Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

As they made their way to the Great Hall for dinner, Ron and Neville asked Harry about his day.

"How was your day, mate?" Ron inquired.

Harry's expression turned nostalgic. "It was amazing, actually. My Grandma, Mrs. Tucker, surprised me with a visit this morning."

Neville's eyes widened. "That's great! What did she do here?"

Harry smiled. "She came with Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and we all went to Godric's Hollow."

Ron's curiosity was piqued. "What's Godric's Hollow like?"

Harry's eyes misted over. "It's...beautiful. There's a memorial there, a beautiful monument dedicated to my parents and all the others who died in the wizarding wars."

Neville nodded sympathetically. "I can imagine."

Harry's voice cracked. "We visited my parents' grave...I talked to them, poured my heart out. It was incredibly emotional."

Ron placed a supportive hand on Harry's shoulder.

Harry continued, "After that, I met Remus Lupin, my uncle Moony. We talked for a bit."

Neville's eyes sparkled with interest. "What's he like?"

Harry smiled. "He's amazing, really wise and kind."

Ron asked, "What did you talk about?"

Harry hesitated, careful not to reveal Remus's secret. "Just life, really. He's been through a lot."

Neville nodded understandingly.

Harry added, "Earlier that day, I also met Bathilda Bagshot, the writer of 'A History of Magic'."

Ron's eyes widened. "The famous historian?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, she's really knowledgeable about magic history."

As they continued down the corridor, Harry's voice cracked with emotion as he recounted his visit to the cottage.

"Then Ginny and I went to the cottage," Harry said, his eyes welling up with tears. "The one where I lived with my parents before...before Voldemort attacked."

Ron and Neville exchanged concerned glances, their faces etched with empathy.

"It's in bad shape now," Harry continued, his voice trembling. "The windows are broken, the door's hanging off its hinges...but I had to see it."

Neville's expression softened. "What was it like inside?" he asked gently.

Harry took a deep breath, the memories flooding back. "It was...surreal. Everything looks smaller than I remembered. The fireplace where my parents used to read to me, the kitchen where we had breakfast together..."

Harry's voice broke, and he paused, collecting himself.

"Ginny was amazing," he said, his eyes shining with gratitude. "She held my hand the whole time, letting me relive those memories."

Ron nodded understandingly. "That must have been tough."

Harry nodded, his eyes misting over. "It was, but I needed to do it. I needed to remember the happy times, the life I had before...before everything changed."

As they turned a corner, the sound of chatter and clinking silverware grew louder, signaling their approach to the Great Hall.

Neville asked, "Did you find anything...significant?"

Harry's gaze drifted downward, his voice barely above a whisper. "I found a small toy, a stuffed owl. It was mine when I was a baby. My mother used to tell me stories about owls."

Ron's voice was filled with compassion. "That must have been emotional."

Harry nodded, his voice still shaking. "It was...but it felt right. Like I was reconnecting with my past."

As they continued down the corridor, Harry's face flushed with a deep blush.

"Then something amazing happened," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ron and Neville exchanged curious glances.

"What is it?" Ron asked.

Harry's blush deepened. "I confessed my love to Ginny."

Neville's eyes widened. "What do you mean by confessed?"

Ron chimed in, "Yeah, I mean, didn't you two already...?"

Harry shook his head, his face burning with embarrassment.

Neville's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Did you mean you announced to the whole school that Ginny's the love of your life, but you hadn't told her herself?"

Harry nodded, his blush intensifying. "I knew I loved her, but I was waiting for the right moment...and what better time than today?"

Ron's eyes lit up with understanding. "Today, of all days, after visiting your parents' grave..."

Harry's voice cracked. "Today, when all my happiness and love from my past vanished...why not start a new love in my life?"

Neville's expression softened. "That's incredibly romantic, Harry."

Ron grinned. "You're a true Gryffindor, mate – brave and true of heart."

Harry's blush lingered, but his eyes shone with happiness.

"I was so nervous," Harry admitted. "But Ginny...she felt the same way."

Neville's eyes sparkled. "And what did she say?"

Harry's face lit up. "She said yes! She loves me too."

The trio shared a warm smile, the tension between them dissipating.

Ron clapped Harry on the back. "Congratulations, mate! You deserve it."

Neville turned to Harry. "You know, mate, today might have been tough, but it's also a new beginning."

Harry nodded, his heart full. "It is. And I couldn't have done it without Ginny – or you two or Hermione"

As they continued down the corridor, Harry's thoughts shifted from his emotional day to his friends.

"How was your day?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.

Ron grinned mischievously. "It was eventful, especially during breakfast."

Neville chimed in, "Fred and George made an announcement."

Harry's eyes sparkled with interest. "What kind of announcement?"

Ron chuckled. "They said the first Quidditch match of the season is Gryffindor vs Slytherin on November 18."

