The first few weeks of classes picked up quickly after the first day.
We continued going over the basics of wand usage and incantations in Charms. The only practical spell we'd done so far was Lumos, the Light Charm. I had no real trouble with it.
In Potions I continued to get average marks. I wasn't terrible by any means, but nothing stood out either.
Herbology was going well, especially after I made friends with Olivia. She was decent in potions, but she was quite skilled in Herbology as well, and I was able to learn quite a bit from her. Hermione also spent some time with us when we had to do work in the greenhouses, though we didn't see much of her outside of class.
We did see her in Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. The way our D.A.D.A. class is sorted is a bit wonky; They split our House group up, so we have it with some Gryffindors and some Slytherins.
My first Defense Against the Dark Arts class happened on my second day of school. My first Transfiguration Class was also on my second day, but aside from McGonagall emphasizing the complexity of the subject, nothing of note really happened.
What I was really worried about was Defense Against the Dark Arts.
I was a nervous wreck walking into this class; I didn't even know how to act, and I was more than a little trepid at the thought of freaking Voldemort being here! I still don't know what I should do about that, if anything at all. I don't know if there's anything I can do, either!
But, aside from the…fears my foreknowledge gave me, Quirrell's lessons were…boring. A bit of a joke, really.
They were minute and basic, and Quirrell himself seemed nothing more than a paranoid, stuttering fool. If I didn't know it was an act beforehand, I never would've caught on. Even now, knowing what I know, I'd never peg him for a Death Eater (If he's even considered one).
His classroom also smelled strongly of garlic, and due to my slightly-stronger-than-normal senses, it gave me a headache real quick. I could barely focus. Again, it didn't help knowing what was behind Quirrel's turban.
I figured if I really wanted to improve in this particular subject, I'd have to teach myself. Perhaps I should give more haste to finding the Room of Requirement sooner rather than later.
Oh, another thing about Olivia; turns out she and I are roommates! And that third bed in our dorm room is vacant, due to the odd (or even, I should say) number of students who were sorted into Hufflepuff this year. Right now it's just an extra bed, which I will not complain about.
I love my fellow students, the girls I share a dorm with are great. But it's also nice to have a little more space at the end of the day. Olivia certainly wasn't complaining either.
Girls, particularly pre-teen and teenage girls, can be hard to live with. Especially when they're all bunched up together sharing the same bathrooms.
Speaking of Olivia, the two of us became friends more quickly than I'd originally anticipated. Given her reserved nature and isolated upbringing, I was expecting our interactions to be more cordial, with me doing the majority of the talking.
But once the two of us got to know each other better, and after she got more comfortable around me, our dynamic came easily.
She was still soft-spoken and listened more than she talked, but compared to her other interactions with our peers, she'd speak novels to me!
We spend most of our spare time in the library, doing homework. Hermione sometimes joined us.
Olivia also spent a bit of her spare time in the greenhouses, tending to some plants she decided to grow as a personal project.
While she did this, I took advantage of the spare time to explore the castle more. I may not know where to start, but I've gotta find the Room of Requirement someday, I might as well not delay.
Not to mention the House Crests I supposedly need to find. Again, I'm not really sure what I'm looking for.
But if nothing else, I also want a better layout of the castle in my head. I hate being lost.
During these "free periods" of mine, I also payed the kitchens a quick visit. The house-elves welcomed me with open arms, offering warm rolls, freshly chopped veggies, and other sweets and treats they made.
They're so precious, I can't even handle it!
So far, Hogwarts has been everything I'd hoped it would be. I was making friends, learning magic and taking classes like a normal (magical) school-girl, and my hopes for the future were high.
Halloween is coming up in a few weeks, and the feast is supposed to be-
Wait…
Halloween.
Drat.
"Quiet down, class," Professor Flitwick called out as we settled into our seats, "Today, we will be practicing the Hovering Charm."
Took us long enough to get to this point.
"Now that you've got the basics of wand-somatics and incantations down," Flitick continued, "We'll be practicing different spells almost every lesson."
"Yes!" I whispered underneath my breath, and I wasn't the only one. The entire class broke out in excited whispers.
I've truly enjoyed learning about incantations and wand movements; I believe I can use it to create my own spells someday, but that goal doesn't deter from my desire to learn the spells people have already created.
"Yes, yes," Flitwick hushed everyone, "I know you're excited, but let's focus up! The hover charm!" Professor Flitwick continued his lecture, "Very basic as far as magic goes, but undeniably useful if you know how to apply it."
