Time flew by like fallen leaves carried away by the autumn wind. The cold of winter was replaced by the first signs of spring: buds swelled on the trees, and the air was filled with the light scent of blossoming flowers. Hogwarts was slowly waking up from its winter hibernation, and the students filled the corridors once again with noise and excitement.
Itachi and Theodore, meanwhile, were gathering information about the Philosopher's Stone.
Every day, one by one, they followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione, trying to remain undetected. They watched their movements, listened to their conversations, and tried to figure out their plans.
But to their surprise, the Gryffindors seemed to be stumped. They continued to discuss Nicholas Flamel and his connection to the stone, but they couldn't get anything new that Itachi and Theodore didn't know.
And then, one day while Theodore was on duty, he managed to witness a very interesting scene.
He hid behind one of the columns in the library and watched the Gryffindors. He saw Hermione, barely holding a thick book in her hands.
Theodore recognized the book immediately - It was from this book that he and Itachi had learned about Nicholas Flamel's saiyasi with the Philosopher's Stone. He listened to their conversation.
Hermione opened the thick book, and began flipping through the pages quickly.
"Here," she said, "it says here that Nicholas Flamel was not only an alchemist, but also the creator of the Philosopher's Stone, which grants immortality and can turn any metal into gold."
"...I'm telling you it's some kind of mystery," Theodore heard a scrap of Ron's conversation.
"And it's pretty dangerous stuff if it falls into the wrong hands." - Harry suggested.
Theodore, realizing that he wasn't going to learn anything new anymore, quietly left the library. He already knew of the existence of the Philosopher's Stone and that it was connected to Nicholas Flamel. The Gryffindors, on the other hand, didn't seem to have gotten any further in their research. This was comforting on the one hand, but on the other, it made him think that perhaps they were missing something important.
Gathering his thoughts, Theodore decided to head to their secret room, He knew Itachi was probably already waiting for him there.
He left the room and headed towards the stairs leading to the eighth floor. Instead of walking the normal way, he began to walk along the walls, trying to keep in the shadows. He avoided direct glances with the other students, walking past them like a shadow. He noticed many people looking at him, but he tried to ignore it, and kept walking on.
Once he reached the eighth floor, Theodore began to walk along the long hallway. He remembered Itachi telling him that even the paintings on the walls could be watching them, so he tried not to stop in front of them, or make eye contact with them. He realized that these works of art could be reporting everything they see to someone.
He walked quickly but carefully, not making any unnecessary noises. His footsteps were quiet and confident, After passing several empty corridors and abandoned classrooms, Theodore finally reached the right place. He stood in front of the wall where the door to the Ransom Room usually appeared and thought about what he needed.
As soon as he thought of the room they usually practiced in, the door appeared in front of him. He breathed a sigh of relief and carefully opened it, slipping inside.
He saw that Itachi was sitting in a chair as usual, calmly reading a book, and there was not a trace of worry on his face as always.
"Sorry it took so long," he said, trying to catch his breath.
Itachi looked up at him and nodded.
Theodore sat down next to Itachi and sighed heavily, and with a slight wrinkle, he said
"So... this is it. The Gryffindors, it turns out, have finally figured out the connection between the stone and Flamel. Can you imagine how much effort we spent on surveillance, and they, knew less than we did." He grinned, a slight disappointment in his tone.
"So much effort, and in the end... nothing new."
Itachi, not taking his eyes off the book he held in his hands, only nodded briefly.
After listening to Theodore's words he fell into silence for a few moments. He stared at one point, as if pondering some complex puzzle, his gaze focused and his eyebrows slightly furrowed. Theodore, accustomed to his thoughtfulness, waited patiently for an answer without interrupting.
Finally, Itachi broke away from his thoughts and looked at Theodore, his gaze serious, but with a spark of anticipation in it.
"You're right, Theodore," he began, his voice steady and calm. - The frustration is understandable, for we have spent a great deal of energy trying to learn what we already knew. But on the other hand, it may be for the best."
He paused, giving Theodore time to consider his words, then continued:
"Now that they've realized the connection between the stone and Nicholas Flamel, they're likely to want to do something... reckless. They are enthusiastic and believe they are right. Which means we can expect some rash actions from them in the near future."
Itachi leaned forward, and his gaze became more penetrating.
" We have to follow their lead, and not let them make a mistake that could lead to dire consequences." He paused once more, and added
" We must be especially vigilant in the coming week. They may try something at any moment."
Theodore, listening carefully to Itachi, nodded, agreeing with his words.
"Alright," Theodore replied. - I'm ready. I'll keep an eye on them like a shadow."
Itachi smiled slightly and shook his head.
"That's a role I'll take on," he replied. - I'm more competent at tracking, and I'm better at staying undetected."
With that, they ended their discussion, and with a nod to each other, they headed off to class.
Itachi, as always, was performing impressively in his studies.
The boys envied his success, and the girls admired his restraint and, at times, mystery. But despite all the attention he continued to stealthily follow the Gryffindors.
In that time, he had gotten a pretty good idea of them:
He saw Ron as a good fool. Even though Ron came from a pureblood family, Itachi realized that he was far from the arrogance and cruelty that was usually associated with pureblood wizards. He knew that the Weasley family, contrary to most pureblood families, was opposed to old traditions and racial resentment towards Muggleborns, and this trait had been passed on to Ron as well. He was impulsive, often did stupid things, and might not seem very smart, but he had a good and loyal heart beating in his heart.
