione. They let her under the cloak and headed of down to the kitchens.
They were about halfway down when they heard a bang from a door next to them, pausing in their steps so they wouldn't be heard they listened in to what was happening.
"It must be tonight, you know that. He is out of the castle so there will be less eyes watching the entrance." He didn't recognise that voice, it was whispered almost sounding like hissing.
"b-b-b-but m-m-aster I'm not r-r-ready." That was Quirrell's voice, and he sounded terrified.
"You are ready. I am ready. You know all the defences now that the grounds keeper told you to play music, there is nothing else you need to know. Go now before we miss the chance." The unknown persons voice was even more snakes like in his anger.
"W-w-w-what about s-s-s-Severus. He i-i-is on to m-m-me."
"I will deal with him once this is over. Now move."
They all looked at each other terrified when they heard footsteps coming closer and the door opening, thankful they were at the opposite side of the corridor they watched Quirrell exit the room nearly running in the direction they had just come from. Only one man left though, there was no sight of the person who the unknown voice belonged to.
"We need to follow him."
"Harry are you stupid, we can't go after him. Let's go tell someone what we saw, come on McGonagall's office is just down there." Hermione answered him.
"But they will be too late, we need to go."
"Hermione is right, we need to get help. We won't be able to do anything we don't know enough magic." Draco joined in.
He grudgingly agreed before Hermione guided them down to McGonagall's office and knocked on her door hiding the cloak in his pocket. The door swung open, and the strict professor appeared.
"What on earth are you three doing in the corridors."
"Someone is trying to steal the philosopher's stone. Its Professor Quirrell. You have to get the Headmaster. You have to help us.."
"I don't have to do anything Mr Potter, now I don't know how you know about the stone, but I can tell you it is heavily defended, and Professor Quirrell definitely doesn't want to steal it and even though it is none of your business to know but the Headmaster is currently at the Ministry."
"But." He was interrupted.
"But nothing, now 50 points will be taken from each of you, and you will return to your dormitories at once. Goodnight." She slammed the door leaving them to stare at the wood shocked.
"Great idea Hermione that went well, of course Professor McGonagall wouldn't believe us Slytherins. She already gave us detention without giving you anything just because we fought the troll. Now I'm going to go follow him you can either join me or go back but I am going no matter what."
"You are not going alone." Draco stepped forward and grabbed his hand squeezing it. "I'm coming with you." They both turned to look at the Gryffindor.
"Alright fine, since my plan didn't work, I will come with you two."
Nodding he covered them in the cloak, and they all set of at a run toward the third-floor corridor. Opening the door at the end of the corridor as soon as they arrived, they removed the cloak before they stopped and stared at what they saw in front of them. There was a massive three headed dog growling in their direction.
"Erm, what do we do here." Draco turned to look at him.
"Quirrell said something about music and there is a harp in the corner. Maybe we use that." Even though he was terrified, the adrenaline running through him helped him stay focused. He cast a spell he had learned from Gemma on the harp and a soft lullaby started playing causing the massive dog to sway before slumping over and snoring. He noticed its paw was on top of a trap door so walked over to it.
"Someone help me move this thing, it's really heavy." His words seemed to spring the other two into action and together they managed to move the dog's paw and open the trapdoor. Inside was complete darkness. "I will jump first; I will call up to you if it is safe. If you don't hear from me, go, get help." Without even waiting for an answer, he jumped into the darkness falling for what seemed like 30 feet onto something squishy. "Alright guys there is something to cushion the fall, you can come down." He heard two screams and then saw his friends land either side of him.
"What is this stuff, it feels like it's moving." Draco said from his right.
"I can't see anything. I don't like the dark." Hermione called from his left.
"Lumos." His wand lit up allowing him to see the plant wriggling underneath him. "Ok everyone needs to stay calm; this is devils snare and will kill you if your struggle."
"Ah yes that makes me feel so relaxed."
"Shut up Draco."
"Both of you stop fighting I need to think, we were taught how to fight this I herbology." He kept muttering under his breath trying to remember the lesson on devil's snare. "Aha guys it hates fire."
"How does that help us we don't have any wood."
"Honestly Hermione, you are witch we don't need wood. Harry, are you able to cast that spell?"
"I think so, Gemma taught me it one day." He pointed his wand at the plant and muttered the spell and a burst of heat escaped the tip. The plant started thrashing around until finally it relaxed, he cancelled the spell and saw a massive hole had been left that they could fit through. Once again, he went first and once, he knew it was safe helped Draco and Hermione down to join him. They were in a dark corridor with a door in front of them, the sound of wings muffled behind it.
"We must be miles underneath the school." Hermione was looking around fascinated seeming to haven got over her terror in favour of being amazed by the new area of the school.
"Come on, we need to keep moving otherwise we won't catch up." He moved towards the door and opened it quickly looking inside with his wand raised. The door revealed a circular room with another door directly across from them which Draco ran over to and tried to open but it refused to budge. Overhead there was thousands of shining birds like things flying about and there was a broom hovering at mounting height.
"Are they keys. I think someone will need to fly up and catch the key for the door." Hermione looked warily at the broom – she wasn't very comfortable flying even after the lessons.
