Brave [Harry Potter OC]

Chapter 9

Stand Up

The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Sorcerer's Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The Stone will transform any metal into pure gold. It also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal. There have been many reports of the Sorcerer's Stone over the centuries, but the only Stone currently in existence belongs to Mr. Nicolas Flamel, the noted alchemist and opera lover. Mr. Flamel, who celebrated his six hundred and sixty-fifth birthday last year, enjoys a quiet life in Devon with his wife, Perenelle (six hundred and fifty-eight).

"See?" Hermione says. "The dog must be guarding Flamel's Sorcerer's Stone! I bet he asked Dumbledore to keep it safe for him, because they're friends and he knew someone was after it, that's why he wanted the Stone moved out of Gringotts!"

"A stone that makes gold and stops you from ever dying!" Harry gasps. "No wonder Snape's after it! Anyone would want it."

"And no wonder we couldn't find Flamel in that Study of Recent Developments in Wizardry," Ron tells them. "He's not exactly recent if he's six hundred and sixty-five, is he?"

Alice couldn't help but feel something was off. "Actually, this makes me feel less confident that Snape is after it. Like Harry said, anyone would want it. It's possible Snape is after it but what if he isn't the only one."

The others go silent, knowing she could be right.

"We should warn Dumbledore," Ron suggests.

Hermione sighs. "No, we can't risk it letting anyone know. Not until it's absolutely necessary."

☆ ★ ☆

Later that day after their Defense Against the Dark Arts, Harry talked to Ron, Alice, and Hermione and told them that he would definitely be playing in the Quidditch game. He knew that the Slytherins would never let him live it down if he were to miss the game. He wanted to wipe the smug looks off their faces when Gryffindor wins.

Just before the game, Hermione had taught Ron and Alice the leg-locking curse that Malfoy had used, in case Snape tried to curse Harry again. They were relieved to find Dumbledore in the stands that day, they knew he wouldn't let Snape get away with it if they found a way to expose him.

In the stands, the Gryffindors chant as they wait for the match to begin. Ron has his eyes glued to Snape.

"I've never seen Snape look so mean," he tells the girls. "Look — they're off! Ouch!" Someone poked Ron in the back of the head.

They all turn to see Malfoy snickering at him. "Oh, sorry, Weasley, didn't see you there." He grins broadly at Crabbe and Goyle.

Alice and Ron shoot them a glare, knowing that was no accident.

"Wonder how long Potter's going to stay on his broom this time? Anyone want a bet? What about you, Weasley?"

Ron doesn't answer; Snape has just awarded Hufflepuff a penalty because George had hit a Bludger at him. Alice follows the quaffle as it is passed around. Hermione, who has all her fingers crossed in her lap, is squinting fixedly at Harry, who is circling the game like a hawk, looking for the Snitch.