Strange Potter

Much to Harry's surprise, the next few months were very uneventful. Well, danger-wise.

His new developing friendships with Susan, after their class partnership, and Blaise were going great too.

Susan was a bit shy at first but she got over it and joined the rest of his group at the Gryffindor table for some dinners.

She talked about her aunt and her position in the Ministry. How they lived together because of all the family she lost in the war.

Harry understood that. They were both orphaned by a mad man and his army of masked cowards.

Blaise was not shy in the least. The boy was both talkative and silent. He talked and traded banters but kept some things close to his chest. A proper Slytherin in that. Gathering information while holding on to some personal issues. His time in the dungeon with the other snakes was complicated.

Draco was the self-proclaimed prince of Slytherin and expected respect for it. Luckily his father didn't hold as much influence as he did ten years ago. To many murmurs of how he lost his arm and the Malfoys being cast out of the house, Black didn't give him as much pull as he would like.

It showed the house of snakes. Blaise was not attacked or shunned for his friendship with Harry. Some of them saw his clever position and respected it. Others were worried that Snape wouldn't tolerate infighting in his house so they mostly ignored the situation, for now. But all of the houses could feel it. The divide coming.

There were no trolls, no giant dogs, no assassination attempts, it was a little unnerving.

Even his games were safer. Well, as safe as they could be.

Dumbledores probably breathing a sigh of relief too. Mum was very serious, no pun, about shoving his beard somewhere unpleasant.

But he couldn't help but feel that something was coming up. All the odd events that had happened were still fresh in his mind. And the stone was still in the school.

And his uneasiness only went up after Defense class ended.

"Mr...L.l.l.l.l...Long..bottom. could...y..y..you..stay...behind a moment." Quirrell asked.

"Catch up to you in a sec guys," Neville said and went to the professor.

Harry looked conflicted. He still felt something was off about this professor. 

"I wonder what Professor Quirrell wanted to talk to Neville about?" Hermione waited outside with Harry.

"I don't know and I don't like it." Harry paced. 

"What? Why?"

"That guy has always had me on edge. Everything about him is...wrong."

"He seems harmless to me." She shrugged. "Not a very good teacher but I'm sure he is doing his best. Dumbledore hired him so he has to be somewhat knowledgeable. A bit of a nervous man I will admit."

"Dumbledore hired him because nobody else wanted the job. His classes are a joke and not even a funny one." 

Hermione held in her retort. She couldn't disagree with Harry's assessment of the class. 

A few minutes later Neville came out.

"What did he want?" Harry asked immediately.

"Oh, nothing. He was wondering how much my father had taught me about defense. He's considering leaving at the end of term and was curious if dad or mum would want the job." Neville shrugged.

"Are you sure that's it?"

"Yeah. Come on let's get going before we're late for Herbology."

"See." She looked at Harry. "Nothing to worry about and of course, we can't be late for your favorite class." Hermione teased Neville. 

"Duh!" Neville laughed.

Harry looked back at the classroom still feeling something wasn't right.

On an unassuming hill surrounded by woods a portal opened. Then Wong and Stephen stepped out.

"Are you certain of this?" Wong looked around the property. "Wait...this magic. There's something here."

"Someone went through a lot to hide something here." Stephen raised his hands. "Help me remove the cover."

Wong pulled up his spells. Both soon had the mound of the 'hill' that had been the illusion removed. 

In its place was a very run-down cottage. With a snake nailed to the door still.

"Well, that certainly matches what you have gathered," Wong said.

"These Gaunts were the worst of the worst. Even by the 'pureblood' way of thinking. What empathy I had for Merope has been replaced by the disgust in her actions."

"You'll get no disagreement from me Strange. Potioning and raping a man for your selfishness." Wong agreed. "To think if she had not. Harry would still have his parents."

"There are a great many people who lost their lives and loved ones because of one woman's greed. Regardless of how her family treated her, she is still to blame for her choices."

Wong agreed. "Even if he was the one to hide this place there's no guarantee he has one here. He could simply be hiding his true heritage."

Stephen pulled out the stone. "Stand near me. I'm going to create a bubble and look back in time."

"Your recklessness with that stone will be your undoing one day."

"I don't intend to change anything. Just observe."

Time began to move back. Slowly the house began to reform and the plants grew then died. A long amount of time later Stephen stopped the stone.

Outside was a young man. His face and eyes. It was a young Riddle no doubt.

They watched as he held something in his hand. Then he went into the house. 

About an hour later he exited. Then his wand was casting multiple spells and curses all over the building as the structure disappeared and the hill was now there.

Satisfied the young Riddle left.

