48 Talk With Hermione (2)

September 1994

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Seeing Hermione not speaking, Harry continued his onslaught, "Now the second scenario is that Dumbledore knew about Voldemort's wraith trying to steal the philosopher stone."

"Again the one of the most powerful wizards to walk in recent times was to be stalled by few magical tricks?"

Harry continued, "I would even say that there is a fair chance that each of the trap was specifically designed for the three of us. Hagrid giving us information about Fluffy, the chess game for Ron, the key seeking on a broom for the youngest seeker in a century, me, and the potions puzzle for you."

Hermione felt she was struck by a hammer when she heard all what Harry said, and no matter how she thought there was no logical rebuttal to Harry's statement.

"But Harry, Professor Dumbledore is the greatest Wizard of our time," mumbled Hermione weakly.

Harry merely scoffed at this internally. Dumbledore was definitely among the strongest of wizard to be ever born, but greatest? Though he did not point this to Hermione.

Harry asked, "Tell me Hermione who is one wizard that Voldemort fears the most?"

Hermione answered excitedly, "Of course it is Professor Dumbledore."

Harry nodded, "Very true. But despite all the terror and horror Voldemort brought on the Wizarding world and the muggle world alike, Dumbledore never duelled Voldemort even a single time."

Hermione nodded, "Yes. Every time Dumbledore approached Voldemort ran away."

"This is what books says, Hermione," continued Harry. "But is it not odd that Dumbledore was not even able to apprehend Voldemort even a single time?"

Hermione kept quiet and did not know what to say. Though Harry appeared to be correct, how could things be this way?

Harry said, "Let this aside for now. You say Dumbledore is one wizard Voldemort feared the most."

Hermione nodded her head and Harry continued, "I also agree to this."

"This may be the reason the Flamel couple agreed to hand over the stone to Dumbledore. But then what was the safest place the stone could have been placed in?" Questioned Harry.

He did not wait for an answer and himself answered, "Dumbledore could have simply kept that stone in his robes and Voldemort would have dared not approach the stone."

"Or he could have simply placed it inside his office. The wards of the headmaster's office of Hogwarts are very very strong. Prime Voldemort might have had a chance to break it open in a short time but a weakened Voldemort in wraith form did not have a chance."

Hermione again kept silent and her silence told Harry that she was understanding and was in some agreement with all what he was speaking.

He questioned, "The most important question is that why did he have to even announce to the world about something dangerous in the school?"

Harry went quiet after his last question and waited for Hermione's response.

Hermione spoke after a long time, "So you are saying Harry, that Professor Dumbledore intentionally drew three of us, or more specifically you, towards the Philosopher's Stone?"

Harry nodded, "I do not have any evidence other than logic but I believe that was his intention."

"And why would he do that?" Questioned Hermione.

Harry sighed, "This is what I am trying to find out."

Hermione nodded and questioned, "And you also believe that Dumbledore had an idea that Voldemort in his wraith form would be try to steal the stone?"

Harry shrugged, "I am not sure if Dumbledore knew about Voldemort's existence but there is a fair chance that he was aware."

Hermione again went quiet but then asked, "Even if I believe it all Harry, what would Professor Dumbledore even get from all this?"

She continued, "He might have genuinely wanted you to enjoy your childhood and I don't think he would have asked Ron to not inform you about all this."

"You know very well how Ron is. I doubt that if even himself is aware of all the knowledge I read in the book."

Harry mentally scoffed at this. No matter how much of an idiot Ron was, it was not possible for him not to be aware of all this information.

Hermione questioned, "What are your plans now, Harry?"

"Currently I have no big plans. For the time being I am trying to learn as much as about my family I can. I am also trying to strengthen my magical base and knowledge," answered Harry.

He continued, "I am also trying to find out a way to get Sirius free from all the charges."

Hermione smiled in happiness, "Do you have any idea on how to get Sirius free?"

Harry sighed, "No. Not for now, but I am trying to find out a way. Getting him a proper trial should not have been a difficult task but with Minister of Magic himself opposing it, tooth and nail, this has turned out to be a difficult task."

Hermione's bright smile dimmed a little, "I hope Sirius can get free of charges as soon as possible."

Harry nodded, "Yes. But don't worry. Sirius is safe for now. Though I am not aware of his exact location but he has already left the continent."

He chuckled, "Life as a fugitive must be better than his life as an Azkaban prisoner."

Hermione gave a stiff smile to Harry in response.

Harry said, "I also plan to get a quiet fourth year. Hopefully this year also does not turn out to be same as the last three years."

Hermione encouraged, "Don't worry Harry. Everything will be fine this time. And since students from two more schools would be arriving at Hogwarts, you would not be getting as much as attention as usual."

Harry could only smile in response. Taking into account how things had spiralled out from normal in the last 3 years, Harry would not be surprised if something similar happened to him this year.