Chapter 54: Aftermath and Revelations

Erwin had the overwhelming urge to blow up the entire school at that moment.

'What's the point?' he thought bitterly.

'I fought Voldemort with everything I had, and the Philosopher's Stone I finally secured is a fake?'

Dumbledore must be toying with him.

Just as Erwin mentally cursed the headmaster, a burst of melodious singing filled the air.

The sound seemed to soothe troubled hearts and inspire endless courage.

Along with the ethereal song, Dumbledore appeared at the doorway, his phoenix Fawkes perched on his shoulder.

Erwin rolled his eyes.

'Perfect timing, Dumbledore.'

"Erwin."

Hermione's urgent voice rang out.

The moment Dumbledore pushed the door completely, she rushed forward and threw herself into Erwin's arms, crying.

Seeing her sobbing so desperately, Erwin felt deeply moved, despite being uninjured himself.

He comforted Hermione softly, assuring her that he was safe and sound.

"Don’t worry, nothing happened to either of us.”

Hermione raised her head stubbornly, her tear-stained face looking up at him.

"You won't take such risks in the future, okay? You’re very reckless,"

Looking at her serious expression and the care in her eyes, Erwin smiled and nodded.

Once she let go, she grabbed his hand for now and didn’t let go, as if he would go fight Voldemort as soon as she would let go.

Dumbledore, standing to the side, didn't interrupt. He simply watched the scene unfold with a gentle smile.

Once the two were done, he finally spoke.

"Ah, youth. When I see you both, I'm reminded of my own younger days..."

As he spoke, his gaze grew distant with memory.

'Didn't you spend your youth dueling Grindelwald?' Erwin thought with malicious amusement.

'There was no witch in that story!'

Seeing Erwin remain silent, Dumbledore showed no embarrassment.

He glanced at the Philosopher's Stone in Erwin's hand, then shifted his attention to Quirrell on the ground.

He stepped forward and examined Quirrell's condition.

Quirrell had transformed into a withered corpse, barely recognizable as human.

Dumbledore knew in his heart that this was the result of Voldemort's dark magic.

Surveying the devastated chamber, he realized the intensity of this battle had far exceeded his expectations.

Hermione's eyes followed Dumbledore's movements.

Erwin quickly covered her eyes, shielding her from the gruesome sight.

Ron and Harry weren't so fortunate.

Both had already started retching.

Seeing the young wizards in such distress, Dumbledore recognized this wasn't the proper place for a discussion.

"Alright, let's continue this conversation in my office. There are some matters I need to discuss with Harry and Mr. Gaunt."

****

In the headmaster's office, Hermione and Ron had been dismissed, leaving only Harry and Erwin sitting across from Dumbledore.

"Would either of you like something to eat?"

Dumbledore asked, looking at the two young wizards before him.

Harry was somewhat reserved and remained silent, but Erwin had no such reservations.

He had just emerged from the Room of Requirement when Hermione dragged him away, and he'd only eaten a small dessert throughout most of the day.

His stomach was completely empty.

"A roast chicken and an onion soup," Erwin requested.

"Oh, and a beef patty as well."

Listening to Erwin's lengthy order, Dumbledore fell silent.

'This boy certainly doesn't stand on ceremony.'

Still, he called for an Elf and summoned everything Erwin had requested.

****

Watching Erwin devour his food enthusiastically, Harry swallowed quietly.

Seeing Erwin eat with such gusto, Harry, who hadn't felt particularly hungry before, suddenly realized he was famished.

But it was too late.

Dumbledore had already begun speaking.

"So, Harry, can you tell me how you discovered Quirrell's plot?"

Harry immediately recounted the evening's events, including his mistaken suspicion that Snape was the conspirator.

Upon hearing this, Dumbledore explained to Harry the complex history between Snape and his father.

In that moment, Harry finally understood why Snape had been targeting him so relentlessly.

'The sins of the father being visited upon the son,' he thought glumly.

But he still couldn't shake the feeling that Snape was unpleasant.

Eventually, Harry finished describing the day's events and scratched his head somewhat sheepishly.

"Actually, it was Erwin who truly saved the Philosopher's Stone today. I didn't do much of anything."

Harry acknowledged that he'd essentially been a spectator, contributing little to the actual victory.

"Don't sell yourself short, Harry. When you learned someone intended to steal the Philosopher's Stone, you had the courage to try and stop them. That alone demonstrates the qualities of a true Gryffindor," Dumbledore praised.

This was his favorite student, after all.

How could he not offer encouragement?

After hearing this, Harry felt both embarrassed and deeply heartened.

Having finished with Harry, Dumbledore turned his attention to Erwin, who was still enthusiastically eating.

His expression faltered slightly.

'Why hasn't this boy finished yet?'

"Harry, you may return to your dormitory. I need to discuss some additional matters with Mr. Gaunt."

"Oh, alright."

Harry nodded quickly, glanced at Erwin, who was still eating, and departed from the headmaster's office.

****

Finally, Erwin finished his meal and wiped his mouth with a conjured handkerchief.

Seeing that Erwin had completed his dinner, Dumbledore waved his wand, and the table was immediately cleared.

"It seems you enjoyed your meal, Mr. Gaunt."

"Headmaster, the food was considerably better than what we get in the Great Hall," Erwin responded with a smile.

"Well, as headmaster, it's not unreasonable for me to employ a house-elf with superior culinary skills, is it?"

After speaking, he winked mischievously at Erwin, displaying his playful side.

After listening, Erwin could only think, 'Ah, the privileges of authority. Truly enviable.'

After exchanging pleasantries, the two finally addressed the serious matter at hand.

"Mr. Gaunt, you performed admirably today. Thank you for defeating Voldemort and protecting the Philosopher's Stone."

"So, would you mind returning the Philosopher's Stone in your pocket? After all, it belongs to Nicolas."