At lunchtime, word of Loren's performance in Snape's class had already spread across the Gryffindor table. First-years eagerly recounted every detail: how he had absorbed most of Snape's attention, how he hadn't even let Snape deduct a single point from Gryffindor. It was practically legendary.
Older Gryffindors, hearing this, began to look at him differently—respect and admiration glinting in their eyes. The nickname "Lion King," originally a playful jab from the Weasley twins, started catching on. Soon, more and more students were calling Loren the Lion King of Gryffindor.
…
After his afternoon nap, Loren waited for Hermione in the common room. He had promised to explain Snape and Harry's tangled history. Hermione, however, insisted Harry had the right to hear it too. When she went to fetch him, Ron tagged along, and soon Neville joined as well.
The five of them gathered in a corner of the common room, eager for a story.
"First of all," Loren began, "what I'm about to tell you comes from ghosts and portraits. It's rumor, not confirmed fact."
The others waved that off—they didn't care about sources. They just wanted to hear the gossip.
Under their expectant gazes, Loren told them:
"Professor Snape and Harry's mother were once close friends. They were both Muggle-born, entering Hogwarts together, much like me and Hermione. But when they were sorted, Snape went to Slytherin, and Harry's mother to Gryffindor. Despite being in different houses, they stayed friends for a time.
"Your father, Harry, was also in Gryffindor, and he wanted to win your mother's heart. He and his friends bullied Snape often. Some portraits even claim they saw your father hang Snape upside down—while he was wearing only his school robe. Eventually, Snape and your mother had a falling out, and she married your father."
Of course, Loren wasn't sharing gossip from Hogwarts' ghosts. This was knowledge from his past life, but he trimmed it down before telling it. Still, the revelation shocked the others, especially the humiliating detail about Snape hanging upside down.
Harry was the most shaken of all. He had always seen himself as the victim of bullying. To learn his own father had been a bully was crushing.
"Loren… this can't be true. I don't want to believe it," Harry whispered.
Hermione spoke gently, "I think it's likely true. Why else would Snape hate you so much? He might pick at Loren because of Malfoy, but you never gave him a reason. His hostility toward you must be from the grudges of the past."
Ron and Neville nodded. The logic was undeniable.
"Maybe we should ask Hagrid," Ron suggested. "Harry, didn't he invite you over this afternoon? He's been at Hogwarts for years—he'd know the truth."
Harry agreed and invited them all to join. Loren leapt at the chance—he wanted a good reason to bond with Hagrid and maybe get a peek at the Forbidden Forest. Hermione, naturally, stuck by Loren, and Neville, seeing everyone else going, followed along.
…
At three o'clock, the five left the castle, crossed the lawns, and approached Hagrid's wooden hut at the forest's edge. A massive crossbow and rubber boots sat by the door.
When Harry knocked, there was a scuffle inside and a few low growls. Then Hagrid's booming voice: "Back, Fang! Back!"
The door cracked open, revealing Hagrid's bearded face. Seeing Harry had brought four friends, he looked surprised but quickly said, "Wait a moment." Turning back inside, he bellowed again, "Back, Fang!"
He pulled the door wider, struggling to restrain a huge black boarhound by the collar.
At last, Loren set foot in what he privately called the "treasure vault" of Hogwarts' hidden tycoon.
The hut looked simple: hams and pheasants hanging from the ceiling, a copper kettle steaming over the fire, and a massive bed covered in patchwork blankets.
But through magical sight, Loren saw the truth: ropes infused with magical creature hair, furniture carved from enchanted woods, and most stunning of all, a mattress woven with unicorn hair. Even the patchwork quilt was stitched with unicorn fibers. The place glittered faintly with enchantments—a humble cottage hiding priceless treasures.
He shut down his magical vision and sat where Hagrid directed. The chairs, made from magical timber, were solid yet surprisingly comfortable.
The oversized chairs easily held Loren and Hermione together. Harry, Ron, and Neville each took one for themselves.
"Welcome, Harry—and your friends," Hagrid rumbled, finally releasing Fang.
Instead of bounding at Ron, Fang trotted straight to Loren, sniffing curiously.
Loren had always liked dogs, though he preferred enjoying other people's pets—less work, more cuddles. This lifetime was no different. With a quick "Scourgify" for cleanliness, he and Hermione set upon Fang with vigorous head rubs. The huge hound tried to wriggle away, but resistance was futile. Soon, he flopped beside Loren, surrendering to the attention.
"The last time Fang behaved this well, he was still a pup," Hagrid chuckled, returning with a giant teapot and rock cakes.
Harry quickly introduced everyone. "This is Loren, and his girlfriend Hermione. That's Ron, and Neville."
"Another Weasley," Hagrid grunted, eyeing Ron's red hair and freckles. "I spent half my life keeping two of your brothers out of the forest." Still, he handed Ron a steaming cup of tea.
Then he turned to Loren and Hermione. "Two fine young witches and wizards. Especially you, Loren—what you did at the start of term was a breath of fresh air."
"Thank you, Professor," Loren replied with a grin, taking the tea. He passed one cup to Hermione, who was eyeing the rock cakes suspiciously.
Finally, Hagrid's gaze softened at Neville. "You must be a Longbottom. Your parents were brave—true Gryffindors." He gave Neville his tea with a nod. Neville flushed, murmuring thanks.
"And Harry," Hagrid said warmly, handing him the last cup, "I'm glad to see you making so many friends already. You're ahead of your dad in that."
Harry seized the opening. "Speaking of my dad—I've never met him. But I've asked ghosts and portraits, and they said he bullied Snape. That he humiliated him."
Hagrid froze for a beat. The children's eager eyes pressed on him until he sighed.
"James was a good lad. Those were just schoolboy pranks…"
The doubtful looks around him silenced the excuse. At last, he admitted, "Alright. Yes, James bullied Snape. But it was an accident."
The group sat stunned. Loren's story had been right. Harry's face fell—confirmation hurt more than suspicion.
"No wonder Snape's always after me," Harry muttered bitterly.
"Agh—my teeth!" Ron's sudden cry broke the tension.
He had tried biting into one of Hagrid's infamous rock cakes. Neville, on the other hand, was quietly gnawing one down. His recent training had sharpened his appetite and strengthened him enough to manage the nearly inedible treat. Warmth spread through him with each bite, and he clutched it stubbornly.
Ron, unwilling to lose even in snacks, had taken a giant chomp—and nearly cracked a tooth.
Hagrid hurried to fuss over him, Harry looked worried, but Loren just laughed and said:
"These are good, Harry. Try one!"
Harry turned—and saw Loren and Hermione each with a rock cake. Loren crunched loudly, the sound like stones grinding together. Hermione, more delicate, took tiny bites, her throat bobbing as the rock cake shrank steadily in her hands.
Harry swallowed hard, staring at his own untouched piece.
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