After lunch they had History of Magic that was boring and most of the class almost fell asleep. Professor Binns lectured in a monotone voice and got pissy when anybody interrupted him to ask a question. Fortunately Greg enjoyed it and took a lot of notes.
They had a two hour Astronomy class concluding the afternoon. They learned about the stars, constellation, and planets in class and then tomorrow night at midnight they would be out on the Astronomy Tower trying to locate them through their telescopes. Professor Sinistra was nice, but no nonsense in her treatment of the class. Vince shown in this class and earned Hufflepuff twenty extra points.
Severus' NEWT class was just concluding as Harry arrived. He waited outside until the students had left and then went inside. "Hi, Dad! Harry called charging into the classroom. He raced over to Severus and gave him a tight hug.
Severus put his arms around Harry's shoulders and gave him a hug. "How were your classes today?"
"They were interesting except I don't think Professor Quirrell knows much about defense and he's trying to teach it. Professor Binns is boring, but I liked Charms.
"Professor Binns was boring when I was a student here. Quirrell may improve, but he has never been the same since he took that sabbatical to get some real experience."
"Why does he wear that turban? It always smells like garlic. I don't think he ever lets the laundry elves wash it either."
"He said an African Prince gave it to him in gratitude for ridding their village of a vampire and the garlic is because the vampire was very persistent and he was afraid it might follow him back to England," Severus snorted.
"Professor Flitwick told me mum was studying with him to be a Charms Mistress. Vince won a lot of points for Hufflepuff in Astronomy today."
"Yes, Lily was quite brilliant at Charms when she was at Hogwarts and Mr. Crabbe should be congratulated for working hard in Astronomy. Speaking of which, you will need to sleep for a few hours after dinner tomorrow night in preparation for your practical lesson at midnight."
"I'll remember," Harry promised as he followed his dad into their quarters.
Severus asked Blinky to bring them tea and biscuits while Harry settled on the couch and Severus in his favorite recliner. Blinky returned with the tea and a plate of delectable smelling chocolate biscuits obviously freshly baked by the elves.
"Now, there is something I would like to discuss with you Harry. Do you recall the third floor corridor the Headmaster mentioned at the welcoming feast?"
"The one he said was off limits to anybody who didn't want to die a horrible death? Everybody's talking about it and wondering what's up there. Some kids think it's a troll and others think it a banshee or a hag."
Severus rolled his eyes. He knew the students would be extremely curious about what was up there once they were told it was off limits. "It is actually a Cerberus and it is the first line of defense in protecting the Sorcerer's Stone."
"Cerberus? Sorcerer's Stone?"
"A Cerberus is a huge three-headed dog and it can take you out in one bite. It guards a trapdoor in a third floor room. The Sorcerer's Stone was invented by Nicolas Flamel in the 16th century. When drunk it grants the drinker immortality."
"Wow! So that's what this Cerberus is protecting?"
"The Cerberus among other things. Below the trapdoor are other protections that are just as deadly as the Cerberus. I don't want you anywhere near there. Most of the professors objected to having the stone hidden inside Hogwarts, but the headmaster went ahead with it despite our objections. The door can be unlocked and opened by a simple unlocking charm. The door should be warded, but again the headmaster is against it."
"Warded?" Harry asked.
"It means having special spells cast on and around the door to keep anyone from getting through it. I am a certified Wardsmith and am able to do it. I received my warding certification shortly after I received my potion's mastery."
"Wow, Dad, you're really smart!"
"I am smart enough to know that stone is very dangerous and does not need to be hidden in a school full of children. Harry, if you hear anyone discussing trying to break into that room, please let me know. It will not be tattling because it means saving a life. Nobody can handle that Cerberus except Hagrid and that is only because it belongs to him and he is bigger than it is," Severus stressed.
Harry frowned. "Actually, I did overhear Weasley telling Finnigan and Thomas that they should break in and find out what's there, but I think he was only bragging."
"Most likely you are right, but you might want to let Percy, Fred or George know. I suspect one Howler from Mrs. Weasley will stop him dead in his tracks. I do not wish even Mr. Weasley to be torn apart by a Cerberus."
"I'm glad you told me about this, Dad. I'm glad you trust me enough with the information."
"I do trust you, Harry, but please do not tell anyone what I have told you unless there is danger that somebody may be trying to get into the room and then you are to tell me or one of the other professors."
Harry gave his dad a hug. It gave him a warm feeling to know that he was trusted. "I'm going to go to the library and work on my homework before dinner."
"Okay. I will see you at dinner then."
After Harry left, Severus smiled. If Albus was planning on trying to involve Harry some way with the Sorcerer's Stone he was doomed to failure.
Quidditch tryouts for Slytherin and Ravenclaw were this weekend and Gryffindor and Hufflepuff the next weekend. Flying lessons for the first years would start tomorrow with Madam Hooch. Severus had a free period during that time and planned to watch it out of sight. He just wanted to make sure that nobody tried to harm Harry while he was flying.