AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 19 is here! First year finally comes to an end! Please enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, and I do not intend to make any money off of this. Harry Potter is the intellectual property of J. K. Rowling , and I take no credit of it whatsoever.
I was also inspired by Demon Eyes Laharl's: THE RED KNIGHT! and also from Random-Fruitcake04's: CHOICES! I hope you check them out as well because they are genuinely very good stories.
Fate
Chapter 19 – The Seven Chambers
Ronald Weasley's POV
Ron marched out of his final exam, Potions, and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally done! The Forgetfulness Potion was easy enough to make for Ron, he knew all the steps off by heart. But Snape had made it damn near impossible to do it without sweating from every pore… The Potions Master was always peering over their shoulders, breathing down their necks. He would sneer at anyone who wasn't working fast enough, or scoff at anyone who was working too fast. Overall, it had been a horrid experience for every person involved…
Ron moved towards the Great Hall with his friends to have lunch, eager to fill his belly. Tonight's the night… Tonight, I'll find that stone or die trying! Fred's life hangs on my success… Ron had spent the last week preparing for this night. He had researched the Cerberus guarding the stone extensively, and he had learned that their species were extremely weak to music. Any tune, and they would fall asleep instantly. That had bewildered Ron, but he was just glad that it had at least some sort of weakness that Ron could exploit. If my singing doesn't work, then I'll blast off its heads… Or get eaten… getting eaten is more likely…
Ron ate with gusto, and his friends ignored him. They were in too good a mood due to being finished with exams to berate him for eating like a wild beast. Ron was glad for it, because he needed his strength today! They had the rest of the day off, as all the first-years were now done with exams. As Ron ate, he noticed a commotion of sorts from the corner of his vision. He looked to it, and saw that his three Gryffindor friends were running out of the Great Hall at full-tilt. What are they up to now? I would go and find out… but I have more important things to focus on.
After lunch, Ron went to the common room alongside his friends. They all chatted animatedly with one another, but Ron was silent. His mind was fixed on his mission, and every passing second increased his dread. They all sat down in front of the fire, as they usually did.
"Ron? Is something bothering you?" Daphne asked him, smiling at him. He smiled back and shook his head.
"Just worried for my results…" Ron lied, feeling sick that lying was becoming so easy to him. Theo and Blaise chuckled at that.
"We all know that you are going to score perfectly" Theo said, no doubt trying to be a source of comfort. He's come so far… He used to be so conniving once. I mean he still is, but not towards me… Ron grinned at Theo.
"Still worried though…" Ron lied again. "I want to beat Hermione in the exams!" His friends smiled and nodded at him.
"Granger stands no chance against you Ron" Tracey said, her voice boastful. "Everyone knows you're smarter than her!" Everyone is an idiot then… Because I'm nowhere near her level… Ron just smirked at his own thoughts, but his friends were happy to see him smirking. They wanted to make sure Ron knew that he was better than those three Gryffindor morons.
"How did you go Millie?" Ron asked, hoping she did well. He'd spent most of his exams prep helping her instead of preparing himself. She beamed at him before replying.
"I think I did really well, Ron" Millie said happily. "Though Potions was really hard because of Professor Snape hovering over us…" Ron shuddered at the recent memory. Horrid exam… They spent the next few hours talking to each other about their holiday plans, with Ron promising them each that he would do his best to visit and write to them.
Ron was lying wide awake in his bed, waiting for Theo and Blaise to finally fall asleep. Once he was sure that they had, he slowly got out of his bed without making a single sound. He quickly cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself, and then set out to complete his quest. Each step he took turned his stomach into a knot, and he could already feel a cold sweat breaking out under his armpits. Stay calm… stay calm. You've prepared for this… Ron quickly navigated the moving stair-cases, and made his way into the forbidden corridor. As he passed through the Trophy room, his eyes fell on his Junior League Championship Trophy. Maybe they'll give me one for saving the Wizarding World… unlikely… The plan is to not get caught.
Ron finally found himself in front of the door, the door that would lead him to the three-headed monstrosity and the treasure it guarded. And Ron couldn't move… Fear was holding him in place, and his breathing had become shallow. I have to do this… I have to save Fred… But even that wasn't enough to get his legs moving. If he crossed that door, he was probably never coming back out. Dumbledore's warning of a 'most painful death' kept repeating in Ron's mind. Was he really ready for this? Maybe he should turn back? Maybe he should tell Dumbledore everything about himself, and just hope that the old wizard destroys the stone! Maybe he didn't have to go and get himself killed tonight?
The choice was removed from his hands when he heard faint whispers and feet shuffling from behind him. He went into a panic and quickly jumped into the shadows, hoping that the Disillusionment Charm had kept him hidden. Who would be roaming the hallways this late at night? It's nearly midnight for Merlin's sake! And why are they roaming the forbidden corridor?! He looked around, but he saw no one. Yet he could hear footsteps getting closer and closer… And then his three Gryffindor friends threw off the cloak of invisibility and appeared right in front of the door. WHAT ARE THE DOING HERE?!
"Are we sure about this?" Neville whispered, his voice sounded panicked.
"We have to get the stone" Harry said firmly. "If Snape gets it, he'll use the stone to become immortal!"
"Harry's right Neville" Hermione said, her voice haughty. "We're saving the school." She only cares about the school, doesn't she? Ron couldn't help but smile at her weird way of thinking. But then another thought entered his mind. What the hell do I do now? They think Snape is after the stone, but it's the Dark Lord who wants it! If they get it before me, they'll no doubt hand it to Dumbledore for safe keeping… And I'll be back on step number one!
When Hermione pointed her wand at the door, no doubt to open it, Ron decided that he needed to join the three. He could take the stone from them after they found it, and then he would destroy it! His friendship with them be damned! Fred needed him, and Fred was blood!
"Hello" Ron said lamely, taking the Disillusionment Charm off of himself and stepping out of the shadows. Hermione screamed loudly, and the two Gryffindor boys yelped and pointed their wands at him. Smooth Ron… really fucking smooth…
"Ron?!" Harry asked, and then he relaxed visibly. Harry heaved out a heavy breath, while Neville just put his hand over his heart and shook his head.
"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione shrieked, and then she marched up to him and punched his right arm hard. OW! That'll bruise for certain!
"Ouch, Hermione" Ron whined, covering his sore spot with his left hand. "Why?!"
"WHY?! You scared us to death" Hermione said with a glare, making Ron grin sheepishly. "What are you even doing here?" Same as you… Except I'm planning to end that stone and its evil. Okay, time to lie! And lie well…
"I followed you three here" Ron began his lie, making all three of his friends narrow their eyes at him. That wasn't a good start… "I saw you three acting odd at lunch, so I decided to keep my eye on you. Just to be safe, you know! And then I followed you here… To help with the stone! We can't let Snape have it! It's too dangerous!" Please believe me, I'd rather not have to start throwing out stunners… If a fight breaks out, I'm doomed. I mean, how am I going to beat Harry Potter?! And then Hermione slowly smiled at him, and then so did Harry. But Neville didn't… Neville just stared at Ron with a guarded look.
"Ron… you don't have to help us" Hermione said, beaming at her loyal Slytherin friend. He'd put himself in danger again, just for their sake!
"Hermione is right, Ron" Harry said with a faint smile. "This is too dangerous…" Something didn't sit well with Harry… His instincts were shouting at him to not trust Ron! But Ron had been nothing but helpful in the last few weeks. Ron had even taken the fall for them with the baby Dragon business… And yet, Harry had the urge to send Ron away. In the end, he chose to ignore that urge. Ron was his friend, and Ron was here to help.
"More dangerous than smuggling a Dragon through the school?" Ron joked, earning a giggle out of Hermione and a chuckle out of Harry. But Neville didn't laugh, Neville was still staring at Ron with a guarded look. He isn't believing me? Hermione and Harry do… but Neville doesn't? When did he grow a back bone? I remember him as a whimpering chubby kid at the start of the year! He is still a little chubby, but not whimpering anymore… "Neville, are you all right?" Ron asked, hoping to get Neville on his side.
"We don't need you" Neville said curtly, making Ron blink at him. "Go back to Slytherin…" What's his problem?! If he thinks he can take away my chance to destroy the stone, then he is mistaken… I'll hex his face off before I let Fred die! Ron kept his calm exterior, though it was harder than he imagined.
"Neville!" Hermione scolded, glaring at her friend. This was Ron that he was talking about! How could he even say that?!
"Nev, mate…" Harry said slowly, shocked by his friend's hostility towards Ron. "What's the matter? We could use all the help we can get. And Ron is brilliant!" Thanks Harry! HARRY POTTER SAID I'M BRILLIANT! Ginny, if you can hear me, please know that!
