Chapter 36: 'Traces”

Chapter 36: “Traces”

Professor Kettleburn had no intention of discussing the matter any further. Sensing this, Matthew refrained from asking more questions.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

The two of them, accompanied by Tom the cat, continued their journey through the Forbidden Forest.

They walked for nearly half an hour, venturing deeper into the forest. The trees grew denser, and the trails became almost impassable. Suddenly, Toms hair stood on end, and it tensed up completely.

It seems were getting close. Professor Kettleburn whispered in a low voice. He retrieved his wand, this time using his left hand instead of his prosthetic leg.

Meow~ Tom let out a cry, facing the depths of the woods ahead. The cry carried a sense of hostility, like a warning or demonstration.

Through the tangled branches of an old oak tree, they caught a glimpse of a clearing up ahead. Is that where those creatures reside? Professor Kettleburn mumbled to himself. Waving his wand, he caused the lush branches to disperse, creating a path.

Wait! Professor Kettleburn exclaimed, raising his arm to halt Matthew, who was about to pass. He muttered, Whats that?

A gleaming white object lay on the ground. Professor Kettleburns expression turned serious as he moved closer to examine it.

Oh, Merlins beard! he exclaimed.

Matthew noticed a slight trembling in Professor Kettleburns body. Despite facing over twenty Centaurs before, the Hogwarts gamekeeper had never appeared so alarmed. Curiosity getting the better of him, Matthew hurriedly approached and saw the white object.

There was no doubt about itit was the lifeless body of a magical creature.

Matthew could never have imagined encountering such a juxtaposition of beauty and misery. The creature resembled a horse, but its fur was softer, whiter, and more radiant than that of an ordinary horse.

Its slender legs remained in the position they were in when it fell, unnaturally extended. Its mane spread out flat on the leaf-covered ground, white as the most precious pearl.

But it was dead. Undeniably dead.

Mr. Wickfield, our after-school practice is over, Professor Kettleburn declared, shouldering the unicorns body with his prosthetic leg. Shall we make our way back to the castle now?

Matthew looked down the dark trail with unease. When they had ventured into the forest, he had known nothing, and it hadnt bothered him much. But now, with the gloomy expanse of trees stretching before him, he couldnt shake off the feeling of imminent danger.

Dont worry, I have a solution. Professor Kettleburn reassured him with a smile. Raising his wand, he shot a red spark into the sky.

Matthew had no idea what Professor Kettleburn had summoned, but he expected a long wait. However, to his surprise, within a few minutes, a peculiar creature emerged from the branches and leaves above their heads.

It was a strange hybrida creature with the body, hind legs, and tail of a horse, but the front legs, wings, and head of an eagle. Its beak was cold and razor-sharp, and its eagle claws extended at least half a foot long, sending shivers down his spine.

The creatures large, bright orange eyes glanced at Matthew briefly before shifting their gaze to Professor Kettleburn.

Good boy, Professor Kettleburn patted the creature on the shoulder and then gestured for Matthew to approach.

Come on, Wickfield, this is a Gryffin! Climb onto its back.

Matthew hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. As he neared the creature, it displayed a hint of displeasure. But with a gentle pat on its head from Professor Kettleburn, it quickly settled down.

Both Matthew and Professor Kettleburn climbed onto the creatures back. Professor Kettleburn secured the unicorns corpse and bid farewell to Tom the Kneazle.

With a powerful surge, they ascended into the sky.

Matthew hugged the creatures neck, closing his eyes as they maneuvered through the dense foliage. And then, a vast expanse of sky unfolded before him.

They soared through the blue heavens, breathing in the crisp air. The entire Forbidden Forest lay beneath them, visible in all its majesty.

They pierced through the sky with one destination, Hogwarts.