A ruined Hogwarts

The surface of the lake is unrippled, and the black water looks like thick and sticky asphalt, like an entrance to an abyss. There is silence in my ears, and in this silence, the crisp sound of water drops echoing faintly, like a lonely and monotonous sonata.

Owen lay quietly on his back on the calm water, his eyes tightly closed, and the dim light softly shone on his pale and delicate cheeks. This scene is dark yet serene, tranquil yet eerie, like an elegant black and white oil painting. The people in the painting are as beautiful as angels, yet as cold as devils.

The black water surface suddenly rippled gently, making this static painting become dynamic. Circles of waves spread out layer by layer on the water, as if there was some terrifying monster shaking its body in the water.

A formless black mist emerged from the ripples on the water, floating in the air like thick ink dripping into the water, adding a strange and ominous atmosphere to this dark space. The black mist condensed into the shape of an illusory human face, showing an ecstatic expression to the little wizard lying on his back on the water, and then eagerly jumped up and merged into his chest.

Owen's brows furrowed slightly on his cheeks with his eyes closed. He clearly felt an extremely evil dark force invading his body. It was so cold that it seemed to freeze his internal organs, and he almost couldn't help but open his eyes. Eye. My mind felt a cold sting and a confusing sense of trance. The soul hidden in the deepest part of my body seemed to be slightly shaken, and then returned to calm.

The evil power was suddenly ejected from his body, and all the coldness and stinging went away in an instant, and the damp and cold room seemed to become warmer.

The ominous black mist was repulsed by the invisible force, and circled around Owen with annoyance and unwillingness, and then tried again in disbelief, but still failed.

Voldemort didn't understand why he couldn't possess this little wizard, this body that he had carefully built for himself. What frightened him even more was the merciless counterattack of the soul power that bounced him out, making his formless ghost feel the long-lost pain and trance, as if it was about to be broken.

This feeling made him dare not try again, but instead called Owen's name hissingly, trying to wake him up from his drowsiness. This little wizard who has become completely dark under his own guidance is not fragile. He may be able to help him get the magic stone...

"Owen, Owen, wake up...Owen Shafiq..."

The hoarse and erratic voice echoed faintly in the closed room, and the tone became more and more anxious, but the little wizard on the water was still sleeping peacefully, as if he was under some kind of sleeping spell, and did not make any reaction.

You can never wake up a person who is pretending to sleep. Mr. Voldemort must have lost his mind at this moment.

After calling for a long time, until the calm black water surface began to shake violently again, as if something was about to break out of the water, Voldemort flew towards the exit angrily. He knew that K was chasing him. Although he didn't believe that K could catch him in this state, he didn't dare to gamble even if there was even the slightest possibility.

"I will definitely come back!" With infinite anger, hatred and confusion, he rushed out of the trap door along the exit and escaped from Hogwarts.

In the silent space, the shaking of the water surface gradually subsided, and nothing emerged from under the water. Owen continued to lie on the water and float for a while, then suddenly opened his eyes, with a happy smile on his face.

"Farewell to the Dark Lord." He stretched out, stood firmly on the raft, and bowed slightly in the direction Voldemort left, as if he was performing the curtain call of a performance. "With endless confusion and regret, please, Continue your desperate wandering."

He was silent for a moment, then shook his head and smiled. He had to give up the idea of ​​Voldemort possessing him, lest that guy come looking for him.

"You cheated me a lot, and now I'm paying you back. Let's be even."

He pointed his wand at the raft beneath him, and let it carry him like an arrow from a bowstring into the hidden door, and followed the staff passage to the final black room.

Looking at the lifeless body lying on the ground, Owen sighed softly, bowed and said, "Professor Quirrell, have a good journey."

Regardless of whether the other party's ending is self-inflicted or a tragedy that cannot be helped, he will not judge. Although as early as half a year ago, after Owen's plan was completed, he saw the other party's ending today.

Several levels set by Owen actually have a purpose. The first three dangerous levels are to force Voldemort out. This is related to the success or failure of the final performance, because facing K, an annoying enemy, Quirrell may run away. No way, but Voldemort will definitely be inclined to kill the other party. This is his character and his arrogance as the Dark Lord.

The fourth level of the maze is a level prepared by Owen to escape, and the fifth level is for his bad taste, but it can also serve the purpose of further weakening the opponent. The last level is the final stage.

The success of the plan seems to be a coincidence. In fact, there is a large error tolerance and room for operation. Irving's own adaptability can also make up for a large part of the shortcomings. For example, if the first few levels fail to successfully force Voldemort out, subsequent levels can also play this role. Even if the method on the Sorcerer's Stone fails, the opponent will still need to show up. This is multiple insurances.

For another example, if Owen fails to escape from the maze, he will continue to follow Voldemort and implement another plan to guide him to release the fatal curse. The result will not change, except that Irving will bear some risk, but the risk is not that great.

