Loyalties | Barty Crouch Jr

Bowtruckle Best Friends

April 17, 1978 - Monday

"For the second half of April, in preparation for your upcoming O.W.L exams, we will be focusing on bowtruckles."

Each month in Care of Magical Creatures, the fifth years had been focusing on one or two creatures, some new, and some review. Leonora had never been particularly fond of Care of Magical Creatures, especially after what had happened with the puffskein earlier in the year.

"Today," Professor Kettleburn spoke, "we will be searching the forbidden forest for your very own bowtruckle, who you all will be taking care of for the next two weeks."

Leonora groaned in annoyance, not wanting to be responsible for taking care of a creature outside of class for the next two weeks. Fern, on the other hand, could hardly contain her excitement as she squirmed around on her feet. She lightly bumped into Leonora, who scoffed at the contact and rolled her eyes in annoyance as she watched the girl.

"As the forbidden forest is a dangerous place, make sure to stay with your partner. We don't want anyone getting hurt," Kettleburn warned, his eyes glancing between all of the students. "Grab a handful of woodlice from this bucket," he held up a small, red bucket, "and bring it with you to help with your capture."

As Kettleburn dismissed everyone to head into the forest, Fern took off running, wanting to be the first one find her own bowtruckle. Leonora grumbled to herself as the girl ran off. Quickly grabbing a handful of woodlice, she began to chase after her. She had the unfortunate luck of still being paired with the girl after so many months.

"Merlin," Leonora panted as she caught up to Fern, who was now intently inspecting a tree, "the bowtruckles aren't going anywhere, Fields. No need to be in such a rush." She stood up straight, still catching her breath.

"Sorry, Nora. I've always just loved bowtruckles, ever since I first learned of them. They are rather adorable, wouldn't you agree?"

"They're green sticks," Leonora responded flatly, moving to inspect the next tree over to find her own.

"Careful about what you say, Nora. You know they could gouge your eyes out."

"Yeah, because they can totally understand what I'm saying," Leonora joked sarcastically. "I think I'll be fine."

Fern didn't respond as she moved onto the next tree, searching the branches for the little creature. 

As the other students started to arrive, Leonora and Fern moved deeper into the forest, looking to separate themselves from the group. Leonora hadn't ever ventured too far into the forbidden forest, as it was said to be a dangerous place. Even now, during the daytime, she felt uneasy walking around among the thick trees and brush. Anything could pop out at them at any moment. She repeatedly kept glancing behind her shoulder, making sure they didn't travel too far away from the other students and Professor Kettleburn.

"Nora look!" Fern gasped, grabbing the girl's attention. Leonora turned her head back around, almost running into a tree. Reaching her left hand out, she stopped herself just in time and with her eyes, followed Fern's pointed finger up into a tree that sat a short distance ahead of them.

Hiding behind the mess of leaves on the first branch, were two small bowtruckles. They were camouflaged so well that it took Leonora a minute to spot them, which she barely managed to do. They watched the two girls curiously, as if they were waiting to see what they would do next.

Fern looked to Leonora, who motioned for her to approach. Taking a deep breath, Fern slowly stepped closer to the tree, keeping her eyes trained on the creatures. She reached her hand out, letting it graze over the rough bark on the tree trunk.