Sol woke up early in the morning the next day as always. He was walking out in the hall, going to the great hall for breakfast. He had a dark face which was surprising for a laidback chap like him. He seemed to be in a bad mood. Actually, he had been in a bad mood ever since he woke up.

Ah fuck, I didn't hide when going to the troll. Just waltz up to the troll with no caution whatsoever. I don't know how many paintings saw me on my way to it. I'm going to be summoned for sure. Haah~

Indeed, Sol did not use the Disillusionment charm on his way to the troll and only used it during his getaway. Though there were no paintings in the corridor with the girl's bathroom, many paintings saw him head there. And even if they didn't, the professors would've noticed his absence from the great hall. As Sol entered the great hall, all he was doing was coming up with excuses. He did not want to reveal that he was the one who killed the troll. At least, not directly. They could speculate all they wanted. All he needed to do was direct their attention to the real problem: Who let the troll in?

Though Sol knew it was Quirrell, the professors might not know. Rather, the professors might just think that the troll got in by itself. And let's be honest, there's no way that's happening. If a measly troll can get inside a wizarding school without the headmaster's knowledge, then the headmaster should really think about his qualifications for the position. Hell, Sol bets that the castle has some sort of charm or enchantment to specifically deter beasts from getting in. The castle is right next to the Forbidden Forest and it's chock-full of monsters. The only way a beast will get in is through someone's help and that someone is Quirrell. But how to get the headmaster to investigate this?

As Sol was thinking this, he had already sat down and started eating his breakfast. He decided to let himself go for today and got himself some bacon and eggs. Tea was a must. You can't live in England and not drink tea, right? Unknowingly time passed as he sat there and ate while thinking of excuses.

"Hey~ Sol! What are you thinking?"

Sol looked up from his plate to see Katie sitting beside him.

"Nothing much. How long have you been sitting there?", Sol decided not to tell her. It would do her no good.

"I just got here. I bet you were thinking of last night.", Katie guessed.

Sol paused.

Wow, she's perceptive. Though, she's only half-right.

"Yeah, you're right. Wonder how it got in?"

"Must've walked in."

Sol just stared at her as if she had said something absurd.

Why the hell does everyone think Hogwarts' defenses are weak?

Feeling his gaze, Katie looked away only to notice, "Oh look! Harry's here with Hermione and Ron."

"Oh, is that so?" Sol looked over to the door to see the three walk in. They look much chipper.

Seems like it worked.

As Sol was observing them, Katie had already gotten her food, and the three headed their way. They sat opposite Sol and Katie.

"Hey, you guys feeli-", but before Sol could finish asking, Hermione had interrupted, "Thank you!"

"Hey! Why're you thanking me? It was Katie who changed you and put you to sleep." Sol wanted her to stop lest his temporary fix came undone.

"No, we're thanking both of you," Hermione elbowed Ron who straightened with a jolt, "Yeah! Thanks for last night."

Katie waved her hands, trying to stop her, "It was nothing. Anyway, how're you guys doing? It was a terrible night."

"Yes, that's tru- huh?", Hermione paused.

"What's wrong?", Katie asked.

"I can't seem to remember what happened last night."

"Huh, what's wrong with you?" Ron was looking at her like she was an idiot, "Last night, we obviously- that's weird, I can't remember."

Hearing this both Katie and Harry looked at Sol. But all he did was put a finger on his lips. Both of them immediately understood what he meant.

Hermione looked at Sol with a puzzled expression, "Sol, did you Obliviate us? I can remember something terrible happened but I can't seem to remember what it is."

At her sudden question, both Harry and Katie flinched whereas Sol remained calm as ever. He had already anticipated it. Though he still found it a bit amazing.

Wow, nothing gets by her, does it? Though she's wrong, at least half-wrong.

"I have not. Obliviate has consequences. And if I tried to something as precise as erasing your memories but keep your trauma, there's a high chance the both of you would have turned into idiots if something went wrong."