In Harry, he saw a boy who wasn't stupefied by fame. Itachi watched him with a special interest. He saw that Harry, despite his worldwide fame, remained humble and simple. He didn't boast about his title
"The Boy Who Survived" and didn't let fame cloud his judgment.
He also noticed that Harry was brave and determined, but he was also emotional and impulsive.
Itachi stopped his gaze on
Hermione
In her, Itachi saw a reflection of himself. She, like him, was a muggleborn, a 'mudblood' as some pureblood wizards scornfully called them.
But that didn't stop her from shining in her studies. Itachi saw that Hermione wasn't just a diligent student, she was the second best in the class, always following him. Her sharp mind, inquisitiveness, and pursuit of knowledge fascinated him, though he never showed it openly.
Itachi saw that Hermione didn't limit herself to just theory. She had an excellent grasp of spells and enjoyed putting her knowledge into practice. She wasn't just smart, she was competent and skillful. She wasn't afraid of challenges and always strived for perfection, which couldn't help but inspire respect.
He also noticed that she often looked at him. In those glances he could read not only admiration but also rivalry.
Hermione didn't want to stay in the shadows, she was eager to prove that she was as good as him, and that she was capable of surpassing him. Itachi understood this, and deep down he even enjoyed it a little bit. It was a challenge that made her become a better person.
Itachi, couldn't help but see the irony in that.
Two top students, both 'mudbloods', competing for supremacy in a school full of prejudice and preconceptions. It was another reason for Itachi not to underestimate her. It's clear as day to him, Hermione isn't just a smart girl, she's a strong opponent.
Itachi, as he continued his observations of the Gryffindors, became more and more convinced that Hermione was the biggest threat to him.
At the same time, he thought about the very structure of their team - Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Itachi saw that their team was remarkably balanced, bringing together all the social strata of the magical world.
Harry, a half-blood, not lacking in nobility, but carrying a heavy burden of fame.
Ron, a representative of a pureblood family with conflicting views and a strong attachment to his friends.
Hermione, a "mudblood", the intellectual engine of the team, able to analyze and strategize. This combination of different, sometimes contradictory, views and beliefs formed a wonderful, unique dynamic that he thought made their team especially dangerous and effective.
Class came to an end, and Itachi continued his stalking of the Gryffindors as he had planned. However, it was getting harder with each step. As he made his way deeper and deeper into the corridors leading to Gryffindor Tower, he realized that his presence here was attracting more and more attention. He was a Slytherin student, and his appearance in these parts of the castle was something unusual. The other students, especially the Gryffindors, cast suspicious glances at him, and he had to maneuver constantly to remain unnoticed.
He could feel the risk of being discovered increasing by the minute. His clothes, his Slytherin badge all gave him away. He had to change his trajectory, speeding up or slowing down his stride to avoid collisions and not cause unnecessary questions. He knew that if he was exposed, tracking him further would become nearly impossible, and that jeopardized his entire plan.
Fortunately, the Gryffindor trio, busy with their own thoughts and plans, never noticed him. They were walking along, chatting animatedly and paying no attention to their surroundings. Itachi, trying to keep his distance, caught scraps of their conversation.
"...At night..." - Harry muttered, his voice quiet and strained.
"...At Hagrid's..." - Ron added, his voice a little louder.
"...We have to be careful..." - Hermione whispered, her tone full of concern.
Itachi frowned. A night meeting with Hagrid? What were they up to there? That seemed suspicious to him. He realized he needed to keep an eye on them through the night.
Itachi, watching the Gryffindors go deeper into the maze of corridors leading to their tower, made a decision.
He didn't want to push his luck and put himself in danger of being exposed. His presence in the corridors of Gryffindor was becoming increasingly suspicious, and sooner or later someone might spot him, and that could put a crimp in his plans.
He stopped at a crossroads, contemplating what to do next. He needed information about the trio's nighttime meeting with Hagrid, but how could he do it without revealing himself? The solution came unexpectedly and, paradoxically, it was dictated by the situation itself. Night surveillance was the most reliable option.
He knew that students were not supposed to walk around the castle at night, and that they could be seriously punished for it. But it was this prohibition that had caught his attention. He realized that it was in the silence of the night that he would be able to act stealthily and effectively. He would not have to fear casual glances and questions. He would be able to move freely through the corridors and keep an eye on the Gryffindors without attracting too much attention.
Moreover, Itachi realized that the ban on night walks wouldn't stop the Gryffindors, and that their nighttime encounter with Hagrid was all the more suspicious. It only piqued his interest and desire to find out what they were up to there.
With these thoughts in mind, Itachi decided to end the day's surveillance. He backed away from the corridors of Gryffindor, and, trying not to draw attention to himself, headed towards his room. He knew he needed to prepare for a night out.
Night
Hogwarts had fallen into silence.
The castle, filled with noise and commotion during the day, now seemed deserted.
Itachi, patiently waiting for the noise in the dormitory to subside, quietly walked out of his room. He was dressed in dark clothing that would help him remain inconspicuous in the shadows of the corridors.
But before he went in search of the Gryffindors, he decided to resort to his secret trump card.
Itachi wasn't just a wizard, he was an animagus.
In this world, animagi were a rare and complex magical art that allowed wizards to voluntarily transform into animals.
Itachi took a deep breath, concentrated, and closed his eyes. His body began to change, his bones crunching and his muscles realigning.
In the blink of an eye, his human form disappeared and in its place was a cat that was an exact replica of Mrs. Noris the Filch's companion cat.
Itachi remembered that animagi were a rarity in the wizarding world, and that they were required to be registered with the Ministry of Magic. This rule existed to narrow down who was suspected of crimes and to ensure that animagi themselves did not abuse their abilities. Itachi realized that if he was caught, he would face serious trouble, but he was confident that he would be able to avoid it.
