Yes, I agree with the others, this is a great story, with lot of promise. You have already achieved a few smal victories. Quirrel gone. Voldemort baneshed (to where?, in canon he stayed away til fourth year). Harry starting to think for himself (in canon Harry followed to much Ron's lead). I hope this independent streak wil grow. And last but not least, starting a bond with Hermione, witch wil only do the both of them good. I'm curious how you wil portray Ron and Dumbledore. Canon-Ron seems to much of a leech to me. Feeding of Harry's fame, and Hermione's knowledge. And canon-Dumbledore seems to be responsible for most of Harry's drama. I'm looking forward for the next chapter.
Author's response
Thank you! I'm glad you like it so far.
While Quirrell is gone, Voldemort isn't. True, he stays away until fourth year in canon, but that's after he knows that the stone is unattainable. So, in my opinion, he would still attempt to go after the stone as it is currently the easiest way to attain immortality (and a body).
As for Harry's independent streak, it will grow, but with time. He's still basically in a new world learning things as he goes, and it isn't easy to erase about eleven years of neglect and mistreatment. Harry has to grow in regards to independence gradually, and I believe that is why he followed Ron's lead so much. At this age, he isn't concerned with being independent and sure that he knows what's best for him. He's just a lonely, neglected child trying to fit into a world that put him on too high a pedastal.
In regards to Ron and Dumbledore, that's a bit of a challenge. I won't be bashing any because that's just childish and immature. Rather, I believe the more violent troll sequence will be the catalyst that changes a good many things. For one, I believe it will help Ron mature. Not by much because he is, after all, still eleven. However, he will mature enough to not be such an envious prat later on. As for how the troll scene causes Dumbledore to react, he will be less manipulative. There will, of course, be more to Dumbledore's change of heart, but that will be explained in a later chapter.
Again, thank you very much for the review. =)