The Boy The Snake and The Stone

Chapter 31: Nicholas Flamel

Harry was coming to get used to writing in the two separate journals, it was becoming something that was second nature to him. The first time that he had to do it, it felt stupid, but as soon as he finished the first entry it felt like someone took weight off his shoulders. So, he does it when he remembers to do so, liking the lighter feeling that it left him with. With his head much clearer, he started his search once again for information covering the stone; so far it seems to yield to nothing, in fact Harry was close to giving up hope finding such a thing. He really had one last place to check and that was with Severus and what he could possibly think of what it was.

It was right after dinner one evening, Harry found himself in Severus quarters quietly hissing with Levi, and a little fur ball trying to attack his tail. When the dark man walked in, he just raised an eyebrow at the youth sitting on his floor talking with the snake, and seeing the troublesome kitten stalking the tail of said snake. I'm surprised that Levi puts up with the kitten, Severus thought to himself, watching how the cute little kitten slowly made its way to the much larger kitten eating snake and tries to pounce it, always at the last second does Levi move his tail way from the kitten. Severus takes a seat in his favorite chair near the fire watching the boy and his animals, giving into the small smile that finds its way to his face.

The boy quickly wraps up the conversation with Levi and picking up Neit, before she could try to attack Levi's tail once more. He sat on the couch adjacent to Severus' chair. Neit is more than happy to cuddle up with her favorite human and take a nap, felling his fingers comb through her fur; with the soft purrs of the kitten, and the crackling of the fire, it would make for a very nice night. Harry wished that they could just enjoy the peace for a while longer, but knew that he had to ask now, before the chance is taken away.

"Sev, I have a question." Harry simply stated, Severus lifted his chin up a bit to indicate that the child should continue on, "I-I was wondering if you know anything about the Philosopher's Stone? T-The Dark Lord has asked me to read up on it."

Severus eyes narrowed at this, why have the child read on the thing that he is trying to steal... With a sigh Severus knew right away what the Dark Lord was up to, using the boy to get the stone where he was failing.

"Harry, I will tell you about the stone, but you must not tell anyone else. This is something that should not get into the student population and be spread throughout." With a nod, Severus explained everything he knew about the stone, how it was made to help the Flamel's extend their lives well passed wizarding ages. He also continued on with that it helps with turning things into gold, and much more than the boy could ever hope to remember.

* * * MAGICAL LINE BREAK * * *

Two hours before curfew, Harry sat once again in front of the Dark Lord, having a cup of tea, while he explains everything he remembered being told. His scar stilled pained him for being close to the Dark Lord, but now just giving him a small headache worth of pain.

"Very good Harry, but I can tell that you asked Severus for help," hissed the Dark Lord, very disappointed in the youth for not finding it on his own.

"I-I'm sorry sir, but I looked through all the books in the library, but either there are no books there or someone might have it on them from the holidays and not have brought it back. I-I only went to Severus as a last resort. I very sorry." Harry said, not looking up from his cup, his mind still trained to the way he begged forgiveness from his Uncle.

"It is fine child," The Dark Lord said with a sigh, knowing that he could not be harsh on the boy if he still wanted his help. "I guess it is enough to know defeat and ask for help while young. With that, that information that I had you find is relevant to what I need help with. You see the Headmaster brought it to the school for 'protection', but instead it is a test to see what the 'Golden Boy' can do. I want you to retrieve the stone, bring it to me; from there I will send it to the owner. I was going to get my body back with the stone, but if we can put Dumbledore in a bad light, that would work well in my favor. I will send you a note when I want you to do this."

Harry paused for a moment, he would do it, but he could no longer keep this a secret from Draco. Draco was a smart kid, and was worrying about him to; of course, Harry told him not to but he did so anyways. Then there was Gemma who was also on his case, she had backed off a little after the mind healers visit, but was still very much a mother hen. "Would it be possible to tell someone, o-or two people, from my house? I mean everything that is happening, he is worried for my health and safety and I do not like to keep lying to him every time. He... He is someone important to me." Harry finished up softly, unsure if he was asking too much, afraid of being punished for stepping out of line. Even with all the help from the mind healer there are still moments where he was trapped in the past and his actions betrayed those moments.

"Only if you can make him swear not to tell anyone of what is happening, then he will be able to know, if not then leave it be." The Dark Lord said after some thought, knowing that the child will unable to do the action alone, and it might be possible for him to have help. "If you can do that, bring them to me, so that I can be introduced to your friends." Harry just nodded, they weren't there for much longer after that, leaving to go separate ways.