Chapter - 23 : Confrontation Part - 7
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Quirrell's remains were not found until early the next morning when Hagrid arrived to feed Fluffy. Hagrid quickly took the remains away from the now disappointed hell hound and called a house-elf to get Professor Dumbledore.
In short order the Headmaster along with his senior staff was looking over the scene in some discomfort.
"What was Quirenus thinking coming in here so late at night?" Minerva asked in a shocked voice.
"You are assuming that he was the one making the decisions," Severus sneered. "I warned you, Headmaster, that there were signs."
Dumbledore was crouched down next to the remains of Quirrell's head. "Yes, yes, Severus, you were quite right." The older wizard moved aside the defence professor's turban. "It appears as through Voldemort managed to possess poor Quirenus."
Minerva went white at the suggestion. "Him? Albus, are you sure?"
Severus looked just as concerned. "Albus, do you think he will try again?"
Dumbledore stood carefully as his knees protested. "Yes, I am quite sure. And, no, I don't think he will try again soon. Voldemort had to gather his power over ten years to make this attempt. I would expect at least another four to five years before he could make an attempt to possess someone even voluntarily again. Which gives us time to allow Mr Potter to remain a child a bit longer but still properly train him."
"Potter?" Snape retorted in disgust. "He shows no real potential. He completely average whatever his adoring public may wish to believe!"
Albus sighed as Minerva launched into defence of her young lion. In truth, Severus had a point on Mr Potter's performance this year. But there was still time and hope. Harry's grandfather was also a rather late bloomer and Henry Potter still grew to be a rather skilled and powerful wizard. Perhaps Harry took after his namesake in this as well.
With a wave of his wand he reassembled the pieces of Quirenus into a whole. It would not withstand a magical investigation but his word should be sufficient to ensure there was no investigation. After all, Hagrid would be most upset if his pet were to be destroyed over performing such a service. Now he would have to retrieve Nicholas's Stone. It would be safe enough from a weakened Tom Riddle now.
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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.
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