Hermione's expression was understandable. After all, Snape's attitude toward Harry was plain for all to see. No matter who heard something like that, they would probably find it hard to accept.
Then she asked even more worriedly, "Then who exactly wants to hurt you?"
"I've known for a long time," Harry said calmly.
Hermione did not react at first. "What? What did you say? Then we need to tell Dumbledore right away!"
Harry grabbed Hermione's hand with a bitter smile. "Don't panic!"
If he told the headmaster now, wouldn't the Dragon Egg, the Mirror of Erised, and the Philosopher's Stone all be gone?
Besides, watching Quirrell and Voldemort play dumb every day was quite entertaining.
Rather than scaring off Voldemort in his soul form and letting him recruit followers outside where he could not be controlled, it was better to keep him at Hogwarts, right under Harry's nose, where Harry could learn of his movements at any time without any danger.
More importantly, only by keeping him obediently at the wizarding school would Harry have a chance to use him to obtain the Philosopher's Stone.
It was like something Merlin had once said: "The oriole stalks the mantis, while the hunter waits behind."
That was Harry's plan, but Hermione did not understand.
She said, "And you're still not worried? Someone at Hogwarts wants to hurt you! If you won't go, I'll go myself."
Harry's head began to throb. He deeply regretted telling her all this.
She could misunderstand Snape all she wanted. Snape would not lose a piece of flesh over it, so why did he have to explain?
His loose tongue...
Harry held Hermione tightly and said, "Trust me. I won't be in danger. I'm not an idiot. Why would I put myself in danger?"
Hermione asked, "You really