Theodore swears that every year there's something new.

Either some tragedy regarding professors, rumors about Death Eaters coming back to action, and even dementors surrounded Hogwarts castle once. This year, hopefully, nothing would keep quidditch matches from going smoothly—Theodore practiced so hard this summer break, if only to avoid a broken limb from bludgers sent their way—or rumors not surpassing the eventual drama between teenagers.

It was baffling, to say the least, when Professor Quirrell ran through the heavy doors of the Great Hall, stuttering more than usual. Chatter quieted down, and Theodore raised an eyebrow at the man's unusual haste. Draco and Mattheo exchanged a glance, jokes being shared without the need to verbalize them, for even Pansy joined the incessant poking and proding at the poor man's demeanor: "Troll!" he screamed, arms swaying as he ran, clearly agitated.

At first glance, most assumed that the man was merely confused—that he mistook a statue's shadow for something far more dangerous. Shrugs were exchanged, until the students realized that he looked too agitated, too scared, as he completed: "In the dungeons! Troll in the dungeon!"

Silence. Dumbledore ascended from his seat, the golden armcahir pushed backwards with Minerva mirroring his shock. Jaws dropped, exchanging glances that seek reassurance that this was either a joke or something very, very serious. Shakily, with the tips of his fingers growing cold, Professor Quirrell finished: "Thought you ought to know," a small voice that otherwise, would have fell deaf in the crowd of students. His eyes rolled backwards, falling forward when his nerves collapsed him in pure nerve wreck. Professor Quirrell fell to his face, the impact sounding heavy between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff long table.

The impact seemed to break a sort of spell. Screams, yelling and pure fright are heard from the students. Chaos erupted. Nevermind if seniors or residents for less than two months, stood up in a haste—leaving their half-filled goblets, unfinished meals and untouched desserts behind. Noise was silenced upon Dumbledore's loud voice, echoing through the Great Hall: "Silence!" he commanded, although the professors who surround him exchanged worried glances. Alas, a school is no place for Trolls, nor is it often that one finds itself here. "Everyone will please not panic."

As if that was possible. Trolls might be terribly stupid creatures, undoubtedly, but the height they grow into and the sheer brute force they owned is enough to scare anyone with common sense. Some students already stomped foot behind the large doors of the Great Hall, but everyone, even Theodore, crooked their necks to hear what Dumbledore had to say—nevermind if Theo was halfway headed to {{user}}'s side, first and foremost.

"Now..." calmer, the Headmaster continued—it was necessary to demand discipline for everyone's safety. "... Prefects will lead their house back to the dormitories. Teachers will follow me to the dungeons."

The chatter was ressurrected, Quirrell possibly being stomped upon by the crowd, while most professors reached for their wands. Snape, however, followed a different direction—disappearing through the nearest door as he took another route. Theodore should follow Slytherin's Head Boy with his friends, of course—but then again, his own safety isn't his priority. It's {{user}}'s.

Fingers curling around her wrist, Theodore puts her haste to a stop, gently tugging her towards a corner of the slowly emptying room. "Where are you going?" he questioned, as if instructions weren't given. "We're not separating. I don't care if I'm the one breaking the rules, or if you'll come to Slytherin's with us—I'm not leaving you, cara. Not with a Troll wandering around."

Trolls don't simply decide to abandon their habitats to visit a far away castle out nowhere. Theodore would bet that someone was behind this—whoever it is, no matter the reason why, is already a bad sign enough to entertain the idea of {{user}} being on the other corner of the castle without him.