HP: Hogwart's Journey

"I'm pretty sure that book didn't mention it, and neither does *Hogwarts: A History*. Maybe Professor Binns knows something about it. If you're interested, you could ask him directly in his History of Magic class," Robert teased the two. "Who knows, if he's in a good mood, he might even exempt you from your homework."

"Hey, Robert, that joke isn't funny at all!" George's head poked out from behind a cabinet. "Professor Binns only has one expression, and that's reading the *History of Magic* textbook!"

"True!" Robert thought for a moment before laughing. "Professor Binns is a respected scholar, but he doesn't quite know how to make the subject more interesting for students."

"Alright, gentlemen, tonight, I'm showing you this hidden location," Robert continued, "If you want to return here later, just walk back and forth three times, thinking of a room where things can be hidden."

The twins gave a sign that they understood.

Robert paused for a moment before adding, "But I hope you're careful. After all, with magical objects, you never know what might happen once their spells wear off."

The twins made a gesture as if to say, "Got it."

At this point, Robert stopped again before going on, "When you leave, be cautious. Don't get caught, especially by Mrs. Norris or Filch. If they find out, this secret base won't be ours anymore!"

The twins exchanged a look and then smiled mischievously.

"They won't catch us," Fred grinned.

George, looking proud, added, "We've got a secret weapon."

Robert immediately guessed what they meant: the Marauder's Map. It involved soul magic, detection magic, name magic, tracking magic, visible magic, and the ink used was no ordinary kind—it could vanish, reappear, increase, or decrease. Considering two of them were from wealthy families, this expenditure wasn't a big deal.

If possible, Robert thought, he'd love to borrow it to take a look. But he didn't ask. Instead, he reminded the twins once again to be careful.

After saying his goodbyes, Robert quickly sprinted back to the Hufflepuff common room. It wouldn't be good if he got caught roaming the castle at night.

Just then, he thought he heard someone speaking.

He paused and realized one of the voices was Professor Stan's.

"You don't have to worry. The magic will return soon, and these plants will definitely start growing again. They might even sprout new leaves," Professor Stan seemed to be comforting someone.

Curious, Robert stretched his neck to see who it was. Wait, that build, that height... Wow! The Headmaster! 

He instinctively ducked behind a suit of armor and observed quietly.

"Although you keep saying magic is coming back, Professor Stan," a tired voice replied. It was Professor Sprout, and she sounded deeply concerned. "These rare plants might not last until then. They're about to wither, and if I could, I would even consider borrowing Nicholas Flamel's Philosopher's Stone."

"The Philosopher's Stone?" Professor Stan's voice sounded disgusted. "With all due respect, Pomona, that's no good. You know, under the current circumstances, only life can replace life."

Professor Sprout fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Flamel might have found an entrance to the spirit realm and is drawing magic from it…"

"You know," Professor Stan interrupted her, scoffing, "the Philosopher's Stone made with magic is white. But we all know that the one in Nicholas Flamel's hands is red. That thing made by exchanging lives should never have existed!"

Robert gulped instinctively. He had just overheard some shocking information!

"This week, I'll be resigning and leaving Britain for a visit to the Flower Country. If I'm lucky and find the Philosopher's Stone, I'll send it to you," Professor Stan continued coldly. "Just don't let me find out you used it! Pomona, you know the consequences of using the Stone: you'll lose the protection of nature!"

With that, Professor Stan walked away, leaving Professor Sprout sighing deeply as she held a flowerpot.

Once the two professors disappeared into the darkness, Robert carefully emerged from behind the suit of armor. There was so much shocking information about the Philosopher's Stone that he couldn't process it all at once.

Just then, a cat meowed behind him.

Robert jumped in surprise and turned around. A thin, scruffy gray cat sat beside him, watching him quietly. As soon as it saw him look over, it seemed ready to run, but Robert quickly pulled a dried fish from his pocket.

Mrs. Norris paused for a moment, caught between running back to her owner or indulging in the fish. Eventually, unable to resist, she grabbed the fish and hopped onto a nearby windowsill, her tail flicking gently as if to say, "You can leave me alone now, I'm enjoying my delicious fish."

"So, this is how you all avoid being caught by Filch's cat," a familiar voice sounded from behind him. Robert immediately felt a chill run down his spine. His body instinctively reached for his wand, but then he remembered this wasn't five years later. Hogwarts wasn't that dangerous yet.

His hand was already resting on the wand tucked inside his robe pocket.

"Ah, Professor Stan, good evening," Robert forced a nervous laugh and turned to greet him.

Stan glanced at him, then at Mrs. Norris, his expression full of helplessness. "Stop feeding her so many salty things. Can't you see she's lost most of her fur?"

Robert's mouth twitched as he explained, "This... it's homemade..."

"Homemade, my foot! There's no way there's enough sunshine in Britain for that. This is obviously dried. No wonder the Hufflepuffs have been smelling like fish lately," Professor Stan said mercilessly, exposing Robert's lie. "I've been wondering why the fish in the Black Lake have been so scarce. Turns out, it's because you little brats have been catching them all."

Robert gave an awkward smile, recalling how, ever since Easter, the older students often brought back delicious roasted fish, and sometimes they'd snack on dried fish when studying late...

His heart sank—why was he the one caught for everyone stealing fish?

"I'm not sure how much of what you overheard, but you'd better keep everything about the Philosopher's Stone to yourself," Professor Stan said seriously. "That's not something a young wizard like you should be involved with. So now, head straight to your bed, Leslie. Unless you want me to take points from your House." 

(End of Chapter)