Once I woke up, I noticed a throbbing pain in my side. I looked down to see that it was fine.

"Good afternoon, Ella," I heard Dumbledore say.

I stared up to see my godfather, smiling down at me. I immediately jumped up, ignoring the pain, "Dumbledore! The Stone! It was Quirrell! He's got the Stone! We have to —"

"Calm yourself, dear, you are a little behind the times," he laughed.

I furrow my eyebrows, "Quirrell does not have the Stone?"

"Ella, please relax, or Madam Pomfrey will have me thrown out."

I smile and nod before waiting for him to explain everything. I then pause, Madam Pomphrey? I look around and see that I am in the medical wing. I was lying on one of the cots that contained the itchy white linen sheets, and my small bedside table filled with treats and get well soon cards.

"Tokens from your friends and admirers," said Dumbledore, beaming proudly.'

"What happened down in the dungeons between you, Harry, and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally, the whole school knows. I believe your friends Mister Fred and Mister George Weasley were responsible for trying to send you a toilet seat" I laugh wishing they had succeeded," No doubt they thought it would amuse you. Madam Pomfrey, however, felt it might not be very hygienic, and confiscated it."

"How long have I been in here?"

"Three days. Mr. Harry Potter, Mr. Ronald Weasley, and Miss Granger will be most relieved you have come round, they have been extremely worried."

"But, the Stone —"

"I see you are not to be distracted. Very well, the Stone. Professor Quirrell did not manage to take it from you. I arrived in time to prevent that, although you were doing very well on your own, I must say."

"You got there? You got Hermione's owl?"

"We must have crossed in midair. No sooner had I reached London than it became clear to me that the place I should be was the one I had just left. I arrived just in time to see Voldemort leave — I feared I might be too late."

"You nearly were, I couldn't have kept Voldemort off the Stone much longer —"

"Not the Stone, Harry and you— the effort involved nearly killed Harry. For one terrible moment there, I was afraid it had. And Voldemort did a number on you. As for the Stone, it has been destroyed."

"Destroyed?" said I blankly. "But your friend — Nicolas Flamel —"

"Oh, you know about Nicolas?" said Dumbledore smiled, sounding quite delighted. "You did do the thing properly, didn't you? Well, Nicolas and I have had a little chat, and agreed it's all for the best."

"But that means he and his wife will die, won't they?"

"They have enough Elixir stored to set their affairs in order and then, yes, they will die. To one as young as you, I'm sure it seems incredible, but to Nicolas and Perenelle, it really is like going to bed after a very, very long day. After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure. You know, the Stone was really not such a wonderful thing. As much money and life as you could want! The two things most human beings would choose above all — the trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them."

I lay there lost for words as my godfather simply hummed merrily looking around the room.

I looked at him again. "I've been thinking — even if the Stone's gone, Voldemort's going to try other ways of coming back, isn't he? I mean, he hasn't gone, has he?"

"No, dear, he has not. He is still out there somewhere, perhaps looking for another body to share . . . Not being truly alive, he cannot be killed. He left Quirrell to die; he shows just as little mercy to his followers as his enemies. Nevertheless, dear, while Harry may only have delayed his return to power, it will merely take someone else who is prepared to fight what seems a losing battle next time — and if he is delayed again, and again, why, he may never return to power."

Harry nodded but stopped quickly because it made his head hurt. Then he said, "How did I survive? I saw him go through me..."

"You mother." Dumbledore sighed. "That red cape she gave you was charmed, as you know. When Voldemort flew through you, the cape's protections saved you. Unfortunately, the cape burned in the process. I am sorry, dear. I know how fond you were of it."

I nod my head. Although I did love the cape, it saved my life, and that was more than I could have asked for.

Dumbledore clapped his hands, "Now, enough questions. I suggest you make a start on these sweets. Ah! Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! I was unfortunate enough in my youth to come across a vomit-flavored one,", I wrinkle my nose and watch as he reaches for one, "and since then I'm afraid I've rather lost my liking for them — but I think I'll be safe with a nice toffee, don't you?"

He popped the golden-brown bean into his mouth. Then he nodded his head thoughtfully and said, "Alas! Ear wax!"

I laugh aloud. Madam Pomfrey, the nurse, kind woman who was very strict when it came to her patients, walked up to Dumbledore muttering something about my friends not being allowed to go in.

"Just five minutes," I pleaded.

"Absolutely not."

"You let Professor Dumbledore in. . . ."

"Well, of course, that was the headmaster, quite different. You need to rest."

"I am resting, look, lying down, and everything."

Dumbledore smiles, "Oh, go on, Madam Pomfrey."

"Oh, very well," she said. "But five minutes only."

She opened the door and Hermione, Ron, and Harry came running in.

"Ella!"

