There's something undeniably magical about the unexpected, akin to a Gryffindor joining a Slytherin team. John was perplexed, witnessing yet another quarrel among the younger students. This time, it was Ron and Hermione at odds, with Ron discovering a pool of blood on the bed and accusing Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, of devouring his pet rat, Scabbers. The argument escalated quickly, leaving Hermione in tears and fleeing the scene. Harry, too, harbored suspicions about Crookshanks, especially after finding ginger cat fur in the room.
John found himself caught between Hermione's disappointment and Daphne's intense gaze. He felt overwhelmed, sensing the need to shift his stance on the matter. Malfoy, typically disdainful of Hermione, pretended not to notice the commotion, focusing intently on his pumpkin juice as if it were the most exquisite beverage. Goyle and Crabbe, visibly uncomfortable, kept their heads down, silently eating their bread.
The tension was palpable. Daphne's frustration was evident as she aggressively stabbed at her plate of bacon, while Hermione seemed too distraught to notice the awkward atmosphere. John, feeling a headache coming on, sighed and offered his support to Hermione, "I'll try to help you sort this out. Don't be sad."
A sudden "crack" interrupted the tense silence. Malfoy ducked even lower, Goyle choked on his bread, and Crabbe, oblivious to the tension, continued eating. John turned to see a broken plate, thinking to himself that such strength would be wasted if not channeled into swordsmanship.
"I'm full," Daphne declared abruptly, leaving the table in a huff. John could tell she was upset, a clear indication of the deep-seated prejudice between Slytherin and Gryffindor.
"However, I don't believe she's dead," John mused aloud, taking a sip of water. He was confident that the rat, Scabbers, wasn't so easily killed. The real issue remained elusive, but John planned to use the Marauder's Map to investigate further.
Hermione looked up at John with hopeful, tear-filled eyes. "Some things aren't as straightforward as they appear. You should know there's something unusual about that rat," John hinted, keeping the details to himself.
As class time approached, John turned to find Hermione had already left, her departure so swift he hadn't even noticed. After finishing his meal, John noticed Malfoy finally looking up from his pumpkin juice, a conflicted expression on his face.
After a moment of hesitation, Malfoy inquired, "John, I heard from Heinrich that you have a Firebolt?" He quickly added, "It's not for me. Flint was complaining about Potter having one, and he thinks I won't be able to keep up."
John was taken aback by the request. "So, you want me to give it to you?"
"No, just let me borrow it for the finals," Malfoy clarified, not wanting to seem greedy.
John smiled, understanding Malfoy's predicament. "Go to the Star Club this afternoon. You know where it is. The Firebolt will be there."
Malfoy's surprise was evident, grateful for John's willingness to help, though he knew such assistance wasn't without conditions. "Tell Flint to show some respect to the Seeker with the Firebolt in the future," John added softly, knowing the value of the Firebolt would ensure Flint's compliance.
Meanwhile, Hermione appeared to be constantly busy, leaving John to his thoughts and the crystal ball before him. As he peered into the foggy orb, it seemed as though hands were parting the mist, revealing a vision of Hermione speaking to him anxiously. The scene shifted to Professor Snape, unconscious as if he'd hit a wall, followed by an overwhelming presence of dementors, more terrifying than any Quidditch match.
The prophecy ended abruptly, and John found Professor Trelawney standing before him, eager to hear his interpretation. The surrounding students looked on, holding their breath in anticipation, their expressions a mix of horror and fascination. John was apprehensive that his next words might trigger another wave of fear among his classmates, reminiscent of the time Lavender's rabbit met its untimely demise. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "I envisioned someone lying unconscious, their cheeks stained with blood trickling down from their hair." Lavender, still haunted by her past experience, let out a terrified scream, as if she was the one foreseen in John's prophecy. The room was instantly enveloped in a palpable atmosphere of dread.
Harry and Ron exchanged uncertain glances, silently questioning the authenticity of John's vision. Ron, ever the skeptic, whispered to Harry, "He's probably just trying to scare everyone. Remember, he accidentally got it right last time." Harry was about to agree when John, still peering into the crystal ball, mentioned, "The black dog and the man with black hair." He paused, his body tensing slightly, though he seemed unaware of his own discomfort.
