Chapter 39: Detention in the Forbidden Forest
Room of Requirement
Harry, Ron and Hermione are now at the Room of Requirement so they have a private talk... and to avoid the drama which involved Belle being scolded by Nami for stealing the Shiro Mokuba 1 while the Straw Hats were out for a few days to pick up Hinagiku from Amazon Lily.
"The few days away was unintentional," Harry explained to his friends. "something happened in Amazon Lily that we were forced to extend our stay until we were healed enough to return. If I'd known, I would've brewed me some wiggenwald potion to help hasten our recovery. Sadly Wiggentrees don't grow in Amazon Lily"
"It can't be helped," said Hermione as she listened to Harry's explanation for returning late than expected. "I'm just glad that you're fine, although hearing this I do worry for you."
"I appreciate it," said Harry with a smile.
"So... your sister's devil fruit powers, huh?" said Ron
Harry gave Ron a deadpan look, clearly the ginger is still interested in HInagiku after seeing her unquestionable beauty.
"Ron, forget about her," said Harry, "She's not and will ever be interested."
"Honestly, Ron," Hermione scoffs at Ron.
"What? I was just pointing out that she has devil fruit powers," said Ron
"And so does some among the crew, what's your point?" said Harry, still unconvinced with Ron's so-call innocent purpose of using HInagiku as the topic of conversation.
"Yeah, well I mean you're no longer the one with that power among the new generation of Straw Hats, just saying." Said Ron
"Are you trying to imply and ask Harry if he is no longer special because Hinagiku has a devil fruit?" said Hermione with a frown, which Ron flinch from seeing.
"n-not in the way you said it" Ron panickly trying to explain.
"Ron, just stop," said Harry holding out his hand. "No doubt there will be others later going to try and ask about Hina...so don't bother with any excuse or disguised reason to talk about her."
"That's right, Ronald," said Hermione, causing Ron to groan with annoyance when Hermione used her his full first name. "Just drop the subject, clearly Harry is annoyed already."
"Well what should we talk about then?" said Ron
"Easy, you can tell me what happened while I was away?" said Harry with a simple smile. "Anything new happened?"
"Nothing really, apart from Belle being a menace with a few certain snakes," said Ron
"What happened?"
"Well, at start, when you left to take..." Ron paused as he tried to talk about Hinagiku again, but stopped halfway and think for a moment to find the right words without speaking about a certain Kuja princess. "Anyway, after minutes you left, Belle ran over Snape and Malfoy with that waver thing."
"The Shiro Mokuba 1?" said Harry
"Yeah, that, she was whizzing all around the Black Lake until she reached the bank and ran over Snape and Malfoy, and that wasn't the only time."
"Despite distancing themselves from the Black Lake, Belle still ran them over despite being away from the water." Said Hermione trying not to giggle when she recall those incidents. "They never expected it to be amphibious and thought being inland was safe for them, they thought wrong."
"We took pictures of the time it happened, here," said Ron as he took out some photos to show Harry.
Harry took the photos to see the images of either Snape, Malfoy, or both trying to dive away from a speeding Belle riding on the Shiro Mokuba 1, only for the 2 to either get run over or dive into the muddy puddle and splashes head first. Or course, there is one photo where Snape has to dive into a pile of thestral dung to avoid Belle's speeding, and another with Malfoy groaning in pain has he's lying on the ground, with waver treads on his back.
Harry couldn't help but laugh from this and returns the photos back to Ron.
"It's not*snort* funny Harry," Hermione as she's trying to stifle a laugh, despite what she thinks, she also finds it funny for she, in her personal opinion, the prats deserve it. She's not one to believe in karma, but witnessing this is considered a good example of it.
"Your face says otherwise," said Harry with a smirk. "But I think there is one good thing I see from this."
"And what is that?" said Hermione in confusion.
"Snape is too busy getting tormented by Belle that he's not trying to go after the Stone," said Harry. "I think he suspects me of knowing that he's doing, ever since I saw his wounded leg after that Troll attack."
