The stillness in the forest broke with a crackling surge of raw magic. Harry Potter's voice shouted out, "Expelliarmus!"—but the powerful spell, veered wide. A burst of crimson light tore into a tree beside the cloaked figure grazing it, vaporizing bark and leaving a smoldering cavity the size of a Quaffle. The air sizzled with energy.
The figure hissed and recoiled—then turned toward the trio of boys with silent menace. A darkness radiated from beneath the hood Voldemort or at least what was left of him, tethered to Quirrell like a parasite.
Neville whimpered, but stood his ground. Draco, face pale and drawn, lifted his wand. His knuckles white but Harry didn't blink. But that changed when the ground thundered—hoofbeats tearing through the underbrush. Firenze and the other centaurs arrived, arrows drawn, hooves churning the earth. The dark figure vanished into smoke with a whirl of his cloak, disappearing into the black canopy.
The group reconvened with Hagrid while the other centaurs chased after Voldemort/Quirrell. Just like in the main story Firenze would speak to the group on what has been going on in the forbidden forest but say's something different then what I remember from the original story. Something about how Harry's destiny has changed and not even he can read the stars to see what will happen. They would then leave the area.
I remained where I was before pondering on what Firenze meant I decided to focus on the corpse of the unicorn. Still cloaked in silence and shadow, I let my Mind's Eye follow their retreat, tracking their auras as they grew smaller in the distance.
Then I turned to the clearing… and the body of the unicorn. Its beauty was haunting even in death. The silver sheen of its blue blood sparkled like fallen stars. Its eyes were closed now, peaceful.
A life taken but I won't waste this opportunity. I moved quickly and quietly, drawing the Obsidian Fang Knife from my inventory. The edge shimmered faintly with dark light. I sliced with reverence.
I manage to get at least three vials of unicorn blood. 8oz each. I sliced and stored heart and horn both still pulsing with residual magic. A clean segment of spine and vertebrae, dripping with spinal fluid. More bones were taken for the bone marrow to be retrieved. A bundle of strands from the tail hair, long and woven with natural magic.
I then asked aloud, "AIA, does the unicorn contain a mutagen?" Her voice responded smoothly within my mind: "Yes. The heart and the brain. The heart mutagen is less volatile."
Perfect. I stored the heart in the inventory for later processing. Blood soaked my cloak and hands. The scent of copper filled the air. I looked down, sighing. This wouldn't do—not back in the common room.
"Let's test this," I whispered. I called forth a mixture of White and Shadow Flame.
The two ignited in unison in my palms—light and darkness dancing in harmony. I carefully wove the fire over my robes, letting it burn away the stains without touching fabric or flesh. The blood vanished. Not even a scent remained.
Next, I turned to the corpse a deep inhale. I summoned only Shadow Flame and I directed it toward the unicorn's remains.
The darkness engulfed the body. Skin, blood, bone and sinew disintegrated in silence. Seconds later, there was nothing. Not even soot. The ground beneath was clean and untouched—as if the unicorn had never been there.
Then, the system chimed in my mind.
[System Notification]
Flame Proficiency Updated:
White Flame: Advanced (70%)
Gold Flame: Advanced (70%)
Shadow Flame: Advanced (75%)
Origin Flame: Advanced (65%)
> New Ability Unlocked:
Magical Resistance – Advanced (40%)
Grants resistance to all poisons, hexes, curses, and magical status effects.
> Your body has undergone Purification (37%)
Impurities removed from blood, marrow, and soul. Result:
Magical and physical growth increased. Soul strength enhanced. Improved absorption of mutagens and bloodline abilities with increase to magical power strength and reserves.
> Warning:
Your magical capacity has reached its current biological limit.
You cannot absorb more mana until puberty or until Purification reaches 100%
OR until the First Limiter is broken.
Physical Attributes Enhanced:
Strength, Speed, Durability = 15× Normal Human Levels (Current Peak for Age)
I stood still, stunned. Fifteen times stronger?
