The Unseen Glimmer

The city of New York, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling avenues, felt almost magical on a sunny afternoon. Harry Potter, his robe catching the breeze, walked with Ron and Hermione through the vibrant hues of Central Park's autumn leaves.

"Isn't this place grand?" Ron marveled, eyes wide open at the contrast between the tranquility of the park and the cacophony of the city beyond.

Hermione adjusted her bag. "There's a peacefulness here, even amidst all the excitement."

As they continued their stroll, Harry's attention was caught by a peculiar glimmer under a humble park bench. Curiosity piqued, he bent down for a closer look.

"What is it, Harry?" Hermione asked, glancing over.

Harry held up a small, oddly shaped stone. It was smooth, with a peculiar swirling pattern glimmering faintly in the midday sun.

"It feels warm," Harry whispered, his fingers tingling as he held it.

Caught up in the moment, Harry didn't notice the way Ron and Hermione exchanged a look—a look that hinted at both wonder and caution.

"It's like it's alive," Ron managed, finally breaking the silence.

Then, suddenly, the world seemed to shimmer around them. The air felt thick, and sounds echoed strangely—just for a second.

"Did anyone else feel that?" Hermione breathed, eyes wide.

Yet, as quickly as it had come, the moment passed. New York continued its vibrant hustle, unchanged by the odd current hidden beneath the ordinary.

The Stone's Whispers

Just as Harry tucked the warm stone into his pocket, they heard the rustling footsteps of an approaching figure. An old wizard, perhaps in his seventies, stood before them—his robe like a cascade of swirling autumn leaves in crimson and gold.

"Ah, the Dragon Time Stone," he said, his voice as layered as a violin's melody.

"And who might you be?" Ron asked, eyebrows raised.

The old wizard chuckled, the sound like tinkling chimes. "I am Professor Smethwick. You may not know me, but I know of you," he replied with a hint of mystery. "That stone you found is part of an old tale."

Hermione leaned closer, intrigued yet cautious. "What kind of tale?"

Professor Smethwick's eyes twinkled. "The Dragon Time Stones are treasures of legend, creatures of time themselves left them as keys to forgotten paths. Each stone is a piece of the puzzle."

Harry thought quietly. "So, this can alter time?"

"And quite unpredictably," Smethwick warned, a serious edge to his voice. "Use it wisely, for even time’s ripples can change reality in unexpected ways."

The bustling noise of New York faded as they absorbed the gravity of Smethwick's words. The world shimmered once more around them, like a whispered promise, leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione to wonder what realities lay unseen beneath the ordinary.