The next day, Dudley placed the Philosopher's Stone together with the Trunsoest Brass Book, storing them in his clothing pocket.
The high status of the Brass Book could counteract divination and other mystical tracking methods. Although Dudley wasn't yet clear about what level magical world divination could achieve, it was better to take precautions.
Of course, the most secure method would be to place both items in that mysterious space, but Dudley had tried and couldn't do it yet. He might be able to do it after his strength increased, perhaps after reaching mid-sequence, though it was also possible he might never be able to do it.
Throughout this day, Dudley cautiously observed the surrounding situation, especially the professors' expressions, trying to deduce the consequences of the Philosopher's Stone theft from their demeanor.
However, Hogwarts Castle seemed as if nothing had happened at all, peacefully passing through the day without even the slightest disturbance.
The following period continued in the same manner. The matter of the Philosopher's Stone seemed to go unnoticed. Everyone lived their lives according to routine—those who should attend classes attended, those who should teach taught, everything proceeding along its original predetermined track.
"Was it truly not discovered, or was it discovered but not made public?" More than half a month later, Dudley pondered this question.
He felt it was most likely the latter. The most probable situation was that Dumbledore had discovered the Philosopher's Stone theft but hadn't made it public, while other professors remained unaware of the theft.
"If that's the case, then I'll act as if nothing happened. But poor Quirrell. When he goes through all those obstacles and reaches that final platform only to find nothing there, his expression will surely be spectacular," Dudley thought to himself.
After entering December, it meant Christmas was approaching. One morning in mid-December, upon waking, the entire Hogwarts Castle was covered in heavy snow. The snow on the grounds reached almost knee-deep, the lake surface had frozen into hard ice, and many students ran to the lake to skate before being chased back by Hagrid.
There were magical creatures under the Black Lake. It would be terrible if something happened.
At this stage, everyone had little interest in studying, and all were anticipating the arrival of the holidays.
"Harry, are you going back for Christmas, or staying at Hogwarts?" Dudley inquired.
Harry thought for a moment. He didn't want to return to Privet Drive for Christmas, but Dudley might want to go back, so he felt conflicted.
"Why don't you both stay? I'm not going back either. My parents went to Romania to see my brother Charlie, so Fred and I aren't going back this year either. If you two leave, how boring would Hogwarts be for me?" Ron said.
Harry said nothing, glancing at Dudley.
"Then we won't go back. We'll return during summer vacation," Dudley said.
Whether to go back or not didn't make much difference. Dudley actually preferred staying at Hogwarts. After all, good drama could unfold here at any time, and he didn't want to miss it.
Scottish winters were long and cold. Whether in the common rooms or the Great Hall, Hogwarts had roaring fires burning, but the drafts through the corridors still made everyone feel bone-chilling cold.
In the afternoon, they had a Potions class. The unfortunate thing was that due to the extreme cold, the white steam rising from the cauldrons made it almost impossible for everyone to see clearly what stage their potions had reached, causing most people's brewed potions to fail to meet Snape's requirements.
Only Dudley, Hermione, and a few others successfully brewed the required potions. Besides the two of them, there was also Malfoy.
This guy seemed to have recently begun working hard, becoming much more serious about his studies, though it was unclear what had stimulated this change. Harry and Ron speculated that it might have been the Halloween incident that dealt Malfoy a deep blow, causing him to start studying seriously.
Only Dudley vaguely guessed Malfoy's thoughts.
When the class ended, Snape happily awarded points to Malfoy. He now completely regarded Malfoy as his prized student. As long as Malfoy performed reasonably well, he could earn points. As for the potions brewed by Dudley and Hermione, Snape basically ignored them, treating them as if they didn't exist, even though Dudley's work was better than Malfoy's.
"I really feel sorry for those people," Malfoy's annoying voice rang out as everyone left the classroom.
He said to Crabbe and Goyle beside him, as well as several other followers. "They have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because their families don't want them."
"Hahahaha..." The surrounding people burst into laughter, as if this were a very funny joke.
Not long ago, Professor McGonagall had come to register students staying at school for the holidays. Dudley and his friends had all signed their names, and this scene was witnessed by Malfoy, naturally drawing his mockery.
However, this guy had learned to be smart now. He absolutely wouldn't mock Dudley in deserted corners. Every arrogant and rude taunt was made when there were enough people around, especially since he had now recruited several followers, including even one or two older students.
