Otherworldly Interference

As Harry lay on his bed, the events of the morning replayed in his mind like scenes from a movie. The revelation about his scar fading lingered at the forefront of his thoughts, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his future. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him, the unanswered questions swirling in his mind like restless spirits.

Closing his eyes, Harry took a deep breath and tried to push aside his worries. Today was Halloween, a day for celebration and excitement. He refused to let his concerns dampen the festive spirit of the occasion.

As he lay there, bathed in the soft golden light filtering through the curtains, Harry's thoughts drifted to the upcoming feast. The thought of delicious food and lively festivities brought a flicker of excitement to his heart, momentarily distracting him from his troubles.

But deep down, Harry knew that he couldn't ignore the lingering mystery of his fading scar.

"Let's check if I can speak Parseltongue or not first", he thought. "although it should be impossible, I just want to make sure".

Harry sat up on his bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the mysterious corridor, his fading scar, and the unsettling realization that he might no longer possess the ability to speak Parseltongue. Determined to confirm his suspicions, he reached for his wand, Elythral, which materialized in his hand with a comforting warmth.

With a sense of trepidation, Harry pointed his wand to the space in front of him and muttered, "Serpensortia." A burst of magic shot from the wand's tip, conjuring a sleek, silver snake that slithered onto his bed with a hiss.

For a moment, Harry held his breath, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for the snake to speak. But to his dismay, all he heard was a series of hisses and clicks, completely unintelligible to his ears.

A wave of disappointment washed over Harry as he realized that he could not understand the snake's language. Though he had hoped for a different outcome, the confirmation that he was no longer a Horcrux brought a sense of relief, albeit tinged with a hint of sadness.

Knowing that he couldn't keep the snake in the dormitory, Harry quickly performed a charm to ensure its safe return to the Forbidden Forest. With a flick of his wand and a whispered incantation, he cast the "Salvare Serpens" charm, a spell specifically designed to guide creatures safely back to their natural habitat.

As the magic enveloped the snake, it flew out of the window with a graceful movement, disappearing into the depths of the Forbidden Forest. 

With the snake gone and his mind slightly more at ease, Harry lay back down on his bed, the weight of the morning's revelations still heavy on his shoulders. 

"This is going to be a problem now....", he mutters.

Closing his eyes, Harry allowed himself to relax, the soft golden light filtering through the curtains casting a warm glow over the room. Today was Halloween, a day for celebration and excitement, and Harry refused to let his worries overshadow the festive spirit of the occasion. 

As Harry lay on his bed, pondering his predicament, a sudden flash of insight illuminated his thoughts. In an instant, the memory of the Lingua Animalis Elixir surged to the forefront of Harry's consciousness, as if plucked from the depths of his subconscious library of books. The details of the potion, its ingredients, and brewing instructions unfolded before his mind's eye with crystal clarity, as if they had been waiting patiently for this exact moment to emerge.

Surprised by this sudden revelation, Harry felt a surge of excitement coursing through his veins.

"Great now the problem is solved", he smirked to himself as this potion would not only allow Harry to speak Parseltongue, it would allow him to converse with every non magical creatures he chooses. 

Harry jumped up from his bed and practically skipped downstairs while humming to himself. He was happy that he would be able to save Ginny next year, then again a thought flashed through his mind. 

If he knew what would happen and the way if would affect Ginny, shouldn't he prevent it from happening? Why should he put Ginny through all that if he already knew what was going to happen? Yes it was the turning point for Ginny's feeling's towards him, but should he really be that selfish that he should let Ginny go through all that just so that she would love him as him and not the boy who lived? Was getting Ginny to love him so necessary that he should let her go through all that knowing how it would scar her for life? 

As Harry sank into the couch beside Hermione, her keen eyes caught the hint of turmoil etched across his face. Sensing his unease, she regarded him with a mixture of concern and curiosity, recognizing that something weighed heavily on his mind.

Lost in a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts, Harry grappled with the moral dilemma that consumed him. Should he sacrifice Ginny's happiness for the sake of a predetermined destiny, or dare to defy fate in pursuit of a different outcome? Then again if he decides to change the timeline of second year he would have to deal with unknown effects in the future...But then he had already done major changes in the timeline already...No, he would not sacrifice Ginny's happiness just so he could have her love. No matter what kind of unforeseen circumstances may occur, he had enough power and knowledge to deal with them. 

It doesn't matter if Ginny doesn't love him, he should not and will not push her towards the experience which scared her for life. Determined that he would not let Ginny suffer from that fate he let out an exasperated sigh. Many a times in his previous life he had wished that he knew the future, now that he knows the future, he can see the consequences are quite high. 