"You think because you were gone for a few days, he would see this as an opportunity to go after the stone?" said Hermione.
"That's what I believe to be the fact," said Harry crossing his arms. "And ever since Halloween, and the attempt on my life in Quidditch, Snape hasn't once tried to do anything to get his hands on the Stone."
"And since you're here, it'll be a normal day in Hogwarts." Said Hermione
"exactly," said Harry, "But, we can't delay any further, school term is close to ending and we can't be around to keep an eye on Snape during the summer holidays."
"Then what do we suggest we do?" said Hermione
"That we find the stone, and hide it even further so that Snape doesn't get his grubby mitts on it." Said Harry
Ron and Hermione were taken back by this.
"You mean... plan a heist to stop a heist?" said Hermione
Harry nods.
"You must be barmy, Harry!" said Ron, "There is no way we're going back there to face that mutt."
"And there's the fact that Fluffy may not be the only thing protecting the stone." Said Hermione. "Not when it's the fabled Philosopher's Stone."
"Yes, that is a problem on it's own... " said Harry, pondering on how to get to the stone, especially when he has little information of it's whereabouts and how it's being protected. "Well, I think there is only one thing to do then."
"And what is that?" said Ron
"Ask Hagrid," said Harry casually.
"Ask Hagrid?" said Ron in disbelief. "Why Hagrid."
"Of course, Hagrid has a tendency of slipping out information unintentionally," said Hermione, although she feels bad for taking advantage of this. "remember how he mentioned Nicolas Flamel? And when he said that he later muttered "I never have said that" and walked away with annoyance."
"Exactly," said Harry. "If we talk to Hagrid that we know about the stone and Snape is intending to steal it. He may give us some information to help us get near the stone before Snape takes another attempt."
"mmm, I don't know," said Ron who is sceptical all about this, he personally didn't agree to all of this, knowing much about this conspiracy going on in Hogwarts. Learning that Snape is plotting to steal some mythical item that's hidden in this school. "I'm pretty sure the Stone is already safe, especially when it's in the hands of Dumbledore."
"As much as I want to put my faith in Dumbledore, I'm afraid I can't," Said Harry with a slight regrettable sigh. "I mean Gringotts was once considered a safe place for it, given it's sophisticated form of security, but it was easily broken into, which Dumbledore probably predicted. Plus, when that troll attacked the school, luring the Headmaster and the other Professors to deal with it, it left an opening for Snape to try and steal it."
"But that dog stopped him, right?" said Ron
"Only because Snape wasn't truly prepared or expected Fluffy to stand guard," Said Harry. "Now that he does, he'll no doubt find a way to get pass it and get even close towards the Stone."
"Which is why we must do this, Ron," said Hermione. "Despite his failed attempt, Snape will eventually get the stone and use it for his selfish needs."
Ron sighs in exasperation and turns to the two.
"Alright fine, we'll talk to Hagrid," said Ron
"We'll speak to him in the evening, he'll be busy talking to dad today," said Harry, knowing about his father currently speaking with Hagrid as he speak. "Plus, I need to catch up for the studying that I missed."
Ron deadpanned at Harry, he gets 3 days of absence and he wants to catch up with his studies?
"Unbelievable," Ron muttered rolling his eyes and shake his head at his pirate friend.
Evening: Hagrid's Hut
As scheduled, Harry, Ron and Hermione broke curfew and blinked near Hagrid Hut so they can speak to the Half-Giant groundskeeper. As Harry predicted, Hagrid wasn't privately available all day and after noon for Luffy and the New Generation paid their visits to Hagrid (except for Belle for she is currently grounded for the trouble she caused while the Straw Hat left for Amazon Lily to pick up Hinagiku). Harry couldn't help but smile and laugh at the irony for when he gotten in trouble before, now it's Belle's turn, he would've be joining her for sneaking into Amazon Lily but seeing that he did help rescue Hinagiku from the Wood-Wood Devil, Nami gives him one of her rare passes.
