Chapter 18. The Choices We Make
Harry's next Quidditch match was today. The thought that Ravenclaw might be able to win the Quidditch Cup was exciting, but Harry was nervous, as Professor Snape was going to referee. Something he never did.
Everyone knew Snape favored his Snakes, and they kept telling Harry that he would be unfair in his rulings and cause Hufflepuff to get extra points so Ravenclaw could not overthrow Slytherin for the House Championship.
Harry was surprised and relieved to see Dumbledore in the stands when he walked onto the field, but he completely forgot about him when he saw Snape standing with the Quaffle. He hoped Snape would be mostly fair and not cause too much damage. The whistle blew and up in the air Harry went.
Harry could tell they were by far the better team, as only three minutes in, Ravenclaw was already ahead fifty points to ten. Snape did award many penalty shots to Hufflepuff, but it did not do any good, Alexander had stopped each one.
Then Harry saw it. The Snitch was fluttering right behind Snape's shoulder, and the Hufflepuff Seeker, Cedric Diggory, had seen it too. Harry shot towards the Snitch like a rocket and Snape was a black blur as he passed him. Harry and Diggory were neck and neck when the Snitch went into a spectacular dive.
Harry streaked towards the ground like a bullet. Diggory pulled up as they got close to the ground, but Harry kept going. At the last possible second, he pulled out of the dive and raised his arm in triumph. The game had lasted five minutes. The field overflowed with students cheering. Anissa flung herself into Harry's arms and squealed.
Harry saw Draco standing there with a small smile and discreetly clapping. He even felt smug satisfaction from Saleena, which made him smile wider. Suddenly, Harry was shoved from behind and Anissa fell to the ground. Draco quickly helped Anissa up as Harry turned around and came face to face with Zabini.
'What now?' thought Harry. Saleena hissed threateningly in his head.
"I'm surprised you stayed on your broom this time, Potter. Too bad you didn't smash into the ground instead of catching the Snitch." drawled Zabini.
"Go away, Zabini. You're not welcome here." said Anissa, taking Harry's arm to leave.
Zabini ignored Anissa, intent on his insults to Potter. He wanted to hurt him for taking away one of his best friends. It angered him to see Draco touching the Mudblood so casually. Harry had started to walk away when Zabini's voice froze him in his tracks.
"You know, if you had crashed, you could now be with your blood traitor dad and Mudblood mother."
Harry snapped and saw red, and before Zabini knew it, Harry was on top of him, punching him anywhere he could. Draco rushed in to pull Harry off, but before he could reach them, they were all frozen.
Severus pushed through the crowd, livid at the scene he was just witness to. Potter brawling on the ground like a neanderthal… disgusting. Severus grabbed Harry by the back of his robes and jerked him off Zabini.
"Detention Potter, and fifty points from Ravenclaw! Crabbe, Goyle, take Zabini to the hospital wing. He will need to be healed for his detention tonight."
With a final glare at Harry, Severus turned and stalked off, his robes billowing around him. Even after getting detention and points taken by him, Harry was still envious of Snape's robes doing that. He wondered how he did it, as it was intimidating when he stalked around.
"That was unfair. Zabini should have gotten points taken away from him too." said Anissa.
"Yeah, well, when is Snape ever fair when it comes to his Snakes?" asked Harry.
Draco just shook his head. There was nothing he could say. Shaking his own head, Harry went to the changing rooms while everyone else headed back to the school. He was the last to leave, and as it was almost time for dinner, he was hurrying. As Harry was making his way up to the school, he saw a familiar billowing black cloak hurrying towards the Forbidden Forest.
'Hmm. Wonder what Snape is up to?' Harry thought.
Harry decided to see what Snape was doing. Maybe if he was gathering potions ingredients, he would let Harry help him. He had helped Snape before and learned a lot about the plants they harvested. Plus, it would give him a chance to ask him some questions.
Harry changed into his raven form and followed Snape into the forest. He went in farther than they normally did to gather plants and that intrigued Harry. He was about to land and change back, when he saw that Snape was not alone. A person was waiting for Snape in the shadows. Harry landed on a branch just behind Snape to watch.
