Harry Potter and the Darker Path

Chapter 11: Through the Trapdoor

The end of the school year was fast approaching, but for Harry Potter, the sense of urgency had never been greater. He had seen the dark figure in the Forbidden Forest, watched as it drank unicorn blood, and understood the chilling truth: Voldemort was alive, lurking in the shadows, and hunting for the Sorcerer’s Stone.  

Harry couldn’t stop thinking about it. Every time he passed a mirror or caught his reflection in a window, he was reminded of what was at stake. His scar had been prickling more frequently now, and he was certain that whatever was going to happen, it would happen soon.  

He had shared his suspicions with Draco Malfoy, who had initially scoffed at the idea of Voldemort being alive, but Harry had seen the fear in his eyes. Draco had reluctantly agreed to help Harry get to the Stone before anyone else could—and if that meant keeping it away from Voldemort, so be it. 

After all, they both knew that if they succeeded, they would be legends. More than that, they would have power. 

The Final Clue 

One afternoon, after a particularly tense Potions lesson with Snape, Harry overheard Professor McGonagall speaking in hushed tones with Hagrid near the entrance to the Great Hall.  

“No more mention of the Stone, Hagrid,” McGonagall said sharply. “It’s too dangerous. We’re all on high alert, and Dumbledore will be leaving for the Ministry tonight. He won’t be back until morning. We must remain vigilant.” 

 Harry’s heart raced. Dumbledore was leaving. Tonight would be the perfect time to strike. 

He slipped quietly away, Draco following close behind. Once they were safely in a corner of the castle, Harry turned to Draco with a determined gleam in his eyes. 

“This is our chance,” Harry said, his voice low. “Dumbledore won’t be here to stop us. We need to get to the Stone before anyone else does.” 

Draco raised an eyebrow. “And how exactly do you plan to get past that oversized mutt of Hagrid’s? Not to mention whatever other traps are down there?” 

Harry smirked. “I’ve been paying attention, Malfoy. I know how to get past the dog, and we’ll deal with the rest as we go. Are you in or not?” 

Draco hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “I’m in. But if we’re caught, this was all your idea.” 

 Fluffy’s Weakness 

That evening, Harry and Draco waited for the castle to fall quiet. They donned the Invisibility Cloak—an asset Draco was beginning to appreciate more and more—and slipped through the hallways toward the third-floor corridor.  

When they reached the door leading to Fluffy, the massive three-headed dog guarding the trapdoor, Harry felt a thrill of anticipation. He had learned from Hagrid, during one of his visits, that Fluffy could be lulled to sleep with music.  

As they stood before the door, Draco handed Harry a small enchanted flute they had "borrowed" from Professor Flitwick’s classroom earlier that day. 

“Let’s hope this works,” Draco muttered, glancing nervously at the door. 

Harry nodded and slowly opened the door. Fluffy was already growling, its three heads snapping toward them the moment they entered the room. Without wasting a second, Harry raised the flute to his lips and began to play a slow, simple tune.