Harry Potter and the Darker Path

Chapter 10: Into the Forbidden Forest

The mood at Hogwarts had shifted dramatically. The discovery of the Sorcerer’s Stone, combined with rumors of dark forces stirring, had cast a shadow over the castle. But none of this was enough to deter Harry Potter. As far as he was concerned, the Stone wasn’t just some ancient relic hidden behind layers of protection—it was his ticket to power, and Harry was determined to reach it before anyone else. 

The problem was that Dumbledore, and the other professors seemed to be keeping a closer eye on the students lately, making it harder for Harry to sneak around the castle unnoticed. And to make matters worse, Draco had gotten them into trouble by taunting some of the Gryffindors—again. This time, Filch had caught Harry, Draco, and the others out of bed after curfew, and they had been handed the worst punishment imaginable: a detention in the Forbidden Forest. 

The thought of entering the forest sent a chill down Harry’s spine, but he kept his expression calm as he stood alongside Draco, Ron, and Hermione in the entrance hall. Hagrid was waiting for them, holding a lantern that flickered in the dark. 

“Right, you lot,” Hagrid said, his voice rough but not unkind. “Yer comin’ with me into the forest. There’s somethin’ dangerous out there—unicorn’s been hurt. We’re goin’ to see if we can find out what’s doin’ it.” 

Draco shot Harry a nervous glance, but Harry ignored him. His mind was racing. A unicorn, injured? And something dangerous lurking in the forest? Perhaps this was more than just a punishment—perhaps this was an opportunity. 

 A Plan Forms 

As they walked deeper into the forest, the air grew colder, and the trees loomed overhead, their branches twisting together like claws. Harry kept close to Hagrid, though his eyes flickered to the shadows. The Forbidden Forest was rumored to be filled with creatures both magical and malevolent, and Harry’s instincts told him that something far more sinister than an injured unicorn awaited them. 

“I don’t like this, Potter,” Draco muttered, his usual arrogance replaced with unease. “We shouldn’t be out here.” 

Harry glanced at him, considering his options. Draco had proven useful in their schemes so far, but he was prone to panic when things got dangerous. Still, Harry needed allies, especially if they were going to discover the truth about what was happening at Hogwarts. 

“Keep quiet, Malfoy,” Harry whispered back, his voice calm. “This might be more important than we realize.” 

Draco gave him a puzzled look but didn’t argue. Harry could tell his curiosity was piqued, even if his fear of the forest still lingered.  

Ahead of them, Hagrid had stopped suddenly, his lantern casting long shadows across the forest floor. He knelt down, examining something on the ground. 

“Look ‘ere,” Hagrid said, his voice low. “Unicorn blood. Fresh, too.” 

Harry’s heart quickened. There was something deeply unsettling about the shimmering silver liquid that stained the grass. He knelt down beside Hagrid, studying it carefully. Who—or what—would attack a unicorn? And why? 

“Why would anyone hurt a unicorn?” Hermione asked, her voice trembling slightly. “They’re so peaceful, so innocent…” 

“Because unicorn blood can keep you alive, even if yer hangin’ on by a thread,” Hagrid explained grimly. “But it’s a terrible thing to do. Drinkin’ it leaves a curse—half-life, they call it. You’ll live, but you won’t ever be whole again.”