"I d-don't know why y-you wanted t-to m-meet out h-here, S-Severus," Quirrell stuttered as he looked around nervously.
"I thought we'd keep this private," said Severus. "No one is supposed to know about the Philosopher's Stone, after all." Harry perked up at that. Maybe he would be hearing more about what was guarding the stone besides Fluffy. "Have you figured out how to get past Hagrid's beast yet?"
"S-S-Severus, I –"
"You don't want me as your enemy, Quirrell," Severus towered over the quivering Quirrell.
"I-I don't know w-what you –"
"You know perfectly well what I mean. I'm watching and waiting, so you had better decide where your loyalties lie. We'll talk again soon."
Snape turned and strode away. Harry saw Quirrell's face change from scared to angry as he pulled out his wand and pointed it at Snape's back. He was going to curse Snape! Harry streaked down and grabbed Quirrell's hand with his claws, digging into his skin. Quirrell screamed in pain and jerked back as Snape turned quickly, wand out, ready to defend himself against whatever was attacking.
Quirrell was holding his bloody hand while trying to run away from the raven that was swooping down and clawing him at him. As a scratched up Quirrell passed him, Snape looked at the raven and wondered why it seemed familiar to him. He had no idea what Quirrell had done to anger the bird, but he was definitely going to feel that tomorrow.
Detention that night was with Hagrid again, but this time they were going into the Forbidden Forest. Saleena wanted to follow him in the shadows to keep him safe, but Harry assured her that he would be fine with Hagrid and told her to go and hunt instead.
He did not want her to accidentally be seen. There would be a hunt for her and she would not be able to roam freely as she so enjoyed now. She agreed reluctantly, grumbling the whole way, much to Harry's amusement. He knew she was hungry.
"The forest?" squeaked Zabini. "We can't go in there – students aren't allowed."
"Yeh'll go in there if yeh want ter stay at Hogwarts. Yeh've done wrong an' now yeh've got to pay fer it. Now let's go." stated Hagrid firmly.
Harry could hear Zabini mumbling under his breath as they walked into the forest. He could see that Zabini was scared, and he really could not blame him, but he did smirk at him. Harry received a glare back, before Zabini's face turned frightened again as he tried to look for anything in the darkness between the trees.
The moon was bright tonight and that caused dark shadows to dance around them. It was kind of creepy, but it was also fascinating. Harry liked to learn about new places, maybe one day Hagrid would take him deeper inside and show him the places he knew.
A couple of minutes later Hagrid stopped them to point out a puddle of silvery goo. Harry stepped forward to get a better look at the mesmerizing substance. The goo shimmered in the moonlight, it was beautiful and disgusting as Harry had an idea of what it was.
"See this?" asked Hagrid, sticking his fingers in the goo. "This is unicorn blood. Summat has been killin' them. This one looks ter be hurt." Harry looked around at the splattered blood. "We have ter find the poor beast."
"What if whatever is killing the unicorns finds us first?" asked Zabini.
"Yeh'll be safe with me or Fang. Nothin' will hurt yeh. Now, the path splits here. I'll take Zabini with me. Harry, yeh take Fang. Stay on the path."
Harry nodded and took the left fork with Fang. Harry walked in silence, looking around the ground for more of the silvery blood. As he walked, he noted a few plants used in Potions and stopped to break off a few pieces and put them in his pocket. He thought Severus would enjoy those.
Half an hour later the path became impossible to follow, the bushes had closed into a narrow path too small for anyone to fit through. Harry pushed through the brush covering the path to find a clearing. There, at the edge of the clearing, was the unicorn.
Harry had never seen anything so beautiful, yet so sad. He stared at it sorrowfully and took a couple steps forward to see if he could possibly help it, when a hooded figure glided into view. Harry froze, transfixed when the figure knelt next to the unicorn and started to drink its blood. Harry's face twisted in disgust.