Neville nodded. "Fred and George were being their usual selves, making a big show of it."

Harry laughed. "I can imagine. What did they do?"

Ron's eyes twinkled. "They flew in on their broomsticks, shouting 'Gryffindor vs Slytherin' through megaphones."

Neville chuckled. "And then they dropped a bunch of red and gold streamers from the ceiling."

Harry's face lit up. "Classic Fred and George."

Ron grinned. "They got everyone pumped up for the match."

Neville added, "We're all looking forward to it. We have to beat Slytherin."

Harry's competitive spirit stirred. "We will. We have a strong team this year."

As they continued down the corridor, Harry's excitement began to wane, replaced by a growing sense of anxiety. His mind started racing with thoughts of the upcoming Quidditch match.

"Guys, I just realized something," Harry said, his voice laced with concern, his brow furrowed.

Ron and Neville turned to him, curiosity etched on their faces.

"What's on your mind, Harry?" Ron asked, his tone encouraging.

Harry's eyes widened, his voice barely above a whisper. "This will be my first Quidditch match as a Seeker. What if I mess up? What if I let Gryffindor down?"

Neville's expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "You'll be brilliant, Harry. You've been practicing for months."

Ron placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "You've got this, mate. You're the best Seeker Gryffindor's got."

But Harry's doubts lingered, his mind consumed by worst-case scenarios. "What if I crash into another player? What if I miss the Snitch?"

Neville chuckled. "You're thinking too much, Harry. Just relax and play your game."

Ron nodded in agreement. "And remember, you've got the best team behind you. We'll work together, and we'll win."

Harry took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He thought back to his countless hours of practice, his dedication to mastering the Seeker position.

"I know, but Slytherin's going to be tough," Harry said, his voice still laced with worry.

Ron grinned mischievously. "That's what makes it exciting! We'll show them what Gryffindor's made of."

Neville added, "You've faced tougher opponents than Slytherin's Quidditch team, Harry. You've faced You Know Who ."

Harry's eyes sparkled with determination. "You're right. I can do this."

Just then, a group of students passed by, chatting about the upcoming match.

"...Gryffindor's new Seeker, Harry Potter, is untested..." one of them said.

Harry's anxiety resurfaced, but Ron and Neville's reassuring smiles steadied him.

"We believe in you, Harry," Ron said, his voice filled with conviction.

Neville nodded. "You're going to fly that Quidditch pitch like a pro."

Harry's resolve strengthened, and he continued down the corridor with his friends, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As they continued down the corridor, Ron and Neville filled Harry in on the day's events, their voices echoing off the stone walls.

"Hey, you missed an interesting Defense Against the Dark Arts class," Ron said, chuckling and shaking his head.

Neville nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, Professor Quirrell was his usual self – stuttering all over the place. 'T-t-today, w-w-we're g-g-going to l-l-learn about...'."

Harry raised an eyebrow, amused by Neville's impersonation. "What was the lesson about?"

Ron grinned mischievously. "Imps, Ghosts, and Hags. But Quirrell didn't go into much detail. He just sort of...skimmed the surface."

Neville added, "And he kept glancing at his notes, like he was trying to remember what to say next."

Harry chuckled. "Sounds like a typical Quirrell class. Did he cover anything useful?"

Ron shrugged. "Not really. Just basic stuff about Imps being mischievous and Ghosts being, well, ghostly."

Neville chimed in, "And Hags, of course. He mentioned they're usually found in dark, damp places."

Harry's curiosity piqued. "Do you think something's bothering Quirrell? He seems to be getting worse."

Ron nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, he's been acting strange all week. Always looking over his shoulder."

Neville frowned. "Maybe he's just stressed about the Quidditch match."

Harry smiled wryly. "I'm more stressed about that than Quirrell."

As they strolled along the corridor, Neville and Ron continued recounting their day, their voices filled with excitement.

"Then we had double Charms with the Slytherins," Neville said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Professor Flitwick was beaming with enthusiasm."

Ron chuckled. "He finally taught us the Levitation Charm, practically. We've been waiting for weeks."

Harry's face lit up with interest. "How was it? Was Flitwick's teaching style as energetic as usual?"

Neville grinned. "You already knew it, didn't you? You're always one step ahead."

Harry nodded. "I used it on my first day to save that vase in the classroom remember ? I was lucky I remembered the incantation."

Ron laughed. "Yeah, you're a natural. You didn't miss anything important. Flitwick went over the theory, but it was mostly review."

Neville continued, "So, Flitwick had us pair up to practice the charm. That's when things got interesting."

Ron jumped in, his voice filled with mirth. "And guess who Hermione got stuck with? None other than Draco Malfoy."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "How did she handle that?"

Neville chuckled. "Hermione levitated the object on her first try. She was so focused."