He waved his wand, causing large white feathers to appear in front of every student, "Now that you've had plenty of time to go over the theory, go ahead and practice the spell on these feathers. Remember, the incantation is Wingardium Leviosa."
I had already done that several times back at home with Kelly's help. I was never really all that successful, but now I'm using my own wand!
I smiled to myself as I pulled out said wand, anxious to try the spell with it for the first time!
Noise broke out through the classroom as students started chanting Wingardium Leviosa while waving their wands about. Olivia included. She got her feather to float, but it went up all choppy, like it was going to fall.
I cleared my throat, taking a deep breath. I focused on the feather, then chanted with vigor, "Wingardium Leviosa!"
I was not prepared for what happened next.
I felt a slight tug on my internal pool of mana. Then the whole freakin' table hoisted itself into the air with such force, it smacked both me and Olivia in the face, sending both of us flying off our seats!
Smack! Slam!
I got rammed in the chin and nose, while Olivia got smacked right on her forehead.
"Ow!" I shouted, clutching my throbbing nose. I felt and tasted blood, having bit my tongue, and probably broken my nose.
"Merlin's Beard!" I heard Flitwick cry out.
"What on eawth…" I rubbed my pulsating head, turning to Olivia, "You okay, Liv? Liv? Liv!"
Olivia was out cold. She lay flat on her back, her body limp. A large goose-egg was forming on her forehead.
"My word, what happened?" Flitwick asked himself as he rushed over to us, his eyes briefly lingering on the floating desk; he pointed his wand at Olivia, "Locomotor! Come along, Miss Prodvere. You both need the Hospital Wing."
Olivia's body floated upwards a few feet as Flitwick turned back to the other students, "Continue practicing, everyone. I'll be back momentarily."
I held my hand to my bleeding nose, praying to every deity above and below the earth that I hadn't killed Olivia. If what happened even happened because of me…
"Pwofessow?" I asked through my swelling lip and tongue, "What happen'd?"
"I'm really not sure," Flitwick replied as he led us through the corridors, thinking out loud, "Peeves, if I had to guess. He harasses students and disrupts classes all the time, though usually he eagerly takes credit for such antics…and to my knowledge, he's never actually hurt a student before. To the point of hospitalizing them, at least…"
Flitwick had both of us in the Hospital Wing promptly. Madame Pomfrey came out of her office in a bit of a panic when she saw Flitwick bring in a student unconscious and floating in the air.
"Oh, good grief!" She rolled her eyes as she rushed over, "What happened, Filius?"
"Peeves, we suspect," Flitwick said as he pointed his wand at Olivia to set her gently on the nearest hospital bed, "A desk flew up and knocked them to the ground."
Pomfrey immediately got to work, dismissing her shorter colleague as he finished speaking.
"Well…it seems she's only knocked out…Definitely got a concussion," She carefully examined her head by gently moving it from side to side, "I can have this fixed up by tonight. But she'll be staying here for at least a day or two."
"So she'ww be okay?" I asked through my swollen lip and tongue.
"Oh, yes, of course," She turned her attention to me, "Now let's see about you, m'dear…"
"Broken nose…swollen lip, black eye…and good heavens, you bit your tongue good here!" She declared as she examined my face from various angles in much the same fashion as Olivia's, "I suspect you may also have a concussion. I want you to stay here for the night as well. Don't worry about your other classes, I'll have your professors drop off your homework."
"Okay…" I said as she guided me to the bed next to Olivia's.
She brandished her wand, pointing it at me, "Episkey."
My nose and lip healed almost immediately, the pain vanishing.
"Thank you," I bowed my head gratefully. I'm definitely going to have to get in on this healing magic.
"Not at all," She replied curtly as she began tending to Olivia.
My thoughts went back to the classroom. Was that really Peeves? He pranks and harasses everyone in the castle except Dumbledore, but like Flitwick said, has he ever hurt people before?
Probably. I heard he dumped walking sticks on Neville Longbottom a week or two ago…
But no, it couldn't have been Peeves. If he were responsible, he would've revealed himself, laughing and bouncing around as he taunted us.
"C'mon, think…" I whispered as I replayed events in my head. My memory was foggy, however, and I still had a slight headache.
I suppose I can think it over later. I could use this time to learn more about healing magic from Madame Pomfrey, but I don't think she likes to be disturbed…
I just quietly observed her as she worked, taking note of her wand movements and the incantations she used.
Hermione sniffed as she wiped at her eyes, which had begun tearing up. Again.
