Ron and Harry exchanged glances, wanting to speak, but the stench made them cover their mouths and noses hurriedly, their voices muffled.

"So, the snake trail was Helena?" Ron, for once, reacted quickly.

"Should we report this to the Headmaster?" Harry pondered with a frown.

Hoare's eyes shifted as he held up the Philosopher's Stone in his hand. "This is stolen property, it doesn't count. You need to pay again. It must be from you or your master."