Fluffy Secret

Time flew by quickly after their visit back then. True to his words, Harry kept trying to get Ron and Hermione together with him to make contact with the third-floor corridor. Starting from the Monday after their visit home, Harry had tried various ways to lead Ron and Hermione to that place, but every time his plan had failed for some or the other reason. Only last Wednesday was he able to get the plan to fulfill after a week and a half of trying. He took them there after their last class of the day, subtly moving the staircases with his magic so that they were directed there. At long last, they came to the corridor, and Harry feigned looking around with a lost expression. 

"Hmm, where are we?" Harry pretended to ponder aloud, hoping to draw Ron and Hermione's attention away from the forbidden corridor.

But Hermione wasn't fooled. "Harry, this is the third-floor corridor. We shouldn't be here. Remember what Dumbledore said?"

"Yeah, but don't you want to see what's behind that door?" Harry pointed toward the end of the corridor where the large, ominous door stood. He smirked internally as his magic sense had picked up that Filch was heading this way right now.

Hermione shook her head adamantly. "No way. Let's go before Filch catches us. I don't want to risk getting detention."

As if on cue, they heard the unmistakable sound of Filch's footsteps approaching.

"Quick, let's hide!" Harry whispered urgently. "Behind that door!"

With no time to argue, Ron and Hermione followed Harry's lead. As they squeezed behind the door, Harry cast a silent silencing charm at the door without the other two noticing.

They held their breath as Filch's steps grew closer. Just as they thought they were in the clear, the door behind them creaked open.

Hermione gasped softly, and Ron stifled a curse under his breath.

Peering through the crack in the door, they saw Filch pass by, muttering to himself about catching rule-breakers.

Once they were sure Filch was gone, Harry let out a sigh of relief. "That was close."

"Too close," Ron agreed, wiping sweat from his brow.

Before anyone else could say anything further, a low growling sound echoed from the darkness beyond the door, sending shivers down their spines. The trio turned around to look at what was behind them and came eye to eye with a monstrous three-headed dog. Three pairs of rolling, mad eyes; three noses, twitching and quivering in their direction; three drooling mouths, saliva hanging in slippery ropes from yellowish fangs.

Ron and Hermione were rooted to the spot with fear, their eyes wide with terror. Harry, however, remained surprisingly composed. He silently erected a barrier in front of them, a shield charm to protect them in case Fluffy decided to attack. As he did so, he noticed Hermione's eyes darting to the dog's feet, and he smiled to himself. The job was done. 

Harry subtly mouthed at them to back out of the door. After receiving two nods of approval, Harry carefully guided them backward, away from the menacing creature, and out of the door. With a soft click, Harry shut the door behind them, cutting off the terrifying sight of Fluffy.

"Did you see the size of that thing?" Ron exclaimed once they were safely out of the corridor. "What was it doing there?"

"It was guarding something," Hermione replied, her voice trembling slightly. 

"And how do you know that?", Ron asked, his own voice trembling. 

"Didn't you see it was standing on a trapdoor?", Hermione asked. 

Ron replied sarcastically, "Oh I am sorry, I was busy looking at the three heads in front of our faces since they looked really friendly and sweet"

"Ok stop it you two. Let's just get back to common room before any more trouble"

As they made their way back to the Gryffindor common room, the adrenaline from their encounter with Fluffy still coursing through their veins, Ron couldn't help but tease Hermione about her observation skills, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.

Hermione rolled her eyes at Ron's sarcasm but couldn't help but smile faintly. "Well, I suppose we should count ourselves lucky to have escaped without being devoured by that beast."

Harry chuckled, grateful for the brief moment of levity amidst the seriousness of their situation. "Agreed. Let's just hope we don't encounter anything else like that again anytime soon."

Once safely back in the Gryffindor common room, they collapsed onto the comfortable couches, their minds swirling with questions about what they had just witnessed.

"What do you think it was guarding?," Hermione insisted, her brow furrowed with concern. 

"Definitely something dangerous" Ron said, his voice filled with apprehension. "That's why he said to stay away from that place"

Harry feigned considering their options carefully. "Whatever it is, it's clearly important enough for Dumbledore to have placed such a formidable guardian."

