In the coming days, Alex keenly sensed the palpable shift in the atmosphere at Hogwarts. As the Quidditch season kicked off, a ripple of excitement and anticipation swept through the corridors. Students started behaving differently, their competitive spirits heightened by the approaching matches.
The friendly banter between houses took on a more intense edge, and a subtle undercurrent of rivalry began to color interactions. In the Great Hall, students from Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw engaged in heated debates about the upcoming matches, passionately defending their house teams. The once amiable atmosphere now crackled with competitive energy that seemed to touch every corner of the castle.
The Quidditch pitch became a focal point of anticipation, with students flocking to witness the practices and strategizing sessions. As the buzz of discussions and predictions intensified, so did the camaraderie within each house. Gryffindors exchanged determined nods, Slytherins held secretive strategy meetings, Hufflepuffs showed unwavering support, and Ravenclaws delved into meticulous analyses of the teams.
Bets were placed with enthusiasm, creating a dynamic where friendships were tested, and alliances were formed or broken based on the outcome of matches. The corridors echoed with the fervor of Quidditch-related discussions, and even the professors couldn't escape the infectious energy that gripped the castle.
As the anticipation reached its peak, some students couldn't help but succumb to the competitive spirit, leading to occasional clashes between houses. The friendly rivalry escalated, adding a layer of excitement and tension to the already charged atmosphere.
In the midst of this Quidditch fever, Alex found himself caught up in the whirlwind of emotions and enthusiasm. The once serene halls of Hogwarts now resonated with the electrifying energy of a school consumed by the fervor of the Quidditch season.
Alex's emotions churned as he watched Harry receive the opportunity to play in the match. A twinge of jealousy crept in, fueled by the desire to be on the Quidditch pitch, soaring through the air on a broomstick. The thought lingered in his mind: what if he spoke to Professor Snape? Could an exception be made for him as well? Doubt cast a shadow over his hope, questioning the likelihood of such a concession.
Entering the Great Hall, Alex observed the vibrant atmosphere, filled with students immersed in animated conversations. Spotting Daphne and Tracey engaged in discussion at the Slytherin table, he exchanged nods with them. His gaze then shifted to the Gryffindor table, where Hermione sat with Harry and Ron. Gesturing discreetly to Daphne and Tracey, he walked toward Hermione, who appeared focused on convincing Harry to eat.
Examining Harry, Alex's earlier jealousy transformed into pity as he observed the scrawny boy. Harry appeared pale and on the verge of nausea, even without consuming any food.
"Is this how you're planning to beat Slytherin today, Potter?" Alex snorted, voicing a mix of sarcasm and disdain.
Hermione shot him a warning look, and Ron regarded him with contempt. Alex raised his hand in surrender. "You can't argue with me; you know I am right," he said, looking pointedly at Ron, who he knew had some experience in Quidditch.
"Alex is right, Harry. You need to eat something," Hermione interjected before Ron could open his mouth.
Harry picked up a toast and nibbled on it.
Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor Quidditch captain, called the team to their locker room, and Harry stood up to join them.
"Do you think he is going to be okay?" Hermione asked with concern.
"He will. He just needs to get on that broom, concentrate, and ignore all the buzz around him," Alex reassured her.
"You look awfully supportive of Harry, what's your game?" suspiciously asked Ron.
"No game, just wanted to see how he would fare up and talk to Hermione," said Alex.
Ron frowned but looked away.
Alex, looking at Hermione, asked, "You have been ignoring me for a few days now, have I done something?"
Hermione looked guilty. "Oh no, I am sorry Alex. It's just that the homework is piling up, and because of Harry's Quidditch practice, I have to help him and Ron with homework. And oh, that reminds me." After looking at Ron, she continues, "We need to tell you something about the dog-"
"Hey, calm down Hermione. I was just teasing. You are not obligated to talk to me every day," reassured Alex, trying to stop Hermione from rambling as she grew restless with each word she said.
"You are right, though. We do need to talk, but I don't think right now is the best time. There are too many eyes on us, and I'm tired of everyone looking suspiciously whenever Gryffindors and Slytherins talk. This Gryffindor and Slytherin rivalry is getting ridiculous," Alex said, glancing around at the curious gazes of Gryffindor and Slytherin students.
"How about after the match, you join us? We'll wait for you at the exit door of the stands," suggested Hermione.
Alex smiled and squeezed her hand. "He will be okay, don't worry. And if something goes wrong, Madam Pomfrey will fix it with a click of her fingers. I speak from experience," he joked to ease her worries.
