Shawn was not surprised, nor did he offer any explanation. He casually reached out and scooped up the cracked Philosopher's Stone as though picking up a broken rock by the roadside.
That effortless display of superiority left the elderly Augusta utterly stunned.
Shawn had intended to put the Philosopher's Stone straight into the Ring, but an aged voice suddenly sounded in his mind.
"Little fellow, you broke my treasure, so don't blame me when I come to England to freeload off you."
His expression turned odd. He put the Philosopher's Stone, which had already crumbled in his hand, into the Ring, then turned to address the grandmother and grandson.
"My work here is done, so I'll be leaving.
You can stay here with them. Frank and his wife should wake up within a few hours."
Feeling even more indebted to Shawn, Augusta spoke with greater deference.
"You are a benefactor of the Longbottom family. Once Frank and Alice wake up, we'll be sure to visit and thank you.
Neville, see Mr. Black out."
Neville followed Shawn outside. He was never good with words, and though he kept trying to think of something grateful to say, every phrase that came to mind felt feeble and inadequate.
Thanks to Draco's incessant, loudmouthed boasting, Neville knew about the Philosopher's Stone.
So after his grandmother had identified it by name, he had even witnessed this miraculous alchemical artifact shatter after healing his parents.
Now Neville had no idea how to thank the Chief.
In the reception hall at St. Mungo's, Shawn turned to look at the awkward, anxious Neville, a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
"There's no need for that between us. Hurry back.
When your parents wake up, I'm sure the first person they'll want to see is their son, who has