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Wait. Hold on!
You're saying Nicolas Flamel knows about me? And this wasn't just your ideaâhe's in on it too?
If Hermione had been surprised before, now she was utterly shocked.
For a split second, she almost wanted to pledge eternal loyalty on the spot.
"However, these two items aren't free." Dumbledore's tone shifted. "I hope you'll agree to one condition."
Hermione's guard shot up instantly.
What do you want?
If he said anything weird, she'd curse him. Worst case? Flee to the MCU and never come back.
Seeing her wariness, Dumbledore shook his head slightly.
"Nothing difficult. Don't worry. I'll tell you when the time comes."
After a moment's thought, Hermione nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Headmaster."
Out of trust in Dumbledore's character, she agreed.
Mostly because the alchemy journal and the Stone were too tempting.
After a pause, Hermione's expression shiftedâappropriate concern flickering across her face.
"If you've given me the Stone, what about Nicolas Flamel...?"
She knew he'd already prepared to die. But she had to play the part.
"No need to worry. He's brewed enough Elixir to settle his affairs."
Dumbledore's voice carried a note of melancholy.
Sadness for an old friend. A sigh for the inevitability of death.
Hermione fell silent.
She couldn't help but wonder: if it were herâknowing death was comingâcould she let go?
She didn't know.
Glancing at the unconscious Harry, Dumbledore spoke. "It seems you understand the protective magic on Harry."
Hermione nodded. "I've read extensively. Harry told me some of what happened that night. If my deduction is correct... this should be a form of Ancient Magic."
"Correct." Dumbledore confirmed. "His mother Lily's protection."
"Unfortunately, I've only heard of it. Never seen it myself." Sensing her thoughts, he explained. "Years ago, when she was still a student, she could perceive traces of Ancient Magic. She had... remarkable experiences at Hogwarts."
Shame...
Hermione felt a pang of regret.
Hogwarts. Great Hall.
The annual House Cup ceremony arrived. Students and staff gathered in the feast hall, the atmosphere lively and warm.
Staring at the food before him, Harry had no appetite.
For him, a miserable school year had finally ended. But worseâbefore the new term started, he'd have to endure living with Uncle Vernon again.
He'd woken up in the Hospital Wing.
His last memory: Voldemort's terrifying face.
Dumbledore told him everything was resolved. But somehow, it felt like none of it involved him.
He glanced at Hermione beside him.
Not just himâmost of the hall was looking at her.
The reason was simple. Days ago, Dumbledore announced: Professor Quirrell had harbored ill intent, hidden at Hogwarts plotting schemes. Harry and others discovered him. In a wizard's duel, Hermione defeated him. Quirrell died from magical backlash.
The news stunned the entire school.
Everyone suddenly understood why Quirrell had vanished near the end of term.
But what shocked them more: a first-year had defeated Quirrell in a duel!
The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor!
Even for the "Dark Witch" Hermione, that record was terrifying.
Sure, Quirrell seemed timid. But he was a legitimate adult wizard. A DADA professor. His skills couldn't be low.
He'd infiltrated Gringotts, stolen something, and escaped unscathed. No first-year should've been able to beat him.
But Hermione did it anyway.
When Harry first heard, he couldn't believe it. Then he accepted it immediately.
Makes sense. It's Magical Hermione.
As for Hermione herselfâunder countless staresâher mood wasn't great.
One sentence from Dumbledore had thrust her into the spotlight.
Not that she minded their admiration. But now she'd become the one drawing fire for Harry. Once word got out, the Death Eaters in hiding would make moves. Her plan to quietly follow Harry and scavenge benefits? Dead.
Still, remembering Voldemort's parting glare... whatever.
The main boss already remembered her. Why worry about a few underlings causing trouble?
With the Mysterious Magic Book in hand, give her some time to developâeven if Voldemort resurrected, she'd make him surrender.
Come looking for trouble? I'll deal with every last one of you.
Thinking this, Hermione relaxed.
She grabbed the broomstick beside her and tapped Ron's shoulder.
Ronâmid-chicken-legâturned to look.
Hermione had told him he'd been knocked out by Quirrell's sneak attack from behind. He'd believed it without question.
Why didn't Quirrell ambush Harry or Hermione? Why not use a stronger spell? Who cares?
Just by tagging along with Hermione and Harryâdoing absolutely nothingâhe'd earned admiring looks.
Total profit!
Especially from Hermione's roommate, Lavender Brown. She clearly had a thing for him.
"As promised."
Hermione tossed the broomstick at Ron.
"This... this is...!"
Staring at the brand-new Nimbus 2000 in his hands, Ron froze.
He'd almost forgottenâafter he took the fall for Hermione, she'd promised him a broomstick.
He thought she'd been joking. But she actually gave him one!
After the initial excitement, Ron hesitated. Didn't dare accept.
This thing was expensive...
"Don't overthink it. I made it myself. Alchemy practice piece." Hermione's tone was casual.
"You know alchemy too?" Ron's eyes widened.
Then he reconsidered.
Magical Hermione. Of course she does.
"Hermione, I love you!"
Overjoyed with his new broomstick, Ron lunged for a hugâ
Next second, a wand tip pressed against his forehead.
Seeing the faint warning flash in Hermione's eyes, Ron laughed awkwardly and sat back down.
A flicker of disappointment crossed his face.
Once Ron settled, Hermione slowly lowered her wand.
Honestly, setting everything else asideâcompared to the still-developing HarryâHermione actually respected Ron more.
Don't let his usual behavior fool you. An eleven-year-old willing to sacrifice himself? Absolute courage.
And in the original timeline, during their escape, after stunning a Death Eater, Ron wanted to finish him off.
His reasoning? Right up Hermione's alley: "If we don't kill him now, he'll kill us when he wakes up."
Only problem: the guy seemed to have feelings for her.
Awkward.
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