Hermione smiled gratefully, putting her hand on his, and whispered, "Thanks, Alex," looking at Alex deeply.
They were looking at each other a bit longer than necessary, their faces a bit red. Alex attributed it to the cold in November, though he wasn't entirely convinced.
As Alex joined Daphne and Tracey at the Slytherin table, they greeted him with friendly smiles. He settled down, grabbing a piece of toast. Daphne, with a curious gleam in her eyes, asked, "Who do you think is going to win today?"
Alex looked at her while still chewing toast, feeling Tracey's curious gaze as well. He gave Daphne a thoughtful look. "I don't know, this Slytherin team, from what I have heard, knows how to win. They won last season, but I am worried about their tactics; they are-"
"Dirty," said Daphne.
"Unfair," added Tracey.
"Fraudulent," continued Daphne.
"Unpleasant," chimed in Tracey.
"Unethical," Daphne concluded.
"Rotten," added Tracey.
"I was going to say 'one-dimensional,' but those words work too," Alex said amusedly. "Now, onto the Gryffindor team. They have an exceptional keeper, two beaters who know each other better than anyone, three chasers with experience playing together, and a wild card who is their seeker." He finished his scrutiny of the two teams.
"So Gryffindor is going to flatten us," stated Daphne, looking mildly upset at the prospect of losing.
"Well," started Alex awkwardly, "Gryffindor isn't unbeatable. It's just that our team has only one tactic, and that is to bully them for the whole match. It can work, but this Gryffindor team has guts, and they won't back down from a challenge."
Tracey's eyes brightened as she leaned across the table, nudging Daphne's shoulder playfully. "Hey, come on, Daphne. It's not over 'til it's over. Besides, it's just a game, right? There's always next year to look forward to."
Daphne huffed, her brows knitting together as she crossed her arms. "It's not just a game, Tracey. It's about house pride. And letting Potter on the team in his first year? That doesn't seem fair to me. He's just a first-year like Alexander here."
Alexander swallowed his toast and gave a small, wry grin, his humor peeking through. "Well, maybe next year, I'll just have to try out for the Seeker position myself, Daphne. That way, we'll stand a better chance, won't we?"
Both Daphne and Tracey looked at him, their expressions shifting from surprise to contemplation. Tracey's excitement was barely containable. "That would be brilliant, Alexander! With your determination, you'd do splendidly!"
Daphne, however, was more reserved, her analytical mind weighing his words. "Can you beat Potter, though, Alexander?" she asked, her voice carrying a challenge.
Alexander felt the seriousness of her question. He had never flown against Harry, so he couldn't say with absolute certainty. "I haven't had the chance to fly against him, Daphne, so I can't say yes with full conviction. But I'll train hard, and I'll give it everything I've got."
The intensity of Daphne's gaze sent a chill through Alexander. Realizing he needed to respond with conviction to reassure her, he straightened up. "I'll do my best, Daphne. I won't let Slytherin down. I might not have flown against Potter yet, but that doesn't mean I can't outfly him with practice."
Daphne's demeanor softened a hint of approval in her eyes. "See that you do, Alexander. We'll be expecting great things from you. Slytherin's honor rests on the shoulders of its champions."
Alexander nodded solemnly, feeling the weight of his promise. He made a silent vow that he would train relentlessly. The thought of facing Daphne's icy wrath, if he failed, was enough motivation. "I won't let you down," he said with determination, "nor will I let Slytherin down. Next season, we'll show them what we're really made of."
Daphne's lips curved into a small smile, and she added with a playful glint in her eyes, "Just remember, Alexander, if you mess up, you might find yourself in the middle of my infamous 'I'm not angry, just disappointed' stare. And trust me, you'd rather face a Bludger."
The table burst into laughter, and even Alexander couldn't help but chuckle nervously. The prospect of Daphne's "disappointed stare" was almost as daunting as a Quidditch match against Gryffindor.
In the midst of the laughter, Alexander couldn't help but let out a nervous chuckle under his breath. He hoped Hermione wouldn't unleash a hex-fest on him when she found out. She had this whole theory about Quidditch being a dangerous game and was convinced he'd end up in Madam Pomfrey's care sooner or later. Her wrath, he feared, would make Daphne's disappointed stare look like a gentle breeze. And unlike Daphne, who had a sharp tongue, Hermione had curses and jinxes at her disposal—Alexander shivered at the mental image of facing a barrage of magical retribution. For the sake of self-preservation, he wisely decided to drop the Quidditch bomb on her next term, hopefully after the initial shock had worn off a bit.