"We don't need his help" Neville said, still looking at Ron but this time with a frown. "Something isn't right with him…" Shite! He knows I'm lying! I need to get Harry and Hermione on my side now! Bribe? No… Feign hurt? Yeah… that'll work… It worked when I told them off in the abandoned classroom! Ron tried his best to put on a hurt face, and just blinked at Neville.
"Nev…" Ron muttered, his voice coming out a little shaky. And then he shook his head. "Fine, I'll go…" Ron said firmly, making sure to sniff loudly. And then he turned to leave, but Hermione stopped him.
"Ron, stop" Hermione pleaded. Then she shot a murderous glare at Neville, who looked taken aback by it. "It's Neville who has the problem… Why doesn't he leave instead?" Neville flinched at her words, and looked quite hurt. I'm a piece of shite…
"I don't want to get in between you guys…" Ron whispered to her, but loud enough that Harry and Neville heard too. "You'll be fine without me." Please don't send me packing…
"Guys… Let's not fight" Harry said, trying to calm down the situation. They couldn't afford to waste their time here. They needed to stop Snape! "Snape might already be down there! We have no time to waste… Ron, you can come with. Neville… just stop it. We need to work together! All of us!" Thank you Harry… Ron felt bile rise at the back of his throat, but he swallowed it down. I'm a sick person… There's something not right with me… I'm using them like puppets… The same way Theo and Blaise tried to manipulate me at the start of the year. And here I am… turning friends against each other just so that I can get what I want. But Fred… my big brother… he needs me to do this!
"Let's go" Harry continued, and then he turned to Hermione and nodded. Hermione returned his nod and unlocked the door with 'Alohomora'. I'll deal with Neville later… Why doesn't he trust me yet? I've shown him no reason for this… hostility. Harry led the way inside, and Ron followed after him. Hermione came right after, and Neville slowly entered behind her. Time to focus! The stone should be my only worry right now!
The room was quiet, and Ron instantly noticed a harp sitting by the monster. The Cerberus turned his attention to the four children. Ron gripped his wand tightly and aimed it at the Three-headed dog, but Harry lowered Ron's arm with his own. "Don't hurt him Ron" Harry said softly. "Here, just watch…" Harry then took out a wooden flute and began playing it. He was surprisingly good. The beast yawned loudly and sat back down, seemingly enjoying the tune. Ron was stunned into silence. Harry just… That easily… He really is the greatest wizard… the one who defeated you-know-who as a baby! The Cerberus was lulled into sleep, and Harry stopped playing the flute.
"That was… brilliant" Ron muttered, smiling at Harry in disbelief. Harry grinned back and pointed towards the trap door by the Cerberus' paw.
"C'mon guys" Harry whispered. "We need to hurry after Snape, that harp was probably used by him…" Ron's gut twisted at that realization, the Dark Lord was down there… And he was closer to the stone than Ron had previously imagined. Why did I bloody wait so long?! Ron marched forward and opened the trap door, and he gazed down it. There was just darkness, and Ron couldn't even see where they would land if they jumped down.
"What now?" Hermione whispered, looking over Ron's shoulder. "Do we… jump?" She sounded a little afraid, but Ron didn't care for that right now. He's down there already! If he gets the stone… Fred is a dead man! Hogwarts will burn! Steeling his resolve, Ron simply jumped down the trap door. "Ron…" Hermione squealed, terrified for her friend.
Ron landed on something rather squishy, but it still hurt his arse. "I'm fine! C'mon!" Ron shouted up at ceiling of the room he had just landed in. Harry was the next to follow, and then Hermione, and then finally Neville. They each landed with a loud thud and a grunt.
"Ow…" Neville moaned, rubbing the back of his head. Ron looked around and noticed that the room was quite dark, he couldn't see much. And then he felt it. Something had entangled his legs together tightly, and judging by Hermione's squeal, something had grabbed her too. What the hell?! Ron instantly leaned forward to break his legs away from the aggressive tentacle like thing that was entangling them. He felt his panic rise when more tentacles wrapped themselves around his torso and began to squeeze. His breath was squeezed out of his lungs, and he could hear his friends squirming and shouting in panic as well.
Ron felt like he was in that room with the Mirror of Erised again, with the cold tendrils that had nearly killed him that night. The Entity! The memory of its voice rang through Ron's head once more, and he began panicking hard. He tore at the tentacles and screamed, sheer terror overtaking his senses. I'M NOT DYING HERE! NOT LIKE THIS! The tentacles tightened, and he cried in pain when one of them squeezed hard enough to bend his left arm a little.
"Ron!" Neville called out. "Stop! This is Devil's Snare! You have to relax, or it will kill you faster!" Ron heard Neville's voice, but that didn't stop his panic. And then bright bluebell flames attacked the Devil's Snare near Ron, making the plant's tentacles shrink away from the bright flames and their warmth. Ron felt himself being let go, and he quickly got up and ran to the source of the fire. It was Neville, and he was now sending the bluebell flames towards Hermione and Harry. The Devil's Snare slithered away from them, just like it had done with Ron, and both of them quickly got up and ran to Neville's side. Ron was awed, even though he was still afraid. Neville had just saved all of them singlehandedly, and was now ordering them to head for the exit as he used the flames to keep the Devil's Snare at bay. How is he bullied by Malfoy?!
The four made their way through the exit and found themselves inside a downward sloping passageway with stone walls, and the faint tickling of water could be heard all around them. "Bloody hell Neville" Ron muttered. "That was really brilliant!" Neville was taken by surprise at the compliment, and he nodded to Ron with a faint smile. He saved us… He really is amazing at Herbology! Maybe even better than Theo…
"Ron's right, Nev" Harry beamed at his best friend. "You saved us all by yourself!" Neville beamed back and blushed red.
"Thanks Harry…" Neville said sheepishly, and Hermione patted Neville's back.
"See Neville! You are brilliant" Hermione added in with a smile. Ron watched the trio with an odd sense of sympathy for Neville. Guess he doesn't really see himself as brilliant then… He should.
The passageway led them into a brilliantly lit chamber with a high ceiling, and Ron was awed by it. What part of Hogwarts are we even in?! I really ought to explore this castle more often! Look at this place! As Ron gazed around the room, he was awestruck by the winged-keys flying around the room. This was a pattern Ron noted, all of the rooms had a pattern. These are… tests…
"There!" Hermione exclaimed, pointing to a door with a silver lock. "That must lead us into the next chamber!" Next chamber? How much do they know about this place? Never mind… I'll ask later. Hermione ran up to the door and tried to open it, but it didn't bulge. She then pointed her wand at it and tried the 'Alohomora' charm. When she tried again to open the door, it still didn't budge. "Ugh! It's still locked! Now what?"
Ron looked around the room, and tried to figure something out. "Those are keys flying about" Ron said, pointing towards them. "Maybe we need to find one that fits the lock!"
"He's right" Harry agreed. "Look, there are brooms right there!" Harry pointed them out, and Ron winced at the sight of them. Those aren't fit to clean, let alone fly… Harry walked to the brooms, and Ron stopped him.
"Wait… I have an idea!" Ron said excitedly. I'll use the Accio Charm! Ron then pointed his wand up at the ceiling. "Accio key!" Ron said clearly, but nothing happened. Huh? "Accio key for the door!" Ron said clearly again, and again nothing happened.
"There must a protective charm on all the keys" Hermione mused, mostly to herself. "A charm to stop people from summoning them! That's why the summoning spell isn't working Ron!" Damn!
"Guess we need to fly then…" Neville added in, he sounded unsure. Ron couldn't help but remember their first flying lesson, and how Neville had flown into a wall… Ron winced at the memory.
"I'll do it" Harry said firmly. Youngest seeker… This will be easy for him! Harry then grabbed a broom, and mounted it. As soon as he did that, the keys went frantic and started flying around the room in a frenzy. Harry flew up and started his search.
"Find the right key Harry!" Hermione called out to him.
"I'm trying!" Harry yelled back. "There are hundreds of them!" And then Harry's eyes locked onto a particular key, one that had a damaged wing. Harry darted after it, flying with skill as he maneuvered around the other keys. In no short time, Harry grabbed the key and flew right down to his friends. He jumped off of the broom and gave the key to Hermione.
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, looking at the plain key. The others had beautiful wings and colored metals… this one was worn out and plain.
"I am, use it" Harry said firmly, giving Hermione a reassuring nod. I hope he's right… Or we'll be here all night! You-know-who will definitely get the stone by then… Hermione walked up and used the key on the lock. There was a loud click, and Hermione pushed the door open. YES! Go Harry!
The four of them marched through, congratulating Harry on his skills on a broomstick. Harry blushed sheepishly and just nodded in thanks. And soon they found themselves in a dark chamber, and Ron could barely see anything.
"Lumos" Hermione said clearly, and her wand lit up with a bright light. Ron looked around the chamber, and he was stunned. It's… a chessboard… A MASSIVE CHESSBOARD! Ron let out a laugh and walked onto it, looking at the giant pieces in awe.
