Plot to steal the Philosopher's Stone
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Plot to steal the Philosopher's Stone
Event information
Participant(s)
Description
- Quirinus Quirrell: "You're too nosy to live, Potter. Scurrying around the school on Hallowe'en like that, for all I knew you'd seen me coming to look at what was guarding the Stone."
- Harry Potter: "You let the troll in?"
- Quirinus Quirrell: "Certainly. I have a special gift with trolls — you must have seen what I did to the one in the chamber back there? Unfortunately, while everyone else was running around looking for it, Snape, who already suspected me, went straight to the third floor to head me off — and not only did my troll fail to beat you to death, that three-headed dog didn't even manage to bite Snape's leg off properly. Now, wait quietly, Potter. I need to examine this interesting mirror."
- — Quirrell revealing his duplicity to Harry Potter in the Underground Chambers[src]
Theplot to steal the Philosopher's Stone took place during theHogwarts1991–1992 school year, in one ofVoldemort's firstattempts to gain power.[1]
The plot began with theBreak-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1991) and ended with theBattle in the Philosopher's Stone Chambers with justHarry,Voldemort andQuirrell. AfterQuirinus Quirrell failed to rob the Stone, his master possessed him at Hogwarts. There they made many attempts to steal the Stone, until4 June1992, when Quirrelldied.[1]
History[]
Background information[]
The Stone's origin[]
ThePhilosopher's Stone was an extremely powerfulmagical object. It produced theElixir of Life and would turn any metal it touched to gold. The only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone wasNicolas Flamel.[2]
Lord Voldemort's situation[]
- "I was ripped from my body, less than spirit, less than the meanest ghost, but still, I was alive."
- — Lord Voldemort regarding his fall from power[src]
Voldemort murdering Lily Potter, before attempting to murder infantHarry Potter
In1981 whenLord Voldemort went toGodric's Hollow seeking out the infant Harry Potter, he met his demise.[3] He remained alive because of hisHorcruxes, but existed in a spectral form as hissoul had been driven from his body.[4] In this form, he went into hiding inAlbania. It was in Albania that he metQuirinus Quirrell, who was abroad gaining first hand experience atDefence Against the Dark Arts.
Voldemort, who was still obsessed with gaining power, brought Quirrell over to his way of thinking, teaching that there is 'no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it'. Quirrell went into Voldemort's service after this meeting.[1]
The plot[]
The attempted theft at Gringotts[]
- Main article:Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1991)
- Ron Weasley: "Did you hear about Gringotts? It's been all over the Daily Prophet, but I don't suppose you get that with the Muggles — someone tried to rob a high security vault."
- Harry Potter: "Really? What happened to them?"
- Ron Weasley: "Nothing, that's why it's such big news. They haven't been caught.My dad says it must've been a powerful Dark wizard to get round Gringotts, but they don't think they took anything, that's what's odd. 'Course, everyone gets scared when something like this happens in case You-Know-Who's behind it."
- — Harry and Ron discussing the break-in at Gringotts[src]
Gringotts' break-in, 1991
WhenNicolas Flamel realised that the Stone may be in danger, he asked his friendAlbus Dumbledore for help. The Stone was originally located inVault 713 inGringotts Wizarding Bank.[5] Dumbledore arranged to have it moved to a safer location. All the while,Lord Voldemort was determined to rise again. To do this, he would need a corporeal body. He realised that he would regain a physical body if he could drink theElixir of Life produced by thePhilosopher's Stone.
Voldemort then planned to steal the Stone in order to make the Elixir. Seeing that a physical body would be needed, Voldemort ordered his followerQuirinus Quirrell to steal the Stone from Gringotts. While Quirrell managed to penetrate the defences of Gringotts, the vault had been emptied, and he failed to retrieve the Stone.[6]
The plot at Hogwarts[]
- Harry Potter: "You!"
- Quirinus Quirrell: "Me, I wondered whether I'd be meeting you here, Potter."