The Quidditch pitch buzzed with excitement, anticipation crackling in the air. Students from all houses filled the stands, eyes fixed on the players below. Palpable tension and an electric atmosphere enveloped the scene.
Gryffindor and Slytherin teams stood lined up on opposite sides, determination etched on their faces. Mounted on their brooms, the players triggered cheers from the crowd. The moment had arrived – the match was about to commence.
He stood alongside Daphne and Tracey, sharing a pair of binoculars to catch every detail of the Quidditch match. The vibrant spectacle unfolded before them, and Alexander couldn't help but notice Gryffindor's grand display. A banner proclaiming "Potter for President" adorned the stands, complete with a majestic Gryffindor lion painted underneath. The charm Hermione had woven into it made the paint flash in a riot of colors, a testament to her magical prowess.
As his eyes scanned the field, he spotted a miniature figurine of Madam Hooch, the Quidditch referee, poised on the pitch. The anticipation in the air was palpable as all fifteen brooms took flight, and the match officially began with the sharp sound of Madam Hooch's whistle.
'And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor – what an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too –'
'JORDAN!'
'Sorry, Professor.'
The Weasley twins' friend, Lee Jordan, was doing the commentary for the match, closely watched by Professor McGonagall.
'And she's really belting along up there, a neat pass to Alicia Spinnet, a good find of Oliver Wood's, last year only a reserve – back to Johnson and – no, Slytherin have taken the Quaffle, Slytherin captain Marcus Flint gains the Quaffle and off he goes – Flint flying like an eagle up there – he's going to sc– no, stopped by an excellent move by Gryffindor Keeper Wood and Gryffindor take the Quaffle – that's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, nice dive around Flint, off up the field and – OUCH – that must have hurt, hit in the back of the head by a Bludger – Quaffle taken by Slytherin – that's Adrian Pucey speeding off towards the goalposts, but he's blocked by a second Bludger – sent his way by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which – nice play by the Gryffindor Beater, anyway, and Johnson back in possession of the Quaffle, a clear field ahead and off she goes – she's really flying – dodges a speeding Bludger– the goalposts are ahead – come on, now, Angelina – Keeper Bletchley dives – misses GRYFFINDOR SCORE!'
Gryffindor's cheers filled the cold air, with howls and moans from the Slytherins.
Looking through the binoculars, Alexander could spot Harry high above them, squinting and searching for the elusive Golden Snitch. When Angelina had scored, Harry had done a couple of loopthe-loops. Now he was back to staring around for the Snitch.
He thought Harry caught the sight of the snitch at one point but a bludger came his way, more like a cannonball than anything, but Harry dodged it and one of the Weasley twin came chasing after it. Witnessing Harry's near encounter with the bludger, Alexander couldn't help but release a tense breath. The Quidditch match had taken an intense turn, with the Weasley twin now in pursuit of the wayward bludger. He strained to catch any snippets of conversation, trying to grasp the dynamics of the game. He aggressively directed the bludger toward Slytherin's captain Marcus Flint.
'Slytherin in possession,' Lee Jordan was saying. 'Chaser Pucey ducks two Bludgers, two Weasleys and Chaser Bell and speeds towards the – wait a moment – was that the Snitch?'
A murmur ran through the crowd as Adrian Pucey dropped the Quaffle, too busy looking over his shoulder at the flash of gold that had passed his left ear.
Alex's eyes locked onto it, and so did the other players on the pitch. Harry swiftly dived toward the radiant streak of gold, and even Slytherin seeker Terence Higgs witnessed it too. They were racing neck and neck, hurtling towards the snitch. Alex couldn't help but notice that all the chasers were suspended in mid-air, mesmerized by the chase. Internally, Alex chastised the Slytherin team, realizing this was a golden opportunity to score some points.
Reflecting on the clash between the seekers, he noticed Harry outpacing Higgs with a burst of speed-
WHAM! Alex winced, as a roar of anger erupted from the Gryffindors. Marcus Flint deliberately blocked Harry, causing his broom to veer off course, with Harry clinging on desperately.
Daphne declared, "And so it commences."
"What commences?" inquired Tracey, appearing puzzled and slightly pale following the incident.
"You were certain we would fail, weren't you?" Daphne remarked, disregarding Tracey and turning her gaze towards Alex.
Alex nodded, "I've attended a couple of Slytherin training sessions and watched their seeker, Terrence Higgs, in action. He's skilled, but Harry's flying abilities are on a whole other level. It's like he was born to fly, relying purely on instinct."
