Christmas was coming. One morning in the middle of December, Hogwarts awoke from its dream to find the ground covered in snow and the lake covered in hard ice. The Weasley twins were punished because they had enchanted a few snowballs to chase Quirrell around and hit him on the back of his turban. Hearing this news, Malfoy was somewhat shocked. In a sense, this was a slap to Voldemort's face.
"No wonder the two brothers ended up with one missing an ear and the other dead. Offending the Great Demon King is no fun at all." Of course, this was just a joke. In Voldemort's eyes, those who did not submit to him deserved death, and that included those who stood in his way. Professor Snape was a good example. It was not because his identity as a spy was exposed, but because Voldemort wanted to change the ownership of the old wand. At least on the surface, Voldemort could strangle a capable person to death.
Thinking about this, Malfoy raised his head and looked out the window.
A few owls were flying through the snowy sky to deliver mail. After going through so much, they had to recover their strength under Hagrid's care before they could continue flying. Christmas was approaching, and the owls were extremely busy. There were too many greeting letters.
Malfoy also received a letter from home. Narcissa wanted him to go home for Christmas.
Compared to going home, Malfoy felt that the school's library was more tempting.
"But I still have to go back. There's still a place I have to go." Malfoy thought of a plan he had already formulated.
Malfoy, who was sitting in a corner, flipped through an ancient book. The yellowed paper gave the illusion that it would turn to dust with a touch.
"The Forbidden Books Area not only has black magic, but also black history." He gently closed the book. The gilded title on the cover had already peeled off, and a few large words could be vaguely seen: "The History of Black Magic You Don't Know".
While silently digesting the huge amount of information in the book, Malfoy suddenly heard a middle-aged woman's voice. "What are you looking for, child?" This was the voice of Madam Pins, who was in charge of the Forbidden Books Area.
"Nothing." This was the voice of a boy.
Through the gap between the bookshelves, Malfoy saw Harry, who was looking around and was being questioned by Madam Pins.
"Then you'd better go out. Go - out, 'ordered Lady Pins.
Harry glanced at the gap between the bookshelves helplessly. He also saw Malfoy. However, it was clear that one of them had permission, while the other didn't, so the treatment they received was completely different.
Harry hated himself for not being smart enough to come up with a lie, such as looking for a classmate. But he soon remembered that he did not have a good relationship with Malfoy. If his lie was exposed, the academy might deduct his marks.
Harry walked out of the library with his imagination running wild. He hoped that Ron or Hermione could find some new clues, but he didn't have much hope.
It all started after the Quidditch match. Hermione said that she saw Snape chanting curses at Harry's broom, and Harry said that he saw Snape's leg get hurt. Connecting that to Hagrid's Cerberus, they deduced that Snape had bad intentions towards Harry, and seemed to want to steal something very important, which was why he got bitten.
In addition, Hagrid had let slip a few times. They learned that these events involved a man named Nico Lemay.
But it seemed that all the clues ended there.
In Gryffindor's lounge, Hermione buried her head in the dining table, while Ron played with his old wizard chess. Obviously, they still found nothing.
"I was chased out by Lady Pins," said Harry dejectedly.
"I suspect that he might be a Muggle." Hermione groaned weakly. "Otherwise, why can't we find him anywhere?"
"He's not in 'The Great Wizards of the 20th Century', nor is he in 'The Directory of Famous Contemporary Wizards'. Also, his name is not in 'Major Discoveries of Modern Magic' or 'Research on the Development of Modern Witchcraft'. "Hermione stretched out her fingers and counted the information she had checked.
"I'm going crazy because of him." Hermione scratched her messy hair and made a vexed expression.
"I think Lady Pins must know," added Harry.
"But we can't ask," Ron interrupted. "Even if we ask, Snape will know. It's not safe."
"You have to continue searching when I'm not around, okay?" said Hermione. "If you find anything, send an owl to tell me."
"You can also ask your parents if they know about Lemay," said Ron. "It's very safe to ask them."
"It's very safe because they're both dentists," said Hermione.
"I have a suggestion. Why don't we ask Malfoy? He has access to the Forbidden Books section, "said Harry hesitantly.
