The American Enigma

Detention? Again?

"I-I-I'm af-af-afraid you h-ha-have d-de-detention tomorrow." Quirrell stated, before twisting into an evil smile. "I recommend not being late. Otherwise Miss Granger may have to receive a few detentions." This motherfucker.

"I'll be there." I growled out. He was going to use Hermione as leverage to make me do what he asks. I can't exactly go and report him to another teacher without looking like a complete idiot! Unless.... Snape. But that would have to wait until tomorrow.

"Y/N! Are you okay!? He didn't do anything, did he!?" She didn't even breathe during the questioning.

"No. You must've stopped him. Thank you so much." I kissed her forehead, blushing as I did. But she mirrored my face as well when I pulled back. As the night passed, fear was gripping my soul until I thought of the perfect person to talk to.

I rushed to his classroom, catching him by surprise. I didn't have Potions, but this couldn't wait.

"Mr. Stafford?" He questioned.

"Sir, I need you to do me two huge favors. Please" I begged, earning a surprised look and nod. "First is that you keep Hermione away from Quirrell. The second is that when I have Shade bring you a letter, you go directly to Dumbledore and tell him that Quirrell is possessed by He Who Couldn't Beat A Baby."

"Why?"

"Because he's already threatened Hermione, and you saw what happened to me after the Forest. I don't want her going through that." He nodded. While he didn't like Harry's father, my mom was standing up for him. Even though they weren't friends.

When it came time for my detention, I could tell that Hermione was scared. Ron still adamantly believed that Snape was behind everything, while Harry was just confused. Snape hates him, so he's the prime suspect. But a friend witnessing something that casts doubt on such a claim? How does he know that his friend wasn't coerced in to blaming Quirrell?

"Ah, Mr. Stafford." The vile teacher grinned. "So glad you could join me."

"What do you want me to do?" I spat.

"Why, you're going to help me receive the Philosopher's Stone."

"And if I don't?" I had to push my luck here. This could very well be my saving grace.

"If you don't, then perhaps some Cruciatus therapy will loosen your tongue. Or, more accurately, it'll loosen Miss Granger's tongue." I went rigid at that statement, and he noticed and continued. "I do wonder how quickly she'll break under such immense pain? I've always wanted to hear filth like her scream."

"You're not laying a hand on her." I growled through gritted teeth, much to his amusement.

"Says who? You forget, Aster, that I hold all the cards here. Nobody is going to believe you, and clearly, such claims could result in your expulsion. Then who's going to protect her?"

"You're a real bastard, you know that?" He laughed.

"Yes. But I must recommend that you seriously consider helping me. For all you know, it could save your little girlfriend." I have no other choice, do I?

"Fine. But I want your word." He chuckled and gave me a half promise before releasing me. Without even realizing it, I climbed to the top of the Astronomy tower. Here, I was alone.

Alone and forced to aid a psychopath in his quest to return Voldemort to power. And if it succeeds, Hermione is going to be killed by him or his supporters. But if I attempt to betray him, he'll torture her.

"Then," I jumped in surprise, staring at Snape. "Perhaps it's time you stopped thinking about it."

"I can't. He's got me in check, and I see no way of breaking it."

"No? Then perhaps you should look at the bigger picture." When I went to say something, he stopped me with a glare. "You're focusing on the game he's playing with you. What about Miss Granger?"

"Hermione?" I couldn't help but let a soft smile cross my face. "She's the brightest witch in our year. The way she can work out problems is amazing. But I can't risk her getting hurt."

"And what about Mr. Potter?"

"Harry? He's loyal and definitely wants justice. But I don't understand why you're asking me about him."

"What about Mr. Weasley?"

"Ron? He's a good guy with jealousy issues, probably stemming from his older brothers, but he's definitely got the skills to do plenty of impressive things."

"Exactly. You've been placed in check, but Quirrell doesn't think to look further. You helping him places him in checkmate."

"How?"

"Because, Dumbledore isn't as mad as he seems. For he has already planned for someone trying to take the Stone. And, if you're willing, you'll help his plan succeed."

"What do I have to do?"

"You just have to accept the deal. Miss Granger won't be harmed if you do. If you don't, there's no telling what could happen."

It's a short chapter, but it helps set up the next chapter. Which will be fun, cause it adds a little bit more intrigue on Shade and his Deadpool like tendencies.