Strange fast forward back to the present. "He left something here. You don't put those enchantments on a house for a laugh."

"An anchor. It was probably whatever he had in his hand so it will be small."

"A needle in a haystack." Stephen sighed. At least they had a place to look. "Let's remove the rest of the spells he placed."

A short time later the two removed the spells work on the house. Once Wong was sure it was safe they entered.

"We don't know what spells he placed in here so we need to be mindful."

"When am I not?"

"Do you want me to answer that?" Wong narrowed his eyes at him.

They entered full spells at the ready. The place was barely standing. The magic around was probably the only reason it hadn't collapsed into the dirt but now.

"Well. This is certainly not the highest quality of living for a group that believed they were magical royalty." Stephen swatted some of the cobwebs away.

"We take each room slowly," Wong said.

The entrance was cleared and they moved into the main room. The painting in the corner caught Stranges eye. He cast some spells over the painting thinking he may have hidden something behind it.

While he was examining it Wong stepped further in and felt the floor give. He looked down and did it again. Like the floorboard was not fully nailed. 

He knelt and pulled the board up. Inside was a package of sorts. Wrapped in a cloth. Carefully he pulled back the cloth and found a golden box.

One with several curses on it. 

Paranoid this 'man' was.

He canceled the spells and gently opened the box. Inside was a ring. He was about to call Stephen when he felt an overwhelming pull toward the small band. Without realizing it he picked it up and began lowering it onto his finger...

"Wong!" Stephen threw magic a rope at his friend. He yanked him back causing the ring to fall to the ground.

"What?! What happened?"

"You nearly put on the ring."

"It...it was like a compulsion. I couldn't stop myself."

Stephen's cloak flew off him and picked up the ring.

"That's exactly what it was." Stephen cast a few detection spells. "And a withering curse. Clever." Barbaric but clever.

"I guess I owe you twice."

"Who's counting?" Stephen examined the ring. "Well, luck would have it. There's no other protection on it."

The cloak dropped the ring and Strange pulled out his sword. The flames slammed into the band as screams filled the air. Soon all that was left was the stone that sat on top.

Seeing the anchor destroyed Stephen picked the stone back up. "This stone. Where have I seen it before?" His cloak answered by making a huge jester at it, similar to Harry's cloak years ago. "The Stone? Really?"

"He made a Hallow a Horcrux." Wong looked horrified.

"Not just the ring." Strange eyed the stone. "That's two."

"Strange we getting very close to dangerous with these."

"I know. So we put this somewhere safe."

"Do you believe he knew what he had?"

"No. For someone so terrified of death, he wouldn't have missed a chance to be its master. If the story is true."

"You know Dumbledore would do anything to hold that right?" Wong had a hint of a smirk on his face.

"I know." Stephen smiled back.

At the same time at Hogwarts.

That night Harry was in bed while his Astral was out sitting by the fire with a book in hand.

He heard footsteps and saw Neville coming down the stairs.

"Neville?" He asked as he slipped out of the plane.

The other boy ignored him and walked out the tower entrance.

"What the hell?" Harry was about to follow but he knew he'd be more useful in his body.

He came running down the stairs. But before they went back together he thought he might need another pair of eyes.

"Hermione."

The girl shot up seeing Harry floating over her.

"Harry?!" She pulled her covers up. Sure she was in pajamas but a boy was in her dorm!

"Quite!" He hissed. "Meet me down in the common room. Something is wrong with Neville." He disappeared.

What?! How?! Why is it that every time I get an answer from that boy he does something that makes more questions?!

She looked around and was relieved she didn't wake anyone up. Quickly she dressed and ran down the stairs.

Harry was waiting at the bottom.

"How long have you been able to do that?"

"I'll explain later. We need to catch up with Neville!"

"Why?! What's going on?"

"I don't know. He just walked out of the Tower and completely ignored me." He grabbed her hand and pulled her out the door.

"Harry?!"

"Hermione something is off with him. Please help me stop whatever he's doing."

She saw the look in his eyes. "Okay. Where did he go?"

Harry's hand glowed and a trail of footprints was glowing on the ground. He flicked his fingers over her eyes and she saw the trail now.

"Is there anything you can't do?" 

"Polka." He replied.

"Seriously?"

Harry just took her hand and they ran after the trail.

The footprints led directly towards the corridor that the stone was in.

"Here." Harry pulled out his cloak. "Best to be safe."

He threw it over them and now were invisible to all.

"Invisibility cloak?" She admired. "Those are rare."

"Old family heirloom."

As they moved down the corridor Hermione was hit with an overwhelming desire to run back. To stop and not return.

