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Just then, a roar reminiscent of a wild beast echoed through the corridors.
"Let's go, Professor Snape," Archer exhaled, seizing the opportunity to converse. "It seems the Professors have located the Troll."
Upon arriving at the scene, Archer and Professor Snape observed that most of the faculty had already assembled, including Professor Quirrell. The situation mirrored events from the original narrative: Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood with bowed heads, receiving a stern lecture from Professor McGonagall. Harry glanced up at Archer, a hint of shame in his eyes. Archer, however, felt admiration for their bravery and offered Harry a reassuring nod.
The responsibility of addressing the trio's actions naturally fell to Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House. As she reprimanded them, Archer approached Professor Quirrell, gently patting his shoulder. Quirrell flinched noticeably.
"Relax, Professor Quirrell," Archer said with a kind smile. "I'm curious—where did you find the Troll?"
Quirrell's face turned pale. "I... I found it in the Forbidden Forest... locked it in a classroom... but when I returned, it was gone... a hole in the wall..."
Professor Flitwick, visibly disappointed, questioned, "How could you be so careless, Professor Quirrell?"
Professor McGonagall then inquired about the incident. It unfolded as Archer had anticipated: Harry and Ron had sought out Hermione, and together, they managed to subdue the Troll. Commendable for first-year students. Professor McGonagall awarded five points each to Harry and Ron, deducted five from Hermione, resulting in a net gain of five points for Gryffindor.
Despite the resolution, Archer's night was far from perfect. The Halloween feast was disrupted, he had a confrontation with Professor Snape, and his recently healed facial scar throbbed painfully. Perhaps a visit to the kitchen later would provide some comfort.
With the students dismissed, only the Professors and the unconscious Troll remained.
"Professor Archer," Dumbledore addressed him with a smile. "Please relocate the Troll—either outside the castle or deep into the Forbidden Forest. Ensure it's far from the school."
Professor McGonagall added, "Be cautious. We don't want it escaping again."
The other Professors concurred, and Archer agreed to the task. As they departed, Professor Snape warned, "Don't do anything unnecessary." Archer met his gaze, understanding the underlying suspicion.
Left alone with the comatose Troll, Archer nudged it with his foot. It stirred slightly, snoring loudly.
"Still asleep? Typical Troll," Archer mused.
The Troll held little value for Archer, save for its whiskers, which could serve as wand cores—though only someone with a Troll's intellect would choose such a core.
Casting a Levitation Charm, Archer summoned Devil's Snare to transport the Troll toward the Forbidden Forest. En route, he encountered Hagrid, who emerged from the shadows, lantern in hand.
"Patrolling the area," Hagrid explained. "Some students might've snuck out during the chaos."
Upon seeing the floating Troll, Hagrid exclaimed, "You found it! Anyone hurt?"
Archer smiled, casting a mild Blasting Curse to ensure the Troll remained unconscious. "No injuries, just some frightened students. Harry and his friends managed to knock it out."
"Impressive!" Hagrid remarked. "Harry did that?"
Archer nodded. "I need to relocate it as per Dumbledore's instructions. Hopefully, I can make it back in time for dinner."
"I'll have the Thestrals assist you," Hagrid offered. "They're nearby."
Grateful for the help, Archer followed Hagrid to the Thestrals' habitat. Along the way, they discussed the night's events and the presence of Trolls in the Forbidden Forest.
"Dumbledore mentioned that a previous Headmaster believed Trolls could be trained to guard Hogwarts," Hagrid shared. "Turns out, they're not the brightest creatures."
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