"This is wicked!" Ron exclaimed, forgetting his mission momentarily due to childish excitement.
"This must be the next test" Harry mused, almost as awed as Ron. "We have to play chess… and win?" As soon as Harry said that, fires erupted around the board and they lit up the room. Hermione sheathed her wand, and Neville swallowed at a dark realization.
"This won't be like actual wizard's chess, will it?" Neville asked, distressed at being cut in two by the massive sword-wielding pieces. Oh… OH! Ron's glee was replaced with a bit of dread, dying on a chessboard seemed almost ironic to him. How many pieces had he destroyed so far? And now he was going to join them…
"We've come this far" Harry said with a frown, and then he looked to Ron. "And we have a Junior League Chess Champion with us!" Harry smiled at Ron reassuringly, and Ron felt his morale come back slowly. Harry's right… I've come too far to turn back now! And I can do this! It's about time I did something during these tests for a change…
"All of you…" Ron began, coming to a decision. "All of you need to get off the board!" His friends looked at him oddly at that. "Do you want to be cleaved in two? Is that it?" Ron asked dryly, and they all shook their heads and did as they were told. Ron joined them and then turned to face the pieces, ready to play and win. "White goes first…" Ron said slowly, but nothing happened. Is this thing broken?
"I think…" Hermione said softly. "I think that we need to be on the board…"
"ON THE BOARD?!" Ron exclaimed, his dread at dying returning. "Bloody hell…" Now what? I'm the best player here… So I have to be on the board… But what if I die out there?! Who will destroy the stone then? "Harry…" Ron said, as he came to a realization. Harry could destroy it… It was the only failsafe he could think of.
"Yeah, Ron?" Harry asked, looking at Ron worriedly.
"I'll play the game" Ron said, hardening in his resolve. "You lot stay back here… if I… If I die out there, I need you to promise me something."
"Ron no!" Hermione said, her voice was an odd mixture of reprimand and concern. "There has to be another way!"
"Calm down Hermione" Ron said softly. "I don't plan to die… Trust me. But if I do lose, then you lot have to find that stone… Find it, and destroy it."
"Destroy it?" Neville asked, looking at Ron oddly. Is that why Ron was here? Neville didn't believe that Ron had been following them for one second. They had been under the cloak all the way from the tower, so how could Ron have followed them? It made no sense, but his two best friends were blinded by their affection for Ron. But Neville could see Ron for what he really was… A liar! And now it made sense too, it made sense why Ron was already there before them. He didn't appear from behind them, he appeared by the door. Why would he be ahead of them if he was following them? Was he there to destroy the stone? Why would he want that?
"Yes… destroy it" Ron said, looking straight at Harry. I need to convince Harry! If I can just convince him that destroying the stone is for the best, then the other two will follow his lead.
"We can't destroy it…" Harry argued. "It belongs to Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel! Once we save it from Snape, we have to give it back to Dumbledore!" Damn it! Need to use a different approach!
"If you don't destroy it" Ron started strongly "then Snape will find another way to steal it!" Ron knew that Snape was innocent in all of this, but if he told them of the Dark Lord then they'd think he was mental. You-know-who had supposedly died at Harry's hands ten years ago! "If you don't destroy the stone now, then one day it will be stolen again. Can't you see that, Harry?"
None of them said a word for almost a minute, but then Harry gave Ron an understanding nod. "Ron's right" Harry agreed, earning shocked looks from Hermione and Neville. "If we don't take care of it now, then Snape will just find another way to get it!" Thank Merlin for Harry Potter! Ron breathed a sigh of relief.
"All right then" Ron said firmly. "Time for me to play some chess!" With that, he stepped onto the board and approached the black king. "Move, I'm taking this position for the match…" The black king came alive, and took the crown off of its head. Then it handed Ron the massive crown, and stepped off of the board with a sad look. I can't carry this around all game! "HEY! Take your crown!" Ron yelled at the king, and then Ron rolled the crown off of the board. Choosing the role of king was the smartest move in Ron's mind, as the king didn't ever put himself in danger. This role would keep Ron the safest. Ron turned to face the white side. "Your move then…"
The game progressed quickly, and Ron had immediately noticed how simple-minded the white side was. If they ever got the chance to take one of Ron's pieces, then they would just go for it without any care for the next move. This made it so easy for Ron to lure the white side into traps. Ron sacrificed pawn after pawn, and used those opportunities to take the stronger pieces of the white side. Within ten minutes, Ron had taken most of the stronger pieces from the white side. All the while retaining all of his own stronger pieces. Though the white side had more pawns, Ron quickly began cleaning up the board. He culled the white pawns one after another, and used his stronger pieces' higher mobility to keep them safe from revenge killings. Around fifteen minutes into the game, Ron used his two bishops and queen to call check-mate. The white king removed his crown, and threw it at Ron's feet. Then it huffed indignantly and marched off of the board. Ron had won.
Hermione squealed and gave Ron applause, and he in turn grinned and gave her a mock bow. The three Gryffindors then ran onto the board, and congratulated Ron on his victory. Then the four marched onwards and headed through to the next chamber. They smelled the next chamber before they even entered it, and Ron gagged at the smell. It smelled like rotten fish… and shite, all mixed into one and then topped off with vomit… Neville actually threw up before they could enter, and Ron broke into a cold sweat. What do we have to face now?!
As soon as they entered the chamber, Hermione squealed. There was a Mountain Troll lying in the middle of the room, and it was asleep. Or dead, Ron couldn't tell. Either way, Ron was glad that he didn't have to kill another troll… The four of them moved through the chamber quietly, and the moment they got through, they broke into chatter.
"Merlin that smell…" Ron wheezed, he had held his breath for the entire time. Neville looked green again, and Hermione was rubbing circles on his back.
"I'm glad we didn't have to fight that troll" Harry said with a frown. "But that means that Snape is barely ahead of us! C'mon, we need to move faster." Harry then marched forward, with Ron right beside him. As they entered the next chamber, purple flames flared up and blocked their path back out. Ron's stomach tightened into a knot at being sealed in, and he dread what they had to face this time. Then black flames shot up and blocked the door leading to the next chamber.
"We're sealed in!" Hermione said, her voice laced with shock and fear.
"This has to be another test!" Harry deduced. You don't say… I could do without this commentary…
"Let's just see what it is" Ron said, getting tired of all these tests. Ron noted that in the middle of the room sat a table with seven bottle, all of them different colors and sizes. There was a piece of parchment pinned to the table, and Hermione quickly ran over to it. She read the riddle out to everyone, and Ron found himself lost somewhere halfway. Riddles… really?! Ron looked over to Harry and Neville they both looked just as lost as he was. Guess its Hermione's turn to shine…
"This is brilliant" Hermione exclaimed, her exciting was quite cute. "This is a test of logic! Don't you see?!" What… "Most wizards never use their logic, they rely too much on magic! Oh, this is brilliant!" The three boys exchanged looks, all of them smiling at how odd she was. Hermione went over the puzzle while humming, no doubt figuring it out. Ron just stared at the door behind the black fire, thinking of nothing but the stone. It was so close! He was so close to saving Fred! He just needed Hermione to work a bit faster.
"I've solved it!" Hermione exclaimed after five minutes, and Ron let out a relieved sigh. Finally!
"What do we do?" Harry asked her quickly.
"This bottle will let you progress forward to the next chamber" Hermione explained, showing Harry the bottle. "And this one will let you go back on the path that we came from." She then showed the other bottle. "I think… only one person can go forward… It doesn't specify how much one needs to drink to pass… So I think you should drink it all just to be safe." Just one?! For Merlin's sake… My luck is the worst!
"Harry I think it should be you who goes forward" Neville voiced his opinion. "You're the strongest wizard here. You can beat Snape and take the stone! I know it!" Neville does raise a good point… Harry beat you-know-who once… He could do it again! I wouldn't stand a chance against him…
"Neville is right" Ron agreed, deciding that this was the best course of action. Once Harry got the stone and brought it out, then Ron would destroy it. And if Harry changed his mind about destroying the stone… then Ron would do whatever was necessary… Even if it meant hurting Harry and taking the stone by force… I'll have to cast a stunner when his back is turned though. If he sees me attacking him openly, he'll destroy me outright…
Harry nodded slowly, giving Ron an odd look. Ron was giving Harry an odd feeling in his stomach, like Harry's instincts were trying to tell him something. Ignoring them again, Harry took the bottle and drank all of it down. It tasted like nothing, and Harry was sure that Hermione had solved the puzzle correctly.
"Wish me luck" Harry said, sounding a bit worried.
"You won't need it mate" Neville said, patting Harry's back in a comforting way.
"He's right Harry" Hermione added in, smiling at Harry. "You can do this!"
