Chapter 13: Halloween

The morning after Hermione and her friends' intrusion, 

the Great Hall was in disarray due to Gryffindor losing a staggering 140 points. Harry and his friends were heavily criticized for their reckless attempt at a duel. However, it seemed that Hermione and Neville, who had explained the situation, weren't receiving as harsh treatment.

When Slytherin's Malfoy began a passionate speech, condemning Potter and Weasley for their foolishness, chaos erupted further. Gryffindor students who had been blaming Harry and Ron just moments ago turned their anger towards Malfoy and Slytherin. Gryffindor students berated Slytherin, Malfoy at the forefront. Uncertain of what to do, Hufflepuff students sighed in frustration. Ravenclaw students, on the other hand, didn't want to have meals in such an environment.

The ugly exchange of insults continued until Professor McGonagall shouted them all down. Leo hurriedly took Hermione to his study, and there, they were able to enjoy a peaceful meal.

"Last night was a disaster, Hermione," she remarked.

"It certainly was. But I wish we could have handled it more skillfully. After all, I got deducted points too. Whatever happens, we can't afford any more point deductions."

Hermione vowed to be even stricter with herself regarding the rules after this incident.

From then on, life continued without any significant changes. Ravenclaw, inspired by Leo, showed more unity than usual and worked diligently in their studies. Although there was often a tense rivalry among them in terms of academics, this year, with Leonard Taylor, a high-achiever, as their wall or goal, everyone cooperated to reach that level. Leo's Friday afternoon study sessions had even attracted senior students and students from other houses, leading to Leo expanding the space in his study to create a dedicated study area. Although Leo didn't do much teaching during these sessions, his ability to discern individual magic habits and flaws with his 'Eye' led to increasingly effective advice, and everyone's abilities continued to rise.

October 31, 1991

The day was filled with the scent of pumpkins and sweets throughout Hogwarts. Despite it being Halloween, there was no change in the daily routine. Students attended classes as usual and engaged in discussions with their professors, making it a fulfilling day.

During dinner in the Great Hall, Professor Quirrell rushed in a state of panic. He shouted in front of everyone, catching their attention.

"A t-troll... in the dungeons... I needed to... inform..."

As soon as he uttered those words, Quirrell collapsed. It seemed he had fainted. Upon hearing the word "troll," the Great Hall fell into chaos. Students panicked and began behaving erratically.

Leo contemplated whether he could catch the troll and use it as an experimental subject, a thought no other student had. Dumbledore calmed the students down by creating a loud noise from his wand, and he announced that the teachers would handle the situation and instructed everyone to return to their respective houses.

Since Leo's study room was nearby and it was determined that he wouldn't encounter the troll, he returned alone. Upon reaching the study room, he found Hermione sitting in front of the door. Fearing the worst, he rushed over. Hermione noticed him and ran towards him, throwing her arms around him.

"Hermione? What's wrong? ...Ummm, it doesn't look like you're hurt," Leo said as Hermione clung to him, sobbing.

"Leo...., Leo... I, I am...."

With Hermione still in his embrace and in her distressed state, Leo knew he couldn't leave her like this, especially not when they might encounter the troll at any moment. He decided to take her inside his study room. He gently led her to the sofa and offered her a warm cup of cocoa.

"Here, have this. Let's take it easy for a moment," he suggested.

Hermione took small sips of the cocoa, and Leo patiently waited for her to regain her composure. After a while, she began to speak slowly.

"Leo... Am I too meddlesome? How do you really feel about me? Do you find me a nuisance?"

"I think of you as my best friend, and I've never felt you were a nuisance. And no matter what you do from now on, I don't think that will change," Leo replied sincerely.

"Thank you... But it seems like others don't feel the same way. Even though I acted for everyone's sake... Today, Ron called me a nightmare, and that Leonard Taylor, who taught magic to other, said that someone who's good at studying must have a terrible personality. It's frustrating. Not only am I being criticized, but you're being dragged into it because of me. I'm sad and frustrated... I wanted to see you, Leo, and before I knew it, I was sitting here in front of this door, not even going to class."

Leo blinked in surprise. Hermione's words were unexpected.

"You worried about me, didn't you? Thank you. But you don't need to be concerned. Whether it's Ron or anyone else who doesn't know me, it doesn't matter how they see me. No, even if all of Hogwarts or the entire wizarding world sees me in a certain way, it doesn't matter. The beauty of the magic that I am studying is not at all affected by such things. Besides, if Hermione sees me correctly, that's enough."

Hearing Leo's words made Hermione felt a little lighter.

"More importantly, what do you want to do, Hermione?"

"I... I can't become like Leo. I'm just the type who can't help but worry about others. But I want to change; I want to make better connections with those around me."

"Then why don't you change? Hermione, you're a much more decent person than I am. If you make a little improvement, you'll easily get along with others."

"That's right, you're absolutely right. I understand now, Leo. I'll try, I'll show them I can change!"

Seeing Hermione regain some of her spirit, Leo naturally smiled. After having another cup of cocoa and resting for a while longer, Leo escorted Hermione back to Gryffindor Tower.

"Leo, I can go back on my own. I'm already feeling better," Hermione said.

"Oh, right, I didn't mention it. It seems a troll has entered the castle. Currently, students are evacuating to their respective houses, and the teachers are handling it."

"A troll!? Why here... But the teachers should be able to handle it by now, right?"

"I wonder. Well, if it's just a troll, even I can deal with it. Hermione, don't worry. I'll protect you."

