Once Molly was done feeding Ginny, they all sat down again.

"Let's continue"—Dumbledore said.

— CHAPTER SIXTEEN —Through the Trapdoor

A.P. prepared himself, Lily was on the verge of a nervous breakdown and Monty didn't stop looking at Dumbledore with accusing eyes."

In years to come, Harry would never quite remember how he had managed to get through his exams when he half expected Voldemort to come bursting through the door at any moment.

"He is too young to be worrying about that."

"This is going to be his life now, worry about possible dangers."

"I would like to know how quickly Mr. Potter took to transform the mouse into the snuffbox. I recall James here took him no less than 3 minutes."

A.P. shrugged to Minerva— "No idea, Dad became good in transfiguration during his Auror training, before that it wasn't one of his best subjects."

James pouted.

Monty turned to Snape— "I don't like your teaching techniques, Potions should be taught with patience and understanding."

"Potion is in art, that not everyone has."

"Potion is a delicate subject that needs to be explained and you're not doing that"—Lily stated.

Snape pressed his lips together, what exactly did they want from him? He couldn't fix what hadn't happened yet, he ignored the little voice that told him he could start fixing his personality, so he didn't become whatever was being described in the book, but he ignored it.

Harry did the best he could, trying to ignore the stabbing pains in his forehead which had been bothering him ever since his trip into the Forest.

Lily rubbed at her forehead— "But what does it mean? It hadn't hurt until he ran into him."

"Maybe he cursed him"
James glared at Kingsley who apologized.

"Whatever it is, is now there and it won't go away"—Dorea said.

"The worst of History of magic is the exam, it has nothing to do with what he teaches in class. A first-year doesn't know how to self-study."—Remus said to Minerva who pressed her lips and wrote down…retire Binns.

"Again werewolves. Are you showing up?"—Sirius said, he hoped they get Moony soon.

'I wish I knew what this means!' he burst out angrily. 'My scar keeps hurting – it's happened before, but never as often as this.'

'Go to Madam Pomfrey,' Hermione suggested.

'I'm not ill,' said Harry. 'I think it's a warning … it means danger's coming …'

Dumbledore looked pensive— "It could mean Voldemort is close."

"Yes, but if that's what it means, then his scar and Voldemort are connected"—Frank said.

"Like bonded?"—Marlene shook.

Remus frowned— "That's just…. impossible"

"Is it?". —Andromeda said looking at the unspeakable.

A.P. smiled back at her and Monty sighed— "I have many things in my head I need to think about later."

"He's imposing this responsibility on himself."

'Don't you think it's a bit odd,' said Harry, (…) How many people wander around with dragon eggs if it's against wizard law? Lucky, they found.

Hagrid, don't you think? Why didn't I see it before?'

Every person turned to Hagrid who turned red.

"Holy shit they already know how to get the stone."

"Language Mr. Black. Hagrid! What did you do?"

Hagrid shook his head, he had some idea, but he wasn't going to say it out loud.

… So I told him, after Fluffy, a dragon would be easy …'

Everyone groaned.

"Hagrid!"—Lily said with little patience — "For heavens, that didn't seem suspicious to you?"

Dorea grabbed Lily's hand— "Dear this hasn't happened, though it doesn't excuse your behavior Rubeus."

"I'm sorry…it's just that when I drink, I sometimes forget…"

"Then perhaps stop drinking mate"—Remus stated Hagrid

jus' play him a bit o' music an' he'll go straight off ter sleep –'

The Aurors looked at Hagrid as if they wanted to curse him.

Lily collapsed defeated and James facepalmed himself-

Hagrid started sniffing and Marlene took compassion in him—"Hagrid maybe this is a wakeup call, you still have time to get yourself together"

Hagrid shook his head—"This is all my fault"

'We've got to go to Dumbledore,' said Harry. 'Hagrid told that stranger how to get past Fluffy and it was either Snape or Voldemort under that cloak

"Yes, you go do that."

Ted agreed with Augusta. — "Should have done that since the beginning."

"No offense but I haven't heard either of them being close to a professor."

Minerva turned to Alice— "What do you mean?"

"I was very close to Professor Sprout; she always received me even if I wasn't in her house." –Minerva turned to the rest of her ex-students. The Marauders pointed at her, and Lily said Filius was always willing to talk to her even Snape said Slughorn always gave him a moment.

"You see and now I feel none of these three have a friend in the professors, why would they trust them?"

"Yes Harry, go tell Minnie"—

'We want to see Professor Dumbledore,' said Hermione, rather bravely, Harry and Ron thought.'Professor Dumbledore left ten minutes ago,' she said coldly

The Marauders deflated even Snape seemed surprised at Minerva's tone. Sirius turned to her— "Why are you talking to them in that tone?"

