The trio stepped into Professor Vison's office.
However, the room was empty. Even the Devil's Snare they had seen last time was nowhere to be found.
"Looks like the Professor isn't here," Hermione said, glancing at Harry. "Where do you think he might be?"
Harry shook his head, scanning the room carefully.
Compared to their last visit, the layout was largely the same—except now, on the left wall, stood a few crooked tables and chairs. They were remarkably unattractive.
But what caught Harry's eye was a suitcase lying in the corner. His eyes lit up.
He walked over, lifted the suitcase, and brought it to the center of the room. It was much heavier than expected.
"Let me think… how does this work…"
Hermione and Ron watched in confusion as Harry suddenly hurled the suitcase into the air with all his strength.
It traced a graceful arc, shifting and reshaping in midair like a living organism. When it landed, it transformed into a door.
"Wow," Ron gasped, mouth wide enough to fit a Quaffle.
Hermione's eyes sparkled. "What spell is this? Transfiguration? Or something else entirely?"
"Professor Vison is probably inside," Harry said, knocking on the door.
"Why not just go in?" Ron asked, puzzled.
Harry shook his head. "Professor Vison said no one is allowed through this door without his permission."
Of course, that restriction didn't apply to Harry.
Hearing this, Ron and Hermione grew more curious about what was behind the door.
Ron grinned. "Oh, come on, Harry. You know how much Professor Vison likes you—he wouldn't mind. Let's just take a peek—"
But before he could finish, the doorknob began to turn.
A moment later, the door swung open, and Vison appeared in front of them.
"Oh, it's you three," he said, looking unsurprised.
His robes were damp from the morning dew in the greenhouse. With a flick of his hand, the wet robes floated off to the coat rack at the door.
Vison then shut the portal, returning it to its suitcase form and placing it aside. He turned to face the trio, who now looked a bit uneasy.
"Sit down. Let's talk," he said kindly. "Hagrid made me a new set of tables and chairs recently. His craftsmanship is quite… something."
Harry glanced at the oddly shaped furniture on the left wall. Strangely, it now seemed more endearing than before.
Once seated, Vison smiled warmly. "So, what brings the three of you here today?"
Harry got straight to the point. "It's about the Philosopher's Stone stored on the fourth floor. Professor, Quirrell and Snape are trying to get it."
Vison's hand paused mid-lift with his teacup.
"…How do you know that?" he asked.
Harry recounted the events in the Forbidden Forest: how Snape had called Quirrell "Master," and how Quirrell had asked Snape to help him bypass Fluffy. He also shared his theory—that the room on the fourth floor was a challenge for adventurous students.
Vison listened silently. This kid's imagination really runs wild, he thought.
Hermione interjected, "And Professor, we think you want the Philosopher's Stone too. You might need to act quickly—if Snape and Quirrell find a way past Fluffy, it might be too late."
"Me?" Vison looked genuinely puzzled. "When did I say I wanted the Philosopher's Stone?"
Harry and the others exchanged uncertain glances.
Hermione pointed to the bookshelf. "We saw books about the Philosopher's Stone and Nicolas Flamel…"
Vison chuckled.
"Ah, I see the misunderstanding," he said. "It's not as complicated as you think. Since you already know about the Stone, I'll explain. The room on the fourth floor isn't a test or game—it's a protective measure set up by Headmaster Dumbledore. Snape and I contributed to its design."
"Huh?" Harry glanced at Hermione, who was deep in thought, then at Ron, who looked utterly lost.
"So," Harry asked, "why would Snape and Quirrell try to steal it?"
"I have no idea," Vison replied, spreading his hands. "But I'll report this to Dumbledore."
The three of them nodded, visibly relieved.
"No need to worry," Vison added, giving Harry a wink. "Leave this to us."
They left the office feeling much lighter, walking briskly back toward the common room.
Most of the mysteries surrounding the fourth-floor room had been answered. The only question remaining: why were Snape and Quirrell after the Philosopher's Stone?
But their curiosity didn't carry the same urgency as before.
Since Vison promised to inform Dumbledore, the problem seemed to be in good hands.
Meanwhile, back in his office, Vison sat facing the wall, deep in thought.
Harry's earlier words had stirred doubt in his mind.
Snape actually called Quirrell "Master"…?
Everyone knew that there was only one person Snape would ever address as such—Lord Voldemort.
Considering Quirrell's odd behavior recently, Vison surmised that Voldemort had likely taken full control of Quirrell's body.
That meant Voldemort had been the one teaching students all along.
Hmm… how will Dumbledore respond to this news?
Should he eliminate Voldemort early? Or follow the original path, let Harry confront him, and use the experience to shape the boy?
Personally, Vison leaned toward the first option.
Even if Voldemort wasn't a major threat right now, he was still Voldemort. Who knew what tricks he might pull?
Still, letting Harry face him wasn't a terrible idea either.
Just a remnant soul.
And with both himself and Dumbledore deliberately watching over Harry, there was little real danger.
That said, Vison had no intention of reporting the situation to Dumbledore.
It was better to remain distant on the surface and avoid attracting Dumbledore's attention.
And honestly, Dumbledore probably already knew.
Others might be in the dark, but Vison understood one key thing—Snape was now utterly loyal to Dumbledore.
Voldemort choosing to reveal himself to Snape… What a tragic misstep.
Vison couldn't help but feel sorry for the Dark Lord.
The future looks dim.
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