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The Adventures of Harriet Potter: Year One - Ch15*

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Chapter 15

 

The Thief and the Dark Lord

 

"There comes a time when all the wands are snapped, and all the spells are cast when the only weapon you have left is your humanity."

General (ret) Jigme Dorji Wengshuk





"I knew it was you," Harriet declared.

"Oh yes, it's me," Quirrell sneered, clearly very pleased with himself. "Poor, st-t-t-t-uttering Professor Quirrell. Who but a nosy eleven-year-old who couldn't mind her own business to save her life would ever suspect him?"

"Professor Snape," Harriet retorted.

Quirrell's eyes darkened a little, "Oh yes, Severus... yes he did suspect me, and so did Dumbledore. But you see how well they accomplished keeping me from the Stone."

Harriet's heart sank. Did that mean Quirrell already had the Stone?

"Fortunately, Snape himself was perhaps my best cover. Who would spare me a second thought with him slouching about the place with his permanent scowl? He does seem the classic villain, doesn't he?"

"We did think it was him at first," Harriet said, wanting to buy time, hoping Professor Dumbledore was on his way back. "My friends thought he was the one jinxing my broom but it was you, wasn't it?"

"Oh yes, it was me. Your friends must have seen Severus muttering the counter curse, trying to save you."

"Professor Snape was trying to save me?" Harriet asked.

"Oh yes, that's why he refereed the next match as well. Unfortunately for me, your meddling friend Granger knocked me over when she came to set Severus' robes on fire. Even if I was thwarted in my attempt to kill you, it was quite amusing watching him turn the rest of the staff against him, since they all thought he was just trying to prevent Gryffindor from winning. What a silly little world this school is. Everyone is so concerned with what's going on inside they can't see past the castle walls. The irony is he didn't even need to bother with Dumbledore watching my every step, but Severus seems oddly protective of you, which is all the more interesting considering his history with your father..."

Harriet didn't know how to digest that information. Professor Snape was protective of her specifically? Her father and Professor Snape knew each other?

"His history with my father?" Harriet asked in spite of herself.

"Oh yes, they knew each other at school. They utterly hated each other. Knowing that even I would have guessed he'd have tried to help you fall off your broom but... maybe the years he's spent under the thumb of that old fool Dumbledore have softened him after all...?"

Harriet didn't know how to react to this, so she changed the subject. "So it was you who let the troll in too, wasn't it?"

"Oh yes, trolls are a speciality of mine. I'm sure you saw what I did to the one in the chamber back there... But unfortunately, it was just another in a long series of setbacks as, of course, Severus was already on to me and beat me to the corridor. Although seeing the mangled leg, it cost him was highly amusing, as was the pain on his face realising how close you had come to dying on his watch."

Something in Harriet's memory sparked when Quirrell said this. She remembered the strange look on Professor Snape's face after Ronnie had knocked out the troll. Was that what that look on his face had been?

"Now, enough wasting time Potter," Quirrell said as he drew his wand. Harriet tried to reach for hers.

"Incarcerous," Quirrell said, giving his wand a complicated flick. Harriet watched in horror as cords shot out of Quirrell's wand, wrapping themselves around her tightly at the chest and waist, pinning her arms down and behind her back. More wrapped themselves around her thighs, knees, calves and ankles. The worst part was the cords that bound themselves around her mouth, slipping between her teeth and pulling the corners of her mouth back, gagging her. Harriet grunted and toppled over backwards, landing on her behind before flopping over onto her side.

"Good, now be a good girl while I examine this mirror. It would probably be more prudent to just kill you now of course, but you'll make far too valuable a hostage should Dumbledore return before too soon..."

Harriet grunted a little into the painful cords in her mouth as she tried to wriggle around enough to see what Quirrell was talking about. Now she saw it. Quirrell was standing in front of the Mirror of Erised.

"This is the key... of course Dumbledore would come up with something as frustratingly simple as this... but he's in London, the gullible fool, and I'll be miles away by the time he gets back. Though again, should he return," Quirrell turned his attention from the mirror to sneer at Harriet again. "I have you..."

Harriet grunted trying to sit back up again as Quirrell returned his attention to the mirror.

"I see myself with the Stone... I can see myself giving it to my master... but how do I get it...? Is it inside the mirror? No... it wouldn't be anything so simple as that..."

As Harriet watched, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. At that moment she somehow knew how to find the Stone. The only thing in the world I want right now is to stop Quirrell and Voldemort, if I can look in the mirror all by myself, I should be able to see it... but first I have to keep distracting Quirrell.

"You don't have to serve him," she said. Her voice was a little muffled, and she couldn't form her words right being hardly able to move her lips, but she could at least talk well enough to be understood.

At her words, Quirrell froze. He didn't even appear to be breathing.

"Don't talk about what you don't understand, Potter..." Quirrell muttered. In the mirror, Harriet could see his face had gone from frustration to terror.

"You have a choice; Dumbledore could keep you safe. Hogwarts is the safest place in the world. You don't have to be evil."

Quirrell rounded on Harriet, now looking enraged.

"There is no good and evil, Potter! There is only power, and those too weak to seek it! I am not so weak! It was I who found my master when I travelled the world! It was I who brought him here! It was I—"

"Enough of this!" spoke another voice. While the voice seemed to come from Quirrell, it was not Quirrell speaking. The voice was high, cold and raspy, and was filled with more venom than any voice Harriet had ever heard in her life. "The girl, bring her to the mirror, use her, make her gaze into the mirror."

"Yes, master," Quirrell said in a soft, reverent voice. He raised his wand and gave it another flick, and Harriet's bonds fell away. Harriet warily got to her feet, rubbing her cheeks where the cords had held her so tightly.

"Come here, Potter, look into the mirror and tell me what you see!" Quirrell demanded, his wand still pointed at her.

Harriet took a breath and finally walked forward.

I'll have to lie, Harriet thought as she stepped in front of the mirror, I'll lie, just make something up.

However, as Harriet looked in the mirror, something extraordinary happened. She didn't see herself finding the Stone. Instead, her reflection simply winked and reached into its pocket. As Harriet watched, open-mouthed, her reflection drew its hand back out and held up a small, ruby stone: The Philosopher's Stone. Her reflection then stuck the Stone back in its pocket, and as it did so, Harriet felt something drop into her pocket. Through whatever magic Dumbledore had put into the mirror, Harriet had gotten the Stone.

"What do you see?!" Quirrell demanded. His wand was only an inch from Harriet's ear.

"I-I see me... I'm... I'm head girl... and I'm Quidditch captain... and I'm shaking hands with Professor Dumbledo—"

"Oh get out of the way, Potter!" Quirrell demanded. He shoved her hard and Harriet yelled out in pain as she landed hard on her shoulder.

Harriet could hear Quirrell muttering again as she slowly pushed herself up to her feet. Quirrell didn't know she had the Stone; she could try and make a run for it. She wasn't bound anymore, and if he thought she was useless, he might not care if she ran. Harriet only managed to back away two paces when again the evil, disembodied voice spoke.

