Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

...

"Harry, before we venture any further I must request that you follow my instructions at all times, regardless of the situation," declared Flitwick as he stood in the Forbidden Corridor alongside the first year student. "This prophecy that we are a part of, to my knowledge, didn't actually explain what parts we would have to play in what is to come. What is in there however is highly dangerous and much more than a first year student is able to cope with. Promise me that you won't do anything reckless."

As Harry promised that he wouldn't do anything unless ordered, the half-human teacher was looking at the young student with a wary eye. By now he had been expecting a plethora of strange and elaborate questions regarding the dangers that he had briefly mentioned. For a child not yet a teenager, this was odd behaviour to say the least. Considering how calm Harry actually was seemed simply unnatural and Fillius pondered whether or not Harry had partaken in some manner of potions beforehand in order to not freak out about every little situation that would come their way.

No, a first year student wouldn't have been able to brew Calming Droughts, regardless of how much of a prodigy they were. Theoretically the boy could have stolen such a potion from the Hospital Wing but he thought it unlikely. This did raise the question however as to why Harry was holding his mentality like that of someone twice his age. He did recall how Rita Skeeter had written about the level of maturity Harry had shown in an interview but considering the useless dribble which sprawled across her 'articles' he could hardly call it a decent reference.

Now though he wasn't so sure just what to think.

"Are you alright, sir?" asked Harry, snapping Fillius out of his muse.

"Yes, sorry, just lost my focus there for a second," said Fillius as he composed himself.

"Well then, shall we?" said Harry as he gestured towards the door. As Professor Flitwick and Harry prepared to duke it out with the tests beneath them, little did they know that their process was being followed.

"I don't understand," said Hermione as she looked at the Marauder's Map, watching the little marks indicating both Harry and the Charms Professor proceed deeper into the forbidden corridor.

"What part?"

"Cause honestly there's a lot about this…"

"That doesn't make any kind of sense…"

"Which we sometimes find…"

"Is the best kind of sense."

Hermione looked up from the map sprawled across the table at the twins who had only been more than happy to allow the brown-haired girl use of their (technically Harry's) precious artefact. "Well we have to work backwards then," declared Hermione.

"Considering the two of you are practically tied to the hip, have you noticed anything odd about Harry as of late?" asked one of the brothers.

"That's a nice question, Fred."

"Why thank you, Fred."

Sometimes she hated when they did this but for now Hermione simply took in a deep breath and focused on the question. "Ever since he put up the sign declaring Potter Club would be temporarily inactive, he seemed a bit more…distant than normal," answered Hermione.

"Distant how?" they asked at the same time.

"He would just be gone for hours at a time," said Hermione slowly. "I'd be working on homework with him or reading a book or something in the common room with him before he would go up to his room and then just vanish."

"How do you know he had vanished…"

"When you couldn't access his room?"

"I asked Neville to go up for me," said Hermione.

"So you believe all of his frequent disappearances then were leading up to this?"

"Very nice question there, George."

"Why thank you, George."

Hermione ground her teeth against one another before calming herself once more. "That's about the only thing that adds up. We know Harry is powerful, far more so than anyone our age should be."

"Perhaps this is a test?"

"A trial perhaps?"

"But that wouldn't give Professor Dumbledore enough reason to tell every student that the floor was forbidden; just that they couldn't enter it without permission from a faculty member. 'A painful death' doesn't particularly state that it would be safe at all, let alone as some kind of test. We don't have any evidence and basically we're just grasping at straws."

"Do you think it might have anything to do with why Professor Quirrell is at the end of the tunnel?" asked one of the twins as they pointed at the map. Hermione and Fred/George's brother George/Fred looked at the part of the map in question. While Harry was currently zipping around one room as if on a broom, down the number of rooms they had yet to cross was Quirinus Quirrell, pacing up and down the final part of the collection of rooms.

He was not alone.

It was Hermione who spoke next, her question however was unable to be answered. None of the three students had heard of the person whose name clung to the defence professor like a parasite.

"Who's Tom Riddle?"