"Eww, that's just nasty,"
The figure raised its cowled head and looked at Harry. Pain, like a hot poker was laid on his scar, lashed through Harry's head. Harry gasped and slapped his hand to his forehead. He watched in terror as the figure started crawling towards him like something from a Muggle horror movie.
Half blind with pain, Harry staggered back, but as luck would have it, Harry tripped over a root and was now on his back with the figure bearing down on him. Harry could feel an oily presence touching his magic and he recoiled from it. It seemed slightly familiar, but Harry was too scared and in pain to really think about it.
'Oh bollocks,' he thought. He felt Saleena and knew she was racing back to him, but he also knew she would be too late. She was going to be so mad at him. Then there was a rumble of hooves, and something large leapt over Harry's head.
The creature landed before the figure, lashing out with its hooves and the figure fled with an inhuman screech. Harry stared in awe as he realized what had just saved him. It was a winged unicorn! An alicorn! It was glowing with a brilliant pure white light that hurt Harry's eyes after being in the dark for so long.
The light faded and Harry could now see it in detail. He rubbed his head one last time from the lingering pain from his scar as his eyes darted over the beautiful creature. He was fascinated that its hide was not white like he had seen in books but was actually a mixture of different colored patches that littered its body.
Its wings and mane, however, were ebony and its hooves and horn were silver. The horse was about half the size of the unicorn it stood beside but was no less regal for its stature. It looked like a little shaggy mountain pony. Harry thought it was glorious.
The alicorn turned to look at Harry, tilting its head and looking deep into his eyes, ensnaring Harry in its gaze. Harry could feel Saleena's worry lessen as she realized what had saved Harry. She stayed away for now but kept a watch on what was happening. She would step in if it was needed.
The alicorn circled Harry then approached, and surprising Harry, it lowered its horn and tapped his forehead. Harry jerked back, thinking the alicorn was going to skewer him, then he heard a voice in his mind. It was masculine but kind and had a flowing whispery sound to it.
~Do not be afraid, young mage. I will not harm you. You can assure your companion that I mean to only help. I am called Zypher. What is your name?~
Harry was stunned. Zypher's mental abilities were amazing, and he was friendly, which was unheard of. Unicorns, and especially alicorns, were known to be standoffish and aloof, and there were only a few alicorns left in the world. He was also surprised that he knew that Saleena was there. Harry shakily got to his feet and bowed to the alicorn.
"My name is Harry Potter. Saleena and I thank you for saving me."
~You are most welcome, Harry Potter. Why are you so deep in the forest? I know students are not allowed here, although I have seen two fire-haired students frequently.~
Harry smirked at the thought of Fred and George Weasley coming into the forest. He could only imagine what mischief they did in the forest. Harry gestured to the fallen unicorn.
"I was looking for this unicorn. Some have been killed and we knew this one was hurt. I was hoping to save it."
~You would do such a thing? Humans usually only want what the unicorn has.~ Zepher sounded skeptical and Harry understood why. Many unicorns had been killed for their horns and hair, let alone their blood.
"If I could help it, I would. It is terribly sad to see it lying there knowing I could have helped if I had arrived sooner." murmured Harry. Zypher again tilted his head as he examined Harry.
~Go. See what can be done. She is very weak but I can still feel her there.~
Harry's head snapped up, his eyes wide as he registered what Zypher had said, and he ran to the unicorn. She was not dead? Skidding onto his knees he put his head on the unicorn's side. He could barely hear a heartbeat, and her breaths were just whispers, but it was there.
Harry sighed in relief. He was not too late. He could save her. Harry heard Saleena's relief as well, knowing Harry would blame himself for the unicorn's death, and felt a surge in his strength to help in what would no doubt be very taxing on his magical core.
As Zypher watched curiously, Harry placed a hand on the unicorn's shoulder and the other on her flank. Then the golden glow came. He was surprised and intrigued by this young mage. He could feel the power radiating off the boy, and such power it was! Zypher basked in the warmth of it as he watched the unicorn heal before his eyes.