She shook her head, trying to not let it get to her. Again.
It'd be really inconvenient to start sobbing in the middle of the corridor.
…Again.
She opened the doors to the Hospital Wing, looking around. She spotted the familiar head of white hair and walked over.
She had volunteered to drop Kayla and Olivia's homework to the Hospital Wing after hearing from Professor Sprout earlier that day that they'd been hospitalized.
"Oh, hey Hermione!" Kayla set down a book she was reading as she greeted Hermione with a bright, cheerful smile when she saw her, though it vanished quite quickly, "Something wrong?"
"No, I just came to drop off your guys' homework," The bushy brunette gave her a small smile; a weak gesture, really. She reached into her bookbag and pulled out the assignments.
"Thanks," Kayla took the offered papers, briefly skimming over them, "You went to all of our classes? You didn't have to go that far."
"I wanted to," Hermione said, "I…needed something to do to take my mind off things."
"Not getting along with your peers?" Kayla gave her a sad smile.
"...How'd you know?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I can tell you've been crying, and I've seen you interact with everyone," Kayla shrugged, "So I took a shot in the dark."
"Accurate shot," Hermione slumped, sitting on Kayla's bedside before gesturing to Olivia, "How's she doing."
"Madame Pomfrey says she's fine, and that she'll be fully recovered by tomorrow," Kayla responded, chuckling a little, "Though she still hasn't woken up. She's gonna be pissed she missed out on Herbology today."
"So what exactly happened?" Hermione asked, "I talked to Susan Bones about it, but she didn't exactly give helpful details. And I don't even wanna try and approach the Slytherins who saw it."
"Professor Flitwick thinks it was Peeves," Kayla responded, "Though as far as I know, we're still not sure. We were practicing the hover charm and all of a sudden our desk flew up into our faces."
Kayla looked thoughtful for a split second before breaking out into a grin, "Kinda funny when you think about it."
"Funny? You both got hospitalized, I wouldn't call that amusing at all!" Hermione said.
"I would!" Kayla laughed.
"You and the Weasley twins would get along well, then," Hermione scoffed.
"Fred and George?" Kayla perked up at that, "How're they doing? Have they gotten up to much trouble yet?"
"More than likely. I don't really keep up with them," Hermione said, "You know them?"
"I rode with them on the Hogwarts Express," Kayla smiled, "They're hilarious!"
"Not you too," Hermione sighed, "Those kinds of reactions only encourage their behavior."
"Hey, we could all use a good laugh now and again," Kayla responded, "You've got a humorous side to ya, yeah?"
"Well…I don't think so, not really," Hermione said.
"Sure ya do," Kayla smiled, "You've just gotta find the right person to tickle your funny bone!"
Hermione just shrugged.
Kayla sighed, giving her a look, "You sure you don't wanna talk about what happened?"
"I'm fine," Hermione said, rising from the bed, "I should go before Madame Pomfrey kicks me out. She's not very patient with visitors."
She made to leave, but hesitated. She looked back at Kayla.
"Kayla…" She said softly, "We're…friends, right? You, me, and Olivia?"
Kayla's eyes widened. She stood there on her bed for a second more, before a small, genuine smile crossed her face.
"Yeah," She responded, "We're friends."
Hermione went to bed feeling much better that night.
I woke up the day after the incident at Charms feeling refreshed.
That desk hit me hard, and gave me quite the headache. Madame Pomfrey truly is a miracle worker!
I stretched as I stood up, a small smile adorning my face. Just as I was about to rise from my bed, however, a distinct noise signaling the arrival of a System Notification rang out.
Notice!
Becoming a student of Hogwarts and attending classes for two months has given you the following skills:
Charms, LVL 5
Potions, LVL 5
Herbology, LVL 5
Transfiguration, LVL 5
Defense Against The Dark Arts, LVL 1
Unlocked Affinities:
Dark Magic, 100%
Shadow, 100%
Magma Magic, 100%
Fire Magic, 50%
Earth Magic, 50%
Herbology, 2%
Woah…there's a lot to unpack here.
First, it seems that the topics I learn about here give me skills. And Quirrell is an absolute garbage teacher.
I'm guessing I'll be able to practice stronger and more complex spells as they level up. But what the heck are these affinities? Why do they have a percentage next to them? And why is 'Shadow' not specified as magic?
I already knew my Heritage of Dark and Magma Affinity traits gave me affinities for dark magic, magmamancy, and fire and earth magic, but where did the Herbology affinity come from? And how do Affinities differ from Skills that use levels?
