Christmas with the Weasleys was a joyous occasion, even if Ron wasn't there. They learned loads about dragons. As gifts Kuri received a broomstick, the same type as Harry's (from Reiko), and a new book about Charms (from Mana), not to mention her fudge.
Luckily it didn't take long until Kuri was to go back to Hogwarts, and the night before going back Kuri was lying in her bed reading a new book when Mrs Weasley walked in.
"Don't stay up to late," she said quickly smiling at Kuri. As she turned to walk out Kuri gained her courage to ask.
"Mrs Weasley?" She turned back. "I read a name somewhere and I was wondering if you knew who it was,"
"Who, dear?" she asked coming to sit on the side of her bed as Kuri laid her book on her nightstand.
"Nicholas Flamel," Kuri said shyly, making her eyes widen a bit and one of her eyebrows raise.
"Where did you read that name?" she asked.
"If I remembered I wouldn't be asking," Kuri smiled.
Mrs Weasley eyed Kuri for a moment before settling a little bit more at her side. "Nicholas Flamel is the only alchemist that has ever succeeded in making the Philosopher's stone,"
"Philosopher's stone?" Kuri asked.
xxx
Kuri immediately went to Harry, Ron and Reiko with the news, though Reiko seemed to have a book already that had information about it. Kuri sat at the Gryffindor table along with Reiko and immediately began to tell them what she knew.
"Fluffy is guarding something called the Philosopher's stone, also known as the Sorcerer's stone," Kuri told them quickly, making them all stare at her wide eyed.
"What?" Harry asked, being the first to recover.
"I asked Ron's mother if she had ever heard of the name Nicholas Flamel," Kuri explained.
"Of course! Here it is!" Reiko exclaimed, having opened a book to a page. "'Nicholas Flamel is the only known maker of the Sorcerer's Stone. The Sorcerer's Stone is a legendary substance with astonishing powers. It will transform any metal into pure gold and produce the Elixir of Life which will make the drinker immortal-"
"Immortal?" Ron asked to himself.
"It means you'll never die,"
"I know what it means!" Harry and Kuri both hushed him and turned back to Reiko and her book.
"'The only stone currently in existence belongs to Mr. Nicholas Flamel, the noted alchemist who last year celebrated his 665th birthday,'," Reiko finished.
"That's what Fluffy's guarding on the third floor. That's what's under the trap door. The Sorcerer's Stone," Kuri told them.
"Besides all that..." Reiko said. "We've got to study now for finals."
"Aw come on, exams?" Ron said. "With all that's going on? You want to study?!"
"Of course." Kuri said. "Reiko, Harry and I have practicals to take in our active powers classes. A power advancement ensures a high grade."
"Hey I thought that advancements happen in high stress and emotional conflict." Ron said. "Doesn't this qualify?"
They all stared at him.
"What? I listen." Ron said.
"Right. He has a point." Harry laughed. "Protecting that stone—it might actually count as studying."
Reiko rolled her eyes and stormed off with an armful of books.