Chapter 15: Detention and a Confrontation

They leave the hut with the intention of returning to the Castle to finish their homework and to talk to the twins about the dragon. On the way back they meet Professor McGonagall coming out of the castle with concern on her face while Pansy is following looking smug.

"Harry? Hermione?" she asks," What are you doing out here so late?"

"We went to visit Hagrid and the time got away from us," Harry replies," We were going to see you in the morning about it."

He looks over at Pansy and asks," Shouldn't Pansy be in her dorm by now? It's a bit dangerous for her to be wandering around alone after dark."

"It should be just as bad for you as well Potter." She huffs; disappointed they are not in trouble.

"Be quiet Miss Parkinson," Professor McGonagall says," You will have to serve detention for being out yourself."

"But what about them?" she wails," aren't they in trouble too?"

"Let's return to my office and see what we can do about detention for everyone." The professor says sternly while looking each of them in the eye.

Pansy smirks at the Potters, sure now she had succeeded in her task to get them in trouble. The group walks up to the castle and enters Professor McGonagall's office where she sits behind her desk. She looks at each one of the three children and sighs.

"Miss Parkinson, while it was good of you to let me know someone was out after curfew, it does not negate the fact that you also were out of your dorm." She says," That will be five points from Slytherin and detention with Hagrid tomorrow night. Now return to your dorm while I talk to the Potters about their detention."

She huffs and storms out to go back to her dorm, mad at not getting to hear about the Potters detention.

After Pansy left, she turns to the Harry and asks," What were you doing down at Hagrid's that kept you late?"

"We just went to see what he knew about the robbery at Gringotts and got sidetracked when we saw smoke billowing out of his chimney, much more than usual," Harry answers," we were going to tell you about it in the morning but now is as good a time as any."

"Hagrid was trying to hatch a dragon egg," Hermione says," He succeeded too. The dragon is a Norwegian Ridgeback and he has it in his cabin right now. I told him it was illegal to have a dragon in Britain and that we would arrange to have the Weasley twins contact their brother Charley to pick up the dragon before it got too big or burns down his house."

McGonagall leans back in her chair," The fool" she whispers.

"I will make the arrangements for the pickup. Thanks for telling me." She says.

They nod at her thanks, but knew there was more coming and weren't disappointed.

"Since you want our guidance, I am going to deduct five points each from Hufflepuff and give you detention with Hagrid tomorrow night as well," the professor says," but your detention is to help Hagrid protect Miss Parkinson while you are in the forest. Something is killing the unicorns and he needs help tracking it down. Normally, I wouldn't send children into the forest at night, even with Hagrid, but Miss Parkinson needs a lesson about roaming the grounds alone after dark and I know you can keep her safe."

Harry looks at Hermione and then back at the professor and says," We understand and will be glad to do our detention as instructed. We got caught out after curfew when we should have known better and got permission first."

"Very well," Professor McGonagall says smiling at them," Mr. Filch will escort you two and Miss Parkinson down to Hagrid after dinner tomorrow. Now get on to your dorm and try to stay out of trouble."

"Yes Ma'am," They reply in unison.

The professor just shoos them out of her office and they head back to their dorm for the night where they finish up their homework for the evening then go to bed thinking about their interesting day and the detention tomorrow.

The next morning at breakfast Harry and Hermione go up to Professor Snape to talk to him.

"You heard about Pansy being out last night professor?" Hermione asks.

"Yes, I hear she has detention with you two and Hagrid tonight. I was very disappointed in her being out without permission and gave her a detention of my own." He says," She's too young to be alone outside after dark."

"We were out as well and our detention is to protect her while we are in the forest tonight. Hopefully she will understand it is not safe out and she will learn her lesson. We just wanted to reassure you that we will watch her closely. You have our word." Harry says.

"Thank you Harry, I know you will. She is just a child and her pure-blood arrogance is going to get her into a lot of trouble." Professor Snape says.

"That is one of the things we are trying to change and starting with the young ones will be the best way to do it. One baby step at a time." Hermione says.

After a full day of classes and a good dinner Mr. Filch comes to collect them from the Great Hall with Pansy in tow not looking too happy.

While walking down to Hagrid's hut she complains," I don't see why I have to go. I didn't do anything wrong."

Mr. Filch just looks at her and growls," You were caught out after curfew, just like these two miscreants. You will need to keep your wits about you tonight going into the forest with Hagrid."

"Into the forest," she shrieks, now scared, "There's werewolves and such in there."