Great now with Hermione's curious nature she will be tormented if she doesn't find out what it is that Fluffy is guarding. I guess I will have to slip up about a makeshift story of that it is something related to Nicholas Flamel and the Sorcerer stone. Also I have to get Hagrid involved somehow, and I will also have to make sure he invites us to the dragon egg hatching event, Harry thought. 

"Ok guys, I have got to write a letter, so I'll see you at dinner", Harry said as he got up and started walking towards his dormitory. "Also Ron, you should read up the book you got in Hogsmeade last time" Harry called from over the stairs.

"I am almost finished with it", Ron replied back as he and Hermione settled together to check the class notes. 

Harry came in and sat down on his bed, his mind racing about how he should make contact with Hagrid. Then he remembered it was Hagrid who would have bought him to the Dursleys. With a smirk he pulled out a small parchment and started writing. 

"Dear Hagrid, 

I apologise for not contacting you sooner but I only recently came to know that it was you who had brought me to the Dursleys on the night my mum and dad died. So if it is alright with you I would like to come down to your hut after classes one afternoon and talk with you. Though it might not mean anything now but, thanks for bringing me to the Dursleys.

Harry"

With this done, he also wrote some more letters addressing to Petunia, Ginny and Sirius. Once finished he took the letters and got up to go to the owlery to find Hedwig. As he came down the dormitory, he saw that Ron had his wand out and was practicing what looked like the Flipendo Jinx.

Harry took a moment to watch Ron's wand movements, impressed by his friend's dedication to mastering new spells. With a smile, he approached Ron and Hermione, the letters clutched in his hand.

"Hey, Ron, Hermione," Harry greeted them, drawing their attention away from their respective activities.

Ron looked up from his spell practice, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. "Hey, Harry. Done with the letters?"

"I just finished writing some letters," Harry explained, holding up the parchment for them to see. "I thought I'd send one to Hagrid and a few others. Mind if I borrow Casper to deliver them? It would be too much for Hedwig alone."

"Of course not, Harry," Hermione replied, bookmarking her page and setting aside her book. "Do you need any help with them?"

Harry said, "Yeah, I would need you to get Casper to deliver a letter."

As they made their way down to the owlery together, Ron couldn't help but ask, "What's in the letters?"

"Just reaching out to some people about some things I came to know lately." Harry replied vaguely, not wanting to reveal the contents of his message to Hagrid just yet.

Once they reached the owlery, Harry found Hedwig perched on her usual spot. With a soft hoot of greeting, she flew down to Harry's outstretched arm.

"Alright, girl, I need you to deliver these letters for me, the usual ones ok?" Harry said, carefully attaching three letters to Hedwig's leg.

As Hedwig took flight, Harry watched her soar out of sight, feeling a sense of satisfaction knowing that his messages would soon reach their intended recipients. Turning back to Ron and Hermione, he asked Hermione, "Can you send this letter to Hagrid?"

She looked curious but took the letter and attached it to Casper's leg and told her to get it to Hagrid. After sending Casper on his journey the trio started their way back towards the Great Hall for dinner.

As they walked back to the Great Hall, Ron couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "So, Harry, what did you write to Hagrid about?"

"Yeah, mate, spill the beans," Ron added eagerly, his eyes wide with anticipation.

Harry chuckled, enjoying the suspense. "Sorry, guys, it's a bit personal. I'll let you know once I hear back from him."

Hermione, ever the inquisitive one, couldn't resist probing further. "But why write to Hagrid now? Is everything alright?"

Harry hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "It's nothing serious, Hermione. Just something I needed to talk to him about."

With Hermione letting go of the topic for a while, they entered the Great Hall and sat down to enjoy their dinner, the conversation shifting to lighter topics as they indulged in the delicious food laid out before them.

After dinner, they retreated to the common room, where Ron immediately grabbed his wand and began practicing spells, determined to perfect his technique. Hermione buried herself in her books, absorbed in her studies as always.

Harry, however, found himself restless, his mind still preoccupied with the events of the day. Determined to push his plans into actions, Harry started, "You know, guys, I can't shake the feeling that there's something more to that third-floor corridor. And Fl...I mean the three headed dog I can't help but wonder what he's guarding."

Ron looked up from his spellcasting, his brow furrowed in concern. "You think it's something dangerous?"

Harry nodded, his expression grave, at least he hoped it was. "Dumbledore wouldn't have placed such a formidable guardian if it wasn't. I just have this gut feeling that there's more to it than meets the eye."