Even if this plan ultimately failed, Irving prepared another room as a stage. Melete would lead Harry there with the emblem of the Aether Society in her mouth. He would create the most favorable conditions for Harry. As a mature facehugger, Harry would definitely give him the ether he had dreamed about for a long time. A loving hug from learned enemies.

A qualified magician will never prepare just one magic trick, but will calmly face the possibility of cheating, and quickly complete the rescue without the audience noticing, or seamlessly connect to another magic trick. Keep up this great show.

Of course, if it fails under such circumstances, Irving can only say that it is God's will and accept the fact. Even the greatest magician will always encounter a moment of betrayal that cannot be made up for. At that time, it is just a matter of biting the bullet and facing reality with a smile. Anyway, Owen's mentality has always been good, and he can even accept his current evil self calmly. Well, at least pretend to be more calm.

Owen took out the magic stone whose hidden method had been cracked from the corpse's pocket, stared at it for a while, and then placed it on the original stone platform.

"Fierce fire!" Owen chanted the magic spell and watched the body being burned to ashes in the flames.

He thought for a while, took out a small bottle from his pocket, put the ashes in it, and then quickly left his box along the employee passage.

In the three-headed dog's room, Owen played the flute randomly to coax the three-headed dog to sleep. At the same time, he lifted his suitcase out of the hole in the trap door, restored the scene to its original state, and left quickly. this room.

Amid the angry roar of the three-headed dog who woke up, he read to himself the three-piece set for night travel, carried the box in one hand and walked away from the restricted corridor, and snapped his fingers in a utility room.

"Wendy is at your service, Master." A house elf appeared with a "pop", bowed gracefully and deeply, and said in a high-pitched voice. She was draped in clean sheets, only over two feet tall, with slender arms, and a pair of bright eyes on her big head like a pair of translucent glass beads.

"Wendy...why is it you?" Owen rarely lost control of his expression, the corner of his mouth twitched, and he couldn't help but take a half step back. This house elf belongs to the Shafik family, and the most important thing is that Wendy is the one he and his father were obsessed with...

"The young master told us to wait for your call tonight. Wendy volunteered to accept this task. Wendy hopes to serve the young master!" the house elf said with a look of honor, and bowed deeply to Owen.

"Okay, take this box away." Owen rubbed his forehead and handed the box to the other party, "Take it to the cave I told you about, and be sure to hide it, okay?"

"Wendy understands, please don't worry, young master!" the house elf said sharply, bowed respectfully again, and left with a "pop".

Owen took a deep breath. The house elves would help him take the Sorcerer's Stone out of Hogwarts, and he would take it out when the storm passed. He turned around and left the utility room, quickly arriving outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts office.

Owen opened the office door in a familiar manner. He went straight to a big black box in the corner. He picked up the box and turned away naturally. He followed several secret passages to the eighth floor and hid the box in the Room of Requirement that he had set up. In the secret base.

"Then, tonight's performance ends here." Owen glanced out the window at the Forbidden Forest, which had returned to darkness. He avoided the patrolling Mr. Filch and bypassed several areas where cats and cats often hang out. Returned to the Slytherin common room.

It was not too late yet, Harry and the others were gathering together and talking quietly, with excited expressions on everyone's faces. They secretly did such a big thing without telling everyone. They may feel scared now, but they are more proud and excited.

Owen picked up Melete, who ran over happily, and sat next to everyone, quietly watching the giant squid's tentacles flashing across the lake outside the window, with a calm smile on his face.

Melete rolled around happily in his arms, and even came over to kiss the tip of Owen's nose. She was also secretly happy about what happened tonight.

When the night got darker, Owen climbed into his bed and fell into a deep sleep amidst the soothing sound of the waves of the Black Lake.

Early the next morning, students having breakfast in the auditorium noticed the solemn atmosphere in the school. They were whispering about the fire in the Forbidden Forest last night, peeking at the heavy expression on the face of Mr. Dumbledore, who had been rarely seen in the past week, and Professor Snape, who was so dark that he looked like he was about to commit murder. Face.

Obviously, Dumbledore rushed back to Hogwarts overnight last night, and he didn't know how the representatives of the International Federation of Wizards who he had left aside felt now. Well, what else can they do but be incompetently furious? They like to impeach their chairman, but most people only want to gain benefits from it, and never really want to remove Dumbledore...

Owen saw through the nature of politics early. He ate a piece of chicken sandwich unhurriedly and watched Dumbledore suddenly stand up from the guest of honor.

"Everyone, please be quiet for a moment." Dumbledore raised his gloved right hand and said to everyone, "Due to the fire last night, I have to tell everyone that today's class can only be cancelled. Please give Professor We will have some time to resettle the homeless animals in the Forbidden Forest..."

Hermione sighed deeply and put down her heavy schoolbag with a dejected expression.