"Oh, there's more than that in there little lady, should have thought of that before," he says while knocking on Hagrid's door.

Hagrid answers the door and Filch says," Here's three miscreants for you Hagrid. I'll pick them up in the morning."

"No need," Hagrid says," I'll take them back when I'm done with them."

"Suit yourself," Mr. Filtch says and walks back up the hill to the castle.

Hagrid grabs his crossbow and turns to the children," Something's been killing the unicorns in the forest and we are going see if we can find out what. I need extra eyes to keep a look out."

As they walk into the forest, Hagrid bends down and runs his fingers though a silvery substance on the ground. He also notices a trail disappearing further into the darkness.

"Unicorn blood," He says in disgust," who would do such a thing. Follow me and stay near."

They follow the trail until it splits up with one going left while the other goes straight ahead.

"Looks like we will have to split up. Harry you take Pansy and follow the strait path and me and your Mrs. will take the other path. Yell out if you need help." Hagrid says.

Harry notices Pansy is shaking like a leaf and says to her," Don't worry Pansy, I promised Professor Snape I would keep you safe."

She looks at him with a scared look," How can you keep me safe, you're the same age as me."

He looks at her and says," I assure you we will be safe. I can't explain why right now so let's just see where this trail leads, shall we?"

They follow the silvery blood further into the forest and when they come around a rather large tree they see a unicorn on the ground with something black and misty hovering over it. The creature hears them and when it looks up at them, its red eyes flash, causing Pansy to scream and faint dead away. It hovers for a second highly agitated at being caught and extending its claws, makes straight for Harry who was just about to erect a shield when something big and heavy jumps over him scaring the creature away. The something turned out to be a centaur with a white mane of hair and a regal air about him.

He turns to Harry and says," Harry Potter, you should not be out here. It is not safe in the forest for you."

Harry looks at him in awe and says," You're a centaur, aren't you."

He nods," Yes, my name is Firenze."

"Pleased to meet you," Harry says as Pansy wakes up," What was that creature feeding on the unicorn?"

"Can you not think what it was? Unicorn blood will keep you alive, even if you are close to death, but at a terrible price. You will live a cursed life, a half-life."

"You mean to say that was Voldemort?" Harry asks.

About that time Hagrid and Hermione come around the tree and as soon as she spots the unicorn Hermione gasps.

"We've got to help it Harry."

"I agree," Harry says.

Harry and Hermione walk over to the unicorn and kneel down next to it placing their hands over the wound; they start to glow brightly, healing the wound on the unicorn's neck. After a few minutes the unicorn shudders and stands up. Hermione and Harry wrap their arms around it and give it a hug letting it know it is safe and bid it to return to its home.

Everyone watches in awe as Harry and Hermione heal the downed unicorn and when they are finished Firenze bows his head with deep respect and says," Elders, for that is what you truly are, you have done a great service to the forest tonight, I will spread the word, you will always be welcome here."

"Thank you Firenze, may your herd be fruitful and multiply." Harry answers respectfully.

Harry looks over at Pansy and asks," Are you alright now? You had a bad fright there."

"Elders; father said they were only a legend," She whispers to herself, and then answers louder," I'm fine, thank you Elder."

"You understand the danger about being out alone now and why you got into trouble?" He asks her.

"Yes, Elder, I have learned my lesson well." She says respectfully.

"It's just Harry and Hermione, Pansy." Harry says as they walk back to the castle together.

As the group approaches the front doors they see Professor Snape waiting for them.

"Here she is professor, all safe and sound as promised." Harry says," She had a bit of a fright when we found what was killing the unicorns but I think she will be fine now and we will take care of the creature responsible."

"Thank you Mr. Potter." Professor Snape says," I'll take her from here."

"They healed a unicorn that was on the ground," Pansy says, "It was awesome to watch."

Professor Snape smiles at her and says," Come along Miss Parkinson. Let's get you back to your dorm. Good night Mr. and Mrs. Potter."

"Good night professor," Harry and Hermione say in unison as they walk back to the Hufflepuff dorms.

Needless to say, it didn't take them long to get to sleep after the long day.

ooOOoo

The next morning the couple awakes and after getting cleaned up and dressed, exit their rooms into the main Hufflepuff common room where they run into Professor Sprout.

"Mr. and Mrs. Potter," She says," The headmaster would like to see you in his office before breakfast."

"Thank you professor," Hermione says," We'll head there right now."

