Eveline Wood ~A Harry Potter slow burn~

🤍13~ Troll in the dungeon

As you make your way into the Great Hall, you still feel a lingering unease from the vision you just had. The long tables are overflowing with an assortment of dishes, from roasted meats to pumpkin pasties, and the enchanted ceiling above mirrors the stormy night sky outside. Candles float above the tables, casting a warm, flickering glow over the excited faces of students who are chattering away, eager for the Halloween feast to begin. You take a seat between Parvati and Dean, trying to shake off the unsettling sensation still clinging to you.

"Are you sure you're okay, Ev?" Parvati asks, her voice low with concern as she places a comforting hand on your shoulder.

You nod, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine, just... a bit tired, I guess."

As the plates fill with food, you pick at your meal, your appetite diminished by the vision's vividness. You glance around, noticing Hermione is nowhere to be seen. It's odd—Hermione is usually punctual and eager, especially when it comes to the feasts. You wonder where Hermione could be, but your thoughts are interrupted by Ron's voice, louder and more irritated than usual.

"Honestly, where is she? Probably in the library again," Ron grumbles, rolling his eyes.

"You mean, trying to get points for Gryffindor by actually studying?" Dean retorts with a grin, nudging Ron playfully.

Ron snorts. "It's halloween!" He argues stuffing his mouth full of mashed potato

Before you can say anything, Neville pipes up from across the table, his face worried. "I saw Hermione earlier. She was in the bathroom... crying. I heard it was something you said Ron?" he asks shyly

Parvati turns on Ron, her eyes blazing with anger. "Ron, what did you do now?"

Ron shrugs, looking defensive. " Me? what did I do?!"

"Well you did call her a nightmare" Seamus said casually

"And she was right behind us" Harry adds

Parvati huffs, glaring at him. "You need to watch what you say, Ron!"

Ron mumbles something under his breath, clearly embarrassed but unwilling to apologize outright. 

You try to focus on the chatter around you, on the jokes Dean and Seamus are making about nearly headless nick or the Slytherins

As the laughter around the table continues, you try to shake off the uneasy feeling. The noise of the Great Hall feels comforting now, grounding you in the present. But suddenly, a loud bang echoes through the hall as the double doors burst open, and Professor Quirrell stumbles in, his face pale and eyes wide with terror. His turban is askew, and he clutches his chest, panting heavily.

"Troll—in the dungeon!" Quirrell gasps out, his voice high-pitched and trembling. "Thought you ought to know." He collapses in a faint, and for a split second, the hall is silent as everyone processes his words.

Then chaos erupts. Students leap from their seats, screaming and shouting. The teachers at the head table stand up, wands at the ready, trying to regain control. Your heart races, your earlier unease twisting into full-blown panic.

"Everyone, stay calm!" Professor Dumbledore's voice booms over the noise, his presence commanding immediate attention. "Prefects, lead your houses back to the dormitories immediately." but no one seemed to listen

As the students scramble to follow orders, you get up with Parvati and Dean, their faces etched with fear. You join the rush of Gryffindors making their way out of the Great Hall, but with every step you take, a sharp, burning pain pierces through you, as if your insides are being torn apart. You gasp, stumbling slightly.