Chapter 29: Chapter 25: The Forbidden Forest
Professor McGonagall was initially relieved to see Hermione, Harry, and Ron unharmed. Then she turned her gaze forward.
The scene was chaotic, and when she saw the troll's collapsed form, her eyes widened in shock.
Snape and Quirrell, standing behind her, looked equally grave.
"Can someone explain what happened here?" Professor McGonagall asked the trio.
As Hermione opened her mouth to speak, Ron abruptly interjected, "It was me. I wanted to see what the troll looked like, so I forced them to come along."
Hermione was momentarily stunned.
Catching Ron's eye, Harry chimed in, "Yeah... that's what happened."
"What happened to the troll?" Snape pointed out the obvious discrepancy.
The troll's club lay bloodied on the ground, clearly indicating it had been defeated by its own weapon.
Harry and Ron exchanged glances, then looked at Hermione.
They truly had no explanation.
"I did it," Hermione stated simply.
Snape sneered. "You, a first-year, managed that? Better tell the truth, or I might dock points from Gryffindor."
Hermione shrugged, raised her hand, and softly recited a spell.
The thick club floated into the air, maneuvering nimbly under Hermione's control, as if mocking Snape's skepticism.
Snape frowned but said nothing further.
Professor McGonagall regarded Hermione with surprise.
But the next moment, her expression turned stern. "What a reckless act. I hope you realize how fortunate you are, especially Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter. Without Miss Granger, the consequences could have been dire."
She then looked at Hermione. "And you, Miss Granger, I expected you to know better, but you broke the rules with them."
"You three will each lose five points for Gryffindor!"
Professor McGonagall was genuinely upset. First-year students risking their lives so carelessly was no trivial matter.
"However," she continued, "Miss Granger's actions ensured the safety of others and demonstrated exceptional magical ability. Gryffindor will gain ten points!"
I knew it.
Hermione rolled her eyes inwardly.
Professor McGonagall clearly favored Gryffindor.
"But as further punishment for breaking school rules, the three of you will join Hagrid..." McGonagall was interrupted as caretaker Filch approached with a student in tow.
Filch shoved Malfoy forward, exclaiming, "Caught this one sneaking around. He was spying, so I grabbed him."
Good grief, Hermione thought, Malfoy must have seen Harry leave the group and tried to stir up trouble by following him.
"It seems we have one more breaking curfew. Slytherin will lose five points, and the four of you will assist Hagrid tonight," McGonagall declared.
Malfoy was dismayed. Harry, accustomed to such situations, took it in stride.
Hermione was indifferent. Points would likely be restored by Dumbledore anyway.
No need to stress over house points like a primary school student.
...
On the way to Hagrid's, Hermione ignored the bickering between Malfoy and Harry and focused on her magic book.
Like the [Artifacts] section, collecting [Magical Creature] blood unlocked its respective entry. This was her primary reason for tonight's adventure. With limited opportunities to encounter magical creatures at Hogwarts, she wouldn't miss this chance.
To her surprise, she learned she could use magical creature blood to transform similar creatures, imbuing them with magical properties.
Another unexpected discovery was earning 10 points of soul energy from defeating the troll.
Perhaps higher-quality souls yield more energy?
Just as Hermione pondered, Ron quietly sidled up.
"Uh... Hermione..."
"Hmm?"
"Since I took the blame today, could you do me a favor?"
Hermione grew cautious, suspecting a confession.
She knew the original Hermione and Ron were a couple.
But she was Hermione now and couldn't fully embrace that idea.
Why settle when there are so many options?
Luckily, Ron clarified his intent.
"So... because of this, could you lend me your Nimbus 2000 for a few days?"
Ah, he wanted to borrow her broom.
What a relief.
"Sure." Hermione nodded cheerfully. "For your loyalty, I'll get you your own after the Quidditch match."
Ron was wide-eyed with surprise.
Before he could respond, they arrived at Hagrid's cabin.
Explaining the situation, Hagrid shook his head at the mischievous trio.
"You lot sure know how to get into trouble. Since I'm heading to the Forbidden Forest tonight, you'll come along."
As Hogwarts' gamekeeper, Hagrid's duties included keeping students out of the Forbidden Forest.
"But aren't students forbidden from entering the forest?" Malfoy protested.
Hagrid reassured them, "We'll only explore the forest's edge. I know the area well, and there won't be any danger."
"Then why bring a crossbow?" Malfoy pressed.
"Just a precaution."
Everyone: "..."
The Forbidden Forest.
Considered forbidden and dangerous, it was a haven for dark creatures.
Not much for adult wizards, but perilous for younger students.
Hagrid led the way, suddenly spotting something, and hurried forward.
"What is it?" Harry asked, eyeing the silvery liquid on the ground.
"Unicorn blood," Hagrid replied gravely. "That's why we're here."
"Recently, I found a dead unicorn. Worried about more attacks, I've been patrolling daily. I didn't expect to find another."
"But this one seems only injured. Let's search the area."
...
Watching Hagrid, Harry, and Ron depart, Hermione knelt to draw a syringe.
A little bonus.
"What are you doing?" Malfoy asked, frowning.
Harry and Ron wanted nothing to do with him, leaving Malfoy to trail Hermione.
Ignoring him, Hermione quietly collected a vial of blood.
[Magical Creature]
[Unicorn (Collected)]
[Symbol of purity, with a single horn, blood can extend life]
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