"I will go up and catch it, you two stand by the door ready for me to pass it to you. What one do you think it is."
Hermione inspected the keyhole. "It should be bronze and old looking but all the keys look silver."
"Then it will be easier for me to find."
"You are forgetting something Harry, Pomfrey band you from flying." Draco spoke up.
"I will be fine; I am getting much better . Anyway, what she doesn't know won't hurt her." With that said he swung his leg over the broom and shot up and immediately realised this was going to be harder than expected because the keys started violently moving about trying to get away from him. Keeping flat on the broom he shot forward chasing them around until he finally spotted one with a broken wing that was a dull bronze colour. "Found it guys." Focusing on the one key he sped up, ducking, and weaving around the other keys, reaching his arm out until he was able to clasp his hand around the cool metal feeling the wings batter against his palm. He glided down and passed the key to Draco who unlocked the door, and they all went through, hearing the other keys hitting into the wood of the door behind them.
The new room they were in was pitch black, lighting his wand he saw stairs leading up and massive figures looming above them. Slowly the three of them went up the stairs and once they reached the top flames shot up at four corners of what looked to be a chess board. At the other end of the board behind the white pieces there was a large door. Hermione walked forward towards the door but as soon as she did the white pawns moved their swords blocking the path.
"We need to play our way across, do either of you know how." Draco moved forward looking at both of them.
"I know the rules but I'm not very good at it." He looked surprised at Hermione, thinking she would be good at a game of logic. "Don't look like that Harry, just because I'm smart doesn't mean I can play chess."
"Sorry, I don't know how to play at all, I wasn't taught how."
"Ok this is going to be difficult then, I want you Harry to be a castle because they have simple movements. Hermione can you be the queen side bishop and I will be a knight." The pieces he mentioned moved of the board to a platform at the side of the board allowing them to get into positions. "White will move first and then we play." Draco looked much more confident than himself, but he trusted that the blond would get them through this.
The game started with a white pawn moving forward and from then on it was just shouting commands from Draco and pieces of both colours being shattered – apparently wizards chess involved a lot of violence – until eventually all that was left was a couple of pieces on both sides.
"Ok guys, there is one play we can use to win but it isn't going to have the best outcome. I am going to have to let the queen take me so that Hermione can check the King, once that happens, we will have won."
"No, I can't let you get hurt, please there must be something else." He pleaded with the other boy not wanting his friend to get hurt
"I'm sorry Harry, but this is the only way we can do it." Draco sent him a reassuring smile before walking forward into the space in front of the queen. The white piece moved forward and using its staff hit Draco in the leg sending him crashing to the ground.
"Don't move we are still playing." Hermione shouted at him as he went for Draco. She stepped forward into position. "Check Mate." The white Kings sword dropped and the door behind him opened. Instead of going for the door however, the two of them ran for Draco who was conscious now but was obviously in a lot of pain.
"I'm fine guys, stop fussing and help me up, the leg he hit me on is broken I think." Draco was masking how much pain he was truly in, but they had no other option that to wrap his arms around them and stand up. Helping Draco limp over they slowly made their way through the door and nearly gagged at the awful smell from within the next room. Looking down there was a massive troll – twice the size of the one from Halloween - collapsed on the floor with blood leaking from its head.
"Least we don't need to fight that." Draco tried for a laugh, but it failed. The blonde's face was grey, and he was shaking from the pain his leg was causing him. Moving past the troll they walked through a tunnel into the next room. As soon as they crossed through the tunnel however, black flames erupted in the tunnel in front of them and purple flames in the tunnel behind them. A table with seven potion vials sat against the wall.
"I wonder who done this defence." Draco seemed to be making jokes to try and ignore his leg.
They propped Draco against the table in order to look at the piece of parchment placed in front of the potions with a riddle written on it.
"Danger lies before you, while safety lies behind,
Two of us will help you, whichever you would find,
One among us seven will let you move ahead,
Another will transport the drinker back instead,
Two among our number hold only nettle wine,
Three of us are killers, waiting hidden in line.
Choose, unless you wish to stay here for evermore,
To help you in your choice, we give you these clues four:
First, however slyly the poison tries to hide
You will always find some on nettle wine's left side;
Second, different are those who stand at either end,
But if you would move onwards neither is your friend;
Third, as you see clearly, all are different size,
Neither dwarf nor giant holds death in their insides;
Fourth, the second left and the second on the right
Are twins once you taste them, though different at first sight."
"Hermione, do you think you can figure this out."
"Of course, I can, just give me a minute." For the next 5 minutes the girl walked back and forth pointing at the parchment then at potions while muttering before finally looking back at them. "Everything we need is here on this paper. Seven bottles: three are poison; two are nettle wine; one will get us safely through the black fire and one will get us back through the purple."
"Ok then which one is which." The girl glared at Draco obviously annoyed he had ruined her big reveal.
"OK so the fourth clue tells us that the second on the left and right can't be the ones we want because they are the same. The third clue tells us that the poison isn't in the biggest or smallest one and since the second on the right is the biggest that means the twin potions are nettle wine. We know the ones to the left of the nettle wine are poison and the second clue lets us know that the ones at either end won't help us move forward, one of the end ones are poison so the other one will take us back. Finally, we know the smallest potion won't kill us so that means that one lets us go forward." Once she was done with her explanation, she brought forward the two potions and turned to them.