I summoned my character panel.
Name: Kayla Burns Prodvere
Race: Chimera (Draconic-Angel-Human Hybrid)
Racial Traits: Ancient Magic, Darkvision, Drakotounge, Heritage of Dark, Magma Affinity, Natural Armor, Wings
Skills:
Fire Magic, LVL 22
Magmamancy, LVL 30
Earth Magic, LVL 20
Ancient Magic, LVL 1
Charms, LVL 5
Potions, LVL 5
Herbology, LVL 5
Transfiguration, LVL 5
Defense Against The Dark Arts, LVL 1
Affinities:
Dark Magic, 100%
Shadow, 100%
Magma Magic, 100%
Fire Magic, 50%
Earth Magic, 50%
Herbology, 2%
I didn't have that 'affinities' panel before. It must've been unlocked after I came to Hogwarts. I tapped on the word, 'Affinities.'
Affinities
Here you can view where your talents lie.
Affinities bolster skills they relate to. For instance, if you have a Skill that gives you level 25 Martial Arts, and a 50% Affinity for Acrobatics, combat movements of an acrobatic nature you perform will be 50% more powerful.
More affinities may be acquired over time, via Quest Rewards, Activation of dormant genes, Training and Practice, etc.
So what this basically means is any dark magic I practice is doubled in strength. Wonderful.
And what the heck does having an affinity to just "shadow" mean?
I dismissed all the panels, nonetheless pleased with these results and discoveries. I'm guessing the Herbology Affinity comes from the extra time and attention I gave Olivia when she would go on and on about the more advanced uses magical herbs have in our lessons.
Speaking of, Olivia was still asleep by the time I left for breakfast that morning. I decided I'd visit her at dinner, leaving her in Madame Pomfrey's care.
Right now, I'm a woman on a mission.
Based on Hermione's behavior last night, I'm guessing Ron said something stupid. Or anyone in Gryffindor, no one really likes Hermione all that much right now…
I could just let canon events take their course. The troll attack happens soon, which is when friendships between the Golden Trio really start to blossom, and honestly might be best, but after last night things got…personal.
Hermione genuinely considers me and Olivia her friends now, and I know all too well the pain of being alone and friendless. Not having support from people around you at such a young age is heartbreaking and debilitating. If there's anything I can do to alleviate that pain in someone, I'll do my best.
I marched into the Great Hall, scanning the Gryffindor table. I spotted Hermione, sitting alone as she ate. Then there were Harry and Ron, a few seats down from her. They just sat eating quietly.
"Hermione?" I asked when I got to her, ignoring the looks I got from the surrounding Gryffindors, "Mind coming with me for a moment?"
"Oh, Kayla!" Hermione swallowed her food, "Sure. Where are we going?"
"Just outside the Great Hall," I smiled at her as she stood up.
We started walking down the aisle, but I stopped beside a set of unruly black hair and a red-head, "Go on ahead, I'll catch up."
"...Sure," Hermione hesitated, stealing glances back at me as I turned to the two boys who likely insulted her.
"Ron Weasley?" I tapped his shoulder, before doing the same to his best friend, "Harry Potter?"
Both boys gave me odd looks. Fred and George were nearby, and I could feel their eyes on me, along with everyone else's at the table.
"...Yeah?" Ron asked tentatively while Harry…looked nearly dumbstruck?
"Would you boys mind coming with me?" I asked, holding down my own nerves at how much attention was on me, "I'd like to speak with you just outside the Hall."
"Uh…sure," Harry answered after he and Ron exchanged glances.
"Thanks!" I beamed, "Follow me, please."
The two rose, and followed behind me as I led them over to Hermione.
"Kayla?" She asked as I walked through the threshold with two people she was likely not enthusiastic about interacting with, "What's going on?"
"I'm just helping out a friend," I smiled at her before giving the three of them serious looks, "Ron, you were rude to Hermione. Apologize now, please."
"Hold on, what?" Ron lifted an eyebrow, "I was rude to her? What do you-what…what's even going on right now?"
"You were rude to her, you know you're guilty," I lifted a brow at him, "Please apologize to your friend."
"Well…I wouldn't say friend…" Ron scratched the back of his head, "Maybe acquaintances at most…"
Hermione looked a little down-trodden at that, but she just upturned her nose with a, "Hmph."
"Yes, and I'm here to change that," I firmly said, getting surprised looks from the three Gryffindors, "So please, Ron. You know you said some hurtful things. Hermione may have made you feel inadequate, but you made her feel like shit."