Tracey, still appearing perplexed, glanced back and forth between Daphne and Alex multiple times.
Alex reiterated, "I've already mentioned this before, the Gryffindor team is really strong. They might even be the best this year, although I haven't seen the other teams yet. However, they are not invincible. Our aggressive strategies will only be effective if our seeker performs well, and unfortunately, he is not at the same level as Harry. Our tactics can barely keep up with Gryffindor's chasers and beaters. It feels like the Slytherins are only here to bully them, not actually to win." Alex finished his rant and handed the binoculars back to Tracey. She took them with a hint of disappointment, realizing that their house wouldn't emerge victorious.
Daphne confidently stated, "You already know what your next move should be for next year, don't you?"
Alex questioned, "What do you mean?"
In a nonchalant manner, Daphne advised, "You should join that team and ensure their victory."
Alex hesitated, "It won't be a simple task, th-"
Interrupting him with a piercing gaze, Daphne firmly asserted, "You will become a part of the team and lead them to victory. I don't care about the methods you employ, but you will succeed. Is that understood, Alexander?"
Alex tried to put on a brave face and retorted, "If you hate losing so much, why not join the team?" However, as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he had made a big mistake. The intense glare from Daphne could have frozen an entire lake. While Daphne's attitude was fierce, her physique, unlike her determination, seemed a bit too delicate for the rough and tumble nature of Quidditch.
Daphne appeared as though she possessed the ability to read minds because she moved closer to him. Alex, feeling frightened, used Tracey as a shield to protect himself from the impending verbal attack. He turned to Tracey, seeking her assistance, only to find her looking concerned as she peered through her binoculars. Following her gaze, he noticed Harry struggling to maintain his grip on his broom, which seemed determined to throw him off.
He urgently inquired, "Daphne, is a Nimbus 2000 supposed to behave like that?"
Daphne's brow furrowed as she responded, "It's not supposed to, brooms are enchanted. The only thing that could have caused it is-"
"Dark magic," Tracey interjected, causing both Alex and Daphne to turn their gaze towards her. She went on, "My mum always said that only Dark Magic can make enchanted objects go haywire."
Suddenly, people were pointing up at Harry all over the stands. His broom had started to roll over and over, with him only just managing to hold on. Then the whole crowd gasped. Harry's broom had given a wild jerk and Harry swung off it. He was now dangling from it, holding on with only one hand.
Alex wasted no time in demanding the binoculars from Tracey. Without hesitation, she handed them over, understanding the urgency in his voice. With the binoculars in hand, Alex's heart raced as he began scanning the crowded stands.
As he surveyed the sea of faces, it became evident that only powerful individuals could perform such dark magic. This realization ruled out most of the students, leaving Alex with a narrowed focus on the professors. They were the ones with the knowledge and skill to wield such potent spells.
His eyes darted from one professor to another, searching for any signs of suspicious behavior. Professor Flitwick, usually cheerful and composed, looked visibly worried. However, there was no eye contact or movement of the lips, indicating that he was not the one responsible for the dark magic that had infiltrated the event.
Next, Alex turned his attention to Professor Sprout, the herbology expert. She seemed deeply concerned as her gaze remained fixed on Harry, her mouth hanging open in shock. Her hands instinctively covered her mouth, rendering her unable to use a wand. It was clear that she was not the culprit either.
Finally, his binoculars landed on Professor Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. The sight that met his eyes sent a shiver down his spine. Quirrell was muttering something under his breath, his lips moving in sync with the incantation. The realization hit Alex like a bolt of lightning - Quirrell was indeed casting magic with a wand.
A gasp escaped Alex's lips, his heart pounding in his chest. Questions swirled in Alex's mind as he continued to observe Quirrell, determined to gather more evidence before taking action. He was just about to lower his Binocular when he spotted a familiar bushy brown mane. It was Hermione, rushing towards where Quirell was sitting. Of course, Alex thought Hermione would have figured it out too. He couldn't help but feel proud and amazed by her, causing a silly grin to spread across his face, unbeknownst to him.
Alex kept looking, he caught sight of Hermione colliding with Quirell. He immediately checked Harry's broom and was relieved to see it was stable. Expecting Hermione to come back, he turned towards the stands, only to be shocked by the sight of bright blue flames erupting from her wand and onto Professor Snape's robes. As he glanced at Professor Snape, he was taken aback to witness him muttering and waving his wand. It was clear that Snape was also practicing magic, but the question remained: why? He looked up once more and noticed that Harry's broom remained steady, indicating that whatever Snape was attempting, it wasn't effective or as perilous as it appeared to be.