"And, I have to regret to tell you that the fire last night was probably related to our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor... Regardless of whether Professor Quirrell is in trouble or absconding in fear of crime, for the rest of this school year, we will The Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts is going to be replaced by a new person temporarily." Dumbledore paused, then narrowed his eyes and said with a smile, "As for the professor's choice, please allow me to keep it a secret for the time being."

The little wizards began to whisper among themselves, and the auditorium was filled with buzzing discussions. Whether it's Professor Quirrell's situation or the candidate for Defense Against the Dark Arts' substitute teacher, it's a good source of discussion for them.

After breakfast time was over, Harry hurriedly spoke to everyone, held the Sorcerer's Stone tightly in his pocket, and left the auditorium after Dumbledore.

"Professor Dumbledore, I have something to tell you..." Harry caught up with him panting, and then he hesitated to look at Snape standing aside.

Dumbledore seemed to have just finished explaining something to Snape, and nodded to Snape. Snape glanced at Harry with an indifferent and strange look. After seeing Harry's whole body trembling, he tossed his robe and turned into the corridor on the other side.

"What do you want to tell me, Harry?" Dumbledore looked deeply into his eyes.

Harry waited for a while, until Snape's footsteps could no longer be heard, and then he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Professor, I...I'm sorry, I was the one who took away the Sorcerer's Stone last night!" He took out the red stone from his pocket, looked at Dumbledore's expression uncomfortably, and then lowered his head uneasily.

Dumbledore's sharp blue eyes stared at the stone in Harry's hand through the half-moon glasses, his eyes flickered slightly, but his expression did not change at all. He said slowly and calmly: "Can I know what happened yesterday?"

Harry breathed a sigh of relief and told how he discovered that people from the Aether Society overheard Hagrid's words, and then expressed his reasoning and suspicion: "I think the Aether Society must be working for Voldemort, and they want to get it." The Philosopher's Stone brought Voldemort back, and possibly kidnapped Professor Snape and Professor Quirrell! They must be in danger!"

"I want to know, how did you pass those levels?" Dumbledore nodded, and then showed a kind smile, "That is really an amazing thing."

"I..." Harry hesitated, not sure whether he should mention his friends in the study group.

"You can tell the truth, Harry, I think those who are brave enough to help their friends shouldn't be punished, right?" Dumbledore winked at Harry, "Ah, I'm glad someone managed to get through My level. You know, when a person sets up layers of obstacles, he not only hopes that they can block anyone, but also always hopes that someone can get through..."

Harry showed a relaxed smile, and then told everything about last night in detail.

"Study group..." Dumbledore exclaimed with a smile, "You have a group of trustworthy friends, Harry. Well, why not go and enjoy an unexpected weekend with them?"

"Sir, the Philosopher's Stone..." Harry handed him the stone in his hand.

"I regret to tell you that this stone is probably fake." Dumbledore said, raising his hand and waving at the stone.

The stone shattered into several pieces with a "pop" sound in Harry's hands, revealing a carefully rolled piece of paper sandwiched inside. There was also a small red ribbon tied around the outside of the paper. bow.

Harry looked at Dumbledore, dumbfounded, then at the fragments and note in his hand, and opened the note with trembling fingers.

He immediately saw the emblem painted on the top of the note. The familiar eye pattern with a cross star in the pupil was the symbol of the Aether Society. Harry looked at the writing below with a pale face: "Congratulations on winning a seven-day luxury travel voucher to the Maldives. This event is sponsored by the Ethereum Society! Please choose your own time and take transportation to the destination. Food, accommodation and travel are at your own expense. I wish you a good journey. Happy~"

There is also a smiling face with tongue sticking out at the bottom.

Harry's face turned red with anger. When did they steal the real Sorcerer's Stone? And what kind of prize is a travel voucher for food, accommodation, and travel at one's own expense? Doesn't this just allow him to travel at his own expense? No, no, why is he traveling?

Dumbledore also saw the contents of the note and looked thoughtful.

"Sir...I don't know..." Harry said hard, resisting the urge to drop the note on the ground.

"This is not your problem. They may have replaced the Sorcerer's Stone before you broke through." Dumbledore shook his head and said with an unpredictable expression.

"But what about your friend, Mr. Nico Flamel?" Harry said anxiously. He didn't want to think about the possibility of Voldemort coming back.

"Ah, you actually know Nico?" Dumbledore smiled happily, "He and his wife saved some elixirs, enough for them to take care of things. You may find it incredible, but for us For these old people, death is just going to bed after a long day. It's another great adventure."

After watching Harry leave step by step, Dumbledore clasped his hands and suddenly turned his head and asked, "Severus, what do you think?"

Snape walked out of the corridor where he left and said sarcastically: "He did things recklessly based entirely on his own imagination. I really don't want to admit that he is a member of my house."

"But you have to admit that the child has good intentions. He has been worried about your safety these days, Severus." Dumbledore smiled, his eyes bright.

Snape looked quietly at the direction Harry was leaving. After a long time, he said in a low tone: "It's beyond stupid."