I've been moving like a semi normal kid this whole time just slightly in better physical shape compared to the other kids who don't train like me or Harry. I wonder what I could do just with my strength probably give a high athlete teenage a run for their money?
I whispered aloud, "AIA what's purification doing to me?"
> AIA: "Your body and bloodline is realigning. By clearing out the mortal vessel impurities from life such as diseases, curses, weak genes and traits and strengthen them you're becoming more than human."
"Will that be enough to break the First Limiter?"
> AIA: " Yes but it is not the only way. There are many ways to break the first limiter, this is one of the harder methods to achieve along with pure physical. The body must survive extreme stress. The mutagen from the unicorn's heart may help… or kill you. Or you may wait until puberty for your body to naturally awaken what your current body cannot handle."
I nodded slowly, staring at my hands. Well this is new info which helps I might try mutagen route anyway. I don't know what might happen since I changed so much so it's better to stay prepared I need to make sure my regeneration is a strong as I can make it.
Later That Night – Slytherin Common Room
The torches flickered low under the safety of my invisibility cloak, I returned through the hidden entrance, careful not to alert anyone. Most students were already asleep. I crossed the room, silent as a shadow, and sat at the long central table. I pulled out from my inventory the day's post a small pile of letters and packages from various sources.
I eyed them carefully, wondering what new opportunities or problems they would bring. The candlelight glowed faintly on my still-bloody knife as I began opening the first letter. The first envelope was unlike the others. Heavy, sealed with an archaic glyph pressed into dark wax—an old symbol of the Deathly Hallows, slightly altered. Grindelwald.
I sliced it open carefully and pulled the parchment free.
> "To Callum Tesfaye Dawn,
I am pleased you deciphered my message. Perhaps the whisper of my beliefs still live on the next generation even if the methods change as longs as our people evolve and grow I believe I can help you to achieve out dream young one. Yet a mind sharp is not enough to unravel beliefs. You must also have the power and conviction to question beliefs without backing down and defending them as well. I still advice you to seek advice from Albus; he remains my greatest equal—and my greatest wound.
But before I acknowledge you fully, I must test you once more. Power means little without purpose.
You must either create what has not yet existed… or find what most would cannot achieve whether it be by luck or skill is not up for me to decide only the results matter. Invent a new potion. Or retrieve a rare magical ingredient. Show me how it could be used. Only then will we speak as equals in ambition.
—Gellert Grindelwald"
A gentle ping resonated through my skull.
> [New Quest: Conviction of the Strong]
Objective: Gather a rare magical ingredient or invent a new potion that does not currently exist. Submit explanation and use.
Reward: 2× Felix Felicis Potions, and Grindelwald's Acknowledgment
I smirked, pulling open my satchel. "That make this easy…"
First, I laid out one of Phoenix feathers light as silk. Next came the tiny vial of Unicorn blood—just a few drops, shimmering like blue and silver.
Then, from my notebook, I flipped through my magical ingredients catalog and cross-referenced pages of alchemical theory. The flame beside me flickered as I sketched formulas, wrote potential potion traits, and mapped out the pathways:
Potion: Vitae Ignis Elixir (Elixir of Flameborn Vitality) (Theory)
Ingredients: Phoenix Feather Ash, Diluted Unicorn Blood, powdered Sunstone, powdered Mandrake root (age 3+), Extract of Mooncalf Bone Marrow, enchanted amethyst dust.
Effects: Temporarily enhances life-force regeneration (non-lethal injuries recover rapidly)
Notes: This is a revised version of my own original rejuvenation brew I based it off which I added a vial as well if these don't work I have more if needed nothing 100 percent complete but a huge step in the right direction.
I folded the notes with practiced precision and placed them in front of the mirror my mother had enchanted—one that allowed messages to be sent through reflection. I cast the incantation she'd taught me:
"Vēlum Transire." The mirror glowed blue, and I slipped the note through like dipping it into water. Five minutes passed.
Ping. > [Quest Complete – Conviction of the Strong]
Rewards Acquired: 2× Felix Felicis Potions
Bonus Reward Unlocked: Grindelwald's Original Wand
Item: Grindelwald's Wand
Before the Elder Wand was stolen, Gellert wielded this lesser-known but potent wand.
