Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

The next morning, as expected, the castle buzzed with rumors. Hogwarts had a way of turning every incident into legend, and the troll attack was no exception. By lunchtime, the stories had taken on a life of their own — some said Harry, Ron, and Malfoy had fought off five trolls, others claimed they tamed them and marched them through the dungeons like pets.

Still, life at Hogwarts carried on. Classes resumed, students whispered and laughed in the corridors, and after three days, Madam Pomfrey finally released the three boys from the hospital wing. Thanks to her tireless work — and Snape's foul-tasting potions that made most people feel worse before they got better — they were well enough to return to their lessons.

Ron, of course, wasted no time soaking up the attention. He exaggerated every detail with pride, telling anyone who would listen how he'd fought off an entire troll on his own… or how he teamed up with the troll to beat up Malfoy… or how he single-handedly saved the school.

The stories got more ridiculous by the hour.

After one of his classes, Cael was making his way back to the common room when Professor McGonagall intercepted him.

"Mr. Vale," she called sharply, her expression unreadable. "Your detention, which we postponed… the Headmaster has decided it's time."

Cael sighed, already knowing where this was going.

"You'll be accompanying Hagrid on patrol in the Forbidden Forest every evening — until further notice," McGonagall finished crisply.

"I thought you forgot about that, Professor," Cael muttered, scratching the back of his head.

Her lips twitched — not quite a smile, but close. She turned and swept down the corridor without another word.

Later, back in the common room, Cael barely made it through the portrait hole before Hermione cornered him, clutching her wand and a small wooden box.

"Hey, Cael! Can you help me with this?" she asked eagerly. "I'm trying to change this into a kitten, but it's not working."

Cael chuckled. "Alright… but lower your expectations."

Hermione frowned. "Why? I thought it was just Transfiguration."

"Sort of," Cael replied, pulling his wand from his sleeve and twirling it between his fingers. "But this one's tricky. It doesn't become a real kitten — no heartbeat, no purring, no claws sinking into your robes. I'm not as good as Professor McGonagall."

Hermione tilted her head, curious. "So… is it illusion, then?"

"A little bit of both," Cael explained, setting the box on the table. "It's still Transfiguration — you change the shape, structure, and look of something. But you're only aiming for appearance, not life. Real living transformations? Those come later — sixth, maybe seventh year — and they're tough."

He pointed his wand at the box. "Watch."

With a precise flick, he muttered, "Mutatio Felis."

The box rippled, its edges folding and softening like warm wax, until a small kitten sculpture sat in its place — soft fur etched in fine detail, tiny ears perked, glassy eyes open, unmoving.

Hermione leaned closer, wide-eyed. "It looks real…"

"But it's not," Cael said, tapping the kitten's head. The fur didn't move, the body stayed stiff. "It's like a really good sculpture. If you're careful, you can fool someone — for a second."

She was already pulling out her wand. "Teach me."

Cael grinned, pushing the box — now a kitten — toward her. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you. My first few tries? Looked more like a furry potato than a cat."

Hermione straightened her shoulders, determination burning in her eyes. "I like potatoes. Let's go."

The two of them settled on the floor by the fireplace. Though it was far beyond her level, Hermione's stubbornness refused to back down. She practiced again and again, brow furrowed in concentration.

Eventually, she flopped onto the sofa with a groan. "Why is this so hard? I turned a matchstick into a needle on the first try!"

Cael chuckled, leaning back beside her. "Most students can't even manage that. You've got plenty of time to practice."

She turned toward him, curious. "How long did it take you to learn this?"

Cael shrugged. "I'm in second year now… so, about a year and a half to get it right. But with your brains? You'll probably manage sooner."

Hermione still looked unsure. "You said I should try the mouse-to-snuffbox spell first, right? But… doesn't it hurt the mouse?"

He shook his head. "Nah, those mice are magical. They don't feel a thing — they're used for practice."

A mischievous glint lit up her eyes. "What about Ron's rat? We could practice on him."

Cael burst out laughing. "And have Ron bawling in the corner? Hah, tempting — but maybe not worth another argument."

Hermione giggled. "Kidding! I don't need another fight with him."

They laughed, their earlier frustration forgotten, chatting quietly by the fireplace. But before long, Cael glanced at the clock and stood.

"I've gotta go — detention."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "What did you do this time? Another prank?"

Cael smirked. "Not yet. This one's from the start of the year… had a fight with a snake."

Hermione blinked. "A snake? Oh that Frey boy from Slytherin, what really happened oh the train? "

"Long story," Cael said with a grin. "I'll tell you later."

With a wave, he slipped out of the common room, making his way down to Hagrid's hut as the sun set over the grounds.