Ron added, "Draco, on the other hand, couldn't do it for the entire class. He was getting frustrated."

Harry chuckled. "That's priceless. I can imagine Draco's face turning red."

As they turned a corner, the sound of students chatting and laughing grew louder.

Neville said, "Hermione was brilliant. She's always so quick to pick up new spells. And her technique was flawless."

Ron nodded. "And Draco's face was priceless. He was fuming. Kept muttering under his breath."

Harry laughed. "I wish I'd seen it. Did Draco try to sabotage Hermione?"

Ron grinned mischievously. "Actually, he tried to distract her, but Hermione stayed focused."

Neville chuckled. "We should ask Hermione to demonstrate the charm on Draco."

The trio continued down the corridor, eager to share the story with Hermione and relive the moment.

"That must have been embarrassing for Draco," Harry said, chuckling.

Ron nodded. "He's not used to being outdone by a first-year student, especially not by Hermione."

As they continued down the corridor, a group of students passed by, their hushed voices carrying snippets of juicy gossip.

"...I swear, I saw Draco and Hermione alone in the library corridor...they were arguing about something...looked pretty heated," one of them whispered, eyes wide with excitement.

Harry's ears perked up, his mind racing with concern as he caught the words "Draco" and "Hermione" in the same sentence.

Ron and Neville exchanged curious glances, their faces mirroring Harry's growing unease.

"What's going on?" Ron wondered aloud, his brow furrowed.

Neville frowned, his eyes narrowing. "Sounds like Draco's up to no good. He's always causing trouble."

Harry's worry intensified, his thoughts consumed by the possibility of Draco bothering Hermione. He quickened his pace, his long strides eating up the distance.

"Do you think that's why Hermione's been absent all day?" Harry asked, his voice low and laced with concern.

Ron's expression turned serious, his eyes clouding over. "Could be. Draco's not exactly known for his friendly demeanor, especially towards Hermione."

Neville nodded vigorously. "He's always sneering at her, trying to intimidate her. But Hermione's not one to back down."

Harry's pace quickened further, his thoughts racing with worst-case scenarios.

"I don't like it," Harry said, his voice firm and resolute.

Ron placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "We'll find out what's going on, mate. Don't worry."

Neville nodded, his face set in determination. "We'll talk to Hermione, see if she's okay. If Draco's bothering her, we'll put a stop to it."

As they turned another corner, the library corridor came into view, its long rows of shelves and study tables stretching out before them.

"Let's check the library," Harry suggested, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of Hermione or Draco.

Ron nodded. "If Draco's bothering her, we'll make sure he backs off."

Neville's face darkened. "No one messes with our friends."

The trio quickened their pace, united in their support for Hermione and their determination to uncover the truth.

"We'll get to the bottom of this," Harry said, his jaw clenched.

Ron and Neville flanked him, their faces set in resolute agreement.

Madam Pince meticulously reshuffled the books on the shelves, her slender fingers dusting off the spines as she worked. The library was quiet, the only sound the soft rustle of pages and the creaking of old leather bindings.

"It's almost time to close," she murmured to herself, glancing at the grandfather clock in the corner.

As she placed a particularly worn volume of Ancient Runes back in its proper spot, Madam Pince's expression turned wistful.

"This is why I hate it," she sighed, shaking her head. "Children always misplacing books."

Despite her stern demeanor, Madam Pince wasn't opposed to students visiting the library. In fact, she loved seeing young minds eager to explore the world of knowledge.

"Many think I dislike students coming here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "but it's not true. I adore seeing them discover new worlds within these pages."

However, Madam Pince's enthusiasm was often dampened by the students' behavior.

"They don't come to read or learn," she lamented, "only to study or do homework. And some even talk, as if this were a common room."

Madam Pince's eyes narrowed, her lips pursing.

"Two problems with students, always. Either they're rude, or they disregard the rules."

She recalled the countless times students had carelessly handled rare books or disregarded the library's silence.

"Those who aren't rude often break rules unknowingly," she sighed.

Madam Pince's pen moved with precision, scribbling down the final notes for the day's closure, her eyes fixed on the parchment. The library door creaked open, and without looking up, she somewhat rudely scolded, "It's no time to visit the library on a holiday. Please leave. We're closing soon."

Her tone was firm, but a hint of politeness softened the edges, a subtle warmth beneath her stern demeanor.

The newcomers paused, hesitant, and Madam Pince glanced up to see who had entered. Her gaze landed on Harry Potter, and her stern features relaxed, replaced by a gentle smile.

"Ah, Harry Potter," she said, her voice infused with warmth. "I wasn't expecting anyone else today."

Madam Pince had observed that most students either unknowingly broke library rules or disrespected her, their carelessness a stark contrast to the reverence she held for the ancient tomes.

