The Wizard Who Could (Male Reader X Hermione Granger)

That Damn Word

-The Forbidden Forest-

In between the tall and dark trees of the Forbidden Forest, a herd of about 8 centaurs are seen trotting forward, with two of them dragging a dead monster on the floor.

They stop in front of a specific tree and bow down on their front legs. Firenze, who is in front, is the first to look up at an owl on a branch, peering down at them.

"We have returned, Hospitable One."

The black owl hoots once before flying down. It disappears in the darkness in front of them. A slight shift is heard before a deep, dark voice calls out.

"And what is it that you have brought?"

Firenze signals towards the back to bring the creature forward. The two centaurs drag the beast towards the mysterious figure and throw it forward, landing with a loud thud in front of the dark space.

"We found this monster luring around the outskirts of Hogwarts. We used its unawareness to put it down."

The figure, hidden in the darkness, looks down and stares at the bull-headed creature, who has numerous arrows in his chest area and head.

"A Minotaur....hm. Was this beast the only one near?"

"Yes, my lord." Firenze nods. "This is the first one...but if this appeared, then that must mean..."

"The boys scent is getting stronger." The figure finishes.

"Correct. Must we get more reinforcements then?"

"No. The current number of you is enough. Keep your patrols up, the boys life depends on it."

The huge bull-like creature dissolves into black ashes with a wave of the mysterious man's hand. The centaurs stand on their hooves, ready for the next command.

"I sense something..." the figure whispers. "...something vile crawls through the spaces of the school..."

Firenze eyes open wide. "What is it, Hospitable One? Is there something we can do?"

"No. Your job is to guard the outside. I have a spy within the school. They will protect the boy and his friends if need be...Now go."

Firenze and the other centaurs nod as they turn and gallop away. The mysterious figure hums a bit before sinking into the ground.

________

-September 19th-

In the boys corridor, Y/N is sitting on his bed, petting his pet Python Slinky in a soothing manner.

"I don't know how you just keep popping up when I need you, but I'm not complaining."

Slinky simply flicks out his tongue once, highly appreciative that "he" can be of use to "his" second owner.

"Here. I grabbed this from the kitchen." Y/N reaches in his robes pocket and offers a large orange. Slinky effortlessly widens his jaw and swallows the fruit in one swoop, rind and all.

Y/N chuckles at the sight. "You are DEFINITELY not a regular snake."

"Wait a minute..." Y/N whispers to himself as he thinks to himself. "It's Hermione's birthday today...I almost forgot."