Harry Potter : Bloodraven

"Hermione!"

"Hermione, where are you?"

Two young wizards in Gryffindor uniforms sprinted through the dimly lit corridors, their faces showing a mix of worry and fear. Their hurried footsteps echoed against the stone walls as they exchanged anxious glances, neither daring to slow down or speak.

Boom!

Crash!

Boom!

They froze mid-step, the tremors and thunderous impacts ahead causing their stomachs to churn. The vibrations came from the direction they were headed, growing louder with every step.

Gulping, Ron whispered, "Harry… maybe we should turn around. That sounds like a battle, and not the kind we want to walk into..."

Harry hesitated for only a moment before shaking his head firmly. "No. We have to find Hermione. We have to rescue her—and apologize."

"But—"

"No buts, Ron," Harry cut him off, already moving again. "Come on..."

Reluctantly, Ron followed, gripping his wand tightly as they ran through the corridors, calling out Hermione's name.

"Whatever's happening up ahead, it sounds like it stopped," Harry said, breathing heavily after running for so long.

Their voices echoed off the empty stone walls until they rounded the final corner.

There she was.

But their focus was on her for only a brief moment before their eyes were drawn to the hulking green creature nearby—a towering figure bound tightly in thick, gleaming chains, lying motionless on the floor.

"Wicked!" Ron's jaw dropped as he took in the scene, the word slipping out before he could stop himself. It was hard to tell if it was out of fear or amazement.

A brief silence passed, until, "Hermione!"

Harry's voice rang out as he finally took in the miserable state of the little witch from his house. He rushed over, with Ron trailing a step behind, and came to a halt near Maverick, who was crouched beside her.

At this time, Hermione's brain was trying to figure out the big question of why. Why they were here. So she asked directly, albeit barely audible from the exhaustion.

"Harry... Ronald... what are you doing here?" she asked weakly, attempting to push herself up. However, Maverick placed a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

"Stay put until Madam Pomfrey arrives to take you to the hospital wing," he said firmly, leaving no room for argument.

He could, of course, continue treating her himself, and in fact, he had already addressed the most serious injuries, preventing them from worsening. However, proper treatment would take time, and with an accomplished school healer on the way, there was no need for him to handle it further.

Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were momentarily lost in thought, unsure of how to answer Hermione's question. They glanced at each other, their eyes darting between Maverick and Hermione, searching for the right words to say.

They knew very well that their earlier comments had hurt her. But, being barely teenagers, it wasn't in their nature to openly confess. They might try to make up for it with actions—even risky ones, like coming here—but admitting their mistakes aloud was something they found far more difficult.

Maverick stayed silent, observing the moment. He knew this was a pivotal point in the trio's relationship, and they had to handle it themselves. And sure enough, it didn't take long before Harry stepped up.

"We're sorry, Hermione," Harry said, his voice sincere. "I know we've been mean, saying those things after class today. And even before that."

"Yeah, Hermione. We're sorry about everything," Ron added, albeit a bit awkwardly, but his tone carried genuine regret.

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, genuine surprise. Perhaps this was the first time anyone had ever apologized to her for treating her poorly.

Maverick smiled inwardly, pleased to see the events unfold in a way that mirrored the story he knew. Still, he decided to push them a little further.

He straightened up and looked at the two boys, his expression adopting a sterner, professor-like demeanor. "That still doesn't explain why you're here," he said. "Did Professor Dumbledore not give clear instructions on what to do in a dangerous situation like this? Instead, you disregarded the headmaster's orders and ran all the way here. Why?"

Ron, unable to hold his tongue, blurted out, though timidly, "But we came to rescue Hermione. We were worried she might have to face the troll by herself…"

Maverick raised an eyebrow, surprised by Ron's audacity. Even Harry turned to look at his friend, eyebrows raised in disbelief. But Ron seemed unbothered, standing by his words.

Before Maverick could respond, Hermione's voice broke through, shaky but filled with emotion. "You… you both came for me?" she asked, her eyes welling up with tears.

The boys looked at her, both nodding silently, unsure what to say.

Before the moment could linger further, a rush of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor. All of them turned their heads.

Coming around the corner was a group of adults: the Headmaster, Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Snape, and Madam Pomfrey. They all walked with urgency, stopping in their tracks when they saw the scene before them.

"Merlin's beard," Professor Flitwick exclaimed, his voice filled with shock as his eyes landed on the massive green creature. "That's a bloody ogre!"

And not a second later came the sharp, reprimanding call of the stern Deputy Headmistress. "Filius!" That was all she needed to say, and the Charms professor immediately straightened up, knowing exactly what she meant.