However, a select few stood out for their genuine love of knowledge and respect for the library's sanctity. Hermione, the first-year student, was one such exception. Neville and Ron, though infrequent visitors, also demonstrated respect and adherence to the rules.

But Harry was unique. His passion for knowledge rivaled Hermione's, and he never broke library rules. In fact, he often prevented others from doing so, gently reminding them of the library's etiquette. Moreover, he treated Madam Pince with kindness and courtesy, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest when they conversed.

There was something special about Harry, something that set him apart from his peers, even Hermione. He had a way of making Madam Pince feel seen, heard, and understood.

"Harry has a way of making me feel like I'm more than just a librarian," Madam Pince thought, her eyes returning to the trio.

As Ron and Neville accompanied Harry, Madam Pince's gaze encompassed the group, her expression softening.

"What brings you boys here today?" she asked, her tone now warm and inviting.

"We're looking for Hermione," Harry explained. "We haven't seen her all day."

Madam Pince's expression turned thoughtful, her brow furrowing. "I haven't seen her today, either. But you're welcome to look around. You have five minutes before I close."

Harry smiled, and Madam Pince's heart swelled with affection. Their conversations often delved beyond books and studies, into the realm of personal stories and dreams.

"Harry would share stories about Ginny, his apparent girlfriend," Madam Pince recalled, a gentle smile on her face. "He'd speak of her with such enthusiasm, such kindness."

Though Harry never spoke about his home life, Madam Pince sensed a depth to his stories, a hidden vulnerability.

"Would you like some help finding Hermione?" Madam Pince offered, rising from her seat.

"Thank you, Madam Pince," Harry said, his eyes sparkling with gratitude.

As they searched the shelves together, Madam Pince felt a sense of companionship she rarely experienced with students. The library, once a solitary domain, became a shared space, filled with warmth and connection.

Hermione's absence from the library sent Harry's anxiety soaring. He frantically scanned the shelves, his eyes scouring every nook and cranny for a glimpse of her bushy brown hair.

"I don't see her," Harry said, his voice trembling with worry.

Madam Pince, Neville, and Ron exchanged concerned glances, their faces reflecting Harry's growing unease.

"Are you certain she was supposed to meet you here?" Madam Pince asked, her brow furrowed.

"No," Harry replied, his words tumbling out in a rush. "She never returned to the common room after lunch. And I just found out she was last seen with Draco. I'm sure he's done something to her."

Ron's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "That slimy git. He must have insulted her or worse."

Neville nodded vigorously. "We have to find her."

Harry's panic intensified, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "What if Draco's hurt her? What if she's in trouble?"

Madam Pince placed a calming hand on Harry's shoulder. "Let's not jump to conclusions. She's probably in the Great Hall for the feast."

Neville chimed in, "Yeah, she might have forgotten to tell us."

Ron added, "Or she's with Professor McGonagall, discussing Transfiguration."

Harry reluctantly agreed, still uneasy.

"Okay, let's check the Great Hall," Harry said, his voice laced with worry.

As they left the library, Madam Pince bid them farewell.

"I'll see you all at the feast," she said, smiling warmly. "I must join the teachers' table. Professor Dumbledore will be expecting me."

Ron, Harry, and Neville continued down the corridor leading to the Great Hall entrance.

"Let's find Hermione," Ron said, determination etched on his face.

Neville nodded. "We'll get to the bottom of this."

Harry's anxiety continued to build. Where was Hermione?

As they approached the Great Hall entrance, the sound of laughter and chatter grew louder.

"Let's go in," Neville said, his hand on the door handle.

Harry took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the entrance.

"Here we go," Ron whispered.

As they pushed open the large wooden doors, the warm glow of the Great Hall enveloped them. Harry, Ron, and Neville stepped inside, their eyes scanning the room.

The Great Hall was transformed for the Halloween feast. Golden plates, goblets, and napkins adorned the long tables, surrounded by jack-o'-lanterns grinning from the center of each table. Their flickering candles cast eerie shadows on the walls.

Cobwebs hung from the ceiling, and black and orange streamers draped the walls. A giant spider web, complete with glinting fake spiders, dominated the ceiling.

Ron's eyes widened in wonder. "Blimey!" he exclaimed.

Neville's gaze followed the floating ghosts, his mouth agape.

The Fat Friar, the White Lady, and Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington chatted amiably with students, their ethereal voices adding to the festive atmosphere.

"Happy Halloween, young witches and wizards!" Professor Dumbledore's voice rang out from the staff table.

Students laughed and chatted at their respective house tables, clad in Halloween costumes. Gryffindors wore red and gold, Slytherins sported green and silver, Ravenclaws donned blue and bronze, and Hufflepuffs wore yellow and black.

Harry's eyes scanned the room, his unease for Hermione's well-being lingering. He searched every table, every face, but there was no sign of her.

