Bab 153: Chapter 152 "Professor Grubbly-Planks First Class"

Skyler's character and purity are definitely not synonymous. In fact, Slytherin boys have minimal chances of getting close to the unicorn. It would be a miracle if they don't end up being gored to death by its horns.

However, Skyler is well-versed in the art of body transfiguration, especially with the latest Celestial Metamorphosis from Mr. Chang, which boosted his overall capabilities in this field. With his knowledge, there's no need to use a wand or recite a spell to perform this skill.

Without anyone noticing, Skyler walked slowly through the snow. Each step he took subtly altered his temperament. By the time he reached the unicorn, his body had already transformed, exuding the most sacred feminine essence. Human eyes and five senses cannot perceive this ethereal aura, but creatures with "telepathy," like unicorns, can feel it profoundly.

The unicorn emitted a gentle chirp and delicately pressed its head against Skyler's chest, gently rubbing up and down.

"Well done! For Mr. Malfoy's bravery for stepping forward and proving his pure heart, ten points for Slytherin!" Professor Grubbly-Plank expressed admiration in her eyes and couldn't help but commend him.

This time, not only the little wizards of Slytherin but also the little wizards of Gryffindor gently applauded Skyler.

"How is that possible?" Ron whispered in Harry's ear, "Stop joking. A cunning and malicious Slytherin and a member of the Malfoy family? On top of that, you're telling me he has a pure heart? I bet he must have secretly used some magic to bewitch the unicorn."

Well, as expected of Ron, he hit the nail on the head, but except for Harry, no one else seemed to believe him. This included Hermione, who looked at Skyler with admiring eyes and applauded gently.

"Professor, I want to try, too." Ron, unwilling to let Skyler steal the spotlight, gathered his courage and volunteered to be the second person to attempt.

As expected, he was met with the unicorn's horn pushing against his chest, sending him flying several meters. He ended up face-first in the mud, his mouth filled with white snow.

After witnessing Ron's misfortune, none of the other boys were willing to attempt getting close to the unicorn, and the class concluded just like that.

"I really hope she can stay, this female teacher!" Parvati expressed as the class concluded, and everyone headed back to the castle for lunch. "This is how I envision a Care of Magical Creatures lesson... with a proper magical creature like a unicorn, not some monstrous beings..." Parvati's voice was not hushed, making it audible even to the Slytherin students.

"What about Hagrid?" Harry questioned with frustration.

"What will he do?" Parvati responded coldly, "He can still be the gamekeeper, can't he?" Ever since the ball, Parvati had been distant and cold towards Harry.

Unfortunately, Harry assumed that Parvati enjoyed herself at the dance. He failed to realize how much he had affected the girl's psyche by neglecting his dance partner on such a romantic and grand occasion.

After all, Parvati, hailing from a renowned family, fell for Harry, who was lanky and unassuming. To be frank, her attraction to Harry was likely due to his reputation as a savior and his standing as a hero, enabling him to be her dance partner.

People often cherish the experience of basking in the limelight. Unfortunately, their dance team seemed to be overlooked, with Harry hardly acknowledging her presence, let alone offering a compliment on her appearance.

Is she just a tool to him? Then, he shouldn't be surprised at her current cold attitude.

That night, the trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—attempted to locate and speak with Hagrid, but it seemed like Hagrid was actively avoiding them. They knocked persistently on the door of Hagrid's hut, but received no response.

For an entire week, Hagrid remained elusive. He didn't show up at the staff table during meals, and his absence was conspicuous in the execution of his duties as the gamekeeper on Hagrid's grounds. Professor Grubbly-Plank continued as the substitute teacher for Care of Magical Creatures.

In mid-January, the students headed to Hogsmeade for some recreation.

Once again, Skyler gathered the third-year and above members of the Serpentis Vigil Club at the Three Broomsticks to foster mutual communication and friendship. The Serpentis Vigil Club now boasted 31 members, including 12 new additions from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.

They were pleasantly surprised to discover that, apart from butterbeer, the Three Broomsticks offered an array of delicious food and drinks. Skyler, in his generosity, covered all the expenses. The unexpected perks not only delighted them but also deepened their sense of belonging to the organization.