"She lies! The girl lies! Stop her!"

"Potter! Stay where you are! Tell me what you saw in the mirror!" Quirrell demanded.

"Let me speak to her... I want to see her face to face..."

"But, Master, is that wise? You are still so weak—"

"Do not call me weak you pathetic, snivelling servant! You are nothing without me! Now do as you're told!"

"Y-y-y-yes... m-m-m-master..." Quirrell stuttered. It was an odd moment for Harriet, seeing this glimpse of the Professor Quirrell she had first known, the timid, gentle soul, juxtaposed with the wicked Quirrell who had bound her and made her look in the mirror.

However, what happened next was a vision so horrible it would haunt her for the rest of her life. As she watched, Quirrell reached up and began to unravel his turban. It finally fell away, and Harriet thought his head looked rather small without it. But when Quirrell turned around, Harriet screamed.

The back of Quirrell's head was another face. The most horrible face Harriet had ever seen. The skin was milky white. The mouth was drawn with barely any lips, and the nose was flat with slit-like nostrils. The worst part was the eyes. They were gleaming red and hateful. Harriet had seen those eyes before. They were the same eyes that haunted her nightmares. She knew who it was now without any introduction. It was the face of Lord Voldemort sticking out of the back of Quirrell's head.

"Harriet Potter... see what you have made of me? I'm nothing but shadow and vapour, reduced to sharing the bodies of others for form—"

"It's what you deserve!"

Harriet's voice sounded so strange to her she almost thought she hadn't spoken it aloud. Voldemort's red eyes flared and the lipless mouth curled into a snarl.

"As arrogant and foolish as your parents! You still believe it is good and evil in this world, Potter? No, it is as faithful Quirrell told you, there is only power. I nearly had it; it was in my clutches until you happened... my chance at greatness and immortality was lost at the hands of a mere infant!"

Harriet took a nervous step backwards. Quirrell also began walking backwards towards her, looking so purposeful in his movements Harriet could only think that Voldemort was now controlling Quirrell's body.

"Don't even try to flee, Potter! In fact, why don't you join me? Follow me, and I will show you the power I have shown Quirrell. Follow me, and we will control this world. You would soon be even higher than Quirrell; I see your ambition... your determination... you could be quite useful, Potter... so now it's your choice... join me, or join your pathetic parents who died grovelling at my feet, begging me for mercy!"

"LIAR!"

Harriet felt her throat burn a little as she shouted the word with all her might.

Voldemort's red eyes flashed with anger before the amused, lipless sneer returned. "Ah, such bravery... I have always valued bravery... many have bravely given their lives both for me and against me... just like your parents. Your father died first. The bravest man I've ever seen, if foolish... though your mother was the bravest by far... She didn't need to die. I wasn't there to kill her... I was there to kill you, but she gave her life for you... Now, honour their sacrifice and give me that stone in your pocket like a good girl and you may go..."

Harriet swallowed. He knew. Somehow Voldemort knew she'd gotten the Stone.

"Or, again, you could join me, Potter... I could teach you magic beyond your wildest dreams... I can give you power, beauty; I could make you feared..."

"Never!" Harriet yelled again. She turned and scrambled up the steps back towards the door.

"Seize her!" Voldemort cried. Harriet felt a hand clasp on her ankle, and she fell hard on her stomach. At the same time, Harriet gave out a cry of pain. The moment the hand grabbed her leg, Harriet's scar felt like it tore itself open. Pain wracked her body, and she forced herself to open her eyes and look over her shoulder. Quirrell had turned around and grabbed her. His face was frantic looking with wide and desperate eyes.

"Let me go!" Harriet shouted. The pain was getting worse, and in her desperation, Harriet turned and swung her arm at Quirrell as hard as she could to try and knock him off her. Quirrell sneered as he caught her by the wrist, but it did not last. As he grabbed, Quirrell screamed and let go again. He stumbled backwards away from her, staring in disbelief at his hand. As Harriet watched, she saw blisters and burns spreading over the skin of his hand.

"I said seise her!" Voldemort cried again. Quirrell looked at Harriet, though a noticeable change had come over him. Instead of his manic sneer, his face was full of terror.

"No, fight him!" Harriet cried. "You don't have to obey him!" Now that Quirrell had let go of her the pain in her scar was receding.

"I control you! I own you!" Voldemort cried again. "Seize her!"

Quirrell came at her again. Harriet reacted instinctively and tried to grab his wrists instead. She managed to catch one of his wrists though his other hand clenched hard around her throat. Harriet choked, and her forehead exploded in pain again as Quirrell came back in contact with her. However, just as before, Quirrell cried in pain, and Harriet felt his hand slacken on her throat.

"Master! My hands! I cannot touch her! It burns!"

Harriet managed to bring her leg up and kick Quirrell hard in the chest.

"AH!" Quirrell cried in pain and stumbled backwards, letting go of Harriet again. As the pain once more abated, Harriet was able to see Quirrell staring at his hands. They were indeed blistered, and the skin was crackling and blackened in places. Harriet put a hand to her neck and looked at her hand where she had grabbed Quirrell. She hadn't been hurt at all; only Quirrell was hurt by touching her skin.

"Kill her! Kill her you fool!" Voldemort cried and brought Harriet back to her senses. Harriet looked at Quirrell, and she knew what she had to do. As Quirrell stuck his hand gingerly into his pocket, trying to find his wand again, Harriet charged. She leapt up and pressed her hands hard against Quirrell's face. Quirrell screamed in pain and fell backwards.

"KILL HER! KILL HER!" Harriet could hear Voldemort crying out. Quirrell was screaming. Harriet kept her hold on Quirrell's face even though her vision was going white from the pain in her scar. Even she cried out in pain, but she did not let go. Quirrell's hands were scrambling, trying to push her off of him.

"I'm sorry!" Harriet yelled knowing the pain she must have been causing Quirrell, but she couldn't stop fighting.

Despite her efforts, the pain was becoming too much. She felt her grip starting to slacken, and her ears were starting to ring. The world was beginning to spin. Even the pain in her scar was starting to go away.

"Harriet!? HARRIET!"

The voice sounded like it was coming from a long ways away. She didn't know who it was, but she felt comforted hearing it as the world went black.

* * * *


She didn't know what it was that woke her at first. All she was aware of was that she was lying down on her back. Whatever she was laying on was soft, and warm.

"So, she bested Voldemort yet again. Remarkable... simply remarkable."

Harriet jumped hearing the voice and whimpered. Dark images of white lipless faces with burning red eyes swarmed her mind, and she tried to sit up. She felt a warm hand on her forehead, gently pressing her back down. She felt calmer at the touch and let herself relax again.

"Yes... she is indeed..." said another voice. This voice was much closer, deeper and kinder sounding than the first voice had been.

