Chapter 18

Lily eagerly opened the package, her heart fluttering with anticipation. As she pulled out the contents, her eyes widened with surprise. It was a letter from Harry, her son, along with a small red stone.

"James, come quick! It's from Harry," Lily called out, excitement bubbling in her voice.

James joined her, his curiosity piqued. "What did he send?"

"It's a letter and... a red stone," Lily replied, examining the stone with intrigue.

James read the letter aloud:

"Dear Mum and Dad,

I hope this package finds you well. We've been up to some exciting adventures here at Hogwarts, and I wanted to share this with you. I found this red stone during one of our escapades, and it seemed important. Please let me know what you think it might be.

Love,

Harry"

Lily's brows furrowed in concern as she held the small red stone in her hand. She glanced at James, a mixture of frustration and worry etched on her face.

"James, I think I know what this is," she said, her voice tinged with anger. "It's the Philosopher's Stone, isn't it?"

James's expression mirrored her concern. "Yes, it is. But how did it end up at Hogwarts?"

Lily's frustration grew. "Dumbledore. He's been hiding it there, all this time. I can't believe he would endanger the students like this."

James nodded in agreement. "We'll have to have a serious talk with Harry about this."

Lily sighed, a mix of worry and irritation gnawing at her. "Yes, we will. He shouldn't have taken such risks, even if it was to keep it out of the wrong hands."

Rose snorted in the background, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Come on, Mum, you know Harry. He's practically indestructible."

Lily glanced at her daughter, a small smile playing on her lips. "That's not the point, Rose. He can't go around taking such risks, even if he thinks he's invincible."

James chimed in, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Although I must admit, that video Harry sent of the prank on Snape was quite entertaining. As long as he's being careful, I suppose we can trust him to handle things his way."

Lily nodded reluctantly. "I suppose so. But he needs to remember that there are consequences to his actions. We'll talk to him about it when he comes home for Christmas."

Rose grinned mischievously. "Yeah, Dad, but admit it, you loved the prank too!"

James chuckled. "Alright, alright, I did enjoy it. But let's not encourage him to cause too much trouble."

Lily rolled her eyes playfully. "Just like his father," she teased, giving James a gentle nudge.

With a laugh, James replied, "Hey, what can I say? Like father, like son!"

—

As the group finally managed to convince Harley to leave her "Puddin'" alone for the time being, they breathed a collective sigh of relief. Tonks clapped her hands together, trying to inject some levity into the situation. 

"Alright, Harley, let's go. Fluffy will be just fine without us," Tonks said with a reassuring smile.

Harley pouted, reluctant to leave her newfound friend, but eventually relented. "Okay, but can we visit Puddin' again later?"

Tonks exchanged a glance with the others, trying to think of a way to explain the situation without upsetting Harley. "Of course, we can visit Puddin' again soon. But right now, we have to focus on getting out of here safely."

Harley nodded, her enthusiasm reignited. "Okay, let's go!"

With Harley now back with the group, they continued on their way back to their respective dorms, navigating the corridors of Hogwarts with caution.

—

Lily stepped out of the fireplace in Giovanni Zatara's study, feeling a mix of determination and apprehension. She needed his help, and she hoped he would be willing to provide it.

"Giovanni," she greeted, her voice steady but tinged with urgency.

Giovanni looked up from his desk, surprise evident in his expression as he recognized Lily. "Lily, what brings you to Gotham? Is everything alright?"

Lily took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she began. "I need your help, Giovanni. It's about Hogwarts."

Giovanni's eyes widened with concern. "Is Zatanna alright? Is she safe at Hogwarts?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Lily nodded, understanding Giovanni's concern. "Zatanna is safe, but there are some troubling developments at Hogwarts that I need to discuss with you."

Giovanni's expression shifted to one of seriousness. "What's been happening?" he asked, his voice reflecting his concern for his daughter and the other students at the school.

Lily extended her hand, revealing the small red stone. "Do you know what this is?" she asked, her voice tense with urgency.

Giovanni's eyes widened in recognition as he gazed at the stone. "The Philosopher's Stone," he replied, his voice grave.

Lily nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, and it's been hidden at Hogwarts. Harry found it and sent it to me. I need to know what's going on, Giovanni. Why would Dumbledore keep something like this at the school?"

Giovanni's brow furrowed in concern as he considered the implications. "Dumbledore... hiding the Philosopher's Stone at Hogwarts? That's highly unusual and troubling. It suggests that he might be involved in something much deeper than we initially thought."

Lily's worry deepened at Giovanni's words. "Exactly. I fear there's more going on at Hogwarts than meets the eye."

Lily took a deep breath before revealing the unsettling truth to Giovanni. "Professor Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is dead, Giovanni. But it's worse than that. He was being used, possessed by Voldemort himself."

