When Adrian was thinking about his Animagus form, Professor McGonagall seemed to remember something.
"Adrian," Professor McGonagall said, her tone turning somewhat serious, "I just remembered that Professor Dumbledore asked me to inform you to come to the Headmaster's office at seven o'clock tonight. He has important matters to discuss with you."
Adrian paused briefly, then nodded: "Very well, Professor McGonagall. I'll be there on time."
McGonagall gave a slight nod and quickly departed, but her direction was not toward the castle, but rather the Black Lake.
Adrian reasonably guessed that she probably intended to find another spot to continue enjoying the sunshine.
As for why Dumbledore wanted to speak with him, Adrian couldn't figure out the reason. Could it be because his teaching wasn't up to standard? That shouldn't be the case; the students' evaluations of his classes were quite good.
Even taking a thousand steps back, no matter how terrible his classes might be, wouldn't Professor Quirrell still be at the bottom anyway?
Thinking of this Adrian felt very reassured.
Sometime Later, At seven o'clock in the evening, Adrian stood punctually in front of the Headmaster's office.
"..."
Only at this moment did he realize that Professor McGonagall had forgotten to give him the password to the Headmaster's office.
He had already tried numerous sweet names, but none had worked.
Cockroach Clusters, Licorice Wands, Milk Toffee, Toothflossing Stringmints...
"Coconut Ice!" a voice called out.
Upon hearing the password, the gargoyle slowly moved aside, revealing the spiral staircase behind it.
Adrian breathed a sigh of relief and turned toward the source of the voice.
It was Professor Flitwick. He was approaching with light, quick steps.
"Professor Westeros!" Professor Flitwick said in his squeaky voice, "Did you also receive a notice from Dumbledore?"
Adrian nodded.
"Me too!" Professor Flitwick said with a smile: "Getting up to the eighth floor isn't easy for me. Ha ha, I think I'd better carry a broomstick with me."
"A wise choice, Professor," Adrian chuckled.
Afterward, the two of them ascended the stairs one after another.
"Professor Flitwick, have any other professors received the notice?" Adrian asked, looking at Professor Flitwick's back.
Professor Flitwick, walking ahead, moved much faster than Adrian had imagined. He turned his head and said, "Oh, certainly! I just met Professor Sprout on my way here. She was also summoned by Dumbledore, though she seems to have other matters to attend to and will arrive a bit later."
When the two entered the Headmaster's office, they found Dumbledore already waiting for them.
However, as it seemed some people had yet to arrive, Dumbledore conjured several chairs for them.
Moments later.
The Headmaster's office was nearly full of people.
Hagrid, Professor Sprout, Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall, Snape, Adrian, and Dumbledore himself.
"Well, everyone is here now," Dumbledore clapped his hands, signaling for quiet.
However, Adrian felt someone was staring at him.
Sure enough, when he turned his head, he found Snape leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed, coldly observing him.
"I believe some people shouldn't be present here," Snape said, then glanced at Dumbledore, "You know who I mean."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. Although he wasn't surprised that Snape would target him, he hadn't expected the man to express it so directly in this setting.
He was about to wait for Snape to continue, but Dumbledore had already spoken.
"Severus," Dumbledore said gently, "Everyone here is trustworthy."
'So, who wasn't trustworthy?'
Adrian thought of a certain Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
Snape's expression didn't change much; he just let out a cold snort, turned his gaze away, appearing too lazy to continue arguing.
Naturally, Adrian didn't want to speak with him either.
That's just how Snape was—always ready with a cutting remark at some point. He was nearly accustomed to it by now.
Simply put, the man was venomous-tongued.
When everyone's attention was on Dumbledore, he cleared his throat and gave Hagrid a meaningful look, "Bring it out, Hagrid."
Hagrid nodded, fumbled in his coat pocket for a moment, and took out a small pouch, placing it on the table in front of Dumbledore.
By now, Adrian had already guessed.
What else could be in the pouch if not the Philosopher's Stone?
Sure enough, what Dumbledore took out from the pouch was an irregular, dark red stone.
"That is..." Professor McGonagall looked at the stone with a solemn expression.
"This is the Philosopher's Stone, everyone," Dumbledore didn't keep them in suspense and quickly explained his purpose: "I hope that everyone can think of ways to protect this remarkable stone."
The room fell into a brief silence.
Adrian secretly glanced at Snape and found him wearing a contemplative expression.
In fact, everyone wore the same expression.
Adrian guessed that some of the professors already knew about what Dumbledore had in his possession.
"Professor Westeros, do you have any thoughts?" Unexpectedly, Dumbledore called on Adrian first.
"Huh?" Adrian looked up and said without thinking: "Professor, in my opinion, you might as well keep the Philosopher's Stone on your body in person. I don't think anyone would dare to steal something from you."
Dumbledore was taken aback, seemingly completely surprised by Adrian's suggestion.
After a pause, he slowly said: "That wouldn't do. I can't carry the Philosopher's Stone with me at all times, and I don't believe keeping it on any person is safe, even myself."
With that, Dumbledore put the Philosopher's Stone away again.
Professor McGonagall frowned slightly, her sharp gaze fixed on Dumbledore as she said with certainty: "Albus, you already have a plan, don't you?"
Dumbledore smiled, his gaze sweeping over each professor present, and nodded, "Indeed, I have decided to keep the Philosopher's Stone in a room on the fourth floor. I have already set up some basic protective measures there, and I hope you all can contribute your wisdom and magic to establish more protection for the Philosopher's Stone."
So that's how it is, Adrian nodded to himself. It seemed he had replaced Quirrell's original position.
Clearly, Dumbledore already knew that Quirrell was suspicious, or rather, had ulterior motives.
After all, normal people would avoid the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts, let alone apply for it.
Quirrell's original Muggle Studies position, though not highly regarded, was at least safe.
However, Adrian wasn't yet sure whether Dumbledore knew that Voldemort was parasitizing Quirrell.
After Dumbledore finished speaking, the professors began whispering among themselves.
Hagrid quietly moved closer to Adrian and said in a lowered voice, seemingly boasting: "Adrian, I've raised a three-headed dog, and it's already at Hogwarts! Would you like to see it? It's quite a big fella, magnificent! I plan to have it guard the Philosopher's Stone. What do you think?"
"Excellent, Hagrid."
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