Chapter 25 Quirell

Harry had his head set against telling his family about the man. He kept telling himself that he could handle the tutoring. The man had never tried anything but he continued to give Harry the creeps. And the cryptic messages about Harry's dads and Uncle had continued as well. He was confused as surely Remus would have remembered if something had happened. But as the tutoring continued for weeks Harry never got more comfortable around the man.

Harry at least in the end of November had better things on his mind. That didn't mean there was less stress for him. The first quidditch game of the season for Ravenclaw was the final weekend in November. It was against Hufflepuff though.

Harry was feeling some nerves as they practised on Thursday before the game. "I can't believe the game is in two days."

Rodger flew over to him. "You know you will do awesome. Besides it's against Hufflepuff."

Sean agreed with him. "They are always the easiest to pick off. But we still want to score high to compete this year."

Harry was reminded that Gryffindor and Slytherin were usually the top two teams. "Win the quidditch cup this year."

Rodger clapped him on the back as they landed. "With you as seeker we have the best chance. It has been decades."

Harry was reminded that it had been back before his dads had been in school that anyone but Gryffindor or Slytherin won. Ravenclaw won games but they had not won the cup in over thirty years. Harry planned to help change that. He was not only seeker but he had also been helping with some of the chasers. He had learned a lot from Charlie over the years. Charlie may have been a seeker but like Harry he could have played any position. And he had trained Harry in all of them.

He was not surprised when they came out of the change rooms to find some friends waiting. He was a bit surprised to find Hermione and Padma though. Hermione had not really got into the game and had quit flying lessons as soon as possible.

Hermione saw his shock. "We decided to get some fresh air while studying. And thought to watch a bit too."

Padma agreed. "Pavarti is so sure her house will win the cup this year. Thought I could check this out."

Harry laughed when he heard that. "Definitely not the two I expected to be watching but happy to see you."

Hermione reminded him as he sunk down with them. "You are the third in our charms project anyways. That's next."

Harry was reminded of the group project assigned to them. "We should head to the tower so I can collect my books."

Padama pointed to what he hadn't seen. "We have then. Draco snagged them for us from your room."

Hermione added. "Though he did think we should give you a break. That you may be tired after practice."

Harry shook that off. "I could use the distraction. And I will be busy this weekend."

They were working on a spell when they heard a voice down below. "I told you they would be gone by now."

Another voice which they realised was Ron could be heard. "We need to get in and out as quick as we can."

Harry shot the girls a look. "What is that creep up to? We know nothing good."

Hermione agreed and motioned. "Look who he is with? Now that is a pair made in Tartarus."

Padma agreed. "What are they doing hanging out together? They have nothing in common not even houses."

Harry reached into his bag hoping to find something and smiled when he pulled it out. "One thing. Lets find out."

The girls knew he meant him. Both Ron and Cho had a problem with him and made that clear as often as possible. How the two of them had paired up still seemed beyond them. But there definitely was something going on and they needed to find out. Padama had heard about his cloak but had never seen it up close and personal like Hermione had. Harry was able to sneak both girls under the cloak with him. His dad had done it with three friends.

Harry and the girls found the other two in the hallway to where the change rooms were. Harry realised why Ron would have enlisted Cho to help him beyond needing brains. Only someone from a house could enter quidditch change rooms.

Hermione whispered to him. "I can see why he needs her but why her?"

Padma agreed. "He is a brat but she isn't stupid. She can't need to team up with him."

Harry had to wonder. "Scapegoat if things go wrong? Who knows."

Ron was picking his way into a locker that Harry realised was his. "I knew this would come in handy."

Cho watched him working. "I still think a spell would have been much faster. This seems pointless."

Ron popped the magic lock. "Yeah but that can be traced."

Cho watched him open the door. "Guess you were not as useless as I thought you'd be. Where did you learn this?"

Harry whispered. "The twins. That is a kit they got from Charlie. They used to sneak a look at their gifts."

Ron pulled out Harry's broom from his locker. "He thought he was smart having it here not the shed. You have it?"

Cho took out a bottle from her pocket. "Make sure not to spill it on yourself. You will regret it."

Harry smirked. "No she will."

Harry had no idea what the potion was but he cast a spell to make the bottle crack and spill. He didn't worry about leaving a magic trace as the bottle was broken anyways. And his magic was all over the locker room. Hermione had thankfully acted when she had realised what she planned to do and had shielded Harry's broom from the potion. They had no idea what would happen but they thought it would be fair game since those two were pranking him.

Cho screamed at him. "You fool look what you did? You have no idea what this will do to us."

Ron sputtered as he put the broom back in the locker. "Nothing has happened. Maybe the potion did not work."

Cho was furious. "It takes days. At least some got on the broom right?"

