Chapter 48: The Panic Trio

Running all the way, Harry, Hermione, and Ron didn't speak, only stopping when they entered the hall. Coming from outside, the sudden change in light made the hall seem unusually dark.

"We have to tell Dumbledore about this," Harry said grimly. "Hagrid told that strange wizard how to subdue Fluffy. I'm sure the wizard in the cloak is either Snape or Voldemort. It's too dangerous. I hope Dumbledore will trust us!"

"But where is Dumbledore's office?" Hermione and Ron exchanged confused looks. As first-year students, they had no idea where the headmaster's office was located.

"Professor Eisen! We can tell him; he must know where Dumbledore's office is," Harry suggested in a panic, realizing Eisen might be able to help.

"What are you doing here?" a voice suddenly called from across the hall, cutting off Harry's plan.

They all recognized the voice—it was Professor McGonagall, holding a large stack of books in her arms.

"We need to see Professor Dumbledore," Hermione explained, mustering up the courage to speak. Harry remained silent, perhaps still remembering his past detentions with McGonagall.

"See Professor Dumbledore? Why?" McGonagall's suspicious gaze fell on the trio, making them shift uncomfortably. Harry swallowed nervously.

"Well... it's a secret..." Harry said hesitantly, immediately regretting his words as McGonagall's expression shifted dramatically.

"Professor Dumbledore left ten minutes ago. He received an urgent message from the Ministry of Magic and flew to London immediately," McGonagall informed them coldly, her words shocking the trio.

"He's gone? At such a critical time?" Harry's heart sank.

"Dumbledore is a remarkable wizard, and his time is valuable," McGonagall said matter-of-factly.

"But this is important!" Harry's hands trembled, nearly causing his glasses to slip off.

"What could be more important than the Ministry of Magic?" McGonagall's reasoning seemed unshakeable.

"It's... it's about the Philosopher's Stone!" Harry finally blurted out, abandoning all secrecy.

McGonagall's initial skepticism quickly shifted to shock. She even let the books in her arms tumble to the floor.

"How do you know about that?"

"Professor, we know, and I think... someone is trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone. I need to speak to Dumbledore!" Harry's voice grew more urgent, nearly revealing Snape's name.

"Dumbledore will return tomorrow!" McGonagall's expression remained stern, though there was a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "I don't know how you learned about the Stone, but rest assured, it is heavily protected. No one can steal it!"

"But, Professor—"

"I know what I'm saying, Potter. If you have nothing else, go outside and enjoy the sunshine," McGonagall cut him off, picked up her fallen books, and walked away.

"It's over!" Harry whispered to Ron and Hermione as soon as McGonagall left. "Snape's got everything he needs, and he's tricked Dumbledore into leaving. He's going to get through that trapdoor tonight!"

The owl Harry had seen earlier, the one with the note in its beak—it must have been sent by Snape, he thought.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Potter," came a voice from behind, making them jump. It was Snape, the person they least wanted to see.

"Shouldn't you be outside in this fine weather? Wandering around like this could make people think you're up to no good, you know. Gryffindor can't afford to lose any more points!" Snape added, his tone dripping with mockery.

Without a word, the trio hurried away and found themselves on the stone steps outside.

"We need to do something now!" Harry urged. "One of us has to keep an eye on Snape. Wait outside the staff room, and follow him if he leaves. Hermione, that's your job!"

"Why not just go to Professor Eisen?" Hermione suggested. "We can ask him to keep an eye on Snape. He'll definitely help us."

"Yeah, he'd be a lot better at it than us," Ron agreed.

"Alright. Hermione, you go to Professor Eisen, and Ron and I will watch the fourth-floor corridor," Harry conceded.

However, luck wasn't on Harry and Ron's side. As soon as they arrived at the door separating Fluffy's lair from the rest of the fourth-floor corridor, they were caught by Professor McGonagall.

"You two must think you're stronger than a bunch of enchantments, don't you?" McGonagall's stern voice filled the corridor. "Stop meddling! If I catch you here again, it'll be fifty points from Gryffindor—yes, fifty from my own house, Mr. Weasley!"

Defeated, Harry and Ron returned to the Gryffindor common room, dejected.

"At least Hermione went to Professor Eisen," Harry muttered, trying to console himself.

...

"Hermione, what's the matter? Don't worry, calm down," Eisen said soothingly when Snape told him Hermione needed to see him. He had anticipated this moment.

Seeing Hermione's frantic state, Eisen lightly brushed her forehead. A soft glow appeared, calming her instantly.

"Professor—Harry found out..." Hermione blurted out, explaining everything Harry had discovered.

"So, Dumbledore has left Hogwarts, and Snape knows how to subdue Fluffy. He's planning to steal the Philosopher's Stone tonight?" Eisen recapped calmly, though excitement stirred inside him. The time to encounter the Philosopher's Stone had finally come.

"Yes, Professor. We need to stop Snape," Hermione said, relieved that Eisen believed her.

"Alright. I understand. You go back first. I'll come find you later," Eisen nodded thoughtfully.

After Hermione left, Eisen considered the situation. If he got involved, it was best to go with the trio. However, he knew that Gryffindor students, with their adventurous spirits, wouldn't back down just because he intervened.

With these thoughts in mind, Eisen took a deep breath and started walking toward the Gryffindor common room.

[Power Stones Required]

I hope your like the chapter 😊.