"Harry....are you okay?", Hermione asked causing Harry to jump up from the couch and turn around sharply. 

Caught off guard by Hermione's question, Harry took a moment to compose himself before responding. "Yeah, Hermione, I'm fine. Just lost in thought, you know?"

Hermione studied him for a moment, her expression filled with concern. "Are you sure? You seem... troubled."

Harry forced a reassuring smile. "It's nothing, really. Just thinking about... everything."

Hermione nodded understandingly, though her gaze remained fixed on him, as if trying to decipher the thoughts swirling in his mind.

"I'll be okay, Hermione," Harry said, his tone more confident now. "Just need some time to sort things out."

Hermione gave him a small smile in return, though her worry lingered. "Well, if you ever need to talk, you know I'm here, right?"

"Thanks, Hermione," Harry replied gratefully. "I appreciate it."

With that, Hermione returned to her book, leaving Harry alone with his thoughts once more. As he sank back onto the couch, he couldn't shake the weight of the decision looming over him. But one thing was certain: no matter the consequences, he would do whatever it took to protect Ginny and ensure her happiness, even if it meant her not loving him.

Harry's gaze drifted to the book in Hermione's hands, its cover adorned with intricate magical symbols and vibrant illustrations. Curiosity piqued, he leaned closer to get a better look, "Beginners Guide to Spell craft". Hmmm...Interesting, he thought.

"What's that you're reading, Hermione?" Harry asked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Hermione glanced up, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh, just something I stumbled upon in the library. It's a beginner's guide to spellcasting for first-years."

Harry chuckled, his interest piqued. "And why, may I ask, is the brightest witch of our age reading a beginner's guide?"

Hermione's cheeks tinged pink, but she met Harry's gaze with determination. "Well, you know me, Harry. Always striving to expand my knowledge and master new skills."

Harry couldn't help but laugh at her earnest response. "Of course, Hermione. Well, since you're in the mood for learning, how about I teach you some new spells?"

The excitement that lit up Hermione's face was palpable, her eyes shining with anticipation. She nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm practically radiating from her.

Harry chuckled at her reaction, unable to resist teasing her just a little. "Easy there, Hermione. You look like you're about to levitate with excitement."

Hermione's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn't suppress her grin. "Sorry, Harry. I just... I love learning new things."

Harry's smile softened, touched by her genuine enthusiasm. "I know you do, Hermione. And that's one of the things I admire most about you."

"Alright then, Hermione," Harry said, "What kind of spell are you most looking forward to learning?"

Hermione pondered for a moment, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Well, I've always been fascinated by Transfiguration, so perhaps something in that area?"

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Transfiguration it is. Let's try something a bit more complex, but still manageable for a talented witch like yourself."

"Oh, please, Harry, don't call me talented when you're in the same room," Hermione sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "I mean, you can Apparate out of Hogwarts when there are anti-Apparition wards here!"

Harry chuckled at Hermione's remark, acknowledging her point with a grin. "Fair enough, Hermione"

Harry conjured a small twig from thin air, holding it up for Hermione to see. "Alright, Hermione. We're going to transform this twig into a quill. It requires a bit more finesse, but I'm confident you can handle it."

Hermione nodded, her expression determined. "I'll give it my best shot."

"Good," Harry replied, a reassuring smile on his face. "Now, my way is a bit different in the sense that I don't really like all those elaborate wand movements. But since you will not get it directly I'll show you an easy way" He demonstrated the precise flick and swish of his wand, his movements deliberate and controlled.

"That is the wand movement and the incantation is Twiglume ", Harry said. "Got it?"

Hermione nodded, studying Harry's wand movements with keen interest. "Got it," she affirmed, her determination shining through.

With a deep breath, Hermione focused her attention on the twig in front of her, visualizing the transformation she intended to perform. Gripping her wand firmly, she mirrored Harry's precise movements, flicking and swishing with practiced precision.

"Twiglume," she incanted, her voice steady and confident.

A shimmering light enveloped the twig, its form gradually shifting and elongating until it transformed into a sleek, feathered quill. Hermione's eyes widened in amazement as she beheld her handiwork, a smile of satisfaction tugging at her lips.

"I did it!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.

Harry grinned, proud of Hermione's accomplishment. "Well done, Hermione! That was excellent."

Encouraged by her success, Hermione eagerly repeated the spell, honing her technique with each attempt. As she continued to practice under Harry's patient guidance, her confidence grew, and she soon found herself effortlessly transfiguring twigs into quills with precision and ease.

