Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters
AN: Chapter edited 21st May
Harry couldn't get to sleep once he headed up to his room. He was actually going over his memories of the night. Something that aided him in picking out details he may have missed at the time. It was nothing like a pensive but it did help quite a bit.
He wasn't sure what to make of the elder Malfoys. They didn't give the vibe of being necessarily untrustworthy. There was something that made Harry believe he should keep them at a distance. Like Draco or even Ron he felt that given the opportunity they would turn their backs and backstab him if a chance presented itself later on down the road. However there was something dark about them that could come in handy sometime in the future. How better to fight dark then to know it after all. Harry had to let out a sigh thinking of the Minister. The man didn't seem like a leader at all, just a power hungry politician.
Harry thanked the world of magic for fangirls and his female friends for keeping that Dursley like witch away from him. He chuckled thinking he should introduce her to his family. Maybe Vernon would appreciate magic after meeting his sister's clone. He also found it interesting that he seemed to only be capable of getting close to girls. Guys were weary of him, jealous or angry since girls liked him so much.
He briefly considered once more whether what he learnt of his original life from Merlin left residual feelings towards certain people. Was that why the Malfoys didn't bother him? Why Ron's jealousy angered him? Why he couldn't stand Hermione's love of books and authority? Why he wasn't angry at Snape or Dumbledore despite how they are treating him? Why he felt Quirrell was as untrustworthy and fake as they come?
The only male he could see as a potential friend was Neville which added to that theory. When he met Cho he instantly felt she couldn't be a potential future partner. It was thinking along these lines that Harry realized he hadn't seen Neville at all that night. Taking a closer look at his memory of dinner he couldn't see Neville anywhere. Harry made a note to talk to him once he got back. Neville had looked forward to going before the break started now he had friends to talk to.
Ron came storming into the room grumbling loudly and making quite a bit of noise. Harry was watching him shaking his head as the boy grunted and muttered under his breath. Listening in he was picking up "-so many presents, didn't even get me a broom either. Could have taken me to the ball, but no it had to be another girl getting in my way. Why does she have to get in my way all the time? It's not fair I'm his best friend and now he even has Dumbledore's phoenix following him ar-" Shaking his head Harry returned to his memories.
He made note of each of those pureblood guys faces that were harassing Katie, the way they were leering at her angered him. Harry knew full well that she would be hated by his fangirls for being so close to him but since Katie hated them back he didn't see a problem at the time. However guys could be a problem in the future and he made a note to keep an eye out. He now more than ever wanted to learn some muggle self defence fighting styles. If nothing else in case he felt like beating back fools like that night without showing his skill in magic.
Then there was the issue of Blaise Zabini. Daphne told him she has no interest in the slightest with the dark skinned boy. However if he was truly raised believing that Daphne would be his by his father it could become a problem as well. It wouldn't likely become an issue for a few more years with any luck though as even though he might believe he has a right to her. The boy is only 11 now and wouldn't start thinking along those lines for a while yet.
Harry was bored now. The snoring echoing in the dorm indicated his redheaded dorm mate was sleeping. Thinking of red made him think of Susan, she was the only one aware of his invisibility cloak so why not put it to good use. He wasn't tired in the least and wanted something to do. Only around 30 minutes had passed since he arrived back at the castle and he felt like doing some exploring. Maybe even take a look at the restricted section of the library.
Getting out of bed he went to his trunk after placing his hand on the third lock and feeling the familiar prick he opened it and climbed in. Once he got his cloak he came out and locked it up. Making sure Ron was indeed asleep he tossed it over himself and walked out of the room.
The common room was empty and after taking a sniff he confirmed it and he snuck out of the portrait hole. "Who's there? It's after curfew" The fat lady asked sternly. Harry ignored her but vaguely wondered whether she would listen to his orders since the portraits were supposed to be part of the castle itself.
He decided to check that information later before walking for a while and then entering a classroom. "Botty" The elf popped into the room "Botty is sorry for not coming to meets you and young miss sir. Headmaster not wanting us to so you is needing to walk back" Harry blinked in confusion "Do you know why Botty?"
She nodded her head furiously "He is placing magic to lead you to a room with a mirror sir" Tilting his head to the side in confusion he said "He wants me to look at myself in a mirror?" Shaking her head furiously "No it be special mirror"
Stroking his chin thoughtfully he asked "Could you go wake up Susan and ask her if she wants to come with me to see this Mirror. If I don't go the headmaster might get suspicious. Wait is he back from the ball yet?"
