Harry, Fred, and George sprinted through the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, their hurried footsteps echoing against the ancient stone walls. The urgency of their mission left no room for hesitation; they had to reach Professor Dumbledore and warn him about what they had discovered.

"We've got to hurry," Fred panted as they turned a corner. "If Quirrell and Riddle are after the Philosopher's Stone, we don't have much time."

George nodded, his expression unusually serious. "Let's hope Dumbledore's in his office."

Harry, his mind racing alongside his feet, could only hope the Headmaster was ready to act swiftly. As they reached the familiar corridor leading to Dumbledore's office, the trio skidded to a halt in front of the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance.

The gargoyle's stony eyes gleamed as it spoke in a gruff, gravelly voice. "Password?"

Fred and George exchanged a panicked glance. "Uh, sherbet lemon?" Fred tried, recalling Dumbledore's fondness for sweets.

The gargoyle didn't move.

"Fizzing Whizzbee?" George guessed.

Still nothing.

Harry racked his brain for any clue but came up empty. "We don't have time for this," he muttered. He stepped closer to the gargoyle. "It's an emergency! We need to see Professor Dumbledore."

The gargoyle remained motionless, unyielding.

"Great," Fred groaned. "Of all the times to forget to ask Dumbledore for his password!"

Harry paced in frustration. "Maybe we should find McGonagall. She might know—"

Before Harry could finish his sentence, a familiar, stern voice cut through the air. "And just where do you think you're going?"

The trio turned sharply, their eyes widening as they found themselves face-to-face with Professor McGonagall. Her sharp gaze swept over them, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"Professor McGonagall," Harry began, his voice urgent, "we need to see Professor Dumbledore. It's really important."

McGonagall arched a skeptical eyebrow. "And what could possibly be so urgent that you feel the need to interrupt the Headmaster?"

Harry hesitated, glancing at Fred and George. "It's about—"

"Unfortunately," McGonagall interrupted, her tone brooking no argument, "the Headmaster is not here. He was called to the Ministry of Magic on urgent business."

Harry's heart sank. "Do you know when he'll be back?"

McGonagall's expression softened slightly. "He left on his broom. That means it could be several hours, if not longer."

Harry opened his mouth to explain about Quirrell and Tom Riddle, but Fred and George subtly shook their heads behind McGonagall's back, silently urging him to keep quiet. Harry hesitated, then nodded.

"Thank you, Professor," he said finally, his voice subdued.

McGonagall studied them for a moment longer, her eyes narrowing slightly. "If this matter is truly urgent, you may discuss it with me."

George shook his head quickly. "No, it's… it's fine. We'll wait for Professor Dumbledore."

McGonagall's gaze lingered, as if she could see straight through them, but she finally gave a curt nod. "Very well. But I expect you three to stay out of trouble. Now, off you go."

The trio muttered their thanks and quickly walked away, their minds racing.

As they hurried through the corridors of Hogwarts, the tension still thick in the air, Harry broke the silence.

"Why did you stop me from telling McGonagall?" he asked, glancing at George. "She could've helped."

George exchanged a quick look with Fred before replying, "There's something fishy going on."

Fred tilted his head. "Fishy? What do you mean, fishy?"

George slowed his pace, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "Think about it," he began. "Why would Dumbledore leave for the Ministry on a broom? The man has a phoenix, for Merlin's sake. Fawkes can take him anywhere in seconds. Not to mention his office is connected to the Floo Network."

Harry frowned. "That's true... but maybe he didn't want to draw attention?"

George shook his head. "Doesn't add up. Dumbledore's smart. If he really needed to go to the Ministry urgently, he'd use the fastest method available, not the slowest. Flying on a broom, especially with how things are right now, seems... odd."

Fred's eyes lit up as realization dawned. "Wait a minute. You're saying he's not actually gone? That he's still here, hiding?"

George nodded, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Exactly. He wants people to think he's away, probably to draw out whoever's after the Stone. He's likely somewhere in the castle, keeping an eye on things."

Harry's mind raced. "So, he knows about Quirrell? He's letting him make his move?"

Fred whistled softly. "That's risky. If Dumbledore's staying hidden, he's betting on catching them red-handed."

George smirked. "That's Dumbledore for you. He's always playing the long game."

Harry nodded slowly, his initial frustration giving way to understanding. "If Dumbledore's watching, then maybe we don't need to act yet. But we should still keep an eye on Quirrell."

Fred grinned. "And the Marauder's Map will help us do just that."

George tapped his chin thoughtfully. "We'll stay alert. If Quirrell or Riddle makes another move, we'll know, and we can step in if we have to."

Harry felt a surge of determination. "Then we'll be ready. No matter what happens."

Fred and George both clapped Harry on the back, their usual playful energy replaced with a serious resolve. "That's the spirit," Fred said. "Let's make sure the Stone stays safe."

Harry, Fred, and George huddled over the Marauder's Map. The parchment was spread out on a table, the castle's detailed layout glowing faintly under the flickering candlelight.

"There," Harry whispered, pointing at a small, labeled space near the third-floor corridor. "That's the Forbidden Corridor. Look at this—only one way in and one way out."

