After the caution, Professor McGonagall still told Evan that as his magical power gradually increased with age, he would naturally break through the bottleneck in his Transfiguration spell.
In the meantime, he could spend more effort sensing the differences in the structure of various objects. Generally, the more a wizard understands the object they wish to transfigure, the easier the spellcasting and the lower the magical energy consumption.
"Wingardium Leviosa~"
After speaking, McGonagall waved her wand to cast the Levitation Charm, moving Hagrid onto the stretcher. Then, with a spell, she levitated the stretcher, along with Hagrid, floating them through the air as she and Evan made their way out of the forest.
Along the way, Evan took the opportunity to seek advice from Professor McGonagall on the nuances of releasing Transfiguration spells and how to improve his casting speed.
Professor McGonagall, without any reservation, explained these while maintaining the Levitation Charm.
By the time they emerged from the Forbidden Forest, Evan felt he had learned many new techniques, though his Transfiguration spell level remained unchanged. He wondered if drinking the Blood-Replenishing Potion might help him break through this plateau.
Next to Hagrid's cabin by the edge of the Forbidden Forest lake, Harry, Hermione, and Ron had been anxiously waiting. Seeing Evan and Professor McGonagall emerge, they hurried over, especially worried upon seeing Hagrid on the stretcher.
"Hagrid, are you alright?" Harry barely managed a greeting to Professor McGonagall before rushing to Hagrid's side.
"I'm fine... it's just Cecilia she..." After some rest, Hagrid's condition had improved somewhat, but memories brought fresh sorrow.
Harry and the others were utterly confused, leaving Evan no choice but to explain.
"Cecilia was a unicorn who died taking a Killing Curse meant for Hagrid."
"A Killing Curse? That's one of the Unforgivable Curses. Who would use it?" Hermione exclaimed in shock.
Harry was clueless about these matters, and Ron had only heard of the Killing Curse in passing. Hermione immediately explained to them.
"I read about it in a book. It's a powerful curse that instantly deprives its target of life, an extremely evil form of magic.
The Ministry of Magic has classified it as one of the three Unforgivable Curses. Anyone found using it is sent to Azkaban because once someone is struck by the curse, death is certain, and there's no known counter-curse."
"Oh, except for Harry, of course. He's the only one known to have survived a Killing Curse, cast by Voldemort himself," Hermione suddenly remembered the exception, adding hastily and apologetically.
Harry touched the somewhat tingling scar on his forehead, unaware he had ever been hit by such a dangerous curse. People only told him he had defeated Voldemort and saved the wizarding world, never the details of how it happened.
"The person who attacked Hagrid wouldn't care about the Ministry's rules... don't expect those dangerous dark wizards to play by the rules," Evan felt Hermione was being overly naive, so he chimed in timely.
"Alright, kids, we can talk more later. We have more important things to do now! Like hiding this dragon before anyone else finds out, and taking Hagrid to the hospital wing..." Professor McGonagall couldn't help but interrupt their conversation.
"For Norbert, we could hide him in Hagrid's house. A simple Stunning Spell will make him sleep," Evan suggested.
Professor McGonagall thought it over and agreed
, allowing Evan to lead Norbert into the cabin. She then swiftly cast the Stunning Spell.
"Stupefy!"
Professor McGonagall's spell was quick, and Norbert didn't even have time to react before being knocked out.
Considering dragons' strong resistance to magic, Professor McGonagall had to cast the Stunning Spell several more times to ensure Norbert remained unconscious for an extended period. She also used Transfiguration spells as a precaution, binding Norbert's limbs, wings, and mouth, ensuring he wouldn't cause any trouble if he awoke prematurely.
Evan looked at Norbert, now bound like a tightly wrapped package, and recalled Professor McGonagall's earlier intention to "dispose" of Norbert with a Disapparating spell. He immediately decided never to cross Professor McGonagall—her methods were too brutal.
After securing Norbert in the cabin, the group quickly returned to Hogwarts Castle. Professor McGonagall instructed Evan and the others to gather in the Great Hall, while she took Hagrid, still on the stretcher, to see Madam Pomfrey.
Upon entering the Great Hall, Evan noticed that the four house tables were already filled, much like during the welcoming ceremony for new students at the start of the term.
However, the atmosphere was much more somber. Students whispered in groups, ignoring the prefects' reprimands. Evan could faintly hear mentions of "dragon."
The arrival of Evan and his friends immediately drew everyone's attention.
Especially those third-year students who had witnessed Hermione, Harry, and Ron pulling Professor McGonagall away were eager to rush forward and ask questions.
As soon as Evan found a seat, George and Fred squeezed over.
"Evan, what exactly happened in the Forbidden Forest? Someone saw a dragon spewing fire and falling into the forest. We also heard the dragon's roar in the classroom. Is it true?" George asked excitedly.
The surrounding students all focused their gazes on Evan, hoping he would reveal some information to satisfy their curiosity.
However, Evan regretfully shook his head.
"I don't know. The professors will explain later."
Evan truly didn't know what to say, as he knew Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall would have an official statement. If his words didn't match theirs, it would be embarrassing.
George and Fred exchanged glances and didn't press further, understanding that if Evan could tell them, he wouldn't hide it.
But others didn't think so. They felt Evan and his friends must know what happened and were deliberately keeping it from them, prompting a barrage of questions.
"Nothing happened there, no dragon, nothing!" Hermione shouted in annoyance when she got fed up with the questions.
Harry and Ron were equally frustrated, feeling terrible about knowing something they couldn't share.
Even the usually talkative Ron didn't let anything slip this time, because before entering, Evan had warned them that if they didn't want Hagrid sent to Azkaban, they'd better keep quiet!