Chapter Thirteen Nicholas Flamel

Summary

(Harry finds out that Flamel is the maker of the SorcererÂ’s Stone, defeats Hufflepuff in Quidditch, and overhears Snape pressuring Quirrell to help him steal the Stone.)

Harry distracts himself from the Mirror of Erised by immersing himself in his increasingly grueling Quidditch practices. However, he soon discovers that Snape is refereeing the match, which is especially disturbing considering that SnapeÂ’s curse nearly killed Harry last match.

Back in the dorms, Harry re-discovers FlamelÂ’s name on DumbledoreÂ’s Chocolate Frog card. Hermione recognizes the name and looks him up, finding out that he is the maker of the SorcererÂ’s Stone.

At the Quidditch match against Slytherin, which Snape is refereeing, Harry is comforted by DumbledoreÂ’s presence in the crowd. In the crowd, Ron attacks Malfoy when Malfoy continues to make fun of RonÂ’s poverty. Neville bravely helps Ron by taking on Crabbe and Goyle. Meanwhile, on the field, Harry grabs the snitch and wins the game in a record five minutes.

After the game Harry is happy and popular, but upon putting his broom into the broom shed Harry spies Snape sneaking off towards the forest. Harry follows on his broom and spies on Snape meeting Quirrell in the Forbidden Forest. Snape is pumping Quirrell for information, and Harry sneaks back to the dorms to tell Ron and Hermione that Snape is trying to get Quirrell to give up information on how the Stone is guarded.

The Mirror of Erised, by giving Harry a mental picture of what his parents looked like, contributes to HarryÂ’s growing nightmare about the night Voldemort killed his parents. HarryÂ’s nightmares will be further fleshed out when he sees a hooded Voldemort-creature drinking unicorn blood in the Forbidden Forest.

HermioneÂ’s being torn between not wanting to break the rules and her desire to solve the mystery of Flamel is another stage in her transformation from teacherÂ’s pet to adventuress. SheÂ’s learning to take risks she wouldnÂ’t have before.

NevilleÂ’s reluctance to report Malfoy reflects his sheepishness. At later stages in the book, he will demonstrate his transformation into a braver student by attacking Malfoy, sneaking out to warn Harry, and putting his foot down when Harry attempts to sneak out.

Locomotor Mortis: combines the English word “locomotor” (relating to motion) with the Latin word for death.

“Before Malfoy knew what was happening, Ron was on top of him, wrestling him to the ground. Neville hesitated, then clambered over the back of his seat to help.” Neville is becoming braver, as Ron recounts: “Neville tried to take on Crabbe and Goyle single-handed!”

HarryÂ’s popularity is at an all time high after he wins the game--it will be from this height that his status will suffer a tragic fall when he loses 150 points for sneaking out next chapter.

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