Blushing at his declaration, Hermione still felt reassured. As they walked, everything seemed calm. They were about halfway to Gryffindor Tower when a strong, unpleasant smell began to permeate the air.

"What's this smell... could it be!"

"Unfortunately, it's exactly what you think it is. Hermione, stand behind me."

As the smell grew stronger, they could also hear heavy footsteps. The troll, with a height well over three meters, appeared from around the corner. Hermione gasped; if she were to face the troll head-on, she'd likely be minced in an instant. But she had Leo with her, and that alone gave her the strength to restrain her screams.

The troll noticed them and immediately started moving in their direction.

"Ferma Blade, Rotatine Spin, Heatruto Heat."

As Leo incanted the spell, a blade made of magic, about a meter in length, materialized. Following the subsequent incantation, the blade began to spin and its temperature rose. By the time it reached a temperature that even Hermione, who was standing a distance away, could feel, it was glowing red.

"Flipendo, shoot."

At Leo's command, the blade was launched and sliced through the troll's neck. The troll's head soared through the air before crashing to the ground, followed by its headless colossal body. From the moment the troll noticed them until its demise, only a few seconds had passed.

"Incredible..."

Hermione was once again reminded of Leo's incredible abilities. She resolved to develop the strength to overcome such challenges on her own.

"Hermione!"

"Are you okay!?"

Two male students rushed over from behind. They were likely Gryffindors who had come looking for Hermione, who had been absent from the common room. On closer inspection, one of them was Harry Potter, and the other was the individual who had intruded into Cerberus' protection.

"Harry, and Ron..."

Apparently, 'the individual' was Ron. They seemed stunned by the dead troll but quickly turned their attention to Hermione and offered their apologies.

"Sorry, Hermione. We said terrible things to you. It wasn't your fault."

"It's me who should be apologizing. My behavior was also poor, and I'm going to change that from now on. And thank you. You came looking for me, didn't you?"

"Yeah, that's right, but maybe it wasn't necessary. It looks like the troll's already dead. Maybe one of the professors took care of it?"

"Leo defeated it. Oh, Ron, could you also apologize to Leo?"

Harry and Ron's eyes widened in surprise at Hermione's words. Ron wore a somewhat embarrassed expression as he apologized.

"Are you the famous Leonard Taylor? I'm sorry. I've said some terrible things about you, though not directly. But seriously, you're amazing. Not only are you good at studying, but you're strong too."

"It's okay. By the way, I've seen your faces a few times, but this is the first time we've met in person. I'm Leonard Taylor. Nice to meet you, Weasley and it's been a while since we talked like this, Harry Potter."

"Yeah, I didn't know you were famous. Nice to meet you"

Leo continued his analysis of the golden veil he had seen at Diagon Alley.

(Indeed, it's a protective spell. And it seems to be of the sacrificial type... Most likely, it shielded him when his parents died. Is this what caused Voldemort to vanish?)

As Leo contemplated this, he heard the sound of the troll falling. Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Professor Quirrell approached.

Upon seeing the troll's body, Professor Quirrell's legs gave way, and he almost collapsed. Professor Snape glared at the three Gryffindors, especially Harry. Professor McGonagall makes her way over to the four of them.

"What on earth is going on here? Especially you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley! Out of the common room again? And please explain exactly what happened with this troll's body."

Leo explained everything, from Hermione's situation to their encounter with the troll.

"I see. Potter and Weasley, your actions were commendable, but considering the circumstances leading to Miss Granger's actions, it's your responsibility. Therefore, no points will be deducted or awarded. Miss Granger, you are similarly not subject to any specific punishment. Lastly, Mr. Taylor, for dealing with the troll and protecting the students, Ravenclaw will be awarded 15 points. I will escort you three back to your common room, and you should rest for the day."

Professor McGonagall led the three of them to the common room. Professor Snape appeared to be handling the troll's body, probably for potion ingredients.

With the matter of Harry's protection analyzed, Leo still wondered why Professor Quirrell was also under the protection.

(Maybe my analysis was incomplete? Perhaps I should analyze Professor Quirrell as well.)

As he looked in Professor Quirrell's direction, their eyes met. Leo attempted Legilimency, but it was blocked and failed. He sensed fear and anger in Professor Quirrell's eyes.

(Something is possessing him, and it's likely related to why Harry's protection is working.)

With the answers he needed about the protection, Leo ignored Professor Quirrell and returned to his research.

After the Halloween incident, Hermione became more accepted by her peers. She also began to spend more time with Harry and Ron.

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If Malfoy hadn't provoked unnecessarily, the hero and his best friend would have been treated as the culprits in Gryffindor.

It would have been better if he hadn't taunted them, but given his personality, it was probably impossible.

Leo's study sessions are more like private tutoring sessions rather than the battle-oriented sessions of Dumbledore's Army.

Unlike in the original, Hermione didn't hide in the bathroom because there were people she could rely on.

The troll met its end. I wonder what the survival rate of trolls is in fan fiction?

By the way, Leo's image of beheading the troll is similar to Kenshin Himura's Hiten Mitsurugi style technique, where the heat from the blade cauterizes the wound, preventing blood from spilling. Leo was considerate of the troll's smelly blood.

The analysis of Harry's protection is complete. With this, Leo's interest in Harry has dropped significantly.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron aren't as close in this fan fiction as they are in the original. They interact as ordinary friends, relying on each other mainly for studying.