Chapter 12: The Man with Two Faces
They entered a final chamber, only to find a person looking into a mirror.
The Mirror of Erised, breathed Hermione.
Harry however was looking at the wizard in front of him with a shock.
"Professor Quirrell!" he exclaimed. "We thought it would be Professor Snape!"
"Yes, Potter, Snape does seem the type. You've meddled for the last time. I knew you were trouble from the first time I saw you. I see you've brought your girlfriend with you. I would have thought my troll would have finished you, and then at the Quidditch match, I almost killed you and would have if Snape hadn't interfered with his counter curse. I lost eye contact when his robes caught fire and he fell on me."
"So Snape was trying to save me?"
"Very good Potter, now let me see… I see the stone in the mirror, but how do I get it?"
"Use the boy." said a hissing voice.
Harry's scar burst with searing pain. Hermione gasped, as the pain affected her too.
"Come here Potter!" commanded Quirrell, gesturing.
Harry was forced to approach the mirror. Looking in the mirror, he saw himself holding the stone. Then he saw himself putting the stone in his pocket. He felt a weight suddenly appear in his pocket and almost screamed.
I've got the stone in my pocket Hermione! See if you can distract him or hex him!
"What do you see, Potter?" demanded Quirrell.
"I see myself winning the Quidditch Cup, the Headmaster is congratulating me," Harry lied.
Meanwhile Hermione was slowly edging her wand up.
Quirrell noticed and shouted "Expelliarmus"!
Hermione's wand flew out of her hand. He did the same to Harry.
"He lies," said the hissing voice, "let me."
"But master, you are still too weak…" said Quirrell.
"I am strong enough for this!"
Unwrapping his turban and turning around, Harry and Hermione saw a grotesque face staring out of the back of Quirrell's head. The face had slit like nostrils, a flattened face and red eyes.
Resisting the urge to vomit, Harry checked Hermione. Her face was white with terror.
"Potter, we meet again!" said the face.
"V-Voldemort!" stuttered Harry.
"Give me the stone Potter, I know you have it!"
"Never!" shouted Harry
"Grab him!" shouted the face, and Quirrell lunged at Harry.
Grabbing Harry by his throat, Quirrell suddenly screamed. "Master, I cannot hold him."
Harry saw Quirrell's hands blister. The pain in his scar threatened to overwhelm him.
Hermione screamed and charged Quirrell, who was backing away.
Before Hermione could reach him, Harry joined hands with Hermione and pushed Quirrell in the face, hoping to blind him.
Quirrell screamed again. "What is this magic?" Then he collapsed.
Exhausted, Harry collapsed unconscious as well.
A puff of a smoke like a face roared at him and then vanished.
Hermione gathered Harry in her arms and held on. Her head hurt badly, but she managed to lift Harry and drag him out of the chamber.
Just as she reached the door, Professor Dumbledore appeared, and seeing the situation, quickly brought the two teens to the Hospital wing.
Harry remained unconscious. Hermione was inconsolable, staying with Harry until Madam Pomfrey gave her a sleeping draught and lay her down on a bed beside Harry.
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By the middle of the week, Harry had recovered enough that Hermione was able to talk to him.
Harry, I was so scared! I thought I'd lost you!
I'm fine `Mione, he assured her. I was worried that Voldemort would get you!
Our connection saved us. We were able to kill Quirrell. I think the Headmaster came just in time. I don't think I could have dragged you much further.
At that moment, Madam Pomfrey ushered in Professor Dumbledore, followed by Ron and Neville.
"Ah, Harry. I see you are finally awake," greeted the Headmaster. "You gave us quite a scare. We had no idea that Quirrell had been possessed by Voldemort. That was a very brave thing you four did, and I shall be awarding points to Gryffindor for your actions. Of course, you broke several school rules, but under the circumstances, I think we'll ignore that.
Ron and Neville, stood quietly by, beaming at Harry and Hermione.
"But what happened to Quirrell, Professor?" Harry asked.
"He could not stand to be touched by someone like you; a protection your mother gave you saved you. Hermione strengthened it by holding your hand. It was love, Harry. Voldemort cannot understand love and so disregards the power it gives. Your love for Hermione and your mothers' love for you burned his soul. He could not survive such an encounter."
"So Voldemort is gone forever?" Harry asked.
"Alas, I'm afraid there are ways that he may return. We can only hope to be on guard if he strikes again."
Dumbledore then left, leaving the four alone. Madam Pomfrey allowed them to visit Harry for ten more minutes. "He needs to rest!"
"Harry," said Hermione, "Wood has asked me to replace you as Seeker in the final match against Ravenclaw. Do you mind? Madam Pomfrey says you are to stay in bed for a couple of more days."
"That's great Hermione! I still feel weak. You're good enough to beat them."
"Thanks Harry, I'll bring home the cup for you."
Ron and Neville stayed to talk and Ron told him how Neville had helped him until Dumbledore arrived.
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