Freaky Halloween
The next day, when Malfoy saw Harry and Ron still at Hogwarts, tired but with a lively and satisfied air, he looked as if he was about to swallow his own tongue. Harry and Ron, after reflecting on it during the night, had decided that the encounter with the three-headed dog had been an extraordinary adventure, and they amused themselves by embellishing the story while heading up for breakfast. As terrifying as the encounter had been, there was something thrilling about uncovering such a dark and mysterious secret.
Meanwhile, Harry had informed Ron about the package that seemed to have been transferred from Gringotts to Hogwarts, and the two boys spent quite some time speculating on what could require such tight security. Harry and Ron quickly discovered that Parvati had trouble keeping secrets. After their daring escape from the third-floor corridor and the terrifying encounter with the three-headed dog, it only took a quiet morning in the common room to realize that Harry and Ron weren’t the only ones making guesses.
Parvati, excited by the adventure, had told everything to Lavender. "You can’t imagine how huge it was! Three heads! Drooling all over the place!" she whispered, gesturing widely and immediately capturing the attention of her dormmate. Lavender, equally incapable of keeping a secret, passed it on to Dean and Seamus during a break from homework.
When Harry and Ron came down to the common room that Sunday morning, they found the two girls and the two boys huddled near the fireplace, whispering intently.
"If it’s so dangerous," Dean was saying seriously, "then why is it inside a school?"
"And why hasn’t anyone told us anything?" added Seamus, waving his hand to emphasize his point. "I mean, this is adult stuff, but we’re the ones at risk. You can’t just say, ‘Don’t go to the third-floor corridor unless you want a painful death.’ Everyone knows there’s always some idiot who loves breaking the rules!"
Harry and Ron exchanged an exasperated look. "This is not good," muttered Ron. "Parvati can’t keep a secret."
"I think it’s more Lavender’s fault; those two together are dangerous for secrets," replied Harry, frowning. "It’s like a game of telephone."
"What difference does it make?" retorted Ron as they approached the group.
Dean noticed them and broke into a smile. "Harry, Ron! Perfect timing. We were just looking for you two. Is it true that you saw a giant dog with three heads that night of the duel?"
"Who told you that?" asked Harry sharply, although he already knew the answer.
Lavender raised an innocent hand. "Parvati told me everything, and then I thought... why not share it?"
Parvati lowered her gaze, visibly guilty. "It was too absurd to keep to myself..."
"You shouldn’t have told anyone," said Ron, crossing his arms.
"It’s important," Seamus argued. "If something happens, it’s better that we all know."
Neville, sitting in a corner with a book, raised his eyebrows. "I don’t see why you’re all so concerned. I never want to see that thing again."
"Neither do I," agreed Hermione, who hadn’t lifted her eyes from her notes. "There’s nothing useful in these speculations. We should simply stay away."
"Easy for you to say!" retorted Seamus. "But if someone goes into that corridor and gets hurt, don’t you think we should know? Maybe there’s something we can do."
Harry sighed, trying to stay calm. "Look, there’s nothing we can do. We’re not even sure what that dog is guarding, and we certainly can’t take it on."
And as Harry sat down next to Ron, he wondered how long it would be before that curiosity drove one of them—or all of them—to return to the third-floor corridor.
"Maybe something valuable," Dean suggested. "Or maybe... something dangerous."
"A weapon?" Seamus proposed, excited.
Hermione, still at a table engrossed in her studies, scoffed but said nothing.
Neither Neville nor Hermione showed the slightest interest in the mysterious object guarded under the trapdoor, beneath the dog’s paws. All Neville cared about was staying far away from it. Hermione refused to speak to Harry and Ron, but she was so bossy and know-it-all that the boys considered her silence an unexpected blessing.
Their greatest wish was to find a way to get back at Malfoy, and, to their great satisfaction, that opportunity came about a week later with the arrival of the mail.
The opportunity came about a week later, completely unexpectedly.
It was a crisp, clear morning, and the Great Hall was filled with the usual bustle of breakfast. Harry and Ron were chatting with Dean and Seamus when a flock of owls swooped down from the enchanted ceiling, as they did every day, delivering letters and parcels. But this time, a group of six owls immediately caught everyone’s attention: they were carrying a long, thin package, which they dropped with pinpoint precision right in front of Harry. One of them dropped a letter next to the package before flying away.
Harry, surprised and curious, opened the letter first. The handwriting was familiar and messy:
Don’t open the package at the table.
It contains your new Nimbus Two Thousand. I don’t want others to know I sent you a broomstick; otherwise, they’ll all want one.
Remember, your first team practice is tonight. Do your best. I’m proud of you.
Sirius.
Harry stifled a smile as he passed the letter to Ron. "A Nimbus Two Thousand!" Ron whispered enviously, his eyes wide. "I’ve never even touched a Nimbus!"
Seamus spat his pumpkin juice onto Dean in shock, and even Neville looked curious, while Parvati and Lavender, chatting a little way off, immediately turned toward them, drawn by Ron’s excited tone. "What’s a Nimbus Two Thousand?" Lavender asked curiously.
