CRIMSON TEARS | Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone [1]

𝘅𝘅𝗶𝗶𝗶 | 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

'What are you four doing inside?'

  Professor McGonagall had rounded the corner at the end of the corridor. She approached them, carrying a large stack of books.

  'We want to see Professor Dumbledore,' Hermione said quickly, and Gwen admired her bravery. Gwen's first thought had been to come up with a cover story.

  'Professor Dumbledore?' McGonagall said. Her tone indicated that something was very odd about this request. 'Why?'

  Gwen swallowed. 'It's difficult to explain... it's sort of a secret,' she added, then immediately wished she hadn't when the professor's nostrils flared.

  'Professor Dumbledore left ten minutes ago,' she said. 'He got an urgent owl from the Ministry. He should be back in the morning.'

  Gwen and the others were horrified. Dumbledore, gone?

  'Gone?' Harry said suddenly. 'Now?'

  'Professor Dumbledore is a very great wizard, Potter, he has many demands on his time--'

  'Look,' said Harry. 'Professor, it's about the Philosopher's Stone--'

  Whatever McGonagall had thought he was going to say, it wasn't that. The books tumbled out of her arms and she didn't bother to pick them up.

  'How do you know--?' she spluttered.

  'Professor, please,' Gwen tried. 'We think-- we know-- someone's going to try and steal the stone! We have to talk to Professor Dumbledore.'

  'I don't know how you found out about the stone, but rest assured, it's too well protected. Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow.'

  'But Professor--'

  'Enough, Weasley. I know what I'm talking about.' McGonagall bent down and picked up the books. 'I suggest you all go outside and enjoy the sun.'

  She brushed past them. They didn't go back outside.

  'It's tonight,' Harry said when she was out of earshot. 'Snape's going through that trapdoor tonight. He's got everything he needs and now Dumbledore's out the way, he'll go tonight. I bet you he sent that note, the Ministry will have a shock when he shows up.'

  'But can we--'

  Hermione gasped suddenly. Gwen, Harry and Ron wheeled around.

  Snape stood before them.

  'Good afternoon,' he said.

  They stared at him.

  'You shouldn't be inside on a day like this. People might think you're up to something.' The way Snape looked between the four of them made Gwen definitely think he could read minds. 'Gryffindor can't afford to lose more points.'