Chương 43: The Forest Encounter
Alex walked toward the Forbidden Forest, his steps calm and deliberate. As he approached the edge, he floated into the air, the air rippled softly around him as he floated into the dark woods.
In his office, Dumbledore observed this from afar, his expression contemplative. He still couldn't grasp Alex's true goals. The crystal Alex had given him, a supposed prophecy, It had shown nothing of Alex. No role, no presence, as though the boy existed beyond the confines of destiny, leaving the Headmaster with little choice but to trust him.
Deep within the forest, a stream flowed where unicorns grazed peacefully. Their coats shimmered in the dim light, their grace a striking contrast to the dense woods. Among them were three males, five females, and two foals. One of the larger males lifted his head, sensing Alex's approach. It neighed and galloped forward as Alex came into view.
Alex landed and gently stroked the unicorn's head. Moments later, the sound of hooves echoed through the trees as centaurs emerged, bows drawn and aimed at Alex.
"We do not welcome you here, wizard," said one of the centaurs, his voice stern. "This is our domain. Return to where you came from."
Alex turned to face them, his expression calm. "Do you think I'm here to cause trouble? I only came to visit an old friend." The unicorn beside him neighed softly, as if affirming his words.
The centaurs noticed the Hogwarts crest on Alex's robes. "Students are forbidden from entering the forest. That was our agreement with Dumbledore," one of the centaurs replied sternly. He stepped forward, intent on grabbing Alex, but an invisible force stopped him.
"I'm not here to argue. I'll leave once I'm done," Alex said evenly.
Humiliated, the centaur stepped back, drawing his bow again. The unicorn reared up, neighing loudly in protest. Startled, the centaur released the arrow, which flew toward one of the foals. Alex moved swiftly, catching it mid-air and crushing it in his hand.
"I won't ask again. Leave me alone," Alex said, his voice cold.
The other centaurs hesitated, retreating slightly. They had seen Alex's speed and precision, far beyond anything they expected from a human, let alone a child.
"Stand down, Bane," a commanding voice ordered. A larger centaur stepped forward. "I am Magorian, leader of the centaurs in this forest. Let us escort you out, young one."
Alex's gaze was unyielding. "I don't need your escort, nor am I your friend. You let your subordinate act foolishly before me. If it weren't for Dumbledore, I'd have dealt with you all."
He drew his golden wand and pointed it at a massive tree behind them. A beam of golden light struck the trunk, reducing it to dust in an instant. The centaurs recoiled, fear flashing in their eyes. Alex turned back to the unicorn, giving its head a reassuring pat before mounting it. Without another word, he rode away, leaving the centaurs watching in silence.
At the edge of the forest, Alex dismounted and looked at the unicorns. He scratched the little ones as it came near him. "The forest is not safe, and living here is too depressing," he said. With a thought, a golden light enveloped the unicorns, Alex stored them in his ring world, placing them in a vast grassland near the forest where the elves resided.
"Lily," Alex said inwardly. "Please take care of them."
[Sure, I will ask the elves to look after them.] Lily replied cheerfully.
With that, Alex turned back toward the castle, towards his dormitory.
Alex floated back to the castle, his mind still on the centaurs' hostility and the unicorns now safely relocated to his ring world. Upon entering Hogwarts, he made his way toward Ravenclaw Tower but was intercepted by none other than Professor Lockhart.
"Ah, young Alex!" Lockhart exclaimed, his signature smile practically gleaming. "What a pleasure to see you! I couldn't help but notice you've been... absent from my Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. A shame, really, considering my lessons are... well, let's just say legendary!" He chuckled to himself.
Alex halted, giving the flamboyant professor a flat look. "Professor Lockhart," he began, his tone carrying a hint of irritation, "your so-called lessons are more about your theatrical antics than actual defense against the dark arts."
Lockhart's smile faltered slightly. "Now, now, young man, I assure you, my methods are—"
"—Useless," Alex interrupted, his gaze piercing. "You've nothing to teach. You're basking in the glory of achievements you've stolen from others."
Lockhart's grin vanished entirely, replaced by a nervous twitch. "Now, that's quite an accusation," he said, his voice less confident. His hand hesitated near his wand, but he didn't draw it.
Alex stepped closer, his voice low and cold. "You may fool others with your stories, but not me. Do not waste my time again."
Lockhart's face paled as Alex walked past him, leaving the professor rooted to the spot, unsure whether to act or remain silent. Reason prevailed over him, after all, this is Hogwarts.
Alex returned to the Ravenclaw dormitory and pulled out the two-tailed fox from his ring. The magical creature, its snowy fur glimmering faintly, let out a soft yip as it curled in his arms.
Alex headed to the common room, settling into a chair near the fire. He continued to pet the fox, its twin tails swaying contentedly. Other Ravenclaws in the room glanced at him curiously, their whispers barely audible. One girl, blushing furiously, mustered the courage to approach him.
"Um, Alex... this is for you," she stammered, handing him a folded letter before scurrying off.
Alex glanced at the letter, shrugged, and tucked it into his robes without a second thought. Moments later, Luna Lovegood entered the room, her hair slightly disheveled, one shoe missing.
"Hello, Alex," she greeted with her usual serene smile.
Alex sighed, his expression softening slightly. With a wave of his wand, he summoned her missing shoe and repaired her untidy appearance. "Luna, you really should take better care of yourself."
Luna tilted her head, her dreamy expression unchanging. "Thank you, Alex."
Alex's gaze shifted to the other Ravenclaw girls in the room. His tone turned cold. "I don't want to see this again." The warning in his voice was unmistakable, and the girls quickly busied themselves, avoiding his gaze.
Turning back to Luna, Alex handed her the two-tailed fox. The creature yipped happily, nuzzling against her.
"This is for you," Alex said simply.
Luna's eyes widened as she gently held the fox. "Oh, I will call you Pudding. Thank you, Alex."
Alex nodded. "Come on. Let's go for lunch."
Luna followed him, the little fox cradled in her arms as they left the common room together.
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
Kiro_Chan
Kiro_Chan I appreciate all the feedback you’ve shared with me, it’s been incredibly helpful in opening my perspective, especially as a first-time writer.
I want to apologize in advance for not being able to update tomorrow; work has been keeping me quite busy lately.
This story is shaping up to be a long one, but I can promise it won’t stretch into thousands of chapters. I have so much I want to write, and your comments inspire me to keep improving. Thank you again for your support.
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