Giovanni's expression darkened as he processed the news. "Voldemort... I had feared as much. This changes everything. Hogwarts is in grave danger."

Lily nodded solemnly. "Yes, we need to act swiftly to protect the students and uncover Voldemort's plans."

Giovanni turned to Lily with a furrowed brow. "What do you suggest we do about the Stone?"

Lily paused, contemplating their next move. "We need to ensure it's kept safe, far away from Hogwarts and anyone who might seek to use it for dark purposes. But first, let's see if we can contact Nicholas Flamel. If anyone knows how to keep the Philosopher's Stone safe, it's him."

Giovanni nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I can reach out to Flamel."

With a plan in motion, Lily and Giovanni set out to contact Nicholas Flamel, hoping to gain his wisdom and guidance in safeguarding the powerful artifact from the clutches of Voldemort.

—

As the first years gathered for breakfast in the Great Hall, the air was charged with excitement and anticipation. The news of their upcoming first flying lessons had spread like wildfire, and the young students couldn't contain their enthusiasm. Animated chatter filled the hall as they discussed their expectations and shared stories about their family members' experiences with broomsticks.

Hermione and Pamela exchanged excited glances, their faces lit up with anticipation. "I can't believe we finally get to fly today," Hermione exclaimed, a hint of awe in her voice.

Pamela nodded eagerly. "I've been looking forward to this since I got my Hogwarts letter!"

Hermione glanced over at the Slytherin table, her brow furrowing as she listened to Draco's bragging. "Does he ever stop talking about himself?" she muttered, rolling her eyes.

Pamela chuckled softly. "I think he enjoys the sound of his own voice a bit too much."

Draco's voice carried across the Great Hall as he continued his boastful monologue. "And let me tell you, I was born to fly! My father ensured I had the best broomstick money could buy. I'll be the star of the Quidditch team in no time!"

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "He's certainly full of himself, isn't he?"

Pamela nodded, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, let's see if his flying matches his talk when we're out on the pitch."

Nearby, Harry, Neville, Lana, and Zatanna shared a table, their anticipation palpable. Harry's eyes sparkled with excitement as he imagined himself soaring through the air, while Neville fidgeted nervously, his excitement mingled with a touch of apprehension.

"I can't wait to get on a broom," Lana said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "It's going to be amazing!"

Zatanna grinned, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I wonder what it's going to be like. Do you think we'll be any good?"

Harry chuckled, a thrill coursing through him at the thought of flying. "Only one way to find out!"

The atmosphere in the Great Hall was electrifying as the first years eagerly finished their breakfast, eager to embark on their first flying adventure at Hogwarts.

—

Under the clear blue sky, the first-year students gathered on the Quidditch pitch, their excitement bubbling over as they prepared for their very first flying lesson. Madame Hooch, with her sharp eyes and stern demeanor, stood at the front, her broomstick held firmly in her grasp.

"Welcome, class," she said, her voice carrying over the eager chatter. "Today, you will take your first steps into the world of flying. But before we begin, I must emphasize the importance of safety. Brooms can be dangerous if not handled properly."

The students listened intently, knowing that Madame Hooch didn't mince words when it came to safety. With a wave of her hand, she conjured a crate of old and slightly battered broomsticks.

"Everyone, please collect a broomstick and assemble in a straight line on the ground," Madame Hooch instructed, her voice firm.

The students eagerly rushed forward, each selecting a broomstick and gathering in a neat line as instructed. Neville's hands trembled slightly as he gripped his broomstick, his excitement mingled with nervousness.

"Now, when I blow my whistle, you will mount your broomstick by placing your hand over it and saying 'Up!' in a clear and confident voice," Madame Hooch explained, her eyes scanning the eager faces before her.

With a shrill blast of her whistle, Madame Hooch watched as the students attempted to mount their broomsticks. Some succeeded effortlessly, while others wobbled precariously before finding their balance. Neville, with a determined look on his face, mounted his broomstick on the second try, a look of triumph crossing his features.

"Excellent!" Madame Hooch called out, her approval evident in her tone. "Now, when I give the command, we'll take off and hover a few feet from the ground. Are you ready? Up!"

As the first-year students rose into the air, their broomsticks responding to their commands, Harry, Lana, and Zatanna soared effortlessly, their excitement evident in their wide smiles. Neville, though initially shaky, soon found his balance and hovered steadily alongside his classmates.

However, Madame Hooch's sharp eyes caught sight of Draco Malfoy gripping his broom improperly. With a stern expression, she swiftly approached him.

"Mr. Malfoy, you need to grip the broom firmly but not too tight," she chastised, her voice carrying across the pitch. "Relax your grip a little and try again."

Draco, his face flushed with embarrassment, adjusted his grip as instructed and attempted to rise into the air once more. After a moment's hesitation, he managed to ascend, albeit with a slight wobble.

"Better, but keep practicing," Madame Hooch advised before moving on to assist other students.

