Thanks to the ever-moving stairs at Hogwarts, those minor inconveniences that usually trouble students can become vital assets in critical moments.
Robert was able to shake off Fluffy again and again by relying on those shifting staircases.
That beast really came after him—smashing through door frames and railings. If the stairs hadn't been there, Fluffy would have leapt straight down the levels, chasing after Robert with maddening determination.
From the Fourth Floor all the way down to the First, Robert didn't even have a chance to catch his breath. He could only keep running.
Finally, as he reached the Entrance Hall, he caught sight of Hagrid standing outside the main doors.
It seemed Hagrid had gotten wind of Fluffy's escape and had rushed back to the castle immediately.
"Come out quickly!" Hagrid shouted.
Without hesitation, Robert turned and dashed through the main doors, Fluffy thundering behind him.
"Stop, Fluffy, stop!" Hagrid waved his hands.
Normally, that would have worked—Fluffy usually obeyed Hagrid's commands. But this time, there was no reaction at all.
The three-headed dog didn't seem to recognize him. Not even slightly.
All three heads opened their mouths simultaneously, baring long white fangs as they lunged straight at Robert.
Then, with astonishing speed, Hagrid rushed forward, stirring up a violent gust of wind as he slammed his full weight into Fluffy's middle head.
Boom!
The ground seemed to tremble from the impact.
Crack!
A sharp sound rang out as Fluffy's middle neck twisted violently to the side. The massive creature tumbled down the stone steps, rolling several times before collapsing in a motionless heap.
Hagrid stumbled backward three steps. His face was flushed deep red, and the veins on his forehead bulged prominently.
Robert stood frozen, mouth agape, completely stunned.
This was the first time he truly grasped what it meant for someone to be a half-Giant.
That massive, terrifying, three-headed beast had been knocked out cold by a single blow—without even a chance to resist.
Judging by the crunch from before, the middle neck might have even been broken. If Fluffy hadn't had three heads, that hit might have been fatal.
No wonder Hagrid liked creatures with sharp claws and teeth. With strength like his, even a werewolf might think twice before crossing him.
"Oh, Fluffy…" Hagrid finally steadied himself, and when he saw the dog lying still, his eyes turned as red as his face. Large tears rolled down his cheeks and got tangled in his beard.
"Oh my goodness, Fluffy is dead, I killed him…"
"No, Hagrid, calm down," Robert said, stepping forward and gently patting Hagrid's side.
"Fluffy has three heads—his heart is his only vital weakness."
Hagrid sniffled. "You mean... it's... still alive?"
"Of course," Robert replied. He knelt by the beast and listened closely. Sure enough, he could just make out a weak heartbeat.
"He's still breathing."
"Let's move him somewhere else," Robert said, glancing back toward the castle. "That noise probably woke a lot of people. If someone sees you with the three-headed dog, you'll both be in trouble."
It wasn't the professors he was worried about—it was the students, especially the Slytherins.
Hagrid was still on the Ministry of Magic's watchlist. If a student reported Fluffy's presence, not even Dumbledore might be able to protect him.
And if the Ministry got involved, the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures would surely put Fluffy down.
So, with Hagrid carrying the massive beast and Robert assisting with a Levitation Charm, the two of them managed to move Fluffy to the edge of the Forbidden Forest, right beside Hagrid's hut.
"Right... I'm sorry, Robert," Hagrid said awkwardly after they laid Fluffy down. "You were nearly killed back there... and I... I swear, Fluffy's usually not like that…"
"I know what you're trying to say," Robert replied. "And I believe you."
"You believe me?" Hagrid blinked, momentarily stunned.
Robert nodded.
After catching his breath, he began recalling the details he'd missed during the chaos.
Something was wrong with Fluffy—very wrong. His eyes had been far too red, the pupils nearly invisible, like they were covered in blood.
Last time Robert had seen Fluffy, the dog hadn't looked like that.
Rather than looking angry or provoked, the beast had looked cursed.
Like it had been affected by some sort of dark magic.
And as for who might be responsible—did it even need to be said?
There was only one person Robert could think of: Voldemort.
He remembered Voldemort scolding Quirrell for his incompetence... and then there had been nothing but silence.
"Dark magic?" Hagrid frowned. "But Fluffy's been in the castle the whole time. Who could've cast dark magic on him?"
"Someone who wants to pass through the trapdoor," Robert answered.
"You—how do you know Fluffy's guarding the trapdoor?" Hagrid's eyes widened in shock.
"Harry told me," Robert said casually.
"He... wait..." Hagrid's face turned grave. "You mean someone's trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone?"
"Not trying—they've probably already started," Robert said, turning back toward the castle.
By now, with how much time had passed since he was chased out, Quirrell had to be well into the final stages.
"I've got to go see!" Hagrid exclaimed. He turned immediately and began marching back to the castle.
The Philosopher's Stone could not be lost under any circumstances.
"I'll go with you," Robert said.
"No, it's too dangerous!" Hagrid barked. "You stay here—or go back to the dorms."
"I swear I'll stay right beside you the whole time. I won't run off," Robert promised.
"No way!"
As they argued, a tall, thin figure suddenly appeared out of thin air.
Despite the common knowledge that Apparition was forbidden at Hogwarts, this person had appeared as easily as if the rule didn't exist.
Hearing the sound, Hagrid turned—and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Professor Dumbledore!"
"Hagrid," Dumbledore greeted him with a grave expression. His eyes flicked toward the three-headed dog lying nearby.
"Can you tell me what happened here?"
"When I was returning from visiting Fred and George in the hospital wing," Robert explained quickly, "I discovered someone had broken into the Fourth Floor. They destroyed Fluffy's chains and used magic to drive him mad.
"He completely lost control and chased me out of the castle. Luckily, I ran into Hagrid, who saved me."
Dumbledore's frown deepened. "It seems someone didn't want me at school tonight. They forged a letter from the Ministry."
He turned and began walking quickly toward the castle.
Robert immediately followed.
"Hagrid's right, Mr. Ollivander. You should return to your dormitory now," said Dumbledore without slowing.
"I want to know what's going on, Professor," Robert replied. "I can't just be nearly mauled for nothing. And besides, I'll be safe with you, won't I?"
Dumbledore paused for the briefest moment. "Your trust humbles me, Mr. Ollivander."
Then he sighed and continued forward, saying nothing more about Robert going back.
Robert followed silently.
He didn't ask why Dumbledore chose to walk back instead of Apparating, even though it was clear he could.
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