Decoy and Deception

Under Luke's perception, the magic stone in his hand appeared to be an ordinary red stone, devoid of any magical power.

Is it fake?

Could this stone be a mere decoy to lure Voldemort?

The thought crossed his mind.

"Luke!"

The door swung open, and Hermione rushed over, colliding into Luke's arms, embracing him tightly.

"I'm okay!"

Luke reciprocated by wrapping his arms around the girl and softly comforting her in her ear.

Dumbledore, trailing behind, glanced at Quirrell's head on the ground and then at the robe-covered corpse, shaking his head. He already had a fair idea of what Quirrell had been up to. Luke, having defeated Quirrell, wouldn't face any punishment.

Luke's performance tonight—be it courage, wisdom, or strength—was exceptional. He was, without a doubt, the best little wizard Dumbledore had ever seen.

From the burn marks on the ground and the pits in the walls, Dumbledore could sense the intensity of the battle.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, good evening."

Luke looked at the motionless Hermione, still holding onto him, and greeted Dumbledore with a somewhat helpless expression.

"Amazing performance, Geralt."

Dumbledore smiled and nodded, his azure blue eyes brimming with wisdom beneath half-moon glasses.

"Your courage and strength even make me wonder if the Sorting Hat might have made a mistake - it almost placed you in Slytherin."

"I think so too!"

Hermione finally released Luke and nodded hastily.

"I believe Professor Snape treats me well..."

Luke laughed and shook his head. Snape had indeed been good to him, teaching nearly everything he could, from instruction to note-taking. Moreover, Gryffindor felt like a bottomless pit this semester.

Still more comfortable in Slytherin.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, this stone is for you."

Luke handed the useless red stone to Dumbledore. Devoid of magical power, it was as useless as an ordinary stone.

Completely useless.

Harry rushed over at this moment.

The battle between Luke and Voldemort had frightened him, but Luke's strength left him deeply envious.

I'll start going to the library every day to study!

He resolved to himself.

"The Philosopher's Stone, an alchemical product made by my friend Nicole Lemay."

Dumbledore grasped the magical stone in his hands, his piercing eyes fixed on Luke. In a twist to the scene, he spoke with a soft drawl, "This here stone can make one immortal and turn mere rock into a heap of gold."

Hermione perked up, her curiosity piqued. Even Harry found himself drawn to the seemingly ordinary stone. Immortality and wealth – temptations no wizard, let alone these young ones.

"Not interested," Luke responded, his voice calm. He had already examined the stone with a keen eye, revealing that its magical essence had long faded.

"Really?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, surprised. Luke's nonchalant demeanor didn't scream deceit. A peculiar wizard, indeed. It was the first time Dumbledore encountered someone uninterested in such alluring promises; even he, with his age and wisdom, harbored desires for life and riches.

"Your choice is truly admirable," Dumbledore admitted, a hint of respect in his tone.

"Alright, children, let's gather in my office. We all need a bit of rest and assessment," Dumbledore declared, waving his wand to cast a refreshing spell on both Harry and Luke. Harry, covered in dirt, and Luke, with vivid red blood on his face, were in need of some sprucing up. Luke, especially, resembled a Halloween fright – not an ideal look to meet other wizards in the night.

Once in Dumbledore's office, the magical stone now on display, Dumbledore proposed, "Fancy a cup of hot cocoa, anyone?"

"No need, Headmaster Dumbledore," Harry responded promptly, still shaken by the night's gruesome sights. Drinking cocoa was the last thing on his mind.

Dumbledore chuckled heartily, the sound echoing through the spacious room, and he didn't bring up the subject again.

The principal's office had visitors who were setting foot inside for the first time, their eyes filled with curiosity as they observed the surroundings. The walls adorned with portraits, each painting housing the simulated consciousness of past principals. Some of them seemed to engage in silent discussions, pointing fingers at Luke and his companions.

On a stand, a fiery red phoenix with a curious gaze stood, tilting its small head, observing the newcomers.

Dumbledore, dressed in purple robe, addressed Luke and Harry, seeking to unravel the details of the night's events.

Once the trio left the principal's room, the clock was nearing two in the morning. Neville escorted Ron to the school infirmary, where they would reluctantly share the space with Draco for the night – a truly unfortunate circumstance.

"Bid farewell!" After warm hugs and goodbyes with Hermione, Luke stifled a yawn, making his way towards the basement. The evening had been eventful, originally planned for a visit to the Room of Requirement with Hermione. However, unexpected encounters with wandering Harrys altered their plans, leaving them to wait a few more days for the availability of the Room of Requirement.

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