Hermione flung herself towards me in a huge hug. I, ignoring the pain as I hugged her back. "Oh, Ella, we were sure you and Harry were going to —Dumbledore was so worried —"

"The whole school's talking about it," Ron smiled before bending towards me. "Harry told us what really happened."

I smile, "So you know the stone is destroyed?"

"So the Stone's gone?" Ron's eyes widened, I guess Harry didn't know that part. "Flamel's just going to die?"

"That's what I said, but Dumbledore thinks that 'to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.' "

"I always said he was off his rocker," Ron laughed.

"So what happened to you two?" I asked them.

"Well, I got back all right," Hermione pointed to Ron. "I brought Ron round — that took a while — and we were dashing up to the owlery to contact Dumbledore when we met him in the entrance hall — he already knew — he just said, 'Harry's gone after him, hasn't he?' and hurtled off to the third floor."

"D'you think he meant you to do it?" Ron whispered to Harry. "Sending you your father's cloak and everything?"

That makes sense. But why would Dumbledore send Harry to Voldemort, a man trying to kill him?

"Well," Hermione refuted, "if he did — I mean to say — that's terrible — you could have been killed."

"No, it isn't," Harry rubbed his scar thoughtfully. "He's a funny man, Dumbledore. I think he sort of wanted to give me a chance. I think he knows more or less everything that goes on here, you know. I reckon he had a pretty good idea we were going to try, and instead of stopping us, he just taught us enough to help. I don't think it was an accident he let me find out how the mirror worked. It's almost like he thought I had the right to face Voldemort if I could. . . ."

"Yeah, Dumbledore's off his rocker, all right," said Ron contemptuously. "Listen, you've got to be up for the end-of-year feast tonight. The points are all in, and Slytherin won, of course — Harry missed the last Quidditch match, due to his injuries, we were steamrollered by Ravenclaw — but the food'll be good."

"You've had nearly fifteen minutes, now OUT," Madam Pomfrey stomped over to us.

She began to organize my cards and candies when she knocked one off the table, and it fell on my bed. I reached to grab it before she could put it away, and read the handwritten note at the bottom, the print reminded me of the ocean.

Dear Ambrosio,

Nice going.

Yours Truly,

Scamander

I smiled at the note before thinking about when I would see the annoying boy again. I realized that today was the last day of school. "I want to go to the feast."

"Professor Dumbledore says you are to be allowed to go," she said sniffily, as though Professor Dumbledore didn't realize how "risky" feasts could be.

"And you have another visitor."

"Who is it?"

"It's — all — my — ruddy — fault!" Hagrid ran into the room before kneeling next to my bed. "I told the evil git how ter get past Fluffy! I told him! It was the only thing he didn't know, an' I told him! Yeh could've died! All fer a dragon egg! I'll never drink again! I should be chucked out an' made ter live as a Muggle!"

"Hagrid!" I say, shocked by his distraught state. "Hagrid, he'd have found out somehow, this is Voldemort we're talking about, he'd have found out even if you hadn't told him."

"Yeh could've died!" sobbed Hagrid before glaring at me. "An' don' say the name!"

"I've met him, and I'm calling him by his name. Please cheer up, Hagrid, we saved the Stone, it's gone, he can't use it. Have a Chocolate Frog, I've got loads. . . ."

↤|🌊|↦

I made my way to the end of the year feast alone since no one was in the medical wing to walk with me. Dumbledore must have known I was going to go because he had left my hat on my bedside table for me to wear to the event. I loathed the hats students had to wear for Hogwart's special events, but, I knew it was necessary. Although I didn't have my cape, I knew that next year I would have to find a new creative way to break the dress code. It has only been one day, and I already hate the ugly grey sweater vest.

Once I walked in, I noticed the entire hall decked out in Slytherin colors. All the banners above the tables had the Slytherin House crests on them, and behind the faculty table, there was a huge banner of a serpent. I suppose it was to celebrate their seventh year holding the House Cup.

When I walked in the entire room fell silent, as they looked at me than Harry, then the whole place was filled with whispers. I quickly slipped in a seat next to Hermione and Harry, not wanting to be noticed. Although people just stood up to see Harry and me before talking about what they heard happened between Voldemort and us.

Luckily, Dumbledore entered minutes later. The chatter drowned into silence until all you could hear was Dumbledore's voice, "Another year gone!" He smiled down at us. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully, your heads are all a little fuller than they were . . . You have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts...Now, as I understand it, the House Cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two."

The entire Slytherin table blew up into a storm of applause and hollering.

"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin," Dumbledore weakly said. "However, recent events must be taken into account." The room went still. I turned to Hermione curious to know what had happened, but she seemed just as confused as we were, "Ahem, I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes...First — to Mr. Ronald Weasley", Ron's face went red, "...for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor House fifty points."

