The Fox In A Snake Pit!

Trolls! ~ Edited August 25, 2023

"I don't know what you did to get her so angry, but do it again..." Draco began as he stepped closer to Ron and Harry. "And you'll have more enemies than you could handle." Draco, wearing a smirk and a mysterious glint in his eyes, confidently added before striding off to his next class. 

Hermione and Jade were noticeably absent from their next class, and their absence continued throughout the afternoon. Draco, who held no regard for Hermione due to her blood status, found himself concerned about Jade's whereabouts since they were best friends. As he made his way towards the Great Hall for the Hallowe'en feast, he happened to overhear a Gryffindor student informing her friend that Hermione had been crying in the girls' toilets, and Jade was there consoling her. 

This piece of information alleviated Draco's worries, and he was able to carry on with his evening. When Draco stepped into the Great Hall, he was met with a breathtaking sight. The walls and ceiling were adorned with a thousand live bats, their wings fluttering in a mesmerizing dance. As Draco looked around, he noticed that a thousand more bats were swooping over the tables, creating low black clouds that caused the candles in the pumpkins to stutter and flicker. Amidst this enchanting spectacle, the feast appeared suddenly on the golden plates, just as it had during the start-of-term banquet. 

The food materialized in an instant, filling the air with tantalizing aromas and tempting flavors. The golden plates were adorned with a variety of delectable dishes, each one more enticing than the last. Draco had been about to eat a jack-o-potato when his peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted by the sudden arrival of Professor Quirrell. Quirrell, a rather anxious and peculiar teacher, sprinted into the Hall with his turban askew and a look of terror etched across his face. The sight was so unusual that it caused everyone present to stop and stare in disbelief. 

Professor Quirrell hurriedly made his way toward Professor Dumbledore's chair, clearly distressed. Slumping against the table, gasping for breath, Professor Quirrell managed to utter just a few words that sent shivers down everyone's spine: "Troll, in the dungeons, I thought you ought to know." 

These words hung in the air, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. It was evident that something grave and dangerous was unfolding within the confines of Hogwarts. Overwhelmed by the weight of the situation, Professor Quirrell's anxiety got the best of him, and he collapsed onto the floor in a dead faint. The abruptness of his collapse caused an uproar throughout the Great Hall. Students and teachers alike erupted into a frenzy of panicked whispers and worried glances, unsure of what to make of this alarming revelation.

It took a series of vibrant purple firecrackers bursting out of Dumbledore's wand to abruptly silence the room. His authoritative voice rumbled through the air, commanding the attention of everyone present. 

"Prefects," he declared with unwavering authority, "lead your respective houses back to the safety of the dormitories without delay!"

"Follow me! Stick together, first-years! No need to fear the troll if you follow my orders! Stay close to me now. Make way, first-years are coming through! Excuse me, I'm a Perfect!" said the Slytherin perfect. 

"How could a troll get in?" Draco heard someone ask as they descended the stairs to the dunguns. 

"Don't ask me, they're supposed to be really stupid," He responded cooly. "Maybe Peeves let it in for a Halloween joke."

Draco felt a sudden jolt as his arm was tightly grabbed by Daphne, her face filled with worry. "I've just thought... Jade!"

"What? What about her?" he asked, not comprehending the urgency in Daphne's voice.