She shook her head "No sir, he is still being gone." Harry stroked his chin for a moment "Hmm I'll just say Fawkes brought us to the mirror if he asks I guess. That'll stop him from getting mad at Fawkes and probably spoil him for helping in his plan. Where is the mirror exactly Botty?"
The elf's ears flapped in excitement and her face scrunched up in thought "I is thinking it on fourth floor sir in an unused classroom. Not too far from library sir" Harry nodded that was easy enough to find "Alright could you go check on Susan for me please" The elf nodding happily before popping away.
Susan wasn't sleeping she was in a nightgown staring at the Harry picture on her new gift wondering just what she felt for the boy. He angered and frustrated her to no end yet she found herself wanting him to do it each time she ran into him. As angry and disgusted as she should be of this gift she was instead happy and found herself feeling upset and jealous when she found out two other girls got them as well. She was so lost in thought she didn't hear Botty pop into the room.
"Scuse me Miss, Harry is asking if you wish to go somewhere in castle with him" She squeaked in surprise before she looked over at the house elf and tilted her head to the side "Are you a Potter house elf?" She shook her head "I is being a Hogwarts elf Miss"
Susan narrowed her eyes. Another mystery to Harry Potter she mused, able to order around Hogwarts house elves. Shrugging her shoulders she stated "Sure uh" The elf smiled brightly "I is being Botty Miss" Susan smiled back at the elf "Sure Botty let's go now then"
The elf hopped happily that the young mistress had agreed and took her hand before popping back to Harry."I is getting your miss sir. Do you need anything else?" He looked at Susan who was looking at him with narrowed eyes and a blush since he only had black pyjama pants on before he shrugged "Uh just don't tell the headmaster I called you or that I asked you to get Susan"
The elf bopped her head happily before vanishing in a pop. Turning back to Susan she stated "How are you ordering Hogwarts house elves around Harry?" He shrugged and gave the best innocent expression he could "Botty took me back to my room when I had the first meeting with the headmaster during the first week with the flying lessons. She said I could call her whenever I needed something"
It wasn't a lie so he wasn't concerned about it being seen as one and Susan actually seemed satisfied about the answer. "Alright so why did you call for me?" Harry got a cheeky grin "Wanted to see what colour your nightwear is. Silver suits you Susan. I'll keep that for future reference"
The young girl blushed again before glaring "Well at least you are covering up some more this time" Causing Harry to chuckle "What disappointed Susan? I can always take the pants off for you if want" Her blush deepened before he turned serious "Alright, Botty said she didn't meet us earlier in the headmaster's office because she was ordered not to" Susan's eyebrows raised in surprise "That was my reaction too. She said he placed a charm outside his office door that would make us want to go to a certain room with a mirror"
She looked at him oddly "Uh why would he try to make us find a mirror?" Harry waved his arms around excitedly "Exactly, that's what I thought too. Botty said it's special but since you were meant to be with me I wanted to you to come with me now as well." Harry then picked up the cloak that was by his feet and walked up to her making her blush bright before he tossed it over the both of them.
"Let us go Miss Bones. Adventure and the unknown await us" He also wrapped his arm around her waist and she did the same but with a massive blush. They made their way through the halls unnoticed which made the boy curious. "Dumbledore must have cancelled patrols in this part of the castle or something. We haven't even heard anyone let alone see anyone yet"
Once they got to the library they heard quiet mutterings, listening carefully Harry recognized it as Finch the caretaker "- of time, perhaps we should patrol the area the headmaster told us not to princess. No student is stupid enough these days to go into the library this late" A meow was heard from in the library and Harry directed them to a nearby corridor. Glancing at all the doors seeing if any were unlocked. There was light coming from a room further down and upon reaching it the light faded.
"Wow that really wasn't suspicious" Harry muttered and Susan giggled at the statement. Walking in he looked around to find nothing but a long mirror standing in one corner. Curiosity getting the better of him he took of the cloak and walked towards it leaving Susan behind with the cloak. He read the inscription out loud "Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi" Harry tilted his head to the side "Strange language, wait a minute. I show not your face but your heart's desire. Hmm wonder what my desire is"
He stepped closer and looked at the mirror and his eyes widened in surprise. He saw his parents standing either side of him smiling proudly at him but what nearly made him laugh were Susan, Daphne and Katie standing behind his mirror self. Now Harry sort of expected this but what he didn't expect was what they were doing behind him. They were firing spells and fighting back a hoard of fans, men, women, boys and girls. Nothing was getting past them. What did get a chuckle was the headmaster was among the group as well trying desperately to reach him.