For these students, Malfoy's status was a reason they couldn't refuse. This pure-blood family held a high position in the wizarding world. While at school, maintaining good relations with a young master like Malfoy would help them find suitable jobs after graduation.
Harry glared at Malfoy, really not wanting to deal with him, and quickly left with Dudley.
In the corridor, a very large fir tree almost occupied the entire space, blocking their path. Under the tree, two large feet moved slowly forward, accompanied by familiar puffing sounds.
"Hagrid, need help?" Ron stuck his head into the branches and asked.
"No need, I can manage, thank you, Ron," Hagrid said.
"Can you move aside and stop blocking the way!" Behind them came Malfoy's cold, drawling voice.
Dudley and the others looked back. Malfoy's gaze swept over Dudley and Harry, finally settling on Ron as he continued, "Are you trying to earn some pocket money, Weasley? I guess you probably hope to become a gamekeeper after graduating from Hogwarts. Hagrid's hut must seem like a palace compared to your original home!"
Dudley looked at Malfoy and had to admit this guy was excellent material for a Red Priest. If given a Red Priest potion, he would definitely drink it immediately without needing any acting or digestion process.
Ron was thoroughly enraged by Malfoy's words, his face flushing red as he charged toward Malfoy. Dudley quickly reached out and held Ron back.
Whoosh.
Not far away, Snape appeared at the classroom door as if by teleportation. He seemed to have been hiding at the classroom door watching outside. Seeing Ron about to attack Malfoy, he immediately appeared. But Dudley had timely restrained Ron, preventing the conflict from erupting.
Snape looked at Ron being held back by Dudley, his expression dark, having missed an opportunity to discipline Ron. Malfoy looked angrily at Dudley. He had guessed that Professor Snape was definitely watching the corridor situation, which was why he deliberately provoked Ron. He also knew that Dudley and Harry had better emotional control, so he hadn't spoken to them but instead provoked Ron.
He just hadn't expected that Dudley would see through all of this and timely prevent the conflict.
"What are you doing?" Snape said, looking for trouble.
"We're waiting for Hagrid to pass through here," Dudley said with a calm expression.
"Professor Snape, sorry, excuse me," Hagrid said.
Snape glared at Dudley, really unable to find a reason to discipline him, snorted, and left with a wave of his hand.
Seeing Snape leave, Malfoy didn't dare say anything more and rudely squeezed past the fir tree with his group of followers, trampling pine needles everywhere.
"I'm going to teach him a lesson!" Ron said through gritted teeth, watching Malfoy's retreating figure. "Someday, I'm going to teach him a harsh lesson!"
"I really hate both of them!" Harry said. "Malfoy and Snape. Before coming to school, I never thought I could hate two people so much, even more than..."
At this point, Harry suddenly paused and stopped.
"Even more than?" Dudley looked at Harry.
"Uh... hehe..." Harry showed a sheepish smile.
"Alright, I understand." Dudley nodded.
"I didn't mean it that way," Harry quickly said.
"It's fine, I understand," Dudley said.
"What are they talking about?" Hermione asked with a puzzled expression.
Ron shook his head. He didn't understand either.
"Wingardium Leviosa." Dudley drew his wand and cast a Levitation Charm. Hagrid immediately felt the weight on his shoulders lighten considerably.
"Thank you." Hagrid looked enviously at the wand in Dudley's hand.
"You're welcome. Are you taking it to the Great Hall?" Dudley said while directing the fir tree to float toward the Great Hall. His use of the Levitation Charm could now be described as masterful.
"That's right," Hagrid nodded.
Everyone walked toward the Great Hall together. When they reached the Great Hall, they found it had been decorated extremely beautifully. The walls were hung with garlands and ribbons made of holly and mistletoe. Twelve tall Christmas trees stood below, some hung with glittering icicles, others flickering with hundreds of candles, looking magnificent.
Not far away, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were casting spells to decorate the remaining parts.
Dudley was about to say a few words to Hagrid and ask about the three-headed dog when suddenly, ethereal voices reached his ears.
"You are the supreme Emperor..."
"The embodiment of order, the..."
These voices came in layers, continuously entering Dudley's mind.
"It's Malfoy," Dudley immediately realized this was Malfoy reciting the honorific name.
"I'm going to the bathroom," Dudley said to the group and turned to run toward the bathroom.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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