Regulus Jackson and The Philosopher's Stone

As the morning sun peeked in the courtyard, a hushed sense of urgency filled the air. We were discussing our next steps to prevent Voldemort from obtaining the Philosopher's Stone. Noelle, who was laid on the grass, her eyes widened with realization and she suddenly sat up.

─ By Merlin’s beard! How did I not notice this before? ─ she exclaimed, her voice slicing through the morning fog.

The rest of us looked at her, bewildered. ─ What is it? ─ Lucien asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

─ Noelle, what’s going on? ─ I chimed in, trying to keep up with her enthusiasm.

─ In the night we were at Hagrid’s hut, I don’t know if you noticed, you were all so enchanted by the dragon. Hagrid mentioned he got the dragon egg from a stranger. Isn’t that weird? All Hagrid wanted was a dragon, and suddenly a stranger shows up with one? I mean… who carries a dragon egg in their pocket? How could I be so stupid? ─

Without waiting for our reactions, she jumped to her feet and dashed out. We exchanged bewildered and we sprinted after her, still half-asleep.

─ Hurry up! ─ Noelle called over her shoulder as she raced to Hagrid’s hut.

When we reached Hagrid’s hut, he was sitting outside, a steaming cup of tea in hand. ─ Hagrid! ─ Noelle panted, her hands on her knees. ─ The stranger you got the egg from, what did he look like? ─

─ I dunno, didn’t see his face, ─ Hagrid replied, scratching his beard. ─ He was wearin’ a cloak. ─

Noelle sighed, frustration clear in her voice. ─ What did you two talk about? ─

─ He asked me about what kind of creatures I took care of, ─ Hagrid said, a hint of pride in his tone. ─ I told him after Fluffy, a dragon wouldn’t be a problem. ─

─ Did he take an interest in Fluffy? ─ Noelle pressed, her urgency palpable.

─ Of course he did! Who wouldn’t want to know about a three-headed dog? ─ Hagrid chuckled. ─ I told him the trick with any creature is knowing how to calm it. Like Fluffy, play him some music, and he’s out like a light… should’ve kept that to myself. ─

Noelle’s eyes widened with alarm, and she stormed off without another word. We scrambled after her, Iyon shouting,  ─ Wait, Noelle! What’s going on? ─

She barely slowed down as she called back, ─ It has to be him, it’s Voldemort! He knows how to get past Fluffy. We need to hurry. ─

The panic in her voice fueled our urgency as we raced back to the Slytherin common room. There wasn’t much time left. We needed to act fast, but we'd have to wait until nightfall.

That evening, after everyone else had gone to bed, we snuck out. Noelle led the way, gripping a small flute she’d taken from her pocket as we crept toward the third-floor corridor. Pandora stopped at the entrance to the forbidden door, and Noelle whispered for her to open it.

The door creaked open, and as soon as we entered, Noelle began playing the flute. Inside, we found Fluffy dozing off to the melody, his massive heads drooping low. In the corner of the room sat a harp, its strings still. Remus spoke up first.

─ It looks like he’s already been here, ─ Barty said, his brow furrowed. ─ We need to move quickly. ─

Pandora pointed to a trapdoor beside Fluffy. ─ That’s our way down. The rest of the room is sealed. ─

Lucien carefully opened the trapdoor, and one by one, we climbed down, with Noelle bringing up the rear. We landed unceremoniously on a strange plant that quickly ensnared us.

─ Don’t move! ─ I shouted as I recognized it. ─ It's a Devil's Snare! ─ I flicked my wand, casting a ─ Lumos ─ spell to illuminate the area, and the plant released its grip.

We fell to the ground with a thud, groaning in discomfort. ─ Are we all okay? ─ Noelle asked, dusting herself off.