His gaze swept across the staff table, where Professors McGonagall, Sprout, and Flitwick conversed with the ghosts. The Hogwarts staff wore elaborate costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Harry's eyes continued their search, scanning the corners of the hall, the shadows, and the doorways. Still, no Hermione.

The Great Hall's enchanted ceiling twinkled like stars above, casting a magical glow over the proceedings.

Ron and Neville, momentarily entranced by the festivities, forgot about Hermione. But Harry's concern only deepened.

The feast's delicious aromas wafted through the air – roasted meats, pumpkin juice, and treacle fudge. The atmosphere was joyful, but Harry's heart remained heavy with worry.

His eyes continued their relentless search, scouring every inch of the Great Hall for any sign of Hermione.

Meanwhile, at the teachers' table, a subdued yet meaningful conversation unfolded. Dumbledore, resplendent in his finest wizarding attire, leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

"I've received word that Harry's visit to Godric's Hollow was a resounding success," Dumbledore said, his voice low and soothing.

Snape, seated to Dumbledore's right, nodded thoughtfully, his expression surprisingly positive. "I must admit, Potter's resilience is impressive. His ability to confront the darker aspects of his past is noteworthy."

McGonagall, seated across from Snape, smiled warmly, her eyes shining with pride. "When he returned, he was beaming with joy. His eyes were still red from crying, but he was relieved. The weight of his emotions had been lifted."

Sprout, seated beside McGonagall, leaned forward, interest etched on her face. "That's wonderful news, Minerva. His visit seemed to have a profound impact on him."

Flitwick, seated at the far end of the table, nodded vigorously, his eyes shining with warmth. "I've noticed a change in him, too. He seems more centered, more at peace."

McGonagall leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I think I know the reason behind his smile," she whispered.

The others leaned in, intrigued, their faces drawn closer together.

"Apparently," McGonagall whispered, "it's due to Ginny Weasley."

Dumbledore's eyebrows rose, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Ah, young love. How wonderful."

Snape's expression turned thoughtful, his brow furrowed. "Potter's emotional connections can be...complicated. We must ensure he remains focused."

Flitwick chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Love can conquer even the darkest of times. And Ginny must be an exceptional young witch."

Sprout smiled, her face aglow. "I'm glad Harry has found solace in Ginny. She must be bright and talented.

McGonagall's eyes sparkled. "I must admit, I'm getting fond of Ginny. Her spirit and determination are admirable."

Dumbledore nodded, his expression serious. "We must ensure Harry's emotional well-being remains stable. His destiny is fraught with challenges, and we must prepare him."

The teachers nodded in unison, their faces reflecting their collective concern for Harry's future.

As they continued their discussion, the Great Hall's festive atmosphere swirled around them – laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses. The enchanted ceiling twinkled like stars above, casting a magical glow over the proceedings.

Ron and Neville made their way to the Gryffindor table, their eyes fixed on the Halloween decorations. The jack-o'-lanterns seemed to grin at them, and the cobwebs sparkled like diamonds. Harry watched them, shaking his head in amusement.

"Boys," Harry muttered, rolling his eyes. "Focus."

He approached them, smacking them gently on the backs of their heads. "Snap out of it, guys. We have a problem."

Ron and Neville turned, their faces flushing with shame. They looked like guilty children caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

"Oh, Hermione," Ron whispered, his eyes widening.

Neville nodded vigorously, his freckles standing out. "We forgot."

Harry's expression turned serious, his brow furrowed. "Let's focus. We need to find her."

As he scanned the room, an idea struck him. Hermione was a girl, and girls at Hogwarts seemed to know everything. They always seemed to be aware of the latest gossip and rumors.

He spotted Parvati and Lavender chatting nearby, their faces aglow in the candlelight.

"Excuse me," Harry said, approaching them. "Have you seen Hermione?"

Parvati and Lavender exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling.

"I haven't seen her personally," Parvati replied, "but Millicent told me she was crying in the second-floor girls' bathroom."

Lavender nodded, her blonde hair bobbing. "I thought she was with you guys."

Harry's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. Draco must have made her cry. That snake was going to pay.

Ron and Neville's faces darkened, their fists clenched.

"We'll kill him," Ron growled, his voice low.

"Let's hex him in front of the whole school," Neville snarled, his eyes blazing.

Harry grabbed their arms, sensing their intentions. He knew that look – the look of righteous anger.

"Wait, guys. Our priority is finding Hermione, not confronting Draco," Harry said calmly.

Ron and Neville's faces fell, but they nodded.

"Right, sorry Harry," Ron said, his voice deflated.

Neville nodded. "We'll find her first."

Harry's grip on their arms tightened.

"Let's go. We need to find out what happened."