Length: 7 inches
Core: Thunderbird Tail Feather
Wood: Larch
I held it in awe. The wand hummed faintly in my grasp. Should I absorb it with the Shadow Flame? Or return it to Grindelwald?
I thought long and hard. If he gave this as a test of character, then perhaps loyalty—or at least honesty maybe he has truly changed. "Let's not play games," I murmured, penning a short note: I appreciate the honor… but I return this out of respect. Should you still consider me worthy—then know I am already preparing to surpass both you and Dumbledore in my own way.
—Callum T. Dawn.*
I wrapped the wand, placed the letter in enchanted silver foil, and slipped it back through the mirror. Whatever happens… happens. And if he betrays the gesture, I'll devour him with Shadow Flame. That thought echoed a little too naturally I really need to watch how dark my thoughts are getting...
I continued to sift through the rest of the mail:
Most of them were death threats like last time. Slurred handwriting. Some with official Ministry stamps, veiled beneath political language. I burned each one with my flame.
One envelope had a bracelet in it—elegant but subtly cursed.
"AIA," I whispered.
> "Multiple hexes. Skin bonding, soul corrosion, and delayed blood poisoning. Class 4 enchantment trap."
"Disgusting," I muttered.
The white flame purified the bracelet in my hand. It turned to silver ash and scattered on the table. The final letter bore old parchment and crimson wax—the mark of the Flamel family.
> "Dear Master Dawn,
Due to your previous statements I believe a meeting during your winter break would be in both our interests. I have a safehouse at the edge of the Loire Valley. The address is enclosed. Should you wish to bring an escort or advisor, I encourage it. Learning does not belong to one age or one house. If you are seeking an apprenticeship, let us test the waters of conversation first.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Flamel"
I immediately prepared a return note:
> Honored Alchemist, I will attend during the winter break as invited. I'd also like to introduce someone I believe would benefit greatly from your wisdom—Professor Severus Snape. Included are some of our notes on a potion-in-progress: the Magical Amplification Elixir. Perhaps with your insight, it may find completion I look forward to our meeting.
—Callum Tesfaye Dawn*
I folded the letter, attached the transcribed research notes, and sent it through the mirror portal. Then came the final task of the night. The letter Pansy had asked me to forward to my father. A letter of introduction. Still, my stomach twisted as I sealed it and prepared the portal scroll to send it to the Dawn Manor.
"…please don't be mad," I muttered under my breath. As the mirror rippled and the letter disappeared, a soft meow broke my thoughts.
Nyx. She padded across the stone floor and leapt onto the table, fixing me with glowing blue eyes and a low meow.
"Yeah, yeah, I know… past curfew." I scooped her up, pressing her warm weight to my chest. Her purring was instant, a tiny soothing storm of sound. I climbed into bed moments later, Nyx curling up on my chest, tail wrapping over her nose.
The next I sat at breakfast with Nyx and Nikita. Nyx nibbled delicately from a dish of freshly diced sausages beside me, her tail curling with satisfaction. I sipped orange juice calmly, reviewing a potions notes with Nikita's help while also talking about possible enhancement theories.
Draco Malfoy came striding over after talking Crabbe and Goyle as usual. He slid into the seat across from us, his expression halfway between smug and shaken. "I've got something," he said. "Big."
Nikita raised a brow, unimpressed. "This better not be about you getting caught after curfew." Draco blinked, hesitated, then rubbed the back of his neck. "…Technically, I wasn't caught. I followed the Gryffindors. Saw them sneaking around."
"Trying to snitch again? So instead of minding your own business, or I don't know let Cain know and he would have told the prefects. You got our house in trouble as well and made us lose house points that Cain worked so hard for us to get." Nikita asked dryly.
"I didn't mean to—!" Draco huffed. "I just saw them, and I thought they were up to something." I quirked a brow, biting into an apple. "So… you panicked and told on them." Draco flushed slightly. "Maybe. But listen, it was mad. Forbidden Forest-level mad."