"You are brilliant." He said before Draco chimed in. "And scary, brilliant but scary." They all laughed despite their situation.
"Ok, let's go on."
"There is one slight problem, there is only enough potion for one person to go forward." At Hermione's words they all looked at the little potion and realised she was in fact right.
"Ok then, I will go forward. Hermione help Draco back out and get some help. I will try and hold Quirrell of."
"No, you are not going alone." Draco tried to stand before collapsing back onto the table in pain. He walked over to him and hugged him.
"I'm sorry, but I have to now drink it and go, I want to make sure you are safe before I go on."
Reluctantly Hermione uncorked the potion before helping Draco up and manoeuvring them over to the purple flames they both drank the potion and with a sad smile at him walked through. Once he was sure they were fine, he picked up his own potion and moved towards the black flames. Face set with determination he downed the potion and walked through preparing himself for what will come next.
The next room contained intricately detailed arches and large stone steps leading down to a small platform of sorts. Standing down there facing a beautifully designed mirror was Professor Quirrell. He was mumbling to himself frantically. He quietly moved forward but was caught once he was about halfway down the steps and the Professor turned round to look at him.
"Well, well if it isn't Mr Potter coming down to bravely save the day." For once the Professor didn't speak with his stutter. "You look confused, did you not expect quivering, mumbling, stuttering Professor Quirrell to be down here. Did you expect another teacher perhaps?"
"Oh, I knew it was you, I just want to know where your stutter has gone, even in the privacy of your own office you have it." He was trying to distract the man to give himself as much time as possible for help to arrive.
"My master warned me that students can be pesky little things, listening in and not respecting privacy, so I kept the charade up all this time. Now I am going to finish what I came here to do." The man turned back to the mirror. "I can see myself holding the stone, giving it to my master, but I don't know how to get it out."
"Use the boy." That same hissing voice spoke. He looked all around but he couldn't see its owner.
"Come her boy." Quirrell barked. He walked slowly down until he was in front of the mirror and what he saw made him early jump back in shock. Within the glass was his mum and dad, touching his shoulder and smiling and behind his mum was Professor Snape. They were all smiling at him but when he turned to look around, he saw no one there so he looked back into the mirror.
"Mum, Dad. How do I get to you?" Tears were brimming in his eyes as he reached out to touch the glass just as the figure's smiles turned sad and they looked down at him in the mirror. Mirror him smirked slightly before revealing a red stone in his hand which he then slipped into his pocket. What surprised him however was as the mirror version of himself placed the stone in his pocket he felt a weight in his own pocket.
"Well, what do you see." Quirrell's order distracted him from the people in the mirror.
"I see my family, smiling at me, I'm happy."
"He lies, he sees more than that. Let me talk to him." The hissing voice had returned but with no body to match with it.
"Master, you are not strong enough." Quirrell was looking up, but he could not see who the teacher was looking at.
"I have enough strength to talk with the child." At these words, Quirrell started unwrapping his turban until finally it was completely off, and he turned around. He let out a yell of shock at the sight of the man's head. Where hair would normally be, there was a second face with red eyes glinting with malice and two slits instead of a nose. The mouth was twisted into what he assumed was trying to be a friendly smile.
"Ahhh Harry, we meet again at last. I need you to tell us how to get the stone." The snake-like voice was louder now without the turban to muffle it.
"You are Voldemort aren't you. Why would I help you? You ruined my life." His last words were shouted but that seemed to only amuse the face.
"I see your life has been like mine in the way of being mistreated by filthy muggles. If you helped me, I could get you away from them and with our combined power we could get your parents back. You could be reunited with them and as I am so kind, I will spare the traitor Severus from death for betraying me. Doesn't that sound like a fair deal."
"You liar, you would use me, then kill me. You don't want to help me, you are the one who killed my parents, so no I won't give you the stone." The false confidence he had used to speak gave him enough energy to turn and start to run up the stairs.
"Get him." Voldemort commanded and within a second Quirrell was in front of him. "Give over the stone."
"Never."
Quirrell moved forward his hand outstretched before he clamped it around his neck. He struggled against the hand around his neck, as he felt his scar burning in pain, trying to claw it off until Quirrell jumped back with a shout of pain.
"Why did you let go you fool?" Voldemort was screaming at Quirrell.
"Master, it hurts, I can't touch him."
"I don't care, kill the boy." He was prepared when Quirrell moved forward once more and before the man could get near him, he grabbed the professors face watching in horror as blisters started to appear. After holding his hands there for a while, the man's face was unrecognisable until eventually he collapsed in a heap silently. Horrified at what he had just done he went to turn around to get to the exit so he could find help when he heard what sounded like wind behind him. A shadowy figure raised up.
"We could have been great together you and I, but you chose the wrong path. I won't stop till you and anyone close to you is dead." The voice of Voldemort was the last thing he heard before the figure moved forward gliding through him like a ghost and he fell giving in to the darkness