With one deathly glare towards Draco at the Slytherin table - a glance that went unnoticed by everyone else - Harry, Ron, and Neville were about to leave to find Hermione when the doors of the Great Hall flung open.

A panic-stricken Professor Quirrell stumbled in, panting heavily. "Troll in the dungeon!" he shouted, his voice laced with fear. "Troll in the dungeon! Troll in the dungeon!"

As he reached the staff table, he gasped, "Thought you should know..." before collapsing to the ground, faint.

A stunned silence gripped the Great Hall for three seconds. Then, chaos erupted. Students screamed, and panic spread like wildfire. The room descended into pandemonium.

Harry, Ron, and Neville were forced to move towards the wall to avoid being trampled. "We need to stay conscious," Harry yelled above the din. "We can't find Hermione if we're scrambled by people's feet!"

Dumbledore's voice boomed through the hall, magnified by his sonorous charm. "SILENCE!"

The room slowly quieted.

"All students must return to their dormitories immediately," Dumbledore instructed. "Gryffindor and Ravenclaw prefects, please escort your students to the common room."

"Gryffindor prefects, lead the way!" McGonagall called out.

"Hufflepuff prefects and Madam Hooch, Professor Sinistra, please take Hufflepuff students to the Astronomy tower," Dumbledore continued.

"Slytherin prefects, Professor Vector, and Madam Pince, escort all Slytherins to the library."

"And the rest of the teachers will accompany me to the dungeons," Dumbledore concluded.

The staff nodded, their faces set with determination. The students, though frightened, began to move towards their designated safe zones.

Harry, Ron, and Neville exchanged worried glances. Finding Hermione just became even more challenging.

As the students began to file out of the Great Hall, following their prefects and professors to the designated safe zones, the teaching staff gathered around Dumbledore. The atmosphere was electric with worry and urgency.

Professors McGonagall, Sprout, Flitwick, Charity Burbage, and others fell into step behind him, their faces grave with concern. McGonagall's eyes scanned the crowd, ensuring her students were following instructions.

"Let's move quickly," Dumbledore said, his voice low and urgent. "We don't know what kind of troll we're dealing with. Its presence here is unprecedented."

As they approached the gate leading out of the Great Hall, Snape suddenly changed direction. His eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on his face.

"I'll ensure the Philosopher's Stone is secure," Snape muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the din. "This chaos provides the perfect opportunity for thievery."

He swiftly made his way towards the third-floor corridor, his long strides eating up the distance. His black robes billowed behind him like a dark cloud.

Meanwhile, Harry, Ron, and Neville tried to call out to the departing professors.

"Professor! Wait!" Harry shouted, waving his arms wildly.

"We need to find Hermione!" Ron yelled, his voice hoarse from screaming over the chaos.

But their voices were drowned out by the panic-stricken screams and chaos filling the Great Hall. Students rushed past, their faces terrified.

Neville cupped his hands around his mouth. "PROFESSOR! WE NEED HELP!"

Their cries went unheard, lost in the sea of frightened students.

Harry's face set in determination. "We're on our own. Let's go find Hermione."

Ron nodded resolutely. "We have to make sure she's safe."

Neville's eyes scanned the chaotic hall. "But where do we start?"

The three friends exchanged worried glances, their minds racing with the possibilities.

Harry's eyes locked onto Ron and Neville's, his expression resolute and determined. The sounds of chaos and panic from the Great Hall faded into the background as he spoke.

"There's only one way to find Hermione," Harry said, his voice firm and decisive.

"Hermione doesn't know about the troll," he continued. "We don't know what kind of troll it is, how many there are, or how it even got into the school. We can't leave her unprotected."

Ron's face paled, his eyes wide with worry. "We can't let her wander around unaware. She'll be an easy target."

Neville nodded vigorously, his freckles standing out. "We have to find her. She's our friend."

Harry pulled out a crumpled piece of parchment from his pocket. It was the outline of a map, one he had been working on with Ron, Neville, and Hermione's help during their late-night study sessions.

"This isn't perfect," Harry said, unfolding the parchment, "but it's our best chance. We've marked all the hidden passages and secret stairs we've discovered so far."

The map revealed a labyrinthine network of corridors and stairways, routes that only they knew. It was a patchwork of lines and symbols, detailing hidden doors, secret passages, and lesser-known staircases.

"We can't go through the main corridors," Harry said, tracing a path with his finger. "Prefects will catch us and send us back to the common room. We can't risk it."

Ron's eyes scanned the map, his brow furrowed. "We need to find a way to the second floor. That's where Parvati said Hermione was."

Neville's finger traced a path. "This short passage leads to secret stairs for the upper floors. It's near the library."

Harry nodded, his eyes locked onto the map. "That's our route. We'll take the passage near the library, then make our way to the second floor."

Ron's eyes narrowed. "And then?"