Before he could go on, Harry, Hermione, and Ron approached us. Their faces were serious, especially Hermione's. Harry looked like he hadn't slept much. They eyed Draco for a second then focused back on me
"Callum," Harry said. "Can we talk? Privately." Nikita gave me a quick glance and nodded while petting Nyx. I followed them out of the Great Hall into an empty classroom nearby. As soon as the door closed, Hermione cast a quick Muffliato charm.
Harry spoke first. "We… we wanted to tell you something. About last night." Hermione nodded. "And we need you to promise not to tell anyone." "Of course," I said simply. "What happened?"
They told me everything. The three-headed dog (Fluffy)I already knew from the canon timeline. But I let them speak. Harry explained what he saw in the Forbidden Forest: the pale, hooded figure feeding on a Unicorn. The encounter with the centaur, Firenze. Hermione shifted nervously before continuing.
"Hagrid has a baby dragon," she said. "It hatched yesterday. He's keeping it in his hut." Ron cut in. "It's so cool. A Norwegian Ridgeback! We've been helping him feed it—raw meat, mostly." Then Hermione added, "Callum… we were wondering if your aunt might be able to help. Maybe… talk to the Ministry? Help him get a license or… something?"
I inhaled slowly, already remembering how this part went in the books. The moment Hermione asked, I knew the answer had to be what was right, not just what was fun. "I'm not helping to get Hagrid a license for a dragon," I said firmly.
Ron gasped. "What? Why not? What've you got against Hagrid?" "Nothing," I replied calmly. "It's because I don't want him in trouble. Think about it—where would he keep a fully grown Dragon? In his pumpkin patch? And how would he feed it? That thing could eat a centaur by the time it's a year old."
Hermione nodded reluctantly. "He's right. It's already breathing fire. I saw it scorch a curtain." "The Ministry would lose their minds they already don't trust as it is for being a half giant among other things," I continued. "Not to mention the school board. If any parent finds out there's a dragon on school grounds, Hagrid will be fired or worse."
Ron crossed his arms. "Well, my brother Charlie might be able to help he works with dragons in Romania" I nodded. " That's a good start but actually I have a better option. My aunt works with magical creature reserves. She's partnered with Newt Scamander himself and other like minded witches and wizards even a few muggles who study mythology."
Ron's jaw dropped. "The Newt Scamander?! The one who wrote. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?" "yes," I confirmed. "I got him to sign a collector's edition for Harry." Harry nodded. "He did. It was one of my favorite presents."
Hermione beamed. "That's perfect. We'll tell Hagrid right away." Later that afternoon, I followed them to Hagrid's hut. The hut was warm from the fire and smelled heavily of smoke, singed wood, and roast chicken?
There she was Norbert or actually Norberta. The baby dragon. Scales gleaming like molten bronze, wings curled tightly at her sides. She was adorable… and already dangerous. I watched her chew on a table leg while cooing softly.
"She's beautiful," I said truthfully. "Isn't she just?" Hagrid said proudly. "Named her Norbert." "Actually…" I said, crouching beside the dragon. "She's female." Hagrid blinked. "Really?"
"Definitely," I nodded. "Which makes it Norberta. Or… maybe Nora." Hermione smiled. "Nora. That's lovely." I pulled out my enchanted mirror and called Aster. Her face appeared quickly, smiling warmly. "Hello my little nephew haven't heard from you in a while. How have you been?" I would exchange pleasantries and explain to her what was going on then show her the baby dragon Nora.
"Oh, Callum… she's gorgeous," she said. Yes, we'll take her. Our reserve in the Carpathian mountains has a perfect enclosure for Ridgebacks. you can send her through the mirror and I will take here there through my portkey." I activated the charm for sending things through the mirror and told Hagrid to say his goodbyes for now.
Hagrid knelt beside the dragon. "Nora… you be good now. Don't go breathin' fire at the keepers." "She'll be fine," I said gently. "My aunt will send you letters. And… if you're interested, you could visit during winter and summer break. Maybe even work part-time." Hagrid's eyes welled up. "Don' know about leavin' Hogwarts, but… I'd like that. I'd like that very much."
