Chapter 11: Innocence

Kiba's eyes slowly fluttered open and he stared at the raised roof. His body was still, like it had been before, but the room was warm. Kiba could still feel the tearing pain in his stomach but it was much less, and his chest felt like it was still bound in heavy chains. Kiba moved his head slightly and realized that her wad lieing in a bed, a hospital bed. He slowly raised his hands and saw them bound in bandages, as was his torso. He grunted as he tried to sit upright but fell back down with pain shooting through his body.

"Kiba!" he heard someone yelp "you're awake" he moved his head and looked to his right. Two beds away from him sat Harry with Ron by his side, he too looked at Kiba and Hermione walked over to him. "you okay?" she asked with a smile

"heh." Kiba chuckled, the way she said it sounded like an imitation of him "could be better, but I'm fine" he tried to sit upright once more and managed to lean against the backboard of the bed with Hermione's help. "how long-"

"near five days, mate" Ron said from across the room. "today is the house cup ceremony" Ron had a bandage around his head but was happy, it seemed like he had come out allot better then Kiba. Ron and Harry cane over to his bed "So. What happened after Harry fainted?"

"I'm not sure exactly…" Kiba replied "Quirrell like, crumbled to dust, and then i.. fell" He clenched his stomach at the mention of Quirrell's Death, the death he had caused.

"Ah, Mr. Scamander" Madam Pomfrey said as she entered the room "you're free to go Potter" she walked over to Kiba and motioned for Hermione and Ron to go. Hermione smiled weakly at Kiba as she left the hospital wing to help Harry bring his sweets to his room. "how are you feeling dear?"

"allot better then i remember" Kiba replied "though my chest hurts still"

"ah yes, your chest might take a little while. Just be careful and try not to put too much pressure on it" Madam Pomfrey explained "Your cuts should have healed by now. Let's have a look" Madam Pomfrey carefully removed the bandages from Kiba's arms.

"it looks just as ever" Kiba said. There were no scars, no wounds. Only the knowledge that they had been there, just like the one Kiba had on his face.

"alright then, do you feel strong enough to walk?" Kiba nodded slowly and sat himself on the edge of the bed. He carefully stood up, wobbelled a bit, and then stood straight. He took a few steps and it worked surprisingly well. "Here," Madam Pomfrey handed Kiba a bag which contained lots of sweets, less then Harry's though "you should get to the feast, but take your time" Kiba took the bag and slowly made his way to the common room, and up into his dorm.

'Kiba!' As soon as he opened the door the small dragon flew right to him 'what happened? Are you hurt?'

"Careful, Hotaru" Kiba said letting the dragon land on his shoulder "the chest is still hurting" he rubbed her chin with his finger and dropped the bag onto his bed "it was Quirrell all along Hotaru" Kiba sighed "our blind hatred for Snape made us overlook him"

'what do you mean?' Hotaru replied jumping down onto the bed 'Snape tried to kill Harry'

"no, it was Quirrell who jinxed the broom. You see, Snape was using a counter curse to protect Harry" Kiba explained "and Voldemort… he was under the turban, all this time"

'and what happened to Quirrell?'

"he's dead…" Kiba dropped his head into one hand and placed the other on his stomach "I-I… I Killed him" Hotaru didn't reply, instead she placed her head on Kiba's leg and closed her eyes. They stayed like that for a while until Kiba put on his robes and headed for the great hall. He opened the door and saw Slytherin cheering loudly, Dumbledore paused his speech and waited for Kiba to get seated.

"Yes, congratulations Slytherin. However, recent events have to be taken into account. I have a few last minute points to give" the old wizard spoke stroking his long silver beard "To Mister Ronald Weasley, For excellent use of knowledge and strategy in the game of chess and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends. Fourty Points" Gryffindor was unable to hide their excitement, they might still be last but there was something to be proud of. Ron grew red as a tomato and was unable to close his mouth.