So, tonight is the only way for the trio to speak to Hagrid, considering that the topic in mind is too private for everyone to know about. They approached the door and Harry starts knocking on it, Hagrid opens to the door and to his surprise he sees the trio out and about, pass curfew.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione, what the devil are you doing up this late?" said Hargid, not happy seeing the trio breaking curfew.
"I'm sorry Hagrid, but I need to ask you something," said Harry
"Sorry, but right now is not the right time to speak, so go back to bed before you get into more trouble," said Hagrid as he starts to close the door.
But before he can close it fully, the trio simutantiously said "we know about the Philosopher's Stone."
This cause Hagrid to stop and open with an annoyed look on his face.
"*sigh* come on in," said Hagrid in mild exasperation, inviting the trio in his hut.
"We believe Snape is planning to steal it," said Harry
"Snape? Blimey, you're still on that, eh?" said Hagrid as he heads for the stove so he can take out what appears to overcooked meat.
"But Hagrid, we know he's after it but we ain't fully sure know why," said Harry, "I learned much about and how it was created. A thing like that should he used at all."
"Snape is one of the teachers protecting the stone," said Hagrid. "He's not planning to steal it."
"What?" said Harry in confusion.
"you heard," said Hagrid as he's about to lose his patience. "Right, I'm a bit preoccupied here so..."
"Wait a minute...other teachers?" said Harry, he figured that something important like the Philosopher's Stone would be defended, especially more than Hagrid's pet Fluffy. But hearing this he is starting to understand.
"Of course, there are other thing defending the stone, is there?" Hermione asked. "Spells and enchantment."
"That's right, bloody waste of time if you ask me," said Hagrid with a minor scoff. "There is no way of getting pass Fluffy, and no one knows how, 'cept for me and Dumbledore...I should have told you that, I shouldn't have told you that."
"So, the teachers know about the stone, and they're contributing their skills to keep it safe," said Harry, although he's glad that Dumbledore has faith in his fellow professors, but there is one problem with that...Snape is among them.
"But how can you be sure that Snape can be trusted?" said Harry
"Listen, I understand that Snape can be unfair and harsh, but there is one thing I know is that Snape is honest and loyal, especially with Dumbledore," Hagrid said to Harry. "After all, they have a past."
"What do you mean?" said Harry until something starts knocking on the door.
KNOCK
KNOCK
"Hagrid, you in there?" it is Luffy, he came to talk to Hagrid.
"Oh right, I asked Luffy to come around to help me with something, you best go, now." Said Hagrid to Harry and the others.
"Got it, and thank you Hagrid," said Harry before he, Ron and Hermione vanishes.
But what the trio didn't know, Draco Malfoy was spying on them through the hut window, he smirks for he know has an opportunity to get Harry expelled from Hogwarts, especially so he can get payback for the humiliation he had to endeavour from that quidditch bet be made with the pirate prince.
"I got you now, Potter," said Malfoy as he slinks into the shadows.
Next day
Harry, Ron and Hermione were on their way to their first class with McGonagall at Transfigurations. They acted as if nothing has happened after they snuck out the castle last night and went back in without getting caught. But what they didn't know was that Malfoy caught them in the act and came to tell the Head Mistress of the trio's crimes, so just before the trio could take their seats, McGonagall spoke out to them.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger," said McGonagall, causing the trio to look ahead to the teacher. "Come with me at my office,"
This caused the trio to become nervous, they are hesitant to come but they left their chairs regardless and heads for the teacher's office. As they enter, they notice Malfoy smirking smugly at the trio, which Harry suspect why and later sighs in exasperation for he doesn't like what he suspected.
"Is something the matter, Professor?" said Harry
"Before I ask you, can you ask me why you were summoned here?" said McGongall.
Although nervous, Harry puts on his convincing poker face and expresses confusion on it.
"Sorry, I don't," said Harry shrugging his shoulders.