"Harry we shouldn't be here." She spoke. "We should go back."

"It's the charms on the walls. They're compulsion to make people want to leave."

Hermione understood where her sudden urge to run came from. "Why aren't you affected?"

"I'm immune. Mind magic is sort of my thing."

Despite her being compelled to flee she stayed with Harry. They reached the door and found it locked.

Harry didn't get to pull out his knife before Hermione already cast the charm to unlock it.

"Third-year charm. You were waiting to show that off."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." She shrugged.

The two entered and found several suits of armor in pieces all over the ground.

"No way Neville did this," Hermione observed as Harry pulled off the cloak.

"Yeah. He's not bad at defense but this is beyond him."

"There's a door." She pointed. 

"He's going after the stone."

"Why would he do that?"

"I don't think he is. Not willingly."

"Do you think someone is making him? How?"

"We both know of ways he can be forced to do something."

Her eyes widened. "The Imperius Curse."

"Maybe." Harry pulled up the door. "I'm going in."

"Wait. We should get the Headmaster or Professor McGonagall."

"No time. There could be anything down there that was worse than the dog. He could get himself killed."

"Then I'm going too."

Harry realized he was stupid for bringing her with him. He didn't want her to get hurt. "I'm sorry I brought you here. You should go get the professors."

"Don't start. You dragged me out of bed and right now our friend is in danger."

"I am a bad influence on you." He gave a small smile. She reminds me of mum...same refusal to give in.

"Yes, you are." She smirked.

They went down the opening.

It was only a few feet later they felt the ground move all around them. Vine shot out and began wrapping them up.

"Bloody..." Harry growled as a vine wrapped around his mouth. His eyes glowed red causing the vines to pull off him in terror. His whole body was glowing now.

Hermione used this to whip out her wand and blue flames shot out of it.

The vines all fled back between the two. Leaving them free.

"You beat me to that by like two seconds," Harry told her.

Hermione rolled her eyes at him.

They ran into the next room and found it full of keys. Flying keys.

"One's has to be for the door," Hermione observed. "Can you fly up and find the right one?"

"I could or..." Harry hit the door with red magic. It unlocked easily.

"Show off." She scuffed.

"And you're not?" He raised an eyebrow.

The pair went through the door and found a giant chess table.

"Of all the times we needed Weasley..." Harry spoke.

"You're just as good." She did not want him here. "The last thing we need is Ron. You can beat it."

"I could but Neville could be hurt already. Who knows what's next?" Harry glowed and floated a little. 

Hermione went a little wide-eyed as he transformed the entire board and the way opened. "Well, that saves time..."

"Come on."

They were lucky the next one as the troll was already dead.

"Devil Snare, charms keys, transfigured chest pieces. Now a troll...Sprout. Flitwick... McGonagall and this. Did all the professors take part in this?" Harry noticed.

"It looks like it." She carefully moved past the troll. She still had some sharp feelings about them. The last one did try to kill her. "At least this time you don't have to fight it."

"It didn't reset. All the other traps did."

"The troll is dead. You can't reset death."

They stepped over the threshold and immediately a fire sprang up behind them in the doorway. It wasn’t ordinary fire either; it was purple. At the same instant, black flames shot up in the doorway leading onwards. They were trapped.

"Harry. The table." She moved to it with seven potions on it. She ran over and read the note. " Brilliant. This isn't magic — it's logic — a puzzle. A lot of the greatest wizards haven't got an ounce of logic, they'd be stuck in here forever."

Harry read the note. "That's something. You're right any other wizard or witch would be trapped. Did you figure it out?"

"Only one of us can go through." She realized.

Harry could make the flames disappear but this did give a reason for her to go get some help and away from whatever he might have to do in there. Sometimes his magic had collateral damage and he didn't want her caught in it. Neville was bad enough.

"I'm going. He's my best friend. I can't leave him." He took the correct potion.

Hermione looked frustrated but nodded. "I'll go get the professors. Just be careful."

"I promise." He put his hand on hers.

Then she hugged him tightly. "You're a great wizard."

"You're a great witch." He complimented back. 

"Me? Just books and cleverness. You have something else entirely."

"Something that fell into my lap. You keep proving yourself every day. I know you're going to do something amazing for this world."

She smiled against him at that. "Don't die." She began turning to look at him.

"I won't." Harry started as he turned his head.

Neither factored in how close they or both turning at the same time towards each other. 

Their lips met briefly and both went full blush. Harry was so red his magic was showing around him.

"That..." he couldn't even finish.

"I didn't..." She stammered. We kissed! I kissed my best friend! 

