CH 86:Two choices

In the Forbidden Forest, I witnessed Norbert's body gradually shrinking. After a while, it was only the size it was when it first broke out of its shell. It flew up and landed in Harry's hand.

Simultaneously, behind him, a burst of footsteps emerged. Hagrid nervously exclaimed, "This is absurd. How can there be dragons in Hogwarts?"

Harry turned around and spotted Hagrid walking with a few individuals in the Forbidden Forest, wearing an embarrassed expression.

Meanwhile, Norbert continued to shrink rapidly, until he was only the size of a palm in the blink of an eye. He climbed onto Harry's index finger, wrapped his paws around it, and twisted his tail twice. His scales gradually dulled, yet still emitted a shimmering silver metallic light.

"Oh, Harry. What are you doing here?!" Hagrid exclaimed in fright upon seeing Harry.

Now that Harry was present, where was Norbert...

Hagrid appeared pale, as if he had seen Norbert being taken away by Ministry of Magic officials.

Harry waved towards Hagrid, hoping he would notice the ring on his hand and alleviate his worry.

Predictably, Hagrid didn't notice.

"Harry, is this Harry Potter?" someone asked beyond Hagrid.

"Oh, it's Potter! Oh my goodness, what an honor. I told my wife this morning that I might see you when I come to Hogwarts today." After saying that, the man approached and shook Harry's hand excitedly. "I'm Paul Andre, delighted to meet you."

His actions rippled through the group like stones tossed into a calm lake.

"I'm Milk Eramo, pleased to meet you."

"My son said it was a shame you were sorted into Slytherin. Nevertheless, it's a pleasure to meet you."

The Ministry officials were more enthusiastic than expected, and Harry had to engage with them one by one. Eventually, Andre seemed to be the highest-ranking among them. He instructed the much younger Eramo, "Alright, you escort Mr. Potter. Please exit the Forbidden Forest. It's not a place for a young wizard."

"Understood, team leader." Eramo nodded and turned to Harry. "Let's go, Potter. I'll guide you out of the Forbidden Forest."

"No trouble." Harry nodded. Fortunately, these individuals didn't delve too deeply into why he was there.

Perhaps... it was due to the scar on their forehead and their name that some people naturally harbored good intentions towards them.

Back in the common room, as expected, the observant Slytherins had noticed the sudden appearance of Ministry of Magic personnel at Hogwarts.

Harry was playing with Norbert, who had transformed into a ring, when he overheard someone mentioning Felix.

"He's been taken away. My uncle informed me just now; he's from the Fire Dragon Management Bureau and has also been involved in this operation," the man stated.

His name was Ross Andre. Looking at him, Harry suddenly recalled Paul Andre, who had shaken his hand moments ago.

"What about the headmaster?" someone asked curiously.

Harry couldn't help but eavesdrop.

"The headmaster is unaware, but he should undergo an investigation and report to the Ministry of Magic," Ross said.

Harry stood up and approached the man. "So, Mr. Jones and Headmaster Dumbledore aren't in the school now?!"

"Oh, Harry." The man turned and nodded. "Yes, my uncle just informed me; they may have already left."

However, before he could finish, Harry turned away abruptly and swiftly left the common room.

In the underground corridor, cold sweat beaded on his forehead as he pieced together all the details.

There was no need to approach Dumbledore and Felix now. Harry had absolute trust in them, and the Ministry of Magic couldn't touch them.

However, it was a confirmed fact that they were absent from the school.

Therefore--

He headed straight to Snape's office!

Knocking repeatedly, but unfortunately, Snape wasn't there.

He swiftly turned and hurried upstairs.

He wasn't sure if Dumbledore had made arrangements, and he wasn't certain if anyone would uncover Professor Quirrell's true identity once Dumbledore and Felix departed!

Hagrid was a separate concern...

If Dumbledore hadn't had the chance to inform the other professors, now would be Quirrell's prime opportunity to steal the Philosopher's Stone...

Fortunately, Professor McGonagall was in her office. She set down her quill and regarded Harry suspiciously. "Potter, what's the matter?"

"Professor... it's about the Sorcerer's Stone..." Harry gasped.

Professor McGonagall looked taken aback. She never anticipated Harry would come rushing to tell her this.

"How do you know... about the Philosopher's Stone?!" she stuttered.

"Professor, I believe... Quirrell... is attempting to steal the Philosopher's Stone. After Headmaster Dumbledore and... and Mr. Peregrine departed for the Ministry of Magic!!"

He was too exhausted and breathless to speak, but Professor McGonagall didn't quite believe his words. She regarded Harry with a mix of surprise and doubt.

"Dumbledore and Mr. Peregrine just encountered some minor setbacks," she said, suddenly remembering something, and retrieved a letter.

"Speaking of Mr. Peregrine, he was here a while ago and mentioned if you came by, I should give this to you."

With that, she handed the envelope to Harry.

Harry swiftly tore open the envelope and extracted the letter enclosed within.

"Harry, as you read this, I suspect Dumbledore and I have been lured away by Quirrell.

You now have two options.

One: Deliver this letter to the professors and implore them to thwart Quirrell.

Two: I offer you a choice..."

A choice?!

Bewildered, Harry scanned the contents.

"Voldemort murdered your parents. Should you seek retribution, go ahead! He's presently vulnerable, perhaps serving as a valuable test.

Naturally, this is just my perspective. According to Dumbledore, he wishes for you to confront Quirrell directly.

He mentioned a magical enchantment upon you.

A profoundly potent 'love' enchantment.

He's keen to observe its efficacy!"

The letter was succinct, presenting Harry with two divergent paths.

Inform the teachers or—confront Quirrell!

"Professor McGonagall, thank you." Harry snapped back to reality. "Apologies for the interruption."

"No trouble at all." Professor McGonagall smiled warmly, then added, "I'm not sure how you came by knowledge of the Philosopher's Stone, but rest assured, Professor Quirrell is also involved in its protection. You shouldn't harbor such unfounded suspicions."

"I understand. I may have been overthinking." He offered an awkward smile before leaving Professor McGonagall's office.

In the corridor, Harry reopened the letter, drawing in a deep breath.

"Litmus test..." Harry muttered.

Without that line, his decision would undoubtedly lean towards the former. It seemed somewhat rash to directly confront Quirrell.

Yet, Uncle Moon suggested Voldemort was considerably weakened, hinting at this being a potential litmus test, and there was mention of some sort of 'love' enchantment...

He folded the letter and made his way to the fourth floor.

"I won't let you down."