Hermione set aside her books, her curiosity piqued once again. "But what could it be? And why would Dumbledore keep it hidden?"

"That's what I aim to find out," Harry declared. He knew that since he was showing interest in the topic, both of them would follow, "But for now, we'll just have to wait."

Harry tried to come up with a plan where he could slip things about the Sorcerer's stone to Ron and Hermione. But no matter what kind of plan he thought of, Hagrid was essential for the situation to end up in favour for Harry. This is manipulation but I need to do it so that I can let them into more deeper secrets and hopefully prevent a lot of death, Harry thought. 

As Ron struggled with the Flipendo Jinx, Harry observed his friend's movements carefully, noting where he was going wrong. With a thoughtful expression, Harry approached Ron and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Ron, I think I know what might help you," Harry said, his voice calm and reassuring. "It's all about efficiency and focus. Let me show you."

Taking Ron's wand, Harry demonstrated a simplified version of the wand movements, emphasizing the key motions needed to produce the spell's effect with minimal effort. He explained the importance of channeling his magic directly into the spell and visualizing the desired outcome.

"See, Ron, it's not about how much you move your wand, but rather how effectively you direct your magic," Harry explained patiently. "Focus on the intent behind the spell and let your magic flow naturally. Trust me, it'll make a world of difference."

"Now why don't you try it on me?", Harry said as he stood up and walked to a distance and turned to Ron.

Ron hesitated, "But I don't want to hurt you Harry... I mean I have not mastered the spell what if I end up doing something weird and hurt you?"

"Trust me Ron, you won't hurt me.", Harry said with a reassuring smile.

Ron nodded but still looked doubtful, so Harry quickly added, "Don't worry, spells like this can't even penetrate my shield."

Convinced, Ron tried again, this time with renewed confidence and determination. With a flick of his wrist and a whispered incantation, the spell soared effortlessly from his wand, a red jet of magic soaring towards Harry which got absorbed by his shield. 

"Whoa, did you see that?!" Ron exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement.

"See I told you. Much easier isn't it?", Harry smirked genuinely pleased to see his friend's progress. "Great job, Ron! See, it's all about finding your own rhythm and tapping into your magic's potential."

Ron whooped loudly causing Hermione to look up from her book. 

"What happened?", she asked cautiously. 

Ron looked at her in disbelief, "You mean you didn't see or hear us practicing spells?"

"No...I was thinking of something...", Hermione said as her face went red. 

Harry chuckled at Hermione's embarrassed expression. "Lost in thought, Hermione?"

Hermione nodded, trying to hide her blush. "Yes, sorry. I was just... preoccupied."

Ron grinned mischievously. "Preoccupied with what? Planning your next library visit?"

Hermione shot Ron a playful glare. "Actually, I was thinking about what the three headed dog could be guarding"

"Ah, the classic Hermione," Harry teased, nudging her gently. "Always eager to know everything"

Hermione blushed again. "Well, aren't you guys eager to know why there is such a creature in the castle?"

Harry and Ron exchanged a knowing glance before turning back to Hermione with amused expressions.

"Of course we are," Harry replied with a grin. "But let's not forget Dumbledore's warning about that corridor. Whatever it is, it's obviously something he wants to keep hidden." Harry said this knowing that something like this is bound to make her more curious.

Ron nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but what could it be Harry? You must have some kind of idea right?"

Harry made what he hoped was a thinking expression. In his head, he was clapping Ron on his back, for asking this question. 

"It could be a bunch of things," Harry said thoughtfully, playing along with Ron's line of inquiry. "But if I had to guess, I'd say it's probably something incredibly valuable or dangerous. Maybe even both."

Hermione's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Like what? A rare magical artifact? A hidden chamber filled with ancient spells?"

"Or perhaps a secret passage leading to a forbidden part of the castle," Ron chimed in, his imagination running wild.

Harry nodded, fueling their curiosity further. "Exactly. Though I am not sure about the secret passage thing because if it was then that corridor would have been guarded from well before out first year"

Hermione's excitement was palpable as she leaned in closer, hanging on Harry's every word. "Do you think we'll ever find out?"

Harry smiled at Hermione's enthusiasm. "It definitely is. Maybe it is something that is so valuable that if it falls on the wrong hand it could be disastrous. But let's leave that for latter"

"Absolutely," Harry agreed with a casual shrug, masking his inner excitement. "But let's not get too carried away with speculation. We've got plenty of time to uncover the mysteries of Hogwarts."