He wielded animagi with remarkable ease, since in his past life, he was skilled in reincarnation techniques, it was one of his trump cards.
Itachi, now in the guise of a cat, gracefully jumped to the floor and headed towards the exit of the Slytherin dormitory. He realized that in this guise he would be able to move around the castle more discreetly, and that no one would suspect him of being a spy.
Mrs. Noris's cat was a common sight at Hogwarts, and her presence should not raise any suspicions.
In the guise of a cat he felt much freer, he could jump, run, and climb the walls. It gave him a huge advantage, and he was going to use it to its fullest potential.
In this guise, he would be able to intimidate the other students. As soon as he appeared in sight, most of the students, especially the smart and fidgety ones, immediately ran to their rooms. After all, no one wanted to run into Filch, who always followed his cat like its shadow.
Itachi was pleased with his plan. He realized that this guise would give him an advantage and allow him to follow the Gryffindors unhindered. But he also understood that he needed to be very careful not to run into the real Mrs. Noris.
Meeting the original could get him in big trouble.
Wandering through the dark corridors of Hogwarts, Itachi reached the Gryffindor dormitory. The first thing he decided to do was to use his, albeit not the most efficient, tool - his sense of smell.
The cat's receptors picked up hundreds of different scents: the smell of freshly washed laundry, the smell of dust and old books, the smell of food coming from somewhere under the carpet. But among this endless stream of odors, Itachi searched for a specific scent: the smell of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
But to his disappointment, the cat's sense of smell, though keen, could not pick out the one he was looking for among this riot of scents. The scent of the Gryffindors seemed to have dissolved into the general aromatic chaos of the castle. Itachi, a little discouraged, froze, sniffing. All the odors seemed to blend together, creating the sensation of a solid, impenetrable veil. He could smell thousands, tens of thousands, of odors, but could not distinguish the one he so desperately wanted to capture.
Realizing that his feline sense of smell would not produce the desired results, Itachi decided to scrap the idea and change tactics. He realized that he was wasting his time trying to pick out the right smells in this maze of scents.
He decided it would be better to head straight for Hagrid's hut. If the Gryffindors were already there, he had lost enough time and he needed to find out what they were doing there as soon as possible. If the trio hadn't made it to the hut yet, however, he was sure they would definitely be there soon. Hagrid was their friend, and if they had a meeting planned, they certainly wouldn't miss it.
With these thoughts, Itachi, in the guise of Mrs. Noris, turned around and gracefully jumped off the windowsill and headed for the exit. He moved quickly and silently, trying not to draw attention to himself. He knew that time was his greatest enemy.
He walked through empty corridors, down staircases, and finally found himself outside the castle. The night was quiet and still, and the moon shone brightly in the sky, illuminating his path.
Itachi, moving quickly in the silence of the night, was approaching Hagrid's hut. He could already feel the slight breeze carrying with it the smell of smoke and freshly cut twigs that characterized the giant's dwelling. But, as always, his instincts were on guard. Suddenly, a shadow flashed into his field of vision, in the light of the moon. A small, but distinct, shadow lurking outside the window of the hut. Itachi stopped abruptly and pressed himself against the tree, concentrating on the sensation. It wasn't just a silhouette. He saw... Malfoy.
Itachi noted bitterly to himself that he had probably wasted his time wandering aimlessly around the castle. The Gryffindors were probably already here. Blaming himself for being careless and wasting valuable time, he took a deep breath.
This wasn't just an observation. Malfoy was apparently watching someone or something as well, and it made Itachi wonder.
Itachi realized that he needed to get closer, but in a way that didn't draw attention. There was no way Malfoy would notice him.
Itachi, barely taking a step forward to approach Hagrid's hut, froze.
Malfoy, as if sensing his presence, swiftly turned around and darted away, hiding in the night shadows.
"Damn," Itachi thought, "I've been spotted.
But at the same instant, he saw the door of Hagrid's hut swing open.
From inside, a bright flame burst from the crackling hearth, illuminating the figure of Hagrid, with a huge, gleaming dragon nestled on his shoulders. Behind Hagrid's back stood, almost hidden by the shadows, the figures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Making sure the trio seemed to notice Malfoy he calmed down.
The Gryffindors, having finished their meeting with Hagrid, said their goodbyes and apparently headed back to the castle. Itachi, watching them, felt a growing frustration. His nightly stakeout, which had begun with such determination, had once again failed to bring him any significant results. Once again he had learned nothing new, and all his efforts had been in vain.
But, in addition to the frustration, Itachi felt another, unsettling feeling.
His magic was weakening. Staying in Cat form required immense concentration and considerable reserves of magical energy.
Animagic, as such, was a new technique to him, and, he realized, not yet fully honed. All the time he had spent in Mrs. Noris' form, he had been using his magical energy to maintain that form, and his reserves seemed to be inexorably depleted.
Itachi had never been known for having a large supply of magic especially now that his magical core was not yet fully formed... In his past life, he had made up for it by being able to control his chakra.
He could feel his form becoming unstable and his muscles began to tingle, warning him that he was nearing his limit.
He realized that he needed to stop tracking and return to his room as soon as possible to replenish his magic reserves. He couldn't take any chances. If he didn't recover, he wouldn't have the energy to train or continue watching the Gryffindors.
His body needed rest and his magic needed replenishing. He had to get back to his room before it was too late.
