SABAISM | H. POTTER

TEN. | BACK TO HOGWARTS

Gemini had always enjoyed reading, but it had to come from a place of genuine interest; otherwise, it felt like torture. In the library, the atmosphere was thick with reluctant engagement as they all sat, struggling through their texts.

Harry found himself too distracted by Gemini's beauty to focus. Her hair was in its familiar twist, styled neatly enough that her wand kept the mahogany curls at bay, but strands flirted with her eyes whenever she bent over her book. When she concentrated, her adorable nose scrunched up, making her look even more captivating. Although her uniform appeared rumpled, she wore it with a charm that made it seem intentional. Caught in the act of admiring her, Harry snapped back to reality at her sudden gaze, his cheeks warming with a deep blush. "Uh... I wanted to say thank you for the Christmas presents. They were really great."

A warm smile spread across Gemini's face. "I'm glad you liked them!" Ron's voice broke in with exaggerated enthusiasm, "I can't believe I now have all the trading cards! Fred and George were so jealous!"

Gemini snorted in laughter. "Well, they shouldn't be. I gave them some amazing gifts too." Harry felt a familiar pang of dread twist in his gut. Why had she given George a present? She didn't spend nearly as much time with the twins as she did with him and Ron.

Hermione stormed over, a large leather book in hand, and dropped it onto the table with a loud thud that startled everyone. "I should've had you looking in the right section all along! I checked this out for some light reading," she declared, huffing.

"Light?" Ron grimaced as he glanced at the hefty volume. Hermione shot him a withering look. "Of course! Listen to this: 'Nicholas Flamel is the only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone!'"

Confused, Ron and Harry shared a glance as they responded in unison, "The what?"

Gemini giggled at their synchronized bewilderment. "Honestly, haven't you two ever read?"

Rolling her eyes, Gemini took the book and read aloud, "The Philosopher's Stone is a legendary substance with extraordinary powers. It can turn any metal into pure gold and produces the Elixir of Life, granting immortality to its drinker."

"Immortal?" Ron echoed, his voice a mix of wonder and disbelief.

"Yeah, it means you never die, Ronald," Gemini said deadpan, making Ron splutter.

"I know what it means!"

"Shh!" Harry hissed, spotting the librarian glaring at them.

"Anyway," Gemini continued, "it says here that the only Philosopher's Stone in existence belongs to Nicholas Flamel, who just celebrated his 665th birthday. Wow, that's ancient! And look! It says Albus Dumbledore was once his partner in alchemy!"

Hermione's eyes widened as realization dawned on her. "That's what Fluffy's guarding on the third floor! That's what's under the trapdoor!"

Harry's brow furrowed. "So, Flamel knows someone's after the Stone. He entrusted it to Dumbledore, believing it was safe at Hogwarts, not realizing that the one who wants it... teaches here."

Hermione's expression turned serious. "We need to talk to Hagrid."

"I still can't believe the monster's name is Fluffy," Gemini quipped as they hurried out of the library.

---

Later that night, they sprinted across the wet grounds to Hagrid's hut. Ron banged on the door, which swung open almost immediately.

"Hagrid," Harry shouted. The giant stood there, clad in oven mitts and an apron. Gemini stifled a laugh at the sight. "Sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but I'm not fit for company right now," Hagrid grumbled, starting to close the door.