Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

The sky was dark, but clear — not a single cloud in sight. As Cael walked along the path, he muttered to himself, "Tch, not a single cloud or sign of a storm… Not a perfect weather for my Animagus ritual… "

The system voice chimed in his head, calm and steady. "You still have one more month before the weather turns cold. After that, there won't be any storms for nearly four months. If you're lucky, you'll finish it."

"I hope so, System," Cael replied quietly, kicking at the gravel as he made his way down the familiar path.

Soon, Hagrid's hut came into view. Fang, the massive boarhound, was lounging by the steps. Cael's mood lifted instantly as he knelt beside the dog.

"Hey there, big guy… you little cutie," Cael grinned, ruffling Fang's ears. The dog responded with a happy whine and nudged Cael with his nose.

Fang had saved him last year in the woods — if not for the dog, Cael might've frozen to death, injured and alone. Ever since, the two had shared an easy bond.

The door to the hut creaked open, and Hagrid stepped out, crossbow slung over his shoulder.

"There yeh are," Hagrid called, his voice booming across the clearing. "Thought yeh might've skipped out. McGonagall said I'd have company tonight. Figured yeh did somethin' again to land yerself here, eh? Hahaha!"

Cael chuckled, standing up. "It's thanks to our dear Slytherins I'm here."

Hagrid grunted, shaking his head. "Yeah… some o' them aren't good sorts. Best be careful around 'em. Sayin' that from experience."

Cael nodded, remembering what he'd read about him in his previous life — how Hagrid had been expelled long ago, all because of a Slytherin's lie. It made sense the man held a grudge.

"We'd best get goin'," Hagrid added, fastening his coat. "The Forest's been restless lately."

Fang trotted along beside them as they started toward the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

"So… what exactly are we looking for tonight?" Cael asked, stepping over the uneven ground, careful not to stumble.

"Unicorn tracks, mostly," Hagrid replied, scanning the path ahead. "And any signs o' dark magic, injured creatures… that sort of thing."

Cael raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Funny… detention's supposed to be punishment, but this sounds kinda interesting."

Hagrid chuckled. "Guess it depends who yeh ask. Some folks can't stand the Forest. But yeh, yer used to it after last year's patrols. The twins were with yeh, weren't they?"

"Yeah… dangerous, but I actually like it out here," Cael admitted.

They walked deeper into the woods, shadows stretching long beneath the trees. Cael kept his eyes sharp — spotting broken branches, faint hoofprints in the mud, and spiderwebs glittering high in the treetops. The Forest felt alive… but quiet. Too quiet.

Suddenly, Hagrid raised a hand. "Hold up."

Cael froze, tightening his grip on his wand.

A low rustle came from the undergrowth ahead. Heavy footsteps, slow but steady.

The trees shifted, and through the gaps in the branches, Cael glimpsed something pale — glowing faintly as it moved between the shadows.

"A unicorn?" Cael whispered.

"Could be," Hagrid said under his breath. "Or somethin' else."

They waited, the forest still around them. Then, from between the trees, a white unicorn stepped into view — sleek and graceful, its coat shimmering under the faint moonlight.

Cael's heart raced as the unicorn stopped, its eyes fixed on him… or more precisely, on his wand.

Hagrid spoke low, his voice tense. "Careful now… unicorns don't usually let a male human near 'em. Don't spook it."

The unicorn took a step closer, elegant and silent. Its gaze remained on Cael's wand, and before he could stop himself, Cael reached out instinctively.

"It must be the core of my wand," Cael murmured, awed. "It's unicorn hair… maybe that's why—"

Before he could finish, the unicorn gently pushed its head toward his hand, brushing against him. Its touch was soft, its expression calm.

Cael exhaled, a wide grin spreading across his face as he carefully patted the unicorn's head.

Hagrid stared, dumbfounded. "Merlin's beard … never seen a unicorn do that with a male student. I've been 'round here for years… tried it meself —and was kicked every time."

Cael laughed softly as the unicorn lingered for a moment, then gracefully turned and slipped back into the shadows, disappearing as quietly as it had come.

They continued on, their lantern casting a warm glow through the darkness. The forest loomed around them, but Cael felt a strange peace settle over him.

Tonight had been more than detention. It had been a small, rare moment of wonder.

After their patrol, Cael bid a goodnight to a grumbling Hagrid — still muttering about unicorns and how envious he was of him being able to make contact with a unicorn — returned to the castle.

The Gryffindor common room was quiet, the fire low as he climbed the stairs to his dorm.

For a good night sleep.