"To Miss Hermione Granger, for utilizing her knowledge of various subjects in the face of danger, to ensure success. Fourty Points" Hermione covered her face with her hands as Gryffindor cheered even louder, they had overtaken Huffelpuff and Dumbledore wasn't done.

"To Mister Harry Potter, for showing great loyalty to Hogwarts and his friends in the face of death, and for outstanding Courage and Bravery. Sixty Points" Harry gasped in awe, and all the Gryffindors were practically dancing now. Second place and not far from Slytherin.

Kiba was smiling brightly, at least they made second. Dumbledore couldn't possibly have more points to give. and honestly Kiba didn't feel like he deserved any at all "but it wasn't only Harry who showed great courage and Bravery." Dumbledore said adjusting his glasses "To Mister Kiba Scamander, for Bravery and Courage, for not yielding to the dark forces even when it threatened his life. And for unimaginable resiliency, standing back up to face the danger and to protect his friends. Fifty Points" Kiba barely reacted when Dumbledore said this. All this praise, and he had killed a man… a Professor...

'i don't deserve this' Gryffindor was losing it and Slytherin grew more annoyed by the second. They had tied with Slytherin, was this going to be the first shared House cup in History?

"it takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies.. but an even greater deal of courage to stand up to your friends. Therefore, i award twenty points… to Mister Neville Longbottom" Neville first grew pale as everyone congratulated him and then he turned red from embarrassment. "if my calculations are correct then i think a change of decoration is in order" He clapped his hands and the Green and Silver decorations hanging from the ceiling turned Crimson and Gold. "Gryffindor wins the House Cup!" Snape reluctantly shook McGonagall's hand and she was handed the House cup. The Gryffindor all took their hats and threw then high into the air, the same couldn't be said for the Slytherin's they were annoyed and felt cheated, but who would dare complain about Dumbledore's decisions. Though Kiba had been sleeping for four and a half days, he didn't feel hungry at all and thus barely ate anything grin the feast.

By the end of that day, everyone forgot about finals results, or that tomorrow they would be on the train home. Everyone received an envelope during breakfast, and some were shocked to the ground. Hermione had finished top of the year, closely followed by Kiba since her Herbology had been better then his. Despite being bested, Kiba congratulated her and she thanked him. Kiba had expected her to be cocky about it but she was a good sport after all. Harry and Ron had reached good grades with the help of their friends and Neville managed to save his grades with an Outstanding mark in Herbology. Kiba had gathered his courage to attempt and make a new friend. Kiba expected the boy to shun, or curse him when he asked him if he had gotten good grades. But Draco replied without a hint of detest or hatred in his voice, maybe there was a chance at friendship with the Slytherin after all…

As Kiba was packing his trunk and then McGonagall suddenly entered the boys dorm. "Hello, Professor" Kiba said kindly as he placed his books inside the enchanted trunk.

"it is, without a doubt, a strange way to end your first year at Hogwarts this way" McGonagall spoke softly,

"we did what we had to, and it turned out quite well" Kiba replied closing the trunk

"well, yes." The old witch sighed "Dumbledore requested to see you before you leave"

"Thank you, Professor" Kiba said picking up his bag and hanging it over his shoulder "have a nice Summer Professor" Kiba smiled weakly and left the dormitory. McGonagall watched him with a worried expression.

To Kiba's surprise, the Staircase was already out from the ground and let him ascend them. He knocked on the door as heard Dumbledore speak, "Come in, Kiba" Kiba pushed the door open and entered the office, where Dumbledore stood by the table in the first section of the office. "the year comes and goes.. less then a year ago you didn't even know magic existed, and now here you stand having defeated the darkest wizard"

"you called for me?"

"Yes. Please take a seat. " he guided Kiba to his desk and he sat down in one of the chairs. "this has been, a difficult year for you.. and i didn't expect it to end like this"

"with all due respect, sir. We nearly died" Kiba said "Quirrell.." Kiba choked was unable to say it, he felt his heart being corrupted as darkness was flowing into his mind. He felt the pain in his stomach return and rubbed his chest uncomfortably. Dumbledore noticed this and took off his glasses.

