"H-how is that possible!"
Professor McGonagall turned to look at the troll. Its body was charred black and oozing blood and pus. It lay dead against the wall.
"Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said, her expression grave, "I think you owe us an explanation."
Seeing the fear on Hermione's face, Jerry took her clenched fist in his hand and began, "Professor McGonagall, what happened was—"
"That's enough, Minerva. Dumbledore will be here soon. Let the students return to their dormitories. Whatever needs discussing can wait until tomorrow."
Professor McGonagall gave Snape a surprised look, then turned to the students. "Miss Granger, I'm very disappointed in you today. Your recklessness has cost Gryffindor five points. As for the rest of you, you showed courage in facing the troll to save Granger. Five points each."
Hermione's spirits had sunk when Gryffindor lost points, but the rest of Professor McGonagall's words swept her disappointment away. "Thank you, Professor!" she said excitedly.
Once they were out of the bathroom, Harry said, "I can't believe we weren't punished. We actually earned points for Gryffindor! Though Jerry should've gotten more. The rest of us didn't do anything!"
Jerry shrugged. "I don't mind either way. But I owe Snape thanks tonight. I honestly had no idea how to explain what happened back there."
"It's all my fault, Jerry..."
Jerry looked at Hermione, who still clung to his arm. "I'm just glad you're all right," he said gently.
At the sound of Jerry's soft voice beside her ear, Hermione lowered her head. A loose strand of hair fell across her flushed cheeks, hiding her shy expression.
"All right, we can talk about anything else tomorrow. Everyone should head back to their own dormitories tonight!"
The others nodded and turned to leave.
Hermione had taken only a couple of steps when she stopped, turned around, and called to Jerry.
Then she hurried back, threw herself into his arms, and hugged him tightly. "Thank you for tonight, Jerry," she whispered.
Before Jerry could react, Hermione let go 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 bothering her.
Snape shook his head. "Minerva, Dumbledore will be here soon. Let him handle it."
Before long, Dumbledore strode in.
He examined the troll, then surveyed the wreckage around them. "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 could be?"
Dumbledore was silent for a moment. "Minerva, see to the students first. Then bring Flitwick to the Headmaster's Office."
Professor McGonagall nodded and drew her wand to restore the damaged fixtures. Snape followed Dumbledore to the Headmaster's Office.
The moment they entered, Snape said with a sneer, "Well, Albus, the student you think so highly of has certainly shown what he can do."
"Jerry was trying to save his friend, Severus!"
"But he was close to losing control, wasn't he?" Snape roared.
"Calm down, Severus," Dumbledore replied. "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."
"Then what about Quirrell? Don't tell me you've grown so senile that you 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 understand what you're saying. But sometimes we have to face the limits of what we can do. 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 merely the beginning of another adventure."
"But those dreams of blood and fire truly frighten me. Every time I see those scenes, I'm overwhelmed by fear."
Snape fell silent at Dumbledore's words.
Before long, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick arrived at the Headmaster's Office.
"Minerva, Flitwick, come in and sit down. Would you like some sweets?"
Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick both shook their heads.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, let's discuss what happened tonight."
"Tonight 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 everything in that bathroom tonight. He was the one who brutalized the troll and killed it!"
"That's impossible. Jerry is only a first-year. How could he take on a troll? Severus, are you sure you haven't made a mistake?"
Snape did not answer Professor McGonagall. He merely gave Dumbledore a couple of cold, mocking laughs.
"All right, it's possible Jerry did it. Flitwick, Jerry often comes to you to discuss spells. What do you make of him?"
Professor Flitwick thought for a moment before answering Dumbledore. "Jerry is an excellent student with remarkable talent. You may not know this, but he's already learned the Patronus Charm!"
"What about him beyond his magic, Flitwick?"
"Well, Headmaster Dumbledore, I've always found Jerry to be a humble, well-mannered student who loves books and learning. In fact, I've always thought he belonged in Ravenclaw rather than Slytherin. The Sorting Hat must be going senile!"
Professor McGonagall nodded. "I agree with Flitwick. Jerry also has a gift for Transfiguration. Many older students can't match him now. But after tonight, I'd say he belongs in Gryffindor, wouldn't you?"
"All right, all right. It's getting late. You two should go and get some rest."
After Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick left, Dumbledore looked at Snape. "You should get some rest too, Severus. I'll have a proper talk with Jerry."
"And keep an eye on Quirrell. Someone attacked him tonight as well!"