"I… don't know I suppose I…"—but Minerva didn't have an answer.

'Something you have to say is more important than the Ministry of Magic, Potter?'

James said accusingly. — "Oi why are you talking to Harry like that, Minnie what the Hell, you sound like they are bothering you are something."

'Look,' said Harry, throwing caution to the winds, 'Professor – it's about the Philosopher's Stone –'

"Suspicion? Suspicion?"—Sirius accused—"What kind of suspicion is he giving you"

'Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow,'

'Potter, I know what I'm talking about,' she said shortly

"That's it?"—Lily asked her professor—"You don't have more questions for them?"—

"The most dangerous artifact in school is known by first years and you don't …"—Ted looked surprised—"Wow, certainly the years have made everyone so detached"

Minerva turned to glare at him—"I don't know what happened…I suppose I didn't believe them because…"

"Because you think he is me"—James stated— "But that's bull because you know I pranked but took things seriously when they had to be"—and he pointed at Remus.

Minerva was distraught

Snape was standing there.

Snape took a deep breath, he kept his face blank, but he couldn't stop thinking he knew what Potter was trying to do or that maybe he had heard the conversation with McGonagall, he was quite surprised Minerva hadn't listened to Potter but obviously, Minerva didn't enjoy Potters rule-breaking more than he.

'Be warned, Potter – any more night-time wanderings and I will personally make sure you are expelled.

"Yeez, no wonder they don't talk to anyone"—Marlene stated—"No one cares anymore"

Professor McGonagall -'I suppose you think you're harder to get past than a pack of enchantments!' she stormed. 'Enough of this nonsense! If I hear you've come anywhere near here again, I'll take another fifty points from Gryffindor!

Minerva looked shocked at herself, she wasn't asking them anything about their behavior, she was just sending them away, not worried at all… what was happening?

Augusta huffed— "You are still angry about the Tower and by that one thing you're not believing them anymore?"

"You could have asked Granger, Snape."

Snape looked at Alastor with a raised eyebrow— "Should I have invited her for tea too?"

Alastor glared— "That girl would have broken immediately by herself, you could have found out about everything and perhaps explained, that it wasn't you. That way they don't end up doing something idiotic."

Snape rolled his eyes; he wasn't going to admit that what Alastor was saying could have worked.

'Well, that's it then, isn't it?' Harry said. He was pale and his eyes were glittering. 'I'm going out of here tonight and I'm going to try and get to the Stone first.'

"WHY!"—Sirius yelled.

"My son is an idiot."

"James!"

Dorea glared and pointed a finger at Dumbledore. — "You let this happen, you impose this on him, it was your responsibility to teach him his true story…"

"It wasn't his responsibility it was Remus and Sirius, none of them are there and Harry doesn't even know they exist. What kind of relationship can they have with a teenage boy who doesn't like to ask for help?"—Lily said angrily.

Sirius and Remus look at each other, they hadn't thought about that…would Harry want a relationship with them?

"Yes, but they aren't there because Dumbledore hasn't allowed it…"
"Have I?"—Dumbledore asked— "Mr. Lupin could have visited Harry…"

Sirius stood up angrily and Remus looked at Dumbledore with incredulity. — "Now is my fault….I´m sure you didn't tell me even if I had asked…"

"How fucking dare you…" -Sirius said, and Marlene pulled him to his seat.

— "Enough I would like to finish this book before Dinner."

'SO WHAT?' Harry shouted. 'Don't you understand? If Snape gets hold of the Stone, Voldemort's coming back! Haven't you heard what it was like when he was trying to take over?

"Oh Harry"—Dorea said quietly.

"Oh, he sounds so defeated and…strong at the same time"—Molly whispered

It's only dying a bit later than I would have done, because I'm never going over to the Dark Side! I'm going through that trapdoor tonight and nothing you two say is going to stop me! Voldemort killed my parents, remember?'

"I admire your bravery son, but this isn't your responsibility"—

"He sounds like you Jamie"—Lily leaned into her husband— "Which makes me even more nervous."

"Gryffindors, too much courage and no brains"—Dorea stated at her husband who smiled petulantly—"He's quite brave isn't he."

"It's so sad, the only thing he has of you is your murder"—Molly said with no harm—"He deserves so much more"

'I'll use the Invisibility Cloak,' said Harry. 'It's just lucky I got it back.'

Monty looked at Dumbledore— "Yes Luck"

"Oh, oh no"—Molly lamented— "The three of them?"

Arthur smiled proudly and a little scared at his son— "Good boy Ronnie."

Molly shook her head.

"Good friends that one."