Hermione's quick thinking and intervention had brought a sense of relief to Alex. The potential threat that Snape posed seemed to have been eliminated, at least for the time being. However, this only raised more questions about Snape and his involvement with Quirrell.
Alex couldn't shake off the suspicion that Quirrell was the one behind the manipulation of Harry's broom. It was evident that the broom became stable once Quirrell stopped his actions. But why would he want to harm Harry? What motive could he possibly have? Alex pondered over this, trying to connect the dots and make sense of the situation.
And then there was Snape, an enigma that had puzzled Alex since his arrival at Hogwarts. It was impossible to decipher Snape's true intentions. Was he good, bad, or a mix of both? On one hand, Snape despised Harry and showed clear favoritism towards Slytherin, which raised suspicions about his character. On the other hand, he had been mentoring Alex in dueling, providing guidance and support. This conflicting behavior made it even more confusing for Alex to make sense of Snape's true nature.
Now, with Snape potentially involved in cursing Harry's broom, Alex couldn't help but wonder about his actual role in all of this. Was he helping Quirrell in his sinister plans, or was he trying to counter the curse? It was a perplexing puzzle that needed to be solved.
Alex knew that passing judgment without concrete evidence would be unwise. He needed to gather more clues, dig deeper into the mystery, and uncover the truth. Only then could he make an informed decision about Snape's true intentions and involvement.
While lost in thought, he suddenly heard loud cheers and shouts coming from the crowd. When he glanced up, he spotted Harry proudly displaying the snitch for all to see.
"He swallowed it," Daphne muttered, her disappointment evident.
"Of course he did," Alex replied with a smirk.
As he spotted Hermione and Ron sneaking away from the crowd, he made up his mind to trail after them. He informed Daphne and Tracey that he was going to catch up with them, and they bid him farewell while urging him to keep them updated on any new details about the incident with Harry's broom.
He eventually located Hermione and Ron, who were lingering outside the locker room, presumably waiting for Harry. He deduced this as he arrived just in time to witness Harry joining them outside.
Alex tried to interject into the conversation, but Hermione and Ron were too focused on dissecting Harry's broomstick incident to notice. Frustration built up as his words fell on deaf ears, his voice drowned out by their animated discussion. Feeling invisible, Alex's mind raced with his thoughts and ideas.
Hermione welcomed him and invited him to join them on the way to Hagrid's hut. Hagrid's hut stood on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, a quaint and slightly ramshackle dwelling that looked like it could have been built from a mishmash of reclaimed materials. The structure was surrounded by a cluster of pumpkins and other peculiar plants, giving it a distinct, rustic charm.
As they approached, the door creaked open, revealing the giant form of Rubeus Hagrid. He stood at least twice the height of an average person, with a wild mane of tangled hair and a thick beard that obscured most of his face. Despite his intimidating appearance, Hagrid's eyes twinkled with warmth and kindness.
The interior of the hut was cozy but cluttered, filled with an assortment of magical creatures' belongings and various peculiar odds and ends. A large, rough-hewn table dominated the center of the room, covered with a mismatched array of teacups and plates.
Hagrid welcomed Alex with a gruff but friendly smile, motioning for them to take a seat. The air was filled with the comforting scent of freshly brewed tea, and the crackling fire in the hearth added to the homely atmosphere. The quartet settled in, ready to discuss the mysterious events that had unfolded during the Quidditch match.
Hagrid's booming voice echoed in the cozy hut as he expressed disbelief at the notion of Severus Snape cursing Harry's broomstick. Ron, however, was insistent as he recounted the details.
"It was Snape," Ron asserted. "Hermione and I saw him. He was cursing your broomstick, muttering, he wouldn't take his eyes off you."
Still seemingly unaware of the events next to him during the match, Hagrid dismissed the idea with a hearty, "Rubbish! Why would Snape do somethin' like that?"
During the discussion in Hagrid's hut, Alex chose to remain quiet, lost in deep contemplation. The recent events of the Quidditch match and the shocking revelation about Snape's alleged involvement in cursing Harry's broomstick continued to occupy his thoughts. He carefully weighed the possibilities, taking into account Hermione's accidental collision with Quirrell and the cryptic utterances of both professors.
Unbeknownst to Alex, Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged meaningful glances, silently agreeing on something. Harry and Ron appeared steadfast in their suspicion of Snape, and Alex could sense that persuading them to think otherwise would prove to be quite a daunting task.