"Harry, are you crazy? He's a Slythrin! Snape is their dean. " Ron slammed the table and stood up. "And I don't think he'll tell us, right, Hermione?" Ron turned to look at Hermione.
"I don't know." Hermione's expression was unnatural. Obviously, she hadn't told them that she had a good relationship with Malfoy.
"I don't think he's a bad person. We might have really done something wrong in the car," said Harry.
"If you want to go, then go. I don't want to apologize to him." Ron slammed a chess piece on the chessboard, making a loud noise.
Hermione and Harry looked at each other and decided not to continue the topic.
"So you came to ask me?" Malfoy looked away from the book and looked up at Hermione.
"You must know who he is, right?" Hermione looked at him expectantly.
"Is this person important to you?" Malfoy asked knowingly.
"Very important." Hermione nodded affirmatively.
"But I don't think I have an obligation to tell you." Malfoy's voice suddenly turned cold. "If you ask me in private as a friend, I think I'll be happy to help you. But your two friends obviously won't be happy to accept my kindness. Don't you think that's unfair to me?"
"It's not like that. Harry suggested asking you," explained Hermione.
"So? Where is he? "
"Ron didn't agree. He seems to have a grudge against you, and Harry can't insist." Hermione's voice trailed off.
"Then I don't think I'll help you. Maybe they won't believe me when they find out I told you." Malfoy stared at Hermione quietly.
"No, it's not like that." Hermione shook her head to deny it.
"Well, I'll tell you now. Nico Lemay, the only known creator of the Philosopher's Stone, the greatest alchemist, and Dumbledore's friend. Is that enough? Are you satisfied? " Malfoy said. "Then, Miss Glenda, this is the forbidden area. I think you should leave as soon as possible."
"Why did it become like this?" Hermione looked at Malfoy's cold eyes and felt an inexplicable sadness. The clues she had just heard did not make her happy. She walked out of the library woodenly. The cold wind did not make her feel cold, because her heart was colder. She began to examine her friendship with the three of them, but there were too many things to think about, like a tangled mess.
He looked at Hermione's back as she walked away. Malfoy let out a long breath.
This friendship should not have existed in the first place. Malfoy had only wanted to try to change history on the train, but he had also failed. After that, he decided to mind his own business, but was moved by Hermione's courage in apologizing. When they met again in the library, he could not bear to see the sad Hermione. He comforted her and secretly brought her to Hogsmeade. However, the conflict between the academy and their friends still existed between them. Once it erupted, no one would be spared.
"We'll have to face it sooner or later, so let's end it early." Malfoy knew very well that even if he did not initiate it this time, something similar would happen in the future. If this friendship was to last, it was a hurdle that both of them had to face.
"Whether this friendship ends or starts anew, it's up to you to decide," Malfoy thought. "Let me be the villain this time."
Hermione returned to Gryffindor's lounge expressionlessly. The warmth from the fireplace made her feel better. She saw Ron and Harry playing wizard chess happily.
"I know who Nicholas Lemour is," Hermione said calmly.
"Oh, Harry, I ate your horse." Ron was about to take Harry's horse. Suddenly, the two people who were playing chess suddenly reacted. "What did you say? You know who he is? "Harry asked in surprise.
"Hermione, you're so cool," Ron praised.
Hermione maintained her calm tone. "He's the only known creator of the Philosopher's Stone, the greatest alchemist, and Dumbledore's friend."
"The Philosopher's Stone!" Ron exclaimed. "No wonder Snape wanted to get him. Everyone wants to get their hands on it! "
"What's that?" Harry asked Ron.
"My twin brothers talked about this stone before. They said that if they got it, they would have an endless supply of gold, and they would not come to class anymore. Oh yes, they also said that this stone can be used to make the Elixir of Life, so that people who drink it will never die. "
"Then everything makes sense," Harry said. "Nicholas Lemour and Professor Dumbledore are friends. He asked the professor to leave the Philosopher's Stone here for a period of time. That three-headed dog must be one of the guards. Snape wanted to steal it but failed, and was bitten instead."
"Hermione, you're a great contributor." Ron praised Hermione again.
Hermione smiled awkwardly.