However, what Harry feared did not happen.
When Harry and the others arrived at the Quidditch pitch, they found Professor Dumbledore present, which immediately put Harry and the rest at ease.
This Quidditch match went smoothly for Harry. Not long after the game began, Harry caught the Golden Snitch, securing the championship for Gryffindor.
The stands erupted with excitement. It was likely the fastest the Golden Snitch had been caught since Quidditch was founded at Hogwarts!
At that moment, Harry leapt off his Nimbus 2000, barely a foot above the ground. His face beamed with joy—he couldn't believe he had won the game in under five minutes.
Just then, Harry felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Professor Dumbledore!
"Well done," Dumbledore said softly. "I'm glad to see you're no longer dwelling on that mirror and are living life to the fullest…"
Harry smiled.
With three good friends—Irina, Hermione, and Ron—he naturally no longer indulged in illusions.
Harry happily left the locker room to join his friends, accepting their congratulations.
"I'm going to put my broom in the shed first. See you in a bit!" Harry said to everyone.
However, as Harry approached the broom shed and looked toward Hogwarts Castle, he suddenly spotted a hooded figure walking briskly down the castle's main steps and heading straight for the Forbidden Forest.
The sight of the figure immediately put Harry on alert, and he recognized them as Snape.
Could Snape be up to something nefarious?
Harry's thoughts turned suspicious.
Quickly mounting his Nimbus 2000, Harry decided to follow Snape, intending to silently uncover the man's conspiracy.
Once in the Forbidden Forest, the thick branches and leaves obscured Harry's view, but fortunately, Snape stopped shortly after entering.
Hovering silently on his broomstick, Harry pushed the leaves aside to peer into the shadowy clearing below.
He saw Quirrell standing not far from Snape, and the two seemed to be confronting each other.
"…I don't… don't know why you… want to meet here, Severus," Quirrell's stammering voice carried through the air.
"Oh, I don't think this should be public knowledge," Snape said coldly. "After all, students aren't supposed to know about the Philosopher's Stone."
The Philosopher's Stone?!
Harry's eyes widened in shock as he quickly continued listening.
Snape's voice grew sharper. "Have you figured out how to get past Hagrid's beast?"
Quirrell seemed flustered. "But… but… but, Severus, I…"
"You don't want me as your enemy, Quirrell," Snape interrupted, taking another step closer.
Quirrell's voice wavered even more. "I… I don't… I… don't know…"
"Enough," Snape snapped, cutting him off again. "You'll have time to think and decide where your loyalties lie. We'll speak again."
Pulling his cloak over his head, Snape turned and left the clearing.
Seeing this, Harry silently retreated on his broom to avoid being spotted, leaving Quirrell standing alone in the clearing like a statue.
"Tsk… ha!"
But just as Harry left, Quirrell let out a soft chuckle and turned to look in Harry's direction. The corners of his mouth curved upward into a sly smile.
---
"Harry, where have you been?"
Back at Hogwarts Castle, Hermione eyed Harry as he returned and questioned him.
Harry's expression was serious. He took Ron and Hermione by the hands and said, "Don't worry about that now. Let's find an empty room—I have something to tell you!"
Irina interjected, "It's about Professor Snape, isn't it?"
Harry froze for a moment, staring at Irina in surprise, then nodded honestly. "Yes."
Harry led the group to an empty room and recounted what he had seen and heard.
"So, our theory was right. The three-headed dog is guarding the Philosopher's Stone, and Snape wants to steal it. Plus, Snape mentioned Quirrell's 'little secret.' Could it be that in addition to Fluffy, Quirrell is one of the protectors of the Stone, and there are more defenses beneath the trapdoor?"
Hermione analyzed calmly.
Irina added, "Perhaps several Hogwarts professors were involved in creating the defenses for the Philosopher's Stone. If I'm right, the professors responsible for these safeguards are those teaching our core classes: Professor Sprout for Herbology, Professor Flitwick for Charms, Professor McGonagall for Transfiguration, Professor Quirrell for Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Professor Snape for Potions. Maybe even Professor Dumbledore contributed!"
Irina looked at the three nervously, fearing they might make some reckless decisions.
"Wait, are you saying Snape also helped protect the Philosopher's Stone?" Harry asked in disbelief.
Irina nodded. "Yes, otherwise, how would Snape know about the Stone? It would make sense to include him in order to keep the secret."
The three nodded, convinced by Irina's reasoning.
Hermione said solemnly, "Then we need to be even more careful. After all, Snape helped create the defenses and might know the other professors' contributions."
Harry and Ron joined the discussion, sharing their thoughts on how to prevent Snape from stealing the Philosopher's Stone.
While the trio debated heatedly, Irina raised her hand timidly. "By the way, have you considered another possibility?"
"What possibility?" the three asked, turning to Irina.
Irina explained, "Maybe Quirrell also wants the Philosopher's Stone. Otherwise, why didn't he report this to Professor Dumbledore? Why would he meet Snape alone in the Forbidden Forest? Unless they're already rivals."
If Snape could no longer serve as the scapegoat, Irina decided to drag Quirrell into the mix. After all, Harry and the others were already planning to act. Including Quirrell in their suspicions would align with her goals.
Anyway, Harry and the others have already planned to take action. By including Quirrell among the targets they need to guard against, their goal will be achieved. As for keeping an eye on Snape, just let them go ahead—it will simply burn off their excess energy!
Satisfied with her plan, Irina nodded to herself.
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