Harry then looked to Ron, and Ron gave him a faint smile and nodded. Ron didn't have the heart to wish good luck to Harry, because he knew that he might soon be betraying Harry. Harry smiled at Ron faintly and gave him a firm nod. Then he ran towards the black fire and crossed it. He turned back one more time to look at his friends. They had been the reason he made it so far, and he wouldn't let them down! With that, Harry opened the door to the next chamber and departed. Good luck Harry…
Lord Voldemort's POV
Quirrell's screams echoed through the chamber, while his mind begged Lord Voldemort for mercy. The fool had failed Lord Voldemort once again in acquiring the stone, and he dared ask for mercy?! Lord Voldemort's plans to create a new, suitable body for himself using the Elixir of Life were undone… and it was all this stuttering fool's fault!
"Master! It burns!" Quirrell howled in his mind, Lord Voldemort felt nothing but disgust at this vermin's mewling.
"Be silent you worm!" Lord Voldemort hissed in reply. Quirrell's service to him had come to an end, and Lord Voldemort felt no pity for the dying incompetent. If Quirrell was to die, then he would die at the hands of his Lord and Master. That would be his mercy…
Lord Voldemort ripped his way through Quirrell's body, tearing into the man's magical core and draining it to the best of his ability. He would provide Lord Voldemort one more service before he departed from this world, he would strengthen Lord Voldemort's escape! Quirrell let out another shrieking howl as his body began to crumble into dust, the assault from Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter's power being too much for him. As Quirrell collapsed and his body broke apart, Lord Voldemort rose from the fool's ashes and came face-to-face with an old enemy.
"Tom…" Albus Dumbledore greeted calmly, shielding Harry's unconscious body with his own. "I see your cruelty has not ebbed in the slightest over the years…" Dumbledore then looked to Quirrell's ashes with a look of remorse, and Lord Voldemort felt disgust towards the old man. Still a pitiful excuse for a wizard… I showed that stuttering insect mercy, nothing less than what he deserved for his continued failings!
"Dumbledore… pitiful as always" Lord Voldemort hissed in his spirit form. "This will not stop my return… mark my words, you old fool! This world is mine!" Dumbledore frowned deeply at that.
"Not as long as I draw breath…" was Dumbledore's response. Lord Voldemort let out a blood-curdling scream and launched himself at Dumbledore, planning to possess the old wizard. Dumbledore moved quickly and put up a golden shield of light, and Lord Voldemort clashed against it. Shadows and light danced around the chamber and Lord Voldemort pushed the barrier back slightly, his rage at losing the stone overwhelming the old man's shield. But then Dumbledore pushed back, and Lord Voldemort's spirit was easily overwhelmed. I am too weak for this battle yet…
Sensing that he could be destroyed if this battle continued, Lord Voldemort maneuvered around the shield and made for the exit. Howling in rage as the burst through the door, and coming into Snape's defense chamber. What he saw inside the chamber brought an evil kind of joy to his mind… There stood three little children, and one of them was none other than the Weasley brat. The brat that had slain his troll and saved Potter from certain death. The brat that had dared throw a curse at Lord Voldemort in the forest… He will make a fine host for me!
The other two children screamed in terror at the sight of Lord Voldemort's spirit, but the young Weasley boy unsheathed his wand and let loose another Blasting Curse at his spirit. Lord Voldemort rushed past the fiery orange light, and drove himself right into the boy's chest. You will belong to me!
The boy's resistance was… pitiful. Even in his weakened state, Lord Voldemort easily overpowered the boy's mind and pushed through. A protective enchantment of some sort attempted to hinder Lord Voldemort, but the little strength he had drained from Quirrell gave him the power to break the enchantment completely. He was inside, and he had no intention of leaving. Lord Voldemort could hear the brat's screams of agony, and Lord Voldemort made no effort to make the possession process less painful. You will suffer for your actions against me, Ronald Weasley! I will break you, just as I broke that maggot Quirrell!
Lord Voldemort drained some of the boy's underdeveloped magical core, and then pushed himself into the boy's mind. I will use your fears to shatter your mind, and you will belong to Lord Voldemort! Lord Voldemort used his Legilimency prowess to peel back the layers of the boy's mind, scanning his memories for weaknesses. Lord Voldemort saw the young Weasley son screaming at a transfigured spider, then he saw the boy howling in pain as a hole was burned through his tongue by his brothers, then he saw the boy crying quietly at feeling lonely due to his mother's neglect, and then Lord Voldemort found the boy in a room with a dying woman. That particular memory peaked the Dark Lords interest…
Lord Voldemort pushed on and found himself inside the boy's bedroom. Another memory! And an important one... Lord Voldemort saw the boy sitting on his desk and he was writing something down fervently. The Dark Lord's astral form floated behind the boy and looked over his shoulder. The boy was writing in a journal, and he was writing… nonsense. Lord Voldemort read the words on the page, and he found himself confused… Why was the boy writing about the death of his own brother? And then Lord Voldemort read something that actually took him surprise. The boy was writing down how much older his siblings looked in his 'vision', and the boy was trying to determine their ages. This… this boy… Lord Voldemort smiled a dark smile to himself as he gazed at the young Weasley son. A Seer!
Lord Voldemort knew right then that he had to have this boy, this power of his… it could be very useful to Lord Voldemort. The Dark Lord let out a triumphal laugh as he pushed even further, all that time wasted spying on Potter… When Lord Voldemort had a Seer in his grasp all along. You will make a fine vessel for me... As Lord Voldemort tore further into the boy's mind, something stopped his progress. Lord Voldemort found himself in a dark place, one devoid of… everything. It was just emptiness. That jarred the Dark Lord, and he looked around frantically. Where am I?! Is this the boy's doing?! No… No his body has given up… Something else is interfering! The dark place felt cold and Lord Voldemort tried to push forward, only to fail.
"Tom Marvolo Riddle, Jnr…" came a Voice, a voice so disgustingly horrible that even the Dark Lord felt dread. What… is… this…?
"Who are you?" Lord Voldemort demanded. They know of my true name… who is this? Dumbledore?! Has he found the boy?! No… no it is too soon! I have only just entered the boy, and he cannot exorcise me so easily. Not without hurting the boy!
"You have brought yourself to us… We thank you, Lord of Serpents…" Us?!
"You dare challenge the greatest wizard to ever walk this pitiful earth?!" Lord Voldemort bellowed, looking around for the one who could speak in such a voice. He would never admit it, but a small amount of fear was building up in his heart. He was too weak for another confrontation, especially with whatever this thing was.
"You are now ours… You will never leave this place… We will taste your HEART!" the Voice shrieked the last word, and it made even Lord Voldemort panic. Something gripped his astral form, something akin to a cold, dead tendril. Lord Voldemort screamed in absolute agony, it felt like his soul was burning!
"WHAT ARE YOU?!" Lord Voldemort demanded in between his screams. And then Lord Voldemort felt something else, he felt his new host's body shutting down. IT'S KILLING THE BOY AS WELL?! Panic overtook Lord Voldemort's cold logical mind for the first time in a long time. If the boy died while he was still here, he may die as well! His fear of death did nothing to slow down his panic, and Lord Voldemort screamed and yelled while trying to free himself from this… this thing.
"With your death… We will be freed from our prison… give in… give in… GIVE IN!" the Voice commanded, and Lord Voldemort resisted with every fiber of his being. I CANNOT DIE! NEVER! And then it happened, it was right then that the Dark Lord saw something truly horrifying.
There were eyes all over the dark place now, and they were all watching him hungrily. The eyes were blood crimson and they resembled the eyes of toads, the sizes of the eyes varied but they all looked horrifying nonetheless. WHAT IS THIS THING?!
"RELEASE ME MONSTER!" Lord Voldemort yelled in horror, he was going to die at this rate! This thing was killing him and his new host, and he had to escape now! Time was running out, and his already damaged soul could not survive for much longer!
"The Champion has served his purpose… You will both die today… And we will be set free from this accursed bond…" the Voice continued, and this did not help Lord Voldemort's fears. CHAMPION?! ACCURSED BOND?! WHAT IS HAPPENEING HERE?!
This was it, Lord Voldemort knew it now for certain. He was going to die in this place… His splintered soul was beginning to break down, and the boy's body had shut down completely. This creature… had killed them both… NO! NO I WILL NEVER DIE! Then a truly desperate plan came into his mind. One that may yet save him! What if he broke off the part of his soul that the creature was holding onto?! It would be like making another Horcrux… and he had just killed Quirrell… This could work! Without thinking it through, Lord Voldemort put his desperate plan into action. He cast the soul-splitting spell upon himself for the sixth time in his life, effectively splitting his soul in half once again.