Hermione's curiosity seemed to only grow stronger at Harry's suggestion. "But don't you think it's worth exploring, Harry? Imagine the knowledge and adventure we could gain from unraveling the secrets of that corridor."

Ron nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Yeah, Harry. It could be the start of our greatest adventure yet!"

Harry maintained his composure, concealing his true intentions behind a calm facade. "Maybe, Ron. But for now, let's focus on our studies and leave the mystery-solving for another day. Who knows what dangers could be lurking behind that door?"

Hermione's determination seemed to strengthen at Harry's words. "You're right, Harry. But I can't shake the feeling that there's something important hidden in that corridor. I won't rest until we uncover the truth."

Harry smiled inwardly, pleased that his subtle encouragement had sparked Hermione's interest even further. "I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of it eventually, Hermione. But for now, let's keep our focus on our studies and wait for the right moment to delve into the mysteries of the third-floor corridor."

"So Ron you were having problem with Potions right, let me help you with that", Harry changing the subject tactfully. 

Ron's face brightened at Harry's offer of assistance, grateful for the change of subject. "Thanks, Harry. I could definitely use some help with Potions."

Ron glanced over at Harry, a puzzled expression on his face. "Hey, Harry, do you remember that potion we learned in class last week? The one with the bubbling cauldrons?"

Harry nodded, recalling the lesson vividly. "Ah, you mean the Herbicide Potion? Yeah, I remember it. What about it?"

Ron scratched his head, looking perplexed. "Well, I was trying to brew it earlier, but I think I messed up somewhere. It just doesn't seem to be turning out right."

Harry leaned in, eager to help. "No worries, Ron. Brewing potions can be tricky, especially for beginners. What seems to be the problem?"

Ron hesitated before admitting, "I think I might have added the powdered nettle too early. And maybe I stirred it too vigorously."

Harry nodded sympathetically. "Ah, I see. Adding ingredients at the wrong time can definitely affect the potion's efficacy. And stirring too vigorously can cause it to react unpredictably."

"So, what should I do now?" Ron asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

Harry thought for a moment before offering some advice. "Well, since you've already added the ingredients, let's try adjusting the heat of the cauldron. Lower the flame and let the potion simmer for a bit. That should help stabilize it."

Ron carefully jotted Harry's instructions down in his potion-making notebook. 

Harry nodded approvingly. "Just follow those steps when you try brewing the Herbicide Potion again. And remember, patience is key when brewing potions. Rushing things can often lead to mistakes."

Ron smiled gratefully, feeling more confident already. "Thanks, Harry. I'll give it a try next time."

"No problem, Ron," Harry replied with a reassuring smile. "Just remember, if you ever need help with potions or anything else, don't hesitate to ask."

Ron nodded, "Right. Thanks again, Harry."

With a renewed sense of determination, Ron tucked away his potion-making notebook, eager to try his hand at brewing the Herbicide Potion again.

As Ron returned to his potions book to check up more information on the Herbicide potion, Harry glanced over and noticed Hermione's pensive expression. It seemed she was still lost in thought about the mysterious corridor, her brow furrowed with curiosity.

Harry couldn't help but smile to himself. Hermione was definitely hooked on the mystery now, and he knew she would stop at nothing to uncover its secrets. Her determination was both admirable and slightly amusing to him, knowing that she would undoubtedly delve deep into research and planning to satisfy her curiosity.

As the evening wore on, the trio eventually decided to call it a night and made their way back to their respective dormitories. The common room was now quiet, the fire casting a warm glow over the empty chairs and tables.

Hermione bid her friends goodnight with a small smile before heading up to the girls' dormitory. Ron and Harry exchanged tired nods as they made their way to the boys' dormitory, the weight of the day's events heavy on their minds.

After changing into their pyjamas and exchanging a mumbled goodnight, Harry climbed into his bed, his thoughts racing. He couldn't shake the guilt of deceiving and manipulating his friends, but he knew it was necessary.

"I am sorry guys, but it is necessary. Even if I have to play the bad guy, at least a lot of deaths will be prevented," Harry thought to himself solemnly. "Losing your loved ones is not something I want you guys to go through, not when I can prevent it" With that thought, he drifted off to sleep.