The Last Gaunt:Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone [Book 1]

Chapter XV: Running From Authority

Kieran's POV

                           I was playing the flute, pausing intermittently to catch my breath. My task was to create a melody that would safely guide the quartet past the trapdoor while fluffy slept . The notes I played were meant to soothe the three-headed dog, but my concentration was interrupted when I felt Nyx slither up my right leg, eventually reaching my shoulder to speak.
                                                                     "Sir!" Nyx hissed urgently. "I was outside in the third-floor corridor and saw Julian Thorn and Isabella Blackwood."
                                                                     "Bloody hell," I muttered, halting my playing. "Those are the Slytherin prefects!" My heart raced as I abruptly stopped the flute, realizing the gravity of the situation. Moments later, the unmistakable sound of Fluffy beginning to stir echoed through the chamber. Panicked, I dropped the flute and sprinted toward the door leading out of the room. The door creaked ominously as I closed it behind me.
                                                                 "Who's there?" Julian's voice boomed down the corridor, filled with authority and curiosity. My footsteps pounded against the stone floor as I sprinted to the other end of the hall, the sound of my hurried escape echoing off the walls. "Hey! Don't run!" Julian shouted, his voice growing closer.
                                                                   "It must be Potter and his friends," Isabella commented, her footsteps now clearly audible behind me.

                                                                 "Crap, crap, crap," I muttered under my breath to Nyx.

                                                                  "Sir, be careful!" Nyx advised urgently as I dashed down a flight of stairs, adrenaline fueling my flight. I made my way to the second-floor bathroom, desperately hoping to find a place to hide. The bathroom door groaned as I pushed it open, and I quickly slipped inside. The large, dimly lit room was filled with the smell of damp stone and old soap. I darted to one of the stalls and squeezed into the narrow space, my breath coming in quick, ragged bursts as I tried to calm myself. I could hear the faint sounds of Julian and Isabella's footsteps growing louder as they approached the bathroom. Just then, Julian burst through the door, his authoritative voice cutting through the quiet.
                                                               "Lumos!" he commanded, and the tip of his wand flared to life, casting a bright light that illuminated the bathroom in a harsh, glaring glow. The light spilled into every corner of the room, making it nearly impossible to hide. I held my breath, pressing myself back into the corner of the stall as Julian and Isabella entered. Their footsteps echoed loudly in the large, empty space as they began their search. Julian's voice rang out, a mix of frustration and determination. "Whoever you are, come out now! There's no point in hiding." Isabella's voice followed, less patient.
                                                           "We know you're in here. Don't make us search every inch." I tried to keep my breathing steady, fighting the urge to make any noise. Nyx coiled tightly around my arm, his presence a small comfort amid the tense situation. The light from Julian's wand swept across the bathroom, casting long shadows and revealing the worn fixtures and cracked tiles. Julian's footsteps came closer to my stall, and I could hear the rustling of his robes as he moved. My heart pounded in my chest as I desperately hoped he wouldn't look inside. Julian paused near the stall, his light flickering as he scanned the area. For a moment, I thought he might see me, but then he moved on, continuing his search. Isabella followed closely behind, her frustration palpable as she muttered under her breath. The minutes dragged on as they thoroughly examined the bathroom. The tension was almost unbearable, but I remained as still and silent as possible, hoping that Julian and Isabella would eventually give up and leave. Finally, Julian sighed in exasperation. "
                                                                         This is pointless. There's no one here. Let's go." Isabella grumbled in agreement, and I heard their footsteps gradually fade as they exited the bathroom. The door creaked open and then closed behind them, leaving me in the uneasy silence of the empty room. I waited a few moments longer to ensure they were truly gone before stepping cautiously out of the stall. My heart was still racing, and Nyx unwound from my arm, slithering back to his usual spot .I waited a few moments longer to ensure Julian and Isabella had truly left before stepping cautiously out of the stall. My heart was still racing, and Nyx unwound from my arm, slithering back to his usual spot. I glanced around the bathroom, relieved but shaken by the close call. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
                                                               "Nyx, I need you to check the hallway outside and report which side is safest to go. I need to get back to the third-floor corridor." Nyx nodded and slithered down from my shoulder to the floor, his sleek body moving with purpose as he headed toward the bathroom door. I watched anxiously as he slipped out and into the corridor. I stayed by the door, straining to hear any sounds from outside. The hallway remained eerily quiet for a few moments, but then I heard a faint rustling. Nyx reappeared, his scales shimmering in the dim light of the bathroom.