"Only the best broomstick in the world!" Ron replied, holding up the package with a grin Malfoy would have called insufferable. "It’s as fast as lightning and responds to commands like it’s reading your mind."
Harry and Ron quickly got up. "Well, we’d better go unwrap it somewhere else," said Harry, grabbing the package with a barely concealed smile.
"You’re not planning to leave all the fun to yourselves, are you?" exclaimed Seamus, standing up. Dean followed with a curious look, as if saying he didn’t want to miss the show. "If it really is a Nimbus Two Thousand, we have to see it," added Seamus.
Ron hesitated for a moment, but Harry nodded. "Okay, come along. But let’s make it quick before someone stops us."
The four boys left the Great Hall, with Seamus and Dean loudly speculating about how incredible the Nimbus Two Thousand could be.
"I’ve heard it’s so fast it makes you feel the wind in your ears even while standing still," said Seamus enthusiastically.
Ron, with a half-smile, added, "And it has that polished handle—it’s like a piece of art. But we’ll see if it’s true."
They hadn’t gone far when, as expected, they ran into Draco Malfoy. Behind him were always Crabbe and Goyle, but this time Nott and Zabini had joined in, forming a barricade of sneering smiles and challenging stares.
"What do you have there, Potter?" Malfoy asked with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with a mix of envy and malice. "A secret package? What is it, a consolation prize for your useless existence?"
Harry simply held the package tightly under his arm, but Malfoy stepped forward as if to grab it. "Let me guess... a broomstick? No, that can’t be. First years aren’t allowed personal broomsticks."
Ron opened his mouth, but Seamus was quicker. "Hey, Malfoy, why don’t you mind your own business for once? I don’t think the world revolves around your opinion."
Malfoy glared at Seamus, then turned back to Harry. "Ah, so it is a broomstick!" he exclaimed triumphantly.
“It’s not just any old broomstick,” said Ron, smiling at Harry. “It’s a Nimbus Two Thousand. What was it you were saying, Malfoy? That you’ve got a Comet Two Sixty at home?” Ron grinned. “Comets might look flashy, but they’re nothing compared to a Nimbus.”
“What would you know, Weasley?” snapped Malfoy. “You can’t even afford half a handle! I suppose you and your brothers have to save up a twig at a time.”
Ron’s face turned red, but before he could reply, Dean chimed in with a laugh. “You know, Malfoy, you could always ask your dad to buy you a Nimbus Two Thousand if you’re feeling that jealous.”
Before Malfoy could retort, Professor Flitwick appeared beside the group, his usual cheerful smile breaking the tension. “What’s going on here?” he asked, his high-pitched voice cutting through the chatter.
“Nothing, Professor,” Harry said quickly, clutching the broom tighter under his arm. “We were just heading to class.”
“Very well, then,” said Flitwick, though his gaze lingered on Malfoy with a slight raise of his eyebrow. “No quarrels, I hope?”
“No, sir,” replied Malfoy, forcing a smile that barely concealed his resentment. As Flitwick walked away, Malfoy muttered something to Crabbe and Goyle, prompting them to burst out laughing.
“Professor, Potter received a broomstick,” Malfoy blurted out suddenly, unable to contain himself.
“Yes, that’s correct,” Professor Flitwick said, smiling warmly at Harry. “Professor McGonagall told me all about the special circumstances, Potter. And what model is it?”
“A Nimbus Two Thousand, sir,” Harry said, struggling not to laugh at Malfoy’s horrified expression.
“Excellent choice,” said Flitwick approvingly before walking away.
Harry and his friends hurried up the marble staircase, stifling their laughter at Malfoy’s mix of fury and confusion.
“Well, it’s true,” Harry said, grinning once they reached the top of the staircase. “If he hadn’t stolen Neville’s Remembrall, I wouldn’t even be on the team…”
“And maybe you think this is your reward for breaking the rules!” came an angry voice from behind them.
It was Hermione, storming up the stairs, throwing disapproving looks at the package in Harry’s arms.
“You’re not talking to us, are you?” Harry asked.
“Go on, don’t stop now,” Ron added with a smirk. “We’re really enjoying this!”
Hermione sniffed and marched off with her nose in the air.
“That girl has some serious problems relating to people…” Seamus muttered under his breath.
“Forget it, let’s go,” Harry whispered, leading Ron, Seamus, and Dean to the common room and then up to the dormitory. Once inside, Harry unwrapped the package. The Nimbus Two Thousand gleamed under the torchlight, its handle perfectly polished, and its rear twigs arranged with meticulous precision.
“It’s... it’s perfect,” Ron whispered, as if afraid to ruin it with the sound of his voice.
Seamus whistled. “Now that’s a work of art. Your godfather must really have great taste.”
Dean nodded, examining every detail. “I’ve never seen anything like this. Not that I know much about broomsticks, but it looks like it was designed by a wizard artist.”
“Thanks to Sirius,” Harry said, clearly moved. Then he added with a grin, “But let’s not advertise it too much, okay? Malfoy’s already green with envy.”