Closing his eyes, Harry threw himself into the unicorn's body. He quickly sealed the puncture wound in her neck, then sent his magic into her heart to keep it pumping as he strengthened her muscles and inflated her lungs.
Harry pushed her blood through her veins to enforce the healing and checked on her brain activity. With Saleena's help, he found a fracture in her foreleg that he would have missed. He was glad that she was there to help him.
When Harry finally pulled out of the unicorn, he noticed that Hagrid was there, standing quietly next to Zypher. Harry tried to stand, but he crumpled back to the ground, his body too weak to hold him up. He had, once again, pushed himself too far, even with Saleena's help.
Hagrid picked Harry up, bridal style, and walking beside Zypher, they headed back towards Hogwarts. Harry was too tired to feel embarrassed as he laid there listening as Hagrid and Zypher talked. Then Zypher addressed him.
~I have never met anyone like you, young one. You are an interesting mage. Not many would give so much for nothing in return. She will not be able to repay you.~
"Harry is very kindhearted. I've seen 'im help other hurt animals and he even takes the time to check up on 'em later. I wouldn't be surprised to hear tha' he came back to the forest later to check on tha' unicorn." lauded Hagrid. He was proud of Harry.
"I don't want payment. I'm just happy she will be alright." said Harry. "And I will be back to check on her."
~I will lead you if you wish to visit, young mage. It is not safe in the forest right now. Just call my name with your magic and I will hear you. I will keep an eye on her and let you know of her progress.~
"Thank you, Zypher. Do you know who that figure was?" Harry asked, remembering that it had felt oddly familiar.
~It was someone truly desperate. The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but you will then live a cursed life. It comes with too terrible a price for most. To have killed something so pure is an abomination.~
"Who would be that desperate?" Harry thought death would be better than being cursed for the rest of your unnatural life.
~Can you think of no one?~
"Yer not thinking that was You-Know-Who, are yeh?" questioned Hagrid, his voice was shaky.
~You know what is being hidden in the castle at this very moment.~
Harry nodded and Hagrid blanched. It all made sense now. Quirrell was working with Voldemort. If he got the stone, then Voldemort would come back. Harry would stop that at all costs. He would not let Voldemort be a real threat to his family. Zypher stayed with them until Hogwarts became visible through the trees, then he slowed to a stop.
~I will leave you now. Be careful, Harry Potter.~
Zypher turned and disappeared back into the trees. Hagrid carried Harry back to the castle while Harry tried to convince Hagrid to take him to his dormitory instead of the hospital wing. He explained that he just needed sleep, and he would be good for tomorrow.
Hagrid ignored him and took him straight to Madam Pomfrey. She tutted when she saw him, and Harry smiled back sheepishly as he climbed into the familiar bed. Sometime later, Saleena let him know she was back and would be waiting for him. Harry sighed.
The next day, Harry told Draco and Anissa about what had happened in the forest. Ever since then, that had been the only thing on their minds. Harry kept expecting to see Voldemort appear and try to kill him. Their nerves were strung tight. They were having a hard time studying or paying attention in class.
When their exams came, none of them knew how they managed to get through them. They sat in a large room to do the theoretical part of the exams. They had special Anti-Cheating quills to use, and their seats were six feet apart. For the practical exams, each teacher had them perform a piece of magic.
Professor Flitwick had them make a pineapple tap-dance across the table. Professor McGonagall watched as they turned a matchbox into a mouse. For Professor Snape they brewed the Forgetfulness Potion.
Harry worked hard while ignoring the stabbing pain in his forehead. It had been bothering him a lot more since that night in the forest. He kept a close eye on Quirrell but made sure to keep his distance. Saleena was also watching as she followed him through the pipes in the walls. She wanted to be close by, even if she could do nothing to help if something happened.
The last exam was History of Magic, and then they were done. Every student flocked out onto the sunny grounds to celebrate their freedom. The Weasley twins were making bubbles for the giant squid to hit with its tentacles, while others had flopped down anywhere they could to relax and bask in the sun.
