Meanwhile, Harry entered the final chamber, expecting a terrifying confrontation with either Snape or the lurking presence of Voldemort. He was shocked to find neither, but instead, the pale, perpetually stuttering figure of Professor Quirinus Quirrell.
Allen, invisible, stood concealed to the side, observing the unfolding drama. He had no intention of revealing himself to Voldemort unless absolutely necessary. However, observing the possessed man at such close quarters was an invaluable educational opportunity.
Watching the one-headed, two-faced man immediately reminded Allen of Janus, the two-faced god of ancient Roman mythology. It was ironically fitting that Quirrell's name, Quirinus, stemmed from the same etymological root.
Harry, possessing no genuine desire for the Philosopher's Stone, succeeded in retrieving it from the Mirror of Erised. Anticipating this very outcome, Voldemort revealed his terrifying identity to Harry, demanding a personal audience. When negotiations inevitably failed, Voldemort ordered Quirrell to seize Harry. However, touching Quirrell's exposed skin proved excruciatingly painful to the Dark Lord's borrowed host.
The instant Harry's resistance reached its peak and he slumped into unconsciousness, Allen sprang into calculated action. Maintaining his invisibility, he moved with practiced precision, slowing his run so his wand was almost pressed against Quirrell's neck.
Crying out "I'm fainting!" in a deliberately muffled voice, his spell struck directly at Voldemort's still-visible, grotesque remnant of a nose, aiming for maximum psychological and physical trauma.
Voldemort swore a curse of pure pain, accompanied by a sickening 'smack' as his borrowed host's nose completely caved in. Because the Dark Lord was still only a half-spirit clinging precariously to Quirrell's body, the curse struck directly at his vulnerable, fragmented soul.
The possessed Quirrell instantly collapsed to the floor. To Allen's surprise, even under the agonizing assault, Voldemort managed to execute his escape spell with surprising steadiness. He transformed into a swirling cloud of black mist and shot out the door at an incredible, terrifying speed.
Allen then looked down at the fallen Professor Quirrell. Allen reflected that Quirrell was, after all, a successful Ravenclaw graduate, celebrated for his exceptional theoretical foundation and considerable talent.
If it weren't for his disastrous decision to seek practical Dark Arts experience during his travels in Albania, where he encountered Voldemort and was coerced into becoming his servant, Quirrell would have had a very promising future—or at least become a highly skilled, if somewhat nervous, Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.
"Good evening, Mr. Allen Harris. I am relieved to see you relatively well, though Harry appears to be less so." Dumbledore suddenly materialized in the chamber, gliding toward the prone figure of Harry. Allen hadn't detected his arrival at all, demonstrating Dumbledore's vast power.
Allen felt a strange realization dawn upon him. "Headmaster," he began, still feeling a trace of disbelief, "I believe I just broke Voldemort's nose..."
Dumbledore nodded, his usual friendly smile in place. "Tom will not recover easily from that, Allen. The curse severely damaged the portion of his soul tethered to that body." Then, remembering Harry's unconscious state, Dumbledore's expression grew serious.
"We must transport Harry to Madam Pomfrey immediately." Seeing Allen's thoughtful, slightly conflicted expression, Dumbledore misinterpreted his hesitation. "Do not worry, Allen. Harry will recover; Madam Pomfrey is an exceptional Healer."
Still perplexed by Dumbledore's casual acceptance of his actions, Allen nodded. He was then surprised to see Dumbledore not casting a Levitation Charm, but instead gently lifting Harry into his arms in a classic 'princess carry'. Recalling certain whispered memories and rumours about Dumbledore's personal history, Allen unconsciously took a small, protective step backward.
"Now, we must leave this place as swiftly as possible and find Madam Pomfrey," Dumbledore stated firmly. Fortunately, Dumbledore was not using Legilimency to probe Allen's momentarily uncharitable thoughts, or his expression would surely not have been so benevolent.
"But how shall we get there? By broomstick?" Allen asked absently, his gaze still fixed on Harry cradled in Dumbledore's arms, mentally apologizing to Harry for the strange sight.
"Of course not, Allen. We require a method quicker and far more convenient than a broom." Dumbledore gave a knowing wink. If not for those pesky personal history details, Allen would genuinely view him as a truly "lovable grandfather" figure. As it was, Allen could only nod cautiously in agreement.
Dumbledore withdrew a single, shimmering golden feather from the wide sleeve of his robes. He stroked it gently and spoke: "Fawkes, I require your presence here."
Allen suddenly realized the importance of the name. Fawkes was Dumbledore's pet, a legendary Phoenix with extraordinary abilities, including the power to teleport instantly to places otherwise forbidden to Apparation.
In the blink of an eye, a clear, incredibly melodious, and pleasant birdsong resonated from outside the chamber.
"Allen, what do you make of that voice?" Dumbledore smiled broadly, like a large child proudly showing off a prized possession—albeit a child who looked well over a hundred years old.
"It is beautiful, Headmaster. Its voice evokes hope and love, instilling a genuine courage to overcome any adversity," Allen complimented sincerely. He truly found the Phoenix's song magnificent.
"You are a kind-hearted boy, Allen. I imagine Professor Quirrell would find that sound quite upsetting." Professor Dumbledore calmly raised his wand. Professor Quirrell, who had secretly begun to stir but whose face had gone deathly pale upon hearing the Phoenix's song, instantly slumped back into a deep faint.
"I must admit, our Defence Against the Dark Arts professor possesses a rare gift for resilience; few individuals can shake off a Stunning Spell quite so rapidly," Dumbledore remarked with a slight, almost regretful shake of his head.
Hearing this, Allen wasn't sure if Quirrell had genuinely regained consciousness quickly due to his inherent power, or if Dumbledore was simply attempting to maintain the illusion of an ordinary professor. Either way, it solidified Allen's realization that he had been treating the entire confrontation too much like a game, and his immediate primary goal must be a significant increase in his own magical power.
Allen then focused entirely on observing Fawkes. It wasn't often one got to study a Phoenix up close, particularly one moments away from demonstrating its teleportation ability.
It was a truly magical and majestic creature: its entire body was covered in vibrant scarlet feathers, its size comparable to a swan's, its long, shimmering golden tail trailing behind it. Its beak and talons were also long and gleaming gold. No one who saw it could doubt its immense beauty or its wonder.
"Allen, place your hand firmly on my shoulder." Once Allen was positioned, Professor Dumbledore shifted Harry, supporting him with one arm so the boy was securely nestled against Dumbledore's chest. Dumbledore patted Fawkes with his other hand and instructed softly, "Fawkes, take us directly to Madam Pomfrey."
The experience was profoundly magical. The moment the Phoenix gripped Allen's shoulder with its talon, Allen felt instantly enveloped in an incredible, comforting warmth. This aura was not only gentle but immediately soothed the nerves that had been strained throughout the long night's adventure. He felt warm, safe, and profoundly relaxed, as if basking under the most perfect summer sun.
Before Allen could fully recover from the wonderful sensation, they had already arrived instantly in Madam Pomfrey's infirmary. Allen couldn't help but marvel at the Phoenix's power, and he felt a keen envy for Professor Dumbledore having such a powerful magical companion.
After all, Hogwarts strictly prohibited Apparation on its grounds, yet Dumbledore could utilize the Phoenix's power to instantly teleport to the Infirmary—an incomparably useful strategic advantage.