"Ah… apologies," Flitwick muttered sheepishly.

Before another word could be exchanged, Madam Pomfrey rushed past them, her robes billowing behind her, and quickly crouched beside Maverick, her focus entirely on Hermione.

"My dear child… let me take a look at you," she said gently, her voice soft but firm. There was no need for her to ask if Hermione was alright—one look at the girl told her everything she needed to know.

As the healer began casting diagnostic charms, Maverick spoke up, providing her with a quick report. "I've taken care of the internal and external bleeding. She has multiple puncture wounds and debris embedded in her skin that still need to be removed. I also cast a pain-relieving charm on her to ease her discomfort."

Pomfrey didn't respond immediately, her attention fixed on her spellwork. A faint glow surrounded Hermione as the diagnostic spell took effect. When the light finally faded, she looked at Maverick with visible appreciation.

"Thank you, Professor Caesar. You've done exceptional work on her," she said warmly. Though her tone was sincere, she chose her words carefully—there was no need to emphasize the severity of the girl's injuries in front of Hermione herself.

Maverick gave a small nod then stood to give Pomfrey more space to work.

"Your timely actions have saved Miss Granger, Professor Caesar," Dumbledore said, his calm voice carrying a note of gratitude looking at Maverick. "I cannot thank you enough."

Maverick gave a modest shake of his head. "It is my duty, Professor," he replied simply. His gaze turning to Hermione, whose eyes, despite the pain she must still be enduring, sparkled with gratitude. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "And I must say, what a brave little lion she is… to have survived an ogre's attack."

Before anyone could add anything, McGonagall's stern voice cut through the moment. Her sharp eyes had turned to the two boys standing guiltily nearby. "Speaking of… what, in Merlin's name, are you two doing here instead of following the prefects as you were instructed?"

Harry and Ron stiffened, their eyes darting nervously to each other, then back to the Deputy Headmistress. It was clear from their faces that they hadn't quite prepared an answer for this moment.

Before Harry or Ron could stammer out a response, Hermione spoke up, her voice trembling but determined.

"Professor McGonagall, it was my fault," she said.

All heads turned to her as she tried to sit up, but Madam Pomfrey gently pushed her back down.

"Lie still, girl. You've been through enough!" Pomfrey said sharply, though her touch was gentle.

Hermione obliged, but her words didn't stop. They continued, though her voice was much softer now. "I read about mountain trolls in Fantastic Beasts. I thought I could handle one if I ever saw it. Harry and Ron tried to stop me. They came after me to... to help."

Her words hung in the air. While her explanation seemed sincere, none of the adults were fooled. It was clear she was trying to take the blame.

Maverick, standing to one side, observed silently, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The events had unfolded just as he'd anticipated.

Professor McGonagall's sharp gaze shifted between the three students. "Is that so?" Her voice was calm but laced with suspicion.

Harry stepped forward, emboldened by Hermione's initiative. "Yes, Professor," he said firmly. "Ron and I didn't think it was safe for Hermione to be alone, so we went after her."

Ron nodded vigorously, though his voice wavered. "We couldn't leave her, Professor. She's our friend."

McGonagall's expression softened ever so slightly, but her tone remained strict. "That was reckless. You could have been injured—or worse."

"But we weren't," Harry argued. "We just... couldn't let her face it alone. That's why we came. Besides, Professor Caesar took care of the monster before we even got here."

Hermione blinked back tears, touched by his words.

Dumbledore, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "It seems Miss Granger has found herself some very loyal friends," he said, his blue eyes twinkling.

McGonagall's lips pressed into a thin line. "Loyalty is commendable, Headmaster, but their actions could have led to disaster." She turned back to the boys. "Don't even think for a second that you would have been a match for a troll, let alone an ogre. Ten points each from Gryffindor for disobedience—"

"And ten points each to Gryffindor for bravery," Maverick interjected, smiling and giving a wink to the children.

Harry and Ron stared at him in surprise.

McGonagall huffed but relented. "And ten points to Miss Granger, for her honesty," she added, though it was clear she didn't believe the story.

Maverick's small smile widened as he watched the trio exchange uncertain but grateful glances. They'd just taken their first steps toward the unshakable bond they were destined to share.

Madam Pomfrey clapped her hands briskly. "That's enough excitement for one evening. Miss Granger, I'll levitate you to the hospital wing. Relax and let me handle it."

Hermione nodded, finally allowing herself to lean back.

"You two should go with her," Maverick said to Harry and Ron. "Make sure you're checked over as well."