Harry rubbed his forehead, hard, it was hurting more now than it had during his exams. Harry looked around as they walked and noticed Quirrell trying to be inconspicuous behind a bush. He was doing a terrible job of it. Harry gestured to Quirrell.
"Wonder what he's up to? That bush is a bit small to hide behind."
Anissa and Draco looked to where Harry was pointing and saw Quirrell talking to himself and often looking over his shoulder to make sure no one could overhear him. Draco just shrugged and sat down. His brain was fried, and he just wanted to relax.
"Who cares, he always has been a weird one," said Draco.
"That does look suspicious, and with Voldemort out there, we should be cautious. Especially since we are pretty sure Quirrell is working with him." stated Anissa.
"I'm going to see what he's saying. He's having quite the conversation. Maybe I can find out his plans." said Harry.
Draco waved at Harry and Anissa sat beside Draco after she warned Harry to be careful. Harry made his way to where Quirrell had started pacing. He leaned against the wall and listened. Quirrell did not notice that he had an audience to his seemingly one-sided conversation.
"I don't know if I can… I know, I know… I will be able to, yes… I can get around that stupid dog."
Quirrell started to walk further away. Harry did not hear much, but he had heard enough. He now knew for certain, that Quirrell was in league with Voldemort. There was no doubt in his mind. He quickly made his way back to Draco and Anissa. Draco saw his face and instantly sat up.
"What is wrong?" Draco asked, a bit worried.
"Quirrell. He was talking about Fluffy. He knows how to get past him. I'm sure he's going after the stone." puffed Harry.
Anissa looked thoughtful. "He'll have to wait until tonight to go for it, after all the students are in their common rooms, and they would not accidentally see him entering the third floor. We need to tell Professor Dumbledore. Let's go."
The three ran back to the castle, intent on talking to Dumbledore. When they got inside, they stopped and looked at each other. None of them knew where Dumbledore's office was, never having had a reason to go there.
"What are you three doing inside? It's a beautiful day." Minerva was walking towards them with a pile of books in her arms. The three felt relieved that they would not have to roam the school looking for the headmaster's office.
"We were looking for Professor Dumbledore. We need to speak to him, urgently." said Harry.
"I'm sorry but he's gone. He received an urgent message from the Ministry of Magic."
"Gone? Of course he is, now is the perfect time to lure him away." drawled Draco.
Minerva narrowed her eyes on the trio. "Okay, what is going on? What's got you three so worried?"
"It's about the Philosopher's Stone," started Anissa.
Minerva sighed. "Not again, I told you to leave that alone."
"And we have, but we heard Professor Quirrell talking about getting past Fluffy, and you know that Voldemort was out in the forest. We believe Quirrell is helping him." Anissa finished.
Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance, took a deep breath, and looked at her kittens over her glasses. She had hoped they would leave well enough alone, but it seems that she had hoped in vain.
"There are spells and enchantments protecting the stone. It is perfectly safe. Now go back outside and enjoy the sunshine."
With no other choice but to leave, the three headed back outside. They did not want to upset Min enough to start taking points from them. Harry saw that Quirrell was no longer by the bushes, so he sat under a tree with the others. He was worried that things were going to get bad at Hogwarts really soon. He made his decision.
"I'm going there tonight. I'll get the stone before Quirrell does." said Harry.
"Are you mental?" asked Draco, shocked. "You don't know what is down there, not to mention how to get past Fluffy."
"I'll hit the library and look up how to defeat a Cerberus. If Quirrell is working with Riddle, then he will give him the stone and Riddle will come back. You heard how it was the last time he tried to take over. There won't be anything left. I will not let him hurt you guys. I'm going tonight and I'll stop him."
"Not without me, you're not." stated Anissa, glaring at Harry. She had that stubborn look in her eyes and Harry smiled at her. Draco looked between his two best friend's determined faces.
"You're acting like Gryffindors," Draco sighed. "I guess I'll have to come too, I suppose. Who knows what trouble the two of you will get into without me."