After Harry returned from the classroom, it was already lunchtime, and the trio headed to the Great Hall. As they settled down for lunch, Hermione turned to Harry.
Hermione turned to Harry, asking, "Where did McGonagall take you?"
Harry smirked, recounting the story of how he secured a spot on the team.
'You're joking.'
Harry finished recounting the events with McGonagall to Ron and Hermione. Ron, with a piece of steak and kidney pie halfway to his mouth, had forgotten all about it. Hermione beamed at Harry.
'Seeker?' he said. 'But first years never— you must be the youngest House player in about—'
'—a century,' added Harry, shoveling pie into his mouth. He felt particularly hungry after the excitement of the afternoon.
'Bloody hell...'
'Congrats, Harry,' Hermione said with a smile. 'Thanks, Hermione! I'm very excited.'
'Yeah, we can see that!' Hermione and Ron smirked.
'Did you guys find out if Neville is okay?'
'Oh yeah. Madam Hooch came back and said that he had just fainted from fear. She reckons he'll be back by evening,' Ron replied.
Harry nodded, then remembered Lumos. He turned to Ron and Hermione.
'After our classes end today, meet me in the common room. I have to show you something. Also, make sure you're wearing comfortable clothes.'
Ron and Hermione eyed Harry suspiciously but nodded. The trio finished their lunch and headed for their Charms class.
In Charms, Professor Flitwick started with the rollcall. He paused at Harry's name and looked at him. After the rollcall, Professor Flitwick announced that today they would be doing the Levitation Charm, Wingardium Leviosa. The students took their seats, each finding a feather waiting for them. Excitement buzzed among the students, but Harry, already familiar with the material up to Auror level, appeared bored. As the class engaged in the intricate movements, Flitwick noticed Harry's lack of participation. Knowing Harry's capabilities, he allowed him to observe while assisting the rest of the class in perfecting their techniques. Once everyone had mastered the technique, Flitwick turned to Harry.
'Now, Mr. Potter, will demonstrate the charm for us.'
Harry perked up, puzzled by the sudden mention of his name. Hermione motioned for him to perform the magic.
'Should I do it with the wand and incantation, sir?'
'That would surely help us, Mr. Potter.'
Harry retrieved Elythral, surprising everyone as they saw his wand for the first time, emitting a warm glow. Pointing at the feather, "Wingardium Leviosa."
As Harry cast the Wingardium Leviosa spell, the atmosphere in the classroom shifted. The feather, initially resting on the desk, began to levitate gracefully into the air. It hovered with a newfound weightlessness, defying gravity under the influence of Harry's magical prowess. The golden glow emanating from Elythral intensified, casting a warm and enchanting light on the floating feather. The movements were controlled and precise, showcasing not just the levitation but also the mastery Harry possessed over the spell. The feather responded to his command, dancing in mid-air with an elegance that captivated the attention of the entire class. The display left the students in awe, witnessing a demonstration that surpassed the ordinary expectations of a first-year charms class.
Professor Flitwick expressed his delight at Harry's exceptional demonstration and extended his gratitude to him before turning his attention to the rest of the class. Throughout the lesson, the professor provided guidance to every student in mastering the Levitation charm. Harry, in turn, assisted Ron, who struggled with the pronunciation of the spell. As the class concluded, only Harry and Hermione had successfully executed the charm, with Ron managing to levitate the feather a few inches before it gently descended.
After Charms, they proceeded to their History class, the only one taught by a ghost – Professor Cuthbert Binns. As Professor Binns droned on in his monotonous voice, Harry found himself dozing off. It wasn't until the end of the class that Hermione nudged him awake, and they made their way back to the common room.
The trio, concealed by Disillusionment Charms, ventured out of the common room and made their way towards the Forbidden Forest. As they walked, Hermione expressed her concerns about breaking the rules and potentially facing detention.
"Harry, are we going to the Forbidden Forest?"
"Yes, Hermione."
"But it's against the rules, Harry. We could get detention for this."
"Don't worry, we won't. Trust me."