Gryffindor's cheers filled the room, and I could hear Percy shouting to the other prefects, "My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set!"

Dumbledore held his hand up to continue, "Second — to Miss Hermione Granger . . . for the excellent application of intellect when others are in grave danger, I award Gryffindor House fifty points."

Hermione looked as if she could faint from happiness.

"Third — to Mr. Harry Potter . . ." said Dumbledore. The room went deadly quiet. ". . . for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor House sixty points."

Everybody at the table was clapping and shouting with glee and excitement, even some other Houses had joined in.

"Fourth — to Miss Ella Ambrosio...", the room turned to me, some people standing from their seats to see the me, "for the use of cool logic in the face of fire and for honest selflessness when other's were in need, I award Gryffindor House sixty points."

The din was deafening. Those who could add up while yelling themselves hoarse knew that Gryffindor had tied with Slytherin for the House Cup.

"There are all kinds of courage," Dumbledore cleared his throat, gaining the room's attention. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I, therefore, award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."

I couldn't even hear myself think with the amount of shouting and cheering that was taking place in the Great Hall. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood up on the table to yell and cheer as Neville, white with shock, while I ran and enveloped him in a huge hug.

"Which means," Dumbledore announced over the rage of applause, "We need a little change of decoration."

He clapped his hands, and in an instant, the green hangings became scarlet, and the silver became gold; the huge Slytherin serpent disappeared and transformed into the towering Gryffindor lion. Snape seemed furious, and I noticed Harry's scared look. I smiled and grabbed his arm, pulling him away from his thoughts.

It was the most fun we had had the entire year. Yet suddenly, it felt, our wardrobes were empty, my trunks were packed, and Hagrid came to help us board the Hogwarts Express.

Hermione, Ron, Harry and I were giggling about something Ron had said as we boarded the train. I was next to get on but, struggled with the pain on my side.

"Let me help you, love," I heard a familiar voice.

I turned to see Newt, "Thank you. If you would just,", I begin holding out my hand so he could help me get on the first step. But to my shock, he wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me on the train, effortlessly.

He smiled, running his hands through his hair, "No problem. I'm just glad you are okay—Have a good break."

He walked away, and I almost had to blink to make sure we had spoken. Hermione looked at me, excitedly, "He is cute."

I blush, "I am way too young to even think about boys."

Hermione nods before smirking, "You don't have to date him, yet. He seems to like you."

I shrug, "Everything is not what it seems."

Ron interrupts, taking in the role of big brother, "Oi! She won't be dating anyone until she is twenty."

I roll my eyes before walking into the train compartment. It took quite a while for us to get back to London. The ride was filled with laughs and jokes and stories of the muggle world.

"You must come and stay this summer. Ella will definitely be with us at some point," Ron smiled once we had gotten off, "both of you — I'll send you an owl."

"Thanks," Harry frowned, "I'll need something to look forward to."

We all looked down, knowing that Harry's family was not pleasant. As we walked through the wall, we were greeted with Mrs. Weasley speaking with Po.

"There he is, Mom, there he is, look!" Ginny Weasley pointed at Harry, "Harry Potter!" she squealed. "Look, Mom! I can see —"

"Be quiet, Ginny, and it's rude to point."

"Busy year?" Mrs. Weasley asked with a smile.

"Very," said Harry. "Thanks for the fudge and the sweater, Mrs.Weasley."

"Oh, it was nothing, dear."

"Ready, are you?" grumbled a dumpy old man with a mustache that reminded me of some cheesy gangster. He seemed to be looking at Harry, and I assumed it was his Uncle Vernon. Behind him stood a stick-like lady with stringy brown hair, I believed to be his Aunt Petunia and Dudley, his cousin, who looked just like his father without the mustache.

"You must be Harry's family!" bubbled my nanny, pushing a loose strand of her blonde hair, she knew how horrible they were.

"In a manner of speaking. Hurry up, boy, we haven't got all day." He walked away.," Harry's Uncle spat before giving my mother a disgusting once over and grinning. "Who may you be?"

She put on a fake smile, "Ella's nanny, she is a friend of Harry."

Harry's aunt quickly walked up and grabbed her husband's hand, "As much as we would love to speak to such a simple woman as yourself...We have to go. Harry!"

Harry began to walk towards his family after looking at Ron hopefully, "See you over the summer, then."

"Hope you have — er — a good holiday," Hermione said, trying to imagine Harry's family being kinder than they were. It was true that my mom was busy a lot and we didn't get to spend loads of time together, but I know without a doubt that she loves me completely and would never do anything to hurt me.

"Oh, I will," Harry beamed. "They don't know we're not allowed to use magic at home. I'm going to have a lot of fun with Dudley this summer. . . ."