That evening, Harry arrived at the Quidditch pitch punctually, holding the Nimbus Two Thousand with a mix of excitement and nerves. Oliver Wood was waiting for him, along with the rest of the team already in their uniforms.
“Welcome officially to the team, Potter,” said Wood, smiling with satisfaction. “Now, show me what you can do.”
The first practice was a mix of learning and adrenaline. Wood explained the basics of the Seeker role, showing Harry how to spot the Golden Snitch and teaching him chase and dodge maneuvers. However, Harry seemed born for the role. The Nimbus Two Thousand responded to his commands as if it were an extension of his body, and each time he brushed his fingers against the Snitch, the rest of the team erupted in applause.
Fred and George Weasley welcomed him enthusiastically: “This year, we’re definitely going to win,” Fred said, while George added, “You’re our ace in the hole, Potter.”
When practice ended, Harry felt more alive than ever. Flying was an incredible sensation, and knowing he was part of the Quidditch team gave him a sense of belonging he had never experienced before. Returning to the Gryffindor Tower, Ron and the others greeted him like a hero, bombarding him with questions about his first practice.
On the morning of Halloween, they woke up to the delicious smell of baked pumpkin wafting through the corridors. During Charms class, Professor Flitwick announced that he thought they were ready to try their first real practical spell: making objects fly. The class was thrilled at the idea, especially after seeing the professor send Neville’s toad whizzing around the room during a demonstration.
For the exercise, Flitwick paired them up. Harry was lucky to be paired with Seamus, which was a relief since Neville had nearly taken his eye out during a previous exercise. This time, Neville was paired with Dean, while Parvati and Lavender worked together. Ron, however, was less fortunate: he was paired with Hermione. The two exchanged looks of obvious displeasure. Hermione hadn’t spoken to Ron or Harry since the arrival of the Nimbus Two Thousand, and Ron seemed perfectly fine ignoring the situation.
“Remember: swish and flick!” Flitwick chirped from atop his stack of books. “And most importantly, pronounce the magical words correctly. We don’t want another Baruffio incident!”
Harry and Seamus tried diligently, but their feather didn’t move. Seamus, impatient, poked the feather with his wand, which immediately caught fire. Harry tried to put out the flames using his hat, which prompted stifled laughter from Dean and Parvati. Meanwhile, at the next desk, Ron was frantically waving his wand to no effect.
“Wingardium Leviosa!” he shouted, flailing his arms like a windmill.
“You’re doing it all wrong!” Hermione snapped. “It’s Wing-gar-dium Levi-o-sa. You have to elongate the ‘gar.’”
“Oh yeah? Then you do it, since you’re so smart!” Ron retorted sarcastically.
Hermione raised her wand, pointed it at the feather, and calmly said, “Wingardium Leviosa.”
The feather rose gently into the air, floating above the desk.
“Excellent, Miss Granger!” exclaimed Flitwick, clapping his hands. “Did you all see? Miss Granger was the first!”
By the end of the lesson, Ron was in a foul mood. “No wonder nobody can stand her,” he said to the boys as they pushed through the crowded corridor. “That girl’s a nightmare, mark my words!”
Neville shot him a disapproving look, while Seamus, walking beside them, laughed. “A nightmare with a magic wand,” he added, chuckling. “She might turn us into feathers, too!”
Harry, however, noticed that Hermione, who had just passed them, was crying.
“Hey, I think she heard you!” he said, glancing back with concern.
“So what?” Ron snapped, though he looked embarrassed. “Maybe now she’ll understand she can’t always be such an annoying know-it-all.”
“Mate... I think you really crossed the line this time,” Dean said, frowning after seeing Hermione.
Parvati, who was nearby, suddenly stopped and turned toward Ron with a furious expression. “Ronald Weasley, you have the sensitivity of a dragon in a china shop! Do you ever think to engage your brain before you let your mouth run?”
Without waiting for a reply, she rushed after Hermione.
Hermione and Parvati didn’t show up for the rest of the afternoon. When the final lesson ended, Lavender, worried about the absence of her two friends, decided to look for them. She returned half an hour later, finding the boys near the entrance to the Great Hall.
“Well? What’s going on?” Dean asked curiously.
“Hermione’s crying in the girls’ bathroom,” Lavender said, sitting next to Seamus. “She said she wants to be left alone, but Parvati refused to leave. She’s staying to comfort her.”
“Parvati never gives up,” Seamus said, surprised. “I didn’t think she cared so much.”
“It’s not just because she’s Hermione’s friend,” Lavender retorted, looking at them sternly. “Parvati thinks what you and Seamus said today was really cruel.”
Seamus lowered his head, visibly regretful, while Ron looked even more embarrassed and tried to justify himself. “I didn’t mean to make her cry, okay? But she can’t always act like such a know-it-all!”
Lavender sighed. “Not everyone is good at socializing, guys. Hermione feels lonely, and what you said today was the last straw,” she said, looking at Ron and Seamus. They stayed silent, guilty, but a moment later they were in the Great Hall, where the Halloween decorations made them forget all about Hermione.