Nora gave a curious growl, sniffed the mirrors edges, then with a happy trill, the dragon went through. Aster caught her gently on the other side and waved. "See you soon for winter nephew and you to Hagrid."
Then the mirror communication ended. We walked back toward the castle, the air cool and still.
I stopped the trio just before the main entrance. "Hey here is some advice," I said quietly, "be careful about where you stick your noses. Some things aren't what they seem and can be dangerous when we don't pay attention to the details." Ron chuckled, but there was a nervous edge to it. Harry looked thoughtful. Hermione, as usual, nodded seriously.
" I don't know what you mean, but you never steered me wrong. I will be mindful of that from now on," Harry said. "But we couldn't just ignore it, especially with what Fluffy was guarding."
"I know," I said, glancing up at the rising moon. "But don't jump to conclusions. Not everyone's playing the same game as you."
Over the following days, a rhythm settled into my life like clockwork gears aligning across a vast magical engine.
Each morning began before sunrise—my internal system alarm waking me at precisely 5:00 AM. The halls of Hogwarts were still and shadowed when I slipped from the dorms, dressed in enchanted training robes and shoes laced with minor anti-fatigue runes.
Nikita joined first—stoic, efficient, and highly competitive. Then Draco, trying to play it cool while clearly trying to impress her. Eventually, Harry came along, claiming he wanted to "keep up with me" but clearly enjoying the quiet camaraderie and the way the crisp air woke his senses.
Hermione had tried. Once.
The poor girl made it halfway through the first mile before turning green, barely able to speak between gasps for breath.
"My brain is my muscle," she wheezed. "Not this… this madness."
Nikita smirked as we jogged by her bent form. "Repeating words from books doesn't mean your smart. Try inventing something from scratch, Granger. A potion, a spell, an artifact—anything. Then we'll talk about brilliance."
Hermione turned red and stormed off, muttering under her breath. Ron declined before we could even ask, using the excuse of "preserving his youthful joints."
Classes passed with ease. Theory was second nature now—enhanced by the memory boosts, system prompts, and occasional hints from AIA. By the time most students had grasped the basic levitation charm, I had already written theories on hybrid levitation-gravity runes using different magical affinities.
But my true academic passion came after class hours—in the dungeons with Snape.
Together, we hunted ghosts. Not literal ones, but elusive answers buried in the process of reconstructing the Magical Amplification Potion.
One evening, as the torches burned low and the room smelled of ash, herbs, and candle smoke, I placed several preserved components on the table: Unicorn horn, heart, blood, spine, marrow-rich bones.
Snape raised a brow, staring at the materials with a clinical but intrigued expression. "Where did you come by these?"
"I didn't kill it," I said immediately. "Just… salvaged what remained."
He narrowed his eyes. "That did not answer my question."
I remained silent.
Snape, to his credit, said nothing further. Instead, he began examining the items with silent reverence, noting the quality, magical saturation, and arcane residue.
Using a specialized funneling ritual, we began testing how the unicorn's heart and blood reacted to ambient magical environments. And for the first time—we made true progress.
We created a semi-stable matrix a method to condense ambient magic into a solid, crystalline form before reverting it into a thick, liquid-like solution. It wasn't complete… but it was something.
Then came the discovery I'd been waiting for.
As I used my Mind's Eye and a refined diagnostic charm Snape had taught me, I detected a mutagen—glowing faintly within the unicorn's heart tissue.
The system confirmed it.
> Mutagen (Greater – Blue Tier) discovered.
Type: Alchemical / Biological Catalyst
Potential: Major bodily enhancement.
Warning: Requires advanced alchemical integration process.
I hesitated. The stories from the Witcher flooded my memory. enhanced speed, durability, reflexes and more. It seems like I can make them all real?
Quietly, I turned to Snape. "Professor… is it theoretically possible to alchemically mutate a wizard's body without killing them?"
His eyes locked onto mine. His voice was careful. "Is it for educational purposes?"