Itachi reached the castle walls and felt his body shaking with fatigue. He realized that he could no longer maintain his animagus form and needed to change into human form immediately.
Stepping into the shadows under the archway, he concentrated and whispered a canceling spell. In the blink of an eye, his fur disappeared, his bones took their former shape, and he was human again. His body tingled from the exertion and his head rattled, but he knew that the most important thing now was to get to his dormitory.
He leaned against the wall to catch his breath and tidied his clothes. He realized he was too close to failure.
Stepping out of the shadows, he headed towards the Slytherin dormitory. He walked quickly, but trying not to make any noise, and hoped that he would be able to avoid seeing any of the teachers or head teachers. But just as he stepped out of the hallway, he bumped into someone. He took a step back and looked up.
It was Professor McGonagall, her face was frowning and her eyes looked at him with surprise.
"Mr. Uchiha, what are you doing here at this late hour?" - Professor McGonagall asked, her voice was stern and harsh.
Itachi, upon seeing McGonagall, felt a wave of irritation rise in him. He realized that he had been caught, and that he would have to explain himself.
He needed to make it to his room in the guise of Mrs. Noris. Then no one would suspect anything.
He opened his mouth to say something, but then his gaze caught on a silhouette standing at the end of the hallway. It was Malfoy. His eyes were wide with surprise, and he was clearly as stunned to see Itachi as McGonagall was.
Itachi noted, with annoyance, that not only had the professor caught it, but Draco had seen it too.
"It's... not what you think, Professor McGonagall," Itachi tried to explain, but his voice, coupled with his fatigue, sounded strained and unconvincing.
"Mr. Uchiha, I will hear your explanation later," Professor McGonagall interrupted him sharply, her voice firm and allowing no objections.
"Right now, please follow me." She turned around and, without waiting for Itachi's response, headed towards the hallway.
Itachi gritted his teeth and realized he had no choice but to obey. He couldn't argue with Professor McGonagall, and he needed to come up with some convincing excuse. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and followed the professor.
They walked in silence, but Itachi could feel the tension hanging in the air. He was well aware that Professor McGonagall suspected something, and that his situation was rather unenviable. He really didn't understand why she was dragging him along, or what was going on right now.
But as soon as they turned down one of the side corridors, Itachi realized everything. In the moonlight streaming through the tall windows, he saw the Gryffindors.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were walking down the corridor, talking animatedly and clearly not expecting to see Professor McGonagall.
Itachi couldn't help but notice that Malfoy, who was standing a little farther away, had a smug smile on his face. That smile was clear and unmistakable, and Itachi immediately realized that Malfoy had decided to rat them out.
He had probably followed the Gryffindors on purpose
Itachi gritted his teeth. He realized that the situation was even worse now. He had been caught with the Gryffindors, and all his attempts to go unnoticed had failed.
Professor McGonagall, after giving all five of them a stern look, filled the corridor with her harsh voice.
"Do you really think I don't have the intelligence to realize what's going on here? I can see perfectly well that you've broken curfew, and that you don't have a single valid reason for walking around the castle in the middle of the night!"
She paused, circling everyone with her gaze, as if trying to burn their guilt right onto their faces.
"There is no reason at all why a student should be free to walk the corridors at this hour. This is a blatant violation of the rules, and it will not go unpunished!"
The professor's voice was filled with anger, and each of them involuntarily cringed.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger," she continued, turning to the Gryffindors,
"For your irresponsible behavior, Gryffindor will be deducted 50 points, each!"
The Gryffindors snickered, realizing the gravity of their transgression. Malfoy, on the other hand, broke out into a smug grin as he looked at his rivals. But Professor McGonagall didn't let it go unnoticed.
"And finally, Mr. Uchiha," Professor McGonagall addressed Itachi, her voice dry.
"I do not know what brought you to this corridor, or what you were doing here, but your presence here is no excuse either. For your inappropriate behavior, and breaking Slytherin rules, 50 points will be removed!"
Malfoy's smile instantly slid off his face
''Therefore, all five of you, you will be punished, and will serve your punishment with Mr. Filch. Now, please all of you follow me."
But Malfoy, unexpectedly, put in his own word.
"Professor, all five of you? Is it my fault they broke the rules?"
Professor McGonagall, frowning slightly, looked at Malfoy.
"Mr. Malfoy, your presence here does not excuse your behavior either. You have, also, broken the rules, and seem to have tried to take advantage of the situation to hold others accountable. Even good intentions cannot justify breaking the rules!"
Malfoy, clearly surprised by her answer, opened his mouth to object, but the professor interrupted him.
Professor McGonagall's eyes stopped on Itachi, something more than disappointment flickering in them.
"Both of you, Mr. Uchiha and Miss Granger, are role models for your peers! You are constantly in the public eye. That is why your behavior is a prime example of how not to act! Your infractions, especially in light of what is happening this year, are particularly outrageous." She took a deep breath
Professor McGonagall, without waiting for further protests, directed the five offenders to Filch.
The professor's heavy footsteps echoing down the long corridors emphasized the gravity of the situation. Itachi, head lowered, walked as if not noticing the stares. An awkward silence hung in the air, broken only by the rustle of clothes and the thud of boots.
The Gryffindors and Malfoy, walking beside Itachi, cast strange glances at him. Harry's eyes were filled with incomprehension and slight pity.
Ron, who usually wasn't shy in his expressions, was silent this time, his jaw tightly clenched.
Hermione looked at Itachi with an unreadable expression, as if trying to figure out what he was so interested in.
Malfoy, on the other hand, casting venomous glances at Itachi.
Handing us over to Flitch McGonacle walked away.