'What are you doing?' said a voice from the corner of the room. Neville appeared from behind an armchair.

"Umm what?"—Alice asked—"OH, No Nev go back to bed"

"He wants to go"—Frank said—"Let him"
"I don't think he wants to go"

'You can't go out,' said Neville, 'you'll be caught again. Gryffindor will be in even more trouble.'

"Bad moment to have a moral compass."

"You're wasting time."

'I won't let you do it,' he said, hurrying to stand in front of the portrait hole. 'I'll – I'll fight you!'

Even under the circumstances a few of them chuckle.

"He really is your son Ali"—

"Well obviously but Damn Nev not now."

"It takes a lot of courage to stand up to your friends"—Dumbledore said.

you were the one who told me to stand up to people!' 'Yes, but not to us,' said Ron in exasperation.

Arthur smiled—"Doesn't work like that Son"

'Go on then, try and hit me!' said Neville, raising his fists. 'I'm ready!'

"Aww they don't want to fight him"-

"Just tell him, one person knowing what they are doing has to be better than no one"

"It would put him in unnecessary danger."

Hermione stepped forward. 'Neville,' she said, 'I'm really, really sorry about this.'She raised her wand. 'Petrificus Totalus!' she cried

Alice gasped.

"Shit, I wasn't expecting that."

Franks sighed— "Nothing is cushioning his fall; it will hurt later."

"She knows that spell but not levitating charms?"—Andromeda said.

Hermione miserably. 'Oh, Neville, I'm so sorry.'

'We had to, Neville, no time to explain,' said Harry.

'You'll understand later, Neville,' said Ron

"My poor son, well he's definitely your son James."

"Excuse you but it was Hermione who did it, not Harry"—he told Alice.

"They attacked my Grandson."—Augusta was glaring at the book. She didn't know what had happened to the boy to be so…he was nothing like her son or even his mother, just this moment he proved to be brave only to be humiliated.

"Give it a rest Augusta, Hermione probably saved his life. Mind you they are about to go fight a man working for Voldemort".

"If Peeves finds them is game over."

"What did Miss Norris do to them."

"Yeah, kick her."—Sirius said making Remus smile.

Harry had a sudden idea.'Peeves,' he said, in a hoarse whisper, 'the Bloody Baron has his own reasons for being invisible.'

"We can make a Marauder out of him."

Lily rolled her eyes— "Just don't make his head too big."

"Then you should have chosen another godfather"—Marlene mocked and coughed—"Or father"

'Looks like a harp,' said Ron. 'Snape must have left it there.'

Snape made a disgusted look.

The marauder laughed— "I don't see you as a harp kind of guy."

"Violin perhaps"—Alice said making a face to Marlene who snickered.

Harry. 'Well, here goes …'He put Hagrid's flute to his lips and blew. It wasn't really a tune, but from the first note the beast's eyes began to droop.

Remus groaned— "It's not even trained properly."

Hagrid frowned; he had remained quiet after the glares he had received from Mrs. Potter and Minerva— "What do you mean?"

"A properly trained Cerberus shouldn't fall asleep that quickly in an off-key sound."

'I think we'll be able to pull the door open,' said Ron, peering over the dog's back. 'Want to go first, Hermione?'

'No, I don't!'

"Ladies first I suppose"—Sirius mocked.

"She's probably braver than them"—Andromeda scoffed.

trapdoor, which swung up and open.(…) there's no way of climbing down, we'll just have to drop.' Harry, pointed at himself.

James went for Lily's hand, -"Breath flower. He's going to be alright."

He lowered himself through the hole until he was hanging on by his fingertips. Then he looked up at Ron and said, 'If anything happens to me, don't follow. Go straight to the owlery and send Hedwig to Dumbledore

"Why didn't he throw a shoe or something."

"They should have done that since the start"
"Where are the professors?"

"This screams stage"—Kingsley shook his head, and Frank turned to him. — "You think is a trap?"

"No, I think this was planned"—

"But Voldemort and Quirrell…"—Molly started saying.

"Are very much real but this whole thing, the children being involved…"

Everyone turned to look at Minerva and Dumbledore, even Snape turned to them. Minerva looked horrified— "No, I…would never allow that."

Harry let go damp air rushed past him as he fell down, down, down and –FLUMP.

Lily had closed her eyes and let a breath out— "At least it wasn't so deep."

Mad-eye was impressed— "He's brave, he just needs training."

"My son won't be in Auror"—Lily stated looking at James who tried to contain his smile— "Lils that's what he became."

"Because he didn't have us…he will be a professor, plane nondangerous job."

A.P. laughed out loud. Everyone turned to him— "Sorry it's just…fifth book never mind."