"Of course," I nodded. He studied me for a long moment before answering.
"Theoretically yes. But it involves combining foreign, highly reactive substances into the body forcibly. For example Dragon bloods, basilisk venom, which is highly volatile without being diluted and highly processed, and ambient mana in it's purest form. You'd need runic transmutation circles, enchantments, and charms specifically tailored to regulate bodily going into shock over and over. And also ensure the substances are compatible with the host."
"What happens if it works?"
"If you are extremely lucky? The body accepts the changes. You might in theory evolve in a sense becoming stronger, faster, with extended magical tolerance and other unique traits and abilities."
His gaze darkened. "If not? The body melts from within. Or mutates beyond recognition. Or dies a very slow and extremely painful death."
I thought to myself so the idea is basically the same which means this is gonna hurt regardless. I would just hope my regeneration holds out. Then they're were the other problems such as what the mutation will do to me.
Their was no garuntee I would come out like Geralt from the Witcher. If I did then there was the whole eye things which I can hide but also the hormones and infertility. I need to do this right but I will have to wait until I have enough ingredients hopefully the Philosopher's Stone will help as well especially if I can make my own.
Snape returned to his notes, not noticing the glimmer of blue liquid I discretely stored in my inventory for later.
And so, the days passed until Halloween.
The feast was hours away. Pumpkins had been enchanted to dance over the tables. Candles floated low. But I had excused myself earlier. I already knew what was coming. A soft echo from the great hall could be heard and reached me as I leaned near the arched entrance to the girls' bathroom on the second floor. My eyes narrowed. I guess it's about time
I knew she was in there. Hermione. In this timeline, Ron's comment had been sharper, and Nikita's rebuttal even colder. Hermione had run off crying—just like in the books.
But something was off.
A heavy thud echoed from below. Stone trembled underfoot. Distant screams reached my ears.
My breath caught.
"It's time," I muttered, eyes glowing faintly as my Mind's Eye activated.
Far down the corridor, like a beast rising from the abyss, the aura of the Mountain Troll entered my perception. Huge. Dull. Radiating volatile instability.
It was headed straight toward the bathroom and Hermione had no idea.
"Hermione," I called softly from the bathroom entrance, my voice calm and firm, cutting through the quiet hum of enchanted lanterns.
She startled, stepping out of the stall with an annoyed scowl. "What are you doing in here?! This is the girls'—"
And then she saw it.
A towering form lumbered down the corridor, grotesque and massive. Its skin was grayish-green, its jaw slack, and it reeked of decay and damp earth. The Mountain Troll. A living siege weapon.
Hermione's eyes widened in frozen horror.
"Get behind me," I ordered, stepping in front of her and snapping my fingers. A transparent shimmer pulsed in the air—an invisible barrier, woven from wandless, silent incantation. "Don't move. You won't see the shield, but it's there. Trust me."
"We need to run! Find a professor—!"
"Watch." My voice dropped to a low growl. "You're about to see why Slytherin came together behind me."
Without another word, I moved past the bathroom's central sinks, wand in hand, drawing the troll's beady eyes toward me.
Its nostrils flared. It roared.
I launched a barrage of Magic Missiles slamming into its chest. The troll grunted but didn't falter. Its thick, rubbery skin resisted to magic.
I tried several other standard spells—Diffindo, Reducto, Incendio—each fizzled or was shrugged off. Just as I expected. Trolls regenerated too quickly for standard spellwork.
Then came the flames.
A torrent of white fire licked the troll's shoulder, forcing a pained roar. But it healed even that, embers hissing as skin reknit itself.
It wasn't enough.
"Hermione," I said without turning, "what you see next… you don't tell anyone. Understand?"
She hesitated then nodded.
I summoned my Obsidian Fang, the blade shimmering into my hand from inventory with a whisper of shadow.
Invisible and controlled by my Telekinesis, it darted forward severing the troll's hand clean off in a blink. Its club clattered to the floor. The beast wailed.
Before it could retreat or counter, the Fang plunged upward into its skull, bypassing resistance through the eye socket. The troll dropped like a collapsing tower.