"We'll search every classroom, every corner, until we find Hermione," Harry replied, his jaw set. "We won't leave any stone unturned."

Neville's face set in determination. "We'll find her."

Harry folded the map and tucked it back into his pocket, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Let's move," he said, his voice low and resolute.

With the map as their guide, the trio prepared to navigate the treacherous corridors, determined to locate Hermione before it was too late.

Meanwhile, Quirrell rose up from his pretended faint, his eyes gleaming with sinister intent. He discreetly made his way towards the passage leading to the third floor, blending into the chaos that had engulfed the Great Hall. The sounds of screaming students and shouting professors covered his swift departure.

"My plan is working perfectly," Quirrell muttered to himself, a sly smile spreading across his face as he navigated through the panicked crowds.

He had brought five trolls with him, just in case. One of them was particularly dim-witted, even for a troll. It kept losing its way, stumbling into walls and doorframes, but Quirrell didn't care, unless it stumbled onto the third floor and became an obstacle to his true objective.

Down in the dungeons, Dumbledore and the teachers arrived, expecting to find a single troll. Instead, they were met with a horrifying sight that made their blood run cold.

"By Merlin's beard!" McGonagall exclaimed, her voice shocked and dismayed. "There are four of them! Enormous mountain trolls, just like the ones in the darkest forests!"

"Unbelievable," Flitwick whispered, his eyes wide with fear. "How did they get in?"

Dumbledore's face set in determination. "Get into position! We must protect the students! Our priority is their safety!"

The teachers formed a semi-circle, wands at the ready. Charity Burbage stood alongside Sprout, her face pale but determined, while McGonagall positioned herself at the center, her eyes fixed intently on the trolls.

"If it were just one troll, we could levitate its club," McGonagall said. "But with four...it's impossible. We'd need to levitate all four clubs simultaneously, and that's beyond our capabilities."

"We need to act quickly," Dumbledore said. "Their sheer numbers give them an advantage. We must coordinate our attacks!"

The trolls charged, their massive bodies lumbering forward with deafening roars. The teachers unleashed a barrage of spells.

"Reducto!" Flitwick yelled, his wand flashing.

"Expelliarmus!" Sprout shouted, her wand slicing through the air.

"Protego!" Dumbledore boomed, his wand deflecting a troll's massive club.

The battle raged on, the teachers fighting for their lives against the monstrous trolls. Clubs swung through the air, and spells flew in every direction. The sound of crashing stone and shattered wood filled the dungeons.

"We need to target their legs!" Dumbledore shouted. "Disable them, and we can gain the upper hand!"

"Watch out!" McGonagall warned, dodging a troll's swipe.

"This is madness!" Charity Burbage exclaimed.

"Hold your ground!" Dumbledore replied.

The teachers fought valiantly, but the trolls' sheer strength made them formidable opponents. The battle continued, with no end in sight. Quirrell's plan was unfolding, hidden from prying eyes, as the chaos distracted the school and paved the way for his sinister intentions.

Harry, Ron, and Neville made their way out of the Great Hall discreetly, following the Ravenclaws for a while. They kept a low profile, blending into the crowd to avoid detection by professors or prefects.

Once they were far enough from the Great Hall, Harry unfolded the crumpled map, his eyes scanning the intricate markings. With a nod, the trio left the Ravenclaws' path and veered toward a seemingly ordinary wall.

"Here it is," Harry whispered, tapping the wall. "The hidden door."

Ron and Neville exchanged skeptical glances, but Harry's confidence reassured them. The wall swung open, revealing a narrow passageway.

"This is amazing!" Ron breathed, eyes wide with wonder.

"Shh!" Harry warned, glancing around cautiously.

The three friends followed the passageway, their footsteps echoing off the cold stone. The air was musty, and cobwebs clung to the walls. The passage led to a series of secret staircases, which wound upward to the upper floors.

As they reached the landing, all three glanced at each other, their faces set with determination.

"How'll we know which girls' bathroom Hermione is in?" Ron asked, furrowing his brow.

"I know," Harry replied, his voice low.

Neville's eyes widened. "H-how do you know?" he stammered.

Harry rolled his eyes, though his face flushed. "We made this outline of the map for nothing, or what? There are two girls' bathrooms on the second floor. One's near the library, and the other's closer to the East Wing."

Ron's eyes narrowed. "But which one is Hermione in?"

"That's the problem," Harry admitted. "Parvati didn't mention which one."

A debate ensued, with Ron and Neville arguing over the best course of action. Harry listened patiently, but as the discussion dragged on, his impatience grew.

"Come on, guys, we can't waste time!" Harry urged.

Ron countered, "But what if we split up and—"

"And what if we miss her?" Neville interjected.

Harry's frustration boiled over. "Enough!" he shouted, silencing his friends. "Our priority is to find Hermione!"