The pain was unbearable, and Lord Voldemort screamed like he had never screamed before. This was what death felt like, he knew it… But he could no longer feel the creature's tendrils on himself. This was his chance! Roaring from the agony, the Dark Lord ejected himself out of the boy and floated above his body. The boy's form was… shattered… He was bloody, bruised, and appeared dead. That monster destroyed the boy… as it would have destroyed me! The other two children screamed in horror at Lord Voldemort's spirit, and he ignored them. I must escape! NOW!
Bellowing in pain, Lord Voldemort flew out of the chambers hiding the stone that he had so desperately coveted. Right now however, the stone was the last thing on his mind. All he could think about was the monster that had nearly taken his life, and the fact that he had to split his own soul in order to survive its wrath…
Voldemort flew past a certain Potions Master, his agony too much to bear. He missed the look of sheer terror on Snape's face as the former Death-Eater jumped out of the way. Lord Voldemort escaped the school, and flew past the wards. His screams of pain echoed in the night sky, and he barreled on without even thinking of his destination.
He had been forced to make another Horcrux! HIS FINAL HORCUX! And that Horcrux now lay dead at the creature's hands! Absolute anger engulfed Lord Voldemort, his pain taking a backseat to it. He would make that thing pay! How dare it attack him in such a way! CURSE THAT MONSTER! CURSE DUMBLEDORE! CURSE HARRY POTTER! I WILL DESTROY THEM ALL!
He was now weaker than ever before… but he was still alive… That was something that his enemies would learn to fear! He would have his vengeance!
Severus Snape's POV
Snape had been working in his office when Fawkes had just appeared in a spectacular blaze of flames, and he carried a letter on his leg. Fawkes shrilled loudly at him, clearly in a hurry. What has happened?! Snape flew out of his seat and took the letter from Fawkes' leg, and the Phoenix left in a bright blaze. Snape quickly opened the parchment and read its contents
Severus,
Quirrell is making his move for the stone at this very moment! Come to the chambers at once!
Albus.
Snape burned the letter quickly, and then ran full-tilt for the third floor corridor. This was it, this was the moment where he would finally stop Quirrell from dooming the Wizarding World. He had promised Albus that he would practice restraint, but deep down Snape knew the truth. If it comes to it, I'll kill him… If he brings back the Dark Lord, we will all suffer through another war! What was the price of his own soul compared to the suffering that millions would go through? He knew the answer to that already. It means nothing…
As he was running through McGonagall's enlarged chessboard, he heard a terrifying screaming. And then… then a wraith blew the door in front of him apart as it charged right at him. Snape recognized it immediately, and his heart stopped beating. The Dark Mark on Snape's left arm burned with a ferocity that it hadn't done in years. And all Snape could do was jump out of his old master's way. The sight and sound of Lord Voldemort's spirit in so much pain jarred him, and he lay there on the ground for longer than he would care to admit.
But then he heard children screaming and calling for help, and Snape was on his feet instantly and bolting to voices. All thoughts of safety and self-preservation were gone, all that was left behind was a need to protect the students that were screaming for help. He ran past the troll, and entered the chamber that he himself had designed. The moment he saw Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom crying over Ronald Weasley's bloodied corpse, Snape's mind went blank. This could not be happening… A student had died in Hogwarts… A student under his care had died in Hogwarts…
NO! No, I don't know if he's dead yet! With that thought, Snape rushed to the boy's body and pushed Neville Longbottom out of the way. Snape immediately checked for a pulse… and he found none. Ronald Weasley was dead.
"It was a spirit!" Hermione Granger cried out, her voice came out as a wet sob. "It killed Ron!" And then she began crying loudly, while Snape just stared at Ronald's face in stunned silence. A spirit… The Dark Lord did this to him… Snape's stomach twisted and he felt bile burn the back of his throat. A child… He murdered a child…
Ronald's body was bloodied and bruised, and his robes were slick with blood. His face was covered in tendril like bruises, his right cheek-bone had sunk in which made the right side of his face collapse inwards, and his limbs looked broken. What kind of spell does this? What kind of torture did the Dark Lord inflict on him? Snape had seen so much death during the last war, but this… this made him lightheaded. Is there no evil that the Dark Lord will not commit? And I followed him blindly… Long buried guilt rose up and tightened the muscles around his heart. This was something that not even he could stomach…
Albus Dumbledore burst through the next chamber's entrance, and he had a floating Harry Potter by his side. "Severus it is good…" Dumbledore started but then he stopped immediately. Snape looked up to see his mentor's pale and horrified face. "No… no…" Dumbledore muttered slowly, staring at Ronald's corpse with wide eyes. Tears appeared in Albus' eyes, and he gritted his teeth at the sight. "No…" Albus muttered again in disbelief. Snape just looked back down, and his body almost gave up. How could I let this happen? Why didn't I just stop Quirrell myself? Why was the Dark Lord even here? How was he here? Snape's mind was ablaze with questions, and regrets.
And then Snape was yanked out of his thoughts when Ronald's body suddenly jerked, and the boy took in a sharp intake of air. Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom screamed in fright, and Snape himself fell back on his arse. Then Ronald started screaming and thrashing about, his agony evident to all. Albus Dumbledore moved at lightning speed and was beside Ronald in an instant, casting calming charms on the boy. But Ronald's blood-curdling screams didn't stop, and he thrashed about even harder.
"Severus, the Hospital Wing… NOW!" Albus bellowed, which was so unlike him. But it was exactly what Snape needed in that moment, because his body just moved on its own. He picked Ronald up like a baby, ignoring the boy's wailing and squirming. And then Snape was running. He was running with every bit of strength he could muster. He was running faster than ever before. He had to make it Pomfrey. She could save the boy, and Snape would not fail him!
Snape slammed his own back on the Hospital Wing door, smashing the door open. He heard Pomfrey screech in fright. "What is the meaning…" Pomfrey yelled in anger, but she stopped at the sight of Severus and Ronald. Her face blanched and she moved to them instantly.
"Help me!" Severus ordered the Matron of the Hospital Wing. Please… do something…
"Quick, put on him on that bed" the Matron said, and then she rushed into her potions-closet. Snape put Ronald down and tried to stop the boy from squirming, but his screams were becoming too much to bear. A look of pure agony was etched on Ronald's face as he screamed and squirmed under Snape's hold. Tears, spit, and blood covered the boy's face, and Snape wanted nothing more than to stop the pain he was in. No one deserves this… Curse him! Curse the Dark Lord!
Pomfrey came running to Ronald's side and grabbed the boy by his jaw as gently as she could. She put a bottle of the Sleeping Draught on the boy's lips and poured the potion down his throat. Then she held his mouth shut, and Ronald slowly stopped thrashing about. And then, Ronald was asleep. Pomfrey then turned to Snape and spoke in a fiercely firm tone. "Severus, go into my potions-room and bring me the following; Blood Replenishing Potion, as many bandages as you can carry, Wound-Cleaning Potion, Essence of Dittany, Girding Potion, and Murtlap Essence."
Snape nodded and moved as fast as he could to the potions-room. It was smaller than his own, but it had everything they needed to save Ronald. Snape used 'Accio' to summon all the potions he needed into a close-by basket, and then he barged back out. He saw that Dumbledore was already there, hovering over Ronald and speaking with Pomfrey. The three Gryffindors were there as well, with Harry Potter being unconscious in another bed. While Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom were sitting together on another bed, and both were crying quietly. Snape decided to ignore them and ran up to Pomfrey.
"I have what we need" Snape told her, and she nodded fervently. There was sweat on her brow, and Snape could tell that Ronald's shattered appearance was breaking her resolve. I don't blame her… I can barely stomach it myself…
"We need to act fast, Severus assist me with him" Pomfrey ordered, and then she flicked her wand and quarantined them with a white hospital sheet. "Albus, stand back and stay out of the way." Snape was awed by this woman's strength of character, she was taking charge like she was born to do it. Albus nodded and marched out of the quarantine, no doubt heading off to find the other Heads of Houses.
It had been one of the longest nights of Snape's life. When they had de-robed Ronald to begin his treatment, Snape had gagged at the sight. Ronald's body was mangled and covered in tendril like bruises and cuts. The tendril like gashes on his arms and legs were deep, and his chest bore a long diagonal cut on it that stretched from his right shoulder down to his left hip. The cuts were oozing a black liquid, and Snape knew that horrible dark magic must have been used on the boy. The silver rune ring on Ronald's right hand had melted onto his finger, disfiguring his hand with burn scars. Ronald also had nineteen fractures, and both his arms and legs were broken. This was… the cruelest act of savagery that Snape had ever witnessed. He couldn't fathom how someone could inflict this much damage on a child… Ronald would never be the same again…
It had taken twelve hours of treatment to stabilize Ronald, and Snape was exhausted by the end. He could barely stay awake, but he wasn't finished yet. Dumbledore had summoned all the Heads of Houses and Madam Pomfrey up to his office. So they all marched up together, equally tired and drained of life. The other three Heads had arrived shortly after Ronald's treatment began, and they had helped as much as possible. And when they had nothing to do, they refused to leave. McGonagall and Sprout comforted Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom, while Flitwick went to Snape's office to collect more potions. It had been a long night… and it was one that none of them would soon forget.