Hermione gasped. "You… you killed it?!"
"I'm not finished," I replied coldly. "Either leave now or keep quiet and you might not want to look." Her widens eyes as she ducked back into the stall, hand over her mouth.
I knelt beside the twitching corpse activating my Minds Eye ready to start the extraction.
I moved like a butcher with purpose. From my inventory came five empty vials, each filled with 8 ounces of troll blood. The heart, spine, and select bones were removed using my knifeand stored in my inventory.
Then a ping from the system popped up with a notification
> Notification:
Greater Troll Mutagen Acquired
Rarity: Red
Properties: Regenerative Catalyst, Physical Reinforcement, High Toxicity
Hermione peeked out again. "What… what are you doing…?" I didn't answer I stayed focused.
I stood and let my White-Shadow Flame coil around me, evaporating the blood and grime without scorching my robes. Then, with a nod, I extended a tendril of Shadow Flame to the corpse.
It vanished completely flesh, blood, bones and all. Nothing left but the severed hand holding the giant club.
> **System Notification:
New Ability Acquired
Regeneration – Intermediate (60%)
You've absorbed the Troll's bloodline traits. This is a biological healing factor no need for magical power to heal.
Passive healing over time, enhanced metabolism, high resistance to poisons and status effects**
> Mutation Threshold: Reached
Current Strength multiplied x1.5
Physical durability increased
I inhaled, heart pounding. "Good first start now the Basilisk "
My thoughts raced. A basilisk… a thestral… a dragon mutagen. If I survive the process, I'll evolve beyond what anyonehas ever seen before. But the danger was certain no pain-free path exists for monsters or heroes. We'll I'm not a hero I just prefer to be free and in order to be free I need to be the strongest so no one makes me pick sides.
As I focused my thoughts back on the present that's when I heard the others.
"Callum!" Nikita shouted.
Wands were drawn Harry, Ron, and Nikita all barged into the bathroom, eyes going wide at the massive troll hand lying limp on the floor.
"What… the bloody hell" Ron stammered.
"You did this," Nikita said, pointing at the hand. Her eyes scanned me. "Didn't you?"
"Yes," I said simply, offering no embellishment. The boys looked between us Harry gave me a sharp nod, understanding what wasn't said.
Moments later, the door burst open.
Professors McGonagall, Snape, Quirrell, and Dumbledore strode in, wands at the ready.
Snape walked with a noticeable limp, likely from a run-in with Fluffy. Quirrell's right shiulder was swollen and twitching—still damaged from Harry's accidental grazing spell.
"What in Merlin's name—" McGonagall barked, eyes darting around the room. "What have you children done?!"
"No need to panic, Professor," I said calmly. "We were just protecting a friend." McGonagall glanced at Hermione, who nodded silently. Then Nikita surprisingly spoke.
"I was harsh earlier," she said to Hermione. "I like to joke and challenge people, but… I respect you, Granger. I'm sorry."
Hermione smiled faintly. "Thanks." McGonagall exhaled and straightened. "Fifty points… to all of you for bravery—and stupidity."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other, then at me. "Slytherin should get the full reward," Harry said. "Callum did all the real work." "Very well," McGonagall muttered. "Slytherin, 100 points. Gryffindor, 25. For sheer audacity."
Then, with a flick of my fingers, white fire bloomed from my palm. It swirled over Snape—engulfing him in light without pain. His limp vanished. His wounds healed instantly. He blinked, stunned. "What was that…?" I met his eyes. "I can tell Tomorrow during our session."
McGonagall gestured toward the door. "Back to your common rooms all of you." I nodded to Harry and Hermione. Nikita gave a wink. Snape watched me, unreadable. Quirrell paled further.
The corridors of Hogwarts echoed with the low hum of torchlight as our group walked back from the encounter in the girls' bathroom. The adrenaline was fading, replaced by fatigue, reflection, and an undercurrent of worry.
Before we reached the split to our common rooms, Harry slowed down beside me, his voice thoughtful.
