Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

Neville Longbottom wasn't very skilled at casting spells. By the end of the lesson, he barely managed to master the Levitation Charm.

David wiped the sweat off his forehead, clearly tired. "Neville, how about we try one last time? If you succeed, we can head to our flying class."

Neville nodded with determination. With a careful wave of his wand, he said the incantation, "Wingardium Leviosa." This time, the feather lifted smoothly into the air and floated gracefully, circling under Neville's precise control.

"Excellent work, Mr. Longbottom!" Professor Flitwick clapped with enthusiasm.

Neville's face turned red with pride. He thanked the professor before leaving the classroom with David.

As they stepped out, David noticed Hermione hurrying away down the hallway. Nearby, Harry and Ron stood whispering, their expressions tense and guilty.

David approached them. "What's going on?"

Ron quickly replied, "Nothing. Let's head to class. We're going to be late."

David wasn't convinced. "Really? Harry, what's going on?"

Harry hesitated but eventually muttered, "It's nothing."

Shrugging, David decided not to press further. "Alright, let's go then."

The three of them arrived at the open field where Madam Hooch was waiting to begin the flying lesson. She called out, "Is everyone here? I hope your minds aren't completely lost to Halloween already!"

David glanced around and noticed Hermione wasn't there. Looking at Harry and Ron, he could tell they were uneasy, scanning the area nervously.

Could Hermione's absence have something to do with them? Did Ron say something unkind to her again?

Frowning, David leaned closer to Harry. "Is Hermione's absence because of you two?"

Both boys lowered their heads. After a pause, Harry admitted, "Ron said something that upset her. She overheard."

"It wasn't intentional," Ron mumbled defensively.

David sighed. "Ron, I've told you before: Hermione is our friend. Stop saying hurtful things about her!"

Ron nodded sheepishly.

"Madam Hooch," David called out, "Hermione hasn't shown up for class. Can I go look for her?"

Madam Hooch shook her head. "You can check after class. Don't worry—Hogwarts is a safe place. She'll be fine."

Before David could protest, Malfoy interrupted with a mocking laugh. "She's probably too scared to come to class! I've seen her shaking like a leaf during lessons. Honestly, I don't even know how she managed to get into this school!"

"Malfoy!" David shot him a sharp glare. He was tempted to make Malfoy regret his words, preferably in a place where no one would see.

Harry and Ron quickly stepped up beside David, glaring at Malfoy as well. Even Neville, after a moment's hesitation, joined them.

Outnumbered, Malfoy sneered but said nothing more, retreating with his usual smugness.

After class, David rushed to the library, suspecting Hermione might be there. But halfway there, he spotted Professor Quirrell sneaking towards the Forbidden Forest.

Curious, David decided to follow him. Quirrell led the way to a spot where two trolls had previously been chained. Now, only one remained, its chain still intact.

David watched as Quirrell cast a spell to release the troll and used a floating piece of meat to lure it along a hidden trail. The troll lumbered after the bait, heading toward the castle's underground classrooms. Once the troll was inside, Quirrell walked away, heading toward the Great Hall.

A terrible realization hit David. A troll? Quirrell must be planning a diversion to get to the Philosopher's Stone!

Then another thought struck him. Wait—what if the troll finds Hermione?!

Panic surged through David. Forgetting about the Philosopher's Stone, he sprinted toward the castle.

David reached the underground corridors just in time to see the troll entering the girls' bathroom. His heart sank when he spotted Hermione stepping out of a stall, unaware of the danger.

The troll loomed over her, clutching a massive club. Hermione froze, her mouth opening in a silent scream. She slid to the floor, trembling in fear.

David rushed inside, dodging around the troll's huge frame to reach her. He grabbed her hand.

Hermione flinched, about to scream, but David quickly covered her mouth. "It's me," he whispered urgently.

Recognizing him, Hermione relaxed slightly, though her hand was clammy with sweat.

David leaned close and whispered, "Don't worry. I'm here. It can't see us right now. Follow me, and we'll get out of here."

Hermione nodded, though her legs felt like jelly. David helped her to her feet, letting her lean heavily on him as they slowly moved toward the door.

The troll, confused by the lack of visible targets, began sniffing the air. It swung its club aimlessly, knocking over sinks and smashing tiles.

Just as David and Hermione reached the door, it suddenly slammed shut with a loud bang.

The troll turned toward the noise, its beady eyes narrowing.

David froze, whispering, "Who would do something so wicked?!"

Hermione whimpered, clinging tightly to him.

"Don't worry," David reassured her, though his own heart was pounding. "We'll wait for it to break the door open, then sneak out."

Suddenly, the door creaked open again. This time, Harry and Ron peeked inside, their faces pale with fear.