…

Once more the Charms Professor had to be impressed with the level headedness the child next to him had shown. At the beginning of the set of tasks he had known something was wrong, the giant harp lulling Hagrid's pet to sleep was as bad a warning sign as anything. The more disturbing sign was that Harry hadn't even looked surprised at the giant Cerberus, he didn't even try and feign shock. With each and every test they passed Harry seemed to already know what to expect.

Filius had started to doubt Harry's story whilst solving the giant chess board, the task giving him enough time between moves to start putting plot holes into Harry's story. He knew it was wrong to second guess the first year student, especially since he had been correct in knowing that the precious artefact stored within the walls of Hogwarts was in danger. The supposed prophecy though didn't go into details on each and every task that they would have to take.

Harry knew more than what was going on, Filius didn't know how but if the child really had more than an inkling of what was going on here then who was he to complain? Someone had clearly gone after the Philosopher's Stone and as far as he could tell, any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

The questions would come later.

Now though, with the last task behind them, the diminutive teacher turned to the boy who had journeyed with him thus far. Before he was able to say anything however he was cut off by Harry. "I take it you don't want me to come with you past this point," he said.

"Quite right, while we have faced dangers thus far we know not what we may find beyond the next door and I will not risk your life with an unknown threat," said the professor. "I hope you understand."

"Here's where I counter and say that there is safety in numbers."

"Here's where I use my authority over you and humbly request that as a student you listen to your teacher. Now before we continue this banter further please wait here, I'll be back in a jiffy."

"Alright professor," said Harry as he crossed his arms over his chest, clearly not liking the situation. To Filius however it mattered not how much young Mister Potter liked the situation. To this point he had known of all the obstacles they had to encounter.

Beyond this last door however there was no telling what he would find.

…

"Filius, how unexpected," said Quirinus, dropping his stuttering persona, sensing that there was no need for it. He had been caught red handed, the blasted mirror in front of him had stooped him for far longer than it should have. By now the Dark Lord should have been resurrected and praising him for his efforts.

"Explain!" demanded Filius, his wand already out and prepared for battle. Slow cautious steps echoed through the room as the Charms Professor made his way down the stairs. His wrist was steady and his eyes sharp, flicking from side to side as often as he could to ensure that no further traps had been laid.

He would not be caught unprepared.

"I don't need to explain anything," said the Defence Professor as his arm lifted up slowly, wand held in a vice like grip. It never reached the appropriate angle before Quirinus had to leap to the side, a blast of magic causing the ground he had been standing on to explode in a shower of stone. That was not the end to the attack however as he had cast a shield that rendered the debris into nothing, his opponent having used the newest part of the battlefield to attack him. Turning simple levitation charms into an attack, this was the calibre of the man he was facing.

Pitiful.

"For an opening attack, I'm disappointed," declared Quirinus before his wand was moving swiftly, intricate patterns dancing in front of him before the columns that stood either side of exploding. Heavy chunks of stone and mortar rained down upon the diminutive duellist who shot a quick stunner at Quirinus before ensuring his survival. Blocking the spell was a simple exercise for Quirinus but the time taken in order to ensure his safety prevented him from following up on his attack.

Instead of focusing his next assault on Filius, Quirinus instead turned his attention to a large chunk of mortar that had fallen to the other side. While Transfiguration wasn't particularly his strong point he was skilled enough for this. His intended target indeed changed shape and form, twisting from stone into flesh and with a ferocious roar the lion he had transfigured leapt into action, claws and teeth poised for the kill.

The lion never reached it's intended target, the beast having been knocked clean off course and in turn reverting back to its previous form. It was only through sheer battle experience that Quirinus stepped to the side and avoided the cutting curse that would have pierced through his skull. Avoided for the most part at least.

His ear had been severed clean off, blood poured down the side of his head as his turban fell to the ground. While it burned, Quirinus cast a quick fire spell at the side of his head in order to cauterize the wound. It would seem first blood had been spilled, the attacker though was not one that he had been expecting. "That's a second year spell Harry Potter, you've been studying ahead it seems," said Quirinus as he saw the black haired boy step forward to be side by side to Filius who had managed to escape any injury thus far.