"Then let me remind you," said McGonagall with a frown. "Last night, you, along with Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger snuck out of the castle, breaking curfew so you could speak with Hagrid. Now before you try and lie to me again, know that I have spoken to Hagrid this morning and told me that you came to his hut last night."
Harry sighs for there is no point in lying anymore, he shifts his eyes at the smug Malfoy, and groans with annoyance for what he suspected is true.
"And Malfoy was witness to this?" asked Harry
"That's correct," said McGonagall. "Nothing, I repeat nothing gives the student the right to walk about the school at night. And there are punishment for your actions: 50 points from Gryffindor."
"50?" Exclaimed Harry in disbelief and shock from the number of points taken away. He can understand 5-10 points, but 50?!
"Each," said McGonagall to the four students in her office. "and to ensure that none of this happens again, all four of you will receive detention."
Draco is very smug from this, it may not be expulsion but detention and a substantial amount of house points taken away is suffice to the blonde ferret. But then he stops smirking when he suddenly notice something wrong to what McGonagall has said.
"Excuse me, Professor," said Draco as he steps forward to talk. "Perhaps I heard you wrong, I thought you said the four of us?"
"No, you have heard me correctly, Mr. Malfoy," said McGonagall to Draco, "you see, though your intentions were honourable, you also out of bed after hours. You will join your classmates in detention."
Harry discreetly smirked at Malfoy, funny to see that Malfoy's scheme backfired on him when despite snitching on the trio, he also broke curfew and he'll share the penalty as he.
"You will report to Filch in the Front Hall at 9 in the evening," said McGonagall to the 4. "There he'll take you to where you'll spend detention to."
"How long are we spending it for, professor?" asked Harry
"Until midnight, seeing it's your first offense," said McGonagall, "now return to your desks so we can start today's lesson."
"Yes, Professor McGonagall" said the four students as they leave the office.
Later: evening
At 9 in the evening, Harry, Ron and Hermione had for the front hallway where Fich and Malfoy are waiting. The cantankerous caretaker to notice of the trio and scowls at them.
"Can't decide if I should be annoyed or pleased that you're being punished, Potter," said Filch. "But seeing that you wore that ring your mom made you wear after your unsupervised flying for a month must've been gruelling for you, I doubt this would compare."
"If it makes you feel any better, I will NOT be enjoying this one bit," said Harry in his usual deadpan tone.
"Smartass," Filch grumbles while he lights up his lantern. "Follow me."
Filch opens the main door and exits the school and leads the 4 students through the dark school grounds.
"It's a pity they let the old punishments die," said Filch as he escorts the 4 through the dark Castle Grounds. "Back then, we would have you lot in the dungeons and hanging you up on the wall by your thumbs. God, I miss the screaming."
After going through the grounds, they reached Hagrid's hut, where they can see Hagrid sitting by the fire with his hound Fang, and preparing his crossbow.
"You'll be serving Detention with Hagrid tonight," said Filch. "He's got a job for you all, in the Dark Forest."
Filch stops by the fire so he can speak with Hagrid, Harry took a close look to notice tear stains down across his cheek and onto his thick beard. Hagrid's been crying, something must've happened to make this sad.
"A sorry lot's here, Hagrid," said Filch as he presents the 4 students to serve their detention with the Half-Giant.
Hagrid nods at Filch while sniffing so to stifle his crying, but Filch isn't fooled and only rolled his eyes back from this.
"Oh god, you're ain't on about that bloody Dragon, are you?" said Filch with annoyance as he still see Hagrid act like this.
Hagrid wipes his nose with his sleeve, along with the tears from his eyes. He looks a the trio and explains his crying.
"Norberta's gone," Hagrid exclaims while trying to stifle his crying. "Dumbledore sent him to Romania to live in a colony. He said... he said she's too dangerous to be here, especially with the Hebridean Blacks nesting... very territorial he said."
"Well ain't that a good thing, she'll be with her own kind," Hermione assured Hagrid.