'It's OK!' he called up to the light the size of a postage stamp which was the open trapdoor. 'It's a soft landing.

"Check your surroundings Harry"—James whispered.

Molly held her breath when Ron jumped

'Lucky this plant thing's here, really,' said Ron.

"Plant?"—Alice asked— "Plants can eat you, move!"

"Devils Snare!"—A few of them said.

"Oh shit, light they need light."

"cast a Lumos, children are so fucking slow."
Monty was shaking his head— "Hermione you can do fire girl, quickly."

"They are dead."

"Alastor! Please"

"That must have been Pomona's."

'Well, hurry up, I can't breathe!' Harry gasped,

"STOP MOVING!"—Lily yelled—"You would know if you paid attention in class Harry James Potter"—James flinched memories of when she used to yell at him came back, and he pitied his son in the future.

but there's no wood!' Hermione cried, Ron bellowed. 'ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?'

Molly squeaked — "This is not the moment…"

"I can't fault her, it's normal for muggle-born to fall back into what they know."

Lily didn't know how to take this; she was looking at the book with a face of horror and disbelief—"What the hell was that?"

Who are the teachers who set traps again? -Augusta asked

"Pomona, Filius, Minerva, Quirrell, and Snape I imagine that also Dumbledore."

"I'll be very displeased if there is indeed a dragon down there"

It was full of small, jewel-bright birds, fluttering and tumbling all around the room.'They're not birds!' Harry said suddenly, 'they're keys!

"This must be Filius"—Minerva stated— "They have to be charm."

"Aha, no one is going to say it?"—

"Not yet"—Monty stated. He wanted to know how this played out, Harry was down there with two students, no professor in sight and if this had been orchestrated by Dumbledore then he would make sure Dumbledore had no right to his grandson in case of tragedy.

They seized a broomstick each and kicked off into the air,

"This seems made for Harry specifically."

"Just say it, Kingsley."

"Aren't these traps supposed to prevent a robbery? Anyone can pass this."

"Maybe we didn't want to kill, just incapacitate"—Dumbledore said though he remained expressionless he couldn't understand what his older self was doing, what he had orchestrated for young Potter was obvious but what was he trying to prove?

Ron went speeding in the direction that Harry was pointing, crashed into the ceiling and nearly fell off his broom.

Molly gasped in fear- "Where are the professors, why has no one noticed three out-of-bed students."

"That must have hurt."

Harry leant forward and with a nasty crunching noise, pinned it against the stone with one hand.

For the first time, James didn't cheer Harry's catch.

Remus said— "One of them has to return to the surface and inform someone."

"I don't think they truly understand the danger."

'Ready?' Harry asked the other two, his hand on the door handle. They nodded. He pulled the door were standing on the edge of a huge chessboard, behind the black chessmen, which were all taller than they were and carved from what looked like black stone.

Minerva gasped—"That's mine, I…my father and I used to do that."

"At that scale?"

"No no…of course not"

Ron, 'we're going to have to be chessmen.'

Molly— "But that's dangerous, they will get attacked."

"That's the point."—Minerva said.

"Damn, what kind of games did you play with your father."

"So, this was made for Ron"—Kingsley turned to Minerva— "Either Dumbledore asked you to do it, or you're in on it."

"What are implying Mr. Shacklebolt."—Dumbledore asked him.

"You're testing the boy."

James felt a wave of anger shoot through him. He looked at Dumbledore with a glare, he would wait until the end of the book to have some words with the headmaster.

Their first real shock came when their other knight was taken. The white queen smashed him to the floor and dragged him off the board, where he lay quite still, face down.

Arthur cheered at his son—"Come on Ronnie you're good don't let the nerves control you"

"How much time does a game of chess take?"-Ted asked

"Depends on how good your opponent is."

"No alarms have gone off"—Ted stated—"Quirrell has been down there for what two or three hours and no alarm has gone off, now Harry and the children..."

'Yes …' said Ron softly, 'it's the only way … I've got to be taken.'

'NO!' Harry and Hermione shouted.

"NO!"—Molly gasped—"It could kill him, what is he doing?"
"He's being brave"

"Stop being proud Arthur, he's a child no business being involved in this."

Lily felt bad, Ron was involved because he hadn't wanted to leave Harry alone—"Arthur Molly I'm so sorry…"
"No, no dear, Harry does not fault this…the adults In charge of them do" –Molly gave an icy glare at the professors.

Ron called, his face pale but determined. 'She struck Ron hard around the head with her stone arm and he crashed to the floor – Hermione screamed but stayed on her square – the white queen dragged on to one side. He looked as if he'd been knocked out.

