The Slytherin princess

Chapter 13 // Eavesdropping

Hermione's POV // June 6th

I was walking out of my end of year exam when I saw the usual trio running toward Hagrid's cabin

"Time for some well-deserved snooping I think" I muttered, smirking to myself as I followed them

"he wanted to know what sort of creatures I looked after, I told him. I said 'after fluffy, a Dragons gotta be no problem'" ok so fluffy is that three-headed dog I heard them talking about before but who else are we talking about? 

"did he seem interested in fluffy?" potter was very serious 

"well o' course he was interested in fluffy, 'ow often do you come across a three-headed dog even if you're in the trade?" 

I heard about 'the trade' before, there's supposed to be some really dodgy people who trade really dodgy things 

"but I told him, I said 'the trick with any beast is to know how to calm him' take fluffy for example, just play 'im a bit o' music and he falls straight to sleep" the three Gryffindors glanced at each other in shock and... realization? I think "I should not have said that... WHERE ARE YOU GOING WAIT!"

the three had run from Hagrid, obviously, I followed them unnoticed

They came to McGonagall's office

"We have to see Professor Dumbledore immediately!" they ran through the columns of desks 

"I'm afraid Professor Dumbledore is not here; he received an urgent owl from the ministry of magic and left immediately for London" 

something isn't right... 

"he's gone? Now! But this is important! This is about the sorcerer's stone" she looked shocked, not a normal look on McGonagall I can tell you that for sure 

"How did you know-"

"someone's going to try and steal it!" McGonagall looked like she'd seen a ghost, actually, there's one sitting right there 

"I don't know how you three found out about the stone but I assure you it is perfectly well-protected. Now would you go back to your dormitories quietly" the three shook their heads in disappointment at the professor, even I can tell this could be a life or death situation

I started to follow them out before the transfiguration Professor called my name 

"Ms. Zabini?" I scrunched my face up in annoyance that I had got caught and confussion about what this encounter will include before turning around with a small smile on my face 

"yes, Professor?" 

she beckoned me towards her "would you like to tell me why you are eavesdropping on my conversations?" I managed a confused expression which I hoped she would buy 

"why Professor I would never eavesdrop on someone else's conversation that has nothing to do with me, I was simply coming to ask you... when my transfiguration homework would have to be submitted" she didn't look convinced I was telling the truth but didn't press either 

"in your next class, as usual, Ms. Zabini, now if you would please leave me to my work" I nodded and practically ran out of the classroom

I saw snape talking or more like he was talking and they were being forced to listen to the three 12-year-olds 

"People would think your..." his expression changed to one of a person who was concerned or had just figured something bad out "up to something" 

the greasy-haired Professor then turned slowly and strode away with his robes billowing as usual

"Now what do we do?" something in their 'plan' must've changed 

"We go down the trap door, tonight"#

 I smirked as they walked away

"meet you there"