Harry Potter and the Great Old Ones

Chapter 787
“In addition to returning the Philosopher’s Stone, Tyella will hold a ceremony to return the Philosopher’s Stone three days after we deliver it to Nicholas Flamel,” Hermione continued.

"What ceremony?" Harry asked.

After studying dark magic for a year, Harry became sensitive to words like 'ritual'.

“It’s like Tyrell will hold a ceremony or press conference, and invite some famous wizards from the British, German, and French wizarding communities to witness the handover of the Philosopher’s Stone to Nicholas Flamel,” Hermione said. “Of course, the Philosopher’s Stone handed over at the ceremony is a fake one; we’ve already given the real one to Mr. Flamel.”

"Huh?" Ron was full of questions. "Then why do we have to return this fake Philosopher's Stone?"

“I guess,” Harry suddenly said, “it’s to use this so-called return ritual to lure Voldemort?”

“That’s right!” Hermione said. “Tierra knew all along that Vander had his eye on the Philosopher’s Stone, so while the stone was being forged and returned to Nicholas Flamel, Tierra planned to use a fake Philosopher’s Stone to lure Voldemort out and capture him.”

"After all, it seems that the radical candidate at the European Ministry of Magic is being advised by Voldemort!"

“But… that radical candidate for the International Magical Federation was able to get so much support mainly because… well,” Ron said, “could it be because Tierra’s proposed unequal treaties for Europe went too far?”

“Just like I said before, since Ron and the others have decided to fight, they have to bear the consequences,” Hermione said, almost ruthlessly.

Ron and Harry exchanged a glance, then said nothing.

“So I guess you won’t be coming with us to New Hogsmeade and New Tenham to check out the newly opened magical souvenir shops these next few days, but will instead choose to stay at Hogwarts and do your magical experiments?” Ron asked.

“Yes,” Hermione said. “I plan to ask Tyella for the Philosopher’s Stone tomorrow morning. I’ll rest a bit tonight and continue studying tomorrow.”

“Hey, Hermione, to be honest, I think you’re good enough already. You should relax more. We shouldn’t—” Harry seemed to want to persuade Hermione. “I will relax. Aren’t we going on a trip to Muggle society in Europe together?” Hermione stood up, brushing off the grass clippings and dirt clinging to her wizard’s robes. “Come on, boys, it’s time to go back to the dorms and pack our things.”

Harry and Ron exchanged another glance—

“Don’t you think,” Harry and Ron whispered from behind, “Hermione’s temper”

"Shh," Ron teased, poking Harry. "Do you want to die?"

"Hehe." Harry chuckled in response, and together with Ron, they caught up with Hermione, the three of them strolling in the dappled sunlight.

"Nicole Flamel. Philosopher's Stone. Hehe Bait"

Somewhere in Europe, in a dark cave, the aged Voldemort sat upon a floating golden throne, muttering in a hoarse voice.

Voldemort's words echoed in the air, and a sinister and decaying atmosphere permeated the cave.

Voldemort, atop the golden throne, appeared extremely unstable, as if shadow and death were intertwined.

The cave walls were covered with ancient runes and forbidden incantations, emitting dim light—

This was something that wasn't there when the Death Eaters paid homage before.

(End of this chapter)