The three hurriedly bid farewell to Professor McGonagall and ran towards the Great Hall.
Watching the three students leave, Professor McGonagall's expression became somewhat worried.
She certainly knew Lord Voldemort was after the Philosopher's Stone, and she also knew that the voice Harry heard was likely real.
But Dumbledore had specifically instructed her before leaving not to offer Harry too much help, and to see what choices the boy would make when faced with danger.
Professor McGonagall sighed softly, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes.
Hopefully these children can safely get through this crisis... Harry and the other two ran into the Great Hall, panting.
Charlie was at the Hufflepuff long table, chatting with Ernie.
"Charlie!"
Hermione waved to him urgently, and the three quickly walked over.
"What's wrong?" Charlie looked up, seeing the urgent expressions on their faces.
"Something happened," Harry whispered, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping.
"We need to find a place to talk privately."
Charlie blinked, stood up, and followed them behind a pillar in the corner of the Great Hall.
"What's so mysterious?"
Harry took a deep breath and described the voice he had just heard in detail.
Charlie's brows furrowed instantly.
Damn Lord Voldemort, trying to steal my Philosopher's Stone again?
"Did you tell a Professor?" Charlie asked.
"We told Professor McGonagall," Hermione said, shrugging helplessly.
"But she didn't believe us."
"And Dumbledore left school this morning," Ron added, his face a little pale.
"The Ministry of Magic has some urgent business."
Upon hearing this, Charlie's eyes sharpened.
Interesting.
Dumbledore placed the Philosopher's Stone on the fourth floor, and Professor McGonagall, as Deputy Principal, couldn't possibly be unaware.
She must also know that Lord Voldemort is trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone.
Now, hearing Harry say that someone was about to act, her first reaction should be to verify, not to disbelieve.
And then there are those childish traps on the fourth floor.
Devil's Snare, flying keys, wizard chess... these things are useless against adult Dark Wizards, but they are just the right challenge level for first-year students.
Clearly, this is a test for Harry.
Testing Harry is fine, but what if my Philosopher's Stone really gets stolen?
I still have to deal with this.
But Lord Voldemort's Avada Kedavra that night still left Charlie with lingering fear.
I must get some powerful bodyguards.
Charlie had a flash of inspiration, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
Aren't the Professors refusing to act?
I'll bring dozens of students in front of Lord Voldemort, and see if you act then.
This is called using students to command Professors.
Thinking this, Charlie turned directly and walked to the center of the Great Hall.
Although Hermione was puzzled, she said nothing; Charlie had his reasons.
Charlie leaped onto the Hufflepuff long table.
Cutlery clattered, startling several students who were eating.
"Students, listen to me!"
Charlie shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing through the Great Hall.
Instantly, the entire Great Hall fell silent.
Everyone looked up, their gaze focused on Charlie standing on the table.
Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, students from all four Houses stopped what they were doing, watching him curiously.
"At the beginning of the term, Professor Dumbledore told us not to go to the fourth floor, do you know what's there?"
Charlie looked around, his voice full of mystery.
The students looked at each other, whispering.
"The legendary Philosopher's Stone is there!"
Charlie said, enunciating each word.
The Great Hall instantly erupted.
"The Philosopher's Stone? Is it real?"
"Is it the Philosopher's Stone that can turn lead into gold?"
"The one that grants immortality?"
Discussions rose and fell, everyone excited.
Charlie raised a hand for silence and continued:
"But now someone is trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone!"
His voice suddenly became serious.
"As Hogwarts students, it is our bounden duty to protect the Philosopher's Stone!"
"Those who are willing to go with me will be rewarded 10 Galleons!"
Charlie pulled out a money bag from his pocket and poured out a pile of gold coins with a clatter.
"Catch the thief, and be rewarded 100 Galleons!"
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