Shite....that wasn't planned. She's blushing and her voice is screaming inside.

"I'm going to get someone..."She stammered and ran back out the door. Her face was blushing the whole way.

Harry looked temporarily dumbfounded but shook his head. He turned back to the trap. But he couldn't get the red off his cheeks.

Wanda

Harry? What's wrong?

Something is wrong with Neville. I'm going to help him.

Do you need my help?

I think I can handle it.

What do you mean think?!

I can. But if I call again be ready.

I'm always ready.

Good point.

Harry ran into the last room.

Neville was looking into a mirror and not moving.

"Neville?!" Harry moved in and grabbed him. "Neville snap out of it."

"He's mine right now Potter."

Harry turned and saw Quirrell at the top of the stairs. "I knew it."

That temporary confused Quirrell but he recovered fast. "Indeed? Surprising. I thought only Snape and Dumbledore were smart enough to not overlook poor s.s.s. stuttering Quirrell."

"You gave yourself away at Halloween." Harry put himself between Neville and the professor.

"How so?"

"You were too over the top with fainting. Also, if you're the Defense Professor you should know how to handle a troll, or at least not draw too much attention to it. No, you wanted everyone to know about it. You wanted all the professors to go to the dungeon."

Quirrell glared but had to admire the boy's observation. "You're smarter than I thought Potter."

"Don't I have the highest grade in your class? You're just arrogant."

"Longbottom quite him." The man ordered.

Harry felt Neville grab him from behind and lock him in a chokehold.

"Neville?!" Harry gasped. He's not himself. I'm sorry about this mate.

He grabbed Neville's arm and slid sideways. With a quick flip, he sent the other boy over him and both fell to the ground.

Quirrell had descended and grabbed Neville as Harry regained his footing.

"He's completely under my control Potter. Perhaps I'll have him slice his wrist? Maybe bite off his tongue?"

"You're not going to hurt him!"

"That depends on you. Your wand." He snapped his finger and a fire circled them. "I know better than to touch it. Toss it into the flames!"

Harry hesitated as he considered his options.

"Your wand Potter!" Quirrell grabbed Neville by the throat.

Harry glared but dropped it. Then kicked it into the fire.

"Good." The man smirked. "Now the mirror." He motioned. "I tried to get it but all I see is myself with the stone. I thought Longbottom here could be useful but he failed as well. Then you came."

"Let him go," Harry demanded.

"Retrieve the stone and I will spare his life." 

"Like I believe you."

"You have no choice."

"Use Potter."

Harry looked around for the other man but didn't see anyone.

"Potter. Look in the mirror." Quirrell ordered.

Harry was reluctant but the threat to Neville forced his hand. So slowly he turned around and stared into the mirror. He saw...himself. Only him.

"What do you see?"

"Me," Harry said honestly. "Just me."

"He's lying."

"I'm not!" Harry spun back around. "Where is your 'partner' hiding?!"

"Let me speak to the boy."

"Master you're not strong enough."

"I'm strong enough for this."

Quirrell moved to face the boys as his back was to the mirror. He unwrapped his turban and Harry saw that horrific face for the first time in ten years.

"Harry Potter." The leached sneered.

"Voldemort." Harry glared back. 

"Yes. Do you see what I’ve become? See what I must do to survive? Live off another, a mere parasite. The unicorn blood can sustain me, but it cannot give me a body of my own."

"My mother did that to you. She beat you." Harry grinned. "That has to hurt the most. Someone you thought you were so much better than kicking your arse!"

"A foolish mistake on my part." Voldemort hissed. "One I will not repeat. I will have the stone and I will walk this world again. You will all remember to fear my name."

"Quirrell this won't end well for you even if he gets the stone. He'll toss you aside the second you're no longer any use to him." He tried to reason with the man. "And you know it."

A small glimpse of something was in Quirrell's eyes but it disappeared fast. He was completely under Voldermort's control.

"Give me the stone Potter," Voldemort demanded. "I will let you and the Longbottom boy live."

"We both know that's hogwash. And it doesn't matter. I don't have it."

"Lies!!" The 'thing' growled. "Make him give it to me!"

Quirrell pulled out his wand and aimed it at Harry. "Last chance Potter. Where is the stone?!"

"Go to hell," Harry growled.

"Crucio!" 

He felt the torture curse run through him and fell screaming in agony.

"You will give me the stone now!!" The possessed man was ready to cast more. 

Harry was facing away so Quirrell and his decaying backface didn't see Harry's eyes glowing red or his right hand.