I got mixed reactions from my use of language. Ron just widened his eyes, Harry's mouth parted open then closed, while Hermione looked befuddled.
Ron exchanged a look with Harry, who just nodded after a moment. The red-head then lamented.
"Alright, alright," He turned to Hermione, "I'm sorry I…said what I said. I was rude and it was uncalled for."
Hermione's look softened at that.
"Thank you, Ron," I said, turning to the brunette, "Hermione, apologize to Ron, please."
Both Ron and Hermione gave me a startled look at that.
"Excuse me?" She gave me an indignant look, "What did I do that needs apologizing for?"
I answered quickly when I saw Ron open his mouth in the corner of my eye, "You may not have realized it, but your attitude towards him was condescending. You can come off as…a little bossy when it comes to academics."
"I'm not…bossy…" Hermione said weakly.
"I know you don't mean to be," I gave her a smile, putting my hand on her shoulder, "But why do you think people hesitate to partner up with you? You're intelligent, and that intellect will take you far in life. But there's a time and place for it. When you try to help or correct someone, try taking a fairer tone that doesn't insight imperiousness."
She opened and closed her mouth, before nodding slowly, "My parents have said something similar in the past…"
"Sorry, Ron," Hermione said to him after a moment, "For everything. I kinda have been talking down to you during classes…"
Ron's face lost its edge, "Thanks, I guess…and I'm sorry. Again. I've kinda talked down to you too…"
Harry just looked confused, while a little relieved and uncomfortable at the same time.
"Perfect!" I just rolled with the moment, "Now, awkwardness aside, please take what you've heard and said to heart. I know the three of you can become great friends! You'll be able to change the world if you come together! You'll need each other's support for the days ahead."
I looked at Hermione, "Olivia and I are your friends, but I figured it's important to have friends in your own House too. I've seen the three of you together at times, and when you came to us crying, I put two and two together," I looked at Ron and Harry as well, "Your time here will be much easier if you learn to forgive quickly. We're all just people, and we're basically going through the same stuff. Try to get along, alright?"
With that, I gave the three of them my best smile, before heading back into the Great Hall.
Gods, that was terribly awkward; and random, but hey, maybe the three of them will still become friends. And yes, Hermione probably won't go crying in the bathroom, and the three of them probably won't fight the troll, but we can let the Professors worry about that.
Now no one will be in any danger! McGonagall and Snape are a dangerous duo, I'm sure the two of them, along with Dumbledore of all people, and all the professors will have no trouble dealing with a simple troll of all things.
As for now, it's time to eat!
"What just happened?" Ron asked with confused eyes as he sat down at the Gryffindor table.
"I…really don't know," Harry plopped right beside him as Hermione did the same, only more slowly.
"Who even was that?" Ron asked as he tried to glance at the white-haired Hufflepuff sitting at her House table; she was currently engaging in conversation with her house-mates as she piled bacon on her plate.
"Her name's Kayla," Hermione answered. She stole glances at the girl in question as well. Harry could tell she was just as confused about what had just happened.
"Do you know her?" Harry's interest piqued, "I've seen you partner up in Herbology before."
"Yeah, I do homework with her and Olivia Strand in the library sometimes," Hermione answered.
"You lot talkin' about Kayla?" Fred drew their attention, "What was all that about, anyway?"
"She…well, she wanted us to apologize to each other…" Hermione scratched her head.
"Apologize?" George asked, immediately turning to Ron, "What'd you do?"
"There was a bit of a spat between Ron and Hermione," Harry answered when the two said nothing, "But I think we're all good now, yeah?"
"I mean…yeah," Ron turned to Hermione, giving her a questioning look, "We're good, yeah?"
"Yeah, we're good," Hermione smiled back.
This made Harry smile too. He wasn't sure what the heck happened back there, but Kayla managed to take (and make) an awkward situation to alleviate both guilt and hurt feelings. She has a…very disarming presence.
"Well, we won't ask what our idiot brother did…" Fred started.
"But we apologize in advance for anything else he does," George finished with a smile.
"Oh, shut up," Ron tore back into the sausage on his plate as Hermione gave a soft smile to the twins.
"Fred," She said, "I'm curious about something; Kayla said she met you guys on the train?"
"Yeah, that's right," Fred answered as he ate his eggs, "She couldn't find a seat."
"And we had an open one," George finished.
"Ah, okay," Hermione nodded, "I was wondering if you'd met before or something."