"Yeah, but what if she doesn't like it in Romania?" Hagrid asked with worry for his former pet. "What if the other dragons are mean to her, she's only a baby after all."
"Oh for god's sake, pull yourself together, man!" exclaimed Filch in exasperation, "You're going to the Forest, after all. You got to have your wit about ya."
"The Forest?" Malfoy exclaimed in shock. "I thought that was a joke. We can't go there."
Filch turns to Malfoy when he heard him protest.
"Students aren't allow, and there are..." said Malfoy when suddenly he can hollowing within the forest. "Werewolves."
"Oh there are more than werewolves in those trees, lad. You can be sure of that." Said Filch smirking crookedly at Malfoy, finding the boy's fear amusing. "Nighty night."
Filch takes his leave, leaving the 4 students in Hagrid's hands.
"Right, let's go."
Forbidden Forest
Detention has begun, Hagrid takes Harry, Ron, Hermione and Malfoy to the Forbidden Forest, they trek deep into the forest where it's quiet and eerie. 10 minutes has past and already they aren't liking this one bit. They truly understand why the forest is stictly forbidden, and not even by Hagrid side would make them feel safe.
Hagrid suddenly stops when he noticed something, a traces of silver with a metallic puddle is sighted. Hagrid kneels down so he can investigate and dip his thick finger into said puddle and sniffs it.
"Hagrid, what is that?" said Harry in curiosity when he saw the silver puddle.
"What we're here for," said Hagrid as he showed Harry and the others his silver stained hand. "see that? That's unicorn blood, that is. I saw one dead a few weeks ago. Now, this one's hurt bad by something."
As Hagrid explains the 4's purpose here in the forest, something stirring in the darkness, caused them to look around, even Hagrid is cautious for he knows what lurks within these taboo woods but regains his nerves so he can continue on.
"So, it's our job to go find the poor beast," Hagrid explained. "Ron, Hermione, you come with me. Harry, you'll go with Malfoy."
Not wanting to argue, and seeing that he has no choice, Harry nods.
"Ok, but I get Fang," said Malfoy, assuming that having a dog by his side, he'll be safe for he doesn't trust Harry one bit.
"Fine," said Hagrid. "Just so you know, he's a bloody coward."
Malfoy was taken back by this, especially when he heard the boarhound whines so how scared he is in the forest. Harry smiles sympathetically at the dog and comforts him with a pat on the head.
Later with Harry and Malfoy
"Wait 'til my father hears about this," Malfoy whines as usual as he, Harry and Fang start their search for the wounded unicorn. "This is servant's stuff."
Harry rolled his eyes at Malfoy while he searches for any trace of the wounded uniform, maybe finds any trails of its silver blood on the ground to follow, or any hoof tracks it left behind. Fortunately for the boys, Fang can track the Unicorn by it's scent, especially when it's bleeding so the smell of it's blood can found and traced by the dog.
"If I didn't know any better, Malfoy, I'd say you're scared," said Harry in his usual deadpan.
"I'm not scared, Potter?" Malfoy scoffed until he heard a faint howling, causing Malfoy to move close to Harry out denied fear. "Did you hear that?"
Harry ignored Malfoy and continues on with his search.
"Come on, Fang," Harry calls to the dog to come, and Fang obeys, both leaving Malfoy behind to catch.
"I'm not scared," Malfoy scoffs at Harry's assumption and follows.
"Tell me something, how the hell did you know I was going to Hagrid's last night?" said Harry looking back at Malfoy. "I don't recall you eavesdropping on us, not in a place we were in."
"Oh, curious, are you?" said Malfoy with a raised brow. "Well if you must know, Peeves was the one who eavesdropped on you and told me what you were doing."
"And you trusted in what he said?" said Harry with a raised brown. "Peeves, the poltergeist who cause nothing but trouble for both of us whenever he gets the chance? Are you seriously telling me that you trusted him in what he said and not once have you ever thought why he's telling you that?"
"Why should that be a problem for me?" said Malfoy. "I mean if got you into trouble, whose to say that I would question it?"
