what was the reaction of Harry's friends to this news?
I'm really not sure what news you mean. You need to be a little more specific. Harry's friends learn that the Sorcerer’s Stone transforms any metal into gold and produces an elixir of everlasting life. They also find out that Snape is refereeing Harry's next Quidditch match. They fear that Snape might do something to harm Harry.
I'm going to go with a different answer here, but I'm with Aslan, your question is vague! Harry's news could be his recognition of the name Nicolas Flamel and the realization of where he'd seen the name before. Alas, he had seen it on the back of the Albus Dumbledore Famous Wizard card given to him by Ron. Hermione then runs to research, and it is revealed to Harry and his friends that Flamel was the only wizard ever to make a Sorcerer’s Stone which turns any metal into gold and produces an elixir of everlasting life. Because of this Harry and his friends deduce the mean dog patrolling the third floor is set there to guard Flamel’s stone.
Source(s): Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone / Chapter 13
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