"Quirrell died then?" asked the first voice. Part of Harriet wanted to open her eyes, but as she lay there on that soft surface, feeling warm and bundled with that tender hand on her forehead, she thought it was much, much better to continue lying quietly with her eyes closed.

"Yes... Quirrell's dead. Voldemort fled, of course," said the second voice. It was a familiar voice, but she just couldn't think of whom it belonged.

"Of course," muttered the first voice. The voice was deep and gravely compared to the second voice, but even this voice seemed somehow pleasant. It even seemed a little familiar. "He'll run back to his hole to hide again, I'm sure."

"Yes, but for how long is anyone's guess. Quirrell was unfortunate enough to happen across him; there's no telling who the next will be."

There was a pause in the conversation now. Harriet felt her eyelids getting heavier in the quiet and the warmth.

"You've been with her since it happened?" asked the first voice again, rousing her once more.

"Yes, and I shall remain until she wakes."

Harriet sighed softly. Somehow those words made her feel even warmer and safer than before.

"Not sure which I find harder to believe... that she survived, or that her friends willingly followed her into all those trials."

"That is the power of true friendship, Sherrod... it does not matter the age. You should be as aware of that as anyone."

"True, true... that still doesn't make it any less remarkable."

"No, it does not..."

Harriet felt the hand lift off her forehead and the creak of a chair as the second speaker sat back.

"So, Sherrod, you said you had news...?"

"Yes... news from across the pond. Seven states have now threatened secession should the president sign the law."

"And if one goes... more will go. I've met the new Wizarding president; he is a good and decent man, I do not envy him the position he is in. He does not need to add the tally of warfare to his record should it come to that."

"It doesn't take a genius to figure out what will happen, however. He'll sign the law, the states will uphold their threat to secede, and the president will have little choice but to intervene or allow the entire country to fall to pieces."

"Though in the process far more could be lost..."

"Albus, you of all people know the costs of delayed action..." the man named Sherrod replied, a hint of warning in his voice.

"Alas, sometimes even experience isn't enough to convince one that warfare is ever the proper course when so many avenues of peace remain. Still, we shall have to deal with the reality when it happens, and it will not be enough no matter how we prepare."

"Oh come off it, Albus, you would sign that law faster than anyone. An entire population oppressed to second and third-class citizens. The aboriginal population deserves all the same rights as the rest of the country. If they want warfare to maintain that oppression, I say give it to them."

There then followed a few moments of silence. Harriet felt herself just about to drift off again when the one named Sherrod spoke up once more.

"So the Stone is being destroyed?"

"Yes."

"It will be the end of an era then... does Dora know?"

"Yes... she is with her parents and Nicolas and Perenelle now. She will return for the end of year feast, however."

"A terrible burden for one her age..."

"Yes," said the voice named Albus. "One she will probably bear for the rest of her days..."

Harriet furrowed her brow a little at this, but it made her forehead hurt, and she winced in pain. Her pain was answered by a soft, cool, wet compress placed against her forehead and she sighed in relief as the pain abated.

"So, how much do you think Voldemort told her?"

"I cannot say until she awakes, though I doubt it was very much if he did say anything about that night."

There was another pause when the one named Albus spoke up again.

"You disapprove of my not telling her?"

"I do, though I do understand your hesitation. She is your charge, and I leave it to your judgement. But were I in your shoes I would prefer her to know sooner to prepare her for what is to come, rather than having it thrust upon her only when it has become an absolute necessity."

There was another lull in the conversation when the one named Albus changed the subject.

"I trust you will be there at King's Cross when the train arrives?"

"Of course, I may be more discrete than I was the last time, but yes, I will be there."

"Good. That is some of the best news I have heard in the past two days. Thank you for your visit, Sherrod, and for the news."

"Of course, Albus, farewell."

"Farewell my friend."

Harriet felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. It felt lighter than the first hand, but stronger somehow.

"Sleep well, Harriet. When you return to King's Cross, listen for what no one else can hear. You'll know I'm there even if you can't see me. I'll always be there to watch you and make sure you're safe."

The hand gave a squeeze and released. Harriet could hear the sound of someone walking away on a stone floor. She moaned again and felt something round touch her lower lip.

"Drink this, Harriet, you need your rest. You overheard far more than you needed to in your state. This will give you dreamless sleep until you're ready to awake."

Harriet merely responded by opening her mouth. As she did, she felt a warm, smooth liquid pass her lips and she gave a couple of swallows before she immediately fell back to sleep.

* * * *


The Snitch was only feet away from her as she raised her arm to catch it. The little glint of gold seemed like it was going in and out of focus like she was chasing it through a thick fog.

"Good afternoon, Harriet," said a voice.

Harriet blinked and finally opened her eyes. What she saw made her jump. What she'd taken for the Snitch was the glasses of Professor Dumbledore who was sitting right beside her and smiling quite contently. Harriet looked around and realised she was in the hospital wing. How had she gotten here? Then she remembered.

"Professor Dumbledore! Sir! The Stone! Quirrell must have it!"

"Harriet, Harriet, please calm yourself, or Madame Pomfrey shall throw me out. And that is no idle threat. It seems you are a little behind the times, which of course given your unconscious state is more than understandable. Quirrell does not have the Stone."

Harriet opened her mouth, and Dumbledore said quickly "Nor does Lord Voldemort."

"He, they don't? I stopped them?" Harriet asked her eyes wide with amazement. "But I thought, I thought I'd died..."

"And you very nearly did," said Dumbledore in a grave voice. "There was a moment when I thought I had arrived too late, but you have more strength in you than I would have ever imagined."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled a little with what was unmistakably pride. Harriet felt her cheeks get hot and she looked around the room. Her eyes immediately stopped on the table beside her, which was covered with more sweets and cards than Harriet had ever seen in her life.

"Tokens of appreciation from your friends and admirers. What happened down in the bowels of the school between you and Professor Quirrell has been kept most secret, which naturally means the entire school knows. The most ambitious of your gifts was that from your friend Ronnie's brothers Fred and George Weasley who attempted to send you a toilet seat. I believe their intention in such a gift was to be amusing, as it rather was, but Madame Pomfrey and Miss Momori thought it was not hygienic enough for the Hospital Wing and confiscated it."

"H-how... how long was I out?"

"Nearly three whole days. Your friends will be most pleased to learn that you have come round at last. They have all been anxious, and have spent most of their free time with at least one of them here to help keep an eye on you."

"But sir, then, what happened to the Stone?"

"It seems you are not to be distracted. No, neither Quirrell nor Voldemort managed to take the Stone from you. I returned in just the nick of time to pull you off of Quirrell before the worst happened."

"Oh, so it was you I heard, calling my name right before I blacked out?"

"Yes, it was me."

"So Kieran's owl found you?"

"Ah, we must have passed in mid-flight. The poor bird; it will have been so disappointed. No. No sooner had I arrived in London than I realised I would be doing far more good in the place I had just left. Unfortunately even for a wizard as skilled as myself and no matter how fast a thestral can fly, as you witnessed on the Hogwarts Express the journey between here and London is quite a ways."