They exit out the portrait hole and proceed to the Headmaster's office on the sixth floor where after pausing for the gargoyle to move, go up the stairs and knock on the door.

"Enter," Comes from inside.

Harry and Hermione enter the office and stand in front of the desk.

"You wanted to see us Grandpa?" Hermione asks.

Professor Dumbledore smiles at her and says," Yes, I have to go the London for a couple of days to attend a Wizengamot committee meeting. There are a couple of minor laws to be brought before the assembly for possible adding to the next major session that will need to be voted on and I want to be there to head off any disasters."

"Anything we should worry about? Do you need our proxy's?" Harry asks.

"Not this time, but that is something we should discuss sometime in the future since you control five votes. You should have a separate proxy for each house until you come of age."

Harry and Hermione look at each other and think," The council of five, five votes, perfect."

"What about each of the council be a proxy for their house as our representative and I allow you to vote for House Potter. Each head understands his or her house better than anyone and they can consult with us for a final vote tally. We can always be available in the gallery for consultation and it would the perfect opportunity for us to learn how the government works." Hermione states excitedly, eager to learn.

"That is an excellent idea," Albus says," The major sessions are usually in the summer and should not interfere with their teaching. I will consult with them upon returning."

"Okay Grandpa," Harry says," We'll keep an eye on Quirrell as I'm sure he will try to take advantage of your absence to steal the stone. We will try to save him if we can as I'm pretty sure it was him we saw last night being forced to drink unicorn blood."

"I will make an announcement at breakfast about being gone," Albus says," You two be careful around him. He can be very dangerous."

"Don't worry about us Grandpa, We can handle him," Hermione states emphatically.

"Very well," he gets up from his desk and opens the door," Shall we?"

The Headmaster and the Potters proceed to the Great Hall for breakfast where they split up, with the Potters heading for the Hufflepuff table and the Headmaster to his throne like chair at the head table.

Professor Quirrell sits at the head table watching the three, wondering what they were up to.

"Must be school business," he thinks to himself as professor Dumbledore stands up and taps his fork on his goblet getting everyone's attention.

"May I have your attention please," He asks?

Everyone quiets down and turns to him expectantly.

"I will be leaving the school for a couple of days for a Wizengamot meeting and will return on Friday. Professor McGonagall will be in charge until I get back. That is all, thank you." He says, and then sits down to eat his breakfast.

"Perfect," Quirrell thinks," with the old fool gone I will have an easy time of it."

Harry thinks to Hermione while watching Quirrell," Look at Professor Quirrell smirking, I do believe he took the bait."

"He will go tonight I'm sure," Hermione thinks back.

"We'll be ready; I just hope the unicorn blood didn't damage the professor beyond our ability to counter." Harry thinks to her.

"Me too," was all she could think as well.

After breakfast the duo head to their first class of the day with their house which was Potions. On the way they run into Pansy and her friends going the other way. Most of Pansy's friends sneer at the Potters as they approach but Harry ignores them and looks at Pansy and asks:

"Did you sleep well last night Pansy?"

She stops and looks at him; and with a smile says," Yes, Elder, I slept very well thank you. I don't think I would have made it last night if you hadn't been there. I feel a lot safer knowing you and Hermione are here to protect us."

"Thank you for your kind words Pansy, please tell all of your friends about the lesson you learned. They may not all believe you but I'm glad you understand." Hermione says.

As they continue on their way they could hear whispered," Elders," by the others in disbelief as Pansy explains what happened and what she had found out about the Potters. When they get to the Potions classroom Harry and Hermione go up to Professor Snape and ask to speak with him. The professor agrees and leads them into his office.

"What can I do for you?" He asks them.

"There are a couple of things actually. The first is Quirrell will probably try to steal the stone tonight. We ask that you discreetly inform the other teachers and make sure everyone is in their dorms to minimize the danger." Harry says.

"So he is the one going after it. I thought I spotted him trying to get onto the third floor during the troll incident." Severus says.

"He has a face on the back of his head and we think he is being controlled by Voldemort. We were able to trace your mark to him when we removed it." Harry confirms.

"The other thing has to do with the Wizengamot,"Hermione says," Harry and I would like each head of house to be our proxy and vote for their founder in the summer session. You would represent Salazar Slytherin as you understand the workings of your house and how it should vote. I know you understand the real Salazar Slytherin and not the made up stories. We will be in the gallery for consultation if needed. The same goes for the other heads. We will have a meeting about it when Grandpa gets back."

"I would be honored," Professor Snape says formally.

