Hermione Granger and the Year Hidden from Hogwarts

Chapter 30

Hermione Granger and the Year Hidden from Hogwarts

Harry Potter Fanfiction

Chapter 30

A/N: Here's the conclusion to this story. I hope you enjoyed it. From here on out, we'll have the full Harry Potter cast as we head into the second year, so keep an eye out for the sequel.

June 7th, 1992

"Fizzing Whizbees," Filius stated clearly to the gargoyle, stepping in as the statue spun around to reveal stairs. He climbed to the top, not bothering to knock. Albus was the one to call the meeting.

Inside the room, he saw he was the last Head of House to arrive and claimed the empty chair between Severus and Minerva. Severus had been gloating lately about winning the House Cup, and the feline animagus was as competitive as they came, even if she considered herself to be the most professional of them all, her intense rivalry with the house of snakes had always been her small allowance of the depth of her true personality beneath the strict professor visage. The Marauders and, to some extent, the Weasley Twins had been the only ones to not fall beneath her intimidating aura. Filius was certain the Weasley Twins would be no less incorrigible than the Marauders once they grew into themselves.

They were only in their third year, after all, and he'd already started keeping a mental tally of the amount of times Minerva ranted and raved about their wasted talents.

"Ah, Filius, welcome. Would you care for a lemon drop?" Albus asked, holding out the brass bowl of candies.

Minerva pursed her lips. "Honestly, Albus. Lemon drops? At a time like this? One of my students is in the Hospital Wing and has yet to regain consciousness. Three days, Albus. Three days!"

Filius politely waved off the offer. Even if he'd wanted one, how could he have accepted after a statement like that? Potter and Weasley had nearly died.

Severus snorted. "You're only upset because your precious Potter wasn't there to win the last match of the season."

Minerva looked to fit to burst, and Albus wisely stepped in, navigating to the purpose of the meeting. "Although I do believe Minerva's concern stems a measure deeper than just over losing their star seeker, Harry's tendency to run into danger with the youngest Weasley does pose a concerning situation."

Pomona snorted. "Were it not for my star pupil, Longbottom, trying to help them regain points by revising them about herbology on the side, I doubt they would've made it past the first obstacle."

"Either way, Albus," Minerva jumped in, turning to him. "How is it possible that you never suspected Quirrel? You're a Legilimens."

"Yes, and when I interviewed Quirrel for the post, I suspect he was acting of his own accord. Once what I believe to be a shade of Voldemort had latched itself onto him, the man made himself scarce. And I admit that I was so worried about the stone and Harry's safety that I overlooked one of our own as the suspect."

Severus scoffed. "Surely, you do not believe this was the work of the Dark Lord?"

Albus popped one of the lemon drops into his own mouth, sucking on the sour burst of flavor as he considered his answer. "I believe that Harry will be able to confirm my suspicions when he wakes."

"Merlin help us all," Pomona breathed, falling back into her seat.

"And what of the stone?" Minerva prodded.

"Nicolas spoke with his wife, and they've both agreed that the only course of action is to destroy the stone. They're using the remainder of their elixir to get their affairs in order, but I believe the Flamels are both very content with this choice. They've lived over six hundred years. To them, death is but their next great adventure."