Ron nodded. "It hit me but it hit the broom. But aren't they going to know now who cast it?"

Cho pulled him towards the door once he had locked the locker back up. "We will find an antidote first."

When they were gone Harry and the girls were laughing. They had no idea what the potion was but part of them couldn't wait to find out. They could not believe those two would ever try something with his broom. They knew they would have to find a way to get Filius to strengthen the wards on the locker rooms for them. They were not about to rat out the other two. But they would let the man know they heard people wanting to sneak in. There had to be a way to keep all but the team out.

Hermione shrugged when Harry said they didn't get any practice in. "Oh I think that was practice enough for tonight."

Harry and Hermione had gone to work the next day. They had let it be known to Filius that there was concerns for the locker room. Filius made the changes to their locker room that only members of the team could enter the room. But Harry had also spoken to the twins about their missing lock picking spell kit. The twins were furious when they realised their little brother had sticky fingers. They swore revenge on their brother more for the prank on Harry then on the kit really. But they were angry about both. Harry may have been a distant cousin but more friends for them. And had their loyalty far over Ron.

Harry was able to focus on the game coming up. He did have to wonder what Ron and Cho had done to themselves. They doubted either of them had the skills to be able get themselves out of whatever the issue was.

Harry was nervous as he was getting ready to head out on the field. "Game time."

Rodger clapped him on the back. "No need to look pale. You will be awesome."

Sean agreed. "Only one newbie ever got injured in their first game seriously. And he was a keeper."

A voice came from behind. "Thought you were not meant to psyche out your own team? Leave that to the other house."

Harry turned around in surprise to see Charlie and beamed. "I didn't know you were coming. I am not a lion."

Charlie pulled him into a hug. "I am a former lion anyways. Had to come cheer you on like you did my first game."

Harry returned the hug. "The first game I ever saw. And your first professional game too."

Sean eyed him. "I don't know about having a lion around him. Former or not, don't trust you."

Harry assured him. "Charlie wouldn't prank me. At least not unless we were playing the twins."

Charlie put him in a head lock. "Not even then kid. I have to get to the stands but good luck."

Harry called. "Wouldn't sit near Oliver. He wouldn't take kindly to the fact that you are cheering for us."

Charlie agreed. "He wouldn't be pleased to know his first game remains in infamy."

Tension was easing as he and his team mounted their brooms. He had been coming to games since he was little. He had been to Charlie's first game and at least one game every year since then. He had been at the game when Oliver had been hit in the head by a bludger and ended up in the hospital wing. Harry was able to shake that off himself. He knew enough to know that keepers got very different injuries then a seeker would. He didn't plan to miss their victory party tonight. But as they hit the air and the game started he reminded himself they had to win first. He would not be too overly cocky even against Hufflepuff. Harry knew Charlie was not the only people who had come and he would see the others after the game.

Harry not only wanted to win but wanted to prove that he earned his spot. And when only twenty minutes into the game, when his team had scored two goals already, he caught the snitch. Not his best dive but one few others could do.

As he landed his team landed around him and were clapping him on the back. Sean beamed. "That was awesome."

One of the beaters agreed. "The Gryffindor and Slytherin seekers will have nothing on you."

Another familiar voice came from behind. "Because my cub could out fly most since he was a baby."

Harry turned around and shot into his Papa's arms. "I am so happy you are here. But no embarrassing stories Papa."

Sirius laughed and kissed his son on the head. "You know we would never miss. We are going to take you to town."

Remus was with him. "You would have even put your dad to shame with that."

Rodger looked around. "Where is Professor Flitwick? He always comes down to congratulate us."

Hermione had come up beside Harry's family. "He is dealing with an issue in the stands. Someone seems to have got stuck."

Fred who had come to see him laughed. "It seems Sprout has the same issue. What do those two have in common?"

Harry shared a smile with Hermione. "Who knows."

Sirius didn't believe the innocent look from his son but motioned. "Go shower and we will take you to town."

Harry headed off with his team for a cool down talk and shower. He was so happy his team had won and was on a high. His dad, uncle and to his shock his Grandsire had all come to the game. They took not only Harry but Draco, Hermione, Neville and the twins into town. They would stop at the candy shop for treats for the team to celebrate later. Hermione filled Harry in on what happened. It seems Ron and Cho had found themselves so heavy they couldn't lift their own feet to be able to walk. Harry realised they literally had tried to ground his broom, or at least him. Touching the broom would have hurt him too.

Harry was surprised when his Papa stopped him when the others went into the tower later. Grandsire and Uncle Moony had left them in town after lunch and the sweet shop. The whole house would have a feast that night.

Sirius admitted to his son. "Uncle Moony was telling me you had questions. About a certain teacher."

