Re:HP-A New Life

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

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Chapter Thirty-Two: The Aftermath of the Troll Incident

The morning after the Halloween feast, Hogwarts was abuzz with excitement and speculation. The story of Harry Potter single-handedly defeating a mountain troll had spread like wildfire. Everywhere Harry went, students whispered and pointed, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and curiosity. The Slytherin common room was no exception, with students eagerly recounting the tale to those who hadn't witnessed it firsthand.

As Harry made his way to breakfast in the Great Hall, he couldn't help but notice the hushed conversations that ceased whenever he passed by. The Gryffindor table, in particular, seemed abuzz with excitement. Rose waved at him enthusiastically, her face beaming with pride. Harry gave her a small, acknowledging nod before taking his seat among the Slytherins.

The atmosphere in the castle was charged with energy as students tried to piece together the details of the previous night's events. It wasn't long before the morning classes began, and the buzz of chatter followed the students into their lessons.

In the Transfiguration classroom, Professor McGonagall was her usual composed self as she began the lesson on the theory behind human transfiguration. However, it was clear that the students' minds were elsewhere, their focus divided between the lesson and the lingering excitement from the night before.

Hermione Granger, seated beside Rose, raised her hand. "Professor, may I ask a question?"

McGonagall, ever the strict but fair teacher, nodded. "Yes, Miss Granger?"

Hermione hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Why didn't the Slytherin prefects use the Levitation Charm to do what Harry did? Wouldn't that have been an effective way to stop the troll?"

McGonagall's lips thinned slightly, her expression one of thoughtful consideration. "An excellent question, Miss Granger. The Levitation Charm, or Wingardium Leviosa, is indeed a versatile spell. However, it is not simply about the technique; it also requires a certain amount of magical power and control to be effective in more challenging situations."

She turned to face the class, her gaze sweeping across the attentive faces. "In the case of the troll's club, the sheer weight and the troll's grip on it would require a considerable amount of magical strength to overcome. Most first-year students, even those with a solid grasp of the spell, do not possess the necessary magical power to perform such a feat."

The students listened intently, the room filled with a mix of admiration and newfound respect for the complexity of the magic involved.

McGonagall continued, "Mr. Potter's success in disarming the troll using the Levitation Charm is an exceptional demonstration of both power and control. Most students, even in their later years, would struggle to sustain the charm long enough to wrest the club from a troll's grasp, let alone use it as a weapon against the creature. While many of the professors here could achieve a similar result, it is beyond the capabilities of most students, particularly first-years."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully, her curiosity seemingly satisfied, though the awe in her eyes as she glanced at Harry was unmistakable.

Elsewhere in the castle, the atmosphere was decidedly more serious. In the Headmaster's office, three distinguished visitors had arrived to discuss the previous night's events. Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, stood with an air of authority, her sharp eyes scanning the room. James Potter and Sirius Black, both seasoned Aurors and members of the Order of the Phoenix, stood beside her, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.

Dumbledore welcomed them with his usual calm demeanor, though there was a hint of gravity in his tone. "Thank you for coming so swiftly. The presence of a mountain troll within the castle walls is a matter of great concern, and I trust your expertise in assessing the situation."

Amelia Bones nodded, her expression serious. "It is highly unusual for a creature of that size and danger to infiltrate the castle unnoticed. We need to determine how it entered and, more importantly, who might be responsible."

James Potter's brow furrowed in thought. "It's a serious breach of security. If a troll can get in, it raises questions about what else might be able to enter."

Sirius, ever the pragmatist, added, "And we can't ignore the timing. On a night when the entire school was gathered in the Great Hall, it feels deliberate. A distraction, perhaps, or something more sinister."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with a hint of concern. "Indeed. We must be vigilant. The safety of the students is paramount."

As they discussed the implications of the troll's presence, the focus inevitably shifted to Harry's role in subduing the creature. James couldn't hide the pride in his voice as he spoke of his son's actions. "Harry's quick thinking and bravery prevented what could have been a catastrophe. But it does raise questions about his magical abilities. Even at his age, that level of power and control is… unusual."

Amelia Bones, ever the investigator, regarded Dumbledore thoughtfully. "Is there anything we should know about Harry's magical training or background that might explain his capabilities?"

Dumbledore steepled his fingers, his expression contemplative. "Harry is… gifted. His abilities are indeed advanced for his age. I believe it is a combination of natural talent and a strong sense of duty. He has always shown a remarkable capacity for magic, though the extent of his power is something we are all still discovering."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence, the weight of the discussion pressing on them all. The investigation would continue, but for now, the immediate threat had been dealt with.

As the day progressed, the events of the previous night continued to dominate conversations throughout the school. Harry, for his part, remained modest and reserved, deflecting the attention as best he could. But even as he downplayed his role, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in knowing that he had made a difference.

In the quiet moments between classes, Harry found himself reflecting on the events and the growing responsibilities he felt. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that his actions could protect those he cared about.