Molly cried and Arthur looked pale; the rest of the parents looked solemnly at the couple. Monty cleared his throat— "It seems the house of Potter has an oath of friendship to make"—Making Molly sniffed loudly and Arthur shook his head—"This hasn't happened…Ronnie"

"Will grow to be quite brave"—Dorea smiled— "We can discuss it later"—Arthur gave her a quick nod.

"They must be so scared"—Remus said.

Harry and Hermione charged through the door and up the next passageway.

'What if he's –?'

'He'll be all right,' said Harry, trying to convince himself.

"They probably think he is dead"—

"Sirius"—Marlene chastised. He turned to the Weasleys—"Sorry don't mean it like that but that's what I would have thought at that age"

"Which makes you think how mentally challenging this is for them"—Andromeda stated

a troll even larger than the one they had tackled, out cold with a bloody lump on its head.

"Oh, you have to be kidding me, that's Quirrell, that didn't seem suspicious?"

Alastor agreed with Remus—"Dumbledore what the hell are you doing?"—he turned to A.P.—"You boy…can you answer some questions?"

"At the end"

a table with seven differently shaped bottles standing on it in a line.

'Snape's,' said Harry. 'What do we have to do?'

Snape smiled— "Logic, they have to think"—he sounded so proud.

A.P. rolled his eyes, for a man who hated showing off he had his moments of gloating.

Danger lies before you,(…)

Remus and Lily closed their eyes going through what they just read making the marauders and the girls roll their eyes.

"Nerds"—Sirius coughed earning two fingers.

'Brilliant,' said Hermione. 'This isn't magic – it's logic – a puzzle. A lot of the greatest wizards haven't got an ounce of logic, they'd be stuck in here for ever.'

"Well, that's just rude"—Augusta said.

"She isn't entirely Wrong"—A.P. said— "Wizards overcomplicate and overthink the smallest and simplest of things."
Monty agreed with him—" We have become very reliant on our magic. Everything was simpler when the Muggle and wizarding worlds shared similarities, the more technological the muggle world becomes the further in the past we are staying."—he turned to Lily and Remus—"Oh by the way, Harry needs the smallest bottle"

Lily gave him an incredulously look—"How could you possibly know that"

"Think Lily…don't force it."

Lily looked offended making James laugh loudly, he had enjoyed watching Lily and his father get along, both wanted to be the smartest people in the room, now add Remus and it was a huge debate during dinner. He frowned, he loved those moments, and …Harry hadn't lived any of that.

'Got it,' she said. 'The smallest bottle will get us through the black fire – towards the Stone.'

Snape huffed— "It had to be her?"

"What's wrong with her?"—Marlene defended.

Snape didn't answer, the girl sounded like an insufferable know-it.

"Dumbledore is in London, by the time the owl gets to him Merlin knows what would have already happened"?

I might be able to hold Snape off for a while, but I'm no match for him really.'

Snape raised an eyebrow, the boy certainly inherited Potter's confidence, and stupidity.

Lily collapsed on top of James— "Jamie he's…"

"Bloody brave yeah, but he is hoping Snape and it's not him."

"He's eleven, he's no match for anyone"—Alastor said and received a smack on the arm from Kingsley.

'Well – I was lucky once, wasn't I?' said Harry, pointing at his scar. 'I might get lucky again.'

Lily felt very afraid for her son, she turned to see her husband, he was tense, his eyes were on the book and his jaw clenched. Quirrell was not going to have mercy and she didn't even want to imagine if Voldemort was with him.

said Hermione. 'Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery and – oh Harry – be careful!'

"Poor Hermione, in her mind she is sending one of her friends to his death and the other one is probably dead"—Andromeda said making the rest nod with her.

— CHAPTER SEVENTEEN —The Man with Two Faces

It was Quirrell.

'You!' gasped Harry.

"Oh pup"

"Oh cub"

"Prongslet focus, you can do it."

Severus does seem the type, doesn't he? So useful to have him swooping around like an overgrown bat.

The girls and the marauders laugh. Lily tried to hide her chuckles, but she couldn't contain herself. Snape glared at them and gave them the finger.

'But Snape tried to kill me!'

'Snape was trying to save me?'

'Of course,' said Quirrell coolly.

James sighed, he looked between Snape and Lily who was looking at the men with disdain, clear hurt in her face. James rolled his eyes and turned to his nemesis. – "Thank you I suppose"—

Snape glared at him but gave him a curt nod, Lily huffed making Snape frown.

Dorea pressed her lips, she supposed they had never fixed their differences, she wondered if he ever apologized to her.

Snape frowned at Quirrell's words; the rest of the teachers didn't like him. What did that mean for him?

Quirrell snapped his fingers. Ropes sprang out of thin air and wrapped themselves tightly around Harry.