Sybill Trelawney, the Divination teacher, was quick to praise John, her voice devoid of its usual frivolity. "You are the most gifted seer I have encountered. A true prophet in the making," she declared, awarding him an overly generous fifty points, which left John feeling undeservedly rewarded.
After class, a curious Harry approached John, "What did you mean by 'black dog'?" John, somewhat perplexed by the question, replied, "Exactly that—a black dog. It appeared in the crystal ball, so I mentioned it." Harry's mind raced to the black dog he had seen previously, a sense of unease washing over him.
Ron, joining the conversation, was met with an unexpected admonition from John, "Ron, you really shouldn't be arguing with Hermione." Ron, visibly irritated, retorted, "Her cat ate my Scabbers, and she won't even admit it. She's always so self-righteous!" He continued to vent his frustrations about Hermione's actions regarding his Firebolt, unaware that Hermione was within earshot. She walked away, her expression darkening with sadness.
John's tone turned serious, and Ron was taken aback by his intensity. "Ron, your words were harsh. The Firebolt's origins were unknown. Would you have Harry risk falling from the sky?" John's demeanor was stern as he added, "Sometimes, it's best to keep your thoughts to yourself, especially with Sirius Black on the loose. Think before you speak."
Ron was left speechless, unable to formulate a response. Harry, feeling the need to defend Ron, was stopped by John's raised hand. "Is trust so difficult for you?" John's question resonated with the onlookers, some of whom were Slytherins secretly enjoying the spectacle.
John's lecture left Harry feeling uncomfortable, prompting him to reflect on his friendship with Hermione. "How long have you known Hermione? Can't you trust her not to be jealous of your Firebolt?" John was exasperated by the seemingly perpetual suspicion among his Gryffindor peers.
Draco Malfoy, observing the scene, gleefully pointed out to Marcus Flint, "See, I told you John had a Slytherin streak!" Despite the tension, John believed that once emotions settled, Harry and the others would come to understand.
Later, John visited Hagrid's cabin, where he was greeted by an awkwardly dressed Hagrid, who seemed to be experimenting with suits far too large for an average person. Hagrid, changing out of his beige suit, shared exciting news with John. "Wei Wei, the unicorn you spared, is willing to provide you with unicorn horns." John, momentarily taken aback by the mention of Wei Wei, was reminded of the unicorn he had intentionally released. Unicorns naturally shed their horns, and Wei Wei had generously offered one to John. "Thank you, Hagrid. I'll be right there," John said, waving his hand as he prepared to depart. Before leaving, he turned to Hagrid and suggested, "Perhaps you could trim your beard a bit. It might make you look more distinguished." Hagrid nodded in agreement and waved goodbye.
Hagrid was accustomed to John venturing into the Forbidden Forest; after all, John's magical prowess was well-known. As John made his way through the forest, a white unicorn emerged from the thicket. It was the same unicorn John had saved before. Approaching gently, the unicorn nuzzled John's palm, a gesture that left John momentarily taken aback. Despite his many adventures, John had never considered himself the epitome of purity.
The unicorn, whom John had affectionately named Wei Wei, beckoned him to follow, turning her head as if to say, "Come along." John, fearless and curious, followed the path Wei Wei had taken, stepping into the deeper mysteries of the Forbidden Forest.
The forest around them seemed to whisper secrets, the canopy above barely letting through shafts of light. John's senses were heightened, aware of the magic that pulsed through this ancient place. Wei Wei led him with a grace that only a creature of her kind could possess, her mane shimmering under the occasional ray of sunlight that managed to pierce the dense foliage.
As they ventured further, John couldn't help but marvel at the bond forming between him and the unicorn. It was a reminder of the magic that existed in the world, often hidden but always present. The Forbidden Forest, with all its dangers and wonders, was a testament to the untamed magic that thrived beyond the walls of Hogwarts.
John's journey with Wei Wei was not just a walk through the forest; it was a journey into the heart of magic itself, a reminder of the mysteries that awaited those brave enough to explore them.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge