Chapter 131: "Troll Aftermath Part - 1"

Harry and his friends paused to address the professors who had just arrived on the scene. Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Snape, and Quirrell were all there. Quirrell, visibly shaken by the sight of the defeated troll, let out a faint whimper and quickly sat down against a nearby wall, clutching his heart as if deeply distressed.

Snape approached the troll to examine it closely, while Professor Flitwick looked around with wide eyes, his expression one of shock at the chaos before him.

Professor McGonagall, however, fixed a stern glare on the group of third-year students who had defied instructions and taken matters into their own hands to confront the troll. Her face was etched with anger, and she seemed ready to scold them severely.

Just as she was about to express her frustration, Charles, Ron, and Hermione emerged, limping and battered, from the girls' bathroom. Seeing them in such a state momentarily diffused her anger.

McGonagall took a deep breath, visibly calming herself before addressing the students. "What happened here? Mr. Diggory, please explain."

Cedric took a moment to gather his thoughts before explaining the entire sequence of events to the professors. He began by detailing their initial intent, which was to inform Harry about the troll's presence within the school. However, their plans changed abruptly when they heard screams along the way. Concerned, they rushed towards the noise, which led them to the bathroom where they heard more screams and the grunts of the troll. It was clear that immediate action was necessary to protect the lives at risk.

Cedric continued by explaining that before engaging the troll, they made sure to send Elvinia and Arabella to fetch the professors. The rest of the group then focused on defending the first-year students from the troll. He openly shared the fear and danger they encountered during the ordeal and highlighted how Harry arrived just in time to help subdue the troll, ultimately ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

The professors listened intently to Cedric's account, their expressions turning from concern to understanding as they absorbed the details of the harrowing encounter. They nodded appreciatively, clearly recognizing the courage and quick thinking displayed by the students throughout the incident.

Despite their initial reservations about the students putting themselves in danger, the professors couldn't help but express their admiration for the adeptness and bravery with which the situation was managed. Their faces showed a mix of relief and reluctant admiration for the daring actions that had likely saved many lives.

Professor Flitwick then spoke up, his voice filled with a blend of praise and caution. "Good work dealing with the troll. This is a great example of inter-house unity. However, I must also admonish you. I knew from Mr. Potter's demonstrated prowess in my classes that he could handle himself. That is why I assured you he could manage on his own. We also knew he would be in a safe place during the feast, so we were not overly worried. But nonetheless, great work, everyone. Especially you, Mr. Potter. Excellent use of the levitation charm, summoning charm, and the freezing charm, all used at the right moments."

Professor McGonagall followed with her own commendation, though not without a hint of her characteristic sternness. "And an impressive display of conjuring, which is a skill taught in NEWT-level transfiguration. It appears you do not need to attend my classes, Mr. Potter."

Harry responded with humility, "No, professor, I still very much need the classes. They help me solidify my basics and perfect my spells, ensuring I can perform them effortlessly."

The professors nodded and then conferred quietly among themselves for a moment.

After a brief discussion, Snape spoke up. "I really don't like how you all acted today. However, it was good that you had a backup plan with Miss Thornwood and Miss Whitlock going to fetch the professors. Although it was wrong to put yourselves in danger, and I believe there should be consequences, the other professors feel your actions in saving the three first years should be rewarded. Therefore, fifty points will be awarded to each house for your display of what I must call foolish courage."

The group was thrilled by the recognition and the points they had received.

Professor Flitwick then chimed in, "And I will add twenty points for Mr. Potter for his impressive display of magic and for handling a fully grown troll while saving many lives."

Harry gratefully accepted the points, and the group's spirits lifted even higher as they celebrated together. The professors observed the festivities with smiles on their faces, pleased with the outcome despite the initial danger. Meanwhile, Quirrell watched quietly from the sidelines, his thoughts remaining a mystery to everyone present.

Professor McGonagall turned toward the younger trio from her house, her expression one of stern disappointment mixed with anger.

"What on earth were you thinking?" she demanded, her voice filled with cold fury. Charles glanced at Ron, who was awkwardly holding his wand aloft, seemingly unsure of what to do next. "You're lucky you weren't killed. Why aren't you in your dormitory?"

Both Charles and Ron looked down, embarrassed and unsure of how to respond. It was then that a small voice emerged from the shadows.

"Please, Professor McGonagall—they were looking for me," said Hermione, who had managed to stand up despite her evident distress.

"Miss Granger!" McGonagall exclaimed, her tone shifting as she addressed Hermione.

"I went looking for the troll because I—I thought I could handle it on my own—you know, because I've read all about them," Hermione explained, her voice shaky.

Ron dropped his wand in surprise. It was unlike Hermione to tell a blatant lie to a teacher. "If they hadn't found me, I'd be dead now. Charles distracted the troll with spells, and Ron helped in the surroundings too. They didn't have time to fetch anyone. It was about to attack me when they arrived."

Charles, trying to defend their actions, mumbled, "We would have handled the troll ourselves if the intruders hadn't come and startled us."

This comment enraged the other group. Angelina snapped, "Is this the thanks we get for saving your butts?"

Charles retorted defensively, "We didn't ask to be saved. I had everything under control. Ron was about to take control of the troll's club, and we would have defeated it."

Roger challenged them, "A troll that five senior students struggled with, you two kids thought you could handle alone?"

Charles, filled with indignation, responded, "I am different from you. I am the Boy Who Lived and have been training from a young age. I have more experience in handling dark creatures."

Reggy, frustrated by Charles's arrogance, countered, "Okay, Boy Who Lived. Need I remind you that your title came not from defeating You-Know-Who but from surviving the death curse due to the sacrificial ritual performed by your grandmother? Don't let those fictional novels go to your head—they're just fiction. You're a normal student like us, just with a fancy title."

Reggy then turned toward Harry, looking slightly embarrassed about his outburst, but Harry just waved it off, indicating there was no need for an apology. Deep down, Harry found himself agreeing with Reggy's points, though he also recognized that Charles's claim about handling the troll could have been accurate.

In the canon, events unfolded just as Charles described. However, Harry felt that Charles's response was inappropriate given the circumstances. Cedric and the others had risked their lives to help, and Charles should have expressed his gratitude. There was a genuine risk involved, particularly with Ron's part in the encounter, which could have easily gone wrong.