With seeker reflexes he shot around, his wand materialized backhand, and fired a Reducto spell straight into Quirrell's unexpecting face, blowing his entire head to pieces with one shot.

His body dropped. Dead before he even hit the ground.

Harry was shocked by his actions. He fully meant to do that but to see it done... All the training he had didn't prepare him for the real-life event of taking a life.

Suddenly the wraith screamed as it rose from the corpse.

Harry tried to get up fast but his body was still trying to regain itself from the torture curse.

Just as he got to his feet the wraith flew into him and out his back. His Astral form pulled out and then flew back in as the monster flew off into the night.

"Bloody arsehole." Harry shook his head as he stood on uneasy legs.

Voldemort's departure caused the spell on Neville to lift. He began blinking and looked around to see Harry standing there. And they were not in defense class...

"Harry? What happened?"  Neville looked down and saw Quirrell's body. "Shite! Did...did I do that?"

"No Nev. I did. He had you under the Imperius curse."

"What?!"

"Come on we need to go." 

Neville didn't argue the sight of Quirrell's destroyed head etched into his memory forever. What the hell happened?

Harry sat in the infirmary. Some small cuts and still shaking off the Curse but otherwise fine.

Neville was already released but Pomfrey made him stay after she learned he was hit with an unforgivable.

"I must say Mr. Potter I was expecting you here much sooner. Your father's old bed was waiting." 

"I heard he was here a lot." Harry chuckled. "Sorry to disappoint you."

"For once I'm quite happy to be disappointed." The elder medwitch had a slight smile.

"A rare thing for you Poppy." Dumbledore walked in smiling. "How is our student?"

"He'll be fine. Despite being on the receiving side of a Cruciatus Curse. He's healing faster than expected."

"That is wonderful news." He looked at Harry. "How are you feeling though?"

"Sore." The boy said back.

"Understandable. Are you up for giving me some details about what transpired between you and Professor Quirrell?"

"What did you already figure out?"

"Based on Mrs. Granger and Mr. Longbottom's information, it was clear Quirrell placed Mr. Longbottom under the Imperius in hopes to use him to get the stone."

"Hmhm." Harry nodded.

"I'm more interested in the state that Quirrell was found in."

"I...I did that. He tried to make me get the stone but I didn't know-how. I knew it wouldn't matter anyway. He wouldn't let us go. Then he cast that curse...I didn't think I just acted and fired the first spell I could think of. He wasn't expecting it and didn't get a chance to protect himself. Next Voldemort rose from the body and slammed into me. He flew away and that was when Neville finally was freed of the spell. We made our way out of the corridor where we met Professor McGonagall coming down and we came here next." By that I mean she dragged us here. She can be scarier than Voldemort when she wants to be.

"He didn't take your wand?"

"He knew that it would hurt him so he made me toss it into the fire."

"Then how did you manage to use it?"

"He saw me toss it but never checked it was the real one," Harry said a half-lie. "Doc always told me to be prepared so I keep a copy of my real one on me. It's a toy. It can't even cast anything but looks like my real one."

"I believe you and my old friend Alastor would get along fabulously." Dumbledore chuckled. "But you say Voldemort was a part of Quirrell?"

"Yeah, he was growing out the back of his head. That's why he always wore that turban."

Dumbledore nodded in understanding. "Yes the dark lord always could gather followers to do his bidding. His ability to manipulate others is terrifying."

"He was forcing Quirrell. The man had no power over his own body anymore."

"Such is the dangers of possessions."

"I know he was after the stone but the look on his face. How much he wanted to kill me. He was the one who let the troll in and he did the hex on my broom too."

"The Bludgers as well. I see you are very observant." Dumbledore complimented. "Yes, he was. I wasn't sure at first but after this it's obvious. I'm sorry I missed that."

"He fooled everyone." Not me but you don't need to know that.

"I'm afraid he did." Dumbledore looked thoughtful as he pondered his next question. "Tell me Mr. Potter how did you feel when Voldemort revealed himself? I imagine it was a shock to you."

"That's putting it lightly." Harry scuffed. "All I felt and still feel towards that thing is hate. The feeling is mutual so it seems."

Not very useful information Harry. Was it yours or his you felt? I thought your scar would have a deeper impact on you. Maybe I thought too much into it. Or your Occlumency has managed to suppress it...I wish I had more to go on.

"Mr. Potter I am very grateful for your actions last night. Of course, the affair is top secret so, naturally, the whole school knows."

"Why would the whole school know?" A new voice spoke. "Unless you're letting them know."

Dumbledore sighed. "Dr. Strange."

Stephen looked very upset but that was nothing compared to the anger you could almost feel coming from Natasha and Sirius.