Impressed by Hermione's progress, Harry couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for his friend's accomplishments. "You're a natural, Hermione," he praised, his smile warm and genuine.

Encouraged by Harry's words, Hermione beamed with pride, her excitement palpable as she eagerly repeated the spell, honing her technique with each repetition.

Their impromptu lesson was interrupted by the sound of Ron's unmistakable yawn, drawing their attention to their friend who had just entered the room. Ron's eyes lit up with interest as he spotted Harry and Hermione engrossed in what seemed like a spell lesson.

"What are you two up to?" Ron asked, his curiosity piqued.

"We're practicing transfiguration," Hermione explained, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Harry's been teaching me some new spells."

Ron's interest was immediately piqued, and he eagerly joined in, absorbing Harry's instructions with enthusiasm.

Under Harry's guidance, the duo practiced several more spells, each one more complex than the last(not so much than second year level). But as the hour grew late, Ron's stomach grumbled loudly, reminding them of the approaching dinner hour.

"We should probably head to the Great Hall for dinner," Ron suggested, his appetite getting the better of him.

Harry chuckled at Ron's eagerness, nodding in agreement. "Sounds like a plan. Let's go."

As they made their way to the Great Hall, they were greeted by the sight of the enchanted ceiling, which had been transformed to depict a stormy night sky. Flashes of lightning danced across the expanse, illuminating the room with an eerie glow, while the sound of distant thunder rumbled overhead.

Despite the ominous atmosphere, the Great Hall was alive with chatter and laughter as students gathered to enjoy their evening meal. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, enticing the trio with the promise of a satisfying dinner.

The trio found an empty spot at the Gryffindor table and settled down, their appetites whetted by the tantalizing aroma of the feast spread out before them.

The dinner was a lavish affair, with an array of dishes ranging from roast turkey and mashed potatoes to savory pies and steaming bowls of vegetables. Plates piled high with food floated magically along the tables, tempting the hungry students with their delicious offerings.

As they helped themselves to the hearty meal, Harry, Hermione, and Ron engaged in lively conversation, discussing everything from their recent classes to their plans for the upcoming weekend.

"So, Harry, what was it like learning those new spells?" Hermione asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"It was great, Hermione," Harry replied, a note of excitement in his voice. "I really enjoy teaching, and seeing you and Ron pick up the spells so quickly was really rewarding."

Ron nodded in agreement, his mouth full of food. "Yeah, it was brilliant. I never knew transfiguration could be so much fun!"

Hermione smiled, her cheeks flushed with pleasure at the praise. "I'm glad you both enjoyed it. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous at first, but Harry's a fantastic teacher."

Harry chuckled modestly, a warm glow of pride filling his chest. "Thanks, Hermione. But really, you two have a knack for magic. I'm sure you'll be mastering even more spells in no time."

As they indulged in their dinner, the trio's conversation attracted the attention of their fellow Gryffindors. Seamus Finnigan, Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, Lavender Brown, and the mischievous twins, Fred and George Weasley, soon joined them at the table.

"Hey, what's all the chatter about?" Seamus asked, sliding onto the bench next to Hermione.

"We were just talking about the new spells Harry taught us," Ron replied, gesturing to Harry with a grin.

"That sounds brilliant!" Lavender exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "I wish I could learn some new spells too."

"Well, you're always welcome to join us, Lavender," Harry said, smiling warmly at her.

Neville nodded enthusiastically, his face brightening at the prospect of learning new magic. "I'd love to learn some new spells as well. Transfiguration has always been a bit tricky for me."

"Don't worry, Neville," Hermione reassured him. "With a bit of practice, you'll get the hang of it in no time."

Meanwhile, Fred and George had taken up residence on either side of Ron, their mischievous grins suggesting that they were up to something.

"So, what's the plan for this weekend, Harry?" Fred asked, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Harry laughed, knowing all too well what the twins were hinting at. "I haven't decided yet, but I'm sure we'll come up with something fun."

"Count us in!" George chimed in, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

The group's banter was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Professor Quirrell, who burst into the Great Hall looking terrified and out of breath.

"Troll! Troll in the dungeon!" he screamed, his voice echoing off the stone walls.

The students fell silent, their eyes widening in shock at the professor's alarming proclamation. Hermione's spoon clattered against her plate as she froze mid-bite, while Ron's face paled considerably.

"Quirrell, what on earth—" McGonagall began, rising from her seat at the teachers' table.

But before she could finish her sentence, Quirrell stumbled to a halt just before the teachers' table, his chest heaving with exertion.