The image faded when Susan stepped in front of him and she gasped in shock. Harry saw the look of shock and awe in her face. When a tear fell from her eye he placed his hand on her shoulder and she spun around in surprise "Harry, it's my family. All those I see in the pictures Auntie shows me. Is that what you see Harry, your family?"
Harry ran a hand through his hair "Uh well my parents are in the picture yes, as are you" Susan blushed but looked back to the mirror and Harry noted that her face now held a longing expression and he put his arm around her shoulder causing her to tense "Susan, this isn't real. You have pictures to see them. This is no different"
"Yes it is" She snapped and Harry raised an eyebrow at the angry tone hidden in her voice. Susan let out a sigh "I'm sorry Harry but Pictures show emotions at the time. But that's all it is the past. No picture has what I'm seeing now. They are looking right at me, they are looking proud of me. No picture shows that, they don't show anything to do with me. No picture will show you-" She stopped herself from finishing the sentence and turned back to the mirror with a smile.
Harry let her talk uninterrupted and he suddenly realized the danger of the mirror. People would become so drawn to what they see something they can't ever have that they wouldn't be able to look away. To test his theory he gently tried to turn her away from the mirror but she fought against him. "Susan you can't stay here" She turned to him with fire in her eyes "Why?"
It was then Harry caught a familiar scent enter the room. The headmaster must have finally returned. He also heard a sigh of relief that caused him to mentally laugh "Your parents, your family are proud of you. You don't have to look at their faces in this mirror to know that Susan." She shook her head with a few tears coming down her face as if trying to deny it.
He placed his hand on her cheek and like she did that morning wiped away the tear track making her look him in the eyes. "If you didn't give me that album this morning Susan I would be fighting with you right now over who gets to look at this mirror. But you did give me the album. You let me get to know what they were like, you let me see them. You let me see the stories of their life that they will never get to tell me. But do you know the most important thing that album showed me"
She shook her head but kept her eyes locked onto his "You showed me that I can have a family one day, that I can make true friends who aren't after my fame or fortune. For what you and the others did showed me that I can be loved. I'm sure you've picked up that my childhood wasn't pleasant but thanks to all of you I know I can make my parents proud. I will make them proud, well if those pictures are any indication I did make Dad proud with your present." Susan giggled as she had seen the pictures of his father being a troublemaker.
"Each friend I make, each time I laugh with someone. Each time I smile and show my happiness I know I'm making them proud. Because wherever they are I know they would want me to smile and be happy without them here with me. My relatives tried to prevent that from happening and I nearly let them"
He then kissed her on the cheek and then her forehead before he silently added but in the quiet room all present heard it "It's thanks to people like you that I can smile. I don't need to dream of what could have been when I have someone like you here Susan. Do you know what I see when I look in the mirror?"
Susan tilted her head since she thought he saw his family like her. "I see my parents smiling proudly at me yes but what is behind me is what makes me smile. You and my other friends protecting me, keeping away those who would use me for their own ends like my fame, money or power. You are those that would keep me happy. Those that would keep me safe not the memory of what can never be"
She started to sob but she looked at the mirror again but this time she did see her family but she also saw her friends by her side smiling, Harry being next to her like he was right now. Susan turned back to Harry a true smile and kissed him on the cheek "Thank you Harry"
"Very well said indeed Harry" Susan jumped and scooted away from Harry while said boy feigned surprise at seeing the headmaster appear out of thin air. "Headmaster, I'm sorry for not going straight to our dorms. I don't know why but Fawkes brought us here. After we saw what was in the mirror we asked him to take us to our dorms but I wanted to come back here. I didn't know Susan would be here too. Please don't punish us for staying out past curfew"
The old man's eyes widened in surprise before his eyes began twinkling full force. He was so focussed on Harry he missed the redheads surprised gaze at the altered story. "No harm done my boy, I see you have found the weakness to the mirror and beaten it. As well as helped Miss Bones do the same. Punishment I think not, take 5 points for Gryffindor for helping out a fellow student in her time of need"
"Thank you sir" Harry nodded slightly at the man and he beamed quite pleased. Curiosity getting the better of him "Sir, what do you see when you look in the mirror" The man eyes looked sad but a moment but he decided not to say the first silly thing that came to mind which was socks. Looking Harry in the eye twinkle gone he stated "I see forgiveness from those I have failed over my long years my boy"
Harry was actually surprised he got an honest answer. He was expecting something stupid like a mountain of muggle candy. Nodding his head in understanding Harry stated "Thank you for being honest with me sir. How will we get back to our dorms, I think we got lucky not running into anyone to get here?"
