Chapter 157: “Unknown”
Within just two days, two extraordinary events jolted Hogwarts.
The vandalized statue outside the principals office and the sudden appearance of the enigmatic dog in the Forbidden Forest.
By the following morning, enhanced security measures were visible everywhere.
Professor Flitwick began to post warnings at the castle gate, instructing students to promptly report suspicious individuals.
Mr. Pringle was kept busy blocking every conceivable gap in the corridors.
Aurors patrolled Hogwarts Castle around the clock.
The underlying reason behind these actions was a missing boy.
Though not Slytherin students, they were all affected to varying degrees.
Draco merely lost his way in the Forbidden Forest, emerging quickly due to his limited pration.
Likely only minutes after Matthews departure from Professor Kettleburns cabin.
Vincent and Gregory encountered a thicket of wild devil snares, nearly strangling them to death had Professor Snape not intervened.
Theodore managed to escape to the forests depths and enter the territory of the Centaurs.
Despite the strained rtionship between Centaurs and wizards, thetter posed no harm to the formers horses.
The Centaurs, wary of Grindelwalds influence, opted to expel Knott from their domain rather than cause amotion on campus.
As for Evans, he remained the missing link.
Despite exhaustive searches involving a hundred dementors, a dozen Aurors, and several teachers, he remained elusive.
The enigmatic dog too managed to evade detection.
The vast expanse of the Hogwarts Forbidden Forest and its treacherous depths made approach difficult for inexperienced Aurors and Professors.
Should the three Azkaban escapees choose the forests heart as their hideout, it would indeed be a wise decision.
The method by which the fugitives survived within the forest was an intriguing puzzle
Matthew and hispanions remained unaffected.
Aside from Vincent and Gregorys brief stay at the school hospital, the other three Slytherin sophomores emerged unscathed.
They had be Hogwarts celebrities, frequently questioned about the mysterious dog.
During Sunday breakfast at Slytherins long table
Miss Gemma eximed, Could it be an omen? You know, the worst omens Those creatures of death
Lestrange retorted, Theres nothing mysterious about it! Those creatures are merely the stuff of wizarding imagination Maybe its just a stray dog wandering the Forbidden Forest
How could a stray dog survive there? Miss Gemma shook her head. The Forbidden Forest is teeming with fearsome creatures, like werewolves Poor Mr. Evans. If he didnt vanish due to the unknown, he likely met a gruesome end at the hands of those monsters We might have lost him forever
As Miss Gemma concluded, news spread throughout the hall
Evans had returned, unconscious, found beneath an English oak.
Although unharmed, he was taken to the school hospital.
Miss Gemma face reddened, and she promptly left.
Lestrange sported a triumphant smile.
It appeared all seven students who ventured into the Forbidden Forest were ounted for.
Professor Snape had attracted the ire of Professor Rosier and been sternly reprimanded.
Likely for his perceived negligence in safeguarding the students.
Well into the afternoon, the discussions persisted as Matthew joined the Dueling Club.
However, only Professor Flitwick, guided the session this time.
Professor Flitwick exined that most Dueling Club members were now acquainted with the Disarming Charm.
As a result, he introduced a new spell for the day
The Shield Charm!
This spell conjured a magical shield capable of deflecting and dispersing objects or spells, protecting both the caster and a certain radius around them.
Known as Protego, it was frequently employed in wizardingbat, serving as an effective form of self-defense.
During practice, a minor incident urred.
Both Draco and Theodore declined to partner with Matthew, still haunted by their first Dueling Club experience.
Over a month had passed, and while their rtionship with Matthew had gradually mended, reverberations from the initial practice still lingered.
Instead, a third-year Gryffindor named Alia Spi paired with Matthew.
By the way, how is Evans? Matthew inquired while honing the spell.
Im not sure, Miss Spit responded. He seems to be in the hospital, and were nning to visit him tonight Were hoping Madam Pomfrey allows it
If Evans recovers, could you let us know? Were genuinely concerned.
No problem. Ready On guard!
The Dueling Club practice spanned hours.
Learning the Shield Charm wasnt as smooth as mastering the Disarming Charm, unsurprising given its greaterplexity.
As Matthew stored his wand, ready to return to Slytherinsmon room, Draco approached.
Matthew! he whispered. Professor Slughorn reminded me to tell you not to forget tonights Slug Club dinner
Professor Slughorns persistence was notable The invitation had be quite insistent!
Matthew frowned, then nodded.
Fine, Ill attend, he replied.