"We all do things we deeply regret, Kiba. Sooner or later we must all face it" Dumbledore said

"I-I didn't mean to…" Kiba said silently "I… something took hold of me, and told me that he deserves it" Kiba could feel the tears that had threatened to fall, finally roll down his cheeks as they dripped from his chin. He closed his eyes and tried his best to stop. "He was bound to Voldemort, a-and he asked me to J-Join him… i wanted to protect Harry, and the stone… but he was with Voldemort… H-He did deserve it…"

"Many that live deserve death. And Many that die deserve life. But can you give it to them, Kiba?" Dumbledore spoke as he stood from his chair and came to Kiba's side of the desk "Then do not be to eager to deal out death in judgement next time. For even the very wise, don't always see all ends"

"…does that mean I'm just as bad as him?"

"No! Dear boy, No…" Dumbledore said placing his hand on Kiba's knee. "You are far more powerful, and far more wise then he could EVER wish to be"

"yeah right… a First year as wise as a powerful dark Wizard"

"i don't mean wiseness of the mind, i mean wiseness of the heart" Dumbledore said, gently placing his palm on Kiba's chest "you know the importance of Friendship and Love…"

"Will you tell anybody?" Kiba asked

"Professor McGonagall, as your Head of House, has been informed incase you need someone to talk to about it, but other than that no soul will ever know"

"Thank you Professor," Kiba said. He stood up from his seat "i should get down, or the boats will –"

"they're already at the station"

"What? How do i get to the Station- No, nk, no, no Wai-" Dumbledore had placed his hand on Kiba's shoulder and next he knew, he was out of the office and on Hogsmeade station… Alone, well not completely. the train was there and a few students were shuffling to get onto the train. But Dumbledore was no where to be seen.

"Kiba, lad" Hagrid called as he came over to the boy "thought we left yer behind" Kiba smiled at the half giant

"you did actually," he said "but Dumbledore brought me here"

"heh, full of surprised tha' man. Yer better get on the train, 's 'bout time to leave" Kiba nodded and wished the gamekeeper nice holidays before heading into the train to find Ron, Harry and Hermione.

"Promise you'll write this summer," Hermione said as the four got off of the train after the long ride back to Kings Cross.

"no guarantee…" Harry replied, "i don't think Uncle Vernon is going to let me" Ron shrugged his shoulders as Harry said this

"I'll write of something exciting happens," Kiba said "but that is a fantasy" The four shared a laugh and then headed through the barrier. Ron's Parents were already on the station, waiting for him and his brothers. Hermione's parents were there too, they spotted her and Kiba and quickly made their way to them, while Harry and Ron headed towards the Weasley parents.

"How was it dear?" Hermione's mother asked "did the finals go well?"

"she finished top of the year," Kiba replied "not to mention that she also helped Harry and Ron pass"

"really?" her Father asked, he looked rather proud "you really must have been working hard"

"i was," Hermione said. She turned to Kiba and hugged him tightly "I'll see you after Summer. Have a nice break, Kiba"

"you too, Hermione. I bet you'll have loads to tell when were back on the train" Hermione let go of the boy and waved once more as she headed for the station exit with her parents. Kiba said goodbye to Ron, and was left with Harry on the station.

"some year, huh?" Kiba sighed sitting down next to Harry on one of the benches. Harry didn't look up at first, he stared at his palms intently.

"some year.." Harry replied with a weak smile and then returned to his palms.

"it's Quirrell, right?" Kiba asked "you can't get it out of your Head.." Harry nodded slowly and looked at Kiba.

"it felt weird," he whispered "like i wasn't myself. I mean, as soon as i realized i had the power…"

"you didn't kill Quirrell, Harry" Kiba said softly, placing his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Yes i did.. i burned him with my bare hands"

"No, Harry listen –"

"Kiba, you don't understand…" Harry said "by killing Quirrell, I-"

"I killed Quirrell… Harry, it wasn't you."

