Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

The next few days passed by with lingering tension in Gryffindor House. Some students still shot resentful glances at Harry, Ron, and Hermione, especially whenever the hourglasses displayed the painfully low House points. But Hogwarts was always busy, and soon enough, life returned to normal. The looming end-of-year exams were now the focus of nearly every student's mind. Library seats filled up fast, parchment rustled in every corner, and even Fred and George spent more time pretending to study than planning pranks.

One morning, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione finished breakfast, Professor McGonagall approached them with her usual stern expression.

"Your detention has been arranged," she informed them crisply. "You'll serve it tonight—Mr. Cael will escort you to the Forbidden Forest. I suggest you wear something sturdy." Her sharp eyes flicked to each of them. "Be on time."

That evening, in the Gryffindor common room, Cael sat by the window, with Hermione while waiting for Harry And Ron.

"Tonight, you'll see how me and Hagrid patrol the forest," Cael said casually, stretching his legs. "If we're lucky, I'll show you a few magical creatures too."

Hermione perked up slightly, though nerves still danced in her eyes. "Really? You'll ask Lenny as well, right? I wanted to meet her properly last time, but I couldn't find the chance… I was nervous."

Cael chuckled. "Sure. If she's not busy with her family. She usually keeps close to the others."

Before Hermione could reply, Ron and Harry arrived, both looking slightly pale but trying to act braver than they felt.

Cael stood, clapping his hands together. "Alright, boys. Ready for a grand adventure into the terrifying Forbidden Forest?"

Ron grimaced. "Adventure? More like getting fed to something with too many teeth."

But they followed Cael out of the common room anyway, Hermione trailing close behind.

The halls were quiet as they made their way across the castle grounds, moonlight spilling onto the grass. The distant trees of the Forbidden Forest loomed ahead like dark shadows.

Ron rubbed his arms as they walked. "So… Cael," he asked, voice low and uncertain, "we're actually going in the forest, yeah? We're not just… standing by the edge or something?"

Cael smirked, hands in his pockets. "Of course, you're going in. Professor McGonagall made that very clear."

Ron shuddered. "Brilliant. I heard there's loads of werewolves in there. Soon as a student steps inside, bam—they're dinner."

"Relax," Cael replied, laughing softly. "The werewolves are at the far end of the forest. They've got their own settlement hidden deep inside, away from the castle. Most of them keep to themselves. They're not allowed to live in wizard towns, so they find places like this."

"That's… comforting," Ron muttered, though he didn't sound convinced.

"And besides," Cael added, "this side of the forest's safer. The centaurs patrol near here, keep most of the nastier creatures away."

Harry glanced around as they walked. "Where's Malfoy? He was supposed to be in detention with us, right? He was the one who ratted us out."

Hermione frowned. "Yeah… I don't see him anywhere. Maybe Professor Snape pulled some strings."

"Figures," Ron grumbled. "Unfair, as usual."

Cael shrugged, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Don't worry. There'll be a surprise waiting."

A few minutes later, they reached Hagrid's hut, nestled on the edge of the forest. Flickering light glowed from the windows, and standing outside was Filch, sneering as always—and beside him, to everyone's surprise, was Draco Malfoy, looking thoroughly miserable.

"Well, well," Filch sneered as they approached. "Here comes the unlawful bunch of little rule-breakers." His eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Enjoy the Forbidden Forest. Plenty of werewolves and Acromantulas ready to snap up tender little students like yourselves." He gave a wheezing laugh and turned back toward the castle, muttering about detentions being "too good" for them.

Malfoy huffed, folding his arms. "My father's going to hear about this."

Hagrid emerged from the hut just then, crossbow slung over his shoulder, Fang trotting at his side. "Alright, let's get goin'," he boomed cheerfully. "Fang, c'mon, boy! We've got the forest to patrol."

The group set off toward the dark tree line, the forest rustling with strange sounds beyond the edge.

"So what's new in the forest?" Cael asked, falling into step beside Hagrid. "Lenny was restless last night."

Hagrid's face darkened slightly. "Somethin's not right. Been like this all day. The creatures are jumpy—Argog's feelin' uneasy too. Even the centaurs said they've seen strange wizards sneakin' about."

Ron's eyes widened. "Strange wizards? Why are we being sent out there then? What if they do something to us?"

"Exactly!" Malfoy snapped, scowling. "My father will definitely hear about this. Sending me into a forest full of dangerous creatures—with a half-giant, no less. Total madness! Dumbledore'll be forced to resign."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "If your father could make Dumbledore resign, he'd have done it the day you ended up crying in the hospital wing last year."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, what happened to that big plan, Malfoy?"

Ron laughed too, but Malfoy flushed red, glaring at them. "I don't need your opinions, Potter."

The group walked deeper into the woods, the trees closing in around them, the sounds of the forest growing louder. Strange hoots and crackles filled the air, and patches of mist coiled along the ground.

Fang whimpered, pressing close to Hagrid's legs.

"Stay close," Hagrid warned. "Forest's been odd lately. We won't go far, but keep yer eyes open."

"Great," Ron muttered. "Just what I wanted—creepy woods, strange wizards, and Malfoy whining the whole way."

Malfoy shot him a glare, but didn't reply.

As they continued, shadows shifted among the trees, and Cael glanced over at Hermione, giving her a small reassuring smile. She smiled back nervously, but her grip tightened on her wand.

The forest stretched out before them—dark, ancient, and full of secrets.