- Harry Potter: "But I thought — Snape —"
- Quirinus Quirrell: "Severus? Yes, Severus does seem the type, doesn't he? So useful to have him swooping around like an overgrown bat. Next to him, who would suspect p-p-poor, st-stuttering P-Professor Quirrell?"
- — Harry Potter discovering Professor Quirrell in the seventh chamber[src]
Upon arrival at Hogwarts, the Stone was placed in thethird-floor corridor underneath a trapdoor. Theprofessors of Hogwarts were tasked with aiding in its defence. Once Voldemort learned that the Stone had been removed toHogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he conspired with Quirrell to steal it from the school. As Quirrell had brought Voldemort back intoEngland, Voldemort was on top of the situation and could give Quirrell directions. Quirrell's challenge was to break through all themagical defences the Stone had.[1]
Quirrell unleased a troll within the dungeons as a diversion
OnHallowe'en, he let atroll into the Dungeons ofHogwarts Castle.[7] This was a diversion so he could reconnoitre the defences around the Stone. AsDumbledore was suspicious of Quirrell, he had taskedSeverus Snape with keeping an eye on the latter.[8] Fearing that the troll may be a diversion, Snape headed to the third floor corridor to head Quirrell off. During this incident Snape had an unfortunate run in with Fluffy theThree-headed dog thatHagrid had loaned Dumbledore.[7] It was also around this time thatHarry Potter became suspicious of Snape thinking that Snape was after whatever Hagrid had retrieved from Vault 713.[9]
Over theChristmas holidays, theMirror of Erised was placed under the trapdoor as a final layer of protection for the Stone. It was moved to this location after Dumbledore taught Harry how the Mirror worked.[10] Also during this time, Harry,Ronald Weasley, andHermione Granger began researchingNicolas Flamel. They had heard the name from Hagrid when they had informed him of their suspicions about Professor Snape.[9] It would take them a few more weeks before they discovered his name and learned of the existence of thePhilosopher's Stone.[2]
Snape following Quirrell and then asking him about his loyalties
While all this was happening,Quirrell was slowly learning about the defences. He found out aboutFluffy on Hallowe'en. Over the proceeding months, he had figured out most of the Stone's defences. After the secondGryffindorQuidditch match, Snape met with Quirrell. He bluntly asked Quirrell about his progress. Quirrell claimed ignorance, but Snape proceeded to threaten him, saying that Quirrell better figure out 'where [his] loyalties lie'. Harry eavesdropped on this conversation, and it served to convince him that Snape was trying to steal the Stone.[2] Quirrell got one step closer to stealing the stone midway through spring.
The dragon egg
Hidden under a cloak, Quirrell metHagrid in theHog's Head. The two drank and played a game of cards; Quirrell purposely lost in order to give Hagrid adragon's egg. During their conversation, Hagrid let slip the secret of getting past Fluffy.[11] Later in the term,Harry Potter andHermione Granger were caught out of bed after hours. They had been helping Hagrid releaseNorbert, the dragon. Sentenced to detention, they,Neville Longbottom, andDraco Malfoy set out withArgus Filch to serve their detentions.
Voldemort drinking the blood of a Unicorn
Hagrid took them deep into theForbidden Forest searching for an injuredunicorn. Harry and Malfoy discovered the unicorn, but they also saw a figure drinking its blood. After speaking withFirenze thecentaur, Harry surmised that the figure in the forest was Lord Voldemort. He was drinking theunicorn blood in order to stay alive. This encounter led Harry, Hermione, and Ron to believe that Snape was trying to steal thePhilosopher's Stone for Voldemort.[12]
The attempted theft[]
- Harry Potter: "Professor, I think — I know — that Sn — that someone's going to try and steal the Stone. I've got to talk to Professor Dumbledore."
- Minevra McGonagall: "Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow. I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected."
- — Harry telling Professor McGonagall about his fears of the stone being stolen[src]
It can be assumed that by the end of the term, Quirrell had solved all the defences, because on the final day of exams he sent a fake message toDumbledore. After Dumbledore had left the school, Quirrell went through the trapdoor. The trio, by this time, had come to the conclusion thatProfessor Snape was going to steal the Stone soon. When they askedProfessor McGonagall if they could speak with Dumbledore, she informed them that he had left the school.[11] This convinced Harry that the theft was to happen that night. He, Ron, and Hermione went through the trapdoor that evening as well.
