The Transfiguration lesson passed without any real incident this time. Jack and Harry to the rest of the class looked to be in deep focus as they practised changing a cup into a silver box. Professor McGonagall had been suitably impressed with their progress, drawing the ire of one of the Gryffindors Hermione Granger. Her burning gaze was ignored by the two Slytherins, which they finally succeeded in just before the end of the class.

As they left, they made their way quickly to an abandoned classroom on the second floor which they had taken over for their own use. Settling down, they began to talk about what they could do to get further ahead.

Jack placed the book on the ground. He looked to his right to see Harry reading a book intently called 'Art of Rituals'. He coughed to get his attention, causing Harry to look up.

"This book is really interesting, it's good that you had it in your trunk. Where did you get it from?"

Jack shot Harry a cocky smirk. "I got it through a friend who did a small summer job at a book store. They had a section which had books that would be considered grey in nature.."

"Ah that's cool, I am sure we will be able to do some of these. Especially the ones to speed up our body growth and refine our bodies."

"I agree. Some in there though seem too dark and too dangerous. I read it from cover to cover and some seemed not worth it...I think we need to also research some of what is in there so we don't mess them up."

Harry's face grew serious at that. "That's a good point. Also, we don't want to get caught doing it. I suppose the Ministry wouldn't be happy?"

"Well rituals are historically done in pureblood families, but it is frowned upon by the Ministry. I am sure we will be okay though."

At that, they decided to leave it for a while. They left the room, Jack sealing the door with a Colloportus.

A few weeks passed with nothing really of note, the school going in its usual rhythm. The only thing which broke the monotony of classes was the usual Weasley Twins pranks. Luckily Jack and Harry had managed to avoid them so far. Though they knew they wouldn't be able to forever.

Sitting in the Great Hall during dinner, Harry took a mouthful of mashed potatoes. Opposite him, Jack was reading the evening edition of the Daily Prophet, a cup of tea in his hands.

"There has been no more news about that break-in, seems like Gringotts have closed the investigation. Oh well, that was the first bit of interesting news this paper has had for ages. Better than the rubbish Rita Skeeter writes. My parents always decline offers for interviews."

"That Rita Skeeter sounds a right one", Harry commented after swallowing. "I am so glad I haven't had any interview offers, but that luck won't last forever."

Jack placed the paper down nodding in agreement. "Yes, I am sure as we get older the media circus will shine its spotlight on us." He chuckled at that and took a sip of his tea.

Halloween arrived with the usual decorations adorning the Great Hall. Jack and Harry though were in no real mood to celebrate. They both agreed it was better to pay tribute to James and Lily Potter like the wizarding world should be doing.

"I am sick and tired already of people. They seem to forget that my parents died for me" complained Harry. He huffed in annoyance and got up from his bed.

"Let's go for a walk, I am sure that some fresh air and exercise will do us some good" Jack decided. "Let's take our wands though just in case."

Harry smirked and joined Jack as they left for a quick stroll.

As they were away from the Great Hall, they never saw Professor Quirrell running into the Great Hall screaming about a troll...

As they walked down a hallway Jack heard a short rumble which made him stop and hold out his left arm. Then a second louder rumble shook the corridor, making them both pull out their wands.

"What the hell was that?" Harry hissed.

"I have no clue but my gut feeling is that it's not a good thing. Keep your wand ready, I think we may need to protect ourselves."

They crept forward and they halted at a corner. Jack peeked into the side corridor and saw the ugliest thing they had ever seen. Jack immediately recognised it as a troll that was smashing its way into a room, which to him was absolutely crazy.

He ducked back and urgently whispered to Harry, "There is damn troll round the corner. I have no idea why it's here but we need to stop it. Remember we may have to use the more dangerous spells I taught you and we practised. Though I doubt we have enough magical power to do anything."

Suddenly there was high pitched scream, causing the two to realise they now had to act regardless. They broke cover and charged in, Jack in the lead. They saw a girl in Gryffindor robes cowering near a sink, the troll approaching her with its club swinging.

Jack reacted first. "Confringo!" The blasting curse shot at the troll before detonating, it jolting the troll, just as Harry sent his own blasting curse. The troll turned in anger towards them and began to advance on them

Jack turned to Harry. "You rescue her and I will keep it occupied. I have a few other spells and my family ones if I get desperate. Good luck."

Harry nodded and fired off another blasting hex before ducking down a row of cubicles to get around the even more irate troll. Jack aimed his wand and drew fully on his magic.

"Flagellum Scalpere!"

"Comprimens!"

"Sanguisugae"

The Slicing Whip struck the troll's arm holding the club and slicing it off, the Crushing Curse hit on its chest which crushed its ribcage, with the final Hemorrhaging Curse striking the now roaring troll in the head. Its scream was cut off as its brain started to spontaneously bleed and it fell to the ground with a loud boom.

At that point, Professor Dumbledore raced in with Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape close behind.

–

AN

Comprimens – Crushing Curse

Flagellum Scalpere – Slicing Whip

Sanguisugae - Hemorrhaging Curse (Forrester Family Magic)