"What do you know about her?" Harry asked almost too eagerly, and he regretted asking as soon as he finished speaking with the look the twins gave him.
"Interested, are ya?" They said in unison with smiles Harry'd love nothing more than to slap off their faces.
"Not like that," Harry said, his cheeks going pink as he flushed, "It's just…I wanted to ask her about something that happened this last summer."
"Last summer?" George raised an eyebrow, before understanding seemed to light his face, "Oh, do you mean the dragon attack?"
"The dragon attack?" Ron asked as he chewed his food, interested as well now, "What's she got to do with that?"
"Kayla's mum works with dragons, just like Charlie," Fred answered, "Remember the witch he wouldn't shut up about?"
Ron nodded, swallowing his mouthful of food, "Yeah, Prodswell or something, wasn't it?"
"Prodvere. That's Kayla's mum," George nodded, "I'm afraid you won't get much out of her, Harry."
"We questioned her about it on the train," Fred confirmed, "She doesn't know much more than what the paper said."
"Her mum and your brother work with dragons?" Hermione blinked, "That doesn't sound like a good time…"
"Hagrid would love it," Harry mused, not bothering to correct the twins on their misconception.
"And we'd love to not be late," George rose from his seat.
"See you all later," Fred dabbed his mouth with his napkin before the pair of red-heads sauntered off to their first class of the day.
"We'd better get going too," Hermione commented.
Slowly but surely, the entirety of the Great Hall emptied out as students left to get to their classes.
The rest of the day played out quite normally, as did the next day. My classes were a little harder to keep up with, as I made sure to take extra notes on the subjects we went over for Olivia.
She's still in the hospital wing; the blow she took to her head was serious, so Madame Pomfrey wanted her to rest for a day more than originally anticipated. So I took it upon myself to bring her all the homework she'd missed out on.
Potions was a little brutal; Snape had us learning about the twelve uses of dragon's blood, so there was a lot of note taking there. Overall, though, it hasn't been a terrible couple of days.
Herbology was my last lesson for today. Hermione and I were putting our pots and seed beds away as the rest of the class packed up as well.
"...still can't believe their absolute idiocy!" Hermione finished speaking.
"Oh yeah?" I said with a smile.
"Stop it!" Hermione reprimanded in a hushed whisper, "I can hear the smile in your voice! What they did was idiotic and could've gotten all of us in a lot of trouble!"
"I never said I disagree with you!" I raised my hands in mock surrender, "But I mean, c'mon…I can understand where they're coming from."
"What's there to understand?" Hermione tried reasoning, "Ignoring the fact that they broke at least a dozen school rules and nearly got me and Neville in trouble too, dueling a fellow student in such a manner is horrible and idiotic!"
"Fair enough, but still…" I looked over at Harry and Ron as they put their own plants away, "Isn't Malfoy a bit of a bully? And it's nice to see the young-ins with some fire in their spirit!"
"...You say the weirdest things sometimes, Kayla," Hermione just sighed.
It seems that just the other night Harry and Ron went over near the Trophy Room. Just as it happened in the books, Malfoy had challenged Harry to a duel, and didn't show up. A very cowardly move; but according to Hermione, actually showing up for the duel was just as "idiotic," if not more so.
"Part of my charm," I responded to her with a smile, "Well, you think you can take care of the rest of this? I'm gonna get going a little early. Professor Sprout said I could go give the homework to Liv, and I've got a lot to go over with her from our other classes still."
"You sure?" Hermione cocked her head, "You'll probably miss the Halloween Feast if you go to the Hospital Wing now…Ron's been looking forward to it for days now! He says it's gonna make the other feasts look like 'mere bread and butter.'"
"Don't worry, I'll bring Liv with me for the last little bit," I smiled, "Push comes to shove, we can always just visit the kitchens later!"
"Oh…wait, the kitchens?" Hermione asked, a bit bemused, but I was already rushing out the door.
"See ya later!" I called out behind me with a smile as I ran out of the greenhouses.
My smile quickly vanished. Tonight is the troll attack. Quirrell will stir the students into a panic, the teachers will send them off, and then they'll take care of the troll.
All Liv and I have to do is stay at the Hospital Wing. It's far away from the dungeons, and shouldn't be anywhere near where the troll wanders. Madame Pomfrey will be there, and she's probably got a way to lock up and barricade the hospital in emergency situations.