The aged wizard chuckled merrily twinkle back in action. "My boy just who do you think would have kept a family heirloom from you until you returned to our world. I think you can get Miss Bones and yourself back just fine. I shall move the mirror so don't come looking for it again. Although I doubt it will be necessary now you've beaten its hold. Now off you go"
Harry eyes widened at the admittance but shrugged and stood up, lifting Susan up a moment later. Throwing the Invisibility cloak over them both he guided them out of the room. Dumbledore moved closer to the mirror and sighed when he saw the faces of many people he had failed smile in understanding back to him. "I'm sorry but it was necessary" He stated sincerely looking at James and Lily Potter. His eyes guided to his sister for but a moment before he tore his eyes away and walked out of the room.
Once back in his room Harry couldn't figure out what the deal was with Dumbledore. Did he have a purpose for the mirror that would involve Harry somehow? The fact he stated he was moving it was very similar to how he stated not to go to the third floor at the start of term. That meant it was likely that Dumbledore wanted him to overcome the mirror so he wouldn't fall prey to it later on. That meant Dumbledore was expecting him to go to the third floor corridor at some point in time.
The question plaguing Harry's mind now was why? Sure he had an interest in knowing what exactly was hidden there. It was obviously placed in the castle for safe guarding for a reason. Why would be willingly go in search of it? Something wasn't right about the situation and for some reason he felt it had something to do with Snape and Quirrel. He let out a sigh before he did a quick wandless Lumos charm and started flicking through the album Susan had made. He wasn't lying earlier when he told her he probably would have been in a similar state of mind to her if he didn't get this that morning.
Time skip – Term Renews
10 days past with Harry deciding to do as he promised himself and began heading down to the great lake and began doing laps daily. He only ran at a speed that would be fast for someone his age. He did make an effort to keep the speed within reason though, just in case people watched him. Which knowing his number of fans it could be highly likely there is someone watching him from somewhere.
Since he was going at such a speed it did take him quite some time to get tired. For the first few days he ran around 3-6km depending on how early he headed out. He would then proceed to do push ups, sit ups and squats in alteration. He found this extremely boring by the second day but remembering his cousin talking about boxing he also thought about getting some various muggle books on different fighting styles. At least then he would feel like he was accomplishing something.
So that day he headed inside to go and talk to the headmaster again. He reluctantly agreed to let Harry go and have a look at some stores. When Harry asked to head into muggle London as well he needed to pick someone who would fit in with muggles that could escort him. With a sigh he summoned the boy's head of house since she could easily transfigure her clothes into muggle clothing before they headed to muggle London. Neither he nor Hagrid would look right there and muggle repelling charms wouldn't be beneficial.
While in Diagon Harry withdrew more money from Gringotts. He wasn't sure why he bothered but he figured just in case he needed it before he claimed his head of house position the more he had available the better. He had taken his trunk with him shrunken in his pocket and he managed to lose the Professor in the bookstore. Harry stocked up on a bulk of Potions ingredients of all types pleasing the owner greatly before putting them all in his trunk. He also bought each type of cauldron and vials and stored them too. Once happy with what he had he snuck back into the library somehow managing to not raise any suspicions with his head of house.
Harry had to prevent himself from not laughing after he saw what the Professor had transfigured her clothes into. He gently explained that it wasn't the 1900s and she should change it to something modern. After standing outside the Leaky Cauldron but still within the muggle repelling charm Harry pointed out an older woman. McGonagall didn't look pleased but after altering the Dress she looked much more modern.
Harry ended up getting as many martial arts and self defense books as he could. This ended up surprising both his professor and the owner when he saw the selections but didn't comment. He payed Jean a visit and bought a more appropriate range of outfits for exercising as well as telling her the reactions from the girls. Needless to say she was laughing hysterically by the end of the tale.
Over the next 8 days Harry did the same workout and actually found it to be somewhat relaxing. Susan had begun coming out after the fourth day just to watch him. Usually making an appearance once he started his exercises after the run. She found him learning various muggle fighting styles fascinating and started acting like a personal cheer squad making him laugh. Harry could already picture the fangirls that would start coming to watch him each morning.
