The castle was quiet, but Hermione Granger's mind was anything but. She sat alone in the Gryffindor common room, the flickering fire casting dancing shadows on the walls, her thoughts tangled and restless. The events on the Hogwarts Express haunted her—how the fog had rolled in, the sudden darkness, and most of all, the commanding presence of Sagar as he faced the Demodar.
She had never seen magic like that before.
Questions Without Answers
Hermione's curiosity gnawed at her. Who was Sagar really? The boy with the enigmatic smile, the clever spells, and the quiet confidence that set him apart from everyone else. She had always admired his skill, but now she sensed something deeper—a power that was both ancient and unpredictable.
She replayed the moment in her mind: the way Sagar's voice had cut through the darkness, the thunder that answered his command, and the way the creature had recoiled as if instinctively afraid. It was as if Sagar held a key to a magic that few understood.
But why had he refused to explain? Why had he told her that some things were better left a mystery?
Seeking Clues
Determined to understand, Hermione began to observe Sagar more closely. She noticed the subtle ways he moved through the castle—how his eyes missed nothing, how he seemed to listen to the whispers of the walls themselves. She watched as he interacted with the Patel twins, his staff, and even the portraits that lined the corridors, as if he were part of a secret conversation no one else could hear.
Hermione also found herself drawn to the library more often, searching for any mention of Demodars or similar creatures, trying to piece together what she had witnessed. She pored over dusty tomes and ancient scrolls, her notes growing thicker by the day.
A Growing Connection
Despite her questions, Hermione found herself respecting Sagar more with each passing day. He was not like the other students—he didn't seek glory or attention, but he carried himself with a quiet strength that was impossible to ignore. When their paths crossed in the hallways or classrooms, she caught glimpses of a smile or a knowing glance, as if he were inviting her into a world just beyond reach.
One evening, as the castle settled into silence, Hermione found herself standing outside the Slytherin common room, debating whether to knock. She hesitated, then turned away, her heart pounding with the thrill of the unknown.
The Spark of Friendship—or Rivalry
Hermione knew that whatever Sagar was, he was a force to be reckoned with. She didn't yet know if he would be an ally or a challenge, but she was certain of one thing: their stories were now intertwined.
As she climbed the stairs to her dormitory, Hermione whispered to herself, "I have to know more."
And somewhere deep within the castle, Sagar smiled, sensing that the game was only just beginning.