"You said the Philosopher's Stone was in the third-floor storeroom," Harry said, confused.
Sean waved his hand and countered, "When did I ever say that?"
Harry was stunned. Thinking back carefully, Sean had indeed never explicitly said it. It had all been Harry's own assumptions, guided by Sean's deliberately suggestive words and actions.
"If the stone isn't here, then why set up all those trials? Aren't they protecting something?" Harry asked.
"That, I don't know. You can ask Professor Dumbledore," Sean said without hesitation, passing the question along.
"Then why is Nicolas Flamel's student at Hogwarts? Isn't it because Flamel died, and his student came to guard the stone?"
Harry's ability to connect the dots wasn't bad. However, Hoff's presence at Hogwarts hadn't been something Sean intentionally spread—it was purely accidental that Harry learned of it.
"And where did you hear that Flamel's student is at Hogwarts?" Sean asked.
"Draco said it himself. He said you told him. Did you lie to him?" Harry looked at Sean.
Sean immediately understood—Harry had disguised himself as Crabbe earlier just to ask about this. Smiling faintly, he said, "I didn't lie."
"Then who is it?" Harry pressed.
In truth, Harry had already seen Hoff at Hagrid's hut while helping Sean look for Jerry, but he didn't realize Hoff was Flamel's student.
Naturally, Sean had no intention of telling him. This whole situation had started because Draco overheard his conversation with Chris. Though the rumor was still limited in scope, Sean was already worried whether Dumbledore might hold him accountable.
"I don't know much more than you do. If you want answers, ask Professor Dumbledore," Sean said again, passing the responsibility away.
No matter what Harry asked, Sean refused to reveal anything.
For tonight, Sean had fulfilled his role—guiding Harry through the trials. His task as Dumbledore's "tool" was complete.
Harry felt deeply frustrated. He had been led into this whole situation, surrounded by mysteries, yet the one person who knew the truth refused to say anything.
But Harry wasn't the only one disappointed.
A small, inconspicuous creature hidden near the tunnel entrance was just as dissatisfied—a thin black rat.
Ever since Voldemort had followed Draco into the Slytherin common room and learned that the information originated from Sean, he had begun tracking him.
However, he didn't dare enter Sean's dorm. Even if he had the chance, he wouldn't risk getting close.
Jerry was no ordinary cat. On his first night at Hogwarts, Voldemort had nearly been chased to death by it and forced into the Chamber of Secrets.
During the day, he couldn't follow Sean—too many people, and a rat running around openly would attract attention. At night, Sean usually stayed in his dorm, studying magic and experimenting with the Wizard's Heart.
After trailing him for over ten nights, Voldemort had gained nothing.
Tonight, however, Sean had slipped out after curfew. Voldemort was certain something important was happening and cautiously followed.
He thought he was finally close to the answer.
But Sean deflected everything to Dumbledore.
Voldemort couldn't help but feel that Sean didn't behave like a third-year student at all—he was more like a seasoned schemer.
After that night, the trio were warned by Professor McGonagall not to speak of what happened. As for Sean, he was summoned to the headmaster's office the next morning.
"Professor, you wanted to see me?" Sean asked, feeling a bit uneasy.
"It seems there's a rumor circulating in the school—that Nicolas's student is here at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said calmly. "I've considered it carefully. None of the professors who know about Hoff would have revealed his identity."
As he spoke, he looked directly at Sean.
"I'm sorry, Professor. I accidentally let it slip, and Draco overheard," Sean admitted immediately.
Hoff had secretly moved into Hagrid's hut, and Sean still didn't fully understand why. He suspected it had something to do with Flamel's death—perhaps Helbo and Voldemort were both searching for him.
As for the reason, Sean's experience with wuxia stories told him one thing: when a master dies, the disciple inherits everything. Perhaps Hoff also knew how to create the Philosopher's Stone.
"Hoff needs a secure and discreet environment," Dumbledore said. "Fortunately, Draco later denied it. Otherwise, I would have had to arrange a large-scale memory modification."
Sean felt a chill run down his spine. Over the past two years, he had been studying Occlumency and had made significant progress—even capable of fabricating false memories. But he had never tested whether it could withstand Obliviate.
"Professor, a few other students also know Hoff is at Hogwarts—but they don't know who he is," Sean added.
Dumbledore remained calm. "It doesn't matter. Hoff will be leaving Hogwarts soon."
"Professor, why did Hoff suddenly come here? Does it have something to do with the Philosopher's Stone?" Sean finally asked.
Dumbledore picked up a book, flipping through it as it partially covered his face. "Nothing important. You may go."
The refusal was clear.
Sean could only leave quietly.
Meanwhile, Wormtail had agreed to return to Hogwarts on February 1st to report to Voldemort. Today was the day.
He first went to find Barty Crouch Jr. Upon hearing that Voldemort was at Hogwarts, Barty was so excited he nearly rushed straight into the school—but Wormtail stopped him and relayed Voldemort's orders.
The two then went to find Lucius Malfoy. Though reluctant, Lucius still mobilized his connections to investigate Hoff Stark.
But after nearly twenty days, they found nothing. Whether in the wizarding world or the Muggle world, there was no trace of Hoff.
Wormtail returned to Hogwarts through the tunnel beneath the Whomping Willow, anxious and afraid. He hadn't completed the task—he didn't know how Voldemort would react.
Inside the Chamber, Wormtail transformed back into human form and stammered, "M-My Lord… we couldn't find Hoff Stark."
Voldemort snorted coldly. "Of course you couldn't. Because he's already at Hogwarts."
"He's here?" Wormtail exclaimed. "Have you found him, my Lord?"
"Not yet. But he must be here. I've searched the castle for days and found no such person," Voldemort said.
"Then think of a way to get the information from Sean Grylls—the Slytherin third-year," Voldemort ordered.
Previously, Voldemort and Quirrell had targeted Sean while searching for the Philosopher's Stone, which led to Chris's kidnapping. Now, Voldemort intended to use Sean again.
"Yes, my Lord," Wormtail replied obediently.
But in truth, he had no intention of approaching Sean directly.
He had a better idea.
Memories surfaced—his time at Hogwarts with his three friends. Together, they had created a magical map: the Marauder's Map.
In their seventh year, it had been confiscated by Filch, who kept such items in his collection. If nothing had changed, the map should still be in his office.
During the first class of the afternoon, Filch locked his office and went out on patrol, hoping to catch students skipping class.
Wormtail seized the opportunity and slipped to the door.
After checking that no one was around, he transformed back into human form and cast a wandless spell at the keyhole.
"Alohomora."
He entered the office.
But three minutes later, he walked out empty-handed.
Closing the door behind him, he quickly turned back into a rat.
"It's not there… that doesn't make sense."
He had even seen other confiscated items from their school days—they were all still there.
Only the Marauder's Map was missing.
"Could Filch have figured out how to use it?" Wormtail muttered in disbelief. Someone like Filch figuring out the map seemed impossible.
Then an idea struck him.
After curfew, when both students and professors were asleep, he would use a Summoning Charm.
If the Marauder's Map was still somewhere within Hogwarts…
It would come to him.
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