"Thought...you should know," he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper, before collapsing to the ground in a heap.

As Professor Quirrell collapsed to the ground, the Great Hall erupted into chaos. Students clamored over one another, their voices rising in panicked shouts as they scrambled to their feet. Plates and goblets clattered to the ground, forgotten amidst the confusion.

Amidst the tumult, Dumbledore's calm voice cut through the cacophony, amplified by a series of purple firecrackers exploding from the end of his wand. The bright bursts of light drew all eyes to the headmaster as he stood tall at the teachers' table, his expression grave yet composed.

"Silence!" Dumbledore's voice boomed, echoing off the stone walls of the Great Hall. "Prefects, take your houses back to their common rooms immediately. Teachers, form search parties and secure the castle. We must ensure the safety of all students."

Percy exuded confidence as he took charge of the situation.

"Listen up, everyone! Stick with me and we'll get through this. Stay calm and follow my lead," he commanded, his voice projecting authority and reassurance. "No need to panic, just stay close and keep moving. Follow the prefect, that's me!"

As they followed Percy through the crowded corridors, Ron couldn't resist making a snide remark under his breath. "Pompous big head," he muttered, earning a stifled giggle from Hermione and a playful elbow from Harry.

As the group made their way past the dimly lit corridor of the second floor, a putrid stench assaulted their senses, causing them to wrinkle their noses in disgust. Before anyone could react, a heavy thump echoed through the corridor, followed by another, louder thump.

The students froze in fear as their eyes were drawn down the corridor, where a towering Mountain Troll stood, its grey skin glistening in the dim light. Its bald head nearly touched the ceiling, and it wielded a massive wooden club with ease. Apparently the troll didn't quite like the dungeons. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as both students and Troll locked eyes, each sizing up the other's next move.

Then, with a deafening roar, the Troll raised its club and charged towards them, its massive form barreling down the corridor with frightening speed.

"Move!" Percy bellowed, commanding the first years to swiftly evacuate as he unleashed a barrage of spells at the oncoming troll. Despite his efforts, the creature's resilient hide repelled the magical onslaught, rendering Percy's spells ineffective.

As the troll charged forward, its massive club swinging dangerously, panic rippled through the students like wildfire. Some fled in terror, their footsteps echoing down the corridor as they sought safety, while others remained frozen in fear, unable to tear their eyes away from the impending danger. Harry stepped forward to deal with it, he couldn't really let the troll harm other students now could he.

"Harry!" Hermione's voice rang out, filled with worry and desperation.

Percy, his face contorted with urgency, tried to reach Harry amidst the chaos. "Harry, get out of the way!" he yelled, his voice barely audible over the din of screams and shouts.

But Harry remained rooted to the spot, his mind racing as he assessed the situation as his wand materialised in his hand. With a calm resolve, he raised his wand, and uttered the incantation for a protective shield charm.

"Aegis Maximus!"

A shimmering blue field materialized before him, forming a nearly transparent barrier between himself and the oncoming troll. With a thunderous crash, the troll collided with the magical shield, its momentum abruptly halted as it stumbled backward, dazed and disoriented.

As the troll staggered backward from the impact of the shield charm, Harry seized the opportunity to take decisive action. With another flick of his wand, he conjured a brilliant burst of magical energy, shaping it into a potent stunner spell specifically designed for creatures with magic resistant skin.

"Stupor Excidium!"

The spell shot forth from Harry's wand, a shimmering wave of blue light streaking through the air with incredible speed. It struck the troll square in the chest, engulfing it in a dazzling display of magical energy.

For a moment, the troll stood frozen in place, its massive form trembling with the force of the spell. Then, with a deafening thud, it collapsed to the ground, rendered unconscious.

As the troll collapsed to the ground, the Great Hall fell silent, the echoes of chaos gradually dissipating into stunned silence. Harry took a deep breath, his mind racing with adrenaline as he surveyed the aftermath of the encounter.

"Merlin, the smell is really bad," Harry remarked, wrinkling his nose in disgust. "Can someone please call the professor quick?"

With a wave of his wand, Harry cast a cleansing charm to dispel the foul odor that lingered in the air, muttering the incantation under his breath.

"Sopor!"

A wave of fresh, clean air swept through the Great Hall, replacing the stench of the troll's presence with a refreshing breeze.

Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione stood nearby, shaking their heads in disbelief at the events that had unfolded.

"Blimey, that was mental," Ron muttered, his voice tinged with awe.

Percy, his eyes wide with astonishment, approached Harry with a mixture of admiration and concern.