It took quite a few minutes to get to the tower containing the magical clinic, but I made it eventually. The corridors were nearly deserted with all the students and staff congregating in the Great Hall, but I enjoyed the peace the ancient hallways brought when they weren't bustling about with people.
I opened the doors to the Hospital Wing, readjusting my book bag, which was full of the extra homework for Olivia.
"Hey Liv-!" I started, only to look around in confusion. Her bed was vacant, and it looks like the sheets and linens have been replaced.
"Uh…Madam Pomfrey?" I went over to her office to knock on her door.
"Yes?" She answered as she walked out of said office, closing the door behind her.
"Where's Olivia?" I asked.
"Miss Strand?" Pomfrey clarified, "She's been discharged. She can resume classes normally tomorrow; I sent her off a few minutes ago. Besides that, no one should miss out on the Halloween Feast. So if you're uninjured I suggest you make yourself scarce. I'll be on my way down soon as well."
"Uh…thank you," I bowed my head, before walking quickly out the doors.
She's in the Great Hall…
Okay, no need to panic. She's in the Great Hall; the troll's presence will be announced, and we'll be evacuated to the Common Room together…a slight change of plan, but everything will still work out.
I walked with a brisk pace, though that pace soon became a slight jog before evolving into a full blown sprint.
I was panting by the time I got to the Hall. Every student and teacher was already seated at their tables, eating away at the marvelous food displayed on their plates.
Though Quirrell was nowhere to be seen.
And dang, that food does look good.
But I shook my head, before rushing over to the Hufflepuff table, frantically searching for Olivia. I traveled up and down the expanse of the table twice.
She wasn't here…
"Hey Kayla," I heard Hettie's voice behind me, "You okay? You're all out of breath."
"Have you seen Olivia?" I asked quickly.
"Olivia? No, I thought she was still in the Hospital-"
"TROLL! IN THE DUNGEON!" Quirrell suddenly came bursting through the Great Hall, his surprisingly loud voice echoing across the massive chamber, "TROLL IN THE DUNGEON!"
A split second of silence echoed in the Great Hall as Quirrell finished running to the staff table.
"Thought you'd ought to know…" He trailed off as he addressed Dumbledore, though he fainted as his voice died down.
Dang, he's a good actor. Dedicated. But that fleeting thought barely lasted a millisecond in my mind.
Students started screaming (Malfoy being one of the loudest), and a great many of them started tripping up on each other in an effort to panic and run.
I was deaf to the ensuing panic. Dumbledore's voice seemed muted as he silenced the frightened students.
The only thing my brain registered was my pounding heartbeat. Once. Then twice. Then thrice.
My body shook slightly as I felt adrenaline surge in me.
I have to find Olivia!
Quest Received!
Halloween Troll
Objective:
Ensure no one dies to the troll
Reward:
1 Gacha Token
And something tells me I know where to start.
Olivia let out a content sigh as she cupped the running water in her hands. She splashed it up at her face, relishing in the feeling of the cool liquid spreading across her cheeks. She stretched her back a bit before drying her face.
Those hospital beds are not the most comfortable in the world, and she was grateful to finally get out of them. She couldn't wait to sleep in her dorm room again. Those beds were cozy and silky.
But right now, she was really looking forward to the Halloween Feast. Sure, she'd be a little late, but that wasn't a terribly big deal. Kayla's snuck into the kitchens a few times now, and she took Olivia with her once. The house-elves working there were absolute sweethearts!
Olivia let herself have a small smile at the friend she was finding in Kayla. She'd always been a relatively shy girl, and she was worried she'd have a hard time making friends at all when she came to Hogwarts. So was her mother. But Kayla had dashed all those fears away for the both of them.
Despite Olivia's awkwardness, quiet demeanor, and sometimes borderline obsessive desire to learn more about magical creatures, the white-haired girl never once judged her, and always tried to include her in things.
She was-
BAM!
"EEP!"
The walls suddenly shook as someone slammed at the door hard, causing Olivia to squeal!
BAM! CRACK!
The door split apart as a large slab of wood flew through it!
Olivia stared blankly as a large, inhuman humanoid form stomped in. She recognized it quickly.
A troll…a big one.
It bent down to retrieve the club it smashed through the door, while Olivia just continued to stare as shock permeated her system.
Her mouth hung open as fear began to take over.
The large, gray-skinned creature lifted its club as it let out a bellow of some kind, bringing the club down and shattering several porcelain sinks.
The sudden movement and crashing noises caused Olivia to finally let out a scream. She ran to find cover in the stalls. What the heck was she supposed to do!? How'd a troll of all things even get in the castle!?