The boys nodded and followed as Madam Pomfrey carefully levitated Hermione from the room.

The moment they were gone, the atmosphere shifted. The remaining adults exchanged somber looks.

Dumbledore broke the silence. "Professor Caesar, can you explain what happened here? We've dealt with the other creatures and discovered they were under the Imperius Curse. Someone led them here intentionally."

Maverick nodded, gesturing to the unconscious Ogre. "I'm not sure this one was under the Imperius, but..." He recounted the events clearly and concisely—how Hermione had been attacked, how she had barely avoided harm, and how he'd stepped in to handle the situation.

Snape's cold voice cut through the explanation. "And why, pray tell, did you not kill the creature outright?"

Maverick raised an eyebrow. "If you're asking why I didn't use the Killing Curse, it's because I chose not to. I had full confidence in my abilities to subdue it without resorting to that."

"Severus, really!" McGonagall snapped. "We do not encourage the use of Unforgivable Curses, even in situations like this."

Flitwick nodded in agreement. "Your handling of the situation was remarkable, Professor Caesar. No Magus I know could have managed such a feat."

Maverick inclined his head slightly in thanks but then glanced between them. "I suppose this is as good a time as any to clarify something. I am not, as many assume, a Magus. I am a Great-Magus, the same rank as the four of you."

McGonagall and Dumbledore showed no outward reaction, clearly having suspected this for some time.

Flitwick, however, was stunned. His jaw dropped. "A Great-Magus? At your age? Merlin's beard—you must be the youngest in history!"

Maverick chuckled softly. "I've earned a few 'youngest ever' titles, Professor Flitwick. No need to make a fuss."

Snape's dark eyes narrowed. "If you're so accomplished, why hide it? Or is there some other reason you've come to Hogwarts? One that has yet to be revealed?"

"Severus Snape, that is quite enough!" McGonagall's voice was sharp as a whip.

"Indeed," Dumbledore said, his tone firm. "I was the one who chose to bring Professor Caesar here, and I stand by that decision."

Maverick's expression turned cold as he addressed Snape. "You question my motives, Severus, yet you're the one with a murky past. A former Death Eater questioning me? How rich."

Snape's face darkened, his hand twitching toward his wand.

Maverick's voice dropped, colder than ice. "Go on. Try it. I dare you."

Before anyone could react, a wave of raw magical energy rippled through the room. The debris scattered around the corridor began to rise, defying gravity. The pressure was suffocating, but Maverick's control was impeccable—only Snape felt the full brunt of it.

Snape gritted his teeth, sweat forming on his brow. Slowly, one knee buckled, forcing him to the ground.

"I am Maverick Caesar," he said, his voice steady and commanding. "Remember that. A master alchemist and a powerful mage, here to teach. I have no ulterior motives, but I won't tolerate baseless accusations from you."

"That is enough," Dumbledore's voice rang out, and with a wave of his hand, the oppressive magic vanished. "Both of you, return to your offices. Minerva and I will handle matters here."

Dumbledore sighed inwardly. How in Merlin's name had the discussion turned out like this so quickly?

Maverick gave Snape one last cold glance before nodding to Dumbledore. Without saying another word, he turned and walked away. He was eager to leave, and besides, he had no interest in getting caught up in trying to figure out how or why trolls and an ogre had managed to get into Hogwarts—after all, that was obvious to him already.

And he was pretty sure Dumbledore knew this already as well, but at the same time, he knew the old man wouldn't do a damn thing about Quirrell either. It seemed Dumbledore was still the same when it came to arranging little Harry's life.

Tsk, tsk. Poor little Potter. He silently took half a second to mourn the little lion's future troubles.

As he made his way to his office, his thoughts turned back to the night's battle. One thing was certain—his Great-Magus level magic alone was not enough. He was still weak. The ogre's physical strength had opened his eyes, reminding him once again that this world wasn't just one of wizards and magic.

His future opponents might not be as magically powerful as he was, but they could excel in other areas. Physical strength, or even supernatural abilities like mutants—some of which were like bugs in their own right.

His eyes narrowed, determination settling in. The coming weekend would bring other schools and their deans to Hogwarts. Before then, he needed to make an upgrade.

————

Author's note:

I'm not bashing Snape here. It's just that any normal person would feel annoyed being confronted like that. I'm matching his behavior to what we see in the books. His final goal may be noble in some twisted way, but he wasn't exactly a good man. I'll be doing more interactions between the MC and him in the future to develop their characters further.

Next chapter on Sunday 😊

Just a quick update — up to Chapter 128 is already available on P AT r30n!

PAT r30n [.] com / RyanFic