"Very good!" Madame Hooch exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with pride at the students. "Now, let's practice some simple maneuvers. On my signal, we'll fly a small circuit around the pitch. Ready? Forward!"

The students eagerly followed Madame Hooch's lead, their broomsticks responding smoothly to their commands. They looped around the pitch, their laughter and cheers echoing through the crisp morning air.

Neville, already nervous, as he was never that good with a broom, is relieved when the class ends without any mishap. As he is talking about this with his friends, Draco overhears and tries to make fun of him.

Draco sauntered over to where Neville and his friends were chatting, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well, if it isn't Longbottom, the clumsy flyer. Surprised you didn't fall off your broom and crash into the ground, Longbottom."

Neville's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but he held his ground, refusing to let Draco's taunts get to him. "Actually, I did quite well, thank you. No thanks to your constant bragging, Malfoy." 

Draco's smirk faltered for a moment, caught off guard by Neville's retort. He quickly regained his composure. "Ha! I highly doubt that. I bet you were trembling like a leaf up there!"

But Neville's friends stepped in, ready to defend him. "Leave him alone, Draco," Zatanna said firmly, crossing her arms. "Neville did just fine, and you know it."

Harry stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Actually, Draco, Neville did better than you did in your first flying lesson. I seem to recall you clinging onto your broom for dear life and almost crashing into the ground."

Draco's face turned red with anger, but before he could respond, Hermione interjected. "Let's not argue, shall we? We all had a great time, and that's what matters."

Draco huffed, shooting a venomous glare at Neville before storming off, his pride wounded by the reminder of his less-than-stellar performance during his own flying lesson.

—

Lily and Giovanni took a portkey to France, the sensation of the sudden displacement giving way to the sight of the charming French countryside. They took a moment to orient themselves before setting off towards the Flamels' residence.

Lily and Giovanni were warmly welcomed by the venerable Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel, the ancient keepers of the Philosopher's Stone. Despite their age—Nicholas being 665 years old and Perenelle 658—they radiated vitality and wisdom, their eyes sparkling with centuries of experience.

Lily carefully presented the Stone to Nicholas and Perenelle, who examined it with a mixture of concern and determination. "Dumbledore had hidden it at Hogwarts, guarded by a three-headed dog and other obstacles," Lily explained. "And... our children, they somehow managed to get past them."

Nicholas and Perenelle exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions grave. "This is troubling indeed," Nicholas remarked, his voice tinged with concern. "The Stone is too powerful to be left unguarded."

Perenelle nodded in agreement. "Yes, we must ensure it remains safe. The security measures at Hogwarts seem to have been breached, and we cannot afford to take any chances."

Nicholas sighed heavily, his concern etched deeply into the lines of his ancient face. "I fear we may have made a grave mistake in entrusting Dumbledore with the safeguarding of the Stone," he admitted, regret lacing his words. "To think he would put the lives of children in danger by hiding it at Hogwarts... I regret approaching him for help in ensuring the Stone's safety."

His words hung heavily in the air, a somber reminder of the risks they now faced. Perenelle placed a reassuring hand on Nicholas's arm, offering silent support in their shared concern.

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Lily stepped forward, her expression determined. "We're willing to help in any way we can to ensure the safety of the Stone," she offered, her voice unwavering. "In exchange, we'd like your assistance with a project we're working on."

Nicholas arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "And what might this project be?" he inquired, his voice laced with intrigue.

Lily's impish smile hinted at the secret she held close to her heart. "It's a Christmas present for my son," she revealed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Something special to show him how much he means to us." 

Nicholas and Perenelle exchanged knowing glances, their curiosity piqued by Lily's mysterious project. "Well, in that case, we would be delighted to assist you," Nicholas replied, a warm smile gracing his ancient features. "The safety of the Philosopher's Stone is of the utmost importance, and we appreciate your willingness to help."

As Lily and Giovanni prepared to depart, Nicholas couldn't resist the opportunity for a bit of mischief aimed at his former apprentice. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he leaned in closer to Lily and Giovanni, his voice barely above a whisper. "But before you go, my dear, would you do us a small favor? We have a little prank to play on our good friend Albus. Nothing too serious, of course."

Lily raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the idea. "A prank on Dumbledore? I'm listening."

Nicholas grinned slyly. "I'll prepare a little surprise for him. A howler, to be precise. I would greatly appreciate it if you could deliver it to him."

Lily couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. "Consider it done."

—-

Dumbledore's distress was palpable as he entered the chamber where the Philosopher's Stone had been safely hidden, only to find it missing. His brow furrowed in concern, and a heavy sigh escaped his lips as he surveyed the empty pedestal where the stone had once rested.

He circled the room, his mind racing with questions and possibilities. How could this have happened? Who could have breached the security measures he had put in place? The safety of the students at Hogwarts was paramount, and the disappearance of the Stone posed a grave threat to that safety.