Harry could only stare at Kiba when he heard him speak. He blinked and thought he had imagined it but then kiba turned his face back forward at the tracks before them "when you blacked out, you dropped the stone. Quirrell was trying to get it and so, I cast a curse…" Kiba explained "but my conscience was slipping, and i couldn't control my curse properly and it was stronger then i intended it to be…"

"So you saved the school? You stopped Voldemort from returning?" Harry asked, "then you should be honoured!"

"no, Harry. You're missing the point." Kiba sighed loudly and closed his eyes "that night, I became a Murderer" he whispered "and it's been tearing me apart ever since… I don't deserve praise for what i did" Kiba placed his hand on his stomach and sighed once again "let Quirrel's death be my burden to bear" Harry nodded slowly add then stood up, spotting his Uncle in the distance. Kiba got up and hugged him, whishing him happy Holidays "and Harry, don't tell anybody.. yeah?" Harry nodded and shot Kiba a happy smile as he walked off towards his Uncle.

The evening was growing late, and the sky outside had darkened enough for the stars to appear. Kings Cross station grew steadily emptier but Kiba remained. 'did they forget about me?' Kiba asked himself. 'but they can't have… Faye would have noticed, she wouldn't forget that I'm coming home today'

"Hey Kid!" a man called out to Kiba. He seemed to be one of the stations workers "you can't stay here the whole night," he said "Off you go!" Kiba swung his bag back onto his shoulder and began pulling his trunk towards the exit. He hoped that when he left the station, that somebody would be waiting for him, that somebody was there to take him to Leverton's. But the street was silent, and the parking spaces empty. All Kiba could hear was the pattering of the rain, and Hotaru's silent snores from his bag. He stood motionless under the last bit of roof that the station building provided, slowly realizing that he'd actually been forgotten. Not only by Faye, but by Lucy as well.. Kiba sighed and stretched his hand out, too feel the unusually cold rain and then stepped into it.

Kiba walked through the various streets of London in search for a black building which stood out from all the others, yet remained undetected by Muggles. Kiba was of course searching for the inn of the Leaky cauldron, he hoped to stay the night there and find a way back to Ilford the next day. It took Kiba two hours until he finally found the pub that Lupin had taken him to almost a year ago, he opened the door and stepped inside. To his luck there was still a bit of activity, which ment that Tom was still there.

"Hello, Lad" the bartender said "Blimey, your soaked.. Wait, have we met?"

"um, yes." Kiba replied stepping closer to the bar "i came here with Lupin"

"Scamander, was it?" Kiba nodded, "what brings you to my pub at this hour?"

"i missed the last bus, can't get home now" Kiba replied. He sat down on one of high chairs and turned it to face the bartender "i wondered if i might stay for the night"

"your a Wizard, call the Knight Bus. it'll have you home in no time"

"the Night bus?"

"No. The K-night Bus. Emergency transport for Witch and Wizard, surely you've heard of it"

"can't say i have. Where does it stop, and when?" Kiba asked quickly.

"it stops wherever it's needed. Just stand on any curb and point your wand at the street, that'll alert the Knight bus that you need transport"

"that's all? No incantation?" Tom nodded as shrugged his shoulders "thanks, sir. Goodnight"

"Goodnight, Mr. Scamander" Kiba hoped off the high chair and left the pub again, he took out his wand as stood on the curb.

'does this count as underage wizardry?' Kiba asked himself. He lifted his wand and pointed it to the street, his wand briefly lit up and Kiba looked to both sides for any sign of the vehicle.

HONK HONK

Kiba quickly took a step back as a purple, Triple-decker bus came around the corner at incredible speed, and just as quickly as it appeared, it stopped. Right in front of Kiba. On the little entrance platform at the back of the bus stood a man in a purple uniform and a Conductors hat. He had pimples all over his face and a ticket machine hung from his neck. He was looking down at a small piece of paper and spoke "Welcome to the Knight Bus, Emergency Transport for the stranded Witch or Wizard. My name is Stan Shunpike and i will be your conductor for this evening" he tugged the paper into his chest pocket as looked at Kiba. They stared at each other for a moment and didn't speak. "well? Where to?"

