Violet Summer: The Philosopher's Stone

Chapter 19: Reveal

 The following days proved to be a challenging period for Hagrid. Once the realization set in that Malfoy might exploit the dragon against them, Ron reached out to his brother Charlie, seeking his help in taking care of Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback that Hagrid had affectionately named. Saying goodbye to Norbert was difficult for Hagrid, but they understood that with Malfoy's knowledge and the inherent risks of owning a dragon, Charlie would provide a safer environment.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Toni spent considerable time planning the operation to smuggle Norbert to Charlie. They remained by Hagrid's side, offering support, lending a listening ear, and providing tissues for his tearful moments. When the time finally came, they believed it was in Hagrid's best interest and the best course of action for his future at Hogwarts. Ron sustained an injury during their encounter with the young dragon, but Madam Pomfrey was able to treat him, even though he concealed the full details. However, a new problem arose when Malfoy seized one of Ron's books while he was in the infirmary, unknowingly taking the very book containing Charlie's note. Toni was well aware of the implications and knew exactly what Malfoy would do with that damning evidence.

On the night when they were on the verge of successfully completing their plan, they overheard Professor McGonagall confronting Draco. The words "detention" resounded through the spiral staircase. A triumphant smile appeared on their faces as Draco was caught in his attempt to sabotage their operation. It was a well-deserved consequence. However, their victory was short-lived. Shortly after smuggling Norbert to safety with Charlie, they found themselves facing another predicament as Mr. Filch arrived on the scene. Each one of them was apprehended and forced to confront the consequences of their actions, standing before Professor McGonagall. The joy of Draco's detention swiftly faded as they realized they, too, would face repercussions for their involvement.

The four of them sat in silence, awaiting the arrival of Professor McGonagall. Toni couldn't believe the whirlwind they had experienced in the past few days, all for the sake of the dragon. Not that she didn't want to help Hagrid, but the fact that they had been caught was a source of concern for her. Although Norbert was now in good hands, she, Ron, Harry, and Hermione were about to face severe consequences. She could already envision her father's disappointment and the summer filled with making amends for her choices. At that moment, she found herself longing to live at Hogwarts permanently.

Suddenly, a voice called out, "Harry!" They all turned to see Neville entering the room, accompanied by Professor McGonagall. "I've been looking for all of you! I overheard what Malfoy was planning. I wanted to warn you! Malfoy claims you have a dr-"

Harry and the others hastily shook their heads, silently urging Neville to stop speaking before Professor McGonagall could hear. It took a moment, but Neville eventually understood and seated himself behind Toni. His face turned red, and he lowered his gaze. Toni shifted her focus to Professor McGonagall, who appeared livid with anger.

"This is the last thing I expected from any of you. Mr. Filch informed me that he caught you four in the astronomy tower at one o'clock in the morning. Explain yourselves," she demanded, her voice filled with fury. No one dared to respond. "I can draw my own conclusions. You concocted some elaborate tale about a dragon to lure Draco Malfoy out of bed and into trouble. I have already caught him, and he has been punished. I suppose involving Longbottom in your scheme was a source of amusement for all of you as well?"

Toni kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, but she caught a glimpse of Harry offering a reassuring look to Neville, assuring him that this was not the truth. Although she could have extended some sympathy, the fear of her own predicament prevented her from doing so. She couldn't shake the image of her father's stern voice and angry face, or even her grandfather's disapproval. If they were to find out about this, she would never hear the end of it.