With the Philosopher's Stone now in his possession, Leo immediately began his research. As morning broke, the door to his study room burst open, and Hermione leaped in.
"Leo! Are you alright? Any injuries or curses?"
Hermione anxiously checked Leo's body for any signs of harm.
Relieved to find him unscathed, she let out a sigh.
"Thank goodness... I believed in you, Leo, but I couldn't help worrying. Welcome back."
"I'm back, Hermione. Sorry for causing you to worry. I safely protected the Philosopher's Stone. There should be no more threats. As a reward, I've been granted permission to research the Philosopher's Stone."
Leo showed her the Philosopher's Stone he had safeguarded. Its beauty dazzled Hermione.
"I think I'll be dedicating a lot of time to analyzing the Philosopher's Stone for a while. During that time, I might not be able to study with you, Hermione. Is that alright?"
"Understood. I'll find ways to occupy myself, like observing your research and studying my own magic. Good luck with your analysis, Leo!"
Several days had passed since Leo protected the Philosopher's Stone from the Dark Lord Voldemort.
Rumors swirled after Quirrell went missing, but Dumbledore quickly revealed the truth: Quirrell had been working for Voldemort, attempting to steal the hidden Philosopher's Stone for his resurrection. He also disclosed that an exceptional student had assisted in thwarting Voldemort's plan. Although Dumbledore didn't reveal the student's name, it was clear to everyone that it was Leonard Taylor.
Leonard Taylor remained locked in his study room, utterly engrossed in his research.
(The section on transmuting base metals into gold is complete... But no matter how many times I look at it, I can't get enough. The intricacies, the absence of waste - this truly lives up to the name of the Philosopher's Stone.)
Research continued until the end of the school year. Hermione, who had come to observe Leo's work, refrained from interrupting, silently admiring the serious Leonard Taylor.
Today marked the end of year party, held in the grand hall. The hall was decorated in blue and bronze, with a banner featuring Ravenclaw's eagle displayed prominently. Ravenclaw had won, ending Slytherin's seven year streak of house cup victories.
"Another year has passed,"
Dumbledore began his speech from the podium.
"Now, before we begin the feast, let's announce the house cup results. In fourth place, Gryffindor with 347 points. In third place, Hufflepuff with 372 points. Second place goes to Slytherin with 522 points. And first place, with a whopping 638 points, is Ravenclaw!"
The hall erupted with joyous cheers from Ravenclaw, along with enthusiastic applause from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Slytherin, on the other hand, glared at Ravenclaw, particularly at Leonard Taylor.
The end of year party commenced, and students enjoyed the food and lively conversations. Leo, having nearly completed his analysis of the Philosopher's Stone, savored a proper meal. Soon, he found himself surrounded by many students.
"Taylor, thank you so much! Thanks to you, we won the House Cup. I never thought I'd experience this kind of excitement before graduating..."
"Ravenclaw may have taken the House Cup from us, but stopping those Slytherin jerks from winning it again makes you a hero to Gryffindor too! Hufflepuff probably thinks the same!"
Looking around, Leo noticed students from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, from juniors to seniors, who had attended the study sessions.
"Alright! Let's give a cheer for the ultimate research geek!"
"Hurrah!"
The excitement in the air reached its peak, and it seemed like a crowd-surfing was imminent. Leo, wanting to enjoy his meal in peace, used a Disillusionment Charm to make a nearby student look like him and took their place.
As the substitute student was being enthusiastically lifted, Leo slipped out of the Great Hall unnoticed, returning to his study. Along the way, he was spotted by Hermione, who decided to accompany him.
"Did you dislike crowd-surfing that much?"
"Was it that obvious? Well, you know, the energy was a bit overwhelming..."
They spent the time until the end of the feast quietly reflecting on the events of the past year in the study. While Leo didn't dislike the feast, he found the quiet company of Hermione more comfortable.
Afterward, the results for the academic year were posted. Hermione ranked first with 853 points out of a possible 700. While Leo's performance was not officially ranked, students universally recognized him as already being in the hall of fame for a first-year student.
"Congratulations on being the top student, Hermione. Shall I give you a reward?"
"Leo has better grades, you know. But if you want to give me something, I won't say no. How about teaching me some magic during the summer break?"
"Of course. But for the first week, I plan to learn about the Philosopher's Stone from Nicolas Flamel. It'll have to be after that."
"Alright then. I'll use that first week to improve my skills. Get ready to be amazed!"
Final day at Hogwarts
Leo and Hermione, about to board the steam engine heading to King's Cross Station, were approached by Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. Ron's attitude clearly showed reluctance, so Harry must have had something important to ask.
"What's up? Do you need something?"
"Leonard Taylor, I have something to ask you."
Leo thought for a moment if there was anything Harry Potter might want to ask him, but nothing came to mind.
"That night, when you came out of the door with the Philosopher's Stone, you told Dumbledore that Voldemort had fled. What was that about?"
"It seems you've been researching the Philosopher's Stone. Voldemort was parasitically attached to Quirrell and after the Philosopher's Stone. I was asked by Headmaster Dumbledore to assist in its defense. And on that day, we stopped him. That's all there is to it."
"Then Voldemort is alive... My parents' enemy..."
"Harry, Taylor, stop saying that name!"
Among them, it was only Ron who feared Voldemort's name. Harry didn't quite feel the fear associated with that name, and Leo believed there was no particular reason to fear it if he spoke it directly. Hermione, being Muggle-born and having learned from Leo that there was no need to fear just a criminal, had concluded that there was no need to be overly scared of him.
"Is that all you wanted to know? Well then, let's go, Hermione."
"Wait, just one more thing. Will he come back?"
"Who knows? He himself had a tendency in that direction, maybe there are other methods besides the Philosopher's Stone. He might come back one day."
Harry seemed to have made a decision upon hearing those words. Ron, unable to believe it, pulled Harry away.
While the train was moving, Leo and Hermione were spend their time in a compartment. Perhaps feeling relieved after school ended, Hermione had fallen asleep. Watching her sleeping face, Leo reminisced about the past year.
(Sorting ceremony, Dumbledore's request, classes, study sessions, debates, joint research with professors, Voldemort, holidays with Hermione, and above all, the Philosopher's Stone. It's been a year...)
Leo fell asleep as well, thinking about whether the next year would bring new and unprecedented events or new research subjects.
And so, Leonard Taylor's first year of school came to a close.
The House Cup was won by Ravenclaw.
Thanks to Leo's study sessions, the points for each house have generally increased.
Gryffindor, although Hermione worked hard, suffered greatly from the initial loss of 140 points.
The headmaster's special favoritism points, as expected, did not make it into the initial count.
=================================
Now, it's time for the next Volume
Next Volume preview!
Leonard Taylor, who successfully protected the Philosopher's Stone from the dark forces.
He's now a second-year student, studying diligently with Hermione.
However! The next dark assassin is approaching!!
A charming con artist who deceives people with a sweet mask!
A diary possessed by an evil soul!
And the Basilisk, king of serpents!!
All formidable opponents, a tough battle awaits!
Can Leo really protect Hermione from these threats!?