Rebirth of Lady Morgana

Discussing with Snape, Sabotage, and a new Seeker

The next morning, Morgana stood outside Professor Snape's office, flanked by Anthony and Draco. The events of the previous night still weighed heavily on her mind, but she remained resolute as she knocked on the door. Anthony’s worry and lingering adrenaline were evident in the way he fidgeted with his robes, while Draco’s usual confidence seemed slightly shaken, a rare flicker of uncertainty in his steely eyes.

"Enter," came Snape's cool, measured voice.

They stepped inside, the dim light casting long shadows across the room. Snape was seated behind his desk, his expression as inscrutable as ever. The room was filled with the scent of potions ingredients and the faint, ever-present smell of parchment. He gestured for them to sit, his gaze fixed on Morgana.

"Miss Potter-Black, Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy," he began, his tone stern but not unkind. "I understand you three were instrumental in handling the troll incident last night. I would like an explanation as to why you left the safety of the Great Hall."

Morgana took a deep breath, her voice steady as she spoke, though her heart pounded in her chest. "Professor, we noticed Hermione's absence from the feast. She would have been sitting with our group otherwise, and we were worried about her. When Anthony realized she wasn't in the hall, we decided to find and collect her, to bring her back to safety. All the teachers were in the dungeons and couldn't be reached in time."

Anthony’s hand gripped the edge of his chair, knuckles white. The memory of Hermione alone and vulnerable had kept him awake all night. Draco, on the other hand, tried to maintain his composure, but the ordeal had left him feeling more vulnerable than he would ever admit.

Snape's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "So, you took it upon yourselves to find Miss Granger and ensure her safety, knowing full well the dangers that awaited you?"

"Yes, Professor," Morgana replied. "We couldn't risk leaving her alone and unprotected, especially with the troll on the loose."

Snape leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. His dark eyes, usually so cold and calculating, flickered with a rare hint of pride. "While your actions were undoubtedly reckless, they also demonstrated quick thinking and a commendable sense of responsibility. You put yourselves at great risk, but you did so with the intention of protecting a fellow student. That speaks to your leadership skills, Miss Potter-Black, and your loyalty to your friends."

Anthony and Draco exchanged relieved glances, their tension easing slightly at Snape's measured praise. Anthony’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, while Draco allowed himself a small, grateful nod.

"However," Snape continued, his tone firm, "you must understand the gravity of what you did. You placed yourselves in extreme danger. Had anything gone wrong, the consequences could have been dire."

"We understand, Professor," Morgana said earnestly. "We didn't make the decision lightly. But we couldn't stand by and do nothing."

Snape's expression softened, just a fraction. "You showed remarkable bravery and resourcefulness. I am proud of your leadership under pressure, but I implore you to be more cautious in the future."

Before Morgana could respond, the door burst open and Marcus Flint, the Slytherin Quidditch captain, stormed in, his face a mask of panic.

"Professor Snape, we have a serious problem!" Flint exclaimed, barely pausing to acknowledge the students in the room. "Our Quidditch team has been sabotaged! Terence Higgs, our Seeker, was attacked and is now in the hospital wing. He won't be able to play tomorrow, and we don't have any backup players for the Seeker position."

Snape's eyes darkened with concern. "Attacked? How serious are his injuries?"

Flint ran a hand through his hair, his voice tight with frustration and fear. "Very serious, Professor. Someone hexed his broom during practice yesterday, and he took a nasty fall. He’s got a broken arm, a concussion, and Madam Pomfrey says he’s in no condition to fly. She’s forbidden him from playing tomorrow."