The school was shocked the next morning when Professor Dumbledore announced the death of Professor Quirrell.
"Professor Quirrell was involved in several magical experiments in the pursuit of knowledge. Thus we are reminded that pushing back the boundaries of ignorance is not without its hazards. Your other professors will take turns covering the class for the remainder of the year. Please see your Head of House if you have any questions."
The Headmaster sat back down and watched as his students started to speculate and gossip. Ah the innocent. So unaware of the dangers that lurked just outside of their sight. It was the responsibility of those called as Light's Champions to protect the rest of the wizarding world so they could live in such blissful ignorance.
His eyes automatically sought out the one he saw as his chosen replacement. Harry Potter had been something of a disappointment. Minerva and Filius had thrown off his initial plan but the boy took to Hagrid well enough anyway. His devoted groundskeeper had practically spoon-fed Harry everything he needed to find Nicholas's Stone but the boy simply didn't seem to care. Where was his Gryffindors sense of adventure? James Potter would have never let something like this go. Maybe the Dursleys had gone too far?
Dumbledore made an unconscious nod. Yes, he would have to check in this summer to ensure they were properly taking care of the boy. He couldn't fathom how any sister of Lily Potter could be anything else but loving but it wouldn't hurt to check.
After all, the Wizarding World needed its new Champion to rise to the challenge, not watch from a place amongst the lesser wizards.
Dear Diary
1 September 1992
Severus Snape followed the Headmaster and the Potter brat into the former's office. Minerva trailed along in his wake. He had better things to do then to deal with Potter's Spawn tonight. Slytherin House had a rather large intake of students that night and it was his responsibility to see them introduced to their new House and settled. Instead, he had to be here dealing with… this.
Albus settled into his normal throne-like chair. Then he waited for his 'guests' to settle down after his customary offer of his favourite candies. Potter naturally sat in the seat centred right in front of the Headmaster's desk like the little prince he obviously thought he was, Salazar help him.
"Ah, Mr Potter, how was your summer?" the Headmaster asked in his 'kind grandfather' mode.
"Very nice, professor. And yours?"
"Rather busy but it was a nice respite from the rigours of running Hogwarts."
"That's good."
"I actually stopped by your aunt's this summer to ensure you were adjusting to being back in the Muggle world. I was rather surprised to not find you there. I had wanted to congratulate you on finishing third in your class behind Ms Granger and Ms Patil. Quite an accomplishment."
"Thank you for that, professor." The Potter brat made a small shrug and answered the implied question. "Several of my friends offered to let me stay with them over the summer. I wrote Aunt Petunia before the end of the term and asked her permission. She was so excited that I wasn't returning she actually sent me a whole pound for my birthday." Severus could see Albus wasn't happy about that answer by the tension about the elder wizard's eyes.
"Now, Harry, I am sure your family missed you at home over the summer."
The little brat had the temerity to disagree with the Headmaster. "I doubt it, professor. They don't consider me family and that house was definitely never a 'home' to me." Potter snickered derisively. "If that troll last year had killed me Uncle Vernon would have probably sent whoever was responsible a thank-you note."
Minerva spoke up for the first time. "Surely you are exaggerating, Mr Potter. Life there couldn't have been that bad." Severus could hear the pleading in her tone.
'Trying to convince him or yourself, Minerva?' he thought with a mental sneer.
"Enough of this," Snape interrupted. Merlin knew if he didn't they would soon be holding the brat's hand and having house-elves feeding him grapes. "I have more important matters to be about than to listen to Potter whine about his eggs being slightly undercooked." Albus gave him a disapproving glance that Severus easily ignored.
"Yes well, Harry, we are here to talk about the incident on the Express today."
"He should be expelled for striking a fellow student," Severus sneered.
"Severus," Minerva snapped. "It was not that significant an incident to warrant such a punishment."
Potter ignored the two professors and responded to Dumbledore. "Malfoy came into our compartment, shot off his mouth looking to provoke a fight. I gave him what he was looking for."
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