Alarmed by the realization that the Stone was no longer there, Dumbledore knew he needed to act quickly. He resolved to find out what had happened and to ensure the safety of the school and its inhabitants. Time was of the essence, and he was determined to address this new threat with all the resources at his disposal.

—

As Dumbledore reached the Great Hall, a scarlet envelope soared in, hovering in front of him. With a deep frown, he recognized it immediately—a Howler. His hands trembled slightly as he reached out to grasp it, his heart sinking at the implications.

The voice of Nicholas Flamel echoed with an ancient, thunderous rage that filled the Great Hall with an intense, reverberating presence. "DUMBLEDORE!" the voice boomed, cutting through the air with the force of a thunderclap. "You, of all people, should know better! The great Albus Dumbledore, former apprentice to the wisest of wizards, has failed in his sacred duty! The Philosopher's Stone, entrusted to your care, has vanished under your very nose! Explain yourself, Dumbledore, or face the consequences!"

Dumbledore stood frozen, his face drained of color as the accusatory voice of his former mentor resounded around him. The students and staff exchanged shocked glances, unable to believe what they were witnessing. It was a moment of utter humiliation for the venerable headmaster, whose legendary reputation seemed to crumble before their eyes.

The howler continued, each word dripping with indignation. "You, who once sought wisdom at my feet, have become nothing but a bumbling, inept charlatan! What happened to the great Albus Dumbledore, the paragon of wisdom and virtue? You have brought shame upon yourself and disgrace upon Hogwarts! Return the Stone at once, or I shall be forced to take matters into my own hands!"

The Great Hall fell silent, the weight of Nicholas Flamel's words hanging heavily in the air. Dumbledore stood, a shadow of his former self, humiliated by the public rebuke from his former mentor. It was a moment that would forever tarnish his once unassailable reputation.

—

As the Howler's message reverberated through the Great Hall, Dumbledore's face turned various shades of red, the color deepening with each passing moment. His usual aura of wisdom and authority was momentarily shattered, leaving him looking uncharacteristically flustered and vulnerable.

The students and staff alike were caught off guard by the unexpected outburst. A stunned silence enveloped the hall, broken only by the echo of Nicholas Flamel's booming voice. Some students exchanged bewildered glances, while others struggled to suppress their laughter, casting surreptitious glances at their friends.

McGonagall, sitting nearby, discreetly placed a hand over her mouth, her eyes twinkling with amusement despite her efforts to maintain a stern facade. Snape, ever the opportunist, wore a smug expression, relishing the rare moment of Dumbledore's discomfort.

Amidst the whispers and murmurs that spread like wildfire, Dumbledore stood frozen, his embarrassment palpable. It was a sight few had ever witnessed—a momentary chink in the armor of the esteemed headmaster.

Finally regaining his composure, Dumbledore cleared his throat, his eyes scanning the room as he attempted to regain control of the situation. "Er... yes, well, that was unexpected," he managed, his voice strained. "Let us continue with our day, shall we?"

Despite Dumbledore's attempt to move on, the memory of the Howler lingered, casting a shadow over the remainder of the breakfast and ensuring that this particular morning would be remembered for a long time to come.

—

The New Marauders sat together at their base, their heads close as they connected the dots about the mysterious red stone they had encountered. 

"So, that red stone we found was the Philosopher's Stone," Harry said, realization dawning on him as he pieced together the clues.

Lana's eyes widened with excitement. "That's incredible! No wonder it was hidden under such tight security."

Zatanna grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. "And to think, we were just a few steps away from it the whole time."

Neville chuckled, impressed by the cunning of their discovery. "Nicholas Flamel certainly knows how to keep a secret. He's a prankster worth learning from."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Definitely. We should keep an eye out for more of his tricks. You never know what surprises might be waiting for us at Hogwarts." 

As they laughed and joked about their recent adventure, the common room buzzed with excitement, the thrill of their discovery lingering in the air.

—

Back at the Flamels' home, Perenelle chuckled, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Well done, Nicholas," she praised, her voice filled with warmth and amusement. "That was a well-executed prank."

Nicholas leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Oh, I'm just getting started, my dear. Albus has been needing a good dose of humbling for quite some time now."

Perenelle raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what do you have in mind for your next move?"

Nicholas's smile widened. "Let's just say, Albus may find himself reminiscing about his days as an apprentice more often than he'd like."

Lily, who had been observing the exchange with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, couldn't help but laugh. "I almost feel sorry for him."

Giovanni nodded, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Almost."

Perenelle leaned in, her tone conspiratorial. "Well, whatever you have planned, Nicholas, I'm sure it will be legendary. Just don't forget to keep us in the loop."

Nicholas gave a mock salute. "You have my word. Now, shall we get to work on that project for young Harry?"

---

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