"Mate... please tell me we're not going deep into the forest," Ron sounded apprehensive.
"No, Ron, it's just a clearing past those trees," Harry chuckled. "Now, hush." The trio moved silently through the dimly lit corridors, guided by Harry's knowledge of the school grounds.
Arriving at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, Harry peered into the shadows. With a glance back at Ron and Hermione, Harry reassured them.
"Remember, stay close, and don't make any noise. We're just going to a small clearing. Lumos is waiting for us there."
"Who is Lumos?", both of them asked.
"You will see soon", Harry smirked.
As the trio reached the clearing, Harry was surprised to find that Lumos was not there yet. The trio waited in the quiet stillness, and soon they heard the distant sound of hooves approaching. While Harry was familiar with the magical creature, Ron and Hermione couldn't hide their anxiety as the mysterious sound drew nearer.
Ron and Hermione, still under the Disillusionment charm, exchanged astonished glances as the hooves drew closer. The moonlit clearing illuminated a breathtaking sight – a graceful unicorn emerged from the shadows, its silver-white mane gleaming in the moonlight. The magical creature moved with an ethereal grace, its horn radiating a soft, gentle glow.
"Harry, is that a unicorn?" Hermione whispered, awe and wonder in her voice.
Ron's eyes widened as he stared at the majestic creature. "Blimey, I never thought I'd see a unicorn in real life."
Harry, who had encountered Lumos before, nodded with a smile. "Yes, that's Lumos. He's a friend. Just stay quiet and observe. Unicorns are very cautious." He undid his Disillusionment Charm.
Ron and Hermione remained hidden, watching in awe as Lumos gracefully moved around the clearing, its presence exuding a sense of magic and tranquility. The moonlight played on its shimmering coat, creating a magical spectacle that left Ron and Hermione enchanted.
As Lumos gracefully moved around the moonlit clearing, his silver-white mane caught the gentle breeze, carrying a subtle fragrance of wildflowers. The soft padding of his hooves on the forest floor created a melodic rhythm, echoing through the trees. Moonlight danced on his shimmering coat.
With each bite of the treats Harry offered, Lumos emitted a musical chime, as if expressing gratitude. Harry's hand, brushing against the unicorn's mane, felt not only the smoothness of the silken strands but also a warmth that radiated from Lumos. Lumos's eyes, large and intelligent, reflected the purity, capturing the moon's glow and reflecting it back with an otherworldly gleam.
"Would you like to meet my friends, Lumos?" Harry asked softly.
Lumos, seemingly understanding, responded with a gentle neigh that resonated like a comforting melody.
"Ron, Hermione, it's safe. Lumos is a friend," Harry assured them.
With a shared glance, Harry dispelled their Disillusionment charms, revealing them to the unicorn. Lumos, displaying a remarkable level of intelligence, regarded them with gentle curiosity.
The trio spent a magical evening in the company of Lumos, surrounded by the mystical aura of the Forbidden Forest. Lumos, the gentle and majestic unicorn, allowed Ron and Hermione to pet him, fostering a sense of wonder and awe in the two friends.
As Lumos gracefully disappeared into the shadows of the Forbidden Forest, leaving behind an echo of magic in the air, Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way back to the castle. The trio shared whispers about their magical encounter they had witnessed.
Upon entering the Great Hall for dinner, the trio found themselves amidst the bustling chatter of students. The aroma of magical dishes filled the air as they took their seats at the Gryffindor table. Ron and Hermione, still enchanted by the ethereal presence of Lumos, couldn't help but gaze into the enchanted ceiling, reflecting on the mystical evening.
Hermione, her eyes sparkling with lingering awe, leaned towards Harry. "I never thought I'd witness a unicorn, Harry. Lumos was extraordinary."
Ron, nodding in agreement, added, "I've read about unicorns, but seeing one in real life is something else. Blimey, that was incredible!"
Harry, smiling at their expressions. As they savored the magical feast before them, Harry recounted his entire journey into the Forbidden Forest and how he had met Lumos during the dinner.