Luna was about to calm the owl when the stream not far away suddenly surged. A huge figure emerged from the water, sending ripples across its surface.
Thanks to the meditative state Vizet maintained, he remained composed despite the sudden movement. He sensed the figure lash out with its tail, aiming directly at them.
Even in a critical moment, fear did not cloud his judgment. Vizet grabbed Luna's arm, and together they leaped forward, narrowly evading the attack.
Bang!
The tail barely brushed Vizet's shoulder before slamming into the grass with tremendous force. The ground shook, and the creature retracted its tail, scattering dirt and debris into the air.
Hiss!
More water splashed as the figure slithered onto the shore, revealing its full form.
It was a strange, colossal snake the likes of which Vizet had never seen. Its body, at least two meters tall when raised, featured three distinct heads.
The snake's appearance was unnerving. A layer of orange-red, thorn-like scales covered its massive body. The scales were dull and faded, giving the snake an aged, almost decayed look.
As it hissed, Vizet caught a glimpse of its right head, where venomous fangs glimmered with a faint green sheen.
The three-headed snake was as thick as a wagon wheel, its body writhing as it lunged toward them.
Hiss!
The right head struck first, its maw wide open, sharp fangs aimed at Vizet. However, it was restrained by the other two heads, failing to land the blow.
Vizet seized the opportunity to pull Luna back, narrowly escaping the snake's attack.
The snake's head buried itself in the grass, sending another wave of dust and broken blades into the air.
"Vizet, this is a Runespoor" Luna said, her voice calm despite the chaos. "It might be old and not very agile. Its three heads have separate thoughts, so they tend to fight among themselves."
Even as she spoke, the snake's heads were engaged in a heated quarrel. The central head hissed furiously, while the left head wagged from side to side as if scolding the others.
Soon, the three heads turned on each other, snapping and biting as Luna had predicted.
"This is a XXXX-class magical creature," Luna murmured as she stood. "Why is it here?"
Her calm broke when she noticed blood seeping through Vizet's shirt. "You're hurt!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with panic.
Luna helped Vizet to his feet, urging him to run. But the Runespoor, sensing its prey might escape, abandoned its infighting and chased them with alarming speed.
Through meditation, Vizet could sense the creature's movements behind him. Its speed was terrifying — like a motorcycle at full throttle. It would reach them in seconds.
As Vizet weighed his options, Luna suddenly stopped and pushed him forward. "You're injured!" she said firmly. "I'll distract it."
Vizet froze, shocked by her resolve.
This was the same Luna who had welcomed him into her family. In his past life, no one had shown him such care or selflessness.
Turning back, Vizet saw Luna standing fearlessly before the charging Runespoor. Her pale golden hair billowed in the wind, her eyes calm and determined.
Protect your family.
The phrase echoed in Vizet's mind. He recalled his time in the orphanage, wishing desperately for a family to claim him.
Now, he had one, and he would not let it be taken away.
The details of Primordial Magic: Shield surfaced vividly in his mind. Every step was clear.
This time, his wish was strong: "Protect Luna".
Vizet clasped his hands, summoning the ancient magic within. The power surged, pressing against the chains of Obscurus, threatening to break free.
The Runespoor lunged, its fangs inches from Luna's neck.
Vizet completed the gestures in one fluid motion. A silver-blue light bloomed between his hands, expanding outward.
For the first time, the energy did not return to him. Instead, it enveloped Luna in a radiant, spherical barrier.
The Runespoor's fangs struck the barrier and bounced harmlessly off.
Vizet pushed further, spreading his fingers to extend the barrier. The glowing sphere expanded, forcing the Runespoor back into the stream.
Maintaining such a large barrier took a toll. The Obscurus inside him grew restless, rattling its chains with ominous force.
The Runespoor roared in unison, its three heads screeching. It lunged again, but the barrier held firm, though it was rapidly thinning.
Vizet's vision blurred, and he swayed on his feet. Just as the barrier began to falter, a tabby cat appeared in the distance.
The cat leaped gracefully and transformed mid-air into a stern-looking woman in a dark green robe.
"Merlin's beard!" she exclaimed, pointing her wand at the snake. With a flick, the stream surged, transforming into a steel cage that trapped the creature.
The woman rushed to Vizet's side, muttering, "Episkey".
A warm, numbing sensation spread through Vizet's shoulder. Within moments, the pain and blood were gone.
"Did you just heal me?" he asked, astonished.
"Yes," she replied with a curt nod. Her sharp features softened slightly. "You'll learn this magic at Hogwarts soon enough. It's a good thing I arrived when I did. A Runespoor bite requires immediate attention at St. Mungo's."
"Thank you," Vizet said earnestly. "May I know your name?"
"Minerva McGonagall," she replied, her lips curling into a faint smile. "Professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts."
From her pocket, she pulled a parchment envelope sealed with a wax crest. "I've come to deliver your Hogwarts admission notice."
Vizet accepted the envelope with trembling hands. The seal bore a shield emblazoned with a capital "H," surrounded by a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake...