Harry stood there, a mix of anger and embarrassment evident on his face.
Ron glanced from Harry to Hermione, attempting to speak up for his friend but finding himself at a loss for words.
Indeed, he also harbored doubts about Harry's judgment—letting Artel go to Snape's office? Especially considering Artel's Slytherin background, their relationship wasn't exactly on solid ground. They were just casual acquaintances, exchanging pleasantries like Christmas candies. Harry's decision seemed rash, to say the least.
But Ron understood Harry's urgency. They had just been at Hagrid's hut, trying to convince him that Snape had attacked Professor Quirrell. However, their efforts were in vain, as they stumbled upon some concerning information.
It seemed Hagrid had missed a crucial point.
Earlier that morning, Dumbledore had approached Hagrid with inquiries. In Dumbledore's mind, Quirrell shouldn't have been able to bypass Fluffy, the three-headed dog, so easily.
Now, with Quirrell in the secret room, discovering the absence of the Philosopher's Stone, he had resorted to finding the Magic Mirror through some means.
Ultimately, Quirrell's premature entry into the Chamber of Secrets had led to the loss of the Philosopher's Stone. Only he and Hagrid knew the method of bypassing Fluffy, prompting Dumbledore's investigation.
Hagrid vehemently denied revealing the method to anyone. Dumbledore chose to believe him, and through Dumbledore's probing, Hagrid deduced that someone must have circumvented Fluffy and entered the secret room.
Furthermore, Filch's chatter revealed a disruption in the castle's routine, indicating the theft of the Philosopher's Stone.
During their conversation, Hagrid accidentally let slip the reason for Harry's agitation and urgency: Harry suspected Snape of stealing the Philosopher's Stone. Without immediate action, Harry feared Snape would conceal the truth, leaving them clueless.
That's why Harry sought Artel's assistance.
However, before Artel could respond, an enraged Hermione beat him it.
Hermione rarely lost her temper, but when it came to Artel, she struggled to contain her frustration.
Artel gently grasped Hermione's arm, offering her a reassuring glance, before turning his attention to Harry.
"Harry, I understand where you're coming from, but I can't agree to your request. Hermione's loyalty isn't in question here. And as your friend, I must advise against pursuing this further. It's a notion, not something a responsible student should entertain."
He paused, then gestured for them to head back. As they began walking, Harry and Ron caught up with them.
"Sorry, Artel. I realize now that my request was a bit much. Hermione was right to call me out on it," Harry apologized, his words prompting a faint smile from Hermione.
Though she remained steadfast in her actions, Hermione extended a courtesy apology to Harry.
"I felt it was important to be honest with you, Artel. You're a trusted friend," Harry continued, deciding to confide in Artel. If Artel agreed to help, great; if not, he'd find another approach.
"Before term began, Hagrid took me to Diagon Alley, and..."
"Hermione mentioned Nicole Lemay that day, which led me to believe that the item in the Chamber of Secrets is the Philosopher's Stone from Gringotts," Artel interjected, piecing together the puzzle.
"And the break-in at Gringotts was likely orchestrated by Snape's associates. I saw Snape injured by Fluffy on Christmas Eve and caught him threatening Professor Luo later that night..."
Harry recounted the events leading up to Professor Quirrell's disappearance, revealing details that even Hermione found surprising.
"Today, Hagrid mentioned the Chamber being breached and the Stone missing, which left the professors on edge," Harry concluded, anxiously awaiting Artel's response.
Artel, however, remained composed, his expression unchanged as he spoke softly to Harry.
"I believe you, Harry. But how can we be certain of what you've witnessed? You're just a first-year wizard amidst others more experienced at Hogwarts. Prefects, seniors, even professors and the headmaster—they're better equipped to handle such matters. What can you possibly do?"
"You struggle with opening a door lock... Why not use this time to learn more spells and read more books? I don't get why you feel the need to take on these responsibilities," Artel remarked, pointing to the sun in the sky.
"People die every day in this world, yet the sun rises again the next day. Merlin was considered the greatest wizard, right? But even after his passing, life carried on," he continued.
"Likewise, Harry Potter, you're just an ordinary person. Be a student, enjoy your time, read, study, hang out with friends, and stop burdening yourself with saving the world."
After Artel's speech, regardless of what Harry Potter was pondering, he whisked away.
Harry hesitated, wanting to assert his identity as the famous Boy Who Lived, but he couldn't find the words.
Turning to Ron, Harry asked, "Do you think Artel's right?"
Ron hesitated, nodding at first, then shaking his head. When he first met Harry on the train, he was starstruck, but now he saw Harry as Artel described, just an average wizard, perhaps even less talented than Artel.
"Alright, I understand," Harry sighed.
For a moment, Harry remained silent, then he left with a heavy heart. Ron trailed behind him, worried Harry might do something rash. However, he found Harry simply retreating to their bedroom, lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
In the Great Hall, Hermione applauded Artel, saying, "You spoke so eloquently, Artel! Harry's just an ordinary person, yet he tries to save the world every day, taking himself too seriously. As if without him, the Headmaster and others would fail..."
"Every child dreams of being a hero," Artel replied with a smile."He will grow out of it."
.....
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