Harriet had no idea what a thestral was but had far more important things on her mind at the moment.

"So, what happened to Quirrell?" Harriet asked, though somehow deep in her mind she felt she knew the answer already. Dumbledore gave a sympathetic sigh.

"He died... the wounds he sustained touching your skin under the foolish orders from Lord Voldemort did do considerable damage, but I believe Voldemort fleeing Quirrell's body was what finished him. Voldemort shows as little pity for his followers as he does for his enemies, Harriet. You had no choice but to retaliate as you did. In doing so, you displayed a wherewithal and determination far beyond many even as old as I. I do not imagine I could be more proud of you. And even more, I dare say, your parents would be the proudest of you."

Harriet felt her cheeks getting red-hot and knew she was blushing. Dumbledore suddenly became quite fascinated by a sparrow that had landed on the nearby windowsill as Harriet felt tears pouring out of her eyes.

Harriet took a deep breath to compose herself and was pleased that the tears had stopped. "So, what's happened to the Stone?" she asked, though again, for some reason she felt sure she knew the answer already.

"Ah yes, the Stone, well, Nicolas and I had the opportunity the day after your triumph to discuss the Stone. And we both decided it was for the best of everyone that the Stone is destroyed."

"Destroyed? But, what about Nicolas and Perenelle...? Without the Stone they'll die, won't they...?"

Dumbledore's face finally fell a little, and he sighed.

"Yes, they have made enough Elixir of Life to put their affairs in order, say their goodbyes, and then, yes, they will die."

Harriet felt her jaw slacken with amazement. They had willingly chosen to give up the Stone and die?

"To one as young as you, I know it must seem astounding. But when you've reached the age of Nicolas and Perenelle... Well, to put it in Nicolas' words, it is like going to bed after a very, very long day."

Harriet tried to digest this. It made her head hurt quite a bit, but she thought she saw a bit of what Dumbledore was saying.

"And of course Harriet, keep in mind that to the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure. There are worse things in this world than dying. It is something your parents understood full well. And in the end, the Stone was not such a wonderful thing. In fact, some, I believe your friend Dora included, would call it a terrible thing. As much life and gold as you could ever want? Those are the two things people, Lord Voldemort perhaps more than any, would choose above anything else. Though of course, that is one of humanity's greatest failings. We always seem to choose the things that are worst for us."

Harriet tried to mull these words over in her head. She wanted to say that Dumbledore was right; it indeed seemed a much more reasonable argument anyway. But the pain in her forehead was rising, and she lay back down on the bed.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Harriet?"

"This is just something I've just noticed now, but all my friends seem to be terrified even to say Voldemort's name... but you don't."

"I see. Do you feel fear when you say or hear his name?"

"No sir... but I never knew I was supposed to."

"And thus we see the lesson that sometimes ignorance is not always a sin. My advice to you Harriet is to keep using his name. The fear of a name increases the fear of the thing itself."

Harriet nodded, and Dumbledore smiled.

"So, Voldemort hasn't gone, has he? He's still alive too?"

"Yes, Harriet. But do not think what you and your friends did was fruitless. A delay in your enemy's advance is still a victory. And if we can delay him again, and again, we may stop him from ever returning. Sometimes when the fight seems blackest and hope is at its least is when we will find the most strength."

Harriet rubbed her sore forehead a little as she tried to digest this information. She was starting to get very sleepy again, but she had more questions.

"So, sir... there's something else I wanted to ask... it's about something Voldemort said..."

Unless Harriet was much mistaken, Dumbledore's face seemed to get a little paler.

"And, well, it's something I'd like to know the truth about..." Harriet continued.

Dumbledore sighed deeply. "The truth... it is a terrible and wonderful thing, and so we need to handle it with care. However, I promise to answer any questions you have, unless I have an excellent reason not to, and I do hope you will forgive me for that. I shall not, of course, lie."

"Well, Voldemort said he'd come to kill me, and that my mother didn't need to die... but, why was he there to kill me in the first place? I was just a baby..."

Dumbledore let out a deep sigh.

"Ah Harriet, alas the first question you ask is the one I cannot answer. You will hate to hear it, but now is not the time for you to know. When you are older, and preferably not laid up in a hospital bed after very narrowly avoiding death, I will tell you."

Harriet opened her mouth but looking up into the piercing blue eyes, Harriet knew she wouldn't gain anything trying to argue.

"And then... why did it burn Quirrell to touch my skin?"

Dumbledore's mouth twitched a little in a way that Harriet couldn't tell if it was a smile or a grimace.

"Well, Voldemort himself practically told you. And I admit that it does make me feel a little relieved that even now, Voldemort does not seem to understand his mistake. Quirrell could not touch you because your mother died to save you. If there is one thing in this world that Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realise then, and he fails to realise even now, that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves a mark. There is no visible sign of this mark; it becomes a part of who you are. And so, when Professor Quirrell, twisted as he was by hatred and greed, sharing a soul with Lord Voldemort, he was put in great agony. It was impossible for him to truly come into contact with someone who'd been so blessed by something so truly good."

Harriet felt her eyes watering again and her lips tightening.

"I tried... I didn't want to hurt him... I tried to get him to give up Voldemort..."

Harriet felt Dumbledore's hand rest gently on her shoulder.

"Even in that Harriet, you've proven what a good person you are. Voldemort has no idea just what a person he is facing, even at your age."

Harriet felt the tears flowing in earnest now, but she didn't bother to wipe her eyes. She wasn't ashamed of them. Dumbledore kept smiling.

"So... it was you... wasn't it... who sent me the invisibility cloak?" Harriet asked halting trying to get her composure back a little so she could ask more questions.

"Oh yes, your father happened to leave it in my possession before he died. To your father, it was mostly a tool of mischief-making, but I thought, rather rightly, that you would find much more important uses for it."

The mention of her father reminded her of something else.

"And, sir, there's something else."

"Fire away, Harriet."

"Quirrell said Professor Snape is... what was it? Oddly protective of me, even though he and my father hated each other?"

"Ah yes, well they did rather detest each other," Dumbledore said and chuckled. "Fortunately for us, but perhaps unfortunately for Professor Snape from a certain point of view, that hatred was solidified when your father did something Professor Snape could never forgive."

"What was that, sir?"

"He saved his life."

Harriet felt her jaw fall slack and Dumbledore smiled.

"Oh yes, funny how some people think isn't it? Professor Snape, I'm sure, found nothing more detestable than being in your father's debt, and so I'm sure he felt if he saved your life this year, they would be even, and he could return to hating your father in peace."

Harriet tried to wrap her head around this information too, but she was getting far too tired to focus too hard anymore, and she had one last question.

"And sir, just one more thing."

"Just one?"

"Yes, how did I get the Stone?"