─ Do you hear that? ─ she suddenly said, tilting her head. ─ It sounds like… wings? ─

Opening a door, we stepped into a room filled with fluttering, flying keys. Noelle let out a frustrated groan. ─ Great! Winged keys. We’ll need to find the right one to open the next door. ─

As we moved deeper into the room, Iyon inspected the lock. ─ We’re looking for an old silver one, rusty around the edges. That’s what will fit the lock. ─

─ There! ─ Barty shouted, pointing up. ─ The one with the broken wing! ─

I hesitated, eyeing the swarm of keys. ─ This is going to be difficult. ─

─ You can do it, Regulus, ─ Noelle said encouragingly. ─ If Voldemort could get by with that old broom, so can you. ─

With her support, I mounted the broom and took off into the air. Keys swarmed around me, darting in all directions as I chased the one that would unlock our way. It took some effort to navigate through the chaotic flurry of wings, but finally, I grabbed it and tossed it down to Noelle.

─ Got it! ─ she exclaimed, catching it expertly. She rushed to the door and opened it, motioning for the rest of us to follow as I sped through, dodging the oncoming keys.

As we entered the next room, the lights flickered on, revealing an enormous chessboard.

─ I think we’ll have to play our way across, ─ Lucien said, stepping forward.

─ Great, I’ve always wanted to be a chess piece, ─ I muttered.

─ Alright, everyone! We need to work together, ─ Lucien instructed.

In a matter of minutes, we arranged ourselves on the board. Lucien became our knight, directing us as he moved to take the place of the opposing pieces.

─ Go, Regulus! Move to e4! ─ he called, and I jumped to my new position.

The game unfolded like a tense battle, with Lucien sacrificing his knight to allow us to advance. In the end, Emily and Pandora stayed behind to take him to the hospital wing while the rest of us moved ahead.

Once we stepped into the next room, a foul stench filled our nostrils. We froze, staring at the body of a troll sprawled on the ground, its neck cut.

─ Thank Merlin I didn’t have to deal with that one, ─ Noelle murmured, wrinkling her nose. ─ Let’s get out of here. I can’t breathe. ─

We quickly made our way to the next door, only to find it blocked by flames, purple and sinister.

─ Now what? ─ I asked, looking around.

─ This must be Slughorn’s test, ─ I said, gesturing to a table laden with potion vials.

Noelle approached, grabbing a parchment from the table. ─ Danger lies before you, while safety lies behind, one of us will help you, which ever you would find, two among us ten will let you move ahead, another two will transport the drinker back instead, two among our number hold only nettle wine, three of us are killers, waiting bidden in line. Choose, unless you wish to stay here forevermore, to help you in your choice, we give you these clues four: First, however slyly the poison tries to hide, you will always find some on nettle wine's left side; Second, different are those who stand at either end, but if you would move onward, neither is your friend; Third, as you see clearly, all are different size, neither dwarf nor giant holds death in their insides; Fourth, the second left and the second on the right are twins once you taste them, though different at first sight.

─ Great! A riddle, ─ Noelle groaned. ─ Just what I needed. Ten vials, one will help us, two will allow only two of us to pass, two will take the drinkers back, two have nettle wine, and three can kill us. ─

─ How do we know which is the right one? ─ Eleanor asked nervously.

After examining the vials, Noelle replied, ─ The two smallest vials will take two of us to the stone. I think I can distinguish these here, ─ she said, separating out two more vials. ─ These ones will take whoever drinks them back. ─

─ This is too dangerous, ─ I sighed, weighing our options. ─ We need to decide who goes on and who takes the potions back. ─

After a moment of contemplation, Eleanor stepped forward. ─ I think you and Noelle should go on. We only learned everything because of you two. Trelawney only told her prophecy because she bumped into you both. I doubt it would’ve happened with me or the others. ─

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Noelle and I exchanged determined glances.

─ I’ll take the potion that brings the drinkers back. ─ Eleanor adds.

─ Yeah. Me too! ─ Barty agreed.

With a shared nod, Noelle and I gathered the two smallest vials and prepared to drink.

─ Good luck, ─ Noelle said, looking nervously at the others.

With determination, I drank my potion, feeling its warmth spread through my body, before watching the rest do the same.

In a flash, the others were gone, their next destination unknown but necessary.

─ Let’s go! ─ I called out, looking toward the darkness ahead of us.