"Hey, guys." Harry sat up.

Natasha moved ahead of everyone and pulled him into a gentle hug. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Sorry to worry you."

"Don't be sorry." Sirius came up and looked him over. "We're just glad that you are okay."

"Neville's parents gave us the summary of what happened," Stephen spoke. "Now we want to see how you are and hopefully hear what you have to say."

"How about where were you?" Natasha glared at Dumbledore.

"At the Ministry," Dumbledore replied honestly. "I received a missive. Interestingly when I arrived it turned out nobody sent it. I believe Quirrell manipulated the owl to lure me away."

"This is why you don't keep dangerous items in a school."

"Dr. Strange to be fair Mr. Potter should have come to one of the professors before going after Mr. Longbottom."

"I didn't think I had time and I didn't know we were going to the corridor until it was too late. I knew there were dangerous things in that corridor and I was afraid Neville would get hurt or killed by the time I told anyone."

"I'm not scolding you, Harry." Dumbledore smiled. "in fact, I am quite proud of your loyalty to your friends."

"Where is the stone now?" Strange asked.

"I retrieved it from the mirror once I returned," Dumbledore answered.

"It was in the mirror?" Harry asked.

"The final protection," Dumbledore explained. "It could only be removed by someone who wanted it but not to use it."

"Oh...that explains it."

"Explains what?" Sirius asked.

"I didn't go for the stone. I just went for Neville. If Quirrell was honest I probably would have given it to him if I had it. Neville was more important than a stone."

Dumbledore went a little pale at that. He would have let Voldemort have it? Part of me admires his resolve to save his friend but the world would have lost much more if that were to have happened.

He was broken out of his muse someone came in the doors and shouted.

"Harry!" 

He didn't get much warning when Hermione practically tackled him in a hug.

Natasha saw the slight blush on Harry's face. I'm teasing him about this later.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine." Her squeezing harder made his sore body wince. "Okay, a little tender."

She pulled back slightly bashful. "Pomfrey just now said you could have visitors. I waited outside."

"Almost all night if memory serves." Dumbledore smiled at her.

Hermione blushed slightly at his statement.

"Hermione." Natasha looked at her. "Thank you for watching Harry's back in this."

"You're welcome... I mean he's my friend...and Neville!" She added quickly. "His parents are talking to him right now. He said he'll wait for you in the common room after." She told Harry.

"Okay. Thanks for coming to see me."

"Of course."

It was silence with the rest of the group. Natasha was holding back a smirk.

"Miss. Granger, could you give us a few minutes with Harry?" Dumbledore broke in. "There's still something I still need to discuss."

"Yes sir." She smiled back at Harry. "I'll be waiting outside."

As Hermione left she was passed by Snape.

"Headmaster." He spoke. "All the obstacles have been removed."

"Thank you, Severus."

Snape saw Harry and did what he always did. He sneered and glared at the boy. "Hopefully your current state will put the lesson in your head to let those who are capable to deal with things instead of running off like a dunderhead you are."

"You truly are an imbecile," Strange said. "You are just incapable of keeping your useless opinion to yourself. Or the fact that you act like you will never suffer from running your arrogant mouth."

Snape had his wand ready in his sleeve. Of course, all he was looking at was Sirius and Strange. He didn't count the muggle in the room as a threat. 

"You're the one who tried to hit my son." Natasha knew just by looking at him that he was not a good man.

Son? As if you could ever replace Lily. You're a nothing muggle. "The brat..." 

Nobody saw it coming, well other than Harry hearing it in her mind, but it happened so fast that some thought it was a poltergeist acting.

Snape lost all abilities to speak when a fist collided with his neck. He collapsed to the ground holding his throat as he tried to breathe.

"Severus!" Dumbledore watched this woman drop his potion master with a single hit.

"Go, mum," Harry whispered.

"I have been waiting to do that." Nat didn't even show signs of it hurting her fist. That felt good. I should probably say not to settle things with violence but that would be pretty hypocritical of me.

"That was unacceptable." Dumbledore began.

"It was past due. Based on what I have heard about Lily she would have already done it."

"She right." Sirius agreed. "Lily would have already hexed him so bad he would need a time turner to get back."

"Dumbledore take your potion master somewhere else and let them have some time with their child," Stephen said.

"That would be best." Another female voice said.

Dumbledore knew his day was not going well as he saw Amelia Bones standing at the doorway. "Amelia this is a surprise."

Snape couldn't even form a word much less a sentence as forced himself off Dumbledore and shuffled out of the infirmary and a way for the woman who had no love for Death Eaters."