They all sat down in front of the Headmaster, and Albus broke the silence. "How is Ronald, Poppy?" Albus asked, his voice sounded weary and concerned.
"He is stable" Pomfrey replied with a sigh. "But…" and then she trailed off, looking disheartened.
"Go on" Albus implored, leaning forward in his seat a bit.
"Albus… his body…" Pomfrey said, her voice cracking a bit. Snape just gave a vacant stare forward and shook his head. The boy would forever be… damaged… "I did my best to heal his wounds, but they were inflicted with very dark magic… magic that was foreign to me… I could do nothing but clean them. I could not seal the wounds, Albus… They will scar, and he will forever carry them around… Same for the burn scars on his right hand, an enchanted ring had melted over his middle finger… I did manage to mend his bones… and heal the severe burns on his internal organs…"
"Severe burns on his internal organs?" McGonagall interjected with a gasp.
"How did that happen?" Sprout added on, her eyes teary.
"His magical core" Snape provided, remembering his own shock when he had discovered this. "His core was damaged… like it had been made to self-destruct… Most of his internal injuries came from that…" McGonagall just gasped again, while Sprout sniffled loudly. Flitwick was just dazed into silence.
"What happened, Albus?" Pomfrey questioned. "I deserve to know what could do that to a student!" He needs to tell them… Our lack of action is the cause behind this mess… How could we be so foolish?! That evil bastard was in this school the entire time! And we didn't fucking notice?! HOW?!
"Voldemort" Albus said, his voice becoming hard. Everyone gasped and went wide-eyed, except for Albus and Snape.
"It cannot be…" Flitwick said, shaking his head in disbelief. "How is this…?" Quirrell… He must have smuggled in the Dark Lord somehow! It is the only explanation…
"It was Quirrell" Albus replied, showing a lot of honesty for once. "He brought Voldemort into the castle… And last night they attempted to steal the Philosopher's Stone… Ronald was one of four students who moved to stop him… That is how Voldemort attacked Ronald."
"This is…" McGonagall started but then stopped, and then a deep frown formed on her face. "I warned you, Albus. I warned you not to bring the stone here… And now look what has happened!" Dumbledore flinched a bit at her words, and Snape was beyond caring. Their plan was to bring the Dark Lord out of hiding. That's why the stone had been moved here, but they had underestimated their enemy's intelligence and ingenuity… And Ronald payed the price for our arrogance.
"Where is the stone now?" Sprout asked, a motherly anger engulfing her.
"It has been destroyed as of last night…" Albus said, exhaling loudly. The old man is exhausted as well…
"Good…" Flitwick muttered, still reeling from shock.
"Poppy, the boy…" Albus said, his voice strained. "Will he recover?" Snape rubbed his forehead, and Pomfrey let out a tired sigh.
"Yes…" Pomfrey said slowly. "But… it will take therapy. His core will heal over time, probably by the end of the month… He is still very young and since his core is developing as it should be, its recovery is certain… But the trauma, Albus… The scars, and the memories of this night… They will never leave him…"
"We must contact his parents" Sprout said firmly. "And then we should transfer him to St. Mungo's for recovery. When will he wake up?"
"I don't know…" Poppy muttered. "He is in a coma-like state…" Pomfrey then let out a sob, unable to hold it in any longer. The poor boy… How much had he suffered? Who could be so cruel to a child?
Albus lost his composure, his magic flared up violently, and the bookcase behind him all but exploded. Everyone was stunned into silence, and Snape had to steel his own mind in order to keep his mouth shut. I haven't seen him like this in a long time… Not since he caught me listening in on the prophecy… There was a short silence in the room, and Albus slowly regained his calm demeanor.
"Where are the other students at this moment?" Albus asked.
"They are at the Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw game…" Flitwick said slowly, glad to see his friend calming down.
"The House Cup feast is in two days…" Snape added, not caring one bit for it right now. "What will we tell his fellow Slytherins?"
"Tell them the truth!" Sprout added, looking at Snape angrily. "Tell them that our student was attacked by an evil mad-man!" That won't go over well in Slytherin…
"I agree with Pomona" Flitwick added, and McGonagall nodded her agreement as well.
"Headmaster" Snape started. "The Dark Lord is believed to be dead for over ten years by the majority of the Wizarding World… No one will believe us, and they will claim that we are spreading lies in order to save face. They will claim that we cannot protect our own students… The truth will cause us more harm than good…" Albus and Snape locked eyes, and Snape held his gaze. I agreed with telling the Heads, but this will not go well for us…
"I agree with…" Albus sighed "Severus."
"Albus…" McGonagall drew in a sharp breath. "Will we lie to his family as well? This is…"
"No" Albus cut her off. "No the Weasley family will know the truth, I promise. But Severus is right, the Wizarding World is not ready for such terrible tidings… They will refuse to believe us, and we will turn Ronald into the lightning rod that is struck with their negative emotions. He has suffered enough… I must go and speak with Harry Potter and his friends… The rest of you need to contact the Weasleys…"
Theodore Nott's POV
Ron had already gone by the time Theo woke up, and Theo had just assumed that he had gone for his morning run alone. Ron had been distant lately, his mind was preoccupied with something and Theo didn't know how to bring it up. It was no secret that Ron would explode with rage if anyone looked into his business, and Theo couldn't help but be suspicious of his friend. What was Ron's big secret? Why was Theo's red-headed friend so obsessed with his privacy?
And now they had just witnessed Ravenclaw beating Gryffindor in the Quidditch finals, and Harry Potter was nowhere in sight… None of this was adding up. Why was the golden boy of Gryffindor not playing his position? His absence had cost Gryffindor the Quidditch Cup… And Ron was still nowhere to be found. Theo's suspicions had turned into genuine worry for his friend, and he knew that his other friends felt the same way. The girls hadn't even watched the game, instead they had decided to wander the castle looking for Ron. Blaise had just looked around the stands for most of the game, and then glared murder at Draco.
"Theo did you hear me?" Blaise's voice came, pulling Theo out of his head.
"What?" Theo asked, shaking his head. Where is he? He wasn't at the game either? Maybe the girls have found him…
"I said that Draco might know where Ron is…" Blaise said, his aloof behavior was gone.
"Why would Draco know?" Theo asked, confused by Blaise's line of thinking. Even if he did… he wouldn't tell us! He hates Ron…
"Draco's been acting odd" Blaise explained. "Ever since their detention, both of them have been so different from usual… Something happened in that detention! I know it, and Draco will tell us."
"Really?" Theo asked, annoyed with Blaise's faith in Draco. Theo had officially given up on Draco after Draco's petty act against Ron. And he had no intention of looking back, his father's expectations be damned… Mother would agree with me! I know it!
"Don't give me that look" Blaise sighed. "I'm saying that he will tell us, either on his own or by force. I just… I can't get this feeling to stop Theo, something bad has happened. I can feel it in my bones…"
"Me too Blaise" Theo nodded slowly. Ron… Where the fuck are you?
"Did you lot find him?" Theo asked as soon as the girls showed up for lunch. Daphne huffed in annoyance and sat down across from him, a pout on her face. Great… she's in a mood… I'd better talk to Tracey instead. "Tracey, did you four find him?"
"No" Tracey shook her head, her face showed her concern. "We looked everywhere…" Damn it… Where the hell did he go? People don't just disappear…
"Did you search out by the lake?" Blaise asked. "He goes there when he wants to be alone…"
"Why would he want to be alone?" Daphne asked, narrowing her eyes on Blaise. Maybe because he lost us the House Cup… or at least that's how he sees it. He is too noble, almost annoyingly so…
"Oh, I don't know" Theo said, his voice dry. "Maybe because he blames himself for losing us the Cup?"
"Why?" Pansy asked with a frown. "Everyone knows it was Draco's fault…"
"That does sound like Ron" Millie said with a faint smile. "You know how he can be… He always acts like everything is on his shoulders." Daphne huffed at Millie's explanation.
"That's his worst trait…" Daphne muttered, sounding annoyed. That's just how she gets when she's worried… And she seems to be quite worried. And Theo knew why, though he would never bring it up. Daphne would throttle him and he enjoyed living far too much to let that happen…
Theo had always prided himself on being able to figure out the people around him. And Daphne's 'sneaky' glances at Ron every time they were in the same room had given her away quite quickly. But what was more amusing was Ron's apparent lack of common sense in matters like this. Though Theo couldn't help but think that Ron had more important things on his mind. Lately, Ron had seemed more and more stressed… and Theo was struggling to figure him out. At the start of the year he could read Ron like a book, but now he couldn't even start to comprehend what Ron was thinking. What could possibly stress out a twelve year old so much?! All the students in Hogwarts had the same worries as Ron, but they weren't being so… so crazy about them! Where the fuck is he?!