"Okay, we can go into details at the meeting of the council." Harry says," Let's get class started."

The professor leads them back into the classroom and starts off by explaining the ingredients for today's potion and how to prepare them. As the potions are brewing he walks around the classroom helping as needed while thinking to himself in satisfaction," This is what I wanted in life. Harry and Hermione are the ones that made it possible and I will forever be grateful."

Harry and Hermione could see the professor was happy and gave each other a pat on the back for a job well done. After potions, the rest of the day flows smoothly for the Potters and at dinner Professor McGonagall announces a 9 O'clock curfew since the Headmaster is gone and the castle will be locked up at that time.

Around ten that evening Harry and Hermione disillusion themselves and proceed to the third floor to see if Quirrell has taken the bait. When they arrive and open the door they see Fluffy is asleep with a harp playing music over on the side. As soon as the door is closed the harp stops playing and Fluffy wakes up. He couldn't see anyone there but could smell them and starts growling.

Harry waves his hand at the dog and says," Sleep."

Fluffy goes back to sleep and Harry levitates him over to the corner of the room to uncover the trap door which he opens. They reappear and look down through the door and even though it is dark they can see there is a plant down below covering another opening.

"Lady's first," Harry says.

Hermione smiles at him and floats down to the next level stopping just above the plant.

Harry joins her and she says," That looks like Devils Snare, a bright light should make it retreat enough to get through."

She conjures a bright ball of light causing the plant to shrink in on all sides creating an opening which they float through. After landing on the floor the couple walks down a hallway and come to a room with what looks like flying insects in the rafters. After examining them closely they determine they are keys and one is needed for the next door. Harry sees a broom floating nearby and as soon as he touches it the keys get agitated and start flying around real fast. When he lets go the keys settle down and float serenely.

"The keys seem to be tied to the broom. I'm going to try something." Harry says.

"Okay, Harry," Hermione says," Look for an old fashioned one with a broken wing. If Quirrell came through here he probably damaged it trying to out fly it on that old broom."

Harry looks up and when he spots the one he wants, pushes off with his feet causing himself to fly up to the key very fast and while he grabs the key, he overshoots his mark breaking one of the rafters in two. He stops and hovers while he repairs the rafter and then flies back down to Hermione.

"Looks like we can fly," Harry says," I need to learn how to control it better though."

"We will practice this summer where no one can see us," Hermione responds.

After opening the door with the key they proceed into the next room where torches flare to life showing a room full of destruction.

"Looks like there used to be a chess set in here," Hermione says.

"You know," Harry says," All of these rooms have obstacles in them that a first year student with any smarts at all could figure out. Quirrell would have no trouble, hence the destroyed chess set."

"It would have been nice to play our way through, just for fun," Hermione says wistfully.

The next room contains a dead troll.

"Now that wouldn't have been fun for a first year. Too bad it is dead and can't be returned to its home." Harry says.

They open the next door not sure what to expect when they spot a table with potions bottles lined up on it. As soon as they enter and close the door flames spring up in front and behind them to prevent them from leaving the room. Hermione spots a parchment on the table and reads it.

"It's a logic puzzle explaining which bottle to use to go through each set of flames. While this would work on a normal wizard or witch it doesn't apply to us," Hermione states.

She sets the parchment down and they proceed through the flames to the next door. They enter the last room where they encounter Professor Quirrell standing in front of the Mirror of Erised.

"Hello Professor," Harry says," Not finding what you are looking for?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Potter, what a pleasant surprise," He sneers without a bit of stutter.

"I see your speech has improved," Hermione says pleasantly.

He ignores her while looking into the mirror muttering," I can see myself with the stone but can't see how to get it."

Harry feels someone trying to probe his mind which he blocks effortlessly and then hears a hissing voice," Use the boy,"

Quirrell spins around and points his wand at Harry to force him up to the mirror, which he allows, making him look directly into it, and asks," What do you see?"

"I see what I always see when I look into this mirror. I see myself standing next to Hermione with my arm around her smiling back at me." Harry says as he feels the stone drop into his pocket.

"He lies," the hissing voice says," Let me talk to him."

"But master, you are not strong enough." Quirrell says.

"I am strong enough for this," the voice says.

Quirrell then proceeds to unwrap the turban from around his head revealing a hideous face on the back of his head with slits where the nose should be and an evil sneer in its expression.

"See what I have become, Harry Potter," Voldemort says," I am a parasite having to live off others, just to exist, while having to drink unicorn blood to stay alive. Now, give me the stone, I know you have it."