Filch, escorted the five intruders towards the Forbidden Forest.
This decision, in Itachi's opinion, was an odd one. The punishment of being sent to the Forbidden Forest was, in fact, even more risky than simply standing at the stove or writing endless essays. Students were forbidden to go to the Forbidden Forest because of the real danger, and now they were being taken there for breaking the rules.
Itachi, unable to stand it, turned to Filch, his voice flat but slightly annoyed:
"Mr. Filch, could you please explain exactly why the Forbidden Forest? It's notoriously dangerous there. It's not the most common punishment."
Filch, muttered, not looking at Itachi and continuing to lead them to the Forbidden Forest:
"Going there WITHOUT an escort is dangerous, Mr. Uchiha. There are all sorts of creatures there that are best not to know about. You all know that. But... you are now being escorted by Hogwarts staff. It's a leniency. It used to be, for offenses like this, they'd tie their thumbs to the dungeon wall for the night. And you, you see, are walking, respectably, with the staff." He fell silent, not dignifying Itachi with a single glance. Filch, as always, assumed his words were understood without further explanation. Itachi, though he realized it was more intimidation than actual clarification, left the thought for further thought. Inside him, in addition to the growing unease, some measure of schadenfreude was beginning to brew. The punishment had been softened, and now instead of a dungeon, it was the Forbidden Forest. How interesting...
Itachi didn't insist. He realized that arguing with Filch was pointless.
Filch finally led the five intruders to Hagrid's hut.
When they reached the threshold, he grinned at Hagrid, who stood sadly by the door.
"There, Hagrid," Filch wheezed, "your assistants have arrived. You may not be discouraged by the dragon. I'll leave them here." With those words, he turned and hurried away, leaving the five students alone with Hagrid.
Hagrid, upon seeing the boys, put on a sad smile.
"Hey, guys. So, what brings you to me?" He looked dejected, and Itachi realized his look had to do with something other than their appearance.
"Professor McGonagall sent us to Filch, who in turn brought us here as punishment," Hermione replied, glancing around Hagrid's hut. - But we don't understand what we're supposed to do here, and what about the dragon?"
Hagrid sighed, scratching his beard.
"Yes, I see. Did you see me with the dragon today? He's going to have to be given away, it seems. Dumbledore has decided to send him to Romania. I'm so worried, I don't know how I'll be without him!"
Itachi, hearing this, frowned. So that dragon on Hagrid's shoulders that he had seen was his own. And that he, it became clear, would be sent to Romania.
It was the same dragon that he and Malfoy had seen, and that it could very well be the reason why the Gryffindors had broken curfew. He began mentally going through all the possible options.
Hagrid, after a brief silence, invited everyone to follow him.
"Well, let's go, lads," he said, and his voice, despite his sad mood, was still kind. - Let's not stand here. Work is work."
He turned around and headed towards the Forbidden Forest, gesturing for them to follow him.
The five students, with some apprehension, followed him. Itachi, never taking his eyes off his surroundings, trying not to miss a single detail.
As they went deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller and denser, and there was an eerie silence, broken only by the crackling of branches beneath their feet.
Suddenly, Malfoy, noticing that they were getting farther and farther into the forest, muttered with a note of panic in his voice
"I thought this was a joke! There are werewolves here! Is this safe?" He looked around, as if expecting some monster to jump out from behind the nearest tree.
Hagrid, hearing Malfoy's words, grinned, turning around.
"Don't worry, Malfoy," he replied, "I know this forest like the back of my hand. There are no werewolves here, and there's nothing to be afraid of if you know where to go. We'll work here and that's it, we'll head back."
Hagrid added that they would just help him with one thing, and afterward he would see them off.
Itachi, watching this scene, noted that Malfoy, though haughty and arrogant, was actually quite cowardly.
Hagrid, picking his way through the dense thickets, stopped beside a small, moss-covered stream. On its surface, under a canopy of trees, was a puddle of an unusual, silvery color. Harry, looking around warily, asked
"Hagrid, what is it?"
Hagrid leaned over the puddle and sighed, the sad tone of his voice could be heard even through the rustling of the leaves.
"Unicorn blood, Harry. The blood of a wounded unicorn. I found one killed, and this one... Wounded."
Hagrid, scratching the back of his head thoughtfully, made a decision
"Okay, guys, we need to split up. I'll go with Hermione to check out that part of the forest over there."
He pointed in the direction where thick tree crowns formed an almost impenetrable wall.
"Malfoy, you and Harry go over there," he waved his hand in the opposite direction
"Ron and Uchiha will go that way. We need to find the injured unicorn, and the sooner the better."
Itachi, hearing this, was immediately wary. Splitting up in the Forbidden Forest, where they'd found out that not everything was peaceful, was irresponsible, to say the least.
"Mr. Hagrid," he said, not hiding his displeasure in his voice. - 'In my opinion, this is an extremely irresponsible act. We were supposed to, according to you, set an example to the other students of how dangerous the Forbidden Forest is, and now we're going to split up and wander around it like it's a normal walk? It's fine when we go together, with an escort, but now we're going to wander alone in a forest full of danger? And, if the one who injured the unicorn is out there, we might run into him!"
He didn't understand how Hagrid, knowing the dangers of the forest, could suggest such a thing. It was a decision that defied all logic. Itachi suspected that Hagrid was dividing them for a reason.
Hagrid, after listening to Itachi's words, frowned and scratched his beard as if pondering his words. His usually good-natured face now expressed mild concern.
"Listen, Uchiha," Hagrid said, his voice a little harsher than usual.
