The Mystery of the Philosopher's Stone.

Chapter 11: Discoveries

After Harry's first letter arrived home, Etta began having strange dreams. She saw a giant of a man, with wild hair and a bushy beard going into a vault in Gringott's. He collected a small wrapped package from the vault and left. She also saw a shadowy shape of a tall thin man going into the same vault shortly afterwards but leaving quickly after seeing the vault was empty.

Etta knew this was important, as she dreamt about it nightly. She sensed there was danger in this to Harry but she did not know how. It seemed obvious to Etta's logical mind, that she was not seeing the future, but what had already happened. She knew about the break-in at Gringott's and this dream could only be about that.

But, she did not know yet how this was dangerous to Harry in the future. She wrote to Harry telling him about her dream and warning him to be careful. This particular dream stopped after she wrote to Harry. She had spoken to her foster-mother about it, but neither had any clue about the danger yet.

When Harry got Etta's reply, he realised straight away that the giant man in the dream had been Hagrid. Harry was determined to ask Hagrid about this at the first opportunity. He told Ron about it too.

"So your sister is a Seer?" he asked Harry.

"Well it wasn't the future she saw, but the past. But she did warn me that this dream foresaw danger to me in the future connected with the dream," Harry explained.

"What danger?" Ron asked.

"She said she doesn't know yet," Harry said, trying to sound unconcerned.

"I can't see how Hagrid can be a danger to you," Ron continued.

"Maybe it was the package he collected, that the shadowy figure tried to get to."

"We will have to ask Hagrid about it," Harry said. 

"Maybe it's at Hogwart's right now, if it is a danger to you, as you are at Hogwart's now," Ron said.

"Don't worry about it until we find out more," Ron said consolingly.

They didn't speak about it any more that day. But Harry's mind would return to it between classes. 

When they saw Malfoy in their final class, he said, "When are you getting the train back to the muggles?" with a sneering laugh.

"You're a lot braver now you're back on the ground and you've got your little friends with you," said Harry coolly.

There was nothing at all little about Crabbe and Goyle, but all they could do was crack their knuckles and scowl.

"I'd take you on any time on my own," said Malfoy, "Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel. Wands only-no contact. What's the matter? Never heard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?"

"Of course he has," said Ron, wheeling around, "I'm his second, who's yours?"

Malfoy looked at Crabbe and Goyle, sizing them up.

"Crabbe," he said, "Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room, that's always unlocked."

"When Malfoy had gone Harry and Ron looked at each other.

"What is a Wizard's duel?" asked Harry, "And what do you mean, you're my second?"

"Well, a second's there to take over if you die," said Ron casually. 

Catching the look on Harry's face, he added quickly, "but people only die in proper duels, you know, with real wizards. The most you and Malfoy'll be able to do is send sparks at each other. Neither of you knows enough magic to do any real damage. I bet he expected you to refuse, anyway."