"Theo" Blaise said loudly, pulling Theo back into the conversation. "Can you stop spacing out like that?"
"Sorry" Theo said, and then he sighed. "I'm just worried…" The girls gave him faint smiles, and he ignored them. He hated this sappy shite that they seemed to live off of. It was a natural reaction to be worried for a missing friend, there was no secret and hidden meaning behind it. I bet they are making up sappy reasons in their heads right now… Girls…
"After lunch ends…" Blaise spoke. "I'm going to go speak with Draco…" Theo sighed at the sound of that, and the girls turned to Blaise with shocked looks.
"What would Malfoy know about Ron?" Tracey questioned, her voice slightly bitter. "And even if he does know something, do you really think he'll tell you?"
"I'll make him tell me" Blaise said ominously, and then he started eating. Guess I'd better eat too… it seems I'm going to need my strength…
"What do you want?" Draco asked, but he wasn't sneering at the group like he usually did. He looks like he hasn't slept in days… They had cornered Draco in the common room without Vincent and Gregory there to protect him.
"What happened during your detention with Ron?" Blaise asked bluntly, and Draco paled considerably. And we have a winner…
"No… nothing" Draco muttered, going bone white. "Nothing happened, leave me alone…" Draco then tried to walk past them but Blaise grabbed his arm and shoved him back. Ease up there…
"I don't believe you Draco…" Blaise said menacingly, and Draco looked like he had been slapped.
"Blaise… calm down" Pansy said softly, shocked at seeing him like this.
"I'll calm down when he tells me why Ron is missing" Blaise grit out. I miss the aloof Blaise… this new one is scary…
"Weasley's missing…?" Draco muttered, going wide eyed. That was not the reaction any of them were expecting, and it took them all off guard. "How long? When did you see him last? Was he in the castle when he disappeared?" Draco bombarded them, sounding frantic. What… what is happening here? Ron… what did you get yourself into?
"You do know something…" Tracey muttered, and then her face tightened in anger. "Tell us what you know now!" Draco just shook his head, muttering to himself. Theo heard him say 'I'm next' and it peaked his interest.
"Draco… talk" Theo said, tired of beating around the bush. Something had happened, and it was something terrible. Theo could feel it in his bones now more than ever.
It took a bit of pushing, literally, but in the end they got Draco to talk. Draco told them everything that had happened during their detention in the Forbidden Forest, and Theo was having a hard time believing him. Theo looked to his friends and they were all looking at Draco like he was mad… I don't blame them. He is clearly lying… The Dark Lord? Still alive? And the Dark Lord attacking two Pure-Blooded children as well? Why would he do that?
"So…" Blaise started slowly. "You're saying that the Dark Lord is indeed alive as the rumors would have us all believe… And he was out in the Forbidden Forest, drinking Unicorn Blood to stay alive… And then you and Ron ran into him, and Ron fought him off… And then a Centaur appeared and saved you, delivering you and Ron to the Groundskeeper on its back… Do you realize how insane you sound?" I don't think he does… He believes it clearly…
"It's the truth" Draco muttered, looking terrified. "If Weasley is missing… then the Dark Lord took him! And… and I'm next… He is coming for me next…" Theo looked to his friends, and they were all equally bewildered by Draco's tale and behavior. "I have to tell Godfather… he can save me…" Draco muttered, nodding fervently. And then Draco pushed past them and ran out of the common room. Theo decided to chase after him, and the others followed after Theo. Is he really serious?! It can't be true… The Dark Lord would never attack Pure-Bloods!
They tried their best to keep up with Draco, but their crazed ex-friend was too quick. He reached Snape's office first and barged right in without even knocking. Snape's gonna kill him! Theo and the others could already hear Snape shouting before they too barged in.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Snape's voice thundered, it sounded so odd because Snape never shouted. "Answer me!"
"Godfather help me…" Draco whimpered, he was terrified. He had barely slept after that night in the Forest… Every time he closed his eyes to sleep, he could see himself running through the woods in a panic. All the while, the Dark Lord chased after him. Draco had grown up on tales of the Dark Lord being a visionary, a hero! But during that night… the Dark Lord was anything but that. He wanted to hurt them, and Weasley had saved them. Weasley hadn't left Draco behind, and Draco couldn't understand why. Why would Weasley not leave him behind? Draco would have left Weasley to die in order to save himself… It was the only logical thing to do in that situation…
"Sir… we can explain" Daphne started but was cut off by Snape.
"Silence!" Snape snapped, shutting them all up. "I have no time today for your petty squabbles… Draco, are they attacking you?"
"No Godfather…" Draco said quickly, shaking his head. "The Dark Lord is going to come for me! You have to help me!" Snape went wide-eyed at that, and Theo had never seen the Potions Master so… shocked. He's gone pale… and he looks exhausted…
"Explain yourself…" Snape all but whispered, looking directly into Draco's eyes. Draco recounted the exact same story as before, and then broke into crying. Theo felt a little sorry for the Mafloy heir, but he still refused to believe his story. It was ludicrous… But Snape listened quietly, and didn't say a word.
"He's taken Weasley… and I'm next…" Draco sniffled. Snape still hadn't said a word, and he was just staring at Draco intently. And then he finally broke his silence.
"Why didn't you inform me immediately?" Snape asked, his voice dangerously calm. "Why did you wait this long to tell me something so important? Answer me you foolish boy…" Wait… Is Draco telling the truth? No way…
"I sent a letter to father…" Draco sniffled. "And he told me to not speak of this… and now Weasley is missing! I'm next…" Snape's gaze softened at seeing his godson like this, the boy was shaking with fear. Snape cursed Lucius and his lack of concern for anything that wasn't political… What did he gain by telling Draco to hide this?! Ronald could have been saved from so much suffering… And now these children knew so much, and were asking the wrong questions… Questions that could put them in danger. If Snape lied to them now, they'd know… And then they would keep searching until they asked the wrong people. Snape had to stop this right here and now!
"Mr. Weasley is not missing…" Snape said softly, deciding to control this situation before it escalated.
"Where is he?" Tracey interjected, and Snape frowned at her.
"Do not interrupt me, Miss. Davis" Snape said in a low voice, and Tracey lowered her head quickly. "Mr. Weasley… has been sent to St. Mungo's for treatment… He was attacked last night." Theo's head started swimming and he nearly fell to his knees. What is this? Is this for real? Draco wasn't lying… This can't be real…
There was a dreadful silence in the room. "Was it the Dark Lord?" Draco asked softly, his fears coming true. "Is he… Is he going to come after me as well?"
"No, Draco…" Snape said reassuringly. "You are safe… Mr. Weasley was indeed attacked by the Dark Lord… but for a different reason. One that I will not be telling you. Furthermore, this attack is being kept a secret. What I have told you is confidential, and I expect you all to keep this to yourselves. Is that understood? No more questions" Snape finished firmly. Why? Why would the Dark Lord attack a Pure-blood…? And then a dark realization hit Theo. Ron is a… a Blood-Traitor…
"Why is this being kept a secret?" Tracey demanded, furious at this news. Theo looked to his friends, and he wasn't surprised by what he saw. Blaise wore a shocked expression, Tracey was furious, Daphne and the other two girls were in tears.
"That is not for you to question" Snape said icily. "I order you all as your Head of House to keep your knowledge to yourselves… This is for your own safety… and for Mr. Weasley's."
Tracey Davis' POV
Dumbledore had announced to the students at dinner that Ron had been sent to St. Mungo's after a spell had gone wrong. Tracey also noticed that Ron's brothers were gone, no doubt at St. Mungo's to be by his side. It disgusted Tracey that Ron's attack was being kept a secret, it seemed like the professors just wanted to save face. Her other friends hadn't taken the news of Ron's attack well, though she herself was shaken to her core. But Daphne, Pansy, and Millie were in tears for the past two days. Theo and Blaise hadn't uttered a word, and Draco Malfoy seemed to be sticking with Crabbe and Goyle. As if they could shield him against the Dark Lord…
The Dark Lord… Tracey's blood ran cold at the thought of Ron being attacked by the most evil wizard to ever exist. It seemed unreal to her, the fact that the Dark Lord yet lived and had indeed attacked her friend. When they had pushed Snape for more information, he had told them to leave. They had done so begrudgingly, and had decided to listen to his orders. Though Tracey had only agreed to because Daphne had begged her.
"Welcome, welcome" Dumbledore announced to the student body, bringing Tracey back to the present moment. "To another House Cup feast! Forgive me, but I would like you to listen to this old man's wheezing waffle for just a bit before we sink our teeth into another delicious feast! Alas, this year has come to an end, and what a wonderful year it has been! I hope all of your heads are filled with knowledge… after all, you have an entire summer ahead of you to empty them once again!"
