Darkrai Returns to His Master
Keith was sitting on his bed in the Hufflepuff dorm, Vulpix curled up asleep on his lap, when the shadows around the room suddenly trembled.
A familiar presence stepped forward.
Darkrai emerged silently, bowing its head.
Darkrai (telepathy):
Master. The threat has been eliminated.
Keith closed his book, looking up.
Keith:
"Troll handled?"
Darkrai:
Yes. Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnigan attempted a rescue but were knocked unconscious.
Ron Weasley… fainted in fear and urinated himself.
Keith rubbed his forehead.
Keith:
"As expected from Ron."
Darkrai continued.
Professors arrived. Dumbledore spoke with me.
He will inform the school that the boys defeated the troll.
He also sends gratitude—but I did not reveal your name.
Keith nodded, satisfied.
Keith:
"Good work.
Now go to the portable dimension and rest. Take Ho-Oh with you if needed."
Darkrai dipped his head.
Understood.
He dissolved into darkness and vanished.
◆ The Next Morning — Hogwarts Explodes With Rumors
By sunrise, Hogwarts Castle was buzzing.
Students whispered in hallways, staircases, dorms, and corridors.
And the rumor spreading everywhere was—
unbelievable.
◆ The Great Hall: Absurd Gossip
Keith entered with Vulpix on his shoulder, Rias and Helena beside him. Hufflepuff students were buzzing like bees.
He sat between Rias and Helena while Cedric and Tonks joined on the other side.
Keith picked up his pumpkin juice.
Then he overheard it.
Ravenclaw student #1:
"They say Neville fought the troll ALONE!"
Ravenclaw student #2:
"No no! Seamus blew it up with one powerful spell!"
Hufflepuff first-year:
"I heard Ron Weasley bravely distracted the troll so the others could strike!"
Keith almost choked on his drink.
◆ Keith Internally: Absolute Comedy
Inside his head:
Keith (thought):
Ron? Bravely? He pissed himself so hard the troll almost slipped.
Seamus knocked himself out.
Neville tried his best but fainted.
And the troll died from a Darkrai finisher.
The entire situation was absurd.
Keith kept a straight face while listening, but internally he was dying of laughter.
◆ More Ridiculous Rumors Spread
Gryffindor table gossip:
"I heard Ron punched the troll in the face!"
Another student:
"No, Neville summoned a giant snake!"
Hufflepuff girl:
"Professor McGonagall looked… um… embarrassed. No idea why."
Keith's eyebrow twitched.
Of course she was embarrassed. Ron wet himself so much they had to levitate him in a sheet.
Tonks leaned close, whispering.
Tonks:
"You heard the rumor? They're calling Ron, Neville, and Seamus the 'Troll Trio.'"
Keith smirked behind his cup.
Keith:
"Fitting name."
Rias nearly burst out laughing.
Helena smiled politely — she remembered Darkrai's report.
Even Cedric had trouble keeping a straight expression.