That's just the problems with using Obliviate in this world. They don't apply to me. Still, I really didn't use Obliviate. Though it says it can erase your memories it's really not the case. Erasing memories as opposed to sealing them is a lot harder. 'Soul Theory' is not to be neglected.

"Then-", Hermione was absolutely sure that Sol had Obliviated both her and Ron but as she was about to lay down the facts, Sol stopped her, "I did not want to take the risk that comes with Obliviate. Most likely, you have Dissociative Amnesia."

"Dissociative Amnesia? What's that?", Ron seemed as though he had just heard dogs speak.

Sol began to explain, "It's a sort of failsafe your brain employs. If a certain memory obstructs your brain from working properly, it will block said memory. It's often seen in people who had traumatic experiences."

"But-", Hermione tried to refute, clearly not believing him.

Sol spoke again, this time with a bit more force, "Do you understand? It's your brain's way of stopping you from becoming a retard. So, do yourself a favor and stop bringing it up."

Under Sol's insistence, Hermione stopped. The atmosphere turned a bit awkward.

At this moment, Katie chimed in, "If I remember correctly, today is Harry's first Quidditch match, right?"

"Yeah! Harry, you need to eat up and get ready for your match." Ron joined in, though it didn't seem as though he wanted to stop the awkward atmosphere. He seemed genuinely excited about Harry's match.

"I-Is that right?", Harry seemed a bit nervous. He looked over at Sol, "Sol, are you going to come as well?"

"What? Me?! No, I do-", Sol wanted to refuse but he saw Harry's eyes which were full of anticipation. He decided not to turn down his request in fear of him messing up in the game.

If that happens, Wood is going to kill me.

Sol sighed and then reluctantly gave in, "Fine, I'll come."

"Thanks. It's nice knowing you'll cheer for me." Harry seemed to become a lot happier.

"Pfft~ haha!" Sol looked over at Katie only to see her covering her mouth with her hand to stop laughing.

"What're you laughing at?"

"No, it's just that, you never had an interest in Quidditch. You never went to games with me. It's a bit refreshing seeing you helpless as you try not to dampen Harry's mood," Katie spoke amidst laughs.

"Oh ho! You should-" But as Sol was about retort, he heard a voice from behind.

"Mr. Balor, the Headmaster would like to see you."

Sol and the others looked over to see Professor McGonagall looking at Sol.

Sol looked unfazed at the sudden summons. He just got up and followed the professor.

Haah~ so quick? Let's see how this pans out.

The other four seated at the table were confused. Hermione suspected that this had something to do with the events last night. Though, Katie didn't think that far and still asked, "Huh? Why does the Headmaster want to see him?"

Hearing her question, Sol turned around, smiled, and winked at them. As he left, Hermione turned to Harry, "Do you remember what happened last night?"

Harry flinched and avoided her gaze, "N-No, I don't remember what happened. I must have that... dissociative thing that Sol mentioned."

Hermione obviously didn't believe that half-assed answer, so she turned to faced Katie, "Would you please tell me what happened last night?"

But Katie just shakes her head and smiles, "You heard Sol since your brain is blocking the memory, you should stop asking. Since he said it, then naturally something bad would happen if you don't listen."

Katie had a mysterious trust in Sol. With how he is, he's most probably right that something bad would happen if Hermione tried to remember. However, Hermione didn't like the fact that no one was willing to give her an answer. She couldn't ask Ron as he was in the same predicament as her. She understood that a troll got inside the castle by hearing about it from the others but didn't know what happened to the troll afterward. It seems no one knows. They all believe that the professors drove it away. But if that was the case, there would be no reason for her memories to be gone even if it was due to trauma. She decided she would get an answer from Sol when he gets back.

Right this moment Sol was following Professor McGonagall to the Headmaster's office. On the way, neither of them said a word to each other. Sol was thinking hard about what to do as well as Ron and Hermione's problem.