"And yet it got yourself in trouble along the way," said Harry with a deadpan. "Oh sure, that's not suspicious at all!"
"What are you getting at, Potter!?" said Malfoy, scowling at Harry's sarcastic insult.
"Think about it, the only way he told you is because he knows that you wanted me to get into trouble. You wouldn't give up that opportunity to snitch on me if it presents itself to you. Peeves gave you that opportunity, knowing well that you wouldn't turn down, in that result, you took the bait which got you into the same situation I'm in. Did it not occur to you that you'd be in trouble also? Especially when, by snitching on me, you'll be breaking curfew so that you can tell Professor MGonagall what I did?"
"...Shut up," Malfoy exclaimed who is now blushing in a faint pink.
"Admit it, Malfoy, Peeves played you for a fool," Said Harry with a smug grin, which Malfoy snarls from the sight of it. "And I bet he's laughing his floating arse off right about now when he heard that we got detention."
"Damn that Peeves," Malfoy snarls in anger, "I'll make him pay."
"Believe me, I want the same thing too," Said Harry with a frown. "So about this, we find a way to make him pay for this humiliation."
"What, us work together?" said Malfoy with a scoff. "Clearly you must be sleep deprived to even consider that, Potter!"
"Do you want that poltergeist to go unpunished?" Harry said calmly.
"...No," said Malfoy
"Then we find a way to make him pay," said Harry. "after this, first thing in the morning, we'll propose a truce and plot our revenge against Peeves."
"and how do I know you won't fool me again?" said Malfoy with a suspicious leer.
"Because this will benefit BOTH of us," said Harry as he stops and offers Malfoy his hand. "So how about it, a truce, just this once?"
Malfoy looks at Harry's hand and becomes sceptical, Malfoy did once offer his hand to Harry but Harry refused it. But seeing that this alliance would be temporary, just until Peeves gets his just desserts, Malfoy takes the Pirate Prince's hand to start their truce.
"alright, a truce." Said Malfoy as he shake Harry's hand. "But don't think for a second that we're friends. You had that chance when I offered you my hand back on the train."
"Oh trust me, you're the last person I want as a friend," said Harry as he broke off his handshake with Malfoy. "Now let's go find that Unicorn."
Harry and Malfoy continues on with their search for the wounded unicorn, they searched for almost half an hour but nothing was found until now. The two boys stopped when Fang suddenly reared back and growled, catching Harry's attention.
"What is it Fang?" said Harry to the dog until he look ahead from the forest's decline. They found the unicorn, but it was killed by a hooded figure that's currently sinking their teeth into the Unicorn's neck. Harry gasp from this and froze from what he saw, the hooded figure took notice of Harry and Malfoy and snarls at them, revealing their silver blood stained mouth and teeth, it was drinking the fallen beast's blood.
"Agh! Malfoy screamed and ran away, Fang follows and leaving Harry behind.
Harry scowled at Malfoy's cowardice and pulls out his wand and aims it at the hooded figure. But before Harry could even cast a spell, the hooded figure waved it's heavily sleeved hand at Harry, stunning him with an unknown stunning spell. The hooded figure slithers towards Harry like a shadow or a phantom. Harry cannot more for he was intently stunned by a spell is doesn't know, for the figure didn't use a wand or cite any incantation for it was so sudden for the boy.
"Damn it," said Harry he can't use his powers to him being stunned and hear preventing him. He is going to die.
Or so he thought, for suddenly help from an unexpected source came to the rescue. Leaping from the wooded incline, a centaur gallops to confront the hooded figure, he forces the hooded figure to back with by kicking front legs at it, making the hood figure run away and disappear in the mist.
Harry can feel himself move again for the spell cast on him has faded, he gets back on his feet and looks upon the centaur that save.
"Harry Potter, you must leave," the centaur warns Harry. "You are known to many creatures here. The forest isn't safe at this time, especially for you."
"What was that thing you saved me from?" Harry asked the centaur.