" I understand that you're worried, and that it's a bit risky. But the unicorns need our help, and we don't have much time. I know this forest, I told you so. Splitting up is the fastest way to find the wounded. I won't let you guys get hurt, trust me." He added, lowering his voice slightly.
"Besides, I'll divide you up so that everyone will be safe. Everyone will help each other. You'll be able to do anything."
He shifted his gaze to the rest of the students, trying to give his voice more confidence.
"I'm not going to leave you. I'm going to keep an eye on you, and if anything happens, I'll be right here for you. All of you are safe."
Itachi, listening to Hagrid's explanation, mentally noted how strained and unconvincing it was. He realized that Hagrid probably wasn't telling him everything, and that he was clearly underestimating the danger posed by the Forbidden Forest. They were students, and their lives should not be put at risk because of one unicorn, no matter how important it was. But he decided not to voice his suspicions out loud until he saw more cause for concern. He needed to remain calm and vigilant, to be able to protect himself and Ron if need be.
Malfoy, meanwhile, was clearly relieved to be able to take Fang, Hagrid's huge and not very friendly dog, into the forest with him.
"So we're taking Fang, since he can help?" - He asked Hagrid, with noticeable amusement.
Ron, watching Itachi scowl, couldn't resist making a sarcastic remark
"So, Uchiha, are you scared or something?" - He asked, trying to hide a smirk. He was clearly trying to tease Itachi, seeing his serious expression. Ron was always prone to making jokes in the most inappropriate situations, and this one was no exception.
Itachi only threw Ron a cold glare, not dignifying him with a response. His tension was not due to fear, but to caution and suspicion, but Ron didn't seem intent on realizing that.
Itachi realized that he would have to act, relying only on himself, and that he shouldn't count on Ron's help, who was too easygoing.
Itachi's irritation was growing. Not only because of Hagrid's strained explanations and Ron's jokes, but also because he felt a weakness stretching from his fingertips all the way to his heart. His magic, depleted after the night's transformation had not yet fully recovered. He could feel the magic splashing somewhere deep inside him, but not obeying his commands with the same ease as usual. He knew that in battle, in any dangerous situation, this incomplete readiness could cost him his life.
The thought of not being in full control of his power made him uneasy. He was always used to being on guard, to relying on his strength and skill, but now he felt that his options were limited.
Itachi realized it was useless to argue with Hagrid. His decision had been made, and he wasn't going to change it.
Ron and Itachi, deep into the thicket of the forest, walked side by side, but each as if in his own world. Ron began to grumble, as he always did, expressing his displeasure at being sent with Itachi.
"Why am I the one with you?" - he complained, walking down the narrow pathway
"You could have gone with Harry, or Hermione. Well, or at least someone who isn't silent like a fish."
He continued to mutter, complaining about his fate and the horrible company he had to endure.
Itachi, however, mostly ignored Ron's grumbling. He was completely immersed in his thoughts, mulling over the situation and trying to catch any signs of danger. He wasn't about to get into a pointless argument with Ron and waste his energy on it. His attention was on the world around him, not on Ron's incoherent complaints.
Ron, noticing that Itachi was ignoring him, began to get even angrier.
"Well, of course," he blurted out, stopping and looking at Itachi point-blank
"Weasley, shut up," Itachi said sharply, not taking his eyes off the forest. His voice was flat and cold, not tolerating objections.
Ron continued his tirade as if unraveling a tangle of resentment and grievances, but he didn't let up
"And how easy it is for you," he muttered, resentment in his voice.
"You're smart and strong, and I bet all the girls are crazy about you. Everyone circles around you like moths to a flame, and you sit there and keep quiet, as if you don't care about anything. How could you not? You're a Slytherin genius, not like us mere mortals."
He added a note of sarcasm, as if he was jealous of his popularity and the attention he was getting.
Ron stomped his foot like an angry child.
"Yeah, and probably ratted us out to McGonagall along with Malfoy! Now we're wandering around this stupid forest like idiots! ."
He folded his arms across his chest as if to show his steadfastness.
Itachi finally cast Ron a look full of icy calm.
"I got caught moving around the castle too. I had nothing to do with Malfoy's plan. I also pursued what I have now... unlike you. "
"I don't give a damn about the opinions of those who just want results without putting in the effort. So stop your speculation, and just go." Itachi turned around and continued on his way, ignoring a shocked Ron.
Itachi, moving further into the forest, noticed that Ron had fallen silent. And to be frank, that wasn't a bad thing. The silence, after the torrent of accusations and complaints, gave him a chance to concentrate on the task at hand.
But the silence didn't last long. It was shattered mercilessly by a shrill scream that echoed throughout the Forbidden Forest.
It was Malfoy's chilling scream.
Itachi, instantly recognizing the direction of the source of the scream, noticed Ron, startled, bounce to the side.
Turning again to the place where the heartbreaking scream was coming from, a thought flashed through his mind
"Potter's in trouble again."
Without thinking, he rushed towards where he felt Harry was.
Itachi, leaving Ron and Lantern behind, quickly activated his Sharingan. In the blink of an eye, his eyes turned into two bright scarlet, almost blinding spots in the pitch blackness of the forest. He hoped no one would notice him. Those scarlet eyes would stand out too much in the deep gloom. He prayed that no one could identify him.
He gazed into the darkness, expecting to see some glimpse or hint of Potter and Malfoy's whereabouts.
Itachi, as he approached the area where the scream had come from, the first thing he saw was a dead unicorn.
Its white body, once graceful and noble, now lay on the ground, unnaturally bent like a broken doll.
