Chapter 171: Remember, There Are No Trolls at Hogwarts
Kyle remained in the Hufflepuff common room, closely watching the Marauder's Map. About ten minutes later, Quirrell's name finally appeared, and Kyle's eyes lit up. He stood up, left the common room, and began following Quirrell's path.
On the map, he could see that Quirrell hadn't gone to the Great Hall but was making his way around the castle in a large loop. Kyle trailed behind carefully, staying a corridor apart to avoid being noticed. With the Marauder's Map in hand, he wasn't worried about losing him; he could keep tabs on Quirrell's exact location.
After weaving through the castle, Quirrell finally stopped. Kyle quickly ducked into an empty classroom nearby to stay out of sight. A few minutes later, Quirrell's name began moving rapidly in the direction of the Great Hall. Once Kyle was certain he was a safe distance away, he slipped out of the classroom, dashed down an empty side corridor, and headed straight for the spot where Quirrell had stopped earlier.
Rounding a corner, a revolting stench assaulted his nose. It was even worse than any potion Mikel had ever brewed, and even though Kyle had steeled himself for something unpleasant, he was nearly overcome by the foul smell.
Then he heard a low growl and the sound of huge, shuffling footsteps. Not far ahead, a towering twelve-foot creature lumbered into view. Its skin was dull, gray like weathered granite, and its small, walnut-shaped head sat atop a massive, clumsy body. Thick, trunk-like legs supported it, ending in broad, rough feet with calloused soles. The unbearable stench was coming directly from the creature.
Kyle recognized it immediately: a Mountain Troll—the largest kind of troll there was.
"I'm rich!" Kyle murmured excitedly, taking a few steps forward.
The movement caught the troll's attention. It let out a roar and lumbered forward, raising the enormous club in its hand, preparing to smash the tiny figure in front of it.
"Wait, I can take you to eat!" Kyle shouted.
The words seemed to have an effect; the troll paused, lowering its club slightly. It tilted its walnut-sized head, struggling to comprehend what Kyle had said.
"You're hungry, right? I'll take you to eat!" Kyle repeated. "Eat! Meal!"