Harry should have known his Uncle would say something. "Uncle Moony said he was younger. And you didn't know him."

Sirius sighed and led his son off into an empty classroom. "Your Uncle was being honest as far as he knew."

Harry was confused. "I don't understand. I thought all the pranks were all of you."

Sirius reminded him. "Uncle Moony was closer to Lily and Snape those first years. Besides it wasn't quite a prank."

Harry was concerned. "What did you do to him? I mean he remembers all this time later."

His Papa motioned him to sit down. "I don't know if it was him. But I suspect it was."

Harry was worried. "What do you mean you don't know? Did you do something to a group?"

Sirius explained. "It's not what I did to him. It's what I believe he did or tried to do. And to your daddy."

Harry was shocked. "I don't understand."

"Your Daddy was drugged one night when we were in our fourth year. Luckily Uncle Moony realised what was wrong."

Harry was pale. "Drugged? Papa?"

"A date rape potion at a dance. Uncle Moony's wolf senses though came in handy." Sirius explained.

"And you think it was him?" Harry was confused.

Sirius sighed. "I did. Quirell had a crush on your daddy I was sure. He used to creep around. I could never prove it."

Harry was confused. "Why would Uncle Moony lie? He told me he had no idea."

Sirius assured him. "Your Uncle didn't lie. He had no idea we suspected Quirell. Like we said Moony wasn't as close then."

Harry was shaking a bit. "Why would he tell me then? I mean why risk it? He got away with it all those years ago."

Sirius wasn't sure. "Cocky because he did. You need to be careful around him. You will not drink anything near him."

Harry nodded. "I promise Papa."

Sirius held his son to him for a bit before he led his son back to his tower. He told his son to enjoy his party and not worry. Sirius though was boiling over when he left his son. He had never liked the man. If Peter had been a rat, the man had been a bloody cockroach. Sirius wasn't aware his son was tutoring and he was still angry about it. He swore under his breath at the thought the man would actually brag about what he had tried to do to James. The man should not be in the school. Back at home he found his grandsire and mother. He had confided in Alphard when it happened, but his grandfather had learned.

Arcturus growled. "That man better watch himself. He puts another toe out of line he will be lucky if it is just his job."

Harry took his Papa's words to heart and focused on the party. There were not only treats for later but food. None of the house had to go down for dinner as food had been brought for them all. A few friends like Neville and the twins had come as well. The only one missing from the house was Cho. Her and Ron had been given three weeks of weekend detentions for their stunt. Ron seemed to have loose lips when he had been unstuck by his head of house. The detentions officially started the following weekend but tonight they got a bonus one. And that included her not being at the victory party. No one quite missed her sour mood at the party. Marietta though was there, scouring and all, it seems the party was worth it.

While Harry had fun at his party he was even on more alert with the man. He didn't know grandmother had sent Kreacher to school with him. Kreacher was ordered to prepare any food Harry had if he was cornered into being with the man.

The last weekend of school before holidays they were all busy studying but Harry had to go. "I should get to Hagrid."

Hermione turned to him. "You should be focused on tests. You can hang out with him after holidays."

Draco smirked. "You really think you need to teach our resident bookworm to study? He is as bad as you."

Harry tried to look hurt but laughed. "I assure you this will help with my tests."

Draco reminded her. "If he doesn't study enough you have less competition. Be happy."

Hermione laughed a little. "You are only as good as your competition. "

Harry reminded them as he grabbed his cloak to leave. "My grandparents would ground me for holidays if I don't."

Laughter followed him from the room as he headed out. Minerva knew the extra training he got and he had permission. The other teachers were not aware as it was safer that way. Harry wished his training could be part of his actual studies. He was told when he got older they may be able to get the ministry to approve it. But for now he had to balance the two of them. He would have be through OWL exams before any changes were made. Either way he was telling the truth when he told Hermione that it was studying. All of his training with them helped with exams. He had already aced his astronomy.

He had thought he was simply meeting with Firenze that night for a lesson though. But he was surprised when they got to the paddock that it was not Firenze who was waiting for him. He knew all the centaurs.

Harry bowed to Bane who was Firenze's brother, the youngest of Magorian's three sons. "Greetings. I am surprised."

Bane was not hurt. "My brother and father are waiting in the village. I was out with the hunters and said I'd bring you."

Hagrid turned to Harry as he got on. "I will see you later then."

Harry held on to Bane as they galloped through the woods. "Is something wrong? I thought Firenze was teaching me alone."

Bane explained to him. "You have a human teacher coming tonight. As well your grandfather is with us again."

Harry was surprised as he knew Bane meant Galrod. "I was not expecting him for a few weeks. He usually tells me."

Bane simply told him. "He arrived this morning. If my father was aware of his coming I did not."

