Chapter 17: The Plan

Gryffindor Common Room

Harry stood by the fireplace while the others sat around him, as he explained the situation. Granted, Naruto knew about the situation, but the others didn't. "You mean, You-Know-Who's out there, in the forest?" Hermione asked in shock. "Yup, but he's weak seeing as how he's living off of unicorn's as if he were a chupacabra feeding on goats," Naruto said comparing Voldemort to a cryptid. They all look at Naruto after what he said, "What? I like to read up on mythical creatures, and besides from the way Vol- I mean You-Know-Who is acting, he's pretty much a chupacabra," Naruto retorted. "It all makes sense-" the four turned to Harry, "We've had it wrong, Snape didn't want the stone for himself, he wanted it for Voldemort" Harry said as both Ron and Hermione flinched other than Naruto at that name, but motioned for him to continue. "With the stone, Voldemort will be powerful again, meaning… he'll come back" Harry said, slightly shaken by that mere thought.

"If he comes back, you don't think he'll try to kill you?" Ron asked. "I think if he had a chance, he would've done so tonight" Harry said. Ron gulped, "for real?!" he asked looking pale. "Hang on a minute, we're forgetting something here, who's the one wizard Voldemort always feared?" Hermione asked. Naruto responds, "Dumbledore." Hermione nods, "that's right, as long as Dumbledore is around, you're safe, you can't be touched" she assures Harry, which Harry is thankful for.

A Week Later

Naruto and Hermione were walking around the castle talking about things besides the whole philosopher's stone thing. It's been a while since they have talked about anything other than the stone aside from talking about the finals or anything class related. "Man, it's been a while since we talked about anything other than the stone huh?" Naruto asked. "Yes, and I'm glad because between finals and the whole stone issue, I'm not sure which is more nerve wracking" Hermione said. Naruto chuckles, "Yeah no kidding, but still it's nice to talk about something else ya know" he said. The brunette smiled and nodded at what he said, "So I have to ask, what are your plans for the summer holiday?" Hermione asked. Naruto thinks for a moment, "You know, I'm not too sure exactly. Since the place I used to live hates me and I don't want to live there anymore, I might have to find a place here, so I might have to ask Dumbledore about some living arrangements." Naruto said. He added, "also I would like to see the rest of the country, let alone the muggle world, given that I couldn't get the chance at the beginning of my arrival here." Hermione smiled, "That's a wonderful idea Naruto! There's so many things to do and so many places to visit such as museums, art galleries, London Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, oh there's so many to count" she said excitedly. "Yeah, that would be nice, and maybe you could show me those places, if you want to that is?" Naruto asked. She smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Besides, if there's one thing I missed from my old home, it's that I miss ramen" Naruto said. "Ramen? Why?" the brunette asked. Naruto explained the personal story between him and ramen to Hermione, which saddens her given that this food meant a lot to him growing up, but then she had an idea. "Well since you told me how much ramen meant to you growing up and I have never tried ramen, how about this: what if you do come to visit the muggle world, you could introduce me to ramen, I can introduce you to some international foods such as Italian or Indian, so what do you say?" she asked. Naruto widened his eyes to that idea and nodded in agreement "sure, here's to new experiences then" the boy said and the two agreed to that plan. The two spend the rest of the day talking about the places where they grew up.

A Couple of Months Later

The four were walking down the corridor after taking their final exams. "They say that the Hogwarts end of the year finals are said to be frightening, but I find them rather enjoyable," Hermione said happily. "Oh speak for yourself, you and Naruto have been studying non-stop for weeks" Ron said rather annoyed. "Hey, if you want a perfect grade, you should study then" Naruto retorted. "Yeah well… Harry you alright mate?" Ron said as notices his friend touching his scar. "My scar… it keeps burning," Harry said holding his head in pain. "This has happened before?" Hermione asked as Harry shook his head, "not like this" he stated. Naruto suggested seeing a nurse, but once again Harry shook his head. "I think it's a warning, it means danger is coming-Uhh" he rubs his head in pain as he sees Hagrid across the field, at his hut. That's when it hit him, "Of course!" Harry yells out right before he runs towards the hut. Naruto, Hermione, and Ron shared a look before catching up to Harry. "What is it mate?" Ron asked. "Don't you find it odd that what Hagrid wanted was a dragon, and a stranger shows up and has one?" Harry responded as he slowed down. The four see Hagrid over by the hut playing his flute. "Think about it, how many people would just walk around carrying dragon eggs in their pockets? Why didn't I see this before?" Harry said before reaching Hagrid. The three thought about what they have just heard and realized that no one would be dumb enough to carry a dragon egg with them in public as that would create panic.

"Hey Hagrid, who gave you the dragon egg?" Harry asked. Hagrid stops playing his flute and turns towards the group, "What did he look like?" Harry asked. Hagrid shrugged, "I don't know, never seen his face, he kept his hood up" the half-giant said. "The stranger though, you and him must've talked" Naruto interrogated. "Well, he wanted to know what sort of creatures I looked after, so I told him 'After Fluffy, a dragon's gonna be no problem" the half-giant replied. "And did the man seem interested in Fluffy?" Harry asked. The half-giant nodded, "Well of course he was interested in Fluffy? How often do you come across a three headed dog, even if you are in the trade, but I said, 'The trick with any beast is to know how to calm them, take Fluffy for example, just play him a bit of music and he falls straight to sleep" Hagrid explained nonchalantly before realizing, it was at this moment he knew he f*cked up. The four students had their aha moment as of now. "I shouldn't have said that-" he said, before the four ran off, "Where are you going?! Wait!" Hagrid called back.

McGonagall's Office

The four ran towards the hall and into the elder witch's class, surprising her from going over some papers. "We need to see Professor Dumbledore immediately!" Naruto said in an urgent voice. The elder witch shook her head, "I'm afraid that Professor Dumbledore isn't here, as he has received an urgent owl from the Ministry of Magic and left immediately for London" she explained. "He's gone?! Now?! But this is important!" Harry said before looking around to see if anyone else is going to hear what he's about to say. "It's about… the philosopher's stone" Harry whispered, as McGonagall's eyes widened in shock as she looked at the four. "How do you know about the stone?" she asked. "Someone's going to try and steal it," Harry said. She shakes her head, "I don't know how you four found out about the stone, but I can assure you that it is perfectly well protected, now would you please go back to your dorms? Quietly" she ordered making the four sigh and leave the class. As the four walked around the hall, Harry said "that was no stranger Hagrid met at the village, it was Snape, which means he knows how to get past Fluffy." "And with Dumbledore gone-" Hermione says as Snape appears behind them. "Good afternoon-" he said making the four jump. "Now, what would four young Gryffindors such as yourselves be doing inside on a day like this?" he asked. Hermione and Ron stammered, not knowing what to say. "You want to be careful, people will think you are up to something" he said as Harry glares at him, while Naruto observes the man's face to see any signs of him being rather secretive. Snape shook his head and soon left. "Now what do we do?" Hermione asked. "We go down the trapdoor… tonight" Harry declared, with the rest of the squad agreeing with the plan.