I really wouldn't have to worry about Ron. That wally isn't the type to stress about the details, unlike Hermione. If he forgets something then he won't even bother to remember it. But Hermione... haah~ I can almost see her thinking that she'll pry answers out of me.

And as Sol thought, that was exactly what Hermione was thinking. Sol kept following McGonagall obediently, thinking about what he would say to the Headmaster. Soon McGonagall led him towards a griffin statue. She stood in front of it and said a phrase which was most likely a password, "Sherbet Lemon."

Sol made sure to remember the password, though he was 50% sure that they would change it. But hey, no harm in remembering. Soon, the statue began to rise in a spiraling manner, revealing a set of spiral stairs. The professor started ascending with Sol behind her. As they went on, the professor finally spoke, "Mr. Balor."

"Yes, professor." Sol was still calm as if anticipating this.

"Do you not want to ask why the Headmaster wants to see you?"

"If I did ask, would you have told me? Wouldn't you just say, 'The Headmaster will tell you himself' or 'You'll know when you get there'?"

"That's...", Professor McGonagall was a bit surprised but Sol didn't see as she had her back turned to him.

"Since that's the case, then asking would have done me no good."

"Very well, Mr. Balor." And the silence continues as they reached the Headmaster's office. As they came in front of a door, Professor McGonagall stood to one side and turned to him, "The Headmaster is inside." Sol nodded and entered through the door.

What awaited him was a room chock-full of magic objects. There was a desk presumably the Headmaster's. You had to go up a few steps of stairs to reach it. There was a sofa near the door and a cabinet full of bottles opposite it. There was a staircase leading to a room.

Maybe it's the Headmaster's sleeping quarters.

The walls on either side of the Headmaster's desk were full of paintings and portraits. Sol could only guess who they were. The Headmaster's desk had no headmaster sitting on it. So, he decided to wait. As he waited, an item within the cabinet Sol's eyes. He walked up to it and pulled it out, which revealed a grey basin full of water. Sol's eyes expression turns into one of shock as he recognizes what the basin is.

I-It's a Memoreview. This is a thing here? Damn, this takes me back. It was very popular back then. But it was later discontinued. You inject your memory in the water and play it back. You dip your face in it to look at the memory. The memories would have a highly realistic feel to them. From breathing to sex, everything could be felt firsthand. Of course, that also meant it was a must-have for brothels as there many virgins who were afraid to actually do it or lovers who didn't want to do it in fear of it counting as 'cheating'. To those lovers, all I have to say is it's still cheating even if you don't do it in real life. These Memoreviews paved the way for modern-day Virtual Reality consoles. Shit, I'm getting sidetracked. Right, they got discontinued for their malfunctions. As you dip your head in the liquid, the mana from the magic item lets you breathe. And as far as I remember, you can't get out of the Memoreview unless the memory finishes. Well, the problem was that it sometimes would break and the breathing function would cease, drowning you. Oh, only the『Creator』knows how many people were sent to their graves with their pants down. Haah~ how regrettable.

"That, Mr. Balor, is a pensieve." A calm voice from behind shook Sol back to reality.

Sol turned around to see an old man with white hair and a long, white beard. He was wearing red robes with golden lining and a red wizard's hat. It was Headmaster Dumbledore!

"Headmaster."

"Yes, Mr. Balor. Come with me and take a seat." Sol followed him to the desk and took a seat. Sol looked up and saw a red bird on a perch installed on the desk. He was shocked though his expression was calm.

Damn, Headmaster has a phoenix. It looks to be in its last years. Not long enough until it's reborn.

"That's Fawkes, a phoenix and a long-time friend. He's gotten a bit old just like me.", the Headmaster laughed.

"A phoenix, professor?", Sol put on a shocked expression.

"Yes. Did you know that phoenix tears had a healing effect?"

"Yes, I did."

Sol focused on the phoenix, sending out his mana.

I know for a fact that phoenixes and dragons can't speak in this world. Well, not all dragons could speak anyway. The phoenixes here don't have high psychic capabilities, so I can't talk to them. I hope that they can recognize this frequency of mana.

