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There was a shadowy figure in the distance, their gaze fixed on the group with an unsettling intensity.
From the deeper recesses of Quirrell's turban, a sibilant whisper cut through the air. "Foolish boy... I knew this wouldn't be straightforward."
From their concealed vantage point, Voldemort, speaking through Quirrell, could see more than just Snape. Potter was there, accompanied by two Weasleys.
If it had been only Snape, Voldemort might have pressed his advantage. But with Potter and his allies involved, the risk was too great. Dumbledore's protectiveness of the boy was well-known. Any harm to them would bring the headmaster's full attention down upon them with terrifying speed.
In his current parasitic state, confronting Dumbledore directly was unthinkable.
"Master... what do we do?" Quirrell stammered, his voice trembling. "Should... should we wait for them to leave?"
The barely perceptible tightening of Quirrell's hands betrayed Voldemort's rising anger. "Wait? For what? How long do you imagine that pathetic creature can truly occupy Dumbledore?" Voldemort hissed within Quirrell's mind. "He will be here before we even near our objective!"
Taking a deep, steadying breath that Quirrell physically enacted, Voldemort murmured, "Now, our only recourse is to hope Severus retrieves what we require. But something tells me his loyalties are… complex."
From the moment Voldemort had observed Severus Snape, he had recognized a similar ambition, a desire for control that was not easily swayed. Snape possessed influence within Hogwarts that Voldemort currently lacked.
Without a direct hold over someone like Granger or one of Potter's other intimates as leverage, Voldemort knew Snape's cooperation was a delicate balance. Yet, there was still a chance. Negotiation with Snape, however precarious, was still an option – a luxury Dumbledore would never afford him.
"Retreat," Voldemort commanded Quirrell silently. "This endeavor is compromised. We will seek another opportunity later." Though outwardly still, Voldemort's spectral mind was already churning with alternative strategies.
Quirrell's health was deteriorating rapidly. Time was running out, and the Philosopher's Stone remained elusive.
On the third floor, Snape stood before Harry and Ron, his black eyes cold and unwavering.
"P-Professor..." Percy began hesitantly, attempting to intervene.
"I did not solicit your opinion, Mr. Weasley," Snape snapped, effectively silencing Percy's attempt to defend his younger brother and Harry. Inside, Percy felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. He wished he could speak on their behalf, or at least allow them a chance to explain their presence in the forbidden corridor.
Harry, feeling the weight of Snape's intense scrutiny, finally spoke. "Professor... we thought we saw someone suspicious heading this way, so we followed them..."
"Snort!" Snape's expression was one of utter disdain. "And tell me, Mr. Potter, who was this 'suspicious' individual you claim to have seen?"
Harry hesitated. "We... we lost sight of them..."
"Mr. Potter, unlike yourselves, responsible individuals do not typically 'lose sight' of those they are observing in the corridors of this castle."
"But we did see them!" Ron blurted out, unable to contain himself. "They were heading to the third floor, we saw them with our own eyes!"
Snape's lip curled into a sneer. "Oh, the intrepid detectives. Pray tell, Mr. Weasley, what precisely did this phantom look like?"
Ron fell silent, his face flushing.
"Indeed. It seems our young Gryffindors have once again allowed their imaginations to lead them astray. For trespassing in a forbidden area, five points will be deducted from Gryffindor."
Ron opened his mouth to protest, but Percy swiftly pulled him back by the arm, knowing any further argument would only worsen the situation.
"Professor Snape, I apologize profusely for their actions. I will escort them back to the common room immediately," Percy said, steering the two younger boys away as quickly as he could.
Snape watched them depart, his gaze lingering thoughtfully in the direction of Quirrell's office.
As they trudged back towards the Gryffindor common room, Ron was still seething.
"Snape's hiding something! I bet that person we saw was working for him—"
"That's enough, Ron!" Percy hissed. "Don't you realize the trouble you've caused? Those house points aren't easy to earn back!"
"But we're Gryffindors! We can't just ignore it if there's something going on—"
"Did you even get a good look at them, Ron?" Percy interrupted, his own frustration bubbling to the surface. He hesitated to scold Harry, but Ron's impulsiveness was testing his patience, especially after their mother's repeated reminders to keep an eye on his younger brother. He couldn't let Ron's recklessness lead to more severe consequences.
"Percy, I'm telling you the truth! We saw someone! Harry, back me up!" Ron pleaded, looking at Harry for confirmation.
Percy eyed Harry, who remained silent, his brow furrowed in thought.
"We're going back to the common room first, and then we'll discuss this further," Percy said firmly.
When they finally reached the Gryffindor common room, they were met by Fred and George, who were standing near the fire with a box of Skiving Snackboxes, engaging in hushed conversation with a few other students.
The twins quickly concealed the sweets behind their backs when they spotted Percy approaching with Harry and Ron.
"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in! Our esteemed prefect returns with the dynamic duo of detention!" Fred quipped, a wide grin on his face.
"Lost any more house points for the glorious Gryffindor, have we?" George added with a mischievous smirk, causing some nearby students to cast disapproving glances at Harry and Ron.
"Knock it off, you two," Percy snapped, though his tone lacked real heat. "Did Professor McGonagall sort out the troll situation?"
"All taken care of," George shrugged. "Bit of excitement for a Thursday, wasn't it?"
Percy nodded. "Good." He then turned to the twins. "You two mentioned earlier that you saw Snape heading towards his office. Did you notice anyone else with him, or anyone acting suspiciously around that area?"
Fred and George exchanged a look. "Can't say we did, Perce. Just old Snivellus looking as gloomy as ever."
Percy frowned slightly, a seed of doubt planting itself in his mind. Harry and Ron had seemed genuinely convinced. He made a mental note to keep a closer eye on things himself.
As the evening wore on, Percy found himself subtly observing Snape's movements and interactions, a nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right lingering in the back of his mind. He couldn't shake the image of Harry and Ron's earnest faces, despite their history of sometimes letting their imaginations run wild.
"....."