The next morning, the dormitory was quiet as most students were still asleep, but Harry had been up early, his mind buzzing with plans. After breakfast, he approached Fred and George Weasley in the Gryffindor common room, catching them just as they were preparing for some mischief.
"I wanted to ask you two something," Harry said, lowering his voice with a slight smile. "Do you have the Marauder's Map?"
Fred and George exchanged surprised glances. George leaned in with a curious look. "How do you know about that?"
"One of the creators was my dad," Harry said simply. "James Potter. I recognized the nickname Prongs."
Their jaws dropped a little, and then Fred grinned widely. "Mate, you just earned our eternal respect. Partner in crime with the original Marauders!"
George nodded, clearly impressed. "We've got it. Here—on one condition. You promise to study it carefully, figure out all its secrets, and once you've got it all down... you make us a copy."
"Deal," Harry said, and they handed over the magical parchment. The moment felt heavier than it should—like he was reclaiming a part of his heritage.
That afternoon, as Harry wandered into the library for some quiet time to analyze the map, he noticed Hermione sitting alone at a corner table surrounded by books. Her eyes were focused, but her posture betrayed a trace of loneliness.
He walked over and pulled out a chair. "Hey, Hermione. Want to join me for tea and snacks with Hagrid? He invited me over."
Hermione looked up, startled. "Oh... I mean, I was going to study. But... I suppose I could go for a short while."
Harry smiled. "Come on. A change of scenery never hurts."
Together, they made their way to Hagrid's hut at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid welcomed them in with his usual booming cheer and set a plate of rock-hard cookies on the table.
Hermione bravely picked one up and bit down, only to wince. Harry chuckled and cast a softening charm. "Here, let me help."
He repeated the charm on hers as well, and she gave him a genuinely grateful smile. "Thanks, Harry. That could've broken a tooth."
"They're tough, but the flavor's good," Harry said after taking a bite of the softened cookie. "Hagrid, these are actually really nice."
Hagrid beamed with pride and began sharing stories about magical creatures, everything from baby dragons to gnomes in his garden.
As they listened, Harry's eyes fell on a newspaper sitting on a nearby table. The headline caught his attention: Robbery Attempt at Gringotts Fails - Vault Empty.
He didn't say anything, but his mind raced. That must've been the vault Hagrid visited with him in original story. So, either professor Tom or his lackey really had tried to steal stone... and failed.
Harry made a mental note but kept his thoughts to himself. There would be time to deal with that later. For now, he simply enjoyed the warmth of Hagrid's hut, the laughter of his new friend, and the lingering flavor of rock cookies made edible by a little magic.