"Now" Dumbledore continued merrily, making Tracey feel sick. "I believe that the House Cup needs awarding! And so, without further ado, here are the current rankings: In fourth place, Hufflepuff with eight-hundred and twelve points! In third place, Gryffindor with eight-hundred and thirty points! In second place: Slytherin with nine-hundred and fifty-five points! And in first place: Ravenclaw with nine-hundred and eighty-five points!" The Ravenclaws burst into cheers and applause, while the Slytherins just groaned and moaned. Thirty points! Thirty damn points… Tracey shot a hateful glare towards Malfoy, only to see him shrinking into his seat. I hope someone smothers him in his sleep tonight! He ruined all of our hard-work!
"Well done Ravenclaw, well done" Dumbledore shouted over the applause, putting up his hands to silence the crowd. "However… recent events have to be taken into account!" The room went dead quiet, with the Ravenclaws losing their gusto. Every student in Slytherin perked up, hope glistening in their eyes.
"I have a few last minute house points to award to certain students… First, to Mr. Neville Longbottom. For the brilliant use of knowledge in Herbology, and for revealing his true strength of character, I award Gryffindor fifty points!" The Gryffindors cheered loudly, giving Longbottom firm pats on his back. Tracey scoffed at the chubby idiot. Knowledge in Herbology… what about Theo?!
"Secondly, to Miss. Hermione Granger. For the cool use of logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor fifty points!" The Gryffindors roared up again, and Granger seemed to break into tears. Tracey gritted her teeth at that snotty, bushy haired bitch. This is rubbish… He is just trying to give Gryffindor the win! Tracey despised Granger because of her abandonment of Ron. Ron had taken the fall for the three Gryffindors during the Dragon business, and they hadn't even thanked him! Granger had gladly left Ron for the wolves… Ron should've left her to the troll's mercy!
"Thirdly, to Mr. Harry Potter." The whole Hall went dead silent, and Tracey felt like screaming at Dumbledore. He really is going to give them the House Cup! "For pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor sixty points!" The Gryffindors went mad with cheers, they banged their cups violently on the tables, celebrating their victory with pure joy. The Slytherins just glared at the Gryffindor idiots, feeling sick with Dumbledore. Even the Ravenclaws were just staring at Gryffindor with shock and disgust.
"And lastly…" Dumbledore said, stopping the Gryffindors straight away. "To Mr. Ronald Weasley" The whole Hall just went dead silent, and the Gryffindors lost their smiles and happy faces. "For the best game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I grant Slytherin fifty points!" The whole of Slytherin table went mad, especially the older students. Tracey and her friends were just stunned into silence. Tracey then burst into laughter at the sight of the embarrassed and shocked Gryffindors. Her laughter almost did her in when she saw the 'Golden Trio' looking just as shocked. RON WON US THE CUP! HE ACTUALLY DID IT!
"I think that proper decorations are in order" Dumbledore said merrily, and then he clapped loudly. All the banners turned into Slytherin's banners. "Slytherin House wins the House Cup!" The cheers were deafening, and every single Slytherin cheered madly. The Gryffindors just slowly sat back down, angry that they had lost to Slytherin again. Tracey looked to the staff table gleefully and noticed them clapping happily for Slytherin, even McGonagall was clapping away merrily. That jarred her a bit, especially because they all looked happier than Snape did. The Potions Master was just clapping softly with a faint smirk. And then the food appeared on the tables. "I will no longer hold you all back with my musings… please, eat to bursting tonight! And celebrate another wonderful year together!" Dumbledore chuckled merrily, and Tracey actually felt a little guilty. He gave Ron fifty extra points… Guess he isn't so bad!
The Slytherins ate happily, and their table seemed to be making all the noise. The other three houses looked rather dejected, especially the Gryffindors. The Slytherin and Gryffindor rivalry was no secret at Hogwarts, and Slytherin had once again come out on top! The older students were the happiest of the lot, excluding Tracey and her friends, and they were planning something big by the sound of it.
"I can't believe it" Theo laughed. "He actually gave Ron another fifty points and handed us the win! The old codger isn't so bad!"
"I agree" Blaise said, wearing a genuine smile for once. "This is Slytherin's seventh straight win, and Ron secured it! I doubt anyone will forget this any time soon!" They'd better not! Or I'll remind them myself!
"I wish he was here for this…" Daphne whispered, and she looked exhausted. She's been crying for two whole days… Then Daphne looked up and saw that her friends looked quite put down. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to ruin this…"
"You didn't" Pansy said, putting her hand on Daphne's back and smiling kindly. "He deserves to be here. He worked harder than any of us…" Tracey agreed with that statement, and she also smiled at Pansy. Daphne was right to bring her into the group, the former bully had changed for the better because of it. Because of Ron's influence… Tracey smiled sadly at the thought of Ron. They were all celebrating while he was in St. Mungo's, suffering from his attack at the hands of the Dark Lord. This felt like a cruel joke… The silence amongst her friends told her that they felt the same way.
The Slytherin common room had been transformed into a mosh-pit of sorts. The party was raging on, and even Tracey and her friends were enjoying themselves. They all still felt bad about Ron, but they didn't want to mope about. He wouldn't want that, and they knew it. The older students had brought in kegs of butter-beer, cakes and pastries, and even bottles of Ogden's Firewhiskey. Though only sixth years and seventh years were permitted to drink any of the Firewhiskey.
Music was also blared loudly through an enchanted record player, and everyone was dancing to the music of 'The Weird Sisters'. Tracey danced with her friends, and she was happy to see even Daphne letting loose for once.
The music was stopped abruptly, making everyone stop dancing. Tracey looked to the entrance of the common room, and she saw Snape walk in. He was holding the House Cup and was giving a faint smirk. The older students cheered loudly at the sight of him, and Tracey and her friends joined in. Three seventh year students, one of them being the black haired handsome boy who had approached Ron a while ago, walked up to Snape and shook his hand firmly one-by-one. The Triumvirate… So he was one of them… The Triumvirate then took the Cup from Snape and held it high together. The students erupted into loud cheers again.
The party went on, and the music blared again. Snape stayed for a while, sharing a drink with the seventh years and wishing them all the best of luck in their future endeavors. Many of the seventh years were teary eyed with his farewell, and they all shook his hand in gratitude for everything he had done for them as their Head of House. Eventually, Tracey got tired from all of her dancing and decided to rest her feet. She went to her group's usual spot and sat down, gazing at the warm fire.
"Done for the night?" came a familiar voice. She looked to her right and saw Theo standing next to her. He had two plates of cake, and he offered her one. She took it and gave him a wide smile. Theo then sat down next to her.
"Thanks… and no" Tracey said. "Once my feet stop hurting, I'll dazzle you all some more with my dancing." Theo let out a laugh at that.
"It was dazzling…" Theo chuckled. "Where did you learn to dance like that?"
"In a Muggle school" Tracey said, and then she bit her tongue. She didn't like talking about her Muggle lifestyle to anyone. It made her feel… lesser.
"You went to a Muggle school?" Theo asked, smiling kindly at her. He's just being polite… I bet that he doesn't like the sound of that…
"Yeah…" Tracey said slowly, feeling queasy.
"What… what was it like?" Theo asked her, looking rather interested. "What kinds of things do Muggles learn about?"
"Um…" Tracey muttered, feeling uncomfortable about this topic. "It was quite nice actually… And they learn about similar things to us…"
"They know of magic?" Theo asked, his eyes widening. Is he actually interested in this?! Why? Even Daphne doesn't listen to me much when I talk about Muggle things…
"No, they don't know about magic" Tracey chuckled, and Theo breathed out in relief. "Well they do, but they don't believe it's real… And they learn about their own history, Mathematics, different languages, and that sort of stuff."
"I see…" Theo said slowly. They were both silent for a bit, and they ate their cakes to fill the silence between them. It was a little awkward, but Tracey didn't feel too bad about it. It could have gone a lot worse, she knew that from experience. "Do you think… do you think Ron will be alright?" Theo asked suddenly, taking Tracey off guard. She looked at him, and he was staring at the fire with a vacant expression.
"Of course" she lied because she knew that it was right thing to say. She wasn't sure herself, but she could hope. "He'll be back before we know it, and we can tell him of how he won us the Cup in the end. That all of his hard-work payed off! And then we can all celebrate together! And dance… and everything will be alright…" She felt her eyes burn, and she sniffed. "Ron will be just fine…" He has to be fine…
AUTHOR'S NOTES: And so First Year comes to a close! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, as it was one of my favorite ones to write!
I would like to Thank all of you who reviewed and showed me such overwhelmingly positive support. I never really expected this story to succeed, but your support has been driving me to push harder and harder to write better. So Thank you to all of you who have read the story so far!
And now with the sappy nonsense out of the way, let's get ready for the holidays, and eventually Second year (which I plan to finish before February ends)!