The Embrace

"H-how is that possible?"

After hearing Snape's words, Professor McGonagall turned to look at the Troll. Its body was charred black and oozing blood and pus. It lay dead against the wall.

Professor McGonagall's expression turned grave. "Miss Granger, I think you owe us an explanation."

Jerry saw the fear on Hermione's face and took her tightly clenched hand. "Professor McGonagall, what happened was—"

"That's enough, Minerva. Dumbledore will be here soon. Let the students return to their dormitories first. We can speak to them tomorrow."

Professor McGonagall gave Snape a surprised look, then addressed Jerry and the others. "Miss Granger, I'm very disappointed in you today. Gryffindor loses five points for your recklessness. As for the rest of you, you each earn five points for braving the Troll to save Miss Granger."

Hermione's spirits had sunk when Gryffindor lost points, but the rest of Professor McGonagall's words swept that disappointment away. "Thank you, Professor!" she said excitedly.

Once they left the bathroom, Harry said, "I can't believe we weren't punished. We actually earned points for our house! But Jerry should've gotten more. The rest of us didn't do anything!"

Jerry shrugged. "I don't mind. But I owe Snape thanks tonight. I really hadn't figured out how to explain what happened back there."

"It was my fault, Jerry..."

Looking at Hermione, who still clung to his arm, Jerry said gently, "I'm just glad you're all right."

At the sound of Jerry's soft voice beside her ear, Hermione lowered her head. A loose strand of hair fell across her flushed, bashful cheeks.

"All right, we can talk about everything else tomorrow. Let's all go back to our dormitories for tonight."

Everyone nodded and turned to leave.

Hermione had taken only a couple of steps when she stopped, turned around, and called out to Jerry.

Then she hurried back, threw herself into his arms, and hugged him tight. "Thank you for tonight, Jerry," she whispered.

Before Jerry could react, Hermione turned and ran back to her dormitory.

"Severus, we still don't know what happened. Why did you let them leave?"

Once Jerry and the others were gone, Professor McGonagall asked the question that had been troubling her.

Snape shook his head. "Minerva, Dumbledore will be here soon. Let's leave this to him."

Dumbledore arrived a short while later, walking briskly into the bathroom.

He examined the Troll, then surveyed the wreckage around him. "Who did all this?" he asked Snape and Professor McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall shook her head. Snape said darkly, "Albus, who else do you think it was?"

Dumbledore fell silent for a moment. "Minerva, see to the students first. Then ask Flitwick to come to the Headmaster's Office with you."

Professor McGonagall nodded and drew her wand to restore the damaged fixtures. Snape followed Dumbledore to the Headmaster's Office ahead of her.

The moment they entered, Snape said with a sneer, "Well, Albus, that student you think so highly of is quite something."

"Jerry was trying to save his friend, Severus!"

"But he nearly lost control, didn't he?" Snape roared.

Dumbledore met his accusation. "Calm down, Severus. You know he won't. Otherwise, you wouldn't have helped Jerry out of that situation in the bathroom, would you?"

Snape took a deep breath and steadied himself. "I don't care what Jerry Green is to you. You promised me you would keep Harry safe!"

"I have never forgotten my promise to you, Severus."

"And what about Quirrell? Don't tell me you've gone senile, Albus, and think there's nothing wrong with him!"

Dumbledore shook his head. "Of course I know there's something wrong with Quirrell. I even know he's a Death Eater."

"Severus, I know what you mean. But sometimes our choices are limited. There are still too many mysteries we haven't solved."

"Severus, do you know that I wake from nightmares every night? I don't fear death. To me, death is only the beginning of another adventure."

"But those dreams filled with blood and fire truly frighten me. Every time I see those scenes, I feel an overwhelming fear."

Snape fell silent at Dumbledore's words.

Before long, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick arrived at the Headmaster's Office.

"Minerva, you're here. Please, sit down. Would either of you like some dessert?"

Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick both shook their heads, declining Dumbledore's offer.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, let's talk about what happened tonight."

"It was handled well. Not a single student was hurt, was there?"

Seeing that Dumbledore still meant to shield Jerry, Snape said sharply, "Albus, how long are you going to keep this hidden? Jerry Green did all that damage in the bathroom tonight. He tortured the Troll to death, too!"

"That's impossible. Jerry is only a first-year. How could he have taken on a Troll? Severus, are you sure you haven't made a mistake?"

Snape did not answer Professor McGonagall. He merely gave Dumbledore a cold chuckle.

"All right, it's possible Jerry did it. Flitwick, Jerry often comes to you to discuss spells. What do you think of him?"

Professor Flitwick considered the question for a moment. "Jerry is an excellent student with remarkable talent. You may not know this, but he's already learned the Patronus Charm!"

"What about his character, Flitwick?"

"Well, Headmaster Dumbledore, I've always found Jerry modest, well-mannered, and eager to learn from books. I've always thought he belonged in Ravenclaw, not Slytherin. The Sorting Hat must be getting senile!"

Professor McGonagall nodded. "I agree with Flitwick. Jerry has a gift for Transfiguration, too. Many older students aren't as good at it as he is. Though after tonight, I'd say he belongs in Gryffindor, wouldn't you?"

"All right, all right. It's getting late, you two. Go and get some rest."

After Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick left, Dumbledore turned to Snape. "You should go and rest too, Severus. I'll have a proper talk with Jerry."

"And keep a closer eye on Quirrell. Someone attacked him tonight as well!"