And as he thought, Fawkes who had been observing Sol the whole time opened his wings and flew over to Sol, perching himself on Sol's shoulder. Dumbledore calmly observed this behavior however his eyes flashed with a hint of shock. Sol got out a vial from the sleeves of his robes, opened and held it below Fawkes' face. Fawkes lowered his head and from his eyes, drops of sparkling tears drip down his face and fall down to the vial. After taking a few drops, Sol closes the vial and starts stroking Fawkes who closes his eyes, indicating pleasure.

Dumbledore observed the entire ordeal with fascination, "How curious!"

Sol shifted his attention to Dumbledore who was watching Fawkes on his shoulder and nonchalantly replied, "Nothing curious about it, Headmaster. You never know when you'll need phoenix tears."

Not to mention it's an indispensable ingredient to brew healing potions.

"Why is that, Mr. Balor?", asked Dumbledore who was watching the phoenix fly off of Sol's shoulder back to its perch.

"Who knows one day a troll or an Acromantula will get inside the castle and hurt or kill someone."

"Speaking of trolls, Mr. Balor, do you have anything you want to tell me?", asked Dumbledore with an all-knowing expression.

Sol still had a calm expression but inside he was appalled.

Just look at his face! You already know so why ask me in such a roundabout way?! You'd be fooling yourself if you think you'll get an answer from me.

"Regarding the intrusion of the troll in the castle, I'd like to ask how a troll could get in the first place. Honestly, headmaster, you don't believe a troll got into the castle by itself, do you?"

"What do you mean, Mr. Balor?", Dumbledore asked calmly.

"Exactly what I said. There is no way a troll could get into Hogwarts."

"And you are implying?", Dumbledore's brows jumped.

"That someone let the troll in."

"That's a serious allegation, Mr. Balor. Are you certain you want to continue?", Dumbledore asked with a serious expression.

"Absolutely," said Sol resolutely.

"Then do so. Oh, would you like some tea?"

"I would."

Hearing Sol's answer, Dumbledore waved his wand. Two cups and a teapot came flying onto the desk. They landed and Dumbledore opened the teapot.

"Ah, do you mind Earl Grey?", Dumbledore asked worried about Sol's choice in tea.

"Not at all."

Dumbledore calmly poured the team into both cups and handed one to Sol. Sol sipped and put the cup back down to the desk.

"Thank you, Headmaster."

"Yes, and now would you like to continue our conversation?"

"Yes, like I was saying someone let the troll in."

"What makes you say that?"

"Simply based on the fact that trolls with their intelligence could never get into the castle. Furthermore, I don't believe that the castle doesn't have charms which stop monsters from coming."

"You're right, Mr. Balor. There are charms like that. But why would someone let the troll in?"

"Maybe it has something to do with the forbidden room on the third-floor corridor."

"Do you know something about it? Though I suppose with how you would roam around the castle late at night during your first-year, you already know what's behind that door.", Dumbledore revealed. In fact, he knew where Sol would roam around during the night when everyone else is asleep.

Sol was not really surprised by this revelation. Rather, he'd be more surprised if the Headmaster didn't know. He said, "No, Headmaster. I haven't seen what's behind that door."

"Why not? With your nature, I thought you would be the first ones to sneak in when I announced that notice. I had to tell Mr. Filch to be especially vigilant at first just for you.", Dumbledore chuckled.

"I'm flattered, Headmaster but I just hadn't bothered with what's behind the door. If it doesn't bring me any sort of merit, then I really have no reason to do it."

That was a big, fat lie. It was not that he didn't bother. He couldn't find a good enough time and gradually forgot.

"Is that right?"

"Absolutely. Now, is there something in there worth my attention? Seeing as how people are letting trolls in just to get into the door, I might check it out.", Sol said indifferently.

"I can't say, Mr. Balor. However, I feel you might be right. It seems that I've let my guard down."

"Professor, another thing."

"Yes?"