"NO!"—Lily and James jumped, startling Monty and Dorea who immediately started reassuring them— "He lived remember, he lived."

Marlene could no longer feel her hand because of how tight Remus was holding on to it and Sirius had his arm wrapped around her shoulders practically sitting her in his lap.

'You're too nosy to live, Potter.

"Fuck you Quirrell"—Sirius said.

"Why do all villains like to talk"—Ted said.

"That's good…for Harry"—His wife reassured him.

Snape, who already suspected me, went straight to the third floor to head me off

"That's the moment you call the Aurors, you don't play a cat-mouse chase."

Harry realized what was standing behind Quirrell. It was the Mirror of Erised.

Monty glared at Dumbledore— "You planned this, you sent my grandson to meet a death eater, what the hell Dumbledore?"—

Dumbledore was about to speak but Dorea didn't let him, she held her son's hand to tell him to keep silent— "Don't deny it, I would like to know why?"
"This hasn't happened"

"You're a smart man Albus Dumbledore, think."

All Harry could think of doing was to keep Quirrell talking and stop him concentrating on the Mirror.

Kingsley said— "It's the only advantage he has."

I had Lord Voldemort on my side …'

All of them shuddered at Quirrell's voice. Snape felt dread, he wondered if Voldemort had known of his involvement.

'But Snape always seemed to hate me so much.'

'Oh, he does,' said Quirrell casually, 'heavens, yes. He was at Hogwarts with your father, didn't you know? They loathed each other. But he never wanted you dead.'

Lily said— "just humiliated and embarrassed but not dead. "

"Flower…"—James started.

"What!"—

"Nothing…maybe…well later"—James said shaking his head.

Snapes kept his head low and tried to ignore the tone Lily had talked to him.

'You mean he was there in the classroom with you?' Harry gasped.

Everyone gasped with Harry, Dumbledore almost stood up in shock.

A foolish young man I was then, full of ridiculous ideas about good and evil. Lord Voldemort showed me how wrong I was. There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it …

Lily looked disgusted—"POWER! What kind of power can you have if you only face those weaker than you, those who can't defend themselves? A disgusting excuse to just murder innocents"

"At the end of the day, Power is what many people want."

James turned to his father—"We have Power, never killed for it"

Monty gave James an indulgent smile-"Yes, but we are nice people, and even then, the Potters do have a few family members who have done wrong things."

Sirius snarled at the book, how many times had he heard that speech in his dining room, even from the men himself? – "One can be Powerful without the need to destroy others."

Frank agreed— "It's the weak who get consumed and greedy to see the errors of their ways"

Dumbledore sighed and remained silent, there was a reason why he let those in front of him join his order, even if he had certain reservations for a few he knew they wouldn't be easily corrupted, he turned to Severus who had remained silent, trying to not attract attention, he wondered if Lily's life had never been put in danger, had Severus change sides, that he was here gave him in the idea that the boy wasn't that corrupted.

'He does not forgive mistakes easily. When I failed to steal the Stone from Gringotts, he was most displeased. He punished me … decided he would have to keep a closer watch on me …'

"Yes, but where is he, in the forest?"—

Alastor smacked his cane—"He's sick…"

Monty and Dumbledore quickly turned to him. Alastor couldn't mean…

'What does this mirror do? How does it work? Help me, Master!'

And to Harry's horror, a voice answered, and the voice seemed to come from Quirrell himself. 'Use the boy … Use the boy …'

"No, it can't be"—Monty said, Alastor shook his head disgusted and Dumbledore closed his eyes, had this been part of his plan too, he couldn't imagine allowing a possessed teacher to walk around.

"What is going on?"—Marlene asked.

"He's possessed"—her uncle answered making everyone startled, Snape's eyes widened comically.

Lily was shaking, she felt so cold, James held on to her rubbing her shoulder. —"Get away from my son"

"The smell"—Remus said— "He's…rotting"—

Molly looked horrifying. – "All year, all year, and no one noticed."

"He has the stone."

"What kind of magic is this"
"It must be Dumbledores"
"That makes him even more of a target."

"It's a good lie."

'He lies … He lies …'

"The Dark Lord is the most powerful Legilimency I've ever met, he always knows"—Snape stated.

Where there should have been a back to Quirrell's head, there was a face, the most terrible face Harry had ever seen. It was chalk white with glaring red eyes and slits for nostrils, like a snake.

Molly screamed and even Augusta looked ready to pass out again. Lily pulled at her hair and the rest just sat there agape.

"DUMBLEDORE!"—Minerva yelled making everyone jump. She turned to A.P.— "I need answers."