Harry confronting Quirrell in the Underground Chambers
Quirrell had battled through the obstacles and was waiting in front of theMirror of Erised when Harry arrived. After Quirrell explained the truth to a stunned Harry, he turned his attention back to the Mirror. Voldemort, who had been possessing Quirrell's body, told him to 'use the boy'. Quirrell then orders Harry in front of the Mirror. Harry looks into it and is given the Stone. When Harry attempted to escape, Lord Voldemort demanded that Quirrell let him speak to Harry directly. Voldemort usedLegilimency on Harry and discovered the Stone in Harry's pocket.
Harry burning Quirrell's face with his hands
He then ordered Quirrell to seize the Stone. When Quirrell touched Harry, his skin burned and blistered because ofthe sacrifice Harry'smother made. Harry realised that this was the only way to prevent Quirrell from getting the Stone. He grabbed hold of Quirrell, even though touching Quirrell was also causing him incredible pain. Dumbledore arrived in time to save Harry, but Quirrell died from his injuries when Voldemort left his body.[1]
Aftermath[]
- "Well, Nicolas and I have had a little chat, and agreed it's all for the best."
- — Dumbledore telling Harry of his and Nicolas Flamel's agreement to have destroyed the stone[src]
Harry in theHospital Wing after the attack
At Dumbledore's request, the Stone was destroyed.Nicolas Flamel saved enoughElixir of Life to set his affairs in order, and then he died, along with his wifePerenelle. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville were given 170 points overall forGryffindor and their house won theHouse Cup. Lord Voldemort's return was further delayed three years.[1]
Participants[]
- See also:Underground Chambers
| Participant | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter Ronald Weasley Hermione Granger | Attempted to stop the robbery of the Stone | Succeeded in stalling Voldemort and helped in Quirrell'sdeath |
| Severus Snape | Attempted to stop the robbery of the Stone by using a riddle involving potions. Was thought to be behind the Robbery. | Succeeded in stalling Voldemort |
| Minerva McGonagall | Attempted to stop the robbery of the Stone by using an enchanted transfigured chess board | |
| Pomona Sprout | Attempted to stop the robbery of the Stone by using Devil's Snare | |
| Filius Flitwick | Attempted to stop the robbery of the Stone by enchanting flying keys | |
| Rubeus Hagrid | Attempted to stop the robbery of the stone by using Fluffy to guard the trap door | |
| Albus Dumbledore | Attempted to stop the robbery of the Stone by using the Mirror of Erised | |
| Lord Voldemort | Was behind the robbery of the Stone | Possessed Quirrell and left him to die |
| Quirinus Quirrell | Helped try to rob the Stone | Failed to steal the Stone and died when Voldemort left his body |
Appearances[]
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone(First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets(Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire(Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix(Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)(Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince(Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows(Mentioned only)
- Pottermore
- HarryPotter.com
- Harry Potter Trading Card Game
- Harry Potter for Kinect
- LEGO Creator: Harry Potter
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
- LEGO Harry Potter
- Harry Potter: Wizards Unite(Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
- Harry Potter: Magic Awakened(In theBook with No Name)
Notes and references[]
- ↑1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.8Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 17 (The Man with Two Faces)
- ↑2.02.12.2Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 13 (Nicolas Flamel)
- ↑Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 4 (The Keeper of the Keys)
- ↑Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 33 (The Death Eaters)
- ↑Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 5 (Diagon Alley)
- ↑Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 8 (The Potions Master)
- ↑7.07.1Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 10 (Hallowe'en)
- ↑Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 33 (The Prince's Tale)
- ↑9.09.1Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 11 (Quidditch)
- ↑Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 12 (The Mirror of Erised)
- ↑11.011.1Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 16 (Through the Trapdoor)
- ↑Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 15 (The Forbidden Forest)
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