It is exam time – Harry tries hard to get through his exams with a shooting pain searing through his scar and the thought of Voldemort bursting through the door at any minute! But somehow he manages. The trio ask Hagrid how to get past Fluffy. Apparently, if you play Fluffy music, it will send it to sleep. The trio decide to see Professor Dumbledore, and tell them that they know about the Philosopher’s Stone and that Professor Snape wants it. Professor McGonagall tells them that Professor Dumbledore is not at Hogwarts but on his way to London. Knowing they need to do something to protect the Philosopher’s Stone from Snape (cough), they all decide to take an adventure to the Third Floor corridor and go through a series of enchantments left by each Hogwarts Professor. Neville tries to stop the trio going – he doesn’t want Gryffindor to lose even more points. But Hermione does the Petificus Totalus spell on him, the full Body-Bind. They go through the trap door. The Philosopher’s Stone is protected by various charms, put on by various teachers Professor Sprout provided Devil’s Snare, a plant that dislikes the sun. Professor Flitwick put a flying charm on keys – to Harry it was just like Quidditch to capture the right key. Professor McGonagall transfigured some chessmen, and the Trio play a real game of chess – Ron sacrifices himself in the chess game so Hermione and Ron can go on. Next is a logic puzzle, set by Snape, involving seven potions. One potion will take them forward to the final chamber while the other takes them back to safety. Harry tells Hermione to go and get Ron, and go to the Owlery, and send an Owl to Professor Dumbledore. Harry must go it alone. Harry walks through a black flame into the last chamber to discover...
“So light a fire!” Harry choked.
“Yes – of course – but there’s no wood!” Hermione cried, wringing her hands.
“HAVE YOU GONE MAD?” Ron bellowed, “ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?”
What plant do Harry, Hermione and Ron land on after jumping through the trapdoor? Devil’s Snare
Chapter 17, The Man with Two Faces
But Snape is not in the final chamber - it's Quirrell! And in full blown evilness, not a stutter or twitch in sight. It was Quirrell who jinxed Harry’s broom at the Quidditch match – not Professor Snape. Professor Snape, in fact, was counter-jinxing the broom, to keep Harry safe. Snape has been suspecting Quirrell all year. Snape hates Harry because he was at school with Harry’s father, James. And James once saved Snape’s life. This life debt has hung over Snape ever since. Quirrell and sets all of his attention on retrieving the stone from the Mirror of Erised. Harry does his best to try and distract Quirrell from the mirror but to no avail. Harry is able to retrieve the stone from the mirror himself (but only because he would not use it). Quirrell in his frustration of not being able to discover the stone's whereabouts is in need of assistance from the tower of terror himself. He begins to unwrap his smelly turban to unveil the bodiless face of Lord Voldemort. Voldemort knows Harry is lying about the location of the stone and a battle ensues. Fortunately for Harry, every time he touches Quirrell, he causes Quirrell's exposed skin to turn red, raw and blistered. Harry realizes that this is the way to save the stone, if only he doesn't die in the process.
Harry awakes in the hospital wing with Professor Dumbledore by his side. Professor Dumbledore explains that he got there just in time to save Harry's life. But Harry is more concerned by the inevitable return of Voldemort and the safety of the stone. Harry and Dumbledore have a wonderful heart to heart with most of Harry's questions going unanswered. We learn the reason why Voldemort is not able to harm Harry. It was all down to Lily, a mother's protection.
Hagrid brings a special present of photographs of Harry's parents. Slytherin are announced the winners of the House Cup – they have earned the most House Points over the year – during the End of Term feast. Slytherin have 472 while Gryffindor, unfortunately, have the least points with 312. However… Professor Dumbledore has a few last minute points to award. He awards Ron fifty points for the best-played chess Hogwarts have ever seen. Then fifty points to Hermione for the use of cool logic in the face of fire. Harry is awarded 60 points for pure nerve and outstanding courage. This brings Gryffindor level with Slytherin in House Points. And finally, Neville is awarded ten points for standing up to his friends. Gryffindor have won the House Cup!! Harry leaves Hogwarts for the summer holidays at the Dursleys. But he knows he will soon be returning to Hogwarts in September. This is the end of Harry’s first year at Hogwarts.
“After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure”
At the end of term feast, Professor Dumbledore gave out extra points helping Gryffindor win the house cup. How many points did they finish on? 482
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