Henry returned his teacup to the tray with an elegant, measured movement.
"That's a compelling question," he said. "But before I answer, I'd like to pose several questions of my own, if you're willing to address them, of course."
Harry exchanged a glance with Hermione, who offered a slight encouraging nod.
"Go ahead," Harry said.
"First question: how did you discover this information?" Henry asked.
The three exchanged quick glances before responding.
Hermione spoke promptly and clearly. "We learned something from Hagrid regarding a forbidden room on the right side of the fourth-floor corridor. Hagrid mentioned that something extremely precious was hidden there, protected by both Headmaster Dumbledore and someone named Nicolas Flamel. We subsequently discovered evidence that someone was attempting to breach the room's protections, and we believe that person is Professor Snape."
Henry nodded, his expression betraying neither surprise nor skepticism.
"Second question: what evidence supports this suspicion?"
Ron finally released the tension he'd been holding. He set down his scone with deliberate emphasis. "Evidence? Snape has been sneaking around the fourth floor constantly! He wasn't even at the staff table when the trolls invaded Hogwarts on Halloween! His leg was bitten by Cerberus, and we saw Filch escort him for treatment!"
Hermione added urgently, "Additionally, he kept questioning Professor Quirrell about bypassing Fluffy. Yesterday, after the Quidditch match, Harry overheard their conversation. We suspect Snape is collaborating with Quirrell regarding the Philosopher's Stone."
Henry nodded thoughtfully, absorbing their concerns without judgment.
"Third question," he continued, "have you informed Headmaster Dumbledore of these suspicions?"
The trio clearly hadn't anticipated this particular direction. Harry hesitated before responding. "Headmaster Dumbledore? But... he might not believe us. Snape is someone he trusts..."
Henry smiled gently. "Harry, let me ask you this: what sort of person do you believe Headmaster Dumbledore to be?"
"He's very capable and kind," Harry answered without hesitation. "He treats everyone well."
"Do you know why he became Hogwarts' headmaster?" Henry pressed.
Harry shook his head.
"Because he possesses remarkable perception," Henry explained. "He's lived an exceptionally long life and observed countless individuals. He can discern who means well and who harbors ill intent. If Snape truly posed a threat, Headmaster Dumbledore would certainly be aware of it."
Hermione frowned, clearly considering this perspective carefully.
Ron scratched his head, looking uncertain.
Harry hesitated before speaking again. "But Snape really does seem suspicious. The way he looks at me, it's like he hates me. I don't understand why he dislikes me so intensely."
Henry's eyes suddenly gleamed with what appeared to be mischief. "Every action originates from motivation, Harry. People don't hate without cause, nor do they love without reason. Consider this: why do you think Hagrid cares for you so deeply?"
"Because he was close with my parents," Harry answered immediately. "After their deaths, he brought me to Aunt Petunia."
"Exactly," Henry said with a smile. "Now apply that same logic to Professor Snape. Why might he not treat you warmly?"
Harry's eyes widened as he grasped the implication, a connection he'd never previously considered.
Ron leaned forward eagerly, his earlier anger transforming into speculation. "I heard he was once a Death Eater. Maybe he holds a grudge against Harry's parents from that time? Could he be taking revenge on Harry to serve his old master?"
Henry laughed lightly. "Then answer me this: who do you believe is the greatest wizard in the world?"
"Dumbledore!" Ron replied without hesitation. "Albus Dumbledore is undoubtedly the greatest wizard alive!"
"Precisely," Henry said. "If you truly believe Dumbledore is the greatest wizard in the world, why would he permit a Death Eater bent on mischief to operate freely at Hogwarts?"
This straightforward logic seemed to satisfy Ron's immediate objections.
"Then why would he target Harry?" Hermione finally broke her silence, her frustration evident.
"That's an extraordinarily serious accusation to make against your professor," Henry said, his expression becoming genuinely grave. "I would encourage you not to assume the worst about him without conclusive evidence."
"But Your Highness, do you remember the recent Quidditch match?" Hermione asked urgently, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "During the game, Harry's broomstick suddenly malfunctioned. Did you observe that?"
"I did witness it," Henry confirmed with a nod.
"That was Snape casting a spell on him!" Hermione said anxiously. "I saw him staring directly at Harry, his lips moving as though he was incanting something."
"But how can you prove he wasn't protecting Harry with whatever spell he cast?" Henry countered with a thoughtful smile. "I'm not dismissing your suspicions entirely. However, we cannot prove Professor Snape didn't harm Harry, but neither can we prove that he actually did. Doesn't the principle of law state that innocence is presumed until guilt is demonstrated?"
Hermione opened her mouth to respond but found herself without a suitable counter-argument.
Ron frowned, clearly wrestling with Henry's reasoning.
Harry sat in contemplative silence, his gaze fixed on his teacup as though it might reveal answers.
After a prolonged silence, Hermione finally spoke, her voice quieter than before. "Your Highness, you make a fair point. We don't possess direct evidence. When Professor Snape cast whatever spell it was, I couldn't discern what he was saying. His lips moved, but I heard no audible incantation."
There was another detail she deliberately omitted—that her own actions during that incident couldn't serve as reliable evidence.
"Nevertheless, the situation is genuinely suspicious," Henry said with an understanding smile. "Anyone witnessing such behavior would naturally suspect Professor Snape, wouldn't they?"
Ron looked up sharply, genuine surprise registering on his face. He truly hadn't expected Henry—a Slytherin and Snape's own student—to validate their concerns.
"Your Highness, I thought you..."
"Maintaining reasonable skepticism is essential," Henry interrupted gently. "We cannot assume everything someone does is justified simply because of their position or identity."
He paused before continuing. "However, I offer this suggestion: consider asking the professors about Professor Snape's actual relationship with Harry's parents during their time at Hogwarts. Understanding their history might illuminate his present behavior toward you."
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