Raised by a Scoundrel

Chapter 4: Silver Lining in the Clouds

Massachusetts, USA, 1991-1992

Harry’s schoolyear passed much too quickly for his taste.  Since he had been raised in isolation, he had never been around children for much of his life.  Therefore he had little to no social abilities that kids his age typically have.  Until he met his dorm mate, Kyle Robinson, a scrawny blond boy with dark eyes and a first-generation wizard like his mother.  They celebrated their Christmas holidays together supervised while at the Robinson house, in their small home town just west of Seattle, Washington, by a large black dog.

Hogwarts Castle, June, 1992

‘The stone is safe for now, but when I leave for the ICW for a couple of days is when the Dark Lord’s follower will make a move.’ Pondered Albus Dumbledore to himself.

After several minutes pondering, it came to him, a plan to pit the other boy of prophesy against the Dark Lord.

And so Neville Longbottom, son of Frank and Alice Longbottom, found himself standing in the Headmaster’s office several days before the end of term.

“So Neville, I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you here this evening.  I have a special job that you are uniquely qualified for.”

“What is it professor?”

“Do you remember the third floor corridor I said was out of bounds at the start of term feast?”

“Yes Professor.”

“Good, well I’ve been hiding something there and it can only be retrieved by those with pure intentions, and it seems my intentions are not pure enough. There are several obstacles you’ll have to get by to reach the object.”

“Okay, Er — professor, I’m not sure I can do this.”

“Of course you can’t do it alone, I believe you will need some of your housemate’s help.  Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and the Weasley twins should help.”

“This is what you’ll encounter…”

And so Neville assembled his motley crew and entered the third floor corridor. The Weasley twin, George, took out a wizard radio and hit play as Neville opened the door. When Fluffy heard the music he promptly went to sleep.

As they descended through the trapdoor Neville dealt with Sprout’s Devil’s Snare, and Fred caught Flitwick’s Flying keys. Ron beat McGonagall’s Wizarding chess set, but sacrificed himself at the end. The Mountain Troll was already knocked out. Hermione beat Snape’s Logic potions which only let Neville through to Dumbledore’s mirror and Quirrell/Voldemort.

When Neville got the stone he attempted to leave but, Quirrell attacked him, but his body was so corrupted by Voldemort’s Soul residing in it that touching Neville caused it to break apart, and dissolve.  Dumbledore arrived shortly afterwards to bring him to the Hospital Wing.

South, Southeast, and East Asia, Summer 1992

Harry’s first summer holidays were enjoyable, his extended family took a trip to Asia where they visited several Muggle landmarks like the Great Wall, and the Taj Mahal.   They also visited several magical settlements where Harry learned different fighting styles.

Note:

Sorry for the short chapter.