The Great Hall glowed with a warm and festive light, transformed into an enchanted realm for the Halloween feast. Hundreds of carved pumpkins floated midair, their grinning faces illuminated by flickering candles that cast dancing shadows over the long tables. A multitude of black bats swooped above the students' heads, squeaking and tracing arcs in the air, while a spell filled the hall with the sweet aroma of baked pumpkin, honey, and caramel apples.
Harry and Ron sat next to Neville, while across from them were Lavender, Dean, and Seamus, who were already excitedly debating who could eat the most sweets. Everyone seemed immersed in the magic of the feast: the golden plates shimmered as they began to fill with treats, from meat pies to spiced cakes. Even Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, floated between the tables with a pleased smile.
Lavender, however, was stiff and silent, casting cold, reproachful glances at Ron and Seamus. Each time they tried to include her in the conversation, she lifted her chin haughtily and turned to talk to Dean, Harry, or Neville. It was clear her disapproval of Ron and Seamus’s remarks about Hermione had not yet faded.
Harry, meanwhile, allowed himself to be swept up in the joyful atmosphere, savoring a slice of apple pie and letting the scents and colors of the feast make him momentarily forget the day’s worries. Hermione and Parvati, still in the girls' bathroom, seemed a world away. Ron was about to pour himself another glass of pumpkin juice when a sudden clamor of hurried footsteps shattered the harmony.
The doors of the Great Hall burst open with a deafening crash, and Professor Quirrell staggered inside. His turban was askew, and his eyes were wide with terror. He was panting as though he had run the length of the castle, and his voice broke as he shouted:
“A TROLL! IN THE DUNGEONS! A TROLL! IN THE DUNGEONS!”
The hall fell into a chilling silence as every student turned to the panicked professor. Quirrell clung to the edge of the Ravenclaw table, staggered back a few steps, and then collapsed to the floor with a thud, unconscious.
For a moment, no one dared move. Then, the Great Hall erupted in a chaotic clamor of fear and agitation. Some students screamed; others clung to their classmates. The floating pumpkins wavered as though disturbed by the commotion. The bats, frightened by the noise, began flying in erratic circles, squeaking shrilly.
At the teachers’ table, Dumbledore stood, his face stern and determined. One word, magically amplified, echoed through the hall and immediately silenced the chaos: “QUIET!”
The students froze, holding their breath. Dumbledore turned to the house leaders, who had already risen to their feet.
“Prefects, lead your students to their respective common rooms immediately. Stay there until further notice.”
A wave of panic swept through the group as Percy led them out of the Great Hall. The tumult in the corridors was overwhelming: students pushing and shouting, ghosts floating confusedly through the halls, and prefects desperately trying to restore order.
“How did a troll get into the castle?” Ron muttered, trying to stay calm as they followed the crowd toward the stairs.
Harry was about to reply but was interrupted by Lavender, who suddenly stopped dead, clutching her face with her hands. “Oh no! Parvati and Hermione!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide. “They’re still in the girls’ bathroom! They don’t know about the troll!”
The realization hit Harry like a punch. His stomach tightened as Hermione’s tearful face flashed in his mind, sitting with Parvati. “They’re still there...” he murmured, incredulous.
Neville turned to them, his face as pale as a sheet. “What do we do? We have to get them!”
Panic quickly spread through the group. Dean and Seamus exchanged uncertain looks, unsure what to do. Lavender, nervously fidgeting, seemed on the verge of tears.
“Calm down!” Harry raised his voice, taking charge. His mind raced, but he knew there was no time to waste. “We need to split up. We can’t wait for someone else to find them!” The group fell silent immediately, looking at Harry with a mix of hope and fear.
“Dean, Seamus, Lavender, and Neville,” he began, pointing at the four, “you go find McGonagall or any professor right now. Tell them Hermione and Parvati are still in the girls’ bathroom. Run and don’t stop until you find them!”
“What about you?” Dean asked, his voice trembling.
“Ron and I will go find them,” Harry replied decisively. He saw Neville step forward, determined to stay with him and Ron. “Neville, you need to go with them.”
But Neville shook his head firmly, his jaw set. “No. I’m coming with you. Hermione’s always been there for me, always helped and defended me. It’s the least I can do.”
Harry hesitated for a moment, seeing the determination on Neville’s face. Finally, he nodded. “All right. But stay behind us, got it? If we see the troll, you turn back immediately.”
Dean and Seamus exchanged nervous glances but nodded. “Good luck,” Seamus muttered before grabbing Lavender’s arm and hurrying toward the stairs, Dean following close behind.
Harry, Ron, and Neville turned in the opposite direction. Their hearts pounded like drums as they ran through the empty corridors, illuminated only by the silvery light of the moon. Every sound, every shadow seemed magnified by the terror of the moment.
“I hope we’re not too late,” Ron said, his voice breaking with anxiety.