"Ah, now I'm delighted you asked me that, even if it will cost me some of my usual seemly modesty, as it was one of my more brilliant ideas, and between you and me, that's saying something. The enchantment I put upon the Stone and the Mirror meant that only one who wished to find the Stone, but not use it, could retrieve it. That way one such as Quirrell or Voldemort who wanted to use it could only see themselves making Elixir of Life, or gold... Ahh, my brain surprises even me sometimes.

"And now Harriet, given your heavy looking eyes, I suggest you rest yourself a little more before you get started on these considerable sweets. Ah! Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans! I was unfortunate enough in my youth to happen across a vomit flavoured one, and since then I'm afraid I have rather lost my liking for them. Hmmm... perhaps I will be safe with a nice toffee?"

Dumbledore smiled and put a honey-brown bean into his mouth. However, instead of looking as though he enjoyed it, he choked.

"Alas... ear-wax..."

Harriet smiled in spite of herself as she watched Professor Dumbledore slowly shuffle away. Though she was tired, Harriet still turned her attention to the table beside her. She was quick to open and pop a Chocolate Frog in her mouth before turning to the little pile of cards.

Most of them were 'get well soon' cards, with a few thank you notes, and more than a couple of them were brimming with admiration. It was Hermione's though that caught her the most. It was part of the tallest package, so tall it was the taller than the pile of sweets.



Dear Harriet,

My parents bought me these books to read when I was little, and I enjoyed them very much. If you don't mind, I'd like you to have them though, as I think you embody the heroine a little more than I do. I hope you enjoy them! It's not all of them, but they are the original editions.

Love,

Hermione




Harriet smiled and shook her head. Of course, while everyone else (with the notable exception of Fred and George) got her sweets, Hermione got her books.

Harriet picked up the rather heavy present and carefully opened it. It was quite a stack of books indeed, all of them titled with the conspicuous name: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. Harriet furrowed her brow curiously. She remembered seeing them at her old school library but had never read them before. But if Hermione thought they were good, Harriet really couldn't think of a better endorsement. She opened the top one, The Secret of the Old Clock, and started to read.

* * * *


The best thing to happen after Harriet had awoken came the following day when Madame Pomfrey and Miss Momori finally relented and allowed all of her friends to come and visit her. Absent amongst them was Dora, who Hermione explained was still spending time with Nicolas and Perenelle before they finally passed away. Harriet felt sorry for Dora, and even quite guilty, but somehow as she sat there in bed, recounting the true tale of what had happened after she had gotten through the fire, seeing the looks of wonder and concern on her friends' faces, Harriet couldn't help but smile.

Her friends were a perfect audience. Hermione shrieked when Harriet told them about Voldemort's face in the back of Quirrell's head. They also told Harriet their own stories in return. Kieran, it turned out, had made it all the way to the owlery, sending off the owl. He'd then returned to the third-floor corridor, where he was able to put Fluffy back to sleep so that Dora and Marcus could help the still very dazed Ronnie out of the trap-door. Dora had tried to go back in, but the two boys managed to convince her to wait, that Dumbledore should be returning soon.

"And then just as Hermione and Scott got back, Dumbledore showed up," Ronnie explained.

"Aye, he somehow knew, he didn't even say anything to us, he just strode past, leapt down into the trap door, and then ten minutes later he came back out carrying you in his arms. You looked like you were..." Kieran explained though he trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

"You know, I've been thinking about it all... giving you the cloak like that... letting you find out how the mirror worked... do you think Dumbledore intended for you to be the one to go after Quirrell and You-Know-Who? I mean I wouldn't even be surprised if Dumbledore said Dora's last name out loud at Christmas to help clue you in," Ronnie said looking thoughtful.

Hermione looked scandalised. "Well if he did that would be awful! I mean all of us could have been killed, especially you Harriet!"

"No... I don't know he's a funny man, Dumbledore. It's almost like he felt I had the right to face Voldemort if I could, and I guess... I guess I do..." Harriet said as she looked at them. "I mean, I am the one who stopped him the first time... so I think he just taught us all enough to help. I don't think it was an accident he let me find out how the Mirror worked, and I think you're right, Ronnie, I'll bet you anything he said Dora's name aloud on purpose. I don't think much of anything goes on here that Dumbledore doesn't know about."

There were a few moments of quiet as they all digested this theory. Then Ronnie smiled and changed the subject. "Well, forgetting all that, Harriet, you have to be up for the end of year feast tomorrow!"

"Oh yeah!" Harriet said then felt her heart sink. "Who won...?"

"Slytherin..." Ronnie muttered. "We got flattened by Ravenclaw in the final match without you. But the food'll be great!"

Just then, Madame Pomfrey bustled over, looking irritable.

"Alright, you've had half an hour, that is quite long enough. Back to bed-rest with you, Potter, you can see your friends again tomorrow."

* * * *


The following morning, Harriet was finally starting to get restless. Her scar hadn't hurt for a whole day, she'd already read the first two of the Nancy Drew books that Hermione had given her, and she was getting very annoyed having to be in bed all the time.

"So, Madame Pomfrey, would it, I mean, could I please go to the feast tonight?"

Madame Pomfrey pursed her lips as she checked Harriet's pulse and temperature.

"Professor Dumbledore requested you attend..." Madame Pomfrey muttered, sounding slightly disapproving.

Just that moment there was a knock on the door. Harriet heard Miss Momori answer it and saw that she had a slightly knowing smile as she stepped around the edge of the curtains.

"Well, Potter, it looks like you have another visitor."

"Oh, who is it?" Harriet asked, curiously.

As she asked, the massive head of Hagrid appeared over the top of the curtains. Madame Pomfrey and Miss Momori bustled off, and Hagrid sat on the floor beside Harriet (the chair being too weak to carry his weight, and he was more than tall enough already), looked her in the eyes, and broke down into sobs.

"It's all my fault! All mine! I told him! I told that evil git how to get past Fluffy! I nearly got you killed! I'll never drink another drop again! I should be chucked out once and fer all! Not fir ter live a life better than a Muggle!"

"Hagrid!" Harriet gasped, shocked at the display of emotion coming from her out-sized friend. "This, this is Voldemort we were talking about! He probably would have just killed Fluffy or had Quirrell do it for him if you hadn't told him! It was them who were hurting the unicorns after all!"

"But yeh could've been killed! You an' all of yer friends! And don't say 'is name!"

"VOLDEMORT!" Harriet shouted. She shocked Hagrid so much that she made him stop crying. "I've met him, and I beat him again, so I'm calling him by his name. I'm not going to let my fear rule me, and neither should you."

Harriet patted Hagrid's giant hand and saw his lower lip starting to wobble again.

"Cheer up, Hagrid, we did it, we saved the Stone! It's gone, and he can't use it to return to power anymore. He's still just a whiff of dust or whatever he is."

Harriet reached over to her bedside table and grabbed up a Chocolate Frog and held it up to him. "Have a Chocolate Frog; people gave me way too many..."

