Chapter 214. Hermione's Emergency Plea
"No, no, it's not that!"
Hermione stumbled back in a fluster, both hands covering cheeks red as apples, practically steaming, and babbled,
"I only meant to stick my head into the case to call you, but I didn't think that just as I lowered my head, you would come out... I, I..."
"Don't panic, Hermione, speak slowly."
Duncan drew two deep breaths, smoothed the ripples in his heart, and braced his hands to climb out of the case.
Then he looked up at Hermione, whose face was still crimson and whose fists were clutching her school robes tight, though her mood had clearly steadied, and asked,
"What brings you to my dormitory?
Is it something urgent?"
At his words Hermione came back to herself from her flurry, remembered why she had come, took a few heavy breaths, and forced herself to calm down quickly.
"That person disguised as Snape finally made a move!"
Hermione rattled off at speed.
"He went to the fourth floor again, trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone?"
"Mm?"
Duncan's spirits rose.
"Are you sure?
It really is that fellow?"
"Mm-hm!"
Hermione nodded like a pecking chick.
"After our exams, we ate dinner, and Harry and the others and I were resting in the courtyard outside the castle."
"We saw Snape hurry past us with our own eyes, going down the slope, like he was heading for Hagrid's hut."
"But when we came back into the castle, we saw another Snape.
He was looking around furtively and creeping up the stairs."
"We immediately felt something was wrong and remembered what you said before.
We guessed that must be the fake Snape who wants to steal the Philosopher's Stone!"
"So we ran to find Professor Dumbledore, but he went out this morning and still hasn't returned!"
"Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick didn't believe us.
They think there are safeguards on the fourth floor and it's very safe, and they don't believe there's a thief."
"They even told us not to run about and to get back to our dormitories early.
If they catch us, they'll take points even though term is nearly over!"
"And we couldn't find Fred and George either.
Harry got anxious and took Ron, charging for the fourth floor, saying they would guard the Philosopher's Stone themselves!"
"I wanted to go with them, but I was afraid none of us would be a match for that person, so I hurried to your dormitory to find you."
"Luckily you're here and didn't vanish like Fred and the others."
When Hermione finished, she let out a small breath, plainly much more at ease.
"Fred and the others went to a hidden place to work on magical contraptions, so that's why you couldn't find them."
Duncan spoke as he led Hermione toward the dormitory door.
"Don't worry, Harry and Ron definitely won't be in danger."
Hermione kept close by Duncan and said softly,
"This evening we saw all the professors, but that person isn't from the school."
"Mm.
And who knows where that fellow slipped in from or where he hides on ordinary days—he hasn't left a single clue."
Duncan gave a slight nod, muttered a couple of words under his breath, and jogged with Hermione out of the Hufflepuff common room and into the first-floor corridor.
"Are you coming with me, or will you go back to your dormitory and wait for our news?"
Duncan asked Hermione at his side.
"With you!"
Hermione answered without the slightest hesitation, chin tilting a fraction, her bright eyes fixed on Duncan, afraid he would ditch her.
"I've learned several spells recently—when the time comes, if we run into danger, I'll definitely be able to help you!"
"Alright."
Seeing her firm tone, Duncan said,
"But in a bit you mustn't be reckless.
When it's time to run, be decisive.
Don't hesitate!"
"Mm-hm!"
Hermione's eyes turned, and she agreed without the least objection.
Duncan took Hermione and raced up the stairs, heading for the fourth floor at top speed.
They had barely reached the right-hand corridor, panting, when the thunderous roars of the three-headed dog shook the air.
"We heard from Hagrid that the three-headed dog falls asleep to music, but the only flute I had was taken by Harry and the others."
Hermione's slender brows knitted lightly, and a faint worry lay upon her small face.
"No need to make it so troublesome," Duncan said, striding to the door that was ajar and pushing it wide.
A harsh roar surged out like a flood-tide, battering their eardrums as it poured from the room.
The enraged three-headed dog bared its fangs and paced the chamber, yanking the clanking chains as though it had lost its reason.
Hearing the door open, the three-headed dog's agitated steps halted; its bloodshot eyes bulged as it stared fixedly at the two of them.
"Duncan, is this really alright?"
Hermione pressed close and asked in a whisper like a secret.
Looking at Fluffy's jagged fangs, the low growl rumbling in his throats, and that ferocious face, she couldn't help growing nervous, a faint chill creeping over her.
"Don't be afraid, Fluffy is a good dog," Duncan said.
Hermione blinked.
No matter how she tried, she couldn't connect the savage brute before her with the word "good."
Seeing Hermione still somewhat frightened, Duncan took the initiative to take her hand and led her toward Fluffy.
"Duncan, that person came again!"
Fluffy barked angrily.
"He used music to put me to sleep again.
Although I smashed that thing, it was still too late.
While I slept he slipped inside!"
Fluffy pointed with a paw at the shattered harp to one side, then thumped the trapdoor beneath him.
But what Hermione saw in that movement was a vicious threat; still holding Duncan's hand, she couldn't help squeezing a little tighter.
"Don't worry.
I'm going down after him at once.
I will never let that man take the thing you're guarding," Duncan said.
"At the key moment you're the reliable one—worthy of being my good brother!"
Fluffy grinned, showing a foolish, honest smile.
"All right, move aside now and stop blocking the trapdoor," Duncan said.
"And keep your movements small—you're scaring my friend!"
"Oh, oh."
Fluffy obediently minced backward on little steps, then lowered his three huge heads and tried to smile kindly as he fawned to Hermione.
"Sorry, Duncan's friend.
I didn't mean to frighten you.
It's just that I'm a bit large, and that's not something I can help..."
Hermione stared at the three big mouths only a step away, feeling the hot breath nearly in her face.
She couldn't help a soft gasp, darted behind Duncan's back, and her once-settled heart leapt up again.
"Didn't I tell you to move aside?
And she can't understand you anyway!"
Duncan reached out and gave Fluffy's head a brisk pat without ceremony.
"Oh..."
Fluffy nodded, all grievance, and curled up in the corner.
"Remember to explain for me, or she'll misunderstand and think I'm fierce."
"Got it."
Duncan waved a hand casually, then turned to Hermione and said,
"He was apologising to you just now.
He didn't mean to scare you."
At that Hermione froze a moment, thought it over, overcame the fear in her heart, and forced a smile to her face as she smiled at Fluffy.
Fluffy immediately wagged his tail in delight, his face once more wearing that silly, honest grin.
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