"Leverton's Orphanage, Ilford" Kiba replied

"then on you get, no time to lose. The Bus can't wait here for ever" Kiba nodded and pulled his trunk into the bus, the conductor led Kiba to one of the empty beds on the first desk and made him sit down. "you heard the lad, Ern" Stan said to the elderly wizard which sat behind the wheel. He wore giant glasses which kind of made him look like an owl, but next Kiba knew he was flung backwards and fell off the bed. He got to his feet and quick grabbed a nearby pole for support.

He looked out the window avid realized that the bus was travelling at an immense speed, avoiding other cars, buses and even pedestrians. The other wizards inside the beds were motionless and slept on, even when the bus screeched because it took a right turn and Shunpike just stood there holding out a piece of paper. "that'll be Eleven sickles" Kiba quickly rummaged through his bag and pockets in hope of finding what was left of his birthday money, which Lupin had sent him. Luckily, he found a Galleon and received six Sickles in return. "what's your name lad?"

"Kiba, sir"

"Sir? How polite… now what's a young wizard like you doing at the Leaky cauldron this late" Kiba struggled to hold on to the pole as the bus took turn after turn

"i was lost," Kiba replied "Ahh!" the bus abruptly stopped and this time Kiba's hands gave way and he flew forwards almost crashing face first into the front window.

"Leverton's Orphanage" Shunpike took Kiba trunk and carried it out of the bus with heavy grunts, Kiba followed after him and saw the bleak building before him. "we sincerely hope you enjoyed the ride in the Knight Bus and wish you a safe night" Shunpike said once he was back on the small platform. "take her away, Ern" the bus rumbled and then shot forward and disappeared from view. Kiba turned back toward the building which he had longed to return to.

"Faye, I'm home" he whispered. He grabbed his trunk and pulled it along to the door, he took a quick look at his watch and realized that the door is most likely locked, and it was. He knocked on it softly and waited.

He was about to knock again when he heard heavy coughing inside and the rustling of keys. The lock clicked and the door swung open, before him stood Lucy, and she looked horrific. Treats immediately began to well up in her eyes ave she slowly got onto her knees and stretched out her arms. Kiba lunged at her and hugged her tightly. "where were you? The police said they couldn't find you" she said through tears.

Kiba could feel tears of his own behind to well up, for some reason it hurt him to see Lucy like this. "i took a bus… because no one-"

"i know, Madam had an emergency at home ave drove away. She said she'd be back in time, but she is still gone" Lucy hugged the Boy even harder and cried into his shoulder "I thought she might pick you up on her way back, but the hours went by and neither of you returned. That's when i called the police so they could pick you up, and then they said you weren't on the station."

"it's okay Lucy, I'm fine" Kiba replied "the bus driver was kind enough to take me along for free, due to my situation"

"okay, you should head to bed. It's late, Goodnight"

"Goodnight" Kiba picked up his things and headed up the stairs. He swung open his room door expecting Faye to be sleeping on his bed after having fallen asleep waiting for him. But no, his bed was empty and tidy like he'd left it. As was the rest of the room. Kiba changed into his pyjamas and hung up his wet clothes on the radiator to dry. He jumped onto his bed and covered himself with the sheets. Even though Kiba would miss the Hogwarts food and his friends, he felt like Leverton's was still his home. He had Faye here avid could also start talking to Jacob since he had spent some time learning sign language. Kiba slowly closed his eyes and felt sleep take him. Telling Harry about Quirrell had helped him, since unlike the previous night, he was not plagued by Quirrell or that horrid face of Voldemort in his dream.

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Yay, SS is done! now it's on to the summer break and them CoS, which the last few chapters have been building towards. Hope you enjoyed the story so far. I promise i won't waste to much time on summer break, maybe a little adventure and then a trip to Diagon Alley. Maybe Jacob will drag Kiba into something? stay tuned!

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