It seemed he was getting rusty.

"The boy…he can help…" said a raspy voice that belonged to none of the three men.

"Are you sure Master?" said Quirinus, not lowering his wand for a second.

"Master?" repeated Filius in confusion, opting at the moment to not scold Harry for not having adhered to his instructions to stay behind. It seemed as if his skill would be more of a benefit than not and at the moment he would take any help he could.

"He's talking about the parasite stuck to the back of his head, the leech known as Tom Riddle," explained Harry quite loudly.

"You dare speak of my Master in such a way!" shouted Quirinus.

"The boy…do not let his words…provoke you," said the voice once more.

"Hey Tom, what's it like to get some fresh air after a year wrapped up in a turban?" asked Harry.

"Professor, it must have been hard for you as well, heavens if you rolled over in your sleep you would suffocate the cockless prick latched on you."

"…Kill him!"

"As you command," shouted Quirinus as he shot a spell at Harry, the young boy levitating the debris in front of him to block the attack as Filius launched a counter attack, Quirinus having to shield straight away in order to block the hex. Before he could launch another attack a cutting curse was cast at him, this one piercing through his leg. He screamed in anguish for but a moment before a blasting curse caught him in the chest, shattering several ribs.

Collapsing to his hands and knees, Quirinus couldn't help but expel blood from his mouth and didn't even pay attention as he was disarmed, his strength having left him. Had he truly grown so weak?

"Harry Potter," came the voice of his master. "You have grown splendidly. I was right…in trying to kill you as a babe. You will grow stronger still. A worthy challenger…has now appeared. You and I…will one day dance…the dance of death. Until that day…farewell Harry Potter."

Quirinus couldn't even get a word out before he felt the strength of Voldemort leave him, the master he had protected forcibly separating himself off of Quirinus. Whatever strength he had had at that moment was sapped from him, the life force forcibly taken would sustain his master long enough for him to cheat death once more. As his limbs gave way beneath him, he couldn't help but smile.

He'd done his duty.

He could die in peace.

…

Harry watched as the shade flew away, neither he nor the Charms Professor having a spell that could contain it. Biting at the inside of his lip Harry couldn't help but feel that this had been a shallow victory. Quirinus was now dead at their feet and Voldemort had gotten away. The stone though was safe, that had to count for something.

"Mister Potter," said Filius as the Charms Professor looked up at Harry. "Firstly I must state that it was foolish of you to go against my warning, I told you to stay behind for a reason."

"But…"

"I guess I must thank you for stepping in when you did," said Filius. "I don't quite know how or why you know what you do, which is a lot more than you're letting on I can tell that much. I will not pry however as you clearly have your mind set on the goal ahead which it seems is defeating Lord Voldemort."

"You said his name!" exclaimed Harry. "I've found someone else who can say his name!"

"I am part Goblin Mister Potter, it would be a dishonour upon us if we dare not speak the name of our enemy," explained Professor Flitwick.

"You mean a whole civilization can speak his name!"

"Regardless of my ability to speak a name, you were more than aware of what was going on and played a great part in preventing Voldemort from regaining a corporeal body," said Filius. "No amount of house points will be appropriate for such an accomplishment but instead I offer you this. Both for the remainder of this year and next I believe that you can be relieved from my classes."

"You're kicking me out of class?"

"In return, please use this extra time to prepare yourself for the war to come and believe me, if this was just a taste of what is in store then believe me when I state that war is coming," said Filius. "I will speak of what happened here tonight with the Headmaster but minimize your participation in it. I think for now as few people as possible should know of your strength."

"Thank you," said Harry happy that his prowess wasn't going to be displayed for the world to see.

"If there is anything more you need of me, now or in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you," said Harry again as Filius started to head toward the exit. Harry meanwhile breathed a sigh of relief before he turned his attention towards the mirror that stood proudly in the middle of the room.