Harry didn’t reply. He couldn’t afford to think about the worst. Every muscle in his body was focused on reaching the bathroom and getting the girls out. As they turned the corner of a corridor, Harry suddenly stopped.
A flowing black shadow moved quickly across the corridor ahead of them. It wasn’t Percy. It was Snape.
Harry frowned, watching the way Snape moved, striding purposefully with his cloak billowing behind him. “What’s he doing here?” he murmured.
Ron stopped beside him, looking in the same direction. “I don’t know, but I don’t like it.”
Neville trembled beside them, but his expression was resolute. “Let’s go. We can’t waste any more time.”
Harry shook off the thought of Snape. Whatever he was doing, it didn’t matter now. Hermione and Parvati needed them.
With a quick nod, they resumed running toward the girls’ bathroom. Time seemed to move too quickly, Harry’s heart pounding at the thought that they might be too late. But his thoughts were interrupted by a horrible stench—a mix of rotting socks and an unclean public toilet.
The smell hit his senses like a punch. It was unbearable.
“What’s that smell? Do you smell it too?” Ron whispered, his face twisted in a grimace.
Neville nodded, his nervous gaze darting among the flickering shadows. Then came the noise: a low, menacing growl, accompanied by the dragging sound of enormous feet on the stone floor. From a corridor to the left, something colossal moved slowly toward them.
“Oh no... the troll,” Harry whispered as the massive silhouette of the monster emerged in the moonlight. Over twelve feet tall, it had gray, warty skin and a small, shiny head like a coconut. The club it dragged along the ground was nearly as big as Neville.
The troll stopped in front of a door, glancing around dumbly as its enormous nostrils flared. Then, with a clumsy motion, it threw the door open and stepped inside.
“The key’s in the lock,” Harry murmured, trying to keep his voice steady. “We can lock it in.”
Ron nodded quickly. “Good idea. Let’s do it fast.”
Moving along the wall, Harry and Ron approached the door. Neville followed, clenching his fists to steady his trembling. Harry reached for the key, turned it quickly, and locked the door. They exchanged a satisfied look.
“Done!” Ron exclaimed, relieved.
But their victory was short-lived. A sharp scream from inside the room made their blood run cold.
“Oh no!” exclaimed Ron, as pale as the ghost of the Bloody Baron.
“The girls’ bathroom!” Harry gasped.
“Hermione and Parvati!” they all said at the same time.
It was the last thing they wanted to do, but what other choice did they have? They turned on their heels and ran down the corridor, with Neville stumbling behind them, his face ashen. “We can’t leave them in there!” he exclaimed, earning an approving nod from Harry.
When they reached the bathroom door, Harry grabbed the key with trembling hands, turned it, and threw the door open. All three of them rushed inside, with Neville a second behind.
The scene that greeted them was terrifying.
The troll was in the center of the room, enormous and menacing, swinging its club, smashing sinks, and tearing chunks out of the walls. Amidst the chaos of debris and shattered tiles, Hermione and Parvati were huddled against the opposite wall, their eyes wide with terror.
“We have to distract it,” said Harry, his heart pounding wildly. “Parvati, Neville, draw its attention! Ron and I will try to get Hermione out of there.”
Parvati nodded quickly, shaking off the panic that made her breathing tremble. Hermione was frozen with fear. Parvati edged along the wall, grabbed a shard of broken tile, and threw it at the troll, yelling at the top of her lungs, “Hey, you ugly, big monster! Look at me!”
Neville followed, braver than anyone expected. He grabbed a faucet and banged it against the floor. “We’re here! Come and get us!” he shouted, his voice shaking but steady.
The troll stopped, confused. It slowly turned toward them, blinking its small, dull eyes. Its club slammed into the floor, making the entire bathroom tremble.
“Now!” Harry whispered to Ron. They dashed toward Hermione, trying to pull her away from the wall. Hermione trembled as Parvati tried to help her up.
“Come on, we have to go!” Harry shouted, trying to stay calm.
But the troll turned back, drawn by the movement. It roared and raised its club, lumbering toward them menacingly.
“Neville, watch out!” Harry shouted. Then Harry did something both very brave and very foolish: he took a running leap and tried to grab onto the monster’s neck, wrapping his arms around it from behind. The troll didn’t notice Harry clinging to it at first, but it couldn’t ignore the piece of wood that was shoved up its nose.
As Harry leapt, he had his wand in hand, and it ended up lodged in one of the troll’s nostrils. Neville threw another piece of debris at the troll, hitting it on the shoulder. The monster grunted, unsure which target to go after. Parvati grabbed another piece of a faucet and hurled it at its side.
Howling in pain, the troll began swinging its club wildly, thrashing about as Harry clung to its back for dear life. At any moment, it could have thrown him off or landed a devastating blow with its club.
Hermione, terrified, was still crumpled on the ground. Ron pulled out his wand, not even sure what he was about to do, and heard his own voice shout the first spell that came to mind: “Wingardium Leviosa!”
The club suddenly slipped from the troll’s hands, floated into the air, higher and higher, and then slowly reversed direction, crashing down heavily on its owner’s head with a deafening thud.