He took charge, his voice firm. "I'll check the left corridor; you two take the right. We'll search every classroom, every room, not just the bathrooms."

Ron and Neville nodded, and with a resolute nod, the trio set off up the stairs to the second floor.

"Stay sharp," Harry whispered. "We don't know what we'll find."

With wands at the ready, they began their search for Hermione, their hearts pounding with anticipation and worry.

Meanwhile, at the Gryffindor common room, prefects were busy counting students. Percy frowned as he scanned the room, his eyes narrowing.

"We're missing four first years," he announced, his voice tinged with concern.

"Who?" one of the prefects asked.

"Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Neville Longbottom," Percy replied, his brow furrowed.

Fred and George exchanged worried glances. "What if they got lost and stumbled upon that mountain troll?" George whispered.

Percy reassured them, "They must have gotten caught up in the crowd and will turn up any minute. Or perhaps they got lost and joined another group."

But Fred and George's concerned expressions lingered.

Percy knew that some of their friends – or troublemakers – might try to sneak out to find the missing students. He turned to the Fat Lady's portrait.

"I need your help," Percy said. "Don't let anyone leave the room until further notice."

The Fat Lady raised an eyebrow. "I'm not a prison guard, dear prefect. My job is to take passwords and open or close the entrance."

Percy explained the situation, his voice urgent. "Please, it's an emergency. We can't have anyone else putting themselves in danger."

The Fat Lady hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Very well, but only for now. I'll not allow anyone to leave until you say it's safe."

"Thank you," Percy said, relieved.

Fred and George watched, impressed by Percy's decisive action.

"You think Harry, Ron, and Neville are okay?" George asked.

Percy's expression turned serious. "I hope so. We'll find them, don't worry."

But the Fat Lady's voice interrupted, "Password, please?"

Percy smiled wryly. "The password is still 'Caput Draconis'."

The Fat Lady nodded, her expression stern. "Very well, I'll keep guard."

Meanwhile, at the Gryffindor common room, Parvati realized something was gravely amiss. She knew that approaching the prefects, particularly Percy, would be a waste of time, given their strict adherence to rules. So, she sought out Fred and George, notorious for their resourcefulness and willingness to bend rules.

"Fred, George, I need to tell you something," Parvati said, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes darting around the room to ensure they were out of earshot.

Fred and George exchanged curious glances, their usual prankster grins replaced by concern.

"What's going on, Parvati?" Fred asked, his voice low and serious.

Parvati hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I saw Harry, Ron, and Neville earlier. They were searching for Hermione. They're probably still out there, and I don't think they know about the troll."

George's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed. "Where did you last see them?"

"In the great hall ," Parvati replied. "Hermione was on the second floor, in the bathroom, crying. I didn't think much of it then, but now..."

Fred's face turned grim, his jaw clenched. "We have to warn them. If they're searching for Hermione, they're walking right into danger."

George nodded, determination etched on his face. "We'll find a way. We have to."

The twins strode toward the Fat Lady's portrait, but she refused to budge, her expression stern.

"Password, please?" the Fat Lady asked, her tone unyielding.

"Come on, Fat Lady," Fred pleaded. "It's an emergency. Our friends are in danger."

"I'm afraid not, dear Weasleys," the Fat Lady replied, her voice firm. "Prefect's orders. No one leaves until further notice."

George tried to reason with her, his voice laced with urgency. "But people's lives are at risk. We can't just sit here."

The Fat Lady remained resolute, her arms crossed. "I'm not budging. You know the rules."

Fred and George sighed, defeated. They trudged toward the boys' dormitory, their usual mischief replaced by worry and frustration.

"This is not good," Fred muttered, shaking his head.

"We need to find another way," George agreed, his eyes scanning the room for an alternative solution.

As they disappeared into the dormitory, Parvati watched, hoping they would come up with a plan to save their friends. Anxiety gnawed at her, fear for their safety growing with each passing moment.

"I knew I should have told them earlier," Parvati whispered to herself, guilt creeping in, her eyes welling up with tears.

The Gryffindor common room seemed to grow darker, the shadows cast by the troll's presence looming larger, as if the very walls were closing in on them.

Next Chapter is Friends Forever !

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. How could I have missed the infamous troll in the dungeon. And how come no trouble on Halloween. Well there it is. Yeah , the thing changed here is that , our heroes actually used their brains and tried to call for help to teachers , which was unheard. And secondly, I always thought there should have been more trolls. I am not spicing it up, I mean wasn't that a little stupid al these many adult witches and wizards went to dungeons and didn't found the troll , and the went to bathroom to find out heros, I mean in such short time two first years secretly made their way , locked the troll then fought him , defeated him and all. So that's it , teachers didn't reached at time because there was more trouble. Thanks for reading.

§ Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!