Blood spread across the grass, soaking the ground around him.
Itachi felt a rush, disgusted at the cruelty he had seen.
Two thoughts flashed through his mind: either Draco, impressionable and weak, had been so frightened that he had screamed at the sight of the dead beast, or they had confronted whoever had committed this brutal murder. Either way, the situation was critical.
Itachi, wasting no time in unnecessary thought, shifted his gaze further, and his worst fears were confirmed. In front of him, in the very center of the clearing, stood a tall silhouette in a black robe. His figure, grim and sinister, seemed something unnatural, not part of this forest. His face was hidden in the darkness of the hood, but the silhouette itself seemed brimming with cruelty and power.
And at the foot of this sinister figure, on the ground, lay Harry Potter, with a confused and frightened expression on his face. He looked like he had been struck by lightning, and he was still trying to figure out what had happened.
Itachi realized that his suspicions were correct. They had stumbled upon someone who had killed the unicorn. And that that someone was now threatening Harry. He had to act, and he had to act fast.
Itachi, without wasting a fraction of a second, released a powerful blob of magical energy towards the dark figure. The spell, like lightning, cut through the darkness, rushing towards the target. But the dark figure, as if sensing danger, turned around sharply, as if his premonition was on the verge of instinct.
Itachi saw a face that made him freeze for a second.
Pale as a canvas, with deep dark hollows instead of eyes full of hatred.
It was a face distorted, almost demonic, with an unnaturally absent nose, as if it had been stolen from the creature. And the expression that froze on its face was full of contempt and malice.
It was staring straight at Itachi, as if it was penetrating his very essence, turning him inside out, and reading his thoughts. At the same moment, like a thunderclap, a centaur landed from above, right in front of him.
The ground beneath the centaur's hooves shook, and Itachi realized they were trapped. He was now facing two opponents: a dark figure whose face made him feel uncomfortable for a moment, and a centaur whose powerful muscles were tensed, preparing for battle. Both of them were dangerous and unpredictable.
Itachi realized that this was not going to be an easy walk. His magic had not yet fully recovered from the night's transfiguration.
He strained all his senses, preparing for battle, with these two creepy creatures. Adrenaline rushed into his bloodstream, sharpening all his senses, making time around him seem thicker. His eyes, scarlet from the Sharingan, filled with determination.
He was ready to fight, and show that he wasn't so easy for these monsters.
Suddenly, to Itachi's surprise, the centaur paid no attention to him, but lunged at the dark figure with a furious roar. The centaur's powerful hooves blasted the ground, and it lunged at the dark figure with incredible speed, trying to hit the dark figure with its powerful limbs.
The dark figure, like a shadow, deftly dodged the blow, and taking advantage of the moment, rushed away, disappearing into the dense forest.
Itachi, stunned for a moment, watched what was happening. He hadn't expected such a turn of events. But before he had time to regain his senses, the centaur turned to Harry, his voice deep and rumbling like a roll of thunder
"Boy, you need to leave. Immediately! You are in great danger here. Most of the forest dwellers know you, and that makes you a target. You can't stay here."
The centaur turned his gaze to Itachi
He barely had time to turn off his Sharingan. The bright scarlet eyes faded instantly, returning to their normal, slightly dark brown color. He didn't want the centaur to notice his abilities.
However, Itachi managed to notice the subtle uncertainty in the centaur's eyes. An uncertainty mixed with some underlying anxiety.
Harry, still pale from fear and the experience, looked at the centaur in bewilderment.
"What did you save me from?" - He asked, his voice trembling.
Apparently not recognizing the danger in it, immediately focused back on Harry.
"From a monster."
"Unicorn blood," he continued, his voice full of bitterness, "it is a powerful magic, and many are eager to get their hands on it. It gives life, but the price for it is enormous. Do you understand what that means? There are those who want to live forever, but they don't realize that there is a price to pay. The one who drinks unicorn blood gets a reprieve from death, but is cursed to suffer forever. And the longer he drinks, the more cursed he becomes."
The centaur's voice trembled.
"And someone was willing to kill for it. He came here to get it. And if he feels you can stop him too... he will stop at nothing, nothing." The centaur looked at Harry with sympathy and concern, worry for the boy's life read in his eyes.
"What kind of monster has such a wish? One who fears death, boy. One who would do anything to cheat his fate. It is a desire that torments the souls of those who find no peace in death and are willing to do anything crazy for the sake of eternal life."
His voice sounded muffled and sad, as if this was not the first time he had seen such a thing.
"But believe me, boy, no life is worth paying for with the blood of innocents. And certainly not innocent unicorns."
His eyes seemed to look through Harry, seeing something beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.
Harry, listening to the centaur's words, suddenly turned even paler, as if he had been visited by a terrible revelation.
"Voldemort," he whispered, and the name came like a ghostly whisper through the silence of the night. It seemed to swallow up everything that had gone before, making the situation even more eerie and inexplicable. That name was the answer to all his questions, and at the same time, it was the confirmation of his worst fears. It echoed through the forest, as if summoning the spirit of darkness they were talking about.
No sooner had Itachi recovered from the shock of Harry's utterance of the name
"Voldemort"
Hagrid appeared from behind the trees, accompanied by the rest of the students. The forest ranger's face was full of worry, and he looked confused and frightened as usual. His gaze darted between Harry, the centaur, and finally settled on Itachi. At that moment, Itachi felt his control of himself return as if at the snap of his fingers. The shock disappeared giving way to cold calculation and calm. He knew perfectly well that he needed to analyze the situation, and not give in to his feelings.