As we stepped into the next room, the atmosphere shifted palpably. A flickering candlelight illuminated the dark corners, casting ominous shadows that danced on the stone walls. My heart raced, both with adrenaline and the unsettling feeling that we weren't alone. Then, emerging from the shadows, was Dan Bulstrude, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. He had a sly grin plastered across his face, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent light.

─ Ah, Regulus and Noelle, ─ he drawled, the words dripping with disdain. ─ I was expecting Dumbledore but this is much better. ─

─ What do you want, Bulstrude? ─ I demanded, stepping protectively in front of Noelle.

─ Such spirit! But it’s all for naught. You see, I’m not just a professor here. I serve a greater purpose. Voldemort’s purpose, ─ he proclaimed, his voice echoing off the walls.

My stomach dropped at the mention of Voldemort. ─ You’re working for him? ─ I spat, trying to keep my composure. ─ You’re a fool if you think he’ll ever trust you. ─

He laughed, a dark and chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine. ─ Trust? No, but I don’t need his trust. I just need to bring him what he desires. ─

─ What’s that? ─ Noelle interjected, her voice steady despite the fear creeping in.

─ The Philosopher’s Stone, of course, ─ he sneered, his expression turning more sinister. ─ And you two will be my ticket to it. ─

A tension filled the room, and I exchanged a glance with Noelle. We both knew there was no way we could let him succeed. ─ You won’t get away with this, Bulstrude, ─ I growled, stepping forward. ─ We’ll stop you! ─

─ Is that so? ─ he challenged, raising his wand. ─ Let’s see what you’ve got. ─

Before I could respond, he fired a spell in our direction. I barely managed to dodge, the energy sizzling past me. ─ Noelle! ─ I shouted, my heart pounding as I called for her.

She instinctively reacted, summoning shadows that twisted and writhed around her, a power so innate to her that it both fascinated and terrified me. ─ Stay back, Regulus! ─ she commanded, as she unleashed the darkness.

I took advantage of her distraction, launching myself at Bulstrude. I could feel the surge of my own power, the knowledge that I had to protect Noelle and stop this man at all costs. I threw a punch, connecting with his jaw. He staggered back, surprised, but quickly retaliated with a spell that knocked me to the ground.

─ No! ─ Noelle cried, her voice filled with urgency. ─ Get up, Regulus! ─

I pushed myself off the ground, determination fueling me. ─ I won’t let him win! ─

As I got back on my feet, I watched Noelle channel her powers. Shadows spiraled around Bulstrude, a whirlpool of darkness threatening to engulf him. ─ Regulus, we have to work together! ─ she yelled, her voice fierce.

─ Right! ─ I nodded, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I charged at Bulstrude again. We were a force to be reckoned with, two demigods against one corrupt professor.

Bulstrude fired spell after spell, but Noelle deftly maneuvered through the shadows, using her powers to shield us. I ducked and dodged, landing hits when I could. ─ This isn’t over! ─ he spat, frustration evident in his eyes.

─ You’re right about that, ─ Noelle shot back, her voice cutting through the tension. ─ You’re going to pay for everything you’ve done! ─

As Bulstrude attempted to escape the encroaching darkness, he realized too late that he was trapped. The shadows twisted around him, dark tendrils tightening like a vice. Panic flashed across his face. ─ No! You can’t do this! ─

But Noelle was relentless. ─ I can and I will! ─

With a final surge of energy, the shadows surged forth, suffocating him as I watched in awe and horror. Bulstrude struggled against the darkness, but it was no use. In moments, he collapsed, lifeless, the shadows dissipating as his body fell to the ground.

I breathed heavily, staring at what we had done. ─ Did we…? ─ I started, unsure if I should be relieved or horrified.

─ Noelle, ─ I turned to her, ─ you…you killed him. ─ My voice was barely above a whisper.

