The troll had been floating for a long time.
When Murphy and the professors arrived, they found the troll drifting through the air and could scarcely believe their eyes.
Murphy treated Tom's leg—with a Mending Charm. It actually healed Tom, leaving Professor Filius Flitwick astonished.
The professors then asked about the injuries of the other young wizards. Once they learned that none of them were seriously hurt, they all breathed a sigh of relief before sternly reprimanding them.
When they asked why they had been there, Tom only said that he had wanted to challenge the troll and said nothing about Moaning Myrtle. The other three young wizards kept their mouths shut as well.
"But how could you possibly think you could handle a troll as big as a mountain all by yourself?" McGonagall asked with a hint of reproach.
"Oh, about that..." Murphy stepped forward. "I'm afraid I bear some responsibility too, Professor McGonagall."
"What? Professor Darkholme, are you saying you told this boy to challenge a troll?" McGonagall asked in shock.
"Not exactly," Murphy said. "Some time ago, we were trying to make wands. With the combined efforts of myself and these youngsters, we made a wand with fairly good performance. I gave it to Lucas and hoped he would use it more often to test its power."
"I imagine that may have been what led Lucas to make such a rash decision."
"Oh." The professors all looked toward the troll in the corridor, which was still spinning endlessly in midair and howling miserably.
Quirrell had been sitting alone on a toilet lid, sobbing like a little girl who had done something wrong. Now, his eyes kept darting toward the wands in the young wizards' hands.
Hey, upperclassman, your fox tail is practically showing!
For Merlin's sake, show