Harry was happy when he got to the village and was happy to indeed find his elven grandfather. "Grandfather."

Galrod turned to him with his usual smile. "It has been too long child."

Pollux cleared his throat. "If I was a lesser man I may feel scorned. Where is my welcome?"

Harry turned to his other grandsire. "I am happy to see you too grandsire. I wasn't expecting either of you tonight."

Tonks to his shock appeared from a hut. "Or mine I assume."

Harry happily hugged her. "This is cool. I thought we stopped training together now you are in auror school."

Galrod answered himself. "I thought since I was here it would be good to see you both. You flourish together."

Pollux eyed his granddaughter. "I am interested to see how your skills are. I hear reports you excel at the academy."

Though in his usual harsher tone, the comment had been meant as a compliment. Tonks smiled and assured the man she was doing her best. Like Harry she was in fact at the top of her classes. She may not be a book worm like Harry but the auror academy was more about practical skills. It was like how his Papa had flourished in the training even if not when in school. Tonks was a bit surprised her grandfather even bothered to check up on her. Over the years they had grown very close as Pollux trained her. But it still surprised her at times when he took a deeper interest. He of course knew people in the ministry he could ask for such updates on. Though he usually didn't voice such, the man was proud at how well she was doing.

Harry was not disappointed in the change of his training. Having already done his astronomy test, this was better for his exams anyways. But he enjoyed his extra classes with Firenze. It was actually tied with animagus for his favorite.

Galrod noticed something as he worked. "Have you done that before?"

Harry turned his attention to him. "What grandsire?"

Galrod motioned to the torches which were flickering in an odd way. "The fire is practically dancing. Even more casting."

Harry never thought of it. "Are you sure it's not the wind? Grandsire told me it would take years for it really to come out."

Pollux reminded him. "Your elven blood can speed that up. There is no wind, that is you."

Harry worried. "I will not cause a fire will I? I don't want to hurt anyone. That is why they gave me the potion."

Galrod assured him. "The magic of the woods is likely enhancing it. And you are working with your elven powers."

Pollux agreed with him. "You don't use them in school. But we will have you work more with Fleamont over holidays."

Harry was convinced that he was not a danger to himself or others. He also worried though about showing his powers in the class even more then before. He was surprised before he left when Galrod put a charm on the pendant Harry had always worn from him since he was little. Both he and Tonks were never seen without their pieces. Harry had been reminded when he started school that it could be used to summon the centaurs for help if needed. Galrod didn't tell him what it was for but simply to make sure he never left his rooms without it. Harry trusted the man enough not to question it.

Harry was surprised when Pollux accompanied him and not simply to the edge but out. "I thought you'd leave with Tonks."

Pollux motioned to the pendant. "Keep that close. Especially when you are around a certain professor."

Harry was shocked when he realised the man knew. "I always wear it Grandsire. I promise."

Pollux was not pleased when he saw a figure approaching. "Speak of the demon."

Quirell appeared walking towards them. "Sneaking into the woods Mr Potter? They are called Forbidden for a reason."

Pollux smirked when he looked at the man. "His name is Black. As you well know."

Quirell turned to the man and eyed him. "What are you doing on the grounds? You are not even a governor."

Pollux didn't respond at first but turned to Harry. "Why don't you head in. I will deal with this man."

Harry knew better then to argue with his grandfather and was happy to get away from the man. He knew the man could not get him in trouble. Both his head of house and Minerva knew where he was and he had permission to do it. Any student accompanied by an approved adult was allowed into the woods. He was just grateful to escape from the man. He was looking forward to the holidays more then other students were he was sure. And not just as a break from school.

Quirell was not impressed. "I was not done with my student. He should have been in his tower.'

Pollux snarled. "You were done before you started. My grandson had permission."

Quirell turned to leave. "Blacks crawling up like cockroaches from the depths."

Pollux stopped him. "Do not think for one moment you will pull with that boy what you tried with his father."

Quirell put on an innocent look. "I have no idea what you speak.

Pollux grabbed him. "Oh you do. Do you think my grandson kept quiet about his suspicions?"

Quirell spat. "Suspicions? As if he would speak to you about any concern."

Pollux agreed. "But my son he did. Teens had no proof. You mess with that child I will not stop so easily."

With that he allowed the man to storm off but he watched a moment. He had spoken very little to Alphard before his son died. When his son left home he had cut off almost all contact. But his son had come to him with his concerns for Sirius. His nephew had spoken to him about Quirell. Walburga, Arcturus and even Fleamont only knew a bit. They knew Sirius had not trusted the man. Only Pollux knew the full reason for the concern. He was on alert when he learned about the tutoring.

He went to apparate but thought to himself. 'We need to be rid of that man. He means the boy no good.'