─ I didn’t mean to! I just- I just wanted to knock him out ─ she faltered, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

─ It's okay, ─ I reassured her, though the weight of the moment pressed heavily on me. ─ We had to stop him. He would have done terrible things. ─

Silence fell between us, and the reality of our actions settled in. It felt surreal, but we had no time to dwell on it. I took a deep breath, shaking off the adrenaline. ─ We need to find the Philosopher’s Stone. It has to be here. ─

Noelle nodded, determination returning to her eyes. ─ Right. Let’s look around. ─

We moved cautiously through the room, our senses heightened. Finally, I spotted something glimmering in the corner. ─ There! ─ I exclaimed, rushing toward it.

The Philosopher’s Stone lay nestled on a pedestal, radiating a soft, inviting glow. I reached for it, but Noelle stopped me. ─ Wait! We don’t know what it can do. We need to be careful. ─

I hesitated, weighing her words. ─ You’re right. But we can’t let it fall into the wrong hands, especially now. ─

Together, we approached the Stone. As I reached out, the glow intensified, casting vibrant colors on our faces. ─ This is it, Regulus, ─ Noelle said, awe in her voice. ─ We did it. ─

─ Together, ─ I replied, a sense of triumph swelling within me, despite the events that had just unfolded.

As we stood there, side by side, a new chapter awaited us. With the Philosopher's Stone in our possession, we had a chance to change everything. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that our battle was far from over.

After the battle, Noelle and I were battered, our bodies aching from the intense fight with Bulstrude. We stumbled our way back through the dark corridors, finally arriving at the infirmary. Madame Pomfrey greeted us with a sharp glance, instantly guiding us to the beds.

─ Sit down, both of you. Let me see those injuries, ─ she said, not unkindly but with her usual strictness. She bustled about, treating the cuts and bruises we’d collected from the fight.

I glanced over at Noelle, who winced as Pomfrey applied some salve to her arm. The thought of what had just happened lingered in my mind. The shadows that had enveloped Bulstrude, that was all Noelle. I had suspected it before, but now I knew for sure. She wasn’t like the others here. She was like me.

As Pomfrey moved to get more supplies, Noelle looked at her retreating back and asked, ─ Madame Pomfrey, would you mind calling our friends ─

Pomfrey raised a brow but nodded. ─ Very well. But don’t expect a party in here. ─ She swept out of the room, leaving us alone for a moment.

I turned to Noelle, trying to find the right words. It wasn’t every day you discovered you weren’t the only demigod at Hogwarts.

─ So... daughter of Hades? ─ I said, breaking the silence.

Noelle hesitated for a second, biting her lip before finally nodding. ─ Yeah. ─ Her voice was soft, almost uncertain.

I grinned, trying to ease the tension. ─ Relax. I’m a demigod too. Your half-brother, actually. I’m a son of Hades. ─

Her eyes widened in surprise, and then a slow smile crept onto her face. ─ Seriously? We’re... siblings? ─

I nodded. ─ Yeah. It’s a bit of a surprise for me too, but it makes sense now, doesn’t it? ─

Noelle laughed softly, shaking her head. ─ So, Trelawney’s prophecy was about us after all. ─

─ Seems like it. ─ I chuckled. ─ Who would’ve thought? I didn’t expect to meet another demigod here, let alone my half-sister. ─

She gave a small shrug. ─ It’s a weird world, I guess. And... Iyon, Cardan and Lucien... they’re like us too, you know. ─

I raised an eyebrow. ─ Really? ─

─ Yep, ─ Noelle said with a smirk. ─ Iyon is also a son of Hades, Lucien is a son of Demeter, and Cardan... well, he’s the son of Dionysus. ─

─ That explains a lot, ─ I muttered, thinking back to some of Cardan’s antics. ─ Do you all go to Camp Half-Blood? I didn’t see any of you there last year. ─

Noelle sighed and leaned back. ─ We didn’t make it last summer. Our mom took us, Cardan, Lucien and our cousin on this massive trip, so we missed out on camp. But we’ll be back this year for sure. ─

Before I could respond, the doors to the infirmary creaked open. Our friends filed in, concern etched on their faces. Pandora was the first to rush over, followed by Barty, Eleanor, Lucien and Emily.

─ Are you two okay? ─ Pandora asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

─ Yeah, just a few scratches, ─ I replied, glancing at Noelle, who nodded in agreement.