There he stood, an older version of himself looking down on him with a smile in all of his naked glory as a beautiful woman stood by his side, their hands pressing against all parts of his body, gliding up and down and feeling every nook and crevice. He could almost feel the manicured nails sliding up and down his skin and tearing it to bits. Quite the sensation, he felt, even though it was only all in his head. And speaking of heads, the one covering his groin like a censor bar seemed familiar. Though now slicked out more, the bushy curls were unmistakeable.

If she ever found out he would die by sodomy with his own wand. Wingardium Levi-owsah.

"Come along now Harry," shouted Filius, snapping Harry out of his stupor and he quickly tore his gaze away from the image in front of him. That…that was his desire? Not bad by any means but still! The jovial feeling of being with his parents had seemingly long since passed and apparently he wanted nothing more than to be in the middle of a threeway. He summarized it was probably due to the fact he was reaching puberty for the second time, hormones he had already gotten used to rearing their head once again and fuelling his imagination.

He just wished though that both women weren't amongst his peers.

…

Hermione and the twins had no real idea what to make of the event they had watched on the map, especially since there was so little context to go off. One thing was certain however, with their Defence Professor's name fading from the map it could only mean that he had passed away. Once more though, they couldn't make heads or tails about the situation without any form of context.

As they watched Harry and Professor Flitwick backtrack through everything they had gone through earlier they had unanimously decided not to pry into any of the details. None of them particularly wanted to know why Professor Quirrell had died and unless they were told of the circumstance they would not ask any questions.

Curiosity killed the cat after all.

…

Albus currently sat in the middle of the Great Hall, the area decked with the red and gold of Gryffindor while his fingers remained laced beneath his chin. Voldemort had infiltrated his castle, latched to one of the very Professors he had employed throughout the year. It was mildly ironic that that was likely as close to the Defence Against the Dark Arts position Tom Riddle would ever get.

When he had returned from the Ministry it had been to find Filius waiting for him in his office with a grim tale to tell. Having shared in a glass of Firewhiskey with the Charms Professor ad Filius explained how he and young Harry Potter had entered the forbidden third floor and confronted Professor Quirrell.

While he didn't approve of Filius having taken a student towards such danger he couldn't help but admit that the right choice was made, even if both members were unaware of the prophecy. Thus he had to play the part of Headmaster and scold Filius for putting a student in danger before praising him for his effort against Lord Voldemort.

He had been afraid that Tom Riddle hadn't died that night a decade ago and here was proof. It would seem that the battle was about to begin. No, the battle had never ended in the first place; it had just been temporarily put on hiatus.

Ignoring that situation for the moment, his eyes focused on the students amassed before him. After all, this was the final feast and Gryffindor's celebration for having won the House Cup. He would focus on the battle that was to come at a later date, for now he had a speech to make.

Pushing himself upright, silenced reigned about the hall moments after Minerva had hit her knife against the side of her goblet. Taking in a deep breath, Albus set about the last speech he would have to make for the school year.

It was unfortunately lost in translation.

…

"Un altro anno passato e devo problemi con cialda sibili di un vecchio, prima di affondare i denti nella nostra delizioso banchetto. Che anno è stato! Speriamo che le teste sono tutti un po 'più ampia di quanto non fossero. Hai tutta l'estate davanti a farli bella e vuota prima anno inizia la prossima. Ora, se ho capito bene, la Coppa delle Case qui ha bisogno di premiazione, ei punti di stare così..."

At first it had started as a snigger, followed into a chortle before the Great Hall was bursting with laughter, the mere fact that Albus Dumbledore was clearly trying to make a very important speech made it all the more hilarious. Little did he realize that the set of runes at the front of the stage where a set quite commonly used when speaking with foreign dignities. This set in particular allowed all those on the other side of the line to hear everything in Italian.

It only got more entertaining when Snape stood up, his eyes ablaze as he started demanding the students show some respect, or that's at least what Harry thought the Potions Master would be attempting to say. Before it could get anymore out of hand a firework shot out from behind the teacher's bench startling the faculty as they looked up just as it exploded, golden letters spelling out a very simple message.

POTTER CLUB WILL RETURN

...

Thus first year comes to a close. Thank you for joining me to this point and I hope you have enjoyed.

Until next time.