"It shouldn't be. A professor cast two unforgivables and was killed. My department should have been called immediately." She nodded to Strange. "Thank you for informing me about this."

"My pleasure."

"Albus I hope you were simply too preoccupied tending to your students that you were about to contact me yourself." The woman had a more stern look than McGonagall.

"Of course Amelia." He replied.

"Then, while Mr. Potter and his family have a few minutes you can tell me what transpired. Fully." She wasn’t asking.

"Happily. If you will accompany me to my office?"

She nodded then turned her eyes to Harry. "Mr. Potter I will be back to ask you some questions."

"I understand ma'am." 

After they left Harry had the full extent of what happened come to him.

"I...I killed him." He said softly.

"Harry..." Natasha pulled him into a careful hug.

"We've all taken lives, Harry." Sirius held his shoulder. "You didn't have a choice."

"I did! I...I could have stunned him. Or call Wanda to help! He's dead because I was stupid."

"Harry." Natasha pulled him close. "What you're feeling is natural. You should have never had to do it. But you saved yourself and Neville's life."

"I still killed someone."

"Yes, you did." She rubbed his head. "That's something you have to live with but I will always be there for you. I'd rather see someone else die than risk losing you."

Harry nodded against her. 

"Never feel like you should apologize for living Harry," Stephen spoke. "You were put in a situation where you were fighting for your life. The fact you stared down the face of the man who killed your parents and didn't falter is something I am very proud of you for."

"He's just as ugly as I remember."

Sirius chuckled at that as he joined Natasha in the hug.

Stephen smiled at his response. Seeing Harry with these two always made him certain that getting involved was not only the right thing. It was the only thing a caring person could do. 

He'll need this love more than ever for what's to come. 

He looked back at the doorway where the young girl went out.

Not just theirs...

After everyone was satisfied with his check. Harry was released and Hermione was waiting outside.

They stood around awkwardly as they looked for the right words.

"About what happened."  She began.

Both of them blushed at the memory.

"It was an accident. I didn't mean to...you know."

"I...I didn't mean to either." He stammered.

"I mean it wasn't even REALLY a kiss!" 

"Of course not!" 

"Okay." She huffed.

"Okay." He nodded back.

Neither said anything else. 

"Are you reading my mind?" She narrowed her eyes.

"No! I promise." Harry quickly raised his hands in surrender.

It was a slightly less awkward walk back to the common room as they tried not to look at each other out of fear of being seen blushing.

"Harry!" Neville came running over. "Finally free?"

"Yeah. Are you okay?"

"Me? I wasn't tortured."

"No, you were sent through traps and obstacles completely unaware."

"That is terrifying." Neville shuttered. "I don't get why I was the one he used." Wouldn't Tom want to get back at Harry, not me?

"I think Voldemort wanted to kill us both."

"I get you but why me?"

"I can't tell you that."

"We're not supposed to keep secrets from each other," Neville said angrily.

"I know, but it's something your mum and dad are going to tell you. I promised I wouldn't until they did. You know I keep my promises."

Neville shook his head. "Fine. I'll ask them when I get home." His parents had already left after checking him over and he didn't think this was something he wanted to say in the mirror.

"Why can't you tell me?" Hermione asked.

"I...I want to but I don't want you in danger." 

"We kinda moved into that last night." She challenged him.

"Voldemort and Dumbledore both have a part in why the dark jerk is targeting me. I may have protected your mind but they both can be relentless. If Dumbledore finds out you know he will do two things. Obliviate you and try to on me. That wouldn't end well for him."

"He wouldn't do that." He wouldn't right...

"Yes, he would. Information is power and Dumbledore has always had a weakness for it."

"So you can't trust me because he might find out through me." She said softly.

"I do trust you." Harry sighed. "The reason I can't tell you is that the more people who know the more power it gives to it."

"What?"

"Have you heard of a self-fulfilling prophecy?"

"Of course I have."

"It's like that. Both Voldemort and Dumbledore believe in some fated showdown between me and him. The night I survived only reinforces their beliefs."

"Like a real prophecy? I heard divination is never that precise."

"Prophecies are hogwash. A bad liar can say some vague words and the more people believe in it the more they'll find a way for it to come to pass." Harry replied.

"So that's the reason?" Neville asked. "Some prophecy?"

"Dr. Strange says it's not. Just a bunch of bad luck for Tom and 'good' luck for me."

"But what does Dumbledore have to do with it?"

"He's a control freak. He wants everything and everyone to go down a path he believes in. Even all these years later he still doesn't believe he did anything wrong trying to keep me from Sirius."

"He what?" Hermione hadn't been told that.