"Snape… his leg. That limp—it looked bad," he murmured, glancing at Hermione and Ron. "You don't think it was from the troll, do you?" Hermione shook her head immediately, pushing her hair behind her ear. "No, it's likely from that trapdoor on the third floor. The one Fluffy is guarding
Nikita arched a brow "Fluffy'
Hermione quickly added, "I mean—the one we're not supposed to know about." Harry nodded. "Yeah. That room. You think Snape's trying to get past that three-headed dog?"
"I do," Hermione replied seriously. "He's always sneaking around, and now this… It makes sense."
Nikita stopped walking and turned to them with a deadpan look. "Seriously? The man just got healed in front of you you trying to save you. He could've reported you all of us breaking rules and more on top for being in the middle of a literal troll battlefield, and he didn't. I don't think Snape's your villain."
Hermione looked between Harry and Ron, then at me then paused. "Nikita's right remember what Callum's said it before don't jump to conclusions without proof."
Ron sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Callum's always telling us not to assume. I get it." Then he narrowed his eyes at me with a touch of mischief. "Still… you don't know everything. Even with your magic, your potions, and all your mysterious connections. It's not like you can see the future."
I smirked and slowed my pace slightly. "Oh? I mean… I did save Harry's godfather before anyone even knew he needed saving. And I revealed your pet rat was an animagus—something none of your family noticed for years."
Ron turned red. "Yeah, yeah—okay, fair. But that doesn't mean you're some seer."
I tapped my temple. "Maybe not. But I do see patterns. And I notice things most don't. For instance… Harry," I turned to him, "you said you grazed the cloaked figure's shoulder in the forest, right?"
Harry blinked. "Yeah… I thought I missed, but it hit the shoulder, definitely."
I gave him a moment. Then his eyes widened in realization. "Quirrell… his shoulder was messed up when he came in. That was him, wasn't it?! He was the one drinking the unicorn's blood!" Hermione gasped. Ron's mouth hung open. Nikita folded her arms with a satisfied smile.
"But why?" Harry asked. "What's he trying to do?" I stopped walking and turned to them. "Let's pause here. First, we get Hermione some warm milk and cookies she's had a long night. Then we go to bed. You three need to sleep, and Nikita and I have early training."
Hermione's brow furrowed. "But Callum, if we know Quirrell's involved, shouldn't we tell someone? One of the professors?" I nodded slightly. "We could but let me ask you something. Do we have any real proof?"
Harry hesitated. Hermione bit her lip. "Only the shoulder wound." "And you didn't see his face that night. You saw a shadow and a cloak," I pointed out. "As far as they're concerned, we have circumstantial evidence at best."
They were quiet after that I looked at Harry specifically. "Instead of chasing ghosts get stronger and smarter. Explore and Investigate the castle and its secrets and when you do start by really looking at your reflection."
Harry tilted his head. "My reflection…?"
I cringed inwardly at how cryptic I sounded. Great. I sound like Dumbledore with a migraine. Ron blinked. "What the bloody hell does that mean?" I waved it off and started walking with Nikita. "Never mind. Just… go to bed."
As we disappeared into the corridor, I heard Ron whisper to the others. "Sometimes I swear he talks like he's fifty. What do you think, Harry?"
"I'm not surprised," Harry muttered. "Growing up like he did, having so much responsibility already… he's got a lot to live up to."
Hermione added softly, "I think he's just more mature than us well just maybe you, Ron." "Yeah, yeah…" Ron grumbled. Then, with an awkward shuffle, he glanced at Hermione. "Hey. I'm sorry. About earlier… what I said in class. I shouldn't have made fun of you."
Hermione looked surprised—then smiled. "Thanks. I forgive you." Ron scratched his neck. "Think… you could help me with that essay for Snape?"
"Only if you run with me in the mornings," Hermione replied sweetly. Ron turned green. "Oh no… running?"
"You want help, or not?" Ron groaned. "Ugh… deal." Their laughter echoed behind me as I and Nikita turned the final corner. She smirked and elbowed me. "You do sound like an old fossil sometimes." "I know," I muttered. "It's the curse of being me."