The troll staggered and then collapsed face-first with a thud that made the entire room shake.
Harry helped Hermione to her feet, his breathing labored. Parvati instinctively grabbed Neville and hugged him tightly, making him blush. Then all five of them gathered together, trembling but smiling.
“We... we did it,” Ron said incredulously, his wand still raised.
“Is... is it dead?” Parvati asked, her voice trembling.
“I don’t think so,” Harry replied, examining the troll from a safe distance. “I think it’s just knocked out.”
He cautiously approached to retrieve his wand, which was still lodged in one of the troll’s nostrils. When he pulled it out, it was covered in a gray, sticky substance.
“Ugh! Troll boogers!” he exclaimed, wiping it off on the troll’s pants.
A sudden slamming of doors and the sound of hurried footsteps forced all five of them to look up. They hadn’t realized how much noise they’d made, but of course, someone must have heard the commotion. A moment later, Professor McGonagall burst into the bathroom, followed by Snape and Quirrell. Behind them, Dean, Seamus, and Lavender had just appeared, their faces tense and their eyes wide with worry.
Quirrell glanced at the troll, let out a feeble whimper, and collapsed onto a toilet seat, clutching a hand to his chest. Snape crouched to examine the monster while McGonagall turned her furious gaze on the five students still standing frozen. Harry had never seen her so angry. Her lips were pale, her glasses glinted, and her voice was laced with icy fury.
“What on earth were you thinking?” she thundered, glaring at each of them in turn. “You risked being killed! Why weren’t you in your dormitories?”
Snape cast Harry a quick, piercing look, and the boy dropped his gaze to the floor. He wished Ron would stop gripping his wand so tightly—it looked like it might explode in his hands.
Then, in a small voice, Hermione Granger stepped forward.
“Please, Professor McGonagall… they came looking for me.”
“Miss Granger!” McGonagall exclaimed, staring at her in disbelief.
Hermione took a deep breath, trying to steady the tremor in her voice. “I went to the girls’ bathroom because I wanted to face the troll on my own... I thought I could handle it. I’ve read everything about trolls…”
Ron’s wand slipped from his hand with a clang that echoed through the room. Hermione Granger, lying outright to a teacher?
“It’s my fault,” Hermione continued, her head bowed. “Parvati tried to stop me, but I didn’t listen. She followed me here to bring me back, but it was already too late. That’s when Harry, Ron, and Neville arrived just in time to save us. Without them, we would have…” Her voice broke, and she lowered her gaze further.
McGonagall observed her for a long moment, her eyes filled with restrained anger. “Miss Granger, for this recklessness, I will deduct ten points from Gryffindor. I cannot tolerate such imprudent behavior.”
Hermione nodded, clasping her hands tightly to hide how much they were shaking.
McGonagall turned to the other four. “And you? Do you have any idea how dangerous what you did was?”
Harry opened his mouth to speak, but Dean intervened from behind McGonagall. “Professor, the first thing Harry thought of was to come find you. But you were already out of the Great Hall…”
McGonagall scrutinized him, then Seamus spoke up: “We knew they were in danger, and Harry said we should split up—us three to find a teacher, and the others to get Hermione and Parvati out…”
“We thought it was the right thing to do,” added Lavender, trying to convince McGonagall.
McGonagall turned to her, Seamus, and Dean. “The three of you made the right choice. Five points each for your good sense and for seeking help. You acted responsibly.”
Then her gaze returned to Harry, Ron, Neville, and Parvati. “As for you four… let me repeat, you were lucky. Not many first-years could hold their own against a mountain troll that size. You each win five points for Gryffindor. Professor Dumbledore will be informed. You may go.”
Hermione, Parvati and Lavender left together. Seamus and Dean followed shortly after, leaving Harry, Ron, and Neville still in the bathroom.
The three ran off and didn’t speak a word until they were two floors up. At the very least, it was a relief to leave the stench of the troll behind.
“We deserved more than five points each,” Ron muttered.
“Yeah... but it doesn’t matter anymore. Hermione surprised me, I have to admit,” Harry replied.
“She was kind to get us out of trouble like that,” Ron admitted. “But let’s not forget we were the ones who saved her!”
“She wouldn’t have needed saving if you and Seamus hadn’t made those nasty comments,” Neville pointed out softly but firmly.
Ron blushed and nodded, embarrassed. “You’re right, Neville. I owe Hermione an apology—and Parvati too.”
They reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.
“Pig snout,” said Harry.
The Gryffindor common room was still full of students celebrating Halloween. Laughter and chatter filled the air, while the scent of sweets and treats sent up from the kitchens lingered pleasantly. Harry saw that the other Gryffindors in their year were all huddled in a corner. Harry, Ron, and Neville joined them. Dean was sitting on the floor, while Lavender sat with Seamus on a chair near the fireplace. Hermione was to their right, seated beside Parvati in a chair close to them. Both looked tired but relieved.