Hagrid smiled looking down at it, "Neh, yeh've earned it more than I, 'sides it'd take a bit more than that fer me," he chuckled and patted his enormous torso. "But you did remind me, got a present for yeh. Dumbledore gave me the day off yesterday ter put it all together for yeh, I mean 'ee shoulda sacked me instead but, anyway, I made yeh this."

Hagrid reached into his pocket and drew out a leather-bound book. It had a bare cover, but inside was the most fabulous treasure Harriet had ever seen in her life. On every page was moving, wizarding pictures of her parents. In every one they were smiling and waving, laughing happily. Some of them were even of her parents when they were at Hogwarts.

There was also one of her parents at their wedding. Her mother looked so beautiful in her dress, and her father was so handsome. Despite herself, she also had to admit that the young man standing next to her father, who she assumed was his best man, was very handsome as well. The best one, however, was one that had to have been taken just after she'd been born. Her mother was lying on a bed, her hair dishevelled and her eyes half closed, but her smile utterly full as she looked down on the little bundle of blankets in her arms. Her father was sitting on the bed beside her, holding out a bottle of champagne at the camera and laughing with tears in his eyes, looking beside himself with joy.

"I knew ya didn't have any photos of 'em, not with the gits yeh grew up with... D'yeh... d'yeh like it...?" Hagrid asked. His throat sounded a little tight.

Harriet looked up at him. She kept trying to force out words, but they wouldn't come. Finally, she swung her legs out of bed and jumped, hugging him as tightly around the neck as she could, tears pouring down her cheeks now. She felt Hagrid's giant arms hug her back.

It was eight-o-clock that night before Harriet finally made her way down to the Great Hall. Madame Pomfrey had delayed her considerably with her fussing final check-ups. The surprise, however, came when Harriet made it to the Entrance Hall. As she entered, she saw a little family sitting together and talking on one of the benches. It was Dora, and people Harriet could only assume were her parents. Dora looked over and saw her and immediately got to her feet.

Harriet felt distinctly awkward. She had been worrying about seeing Dora again, not knowing how Dora would take the destruction of the Stone and the inevitable death of her multi-great-grandparents. To her surprise, Dora gave a sad little smile and walked to Harriet, taking her by the hand and leading her to her parents.

Dora looked to be her mother in miniature. Her mother was tall and gracefully thin, with a round face, a little button nose and long, blond hair. Her father was a handsome though burly man, wide-shouldered and barrel-chested with a full beard and moustache, though as Harriet looked up at him, she saw that Dora had gotten his wide, twinkling blue eyes.

"And zo we finally meet Miss Harriet Potter," Dora's father said, extending a large, powerful looking hand. He had a distinctly French accent, though it was kindly and softer than she'd expected, and his English was excellent. Harriet held out her hand to shake, but to her surprise instead, he merely took it in his hand and bent low over it before standing back up and smiling.

"Dora has told us so much about you over the last couple of days," Dora's mother said. As she did, Harriet couldn't help but imagine that she sounded just the way Dora probably would when she was older.

"Oh, th-thanks," Harriet said, feeling a little lame. "I'm... I'm sorry about—"

"Not at all, Harriet, please, do not blame yourself. You did a great, brave and wonderful sing for ze wizarding world. Ze choice to destroy ze stone was my great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfazer's, and his alone."

"Yes, my dear, in fact, that's why we're here, we wanted to thank you in person. Nicolas and Perenelle wanted to come, but it seems that finally, their age is catching up with them," Dora's mother said kindly.

Dora's father reached into his pocket and pulled out a letter and handed it to Harriet.

"He did, however, want us to give you zis. He requested you read it in private."

Harriet nodded taking it. Dora's mother smiled warmly.

"We're thrilled Dora made friends like you here Miss Potter," She said putting a hand on Harriet's shoulder. Harriet couldn't help but smile, giving Dora a sideways glance and seeing her blushing brightly and trying to avoid Harriet's eyes.

"Well, we won't keep you any longer from ze feast. Dora, dear, would you like us to wait for you, or would you like to remain tonight to come home on ze train wis your friends tomorrow?" her father asked. Dora looked up at him then finally at Harriet. Harriet couldn't help but smile invitingly.

"I'll... I'll stay mum, dad," Dora said and quickly gave them both hugs. They smiled down at Dora and Harriet and waved them off to the Great Hall.

"So we're friends now, huh?" Harriet asked under her breath as they walked. Dora bumped Harriet hard in the shoulder with her own.

"Shut it, Potter..." she said sounding a little grouchy. Harriet kept smiling though it only took Dora another couple of paces before she said, "Of course we are. You don't put a giant three-headed dog to sleep, fight off Devil's Snare, catch an enchanted key and play a giant game of Wizard's Chess with someone and not become friends with them."

Harriet laughed, and they finally pushed open the door to the Great Hall. Her eyes were hit by a giant wave of green. The Great Hall was entirely decked out in Slytherin green, in celebration of Slytherin's winning the House Cup. As they stepped in, the Great Hall immediately fell silent, before it once again broke out in noise. This time, however, it was hushed whispering, some people even going up on tip-toe to look at her. Harriet felt herself blush and Dora gave her another sad little smile before she made her way to the Slytherin table and Harriet went off to the Gryffindor table.

Hermione and Ronnie both moved aside for her to sit between them. Kieran and Marcus both smiled welcoming, and Dean, Seamus, Parvati and Lavender all leaned over to start asking Harriet questions themselves when Professor Dumbledore himself stood up, and the Great Hall felt silent.

"Alas! Another year has come and gone! And before we all stuff ourselves to the brim with our delicious feast so we can hardly move, I please ask you to give me but a few more minutes of your time."

By the sound of reverent silence, Harriet was quite sure that even with the feast coming, everyone was more than anxious to hear anything Dumbledore had to say.

"My, what a year it has been! Hopefully, you all learned a little and managed to fill your heads right to the brim with new knowledge while you were here, as you have an entire summer ahead of you to empty them once more.

"Now, before we begin, the House Cup needs awarding once more. As of now, the points stand, thus: In fourth place is Gryffindor, with two hundred sixty-two points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred fifty-two points; in second place, Ravenclaw, with four hundred twenty-six; and finally in first place, Slytherin, with four hundred seventy-two."

There was a roar of sound from the Slytherin table. Harriet felt slightly ill, watching Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson and Pixie Fanfarró, in particular, jumping up and down and slamming their silverware on the table, chanting and cheering.

"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin, well done," Dumbledore said, and the din died down a little more. "However, there are recent events which must be taken into account."

At these words, complete silence fell over the Great Hall.

"In light of recent events, which I must take into account, there is quite the swarm of new points that have to be taken into consideration.

"First, to Mister Scott McIntyre, for his demonstration of excellent knowledge of Astronomy, I award Ravenclaw House fifty points."

The Ravenclaw table exploded with noise. Doing the math in her head, Harriet knew that put Ravenclaw House four points ahead of Slytherin, putting them in the lead.