Hagrid, flustered and worried, quickly pushed the students towards the exit of the forest, urging them to return to the castle immediately. He looked around as if fearing that the dark figure might reappear. He didn't utter a word about what he had heard, but the tension that hung in the air was quite palpable. They all walked silently down the narrow path, trying to leave this cursed place as quickly as possible.
Soon, they reached the castle, and without any further ado, they dispersed to their faculty rooms. Itachi felt that the tension was not subsiding, and he was overwhelmed by conflicting feelings that were tearing him up inside.
When the two of them were alone, on their way to their dormitories, Malfoy decided to strike up a conversation, breaking the silence that had bound them the entire way.
"What a night, eh, Uchiha? - He began, but his voice didn't sound as confident as it usually did. - What was that thing in the first place? Did you see that creature? That... that nightmare?" He shrugged, as if trying to banish it from his mind, and looked at Itachi, frowning slightly.
Malfoy was silent for a second, then looked at Itachi again, with defiance and a slight sneer in his eyes.
"Or maybe the Uchiha was scared?" - He asked with a sneer, as if trying to regain his confidence.
"Something doesn't sound like you're surprised." He waited for Itachi to react somehow, to say something in response.
Itachi, however, looked at Malfoy and replied nonchalantly
"It wasn't my scream that went all over the forest, Malfoy." He said it evenly, with the same cold impassivity as always. He didn't make excuses, but, his words were like being pricked with an icy needle.
Malfoy's face changed immediately. The smugness disappeared and a slight blush covered his cheeks and his gaze raced in different directions. He obviously felt like he'd gaffed something wrong and didn't know what to say back.
"Well, of course I..." he began, stammering, "I wasn't... I was just kidding. Well... it's all about that awful day. I don't think it's worth paying attention to. Just... a joke."
Embarrassment flickered through him, as it always did, betraying his awkwardness and confusion.
Clearly embarrassed by his blunder, he hurriedly changed the subject, trying to steer the conversation in a more favorable direction.
"By the way, Uchiha," he said, trying to put a nonchalant tone to his voice
"And what were you doing in the corridors so late at night?" He cast a penetrating glance at Itachi, as if waiting for an answer, expecting that at least here he would be able to corner the Uchiha.
"Did you really go out like we did? Or did you, uh, have your own thing going on?" He was silent for a moment, waiting for an answer.
But not waiting for an answer, Malfoy continued, already with a different intonation, but with the same insistent curiosity
"And another thing," he said, a touch of admiration in his voice, besides curiosity.
"How do you always manage to be so calm? Even in the face of such terrifying monsters, you remain unfazed, as if it means nothing. How do you do it?"
He looked at Itachi as if seeing him for the first time, studying every feature of his face, trying to figure out what his secret was. A note of respect flashed in Malfoy's voice, mixed with surprise, and even, some envy.
Itachi, watching Malfoy, noticed how the usually arrogant Slytherin suddenly reminded him of a child. A child, as he was in essence, but apparently deprived of that childlike directness because of the strictness of his parents and the constant pressure he had been under since childhood. Itachi's soul, unexpectedly for himself, felt a slight pity for Draco. He realized that this boy, despite all his hubris and arrogance, also suffered, he just did it in his own way.
For the first time since they had known each other, Itachi felt something resembling sympathy for his adversary. He decided to satisfy his last question, perhaps to ease the growing tension between them in some way.
"Malfoy," Itachi began calmly, and his voice was even and devoid of any irony.
"Fear is just an emotion. Just like joy or anger. It arises when we feel threatened. But if you let it control you, you can't act rationally. I have learned to control my emotions, so I can remain calm in any situation. That doesn't mean I don't feel anything, only that I don't let my emotions stop me from thinking."
He looked at Malfoy, there was no mockery in his gaze
"But I think you can learn to do that too, if you want to."
Malfoy, for a moment, froze.
His words hung in the air, as if frozen in anticipation.
Itachi, noticing this barely perceptible pause, simply looked at him questioningly, not taking his gaze away. That was enough.
Malfoy, as if waking up from a trance, shook his head as if shaking off an obsession. And, with the same characteristic insolence of his, he said
"Of course I can. Who better than me to control my emotions? I, Malfoy, always know what to do."
He spoke with a confidence that, however, was frankly strained. There was some underlying insecurity in his voice, but he tried his best to hide it. Itachi, almost unable to believe his eyes, saw a barely perceptible, but still, smile on Malfoy's face. And despite its fleeting nature, it seemed to him the brightest, most sincere smile he had ever seen on Malfoy's face. It was a quick flash, but in Itachi's mind it remained imprinted.
It wasn't long before they reached their rooms. Itachi was about ready to say goodbye and just go inside, when suddenly Malfoy, as if reading his mind, turned to him and said, with some awkward politeness
"Good night, Uchiha." He said it quietly, almost in a whisper, and before Itachi could respond in any way, he had already disappeared behind his bedroom door.
Itachi stood there for a moment, utterly confused. He had no way of understanding what had just happened.
Malfoy, that arrogant Slytherin, had said goodnight to him? It was so unexpected that Itachi felt somewhat confused. He shook his head as if trying to banish an obsession and finally entered his room.
One thing he was sure of was that this night would be one he would remember for a long time.
P.s..
I didn't know how to flesh out a walk through the forbidden forest, so instead of action scenes and reinventing the bicycle, I decided to develop the relationship between the characters and next chapter will be on behalf of other characters, and I assure you it will not disappoint you.
If you have any ideas, please share them.
The next chapter will be out... in about 3 days? Maybe sooner.