At night he would go into his trunk and practice some harder potions, he had a nagging feeling Snape would choose a harder one to try and catch him out for once. He also took note of what ingredients he had bought could be used in and was pleased to note were in quite difficult potions for a first year. In other words Harry would be keen to try them during the summer. It would give him something to do since he couldn't use magic. He planned to visit his girls and at their houses he could practice magic.
Finally the day came that the students would be returning to Hogwarts. Harry arrived in the great hall that evening and pouted at what he saw. That caused Susan to laugh and give him a hug. The reason Harry was upset was because the house tables had returned. He had gotten quite used to Susan and the Professors being the protection against his greatest fanboy so far. Looking over at the Gryffindor table and seeing the extremely pleased look on said fanboy's face almost caused Harry to let out a whimper.
"Oh Merlin you knew this was going to happen Harry. What will you be like at the end of the year?" Harry looked at her in shock as realization struck him, he would be back at the Dursley's. Well Harry realized that technically he could just get a taxi to the Leaky cauldron and visit his friends from there. So in reality he wasn't to bothered, turning to the girl he stated "I think I'll go to the Leaky Cauldron and floo to your place daily"
She rolled her eyes at him before pushing him in the direction of the red and gold table. Halfway there he stopped and slowly turned around like a small child about to do something naughty. His eyes widened when he saw Susan standing up with her wand pointed at him pointing at the table with her other hand. He hung his head before turning back around and walking the rest of the distance ignoring the snickers and laughter from the students and Professors alike.
A short time after he seated himself near the Weasleys but facing in the direction of Susan, Ron decided to get up and around the table to sit next to him. The sound of exciting chattering could be heard incoming from the entrance hall and flocks of students started coming in waves. Harry caught sight of Daphne and Tracey first. They smiled and sent waves his way that he responded too. His fellow first years came to sit near him but since Fred was on his left Katie came and plonked herself in the middle of the two. The other two chasers sitting opposite them and sent Harry smiles.
Harry's hand twitched and Katie sent him a warning glare, his arm then twitched and she sent out a low growl catching the attention of a few students around them. Harry then turned to Neville suddenly "Thanks for your help with that present Nev, I really do appreciate it. Say how come I didn't see you at the ball?" Katie looked at him in confusion for not making a scene like he usually did. Before Neville could answer Harry turned quickly and latched onto Katie lifting her and putting her in his lap causing her to sigh before he turned his head back to Neville awaiting his answer.
Everyone blinked in confusion at the two in confusion but shrugged and went back to their conversations. "Uh Gran decided it would be best not to attend. Thinks I'm not ready for any political manoeuvres yet" Looking at him he couldn't help but agree but he didn't voice his opinion. Neville would be stepped upon and tossed aside by the younger and older purebloods alike with his timid nature. Harry sent him a reassuring smile that he understood Neville's reasoning and the boy smiled back.
He then got into conversations with the rest of his dorm mates. He had to explain what ball he was referring too. They all looked at Ron curiously since he boldly stated his status at the start of the year yet obviously wasn't invited to the ball but no one asked why. They all thanked him for his gifts and Ron looked furious when Fay thanked him for the miniature Quidditch model game. He looked like Harry had just made the biggest betrayal.
Once the food appeared Harry reluctantly let Katie off his lap and pouted. She sighed before giving him a kiss on the cheeks making him brighten and start dishing food. Many at the table like the fangirls, the fellow first years, the chaser girls and the twins all looked at Harry curiously when he didn't react as if it happens all the time.
12 days passed and as predicted Harry had gained a crowd for his morning exercises. It bothered him slightly the way many of them were leering at him in a way that sent shivers up his spine. But he continued as if there wasn't a bunch of squealing, giggling girls watching his every move and after a few days he got used to it. When the cameras started appearing he felt like walking into the lake and not coming back out again.
Classes returned and he felt like an idiot for not using the time to practice the spells in Draco's duelling book. But he figured it was something to do before his run in the mornings perhaps. Improve his magical combat ability as well as his physical. He took the time in each class chatting to his friends while helping them out as usual. Blaise had taken to try and practically block him from sitting with Daphne in classes but Tracey always saw ahead and would sit in the middle then move over to let Harry sit in-between them.
His potion's practice had indeed paid off and when he was the only one who got a flawless potion Snape was forced to give him a nice reward in points. He had also smiled when he first saw it until his eyes locked onto Harry's and began to try and reverse the smile into a sneer. It was obviously difficult for the man though.
