"Thank you, George. I know what to do now. I'll go teach Harry and Ron," Hermione said. Without asking George for directions, she excitedly left the classroom.
"That's the power of strength," George said with a smile as he watched Hermione dash out. Just mastering a practical spell had already changed her mindset instantly, far more effective than the frantic running she'd done earlier.
This was the power of magic, and the magic of power.
Hermione hurried through the spiral staircase and waited in the Gryffindor common room. She saw Harry and Ron climbing through the portrait corridor and shouted, "You two idiots!" Then, casting a Disillusionment Charm on herself, she silently followed behind them.
Through the corridor, she glanced back at the Fat Lady's portrait, only to find it empty. The Fat Lady had gone out for a late-night visit. Hermione felt a pang of frustration—if she hadn't left, none of this would have been possible.
Harry and Ron reached the end of the corridor and found Neville curled up on the floor, buzzing anxiously. As Harry approached, Neville jolted awake. "Thank goodness, someone's finally here. I can't remember the new password. I've been locked out for hours."
Seeing the scene, Hermione scratched her head, a bit befuddled. "Maybe I should have gone to Ravenclaw," she muttered.
"Quiet, Neville. The new password is 'Pig Snout,' but right now the Fat Lady doesn't even know where to go," Harry said. Then he asked, "How's your arm?"
"I'm fine," Neville said cheerfully, raising both arms in a triumphant gesture. "Madam Pomfrey fixed it right away."
"All right, Neville, wait here for now. We've got other things to do. See you later."
"Don't leave me!" Neville protested. "I don't want to stay here anymore. Barrow, that bloodthirsty ghost, has floated past me twice already."
"Then just keep your voice down." They continued down the corridor, moonlight streaming through the windows, leaving silvery trails on the floor.
Luckily, they didn't run into Filch or Madam Norris along the way. They ascended the stairs to the third floor and quietly made their way to the Trophy Room.
Before Malfoy and Crabbe could arrive, the moonlight illuminated the crystal display cases, shining on medals, trophies, and statues. The room seemed eerily quiet. Everyone pressed against the walls, eyes fixed on the far ends. Harry readied his wand, anticipating Malfoy's sudden arrival.
Time ticked by slowly.
"Malfoy's not coming. That coward," Ron muttered. Suddenly, a voice echoed from the next room, and their tension spiked. Harry raised his wand, listening closely—it wasn't Malfoy.
"Darling, check this out and catch those little troublemakers," said the voice.
It was Filch and Madam Norris. Harry panicked. He signaled to Ron and Neville to follow closely. They crept toward another door. Just past the corner, they heard Filch enter the Trophy Room.
Hermione was furious. Malfoy had been underestimated. The cunning Malfoy had told the teachers everything, while the foolish Harry and Ron had fallen right into his trap. Even she couldn't help but mutter, "I can't believe I fell for it."
"They're hiding," Filch hissed. "You won't escape."
"This way!" Harry gestured, quietly leading them down the armored corridor. Filch was getting closer.
Neville couldn't hold back; he screamed and bolted, panicking. In his rush, he dragged Ron with him, and they crashed into a suit of armor.
Suddenly, a clanging crash reverberated throughout the castle.
"Run!" Harry shouted, sprinting forward with all his strength. Everyone raced down the corridor, not daring to look back. They dashed past hallways and pillars, zigzagging through the castle. After what felt like miles, they stopped near the Charms classroom.
"Hermione, what are you doing here?" Harry and Ron realized she had been following them.
"Malfoy tricked you," Hermione panted. "He never intended to duel. He set a trap. The sly Malfoy told Filch you were heading to the Trophy Room. He gathered all the information and was just waiting to catch you."
"Damn Malfoy, that liar!" Harry and Ron were enraged, realizing they had fallen into his trap.
"All right, let's get out of here first," Harry said. Anger aside, leaving immediately was the priority.
They barely got through a door before bumping into something. Peeves, the annoying poltergeist, shrieked:
"That troublesome student won't sleep and causes mischief at midnight! Begging won't help, Peeves knows everything!"
"Shut up, Peeves! If we get caught, we'll be expelled!"
"That troublesome student causes chaos at midnight! Begging won't work—Peeves already knows!" Peeves cackled with glee at their panic.
"Damn it," Ron growled, kicking Peeves aside. "Run!"
Peeves screamed louder: "Students running wild in the magic corridors!"
They ran as fast as they could, reaching the end of the corridor and crashing into a door. Harry pushed with all his strength, but it was locked.
"It's over," Neville cried.
"Don't cry." Hermione raised her wand, muttering softly: "Alohomora." Click! The door unlocked. They rushed in and quickly closed it behind them.
"You'll never guess what we found behind the door," Hermione said, her storytelling vivid. Even Harry and Ron, who had experienced it firsthand, were captivated.
"What was it?" George asked, listening intently. Though much time had passed, he remembered the important incident clearly. Behind the door should have been a three-headed dog, but this time it wasn't for prophecy.
"It was enormous," Hermione said, fear still lingering. "A creature with three terrifying heads and six eyes, each as large as a lantern. Its fangs gleamed, and its massive body nearly filled the entire room." She traced the image with her finger, letting them visualize the terrifying three-headed dog.
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