"Ahem," Dumbledore said, calming the Ravenclaws down. "And second, it takes a great deal of courage to go against one's own house and do what is right. Therefore, I award Dora Flamel and Slytherin House another fifty points."

What happened next was one of the more odd reactions Harriet had ever seen. Even though Slytherin House was once again in the lead, their response was oddly subdued. Harriet supposed it was because, on the one hand, Dora had put Slytherin House back in the lead, but on the other hand, she had done so helping out Harriet and her friends. Dora, on the other hand, looked quite pleased with herself, as did her other friend Sae, who was hugging her around the shoulders in a congratulatory way.

"And third, to Miss Ronnie Weasley, for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has perhaps ever seen, and courageous self-sacrifice, I award Gryffindor House, fifty points."

Gryffindors burst into loud applause all along the table, many reaching over to pat Ronnie on the shoulder.

"My sister, you know! My little sister! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set even sacrificing herself to do it!" Harriet could hear Percy shouting proudly.

Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat and silence fell again.

"Fourth, to Mister Marcus Van Der Lakk, for a cool mind, and excellent use of his talents and his lessons to come to the aid of his friends in a time of great need, I award Gryffindor House a further fifty points."

Gryffindors were cheering louder than ever. They had moved up to third place now.

"Fifth, to Miss Hermione Granger, for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor House another fifty points."

Hermione burst into tears and buried her face in her arms as Gryffindor again broke into cheers. Harriet looked over and managed to catch Kieran's eyes. Unlike the rest of them, Kieran was only sitting and applauding. Harriet thought she knew why. Of all of them, Kieran was the only one who hadn't gone through any of the trials.

"And sixth, to Miss Harriet Potter, for her pure nerve, and her outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor House, sixty points."

Gryffindors exploded once more with cheers. They were almost tied with Ravenclaw. If only Dumbledore had given Gryffindor House another ten points. Harriet leaned forward and squeezed Kieran's hand. He looked down at her hand on his and returned the squeeze, though he still looked miserable.

"And seventh, to Mister Kieran O'Brien," Dumbledore said.

Kieran jumped and looked up at Dumbledore in disbelief. "It is certainly brave to rush off into the face of danger in support of your friends. But it takes a special kind of character and bravery to be the one to volunteer to remain behind and give the other support your friends need. I, therefore, award Gryffindor House another fifty points."

Kieran's mouth fell open, utterly slack as Gryffindor House was finally on its feet. The fifty points Kieran had won put them equal to Slytherin House. They had drawn for the House Cup. Dora was on her feet too and bringing horrid looks from the surrounding Slytherin students for it.

Dumbledore once more raised his hand and quiet reclaimed the Great Hall.

"There are all kinds of courage in this world, and it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to one's enemies. But it takes just as much, if not more, to stand up to our friends. I, therefore, award Neville Longbottom and Gryffindor House a final ten points."

Harriet's ears were ringing. Neville was bowled over in the wave of students that were hugging him. Ronnie had climbed over the table to do so; kissing his cheek and making him go so pink in the face Harriet thought his head might explode. Neville had never won as much as a point for Gryffindor the entire year. Harriet looked up at Professor Dumbledore and couldn't help but smile at who she now recognised as the kindest man she had ever known. Seeing the looks of sheepish pride on Kieran and Neville's faces, Harriet knew Dumbledore had intentionally saved them for last, making them the two heroes of Gryffindor House, and she was incredibly grateful for it.

Dumbledore waved his wand, and the banners changed from green to maroon. Malfoy, Parkinson and Fanfarró were looking utterly miserable, which only made Harriet feel even happier. Harriet saw Professors McGonagall and Snape shaking hands. Professor Snape looked like he had second-class as he forced a smile on his face. Professor McGonagall caught Harriet's eye and gave her a little wink. Harriet tried to catch Professor Snape's eye too, but he was now steadfastly looking in another direction. She had the odd desire to ask him about having known her father, but she knew that was merely wishful thinking.

Harriet felt it was the best evening of her life. The party continued into the night. On their way back to the common room, several older students, including Fred, George, and Oliver Wood bore Neville and Kieran on their shoulders. Neville, of course, hit his head on an overhang, but he still seemed so overjoyed he didn't seem to notice. Harriet knew she would never, ever, forget tonight.

However, later that night as she lay in bed, Harriet finally pulled out and read Nicolas Flamel's letter. When she'd finished, she had tears in her eyes again, though she ultimately felt better about everything that had happened.


Dear Harriet,

I know it sounds odd to someone your age for me to say so, but I want to thank you for what you have done. Perenelle and I did rather wear out our welcome in this lifetime. It is now time for us to take our new adventure.

But more than that, I especially want to thank you for the kindness and acceptance you have shown to our dearest granddaughter, Dora. She had been down to attend Beauxbatons near where her family lives, but with Voldemort openly after the Stone, our worry that Dora may become a target herself was too high, and so we sent her with the Stone to Hogwarts. One could say she was there for protection as much as the Stone was.

Most of her childhood friends, however, still went to Beauxbatons, and it was our great worry that Dora would have a hard time fitting in. She is, after all, quite as headstrong as her great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandmother, and come to think of it all her great-grandmothers since, her grandmother, and her mother. But having heard that she met someone like you who accepted her for who she was has heartened me greatly and was the best gift you could have given to someone of my excessively long age.

Do not feel sorry for Perenelle and myself. We are quite ready for what is to come, and we wish you all the best in your coming years. Our one regret is that we did not think of destroying the Stone sooner, as it would have saved you considerable peril, but then, in the end, we would have cost you the chance to prove your qualities. You are a genuinely great witch, my dear, and you have every right to be proud of yourself. When I see them on the other side, I shall be quite sure to tell your parents what a good person you have made of yourself, though I have no doubt they now that quite well enough already.

All the best,

Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel


* * * *


The exam results were handed out at breakfast the following day. Harriet and her friends had passed everything, and fairly well too. Hermione was even top of their year, with Scott behind her by only a few points. As they showed each other their results and Harriet saw the looks on Hermione and Scott's faces, Harriet knew at once that a friendly rivalry had begun between the two that would probably continue until their very last day at Hogwarts.

It all happened very fast that day. In no time at all, Harriet's trunk was packed, Hedwig shut safely in her cage, Neville's toad Trevor was found, and they were all given their notices informing them they were not allowed to use magic outside of school, much to Fred and George's continued misery.

Instead of the boats, however, Hagrid lead them all to a long line of carriages that seemed to be magically enchanted to pull themselves, as they had no horses. They also seemed to be magically larger on the inside than they appeared on the outside, as Harriet, Ronnie, Hermione, Kieran, Marcus, Scott, Dora and even Neville all managed to fit into the carriage. Harriet felt her mood slowly slipping down as they boarded the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station and it began chugging away from the platform.

