Chapter 49: Replacement
Artel had a plan forming in his mind as he learned about the rock troll in the Forbidden Forest. He knew that this troll, being more powerful than the average troll, could serve as a suitable replacement for Quirrell's troll.
Quirrell's original plan involved using a troll to create chaos and distract from his actual attempt to steal the Sorcerer's Stone. However, by replacing the troll with a rock troll, Artel could achieve two objectives. Firstly, it would alert Dumbledore to the presence of trolls in the Forbidden Forest, and secondly, it would lead the trouble to Voldemort.
Rock trolls were a different race from cave trolls, known for their immense strength and durability. They were tough, their skin was like rock, and ordinary weapons and spells couldn't penetrate their defenses.
Artel finished preparing and left the dormitory, heading to the Great Hall to get ready for the Halloween dinner.
There was much to be done during the event, and he needed to make sure he had a good meal.
As he entered the Great Hall, Hermione spotted him immediately. She had been waiting for him for over half an hour and enthusiastically waved to him.
"Over here, Artel! I saved a spot for you!"
Hermione called out loudly, drawing the attention of many other students.
However, after all the training and experiences she'd been through, Hermione had grown more confident and less concerned about others' opinions. She used to be embarrassed by such attention, but now she was openly and honestly herself.
Pansy on the Slytherin side couldn't help but sneer, "Don't make a scene!"
Malfoy, standing beside Pansy, shivered and quickly moved away, fearing that he might be associated with the embarrassment.
Artel made his way to Hermione, took the juice she offered, and asked, "Why did you come so early?"
"It's boring in the dormitory, so I came with my roommate. We went to see Dumbledore for candy, but you weren't there. I wanted to find you, but I couldn't find the entrance to Slytherin's common room..."
Hermione grinned mischievously and grabbed a handful of candies from her bag.
"See, Dumbledore gave me a bunch of candy. He has lots of it."
She peeled a sweet orange rainbow fudge and offered it to Artel.
"Try it."
Artel seemed a bit surprised by Hermione's actions. He wondered why girls seemed to gain confidence during the festival.
Hermione felt a bit embarrassed by Artel's gaze, but she didn't withdraw her hand. Artel opened his mouth and accepted the gummy, expressing his gratitude.
Hermione couldn't help but smile as she saw Artel's reaction.
"It's really sweet, I still want to eat it."
"Want more? You'll have to peel it yourself."
Hermione didn't mind the house points, but she felt her cheeks flush and her heart race. It was as though she might faint at any moment.
Harry and Ron, seated across from Hermione, exchanged glances, their lips pursed, feeling a slight sense of loss, particularly Ron. He had an odd feeling that something important was missing.
Artel observed Hermione's expressions, finding them quite intriguing. However, he couldn't sense the situation the way he normally would. Just as he was about to inquire further, Dumbledore's voice echoed from the front of the auditorium.
"Quiet!"
Dumbledore's wand amplified his voice using a loudspeaker spell, making sure everyone could hear him.
In the sky above the auditorium, countless jack-o-lanterns rose and fell, creating a magical, overcast sky filled with clouds and ghosts. All the young wizards focused their attention on Dumbledore.
After Dumbledore's lengthy introduction, he clapped his hands, and the four long tables were instantly laden with food.
"Now, let the feast begin!"
The cheers of the young wizards filled the room, and a group of ghosts suddenly materialized, dancing and reveling.
Without hesitation, the young wizards grabbed chicken thighs, steaks, and other delights, eagerly indulging in the feast.
Artel knew that Quirrell would arrive shortly, so he refrained from watching the excitement, loaded his plate with bacon and sausages, and began eating briskly.
"Are you hungry?" Hermione asked, surprised to see Artel eat with such enthusiasm. At every meal before, Artel had been elegant and unhurried.
"Yeah, I have an exceptionally good appetite today. Try this dried fruit tart; it's delicious."
Artel sipped his juice and offered Hermione a piece of the dried fruit tart.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, taking a small bite and widening her eyes. "It's delicious!"
"If you like it, you can have more."
Artel continued eating, and after about ten minutes, the door of the auditorium burst open.
.....
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