Fred traced the narrow passage with his finger. "No secret tunnels, no hidden entrances, no back doors. It's a straight shot."

George leaned closer, his brow furrowed. "And if they're in there right now, the only way they're getting out is the same way they went in."

Harry sat back, his mind racing. "So, if we keep an eye on this spot, we'll see them when they come out."

Fred tapped the map thoughtfully. "Yeah, but here's the thing. This is Hogwarts. The castle's practically alive. There are spells, wards, and enchantments everywhere. It's not just about catching them when they leave. It's about stopping them before they get too far."

George nodded. "Hogwarts is built like a fortress. Breaking through a wall or creating a new passage? That's not happening. Even if Quirrell's got dark magic on his side, the castle won't make it easy for him."

Harry's gaze returned to the map. "Then we need to keep watch. If Quirrell and... whoever this Tom Riddle is, try to leave, we'll know."

"We need a spot where we can keep an eye on the entrance without being seen," Fred whispered, his voice barely audible.

George nodded, scanning their surroundings. "And somewhere we can hide if they come out."

Harry unfolded the map again and stared at it. Quirrell and the mysterious Tom Riddle were still inside the Forbidden Corridor. "Let's check around the corner," he suggested, gesturing toward a narrow alcove nearby.

The three of them crept down the hall, staying as close to the shadows as possible. They reached the alcove, which was partially hidden by a suit of armor.

Fred examined it critically. "Not bad. We can duck in here, and we'll still have a clear view of the corridor entrance."

George gave the armor a gentle nudge. "Plus, it's big enough to cover us if someone comes this way."

Harry nodded. "Alright, this will work. But we need to be ready for anything. If they come out with the Stone—"

Fred grinned, cutting him off. "Don't worry, mate. We'll give them a surprise they won't forget."

They settled into their hiding spot, peeking out occasionally to ensure the corridor remained quiet. The tension in the air was almost tangible.

Fred pulled out a small, wrapped bundle from his pocket. "Snacks, anyone? Can't keep watch on an empty stomach."

George snorted. "Only you would think of food at a time like this."

Harry couldn't help but smile as he took a piece of chocolate. "Thanks, Fred."

They sat in silence for a while, the weight of their mission sinking in. Every creak of the castle seemed amplified in the stillness. The distant hoot of an owl or the soft rustle of a tapestry made them tense, but nothing happened.

Harry knew that lingering in the open near the Forbidden Corridor was a risk. Anyone could stumble upon them, especially Filch or a wandering professor. After a quick glance at the Marauder's Map, he handed it over to Fred and George.

"I'll be right back," Harry whispered urgently. "Stay here and keep an eye on them."

Fred raised an eyebrow. "What's the plan, Harry?"

"You'll see," Harry replied, already sprinting down the hall.

Harry made his way through the quiet castle, careful to avoid any creaking floorboards or suspicious eyes. The corridors were mostly empty, but he couldn't afford to be careless. His heart pounded in his chest as he neared the Fat Lady's portrait.

The Fat Lady blinked groggily as Harry skidded to a stop. "Password?"

"Excalibur," Harry whispered hurriedly. The portrait swung open, and he scrambled through the hole into the Gryffindor Common Room.

The room was silent, the embers in the fireplace casting a faint glow. Harry didn't waste time. He darted up the spiral staircase to the boys' dormitory and pushed open the heavy wooden door. The room was filled with the soft snores of his sleeping roommates.

Moving quietly, Harry knelt by his trunk and opened it carefully. He sifted through his belongings, pushing aside books, robes, and other items until his fingers brushed against a soft, silken fabric. His father's invisibility cloak. It shimmered faintly in the low light, as if it had been waiting for him.

Harry folded the cloak and tucked it under his arm, ensuring it didn't make a sound. He closed the trunk as quietly as he could and slipped out of the dormitory, retracing his steps back to the Common Room. He glanced around one last time to make sure no one had woken up before climbing back out through the portrait hole.

Harry moved swiftly but cautiously, the invisibility cloak bundled securely in his arms. By the time he returned to Fred and George, they were still stationed in the alcove, their eyes glued to the Marauder's Map.

Fred looked up as Harry approached. "That was quick. Did you—"

Harry held up the cloak with a grin. "This should help us stay hidden."

George's eyes widened. "Merlin's beard! Is that what I think it is?"

Harry nodded, spreading the cloak out so they could see. "It's my dad's invisibility cloak. It'll make us completely invisible."

Fred let out a low whistle. "Now that's a piece of magic."

George reached out to touch the fabric, his fingers brushing against the smooth material. "And you've just been hiding this in your trunk? Blimey, Harry, you could've been sneaking around the castle this whole time."

Harry chuckled. "It's come in handy before, but I figured now's the perfect time to use it."

Fred grinned. "Brilliant. With this, we can get as close as we want without them ever knowing."

The three of them huddled together, and Harry draped the cloak over their heads. It was a tight fit, but they managed to conceal themselves entirely. From the outside, it looked as though the alcove was empty.

Author's Note:

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