As they approached, there was a moment of tense silence. Ron ran a hand through his messy hair, clearly uncomfortable.
“Uh, Hermione...” he began but then stopped.
“Come on, Weasley,” Seamus teased, giving him a playful shove. “Don’t make us wait all night.”
Ron shot Seamus a glare, then cleared his throat and looked Hermione in the eyes. “Look, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I was... insensitive. I was angry, but I had no right to take it out on you. It wasn’t your fault. You wouldn’t have been in the bathroom if it hadn’t been for me, and Parvati, I’m sorry for dragging you into this mess indirectly.”
Hermione looked surprised, then lowered her gaze. “Thank you, Ron,” she murmured. “For me, it’s all forgiven. It takes a lot of courage to admit your mistakes.”
Ron turned as red as a tomato, then Seamus stepped forward, raising a hand. “Okay, I’ve got to say it too—I’m sorry, Hermione. I shouldn’t have backed Ron up, and I said some nasty things. You’re truly brilliant, Hermione. And Parvati, I owe you an apology too…”
Parvati gave a faint smile, squeezing Hermione’s hand. “I couldn’t have left her alone. It didn’t matter what would’ve happened.”
Dean shook his head, still in disbelief. “But seriously, you guys—facing a troll? I still can’t believe you made it out alive.”
“Yeah,” Neville added, who had remained silent until then. “Hermione, Parvati... you were so brave. I wouldn’t have known what to do.”
“Neville, you came with us,” Harry said with a smile. “If that’s not bravery, I don’t know what is.”
There was a murmur of agreement among the group. Parvati and Hermione exchanged a glance, and for the first time since the terrifying ordeal, they smiled.
“You faced a troll,” said Seamus with a nervous laugh. “And now you’re all here to tell the tale. I think that means something, doesn’t it?”
Hermione nodded, then her face grew serious. “Yes, it means we were lucky. But we can’t just rely on luck. We have to be prepared... what if something worse happens? Or something that requires more preparation?”
Ron frowned skeptically. “Preparedness? Hermione, are you saying we might have to face a troll again?”
Lavender pulled a face. “I don’t want to face any trolls, thanks. I was lucky enough to go get the teachers while you five almost got yourselves killed. I don’t see why we need to complicate things further.”
Seamus chuckled nervously. “Maybe Hermione wants us to take an advanced course on ‘How to Survive a Monster’? Because if that’s the case, I’m out.”
Parvati looked at Hermione curiously, though it was clear she wasn’t entirely opposed. “Wait, let her explain. I want to know what she means.”
Hermione crossed her arms. “What I’m saying is that we can’t just rely on the teachers anymore. Quirrell hasn’t taught us anything practical so far. And when a real threat came, we were left to fend for ourselves.”
Harry nodded. “Quirrell is useless. And it’s not like the other teachers are much better. I mean, we only got out of this tonight by chance, and the teachers? They showed up when it was all over... what if one of us had died tonight?”
Everyone fell silent at Harry’s words, but they all seemed to agree.
Dean tilted his head, thinking. “That makes sense... but what exactly are you suggesting? A magical book club? Because, Hermione, you’re amazing, but I’m not sure more studying is what we need.”
Hermione shook her head impatiently. “I’m not talking about just studying books. I’m talking about helping each other. Think about it: each of us is good at something, right? If we combine our strengths, we can learn much more than we’re taught in class. And we can help each other with our weaknesses.”
Ron scoffed. “Easy for you to say, Hermione... I’m good at eating meat pies. How does that fit into your brilliant plan?”
Hermione ignored the comment and stood, looking at them all intently. “Ron, tonight you showed you’re the best at thinking quickly in a crisis. Without you, we’d be dead. And when it comes to strategy, no one beats you—just look at how you demolish us all in chess.”
Ron looked taken aback. “Strategy? Me?” Harry could’ve sworn he saw the tips of Ron’s ears turn red.
“Yes,” Hermione confirmed, crossing her arms. “You’re the one who always finds a way out of trouble. Don’t underestimate yourself.”
Then she turned to Neville. “Neville, you’re incredibly brave...”
Neville looked bewildered. “That’s not true, Hermione... sometimes even my own shadow scares me…”
“Don’t say that, Neville! You came to find Parvati and me, even though you were scared, and you helped distract the troll. You contributed too.”
Neville blushed to his ears. “I don’t know... I only came because I thought it was the right thing to do, but I was so scared...”
“And that’s what matters,” Hermione said. “You have a big heart, Neville, and you’re stronger than you think.”
Then Hermione turned to Parvati. “Parvati, you’re one of the most compassionate people I know. You stayed with me even when I wanted to be left alone, and you stubbornly refused to leave my side. You have a natural empathy, and that’s an important quality.”
Parvati gave a shy smile. “Well, I couldn’t just leave you there alone, could I?”
Hermione smiled back, then turned to Seamus and Dean. “Seamus, you’re bold and always ready to jump into the fray. I’ve seen how you stand up to the Slytherins when they bother any of us. And Dean, you’re thoughtful and never hesitate to offer help. Together, you’re a perfect balance.”
