Violet Summer: The Philosopher's Stone

Chapter 22: Year End

 "Don't touch that!" a familiar voice sprang, jolting Toni from her unconscious state. Her eyelids felt heavy as she struggled to open them, causing her vision to appear blurry. The weight of her body felt unfamiliar, and she realized she was lying on a mattress. Confusion clouded her mind until her focus shifted, revealing Madam Pomfrey standing over her, adjusting the pillow behind her back.

"W-Where am I?" Toni managed to utter, her voice weak. Madam Pomfrey startled and glanced down at her with an awkward expression.

"Oh my!" she exclaimed. "Dumbledore!"

Toni's eyes darted around, slowly realizing she was in the infirmary at Hogwarts. The memory of how she ended up there eluded her, leaving her feeling disoriented. Her gaze turned to her father, who sat on a chair beside her, his hands fidgeting with the bedside drawer.

"Father?" she called out. He tilted his head, his violet eyes concealed behind shades perched on the bridge of his nose.

"Ah!" a voice exclaimed. Toni looked over to see Dumbledore standing nearby. "We didn't expect you to wake up so soon."

"How... Harry!" Toni exclaimed, abruptly sitting up in bed. "Where is Harry? And Ron! Hermione! The stone!"

Mathias grinned and exchanged a glance with Dumbledore, both appearing amused. Dumbledore gestured with his hands, urging her to calm down.

"There's no need to worry about any of that," he reassured her. "They are all safe and well. The stone has been secured, and the person responsible for the attempted theft has been dealt with. You should focus on your own well-being. You've been in a dream state for the past three nights. I would suggest taking it easy for now."

"B-But where are they?" Toni pressed.

"No! Miss Rothley needs rest! I swear! You children keep coming in here. First, I had to deal with the Malfoy boy, then the Longbottom boy, and now you three!" Madam Pomfrey's voice resounded from behind the privacy curtain. Toni tried to catch a glimpse of who was there, but her view was obstructed.

Dumbledore sighed and glanced back. "It's alright. Allow them a brief visit."

"But--"

"I will take full responsibility for any discomfort or inconvenience caused. Please, they have been bothering me more than you have been bothered. Miss Rothley is awake and appears to be well," Dumbledore insisted.

After a brief moment, Harry, Ron, and Hermione emerged from behind the curtain. They stood beside Dumbledore for a moment before hurrying to Toni's bedside. Hermione enveloped Toni in a tight embrace, pulling her close. A wave of warmth flooded Toni's stomach at the sight of all three of them. Any fear or doubt she had harbored melted away as they crowded around her on the bed. Her gaze lingered on Harry's, sharing an unspoken connection. However, Ron interrupted the moment as he looked at her father.

"Are you Wolfe Rothley?" Ron asked, his excitement evident.

Mathias chuckled, removing his shades and meeting the three friends with a warm smile. "Unfortunately, I am not Wolfe Rothley, but I am Mathias Rothley, Antonia's father."

"You're Mathias Rothley?" Hermione exclaimed, her face lighting up. "I've read all about you! You work with the Ministry on Foreign Affairs and the rights of house-elves! You also--"

"It seems you have an admirer, Mathias," Dumbledore interjected, cutting off Hermione's excited rambling. She blushed and averted her eyes, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Mathias chuckled warmly.

"It would seem so. You must be Hermione Granger. I've heard of your brilliant mind and exceptional academic achievements," he said warmly, causing Hermione to blush, feeling honored that he knew her name. Mathias's gaze then shifted to Ron. "And you must be Ron Weasley. My daughter has sent me a letter saying you two have become good friends. I couldn't resist getting to know your father. And Harry Potter, now you are one special and very lucky boy."