A.P. nodded but signaled at the book- "At the end."

but there have always been those willing to let me into their hearts and minds … Unicorn blood has strengthened me, these past weeks … you saw faithful Quirrell drinking it for me.

Arthur silently gasped— "He damned his soul for Voldemort?"

"Makes you wonder what his followers would be willing to do."

"Do we truly know what that man is capable of doing?"—Alice said.

"He knows, he knows"—Sirius started mumbling.

'Don't be a fool,' snarled the face. 'Better save your own life and join me … or you'll meet the same end as your parents … They died begging me for mercy …'

"Liar!"—James said while Lily started crying.

Remus, Marlene, and Sirius tried to get closer to their friends. Dorea leaned to hold Lily's shoulder.

Yes, boy, your parents were brave … I killed your father first and he put up a courageous fight…

Monty didn't let his pain show, he sat proudly at that. Dorea cried silently, James holding her hand and his other arm around Lily's shoulders that were shaking. James had silent tears falling down his cheek. The rest were quiet, feeling the grief that Harry had probably felt at that moment.

but your mother needn't have died…she was trying to protect you …

"Always"—Lily whispered into her husband's chest—"I will always fight for him"

Harry felt Quirrell's hand close on his wrist. At once, a needle-sharp pain seared across Harry's scar; his head felt as though it was about to split in two; he yelled, struggling with all his might, and to his surprise, Quirrell let go of him.

Everyone was confused.

"What is happening, is he hurting my son or not"
"It sounds more like Harry…is hurting him"—Remus said frowning.

"Intentionally?"
"He sounds in pain."

'Then kill him, fool, and be done!' screeched Voldemort.

"NO!"

"Fight Harry, fight"—

Quirrell couldn't touch his bare skin, not without suffering terrible pain – his only chance was to keep hold of Quirrell, keep him in enough pain to stop him doing a curse.

"What is happening"—Dorea asked her husband who was looking at the book with a calculating look—"I don't know…it could be accidental magic or something else"

"Yes, Harry defend yourself."

"He's going to Kill Quirrell."

"He's already dead, once Voldemort leaves him, he's dead."

"Will Harry know that?"

Other voices, maybe in Harry's own head, crying, 'Harry! Harry!'

"Who is it, who came"—Lily said sitting up straight.

'Sir! The Stone! It was Quirrell! He's got the Stone!

"For heaven's sake Harry, your life is more important"—Molly said.

"Now he has admirers"—Andromeda huffed— "Damn, Hypocrites."

I believe your friends Misters Fred and George Weasley were responsible for trying to send you a lavatory seat.

The Marauders laughed easing the tension that had built up in the room. Molly chastised the twins.

"Three days, he must be magically exhausted."

I arrived in time to prevent that, although you were doing very well on your own.

"Well bite me Dumbledore"—James told him.

the effort involved nearly killed you. For one terrible moment there, I was afraid it had. As for the Stone, it has been destroyed.'

Lily sniffed.

Kingsley turned to Dumbledore—"Just like that, the flammels are dead?"

"They are 600 years old. Maybe they just realized it wasn't necessary to keep staying alive."

Dumbledore frowned, he assumed this was something Nicolas had agreed to as well.

After all, to the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.

"Potters have never been afraid of dying. We understand how it works"—Monty stated. Dorea rolled her eyes; she hated that damn tale.

James coughed. — "I mean I don't want to die."

Lily looked at both men— "No one is dying, not on my watch."

"So, there is more to death?"—Ted asked.

"Perhaps, our loved ones never truly leave us"—Dumbledore said sadly.

'Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.'

"Maybe you should put that in the prophet."

… not being truly alive, he cannot be killed. He left Quirrell to die; he shows just as little mercy to his followers as his enemies.

Snaped, he shifted uncomfortably in his seat and avoided Moody's gaze, he knew very well how the dark lord dealt with those who failed him.

But why would he want to kill me in the first place?'

'Alas, the first thing you ask me, I cannot tell you. Not today. Not now. You will know, one day.

Lily nodded in agreement. – "I don't think this is the right moment to tell him about the prophecy, besides if he already believes that it is his duty, that will only cement that idea."

"And when do you think it's appropriate"- Sirius asked her.

"I don't know, fourteen or fifteen."

James frowns- "I'm worried that in any case he already believes that this is his responsibility, better keep him on guard, prepare him."

"He's not a soldier"- Dorea told him.

"Aha, tell Dumbledore that."-

'Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection for ever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed and ambition, sharing his soul with Voldemort, could not touch you for this reason. It was agony to touch a person marked by something so good.'

Monty snapped his fingers. -"Of course, Lily, your sacrifice, you gave your life for him, knowing that you were going to die..."