─ Only scratches? You looked like you went through hell, ─ Barty quipped with a smirk, though there was a hint of relief in his eyes.

─ Well, it certainly felt like it, ─ Noelle laughed. ─ But we’re fine now, thanks to Madame Pomfrey. ─

─ What happened there? ─ Lucien asked quietly, looking between us.

Noelle’s expression darkened for a moment before she answered. ─ Professor Bulstrude was there… He didn’t make it. ─

There was a brief, awkward silence before Barty quickly changed the subject. ─ You’ll both be ready for dinner, right? It’s the last night of the term, and we’ve got a lot to celebrate. ─

Madame Pomfrey reappeared just then, shooing everyone out of the way. ─ Alright, that’s enough. Let them rest. But... since they only have a few scratches, I’ll let them go to dinner soon. ─ She gave us a stern look. ─ But no more getting into trouble, you hear me? ─

We both nodded, grateful to be released soon.

After a few more exchanges, Madame Pomfrey finally declared us fit enough to leave the infirmary. As we made our way toward the Great Hall, the buzz of excitement filled the air. It was the last night of our first year, and there was something electric about the atmosphere.

Once seated, the celebration began. The room was alive with laughter, stories of the year’s adventures, and a sense of accomplishment.

─ Dumbledore’s going to announce the final House Cup standings, ─ Cardan murmured beside me, pointing to the Headmaster as he stood.

We all watched, breath held, as Dumbledore addressed the school.

─ In fourth place, with 130 points, Hufflepuff! ─ he announced. There was polite applause from the badgers. ─ In third, with 146 points, Ravenclaw! ─ A round of cheers went up from the Ravenclaw table.

─ And in second place, with 160 points... Gryffindor! ─ There was a brief cheer from the Gryffindor table, though it was subdued, knowing that they hadn’t won.

─ And in first place, with 169 points... Slytherin! ─ The Slytherin table erupted in a massive cheer. Green and silver filled the hall as the House Cup was awarded to our house. My gaze drifted to the banners above, watching as the red and gold of Gryffindor shifted to green and silver. The Great Hall erupted in cheers, the Slytherins roaring in victory.

By the next morning, the excitement had faded into the bittersweet realization that our first year was coming to a close. We boarded the train, Hogwarts slowly disappearing from view as we left for London. As the train pulled into the station, I felt a mixture of relief and sadness.

We filed out onto the platform, and my eyes quickly scanned the crowd. Then, I saw her. Sally Jackson, my mother. Percy was standing beside her, and the sight of them filled me with warmth. I dashed toward them, throwing my arms around my mother in a tight hug.

─ Missed you, Mom, ─ I said, squeezing her tighter.

She smiled warmly, hugging me back just as fiercely. ─ Missed you too, Regulus. Welcome home. ─ Percy joined in, wrapping his arms around both of us in a warm, familiar embrace.

I pulled back, gesturing to my friends who had gathered behind me. ─ Mom, Percy, these are my friends. Noelle, Barty, Pandora, Lucien, Iyon, Cardan, Severus, Lily, Emily and Eleanor. ─

They all waved or nodded, and Sally greeted them kindly, while Percy offered a grin. Just then, a woman approached us, and Noelle ran toward her, throwing her arms around her.

─ Mum! I missed you so much! ─ Noelle exclaimed.

Iyon and Cardan soon followed, joining the embrace. It was clear they had a strong family bond, much like my own with Mom and Percy.

One by one, more parents arrived, Emily’s father, Eleanor’s mother, Lily’s parents, Severus’s mother. The platform was alive with the buzz of reunions, laughter, and conversation.

We all talked for a while, catching up on the events of the year. However, soon, the families started dispersing, everyone heading home. Evan was one of the first to leave, escorted by a house-elf from his family.

As I stood there watching everyone leave, I couldn’t help but feel excited for what was to come. The school year had been full of surprises, challenges, and victories, and though I was ready for a break, I was already thinking about next year.

I smiled to myself as we headed out of the station, thinking.

I can’t wait to see what the next year at Hogwarts will bring.