The Ravenclaw versus Hufflepuff game was in mid January and Harry had to admit in his opinion the skill levels were not very impressive considering they were all older players. It was close but Cho caught the snitch winning the game for her team 200-60. He saw Cho had quite a bit of skill on a broom and knew when he played against her it would be fun. He let out a groan when Oliver that night in the common room stated training sessions would begin that weekend, all for the upcoming game against Hufflepuff. The exuberant captain even pulled out the Quidditch model and started explaining plays and Ron stood up and angrily marched up to his room.
"What's his problem?" Hermione asked curiously. Harry made sure he was gone before he stated "I got him that for Christmas too. I think he's not happy I got it for other people as well" She sighed before going back to her essay then stopped "Harry why aren't you ever doing the essays and other homework down here in the common room?"
The boy blinked before he stated "I don't sleep much. I do it when I go to bed or early in the mornings before my run out by the lake" When he mentioned the lake giggling came from all over the room.
Hermione looked around curiously "What's with the giggling?" Harry laughed "I run around with no shirt on. Do a bunch of exercises and than learn some various fighting styles. Apparently it's become popular with certain people in the castle."
Hermione looked him up and down with a blush before meeting his curious emerald eyes and going redder. She turned away quickly and stuck her head behind the book she was reading. Harry blinked before shrugging and went back to his captain's talk. The next morning he noticed a beet red Hermione watching him too in the masses of squealing females.
The following weeks flew by rather quickly from Harry's point of view. The snow had faded to be replaced with pouring rain which Harry had great fun teasing his crowd since he continued to train each morning regardless. He witnessed the dedicated fangirls that stayed there despite the rain. Harry had to laugh when he saw many were purposefully wearing white robes or muggle clothes in an attempt to catch his eye. Much to their disappointment he never paid much attention to them though but it did cause some guys to come watch him train too. Well watch the girls watch him train anyway.
Quidditch practice was getting ridiculous a week before the game in their intensity. Harry was slightly concerned Oliver had a workaholic condition considering after Slytherin and Ravenclaw's match that ended up being 190-50. That meant Gryffindor were only 20 points behind Ravenclaw. Slytherin were 40 behind them and they had already played two matches each while their team had only played once.
A few days before the match Oliver revealed why he was working them so hard, apparently Snape was going to referring the match. Harry sighed wondering if this was somehow Dumbledore's doing too. It was like he was throwing clues all over hoping Harry would notice them, that or he was just over thinking the situation again.
When the team got to the common room he saw Hermione and Ron together...again. "Hey guys is it me or is it these two been spending a lot of time together?" The team looked over and Ron's brothers got big grins on their faces "Looks like ickle Ronnie has grown up"
Harry began to walk over and he saw Hermione trying to shut Ron up but he still managed to hear "use Hermione, Flamel isn't anywhere. What's this got to do with that three headed dog anyway?"
Pretending he didn't hear what he did Harry stated "Oh you two seem to be getting close, maybe there's hope for you after all Ron. Hanging around a girl this much that is"
Ron jumped up and turned bright red "What, no we were just, arrgh don't worry. How was practice?" Harry shrugged with a grin "Oh you know how it is, tires us out especially the girls. But considering how wet they get out there guess it can't be helped."
When he got a smack to the back of the head and looking at the two confused looks on Ron and Hermione's faces he muttered "I meant the rain Katie jeez, it's not like these two get it anyway" She huffed at him "Yes but how will that promote your little Katie time conversations if it gets around. I swear you're doing it on purpose" Harry turned back to her with a grin "All part of the plan Katie, all part of the plan" All that did was earn him another smack before she headed up to get changed.
Turning back to the duo he saw Hermione's worried expression. "You right there Hermione, you look like some big secret just got revealed. I talk like that around Katie all the time so you should be used to it" She gave him a searching look before she smiled "Uh never mind Harry"
He shrugged before heading upstairs to get changed himself. But meanwhile he pulled the information up from his mind. Flamel was famous for making the Philosopher's stone. That what is on the third floor corridor then? But why would Dumbledore think he would go in search for it? He had more gold than he would ever need. Dumbledore didn't know but he was also immortal so the elixir was pointless. Unless someone was trying to steal it and the old man thought he had some sort of Hero complex and would try to save it.
Harry scoffed at the very idea, it probably wasn't even the real one hidden on the third floor. Why would he say something that pretty much says 'Hello greedy bastards! The tool to your success is hidden exactly where I tell you. The third floor corridor.' It was more likely the headmaster had it heavily warded somewhere only he can access in the castle. He then likely planned on using the fake stone as bait for someone. The question running through Harry's mind was who it was, Snape or Quirrell?