She balled up on the toilet seat, letting out squeals of fear as the troll started smashing stalls and more sinks.
She couldn't tell what was happening out there, but based on how close the flying debris was getting, it seemed that the troll was smashing stalls one by one, getting closer and closer to her.
Was it toying with her?
A gray-skinned hand with fat fingers suddenly yanked the stall's door away, the wood splitting and sending splinters everywhere as it was torn off its hinges. Olivia stared with wide eyes as the troll started reaching for her.
She screamed, her terror leaking off her in waves as the hungry beast nearly had its filthy hands on her.
"HEY!"
Olivia suddenly felt a wave of heat rush over her body. She opened her eyes as the troll suddenly screeched in pain, burns now covering the better portion of its ugly face.
And that voice…
"Over here, you fat pig!" Was that Kayla?
Olivia witnessed a spray of orange liquid suddenly cover half the troll's body. The creature roared in pain as its flesh sizzled. Honestly, it sounded more like a screech. Trolls could make that high pitched of a sound?
Olivia heaved slightly, the sudden scent of a sizzling troll leaving a nasty, burnt odor in the air.
Said troll reared in rage to view his assailant.
"Liv, move!" Kayla ordered, her voice louder than should be possible for her small body.
"Uh…right," Olivia shook nervously, her voice quiet.
She rushed to move further away from the troll while it was distracted. She ducked down below what few sinks remained intact, looking for another route to get out of the bathroom. Unfortunately, the troll was between her and the only exit.
But between the troll and that exit, Kayla stood, unmoving. Olivia watched with soft, frightened eyes as she witnessed her best friend give the snarling beast a look of…hatred.
"You ugly bastard," The white haired girl raised her wand, "Come to die."
A slight pressure could be felt in the air, though Olivia barely registered it.
"Kayla, what are you doing?" She whispered to herself, before calling out, "Kayla! You have to run! That's a mountain troll! It's resistant to magic, we can't fight it!" Besides that, they were only first years!
But Olivia's cries seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Both Kayla and the troll were locked in a staring contest. The troll seemed to lose all interest in Olivia as it registered the threat Kayla seemed to be presenting.
The creature suddenly let out a cry of rage as it charged Kayla down with impressive speed (for its size, at least). Olivia could only stare in horror as it brought its club down on Kayla, who sprung into action herself.
"Protego!" Kayla's attempt at a shield shattered almost instantly as the club made contact, sending her flying into the wall. If Olivia hadn't been more concerned with her friend's well-being, she might have noticed how the shadows lining the wall darkened when Kayla made impact with the stone structure.
As it was, however, she could only cry out in fear as she witnessed her friend get smacked around like a golf ball, "Kayla!"
The white haired girl was grimacing, her shoulder limp, but she wasn't backing down.
"Well, that didn't work…" She mumbled before inhaling deeply.
"Incendio!" Kayla exhaled as she shouted the spell, thrusting her wand forward while orange flames enveloped the troll's upper body.
The monster reared back in pain and anguish, screeching in agony; it raised its arms and club in an attempt to block the flames, but they just twisted around its limbs, cooking the troll's entire body.
Olivia flinched as she scrunched her eyes shut; she lifted her own arms to cover her face. The heat from Kayla's spell was potent. It almost felt like Olivia was exposed to an open oven! Her robes singed slightly as rogue sparks bounced off the troll's cooking form.
Boom!
A large crash shook the floor as the troll collapsed. Olivia opened her eyes to see that the creature's upper body was completely black, charred and cooked from the effects of Kayla's spell. Even parts of the bathroom were on fire! And the creature was nearly unrecognizable now.
Olivia's shocked face flinched as a pale hand reached down to her.
"Thank goodness," Kayla smiled at her, blood dripping from her forehead, "Looks like you're okay."
"Yeah…thanks…" Olivia reached out, grasping her friend's hand, "Though I'm more worried about you!"
"Oh, I'll be fine," Kayla said with a shaky voice. Her skin was clammy and pale, "I just, need…some…res…t…"
"Woah!" Olivia's eyes went wide as her friend fainted. She was barely able to brace herself in time, slumping she caught the white haired girl on her way down, "Kayla? Kayla!"
"Oh my goodness!"
The sharp, sudden gasp caught Olivia's attention; she looked up to see Professors McGonagall, Snape, and Flitwick rush through the shattered remains of the door.
"Help…" Olivia said weakly, holding desperately onto her friend, "Please help…"