"About Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Is it alright to let them be? Especially Ron and Hermione. Those two seemed especially shaken by last night's events." Sol subtly changed the topic, hoping it would enough to make him forget.

"And how are they doing today?"

"It's as if nothing happened. It seems their brains blocked their memories of the encounter. Though we are avoiding letting them remember, I think this sort of temporary fix shouldn't be relied on."

"Then what do you suppose we do, Mr. Balor?"

"Isn't that what I'm asking you, Headmaster?"

"Quite right. Let them be. If the need arises, I'm always here to help."

"Thank you, Headmaster. Then, I'll take my leave.", Sol stood up and walked away.

"Yes, thank you for your time."

As Sol headed to the door, Dumbledore called from behind, "Ah, Mr. Balor, would you kindly wait?"

"Yes, Headmaster?", Sol turned around.

"Mr. Balor, I will ask you, have you killed the troll?", Dumbledore asked with an authoritative tone. But that was not what surprised Sol. It was the fact that magic seemed to be mixed with his voice.

Sol didn't have time to think things through as he replied, "No, Headmaster."

"Then, why were you absent from the great hall last night?"

"To find Hermione. I heard she had been crying all afternoon yesterday."

"And where did you go to find her?"

"I thought she might be in the third-floor girl's bathroom as it mostly remains unused."

"Then why did you return back to the common room?"

"I didn't find her there. I couldn't be bothered to search anymore and went back."

"Why couldn't the paintings see you on your way back?"

"I heard Professor Quirrell's warning about the troll and started rushing. It was only when I remember that the troll might already be on the main floors. So I used the Disillusionment charm on my way back."

"Why did you not take the straight way back?"

"Same reason as to why I used the charm later. I thought the troll might use the main corridor so I used a long route." Throughout the entire interrogation, Sol answered in a seemingly trance-like state.

"That's all for my questions. Thank you for your time, Mr. Balor."

"Yes, Headmaster." Sol then left the office where he found Professor McGonagall.

She looked at him, ready to scold Sol, "Ten points from Gryffindor on account of putting yourself in harm's way."

"What do you mean, Professor?"

"I would have taken away more points if you hadn't managed to kill it.", the Professor explained.

"No, that's not what I meant. I didn't kill the troll. So why are points being taken?"

Professor McGonagall's eyes looked like they were about to pop out from the shock. She opened her mouth to speak but Sol interrupted her, "Professor, you can ask for the details from the Headmaster. I have to leave as my classes are starting. Goodbye, Professor." With that Sol left her in front of the Headmaster's office.

As he heard the door to the office open and close, his expression became mixed with disbelief and anger as he thought about what happened.

Motherfucker actually used magic on me. Though it worked in my favor. Thank god, I replied immediately. I don't know if he was perceptive enough to guess that his trick didn't work if I hesitated. I think I'm in the clear. He's regarded as the strongest light wizard, he'll at least be arrogant enough to think that a mere student won't be able to escape his magic.

Sol later met up with Katie and Cormac and attended his classes. He put this incident to the side as he began to plan what to do next.

Back At The Headmaster's Office

"Albus, what did you learn from him? Why did he say that he didn't kill the troll? The description the paintings gave matched him to tee. So why...", Professor McGonagall was frantic.

"Calm down, Minerva. It seems Mr. Balor really hadn't killed the troll."

"How?!"

"I don't know. I even asked him with magic but he still denied it. Minerva, I used magic, he shouldn't be able to lie."

"Are you absolutely sure, Albus?"

"Yes, quite so. Everything he said matched up with how we've seen him act. But Mr. Balor seems to be really interesting."

"Why do you say that?"

Dumbledore looked at Fawkes and petted him, "Fawkes here gave Mr. Balor some his tears, willingly."

"That's..."

"You know how fussy he is with strangers. And also, he said something intriguing though I already had my suspicions."

"What was it?"

"That someone let the troll in."

"Then that means...", Professor McGonagall gasped.

"Yes, Minerva, someone wants to take the stone."