"Yeah, long story but if it wasn't for Doc I would probably be raised by my mum's sister. I never met her but Sirius says she's not a good person."

"So what do we do?" 

"We go to school and be kids." Harry shrugged. "All while keeping an eye out for any more signs of the dark bastard..."

"Language."

"I can use a worse word if you want," Harry said with some sarcasm.

Hermione rolled her eyes again but gave a faint grin at his antics. I'm getting too used to him. "I won't tell anyone. Just like your magic."

"I know." He said gratefully. 

"I think I need training on how to fight off the Imperius. It's terrifying that I couldn't do anything to stop it."

"You were cast on by one of the most powerful magic users in the world. Don't sell yourself short." Harry gave him a comforting smile.

"Still..."

"At least you can say you were under its control and it is true. Unlike certain people."

The leaving feast was even more festive than the others. 

It was a bittersweet moment for a lot. Happy to go home. Sad to leave the place that had become another home for you.

Harry wasn't as conflicted. He went home every weekend so he wasn't leaving. Just staying home longer. I'm going to have to double my training now.

"Harry, did you fight Professor Quirrell?" Dean asked.

"Not really. It was over so fast."

"He cast an unforgivable on you?"

"Yeah...not something I want to think about."

"I'm just happy you showed up," Neville said.

"Of course. Brothers remember?"

"Always." Neville smiled.

A sound from the front called everyone's attention.

"Another year has gone," Dumbledore spoke cheerfully. "And now, as I understand it, the house cup needs awarded and the points stand thus. In fourth place: Hufflepuff, with 345 points! In third place: Ravenclaw, with 378 points! Second place goes to Slytherin, with 458 points! And in the first place, with 503 points: Gryffindor house!

A roar erupted from the house of the lions. The Weasley twins started a cheer as Harry smiled at his friends as they joined in the cheers. Hermione smiled back at him.

Gryffindor's colors were all over. The winners of the house cup and the quidditch trophy made it a great year for the house of the lions.

Slytherins were not happy. Especially Malfoy and Snape.

"Hold on girl," Harry said as he shuffle his bags around. 

The owl was not being patient.

"I know I could just open a portal but I want to ride the train.

She peeked from her cage.

"Yes, I want to spend the ride with my friends." She looked at him and tilted her head. "Hermione is just my friend."

Hedwig hooted. 

"She is!" Harry mumbled and carried all his things down to the train.

Neville and Hermione were already there waiting.

"Happy to be going home?" She asked.

"Always happy to," Harry answered.

"It's been a weird year." Neville laughed.

"That's putting it mildly." Hermione.

"At least you did well in all your exams." 

"Did we even doubt it?" Harry chuckled. "I'm sure you did well mate."

"If not I'll use the Imperius as an excuse."

"I'm sure your mother will believe that." Hermione gave him a stern look.

Neville shrugged back at it.

Before the train took off the door opened and Blaise came in followed by Susan.

"Room for two more?" She asked. It was surprising to hear that she was becoming friends with Blaise but he wasn't like the other Slytherins. 

"The more the better," Neville said.

"How did the talk with my aunt go?"

"I don't know what I'm allowed to say but she said I wouldn't be in trouble. She seemed more interested in the Headmaster's actions. But Dr. Strange said he would be talking to her about it later."

Stephen was hoping to have another alliance formed with Bones. Someone he knew wouldn't be on Riddle's side.

"Or lack thereof," Blaise mumbled. Seriously why would you put something so dangerous in a school? He understood why his father never put any backing behind Dumbledore.

Speaking of the Headmaster.

"A wasted year." Dumbledore slumped into his chair.

He only gained the proof Tom was still out there from his trap and puzzles. Nothing else.

Harry didn't go to protect the stone. He didn't even care of Quirrell left with it. The boy didn't touch the possessed professor so he had no idea if Lily's protection was still in play.

Worse the boy killed Quirrell without a second thought. It was his first choice. He could have used any number of spells but no he went straight for the lethal option.

What had Sirius been teaching him? And this muggle? She is very dangerous, for a muggle, the way she took down Serveus... this is just more proof Harry would have been better off with his aunt.

But he also felt some peace for the boy. He had no deep desires. Harry was truly content with his life. That did make the old wizard feel better. Harry should be happy with the time he had left.

 Unfortunately, that happy feeling was encompassed by the feeling of annoyance from Amelia. He wishes Dr. Strange never informed her. He could have given a statement to her that would have been satisfactory and kept her out of his school.

Perhaps Cornelius's plan involving the treaty has some merit but I fear the backlash. I have to think about what best suits the future.