Seamus scratched his head. “Not sure if bold is a compliment... but okay, thanks.”
Dean nodded thoughtfully and smiled at Hermione.
Harry noticed that Lavender, her arms crossed, seemed a bit distant. But he wasn’t the only one who noticed. As Hermione worked through everyone’s strengths, Seamus glanced at Lavender and then spoke up, interrupting the flow of conversation.
“Wait a minute,” Seamus said with a sly smile. “If there’s anyone here who always has the right sense about what’s going on, it’s Lavender.”
Lavender looked surprised, her cheeks immediately turning red. “Me? The right sense? What are you talking about, Seamus?”
“Oh, you know exactly what I mean,” he continued warmly. “Today, after Quirrell came into the Great Hall, you were the only one who truly understood how serious it was right from the start. You were worried about Hermione and Parvati long before the rest of us.”
Lavender shook her head, trying to mask her blush with a scowl. “That’s not important. I mean, I just... well, I worry easily, that’s all.”
“But that’s the point!” Seamus insisted, gesturing enthusiastically. “You’ve got incredible instincts. When something’s wrong, you sense it right away. That’s no small thing, you know? And besides, let’s face it, you’re always full of energy. It’s contagious! When we’re down, just seeing you reminds us we can do this.”
Lavender’s eyes widened in surprise, and even Parvati beside her seemed impressed. “I don’t know what to say...” Lavender murmured, looking down.
“You don’t need to say anything,” Seamus said with a sincere smile. “It’s just the truth.”
The group fell silent for a moment before Harry chuckled. “Well, it seems Seamus has a talent for motivational speeches. Are you sure you don’t want to take Hermione’s spot as the leader of our group?”
Harry was still enjoying his joke when Hermione cut in decisively. “Oh, that’s not true... you’re our leader, Harry,” she said firmly, looking at him with a serious expression.
Harry was speechless for a moment, blinking. “Me? Leader? What are you talking about, Hermione?”
“Exactly what I said,” she insisted, casting a determined look at the group. “If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have organized ourselves the way we did tonight. You’re always the one who acts first, who pushes us to do something. Even tonight, it was you who decided to go after Parvati and me while the rest of us were frozen in panic. Lavender, Seamus, and Dean did a great job finding help, but the initiative was yours.”
“She’s right,” Neville added enthusiastically. “In the moment of need, Harry took charge. I’d never have had the courage to face that troll without your example.”
“Me? Brave?” Harry replied with an embarrassed smile. “Ron and Neville were just as incredible. And Parvati—you distracted the troll... and Ron had that brilliant idea with Wingardium Leviosa. Without you, the troll would’ve crushed me with its club...”
“No, Hermione’s right,” Ron interrupted. “It’s not just courage. You’re the one who gets us to act, who keeps us together. And you’re good at improvising. Like, sticking your wand up the troll’s nose? Genius!”
Parvati nodded vigorously. “It’s true, Harry. You have something that makes us want to follow you. When you speak, we feel safe, even when everything seems scary. You’re... like a steady anchor for all of us.”
Even Lavender, who had been silent until then, nodded timidly. “Yeah. It’s strange, but... you have this air about you, like you always know what to do. Even if you don’t, you make it seem that way...”
Harry scratched the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable under all their gazes. “I don’t know... it feels like Hermione is the one who always knows what to do, not me.”
“Don’t confuse knowing with leading,” Hermione replied with a sly smile. “I might know the details of a spell, but it’s thanks to you that we all move in the right direction.”
Dean was the last to speak, giving Harry a pat on the shoulder. “Hey, don’t argue too much, mate. If we all agree, who are you to contradict us?”
An uncertain smile spread across Harry’s face, but the light in his eyes revealed that his friends’ words had deeply touched him.
“All right,” he said finally, raising his hands in surrender. “But we’re a group, okay? Leader or not, we have to work together. None of us can do this alone.”
“And none of us should have to,” Hermione concluded with a satisfied smile. “That’s why our group will be different.”
The eight of them looked around, and for the first time that evening, the bond between them felt stronger than ever.
Finally, Hermione turned to Harry. “And you, Harry, are the most determined and loyal person I’ve ever met. Today, you proved you’re willing to risk everything to protect your friends. That’s what makes us a team.”
Harry smiled, a bit embarrassed. “Well, I couldn’t just leave you all in trouble, could I?”
Hermione sat back down and concluded, “So yes, I think we should form a group. Help each other, improve, and learn to be ready. Not just for exams, but for life. Hogwarts is an extraordinary place, but it’s also dangerous. We need to be prepared.”
Ron scoffed, though less convincingly. “Okay, but promise you won’t make us read those massive tomes of yours.”
Hermione smiled. “I won’t force anyone, but you’d be surprised at what you might learn. So, are you in?”
There was a moment of hesitation, but one by one, they all nodded.
“All right,” Harry said, speaking for everyone. “Let’s do it.”
It was the beginning of something new, and though none of them knew it yet, it would be the bond that would change their destiny.