It was a massive snake.
A snake with three heads: the one on the left looked calm and wise, the middle head appeared weary and lethargic, and the right head seemed aggressive and impatient.
This was a XXXX-level Runespoor. Its size was enormous, even more impressive than what Luke had read about. And all three of its heads were perfectly intact, with hardly any scars from battles, which was rare among Runespoors.
Looking at the serpent bowing its heads respectfully, George and Fred couldn't help but recall another legend about the Gaunt family.
Luke stopped, staring at the snake.
When it was only four or five feets away, the snake reared up its front half, lowered its heads, and stretched them toward Luke's hand.
Luke reached out, gently stroking each of the snake's three heads. He knew that this wasn't a sign of submission from the snake, as snakes don't display affection or submission in that way. If they don't attack, that's close enough to friendliness. But this was a magical creature, and who knew where it had picked up such seemingly human-like gestures?
George and Fred exhaled in relief, realizing they wouldn't need to risk being caught to call for help. Despite the high number of magical creatures in this part of the forest, the danger level was relatively low. While a Runespoor could easily kill them, it wasn't particularly aggressive; as long as they didn't provoke it, they'd be fine.
Meanwhile, Luke opened his mouth and spoke in a hoarse, deep voice.
"What brings you here?~"
He asked in Parseltongue.
The twins shivered involuntarily upon hearing Luke's voice; Parseltongue had a natural chill to it, sounding innately sinister.
"We sensed a comforting presence, Your Highness, and so we gathered. We did not expect it to be the Gaunt family's heir~"
The left head replied.
Luke was familiar with such words and with being called "Your Highness." The forest around his small home was full of snakes, so encountering snakes almost felt like reuniting with family.
"Is there anything unusual happening in the forest lately?~"
Luke didn't waste time. While he was here for some amusement, he also had business to attend to.
"Nothing so far, but…" The snake's eyes grew thoughtful before continuing, "The unicorn herd has started withdrawing. They're highly sensitive to malevolent presences, so if you sense something off, it could be related to them.~"
"And the cowardly centaurs! They've withdrawn their defenses and only send out a few hunters now. They have the power of stargazing. Your instincts are correct—something is indeed stirring in the Forbidden Forest!~"
The right head added impatiently, shooting a challenging glance at the left head.
The left head simply scoffed and ignored it.
"You seem well prepared~"
Luke said, intrigued, addressing the left head.
The left head responded respectfully, "Our kind was released into the Forbidden Forest by Lord Slytherin himself. This place is significant; our duty is to observe everything and report to the heirs of the Gaunt family.~"
"It's just… it has been many years since we last saw any heirs~"
The middle head murmured.
There was a hint of resentment in its voice, making Luke feel a bit embarrassed. But he quickly reminded himself it wasn't really his responsibility.
"Then continue your duty. Keep an eye on the Forbidden Forest, and if there's any development, notify me immediately. Do you have a way to contact me?~"
Luke asked.
On the left side, the head nodded again and said, "Yes, originally we could have sent a message to you through a small snake, but it seems these creatures behind us also like you. If it's to deliver a message for you, they would probably be willing to do it too.~"
Luke glanced behind the large snake and saw a group of relatively gentle magical creatures, including a Green Tree Frog, a Fox Terrier, a Diricawl (dodo), and a Bowtruckle.
"And, what is your name?~"
Luke thought about how every snake around his home had a name, even the ones just born. After they grew a bit, they would ask him to help name them. It seemed to be a Gaunt family tradition.
Upon hearing Luke's question, the three heads grew excited.
"We have no names, Your Highness. It's been many years since we've seen any of you, and we never received a name.~"
This time, all three heads spoke at once. A similar light of hopeful anticipation appeared in their eyes.
Luke, hearing this, studied the three heads and a mischievous smile appeared on his face.
He pointed to the head on the left. "Ken.~"
Then he pointed to the middle head. "Ren.~"
Finally, he smiled and patted the head on the right. "Ben.~"
(T/N: The author used names of generals from The Three Kingdom era)
"Thank you for granting us names, Your Highness.~"
They didn't know the meaning behind these three names, but since they were bestowed by Luke, that was enough.
At that moment, a light suddenly flickered in the woods, and barking could be heard from a distance.
"Who's there? Fred! George! Is that you? And someone else? Who is it?!"
Hagrid's booming voice echoed from afar.
Ben bared its teeth viciously in Hagrid's direction, as if ready to charge over and bite the rude oaf to death.
But Luke gently held it down.
He turned his head and said to Ken, "You all should go now. Be careful and stay safe. The dangers in the Forbidden Forest are enough to kill even you. Be cautious while investigating.~"
Ken nodded, nudged the still-snapping Ben, then lowered its body and slithered quickly into the depths of the forest.
As they left Luke, the magical creatures, who had been holding back, rushed forward. They gathered around Luke's feet, curiously observing him. Luke squatted down to play with them.
George and Fred, noticing the approaching lights and barking, grew a bit nervous.
"Aren't you leaving, Luke? Hagrid's about to arrive. Even though we won't lose any points, we'll still get a lecture"
George said, sounding worried.
Luke, petting the head of a mooncalf, replied, "No need. I'll be visiting the Forbidden Forest often in the future, so it wouldn't hurt to say hi to Hagrid ahead of time."
Seeing that he couldn't convince Luke, George glanced at his brother, who not only didn't seem concerned but looked like he wanted to join in the fun. George sighed and said no more.
"Ha! I knew it was you two troublemakers! I saw your red hair from a mile away… wait, what's going on here?!"
Hagrid, who had been ready to scold them, was stunned by the scene before him.
One magical creature after another was happily playing around the twins. A Bowtruckle was perched on Fred's head, while a Niffler at George's feet, the two engaged in a tug-of-war over a knut.
"Luke? Why are you here too? Wait, is that a Demiguise? There's a Demiguise in the Forbidden Forest?!"
Hagrid was shocked to see Luke playing with an ape-like creature covered in silky, shimmering silver fur.
At that moment, the Demiguise, startled by Hagrid's loud voice, disappeared into thin air.
But Luke reached behind him and gently pulled the invisible creature back into view, smiling as he greeted Hagrid, "Nice to see you again!"
*****
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