"Your face hasn't improved any since you tried to kill me as a baby. What makes you think I would give you the stone even if I had it?" Harry responds calmly.

"Because I will torture and kill your mudblood if you don't and then the same for you," Voldemort says, not understanding why they aren't afraid of him.

"Very well, "Harry says pulling the stone out of his pocket and handing it to Hermione." Would you hold this for me dear?"

"Sure Harry," She responds.

"Why did you give it to her?" Voldemort screeches while pointing his wand at Hermione," Give it to me; Crucio!"

The spell hits Hermione and has no effect as she stands there passively.

"What is this?" Voldemort asks astonished his spell didn't work.

Harry waves his hand at Quirrell, freezing his body in place, while leaving the head free," That's enough!"

"Hermione, would you do the honors?" Harry asks.

"What honors?" Voldemort asks scared for the first time tonight.

He watches as Hermione holds out the stone in her right hand and squeezes. The stone pulverizes into a fine powder and drifts down to the floor.

"Nooooo," Voldemort yells, he is really scared now as he can't escape from Quirrell's body.

Harry looks at Hermione and says," It's time."

They levitate Quirrell into a horizontal position on the floor and lay their hands on his forehead where they begin to glow softly. They pour all of their love for each other and their compassion for the professor through their hands and into his body causing it to start glowing as well. This is pure agony to the parasite and it is forced to let go of its host without killing it as it usually does. A green mist starts to coalesce above Quirrells head forming an outline of a person which then tries to steal some of Harry's magic by going through him on its way out of the chamber but bounces off instead and has to make its way on its own without the extra boost it was hoping for.

Harry calls out," Tippy."

The elf appears at their side and looks at the professor and smiles." I see you were able to free him Elders. I knew him before he was possessed and he is a good wizard. I will take him to Madam Pomfrey for you."

"Thank you Tippy," Harry says.

As she pops away with Quirrell Harry and Hermione begin their journey back the way they came and run into Professor Dumbledore in the key room.

"Hi Grandpa," Harry says cheerfully.

Said Grandpa hugs both his grandchildren relieved they are alright and asks," How's Professor Quirrell?"

"He should be alright; we removed all the bad memories of his possession and replaced them with normal teaching ones from the classes we attended with him. He will think he has been teaching his classes and nothing is wrong." Hermione says," He should be back to his original self by morning. Oh, and the stone has been destroyed."

"That is really good news; I look forward to having the young man back to normal and the Flamels will be relieved to know they have been released from their curse." Grandpa says.

They are walking along for a few minutes when Harry suddenly says, "We learned something new today Grandpa. Would you like to see?"

Grandpa smiles at their enthusiasm and says," Sure, show me what you learned."

Harry and Hermione look at each other grinning and each grab an arm of their grandfather and with him in their grasp fly carefully back up to the third floor corridor.

"Oh my," Grandpa exclaims," this is delightful."

The next morning at breakfast everyone is looking up at the head table, watching as Professor Quirrell is sitting there, without his turban, having a conversation with Professor Snape and laughing about something the other said. After a year of having classes with a stuttering Professor Quirrell, watching him act so normal causes even most of the Slytherins to smile at the pair. Harry and Hermione are content that another life was saved from the evil that is Voldemort. A week later finds the gang at the leaving feast enjoying their dinner when Professor Dumbledore walks over and steps into the lectern where he rises up a foot or so. He taps on the side of his goblet with his spoon.

"May I have your attention please?" He asks the students.

Everyone quiets down and looks at him expectantly.

"Now that we are all fed and watered, it is time to award the house cup. Due to the closeness of all the quidditch matches this year I am happy to announce the house cup was won on academics for a change instead of prowess on a broom. In fourth place with 273 points is Slytherin House."

He pauses while everyone claps for Slytherin, even though they weren't too happy with their results.

"Next, in third place with 337 points is Gryffindor House."

The applause was slightly louder with the twins being rambunctious and dancing around.

"In second place with 409 points is Ravenclaw House, Well done Ravenclaw, well done."

Everyone claps and cheers for their good showing.

"Finally in first place, for the first time in memory, with 479 points, the House Cup is awarded to Hufflepuff House. Well done Hufflepuff, you have shown that with hard work and loyalty to your friends you can accomplish anything you set your minds to."

The applause is thunderous as everyone stands up for Hufflepuff. Cheering loudly, they all throw their hats up into the air celebrating the end of the school year.

ooOOoo