With Professor Snape serving as witness, Filch had no choice but to fall silent, though he trembled with outrage.
At that moment, Albus Dumbledore stepped into the Entrance Hall from the Great Hall. With a gentle flick of his wand, he lowered Mrs. Norris carefully from the wall and examined her with a diagnostic charm.
After a few moments, he looked up.
"Calm yourself, Argus. Mrs. Norris is not dead. She has been struck by a Petrification curse — complex and uncommon magic. Certainly not something a first-year student could perform."
Murmurs spread among the students.
"That alone proves Mr. Potter's innocence," Dumbledore added serenely.
"My cat!" Filch cried hoarsely. "Someone must pay for this!"
"But not an innocent party, Argus," Dumbledore said firmly.
He turned to Harry.
"As for you, Harry… attacking a member of staff cannot be overlooked. Next Thursday evening, you will serve detention by accompanying Hagrid on patrol in the Forbidden Forest."
A shocked ripple passed through the Hall.
"Since Professor Snape has already deducted points from Gryffindor, I shall impose no further penalty," Dumbledore concluded.
"Yes, sir," Harry replied with a slight bow. "Though I do not believe I acted wrongly."
Silence fell.
Most students expected him to lower his head and apologize. Instead, he met the Headmaster's gaze steadily.
Dumbledore smiled — not disapprovingly, but with a knowing glint.
"Oh, but you did, Harry," he said mildly. "Your mistake was casting spells before an audience."
For a brief moment, Harry felt he was being taught something unspoken.
"I understand, sir," he said quietly.
"Very good. Prefects, escort your students back to their common rooms. It is late."
All plans for further nighttime adventures were promptly abandoned. Losing fifty points was serious enough; risking more would be foolish — especially with Snape watching.
Harry braced himself for resentment in the Gryffindor common room.
Instead, he was greeted with applause.
"There he is!" Lee Jordan shouted.
The common room was packed — and to Harry's surprise, even a few Hufflepuffs were present.
"I just cost Gryffindor fifty points," Harry said blankly. "Why are you celebrating?"
Fred and George exchanged dramatic looks.
"Fifty points?" they echoed. "Harry, you earned three points from Snape. Three! That's legendary!"
"Although," Percy added stiffly, "a more diplomatic approach might have been advisable—"
"Oh, do shut up, Percy," said the twins.
Laughter filled the room.
"We brought Butterbeer and biscuits!" announced a tall Hufflepuff.
Harry recognized Cedric Diggory, who smiled warmly.
"To celebrate someone finally standing up to Filch!"
Cheers erupted.
"I've got some Muggle sweets in my trunk," Harry offered.
"Leave it to me!" Ron said, dashing upstairs.
He returned moments later dragging Harry's trunk.
Harry winced inwardly.
There goes my stash…
But he said nothing.
"To our king!" Fred cried, climbing onto a stool.
"Potter! Potter! Potter!" the room chanted.
Hermione turned to Angelina Johnson, bewildered.
"We lost points… why is everyone so happy?"
Angelina shrugged.
"Because someone finally faced Filch. When I was a first-year, he threatened to hang me from the rafters!"
"He's threatened half the school!" someone added.
Grumbles of agreement spread.
"And that cat of his is worse," another student muttered. "Sniffs out students like a bloodhound."
Hermione bit her lip.
"But the Forbidden Forest… Dumbledore said it's extremely dangerous. And Harry's only a first-year…"
Angelina picked up a Muggle soda can, inspecting it.
"How do you open this?"
Hermione sighed and popped it open with a sharp hiss.
"Thanks!" Angelina said, taking a sip. "Hermione, if there's anyone we shouldn't underestimate, it's Harry. He'll be fine. If anything should worry… it's the Forest."
Laughter filled the room.
Still, Hermione could not quite shake her unease.
Hagrid was trustworthy — but the Forbidden Forest housed creatures even adult wizards treated with caution.
And Harry… was only eleven.
/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------/
Read more chapters on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/SailorTranslations?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink