*48

Wait a moment!

Are you saying Nicolas Flamel knows me too? It's not just you involved in this, but he's part of it as well?

If Hermione was just surprised before, she's completely shocked now.

For a moment, she thought, "If loyalty were unwavering, I might even consider him a father figure."

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"However, these two gifts aren't without conditions," Dumbledore said. "I hope you'll agree to one condition."

Hermione immediately grew cautious.

What do you want?

If you say anything suspicious, watch out.

At worst, I'll never return to Marvel.

Seeing Hermione's wary expression, Dumbledore shook his head slightly.

"It's nothing difficult. Don't worry; I'll let you know when the time comes."

After thinking about it, Hermione nodded. "Alright, thank you, Headmaster."

Trusting Dumbledore's character, she agreed.

Mainly, the allure of alchemy notes and the Philosopher's Stone was too tempting.

After pondering a moment, Hermione seemed to recall something, her eyes showing appropriate concern.

"The Philosopher's Stone was given to me, and what about Nicolas Flamel..."

Even though she knew he was ready to let go, she still had to express concern.

"Don't worry, he's prepared enough elixir to manage the transition," Dumbledore reassured.

He felt a mix of nostalgia and the inevitable passage of time.

Hermione fell silent too.

She couldn't help but wonder if she'd be willing to let go if she knew her end was near.

She didn't know.

After glancing at the unconscious Harry, Dumbledore said, "It seems you're aware of the protective magic on Harry."

Hermione nodded. "I read extensively and heard some things from Harry. If my inference is correct, this should be a form of ancient magic."

"That's right," Dumbledore confirmed. "It's also his mother Lily's protection for him."

"It's unfortunate I've only heard of it and never seen it firsthand," he added, sensing Hermione's thoughts. "In her early years, Lily encountered traces of ancient magic, possibly during her time at Hogwarts."

It's a pity... Hermione felt a twinge of regret.

---

**Hogwarts, Great Hall**

Another year brought the awarding of the House Cup, and students and teachers gathered in the hall amidst a cheerful atmosphere.

The annual celebration could not be missed!

Despite the feast before him, Harry had little appetite.

For him, the challenging school year was finally over, but the downside was spending the summer with Uncle Vernon, experiencing the "joys" of family life.

Not pleasant.

He'd woken up in the hospital wing.

His last memory was Voldemort's terrifying face.

Although Dumbledore assured him everything was resolved, it felt like he hadn't been involved.

Reflecting on this, he glanced at Hermione beside him.

But it wasn't just him; most of the hall was looking at her.

The reason was simple: Dumbledore had announced that Professor Quirrell had malicious intentions and was plotting at Hogwarts. He was exposed by Harry and others and defeated by Hermione in a wizard duel, dying from a magical backlash.

This news shocked the school.

Everyone understood why Professor Quirrell had vanished.

What stunned them more was that a first-year student had bested Quirrell in a duel!

The Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor!

Even if the opponent was Hermione, the "Witch," the feat was astounding.

Though Quirrell appeared timid, he was a serious adult wizard and a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor—his abilities were not insignificant.

Sneaking into Gringotts and escaping unscathed showed his skill, yet he was defeated by a first-year.

But Hermione achieved the impossible.

When Harry first heard, he was incredulous but quickly accepted it.

No problem, after all, it's miraculous Hermione.

And Hermione, under countless eyes, was not in high spirits.

Dumbledore's announcement had thrust her into the spotlight.

It's not that she didn't want admiration, but now she'd absorbed the attention meant for Harry. With this news spreading, secret Death Eaters might act. Her plan to follow Harry quietly and reap benefits was over.

But recalling Voldemort's gaze before he fled... It didn't matter.

Everyone knew her now; she couldn't worry about hidden threats.

With the magic book in hand, a little time to develop, and even if Voldemort returned, she was confident he'd kneel and sing "Conquer."

If trouble comes, I'll show them all!

With this thought, Hermione felt at ease.

Picking up the broom nearby, she nudged Ron.

Ron, munching on chicken legs, looked back at her.

Hermione had explained Quirrell's ambush, and he believed it easily.

Why didn't Quirrell attack Harry or Hermione, use stronger magic, and merely knock him out? Why overthink?

Having followed Hermione and Harry, doing nothing but gaining admiration, was a win.

Especially from Hermione's roommate, Lavender Brown, who seemed fond of him.

"Here you go."

Hermione tossed the broom to Ron.

"This... this is..."

Holding the brand new Nimbus 2000, Ron was stunned.

He remembered Hermione promising him a broom for covering her earlier.

He thought it was just talk, but now it was real!

So awesome!

Excitement passed, and Ron hesitated, unsure if he should accept.

He knew it was expensive...

"Don't worry, I made it myself as an alchemy trial," Hermione said calmly.

"You know alchemy?" Ron's eyes widened.

Then he realized it made sense.

Miraculous Hermione, nothing unusual.

"Hermione, you're amazing!"

Receiving the broom, Ron joyfully hugged Hermione.

Next second, he found the tip of a wand pressed against his forehead.

Seeing the faint murderous glint in Hermione's eyes, Ron awkwardly smiled and returned to his seat.

A hint of disappointment lingered in his eyes.

Seeing Ron settle, Hermione slowly lowered her wand.

In truth, aside from other factors, Hermione appreciated Ron more than the still somewhat timid Harry.

Despite appearances, Ron was brave enough to face danger at eleven.

Moreover, in their original adventure, after subduing future Death Eaters, Ron wanted to eliminate the threat.

His reasoning resonated with Hermione:

"If we don't kill him now, he'll kill us when he wakes up."

But he seemed to have feelings for her, which was a bit troubling.