*45

The Mirror of Erised?

Hermione suddenly remembered.

If she hadn't known that Dumbledore would eventually hide the Philosopher's Stone in this mirror, she might have forgotten it was here.

The inscription above the mirror seemed nonsensical, but it was meant to be read backward.

"What I show is not your reflection, but your heart's desire."

Hermione gazed into the mirror.

After a moment of silence, she turned to leave when a voice came from behind her.

"I suppose with your intelligence, you can already guess its purpose."

Hermione's expression shifted slightly; she hadn't noticed anyone behind her.

When did... Hermione turned slowly, her expression cautious.

An old man with white hair and a beard stood behind her, watching silently.

"Headmaster Dumbledore."

Hermione nodded slightly, quickly regaining her composure. "It's a magical mirror that reveals one's deepest desires."

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, which is why it shouldn't be displayed openly. Those lacking resolve might get lost in its illusions."

"So, what did you see?" he asked gently.

Hermione smiled, "I saw myself going home. Maybe I've been away too long and want to return."

Dumbledore studied her for a moment, then spoke slowly:

"Hogwarts' rules aren't so strict. You can take a leave when needed, and London isn't far."

Hermione smiled, saying nothing.

After a pause, she asked:

"What about you, Headmaster? What do you see in the mirror?"

"Me?" Dumbledore chuckled, "I see myself holding a thick pair of woolen socks."

Hermione nodded, "The weather has been cold lately; even you feel the chill."

Dumbledore's expression froze momentarily.

Then he changed the subject:

"If you wish to read, you can apply directly to the professors. There's no need to borrow Harry's Invisibility Cloak secretly. Hogwarts doesn't hinder those seeking knowledge. The Restricted Section only deters those tempted by forbidden knowledge."

"Oh? Do you think I can resist temptation?"

Hermione was a bit surprised; Dumbledore seemed to trust her.

"I believe you can," Dumbledore replied.

"No, I prefer to conquer temptation rather than resist it."

".....?"

Seeing Dumbledore's confusion, Hermione added:

"Harry asked me about Nicolas Flamel recently. He wanted to know about Flamel's famous alchemical work, and I didn't tell him."

"It seems you've guessed," Dumbledore nodded, unsurprised.

Hermione shrugged, "Simple deduction."

"It doesn't matter. If he asks again, you can tell him," Dumbledore said as he turned to leave. Before departing, he added:

"By the way, try not to miss too many classes. Even if they're of little use to you, too many points deducted will be hard for me to recover for Gryffindor."

With that, he disappeared down the stairs.

Hermione: "....."

Alright, alright, no more acting, huh?

You're impressive.

But, clearly, everything was planned long ago.

---

**Gryffindor Boys' Dormitory**

"The Philosopher's Stone, it's the Philosopher's Stone!"

Harry excitedly waved a book at Ron. "What Gringotts guarded was the Philosopher's Stone, which Dumbledore later moved to Hogwarts' fourth-floor restricted area."

He'd uncovered the truth.

"So?" Ron looked puzzled.

"The Philosopher's Stone can create an elixir. Only someone dying would need it. The one draining unicorn blood is Voldemort!" Detective Harry deduced.

"So, Snape must be trying to steal it to save Voldemort. He released the troll that day to steal the Stone."

Though there were many holes in his reasoning, Ron didn't notice, convinced on the spot.

"We must stop him!"

Ron looked confused, "Is this really something first-years can handle?"

"Should we tell a teacher?"

He'd learned Hermione's tactic.

Harry considered, then nodded, "Alright, let's find Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore!"

Ten minutes later.

The dejected duo returned to the dormitory.

"What now? Dumbledore's not here, and McGonagall doesn't believe us. They've been deceived by Snape. He'll steal the Philosopher's Stone tonight. We can't let him succeed!"

"We'll act tonight! Stop him ourselves!"

Harry resolved.

Ron glanced at Harry, forcing a weak smile, "Do you think we can succeed?"

Harry sighed, looking downcast.

"How about finding help?" Ron suggested.

"But who would believe us and have the ability... Wait!"

Realization dawned, and they both lit up.

"Hermione!"

Brilliant Hermione!

---

No, do you have Voldemort PTSD? Blaming everything on Voldemort.

There are many who seek immortality, you know.

Listening to Harry's flawed reasoning, Hermione found it somewhat amusing.

But this time, he was genuinely confused.

"So, how do you know it's Snape?" Hermione asked skeptically.

"I... I just know," Harry insisted stubbornly.

"You..." After a pause, Hermione relented, "Alright, if you say so."

What else was there to say?

A night adventure at Hogwarts was already a routine for them.

Let's go!

Under cover of night, the trio sneaked into the fourth-floor restricted area.

Unwilling to share the Invisibility Cloak, Hermione cast a Disillusionment Charm on herself.

"Alohomora!"

Reaching the room's entrance, Hermione unlocked the door without hesitation.

In the first level, the three-headed dog, Fluffy, snored loudly beside an enchanted harp.

"Oh no, Snape's already passed!" Harry exclaimed, "Hagrid said music pacifies three-headed dogs!"

"We should..."

Before Harry could finish, Hermione led the way, jabbing a needle into Fluffy's neck, then opened the trapdoor and jumped in.

"ROAR!!!"

The pain jolted Fluffy awake, glaring at Harry and Ron.

Hermione, really?!

You start things without a word?!

Terrified, the two scrambled, leaping in at the last moment.

Level one, cleared.

"Lumos!"

As they descended, Hermione cast a lighting spell below.

The Devil's Snare recoiled from the light, allowing them to land safely.

Level two, cleared.

They continued to a cavern.

Winged keys fluttered above, a broomstick resting by a locked door.

"There must be a key for this door. I guess we ride the broom to catch it..."

Harry's analysis was cut off by a spell.

"Leviosa!"

In Hermione's hand, a rope floated, twisting like a snake under her control, snatching the key from the air.

Taking the key, opening the door, Hermione strode inside.

Level three, cleared.

Three levels, a total of twelve seconds.

Like heading home, really.