"And that's enough?" -Molly asked

"There is an entire room in the Department of Mysteries dedicated to love magic. Lily's sacrifice is pure magic, maternal love, survival love, it is simply love."

Lily was crying heartily, James was giving her kisses on her cheek, and he smiled at her –"You never cease to amaze me woman."—Lily chuckled kissing him back.

your father happened to leave it in my possession

"You Lier"

"At least he gave it back"—Monty said, and Dumbledore looked at him over his Glasses.

'Professor Snape, Harry.' 'Yes, him –

"Can't fault him for the lack of respect"

your father did something Snape could never forgive.'

'What?'

'He saved his life.'

Snape looked at Dumbledore in disbelief. —"Beg your pardon?"

James shrugged, it was kind of true, but he doubted Snape saw it that way.

Professor Snape couldn't bear being in your father's debt … I do believe he worked so hard to protect you this year because he felt that would make him and your father quits. Then he could go back to hating your father's memory in peace …'

Lily was looking at Snape, the man made to speak but he turned to look at her and remained silent. There was another reason why Severus had treated her child so horribly and Dumbledore knew it, that look they shared had said it all. She didn't want to think about it, thinking about meant having to talk to Severus and she didn't want to.

He already knew – he just said, "Harry's gone after him, hasn't he?" and hurtled off to the third floor.'

Dorea rose pointing a finger at Dumbledore—"How dare you."

"Dorea please sit"

"I'm not going to sit down, I want an explanation, Dumbledore believes that he has the right to do whatever he wants with people's lives, first my children and now my grandson..."

"Mom, please"

"Shut up, James."

James kept silent, making Lily laugh. –"Dorea, let's finish the book, and then we'll talk."

Dorea continued to look at Dumbledore angrily but nodded.

Hagrid burst into tears.

'It's – all – my – ruddy – fault!' he sobbed, his face in his hands. 'I told the evil git how ter get past Fluffy! I told him! It was the only thing he didn't know an' I told him! Yeh could've died!

The Hagrid in the room was crying and apologizing to everyone as well.

It seemed to be a handsome, leather-covered book. Harry opened it curiously. It was full of wizard photographs. Smiling and waving at him from every page were his mother and father.

'Sent owls off ter all yer parents' old school friends, askin' fer photos…Knew yeh didn' have any… D'yeh like it?' Harry couldn't speak, but Hagrid understood.

"Oh Hagrid, I was mad at you but that's really nice, thanks."

"Our friends' What friends, aren't they all dead?"

"For the love of Merlin, James..." - Sirius said seeing Marlene's sad look.

Remus was exasperated—"Did I send you pictures to him? And I didn't go for him, I didn't send him a letter."

"You have to stop asking Albus already said you didn't."

"Well let me hope Alastor"

'Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin,' said Dumbledore. 'However, recent events must be taken into account.'

The room went very still. The Slytherins' smiles faded a little.

Snape gave Dumbledore a glare—"Then why give it to them?"

Alice nodded—"I agree, that's mean"

'First – to Mr Ronald Weasley …' '… for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor house fifty points.'

"Wait, so everyone knows?"

"I doubt they know about Voldemort."

Miss Hermione Granger…for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house fifty points.'

"Did that merit fifty points?"

"Why not give them points for their bravery."

Mr Harry Potter …' said Dumbledore. The room went deadly quiet. '… for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house sixty points.'

"Sixty points! He almost died and you gave him sixty points?"

'It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr Neville Longbottom.'

Alice clapped getting an amused chuckle from her husband— "What?"—she shrugged.

'You must come and stay this summer,' said Ron, 'both of you – I'll send you an owl.'

"Yes, go to the Weasleys."

"Molly, you have my permission to take him."

Molly nodded as if she was about to drag Harry to her house.

It was Ginny Weasley, Ron's younger sister, but she wasn't pointing at Ron.

'Harry Potter!' she squealed. 'Look, Mum! I can see –'

'Be quiet, Ginny, and it's rude to point.'

"Aww, poor girl"

"I wonder, how many like Ginny feel that way about Harry because of the books about him."

'You must be Harry's family!' said Mrs. Weasley.

'In a manner of speaking,' said Uncle Vernon. 'Hurry up, boy, we haven't got all day.' said Harry, 'They don't know we're not allowed to use magic at home.

"Leave my child alone."

"Fuck you, ugly muggle."

"Harry is about to fuck with them."

A.P. clapped— "First book complete, let's have lunch"—he said getting up and hell went loose. Dorea was on her feet yelling at Dumbledore, Minerva was being reprimanded by Sirius, and Alastor was talking to Kingsley and asking Frank over. Augusta left to go see the children along with Molly and Arthur was talking to the Tonks.