As the party unfolded, Skyler noticed the Harry trio entering the Three Broomsticks with somber expressions, taking a seat at a table to engage in conversation. Meanwhile, Ludo Bagman was conversing with a group of goblins in a dimly lit corner. Bagman spoke in hushed tones, quick and nervous, while the goblins maintained a menacing posture with crossed arms.

Suddenly, Mr. Bagman looked towards the bar, spotted Harry, and promptly approached him. Leading Harry to a secluded area away from Ms. Rosmerta, they engaged in a lengthy, low-voiced conversation.

Eventually, Mr. Bagman appeared somewhat disappointed and slightly irritated as they bid farewell and parted ways. Unbeknownst to them, their supposedly private discussion was keenly observed by Skyler from his position in another corner.

It was a picturesque Saturday in late January, an uncommon weather phenomenon for Scotland during this time.

On the shores of the seemingly endless black lake, Skyler, Daphne, and Astoria stood in patient anticipation.

Before long, the distant figures of Morag, Cho, Luna, and Susan began to take shape against the landscape.

Contrary to Skyler's expectations, Luna eschewed her usual eccentric attire. Today, Luna appeared surprisingly... ordinary. A simple yet well-fitted light yellow dress adorned her, complemented by the gentle flow of long, soft light golden hair in the breeze. A necklace adorned with brightly colored flowers graced her neck. When Luna caught sight of Skyler a few meters away, her eyes sparkled with an unusual radiance, and an enchanting smile naturally curved her lips.

"Good morning, beautiful ladies," wisely refraining from commenting on Luna's attire, Skyler greeted them. "I've invited you here today to explore a remarkable place within Hogwarts."

"Skyler, where are we going?" Susan inquired, scanning the surroundings for any hint of what awaited them.

Skyler grinned, gracefully producing his wand and giving it a gentle wave. A thick, lifeless tree promptly responded to his summons. With another precise flick of the wand, the dead tree transformed into a small boat. "Today, let's indulge in some rafting on the Black Lake!" he suggested with enthusiasm.

The several girls eagerly boarded the boat, with Skyler being the last to step aboard. The boat's interior, while simple, offered ample space, preventing any sense of crowding. Seated on benches along both sides of the boat, the girls chatted and laughed while Skyler stood alone on the bow, utilizing his wand to cast the Windy Spell and guide the boat toward the center of the black lake.

As the girls delighted in the surrounding scenery, their laughter filled the air, fostering a warm atmosphere.

After about an hour, the boat gently docked on a small island in the black lake. Luna's eyes sparkled with curiosity, having never known of such a place within the Black Lake. In a dreamy tone, she asked, "Ah! Where is this place?"

"We've arrived in a place to indulge in our fantasy, fantasy about the magical creatures and beasts," Skyler playfully teased, holding back a bit, "this here is a truly fascinating place. You'll find out soon enough if you join me... There's no need to be anxious; it's perfectly safe here. Just think of it as a wilderness adventure." Following Skyler's lead, the group ventured onto a muddy path and entered a sprawling forest.

"These trees..." Daphne furrowed her brow, sensing something exceptional about the forest.

"Magical Rowan..." Luna mused, gazing at the towering trees without blinking. "It goes by many names—exorcism tree, protector tree, holy spirit tree... Those who touch this tree can ward off attacks from dark creatures. If its branches are fashioned into amulets, they can repel evil spirits and bad luck."

Skyler's eyes gleamed with admiration, recognizing that even though the girls present hailed from families with robust academic backgrounds—Cho excelled in Transfiguration, Susan in Law, the Greengrass sisters in Magical Creatures, and Morag had a talent for comforting people (unaware yet of her Rosier family lineage, adept at elemental magic)—Luna still held the highest expertise when it came to understanding magical plants.

"You're correct; it's a Magical Rowan. Pay attention to the branches at the top. They belong to a unique kind of magical Sorbus—an epiphytic Sorbus. Unable to survive on its own, this type of Sorbus must attach itself to others to thrive, earning it another delightful moniker—Wiggentree."