"I found out something about him," Harry suddenly told Hagrid pulling Alex out of his thoughts. "He tried to get past that three-headed dog at Hallowe'en. It bit him. We think he was trying to steal whatever it's guarding." Hagrid dropped the teapot.
Alex glanced disbelievingly at Hermione after Harry's revelation and asked, "What exactly did you witness?" He was aware of Snape's animosity towards Harry, but that didn't justify Harry accusing him without solid proof. Before Harry could respond, Hagrid cut in.
"How do you know about Fluffy?" he said.
"Fluffy?"
"Yeah – he's mine – bought him off a Greek chappie I met in the pub las' year – I lent him to Dumbledore to guard the –"
"Yes?" said Harry eagerly.
"Now, don't ask me anymore," said Hagrid gruffly. "That's top secret, that is."
"But Snape's trying to steal it." Alex couldn't help but sigh when the accusation against Snape was raised again.
"Rubbish," said Hagrid again. "Snape's a Hogwarts teacher, he'd do nothin' of the sort." Alex, appreciating the logical stance, thought to himself, Thank Merlin, someone who uses his brain.
Hermione exclaimed, "So why did he just try and kill Harry?" Alex couldn't help but feel let down by Hermione's question. It appeared that her time with Harry and Ron had lowered her intelligence to their level, and the events of the afternoon had definitely altered her opinion of Snape.
"You've got to keep eye contact, and Snape wasn't blinking at all, I saw him!" so she didn't notice Quirell at all, that makes more sense Alex thought, all this time Alex thought that they were completely dismissing Quirell as a culprit but they didn't even consider him one.
"I'm tellin' yeh, yer wrong!" said Hagrid hotly. "I don' know why Harry's broom acted like that, but Snape wouldn' try an' kill a student! Now, listen to me, all three of yeh – yer meddlin' in things that don' concern yeh. It's dangerous. You forget that dog, an' you forget what it's guardin', that's between Professor Dumbledore an' Nicolas Flamel – "
"Aha!" said Harry. "So, there's someone called Nicolas Flamel involved, is there?"
Hagrid looked furious with himself.
Alex inquired, "Hey Hagrid, do you know how long Professor Quirrell has been around here?"
Hagrid, still a bit miffed about accidentally divulging information about Fluffy, looked puzzled but answered, "Dunno, not many years. 'E took a leave an' went to someplace las' year on a trip to Albania."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked confused when he asked about it, and he explained, "I also saw Quirrell muttering something, and when Hermione bumped into him, Harry's broom became stable."
Hermione stared at Alex with great focus, while Alex returned her gaze, attempting to convey his honesty. It seemed to have an effect as Hermione shifted her attention away from Alex and placed her hand on her chin, deep in thought. Harry appeared skeptical of Alex's words, but Ron rolled his eyes and said, "So what? Quirrell is always mumbling nonsense, he's probably talking to his turban."
Alex ignored everything else and focused solely on Hermione. After a moment of contemplation, she whispered, "It could be possible."
Ron scowled, shaking his head, "This is ridiculous. Snape's the one we should be pointing fingers at, not Quirrell. He's always sneaking around and muttering. You can't seriously believe he's innocent, Hermione."
Hermione retorted, "That was before Alex enlightened me about Quirrell, Ron. Now we have to consider all the possibilities."
Ron's face turned red as he snapped, "You can't honestly buy this rubbish he's saying."
Alex spoke calmly, attempting to keep his temper in check. "Are you suggesting that I'm lying?"
Ron scoffed, "Of course, you're lying. You're just trying to save face for that greasy git, Snape."
Alex paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. "Look, I'm not here to defend anyone or save face," he said earnestly. "I just want to make sure you have all the facts before you jump to conclusions." Seeing Harry about to interject, Alex quickly added, "I understand that Professor Snape hasn't been the nicest to you, but it's important not to let that cloud your judgment." He locked eyes with Harry, hoping his words would sink in.
Hermione agreed and said, "Alex is making sense. We can't just condemn our teachers without reliable evidence or prejudice." She eyed Harry and Ron, who seemed doubtful. Ron mumbled something under his breath, and Harry poked him with his elbow.
After that, everyone was left pondering about the identity of Nicolas Flamel and what the three-headed dog was guarding. Amidst all the speculation, nobody realized that Hagrid didn't deny anything as he did with Snape's questionable behavior when Alex mentioned Quirrell's suspicious actions.