"A monstrous creature, it is a terrible crime to slay a unicorn," Said Centaur as he turns to the body of the dead unicorn. "Drinking the blood from it will keep you alive even if you're an inch from death... but at a terrible price. For to have slain something so pure, that the moment the blood touches your lips, you'll have a half-life, a cursed life."
"Who would want such a life?" said Harry, even though he's technically cursed himself for eating the Blink-Blink Fruit, drinking Unicorn blood to save himself from death isn't truly worth it if said consequences are included.
"Can't you think of anyone?" the centaur asked cryptically.
Harry took a moment to think of a person who would commit such a heinous act like slaying a unicorn so to... cheat death.
"Do you mean to say..." Harry came to a realisation on how that hooded figure was. "That that thing killed the unicorn, that's drinking it's blood, that was Voldemort?"
"And do you know what hidden in the school right this very moment, Mr. Potter?" the centaur asked Harry, albeit rhetorically.
Regardless, Harry nods, "the Philosopher's Stone."
Suddenly, followed with the barking of Fang, Harry turns to see Hagrid, Hermione and Ron up on the incline, straight after Fang leading them here to see Harry, the centaur and the dead unicorn.
"Harry," Hermione said in relief to see her friend is save after when Malfoy ran away with his tails between his leg and regrouped with the others. Malfoy isn't with them now, he left the forest like the coward he is, but Harry didn't care. He's more than happy to see his friends there to help him.
"Hello there Firenze," said Hagrid to the centaur. "I see you met Mr. Potter. You alright there, Harry?"
Harry nods at Hagrid.
"Harry Potter, this is where I leave you," said the centaur Firenze. "You're safe now, good luck."
Firenze the centaur takes his leave knowing that Harry is safe with friends, he gallops away so to regroup with his heard. Hagrid turns to the dead Unicorn and sighs as he was too late to save it. Unicorns are indeed pure creatures, and killing them would be considered an ill omen.
"Professor Dumbledore is not going to be happy about this," said Hagrid as he takes his leave . "Come on, let's go back."
Harry, Ron and Hermione take their leave and follow Hagrid out of the Forest.
Gryffindor Common Room
After detention, Harry, Ron and Hermione head back to the common room, for good this time for they had enough trouble for a time and wanted to rest. Harry explained what happened when he encountered the hooded figure who was apparently Voldemort feeding on the Unicorn of its silver blood. Ron and Hermione were shocked in disbelief from what they heard.
"You mean You-know-who is here, around the school?" said Hermione in shock after hearing what Harry told her and Ron.
"But he's weak, he's feeding off Unicorns," said Harry with a disturbed look on his face as he leans on the fireplace to stare at the flame. "Can't you see, we got it all wrong. Snape doesn't want the stone for himself, he needs it to give to Voldemort. With the elixir of Life, Voldemort will come back."
Ron dreaded that, the stories about Voldemort is enough to be afraid of the infamous dark wizard, let alone give him nightmares of him killing him back when he was a toddler. But to imagine him returning, the ginger's heart is now in his throat.
"You don't think, when he returns, he'll finish the job and kill you?" asked Ron.
"I'm pretty sure he had the change to kill me in the forest," said Harry as he still recall how easy the Hooded Figure stunned him before he could even cast a spell. "And he would if Firenze hadn't come and save me."
"And to think, we'll be having potions exams with Snape soon," said Ron with worry. "I don't think I can focus with that on my mind."
"Now hold on," said Hermione as she turns to Harry, "Harry, who is the one person you-know-who fears the most?"
"...Dumbledore," said Harry
"Exactly, with Dumbledore around Hogwarts, he will never come near." Said Hermione as she assures Harry. "With Dumbledore around, you will won't be touched."
"As fitting as that sounds, I'll make sure he never lays a finger on me," said Harry with an aggressive frown. 10 years has past since he and Voldemort cross paths, and if that comes, Harry will be sure he'll make the bastard's death permanent.
End of Chapter