She still joined in all the fun her friends were having as they went. They replayed the game of dare she and Ronnie had started on the Hogwarts Express their first time, daring each other to eat randomly drawn Every-Flavour Beans and trying to guess what the flavours would be before they did. As she looked around at them all talking and laughing, Harriet felt her mood climbing. Even if she were going back to the Dursley's, it would only be two short months before she was again aboard this very same train. And besides, she had Hedwig; she could keep in touch over the summer.

The train finally arrived that evening back at King's Cross station. There was a bit of a rush getting off the train, and many yells of happiness as parents and students reunited. Many people called farewells to her as she and her friends made their way to the barrier to the Muggle world.

"Still famous," Ronnie whispered in her ear grinning.

"Heh, not where I'm living..."

"Oh, that reminds me! You lot have to visit this summer! I'll send an owl!"

"There mum! There she is! I can see her!" called a shrill voice as they got near the barrier. It was Ronnie's mother, Mrs Weasley with Ronnie's younger sister, Ginny. Ginny had grown a little during the school year and was waving frantically. She broke from her mother's grasp and ran up to them, first giving Ronnie, Fred, George and even Percy rib-cracking hugs before turning to Harriet and shaking her hand vigorously.

"Hi! I'm Ginny, Ginny Weasley, Ronnie, Fred, George and Percy's little sister! Oh, it's so great to meet you finally!" Ginny said talking a mile a minute.

"Oh I, uh, thanks," Harriet said, blushing brightly. Ginny continued to beam.

"So how was your year?! Is Hogwarts amazing!? I bet it is! I bet you were top of the year too!"

"Er, no, that was my friend, Hermione, here."

"You were!?" Ginny asked looking equally impressed and shaking Hermione's hand. "You must be so smart! I can't wait for next year when we're all there together!"

"Now, now, Ginny," Mrs Weasley said as she finally caught up with them. "Hello, dears, did you have a good year, busy?"

"Yes to both, Mrs Weasley!" Harriet said, smiling. "And thank you so much for the jumper and the fudge!" Harriet said and hugged Mrs Weasley around the waist.

"Oh! Oh well, it was nothing dear," Mrs Weasley said patting Harriet on the back.

They finally filed out onto Platform Nine. A ministry guard was letting them out through the barrier in pairs so they wouldn't alarm the Muggles. Harriet looked around once she'd gotten through, having walked through side by side with Ronnie, wondering when or even if the Dursleys would be coming for her.

"Ready, are you?" asked a gruff, irritable sounding voice nearby. Harriet turned to see Uncle Vernon, still as purple-faced, moustachioed, and angry as ever walking towards them. His gaze moved over the Weasleys and the owls on Harriet's and Percy's trunks, his face full of utter disapproval. Harriet could see Aunt Petunia and Dudley standing a few feet behind Uncle Vernon, looking terrified of not just Harriet but the whole swarm of other wizards standing with her as well.

"Oh, you must be Harriet's family!" said Mrs Weasley, walking up to Uncle Vernon and holding out a hand in greeting.

"Unfortunately," Uncle Vernon muttered, turning away from her to glare at Harriet. Mrs Weasley looked deeply insulted, and even Harriet couldn't help but glare back at Uncle Vernon for his rudeness. "Hurry up, girl, it's late enough as it is," He said before he turned to walk back to Aunt Petunia and Dudley.

Harriet lingered just long enough to give her final goodbyes to her friends.

"Okay, now I've seen them I'm sending you an owl as soon as possible!" Ronnie declared, looking beside herself with anger at the Dursleys. "Is that one Dudley? Come on let me poke him in the nose just once—"

"It's fine, Ronnie, it's fine, I can't wait to hear from you all."

"Hope you have a... well... as good a summer as possible," Kieran said looking utterly dumbfounded at the Dursleys. Hermione had found her parents and brought them over to introduce to everyone too. They were much friendlier people than the Dursleys, which seemed to reassure Ronnie quite a bit.

"Girl!" Uncle Vernon called angrily.

"See you all later then," Harriet called, gave everyone another round of hugs and turned to follow the Dursleys finally. Her friends had seemed a little perplexed at the smile Harriet had on her face. But in her head, Harriet remembered the notice in her trunk, the one telling her she couldn't do magic over the summer. The note she knew she would never show the Dursleys, and she knew would make her summer much more fun than the last.

It was as she stepped outside though that Harriet stopped once more. Unless she was much mistaken, she could hear a violin. It was a beautiful sound, but as she looked around, no one else seemed to hear it. She remembered back to last summer when she had arrived for the first time, the street performing violinist she had met. She looked around frantically, hoping it was him, but she didn't see anyone.

Then she remembered, well more of half-remembered. The violinist had said his violin had been "magic." And more than that, she thought she could remember someone having once told her when she got back to King's Cross to listen for something no one else could hear, and that when he heard it, she'd know someone was watching over her and keeping her safe. The feeling reassured her greatly, and she smiled, already eager to return for another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Edit! I finally got around scraps and lo-and-behold, I got all of this to fit into a single post! I have kept Ch15B but i moved it to my scraps.

Cover art by: Momagie

All characters and locations within property of J.K. Rowling unless otherwise stated.

General (ret.) Jigme Dorji Wengshuk property of Nickelodeon

Sherrod Howe credit goes to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Marcus Van Der Lakk, Kieran O'Brien and Scott McIntyre property of :iconnight-miner:

Dora Flamel property of me!

Original concept idea by :iconnight-miner: and :iconlittlebityamelie:

Proof reading by :iconnight-miner:, :iconlittlebityamelie: and :iconh-a-cooke:

Link back to Chapter 14: The Adventures of Harriet Potter: Year One - Ch 14
(all characters and locations property of J.K. Rowling unless otherwise stated.)
Chapter 14
The Trap-door and the Trials
"While it is always best to believe in one's self, a little help from others can be a great blessing."*
General (ret) Jigme Dorji Wengshuk
Despite Hermione's reassuring words about Professor Dumbledore being enough to keep Voldemort away and that Harriet shouldn't heed what the centaurs in the forest had been hinting, Harriet was a complete wreck by the end of exams.
It wasn't the exams themselves (Harriet actually found them a good distraction) or even Harriet's constant fear that a fully restored Voldemort was going to come bursting through the front door of the castle at any moment. Harriet's scar had started hurting again, and the nightmares had returned.
The nightmares were perhaps the worst part. Instead of just her parents disappearing into bursts of green light or giant red eyes with slits for pu
© 2012 - 2024 the-mind-of-kleinnak
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LittleShiro-kun's avatar
Alright, just finished this story! I really have to say, you're a fantastic author. :) I just love how you have expanded the main group, especially with Dora. It's nice that she is made as a positive depiction of the Slytherin house, but I'll admit I feel it a little disappointing that she had chosen to be in Slytherin as a form of spite since it would be interesting to see a member who displayed the qualities of one (ambition, determination, etc.) but had a sense of morality and possibly even kindness. I guess we'll see more later. Still, despite this minor gripe, I really loved this story and can't wait to read more! :D