Hearing Ron's words, Harry frowned, about to say something, but Hermione spoke first:
"Ron, don't say that. Don't forget, on Halloween, it was Draco who saved us! Maybe... maybe he was just delayed by something urgent."
At Hermione's defense, Ron sneered and said with disdain:
"He saved us? Hermione, don't be silly! It was me, Harry, and Wentworth who saved you!
"Harry and I were on our way to rescue you, but Draco stopped us halfway, arguing against Harry going to find you. If Wentworth hadn't shown up in time..."
Before Ron could finish, Harry cut him off sharply:
"Ron!"
At Harry's reaction, Ron rolled his eyes but remained silent, while Hermione stood still, her eyes vacant, lost in thought.
Seeing this, Harry patted Hermione's shoulder and said:
"Don't overthink it, Hermione. Draco is our friend—at least, he's changed a lot compared to the past..."
Hermione silently nodded, offering no further comment. Harry shot Ron a stern look, but Ron simply shrugged indifferently.
After a somewhat somber dinner, the three made their way to the library. As they settled into their seats, setting down their belongings, a heavy leather-bound book landed with a thud in front of them.
Harry and Ron nearly jumped out of their seats.
Turning around, they saw Draco standing with his arms crossed, a smug grin on his face.
Realizing Draco had thrown the book onto the table, startling them, Ron snapped angrily:
"Draco, what are you playing at?"
Harry, however, curiously eyed the book, while Hermione watched Draco with a complicated expression.
Ron, irritated by Draco's smirk, grumbled:
"If you're here so early, why don't you start looking instead of standing there grinning like an idiot?"
Draco shot Ron a contemptuous glance before replying:
"Today, we can finally take a break."
Ron rolled his eyes.
"I knew it—our dear Malfoy can't handle a little hard work!"
But Harry, suddenly catching on, fixed his gaze on Draco and asked:
"You... you found it?"
Ron's eyes widened in disbelief, while a flicker of light returned to Hermione's eyes.
Draco's grin widened at their reactions. Clearing his throat dramatically, he declared:
"Nicolas Flamel is the only known maker and owner of the Philosopher's Stone, a renowned alchemist!"
Hermione's eyes lit up with recognition, but Harry and Ron still looked puzzled.
Draco's exaggerated expression only grew more triumphant.
"Merlin's beard, don't you two ever read?"
He flipped open the hefty book, pointing to a passage.
"The Philosopher's Stone is a powerful substance capable of turning any metal into pure gold and producing the Elixir of Life, granting immortality to the drinker."
Ron frowned.
"What's immortality?"
Draco scoffed.
"Living forever, obviously."
Stung by Draco's tone, Ron hastily retorted:
"I knew that!"
Before another argument could break out, Harry quickly shushed them.
Draco stuck out his tongue at Ron before continuing:
"The only existing Philosopher's Stone belongs to Mr. Nicolas Flamel, the famous alchemist, who celebrated his six hundred and sixty-fifth birthday last year."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione gaped at him, speechless. After a long pause, Harry finally said:
"I get it now... that's what Hagrid's three-headed dog is guarding! The Philosopher's Stone is hidden beneath that trapdoor!"
Ron, still smarting from Draco's taunts, jumped to his feet.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Draco raised an eyebrow.
"Go where?"
"To warn Snape, of course! We know his plan—he'd better behave himself!"
Silence fell. Ron turned, only to find the others staring at him as if he'd lost his mind.
"What? Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Draco waved dismissively.
"Take your time. I have no advice for you—I've never had much experience with suicide missions."
He turned to Harry.
"Honestly, Harry, you should stop being friends with people like him—before he gets you killed without even realizing it."
Ignoring Draco's sarcasm, Harry pulled Ron back into his seat.
"Ron, we can't just go to Snape!"
Realizing his own impulsiveness, Ron quickly covered:
"I was joking... We should tell Dumbledore, of course!"
Harry's thoughtful expression lingered, but Draco interjected:
"Don't be ridiculous—tell Dumbledore? Do you have any proof? You're planning to accuse a Hogwarts professor, the head of Slytherin House, with no evidence? Even if Dumbledore believes you, I don't."
Harry fell silent, grudgingly acknowledging Draco's point.
"Draco's right. We need proof. We don't even have evidence that anyone's trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone—let alone that Snape is involved."
A heavy silence settled over them, until Hermione clapped her hands, breaking the gloom.
"Hey, cheer up! At least we know what they're after now—that's a huge step forward!"
Her optimism lifted their spirits slightly.
"Besides, Christmas is coming! We'll finally get a few days to relax!"
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