"Harry, that was... incredible," Percy stammered, struggling to find the right words. "But, are you alright? That was incredibly reckless."

Harry shrugged nonchalantly, dismissing Percy's concerns with a wave of his hand. "Just another day at Hogwarts, Percy. Nothing I can't handle."

Percy's expression softened, though he still looked unconvinced. "Well I will just call the Professors here then"

Harry nodded, "That would be great Percy. Thanks."

As Percy hurried off to fetch the professors, Harry turned to Ron and Hermione, who were still staring in disbelief at the unconscious troll along with a few other students.

"Merlin, the smell is unbearable, why did it come back again..." Harry remarked, wrinkling his nose in disgust. "Sopor!"

"That's much better," Ron remarked, relief evident in his voice, with other students nodding in agreement.

As the smell dissipated yet again and the students began to recover from the shock, Percy returned with Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Flitwick in tow. McGonagall's eyes widened in shock at the sight of the unconscious troll, while Flitwick looked equally surprised.

Dumbledore, however, had a small smile playing on his lips as he approached the group. His eyes twinkled with a mixture of amusement and approval as he took in the scene before him.

"Harry," Dumbledore said, his voice calm and gentle. "I must say, I'm impressed. How did you manage to incapacitate the troll?"

Harry shrugged modestly, his gaze meeting Dumbledore's "I used the Stupor Excidium spell sir"

Dumbledore's smile widened at Harry's response, his eyes twinkling with intrigue. "The Stupor Excidium spell, you say? A rather unconventional choice, but effective nonetheless."

McGonagall and Flitwick exchanged puzzled glances, clearly unfamiliar with the spell Harry had mentioned. McGonagall turned to Dumbledore, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Headmaster, I must confess I've never heard of that spell. What does it do?"

Dumbledore's expression grew thoughtful as he considered McGonagall's question. "Ah, yes. The Stupor Excidium spell is a spell used primarily to subdue unruly dragons. It's quite powerful, even in its application against such formidable creatures. Although it cannot be used to subdue a full grown dragon. Normally, it requires the coordinated efforts of at least two wizards to render a dragon unconscious, making it a rather formidable spell indeed."

McGonagall and Flitwick exchanged incredulous looks, clearly taken aback by Dumbledore's explanation. The idea of a first-year student single-handedly casting such a spell was nothing short of astonishing.

Dumbledore's gaze turned solemn as he addressed the group once more. "However, as impressive as Harry's feat may be, we must not lose sight of the larger concern at hand. How did the troll manage to breach the castle's defenses in the first place?"

As Dumbledore pondered this question, McGonagall turned to Percy with a sense of urgency. "Percy, please escort the students back to their common rooms. We'll need to investigate this matter further."

Percy nodded briskly, his expression reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "Right away, Professor McGonagall. Come along, everyone. Let's get you all to safety."

With that, Percy began ushering the students out of the corridor and back towards Gryffindor Tower, leaving Dumbledore and the other professors to deal with the unconscious troll.

As they reached the safety of Gryffindor Tower, some students dispersed to their respective dormitories, their minds still reeling from the events of the evening. Ron and Hermione remained by Harry's side, their expressions grave.

"Harry, what do you think this means? How could a troll get inside the castle?" Hermione asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry shook his head, feigning confusion. "I'm not sure, Hermione. But something tells me this isn't just a random attack. There's something more going on here."

Ron nodded in agreement, his gaze dark with concern. "Yeah, it feels... off somehow. Like there's something we're missing."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Professor McGonagall, who entered the Gryffindor common room with a sense of urgency in her demeanor.

"Attention, students," McGonagall announced, her voice cutting through the chatter like a knife. "I have an important announcement to make."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to McGonagall, the tension palpable in the air.

"The troll that breached the castle has been successfully subdued by our brave students," McGonagall continued, her tone firm and authoritative. "The situation is now under control, and it has been decided that the Halloween feast will continue here in the common room."

A collective sigh of relief swept through the room as the students processed McGonagall's words. The tension that had gripped the common room began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of cautious optimism.

"Now, I expect everyone to remain calm and orderly," McGonagall instructed. "Enjoy."

With that, McGonagall turned on her heel and swept out of the common room, leaving the students to digest the news in her wake.

As the initial shock wore off, the Gryffindors erupted into cheers and applause. Tables laden with food magically appeared, and soon the common room was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter as students eagerly dug into the feast before them. Harry, Ron, and Hermione found themselves swept up in the festivities, their earlier worries momentarily forgotten in the joyous atmosphere of the common room.