Hogwarts: Harry Potter’s Return from the Witcher World

"What I want is a magical technique," Harry said softly but firmly. "The ability to channel magic that doesn't belong to me."

Dumbledore smiled lightly. "I thought it might take you longer to notice that."

"Of course."

"Your Patronus Charm is already excellent. Perhaps you can try altering its form soon."

"How about I take over your detentions next term? Does that sound fair?"

Professor McGonagall breathed a small sigh of relief.

"However," Dumbledore continued, "I can't match the flexibility of the other professors. I might only have time for one lesson per week." With a wave of his wand, he refilled Harry's glass.

"It would be an honor," Harry replied with a nod.

"McGonagall's detentions, Quidditch practice, Professor Sprout's classes, and your lessons, Professor Dumbledore—that makes seven days," Harry remarked. Then he glanced at Snape with a calmness that was almost unnerving.

"Professor Snape, I'm afraid I'll have to discontinue your detentions."

Snape said nothing, nodding stiffly. Yet as he nodded, his expression darkened.

This was what he had long awaited—so why did the words leave such an unpleasant weight in his chest?

McGonagall's hand trembled slightly.

It seemed she couldn't escape Harry's detentions next term either.

As Harry finished his milk, Dumbledore spoke gently. "Harry, it's time for you to rest. Get a good night's sleep and put everything else out of your mind for now."

Harry nodded, casting one last meaningful glance at Snape before leaving.

McGonagall escorted him all the way to the entrance of Gryffindor Tower.

The Gryffindor common room was steeped in unease. Most of the students, except Hermione, had holed up in their dormitories, terrified another dark wizard might suddenly appear to attack them.

When Harry climbed into the common room, Hermione popped her head out from under a table, relief washing over her face.

"Harry? You're back?"

"You're still up?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded. "I couldn't relax. Even though your Patronus said everything was safe…"

"It is safe," Harry interrupted. "The dark magic object and Tom have been dealt with by Professor Dumbledore. The basilisk is dead—Professor Snape and I took care of it."

He paused.

The basilisk's body had been thoroughly dissected, but he hadn't yet secured his share of the spoils. He'd write Snape a letter about it tomorrow—he wasn't eager to see him again anytime soon.

"Really?" Hermione asked, still uneasy. Today's events had turned her worldview upside down.

"Really," Harry confirmed.

"Are you hurt?" she asked, her voice full of concern.

Harry smiled. "Don't worry, I'm fine."

"If I were injured, I'd be in the hospital wing—or off to St. Mungo's with the Weasleys."

The two talked a while longer before heading to their respective dormitories for a much-needed rest.

And so, the tumultuous second year came to an end.

The next morning at breakfast, Dumbledore announced that Hogwarts was once again safe.

The students were skeptical at first.

After all, Gryffindor was missing a significant portion of its members—even the Weasley twins were nowhere to be seen. How was that supposed to feel "safe"?

Though, on second thought, perhaps Hogwarts was safer without those two notorious pranksters around.

They remained on edge for a week.

The castle grew quiet and peaceful. Peeves stopped causing trouble, the portraits of roosters were nowhere to be found, and the statues returned to their normal forms. Even the professors seemed more at ease, burying the students under a fresh avalanche of homework.

The Weasleys returned to Hogwarts on the first weekend after the incident.

The ordeal had taken a heavy toll on their family.

There were medical bills from St. Mungo's and the cost of a brand-new wand—Ginny's wand was retrieved by Dumbledore and remained undamaged, but Ron's battered old wand had been destroyed by Tom, forcing him to get a replacement.

The Quidditch Cup was canceled.

The Slytherin captain was still in the hospital wing.

And two of Gryffindor's star players couldn't even grip a fork properly, let alone a broomstick.

Hogwarts worked to protect Ginny's reputation. The official story was that a dark wizard, using Polyjuice Potion, had disguised themselves as Ginny. The theft in the Slytherin common room was also attributed to this mysterious wizard.

But Ginny felt immense guilt. She couldn't face Harry. After her hasty apologies and thanks upon returning to Hogwarts, she avoided him altogether.

Ron, too, was deeply affected. He grew uncharacteristically quiet, threw himself into his studies, and often asked Harry for tips on dueling.

The students who had been petrified were successfully revived just before final exams.

Opening their eyes, they found themselves faced with a grim reality: they'd learned nothing all term and now had to endure the professors' relentless demands to cram an entire semester's knowledge in just a few days.

Their groans echoed through the halls of every house.

Gradually, the mood lightened, and the basilisk attack faded from memory as the term drew to a close.

The second year ended without major surprises.

Harry maintained his position as the top student, followed closely by Hermione—her grades in Defense Against the Dark Arts had suffered due to the absence of a competent teacher. Ron, surprisingly, took third place, his dedication paying off.

On the final day, the Great Hall was festively decorated.

This year, no lions or snakes adorned the teachers' table. Instead, the colors of Hufflepuff—yellow and black—filled the hall, and a cheerful, chubby badger took center stage.

Dumbledore rose, his voice filled with emotion.

"We've endured a challenging year. Hogwarts has faced many trials. These painful experiences, I hope, will serve as stepping stones for your growth."

"Let's see how much growth you've achieved through this year's House points."

With a wave of his wand, golden numbers appeared in the air.

"Fourth place: Slytherin, 18 points."

"Third place: Gryffindor, 19 points."

"Second place: Ravenclaw, 28 points."

"First place: Hufflepuff, 54 points."

Growth indeed—just in the wrong direction.

The house heads buried their heads in embarrassment. The basilisk may have been dealt with, but tensions among the houses remained unresolved.

Fights broke out daily, and the absence of Lockhart—the clumsy stabilizer of inter-house relations—meant the points system was in freefall.

Snape and McGonagall were just relieved their houses' scores hadn't dipped into the single digits.

"Before awarding the House Cup, I have an announcement to make," Dumbledore said, tearing his eyes from the abysmally low scores. In all his years as headmaster, he had never seen anything like this.

The Hufflepuffs froze, their eyes darting toward Harry at the Gryffindor table, an ominous feeling creeping over them.

"Harry Potter!"

"He was the first to uncover the dark wizard's presence. During my absence from Hogwarts, he fought that wizard to protect his classmates."

"For his bravery, I am awarding him a Special Services to the School Award, and—"

"Gryffindor will receive 100 points."

Ginny wanted to bury her head in her bowl of soup.

The Hufflepuffs were indignant. Winning the House Cup wasn't something that came easily to them. Yet, despite their disappointment, they joined the Gryffindors in applauding and cheering for Harry Potter.

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Powerstones?

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