Chapter Forty: The Intruder in the Forbidden Forest

Cerys seemed to understand what Siwen had said. A look of relief flashed in her eyes. She took two steps back, then turned and slowly walked deeper into the Forbidden Forest. Professor Kettleburn and Siwen stood where they were, waving goodbye to her, and even the little cat that had just jumped from her back raised a paw in a sorrowful farewell.

The unicorn, possessing a rare intelligence, kept looking back at the two humans and the cat. After a few steps, she even doubled back, nuzzling Siwen’s arm before continuing into the depths of the forest.

“What an affectionate magical creature!” Professor Kettleburn wiped at the corner of his eye, moved. “Once a unicorn accepts you, parting becomes unbearable.”

Siwen watched Cerys closely—she stamped her hoof anxiously, glanced back at them, then looked toward the forest’s depths and tossed her head in that direction, as if trying to signal something.

“Professor, is it possible she wants us to follow?” Siwen asked, stroking his chin.

Professor Kettleburn was silent for a moment. Had his emotions been wasted?

Siwen picked up the little cat and, together with Professor Kettleburn, followed after the unicorn Cerys.

It soon became clear Cerys did indeed want to lead them somewhere. Without pausing, she pressed on into the heart of the Forbidden Forest.

They crossed tangled, massive roots and thick, obstructing vines. The further they went, the darker it became, and the mist grew thicker. It seemed they had reached a part of the forest far from any familiar ground.

Here, the very idea of a path had disappeared. Cerys leapt gracefully over every obstacle, but Professor Kettleburn and Siwen were forced to continually cast Severing Charms, hacking their way through the undergrowth to barely keep pace with the unicorn.

“Professor, are you still familiar with the forest this deep in?” Siwen asked, out of breath after casting another Severing Charm, peering with concern through the mist at the professor’s indistinct form.

Professor Kettleburn didn’t look comfortable himself, but he tried to sound calm. “Reasonably so. Unicorns won’t harm us. Don’t worry!”

After another half hour’s walk, Cerys stopped and let out a soft whinny.

Professor Kettleburn immediately noticed something amiss.

“There are traces of human activity here!” he said, his expression grave.

“What?” Siwen looked at him in surprise.

“Look at these vines—the cuts are too clean, almost as if they were made with a Severing Charm.” He pointed out the sheared vines ahead. “And see the footprints? Faint, but definitely human.”

Siwen’s expression turned serious. “So someone really did sneak into the Forbidden Forest?”

“I’m afraid so,” the professor replied, nodding heavily.

He pulled a compass from his pocket and handed it to Siwen with a solemn air. “Siwen, you’re just a first-year. You shouldn’t get caught up in something this dangerous.”

“Take this compass and walk southwest. There shouldn’t be any major dangers along the way—I believe you’ll make it back to the castle safely. Once you’re there, find the other professors and bring them here immediately. Do you understand?”

Siwen’s mouth fell open. “Professor, don’t tell me you’re planning to confront the intruders alone?”

“I’ll be careful,” Professor Kettleburn said, shaking his head. “Enough talk. Go, now!”

At that moment, Cerys suddenly nudged Siwen’s shoulder with her forehead, trying to push him toward the edge of the forest.

Just then, a shout echoed from the distance.

“Who’s there?”

Professor Kettleburn’s face changed; he quickly snuffed his lantern, plunging them into darkness. Siwen doused the light at the tip of his wand as well.

Only the soft glow from the unicorn’s body remained, along with the faint, distant glimmer of the intruders’ lights.

“Go!” Professor Kettleburn whispered fiercely.

Siwen gritted his teeth, placed the little cat on Cerys’s back, and whispered in her ear, “Cerys, please take the kitten back for me, will you?”

Cerys nuzzled Siwen’s cheek, reluctant to leave, but after a moment’s hesitation, she turned and raced for the forest’s edge, the kitten clinging cluelessly to her back, watching Siwen recede into the distance.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Professor Kettleburn was stunned by Siwen’s actions, his voice nearly rising to a shout. “Staying here with me is suicide!”

“I know what I’m doing, Professor,” Siwen answered calmly, composed once more.

Meanwhile, in the castle’s dungeon, a ghost with black hair and eyes, holding a thick leather-bound book, suddenly spoke to the elegant ghostly lady standing nearby. “Helena, please notify Professor Dumbledore.”

“Something’s happened to Siwen in the Forbidden Forest!”

With those words, he closed his eyes.

At that moment in the forest, young wizard Siwen opened his eyes as well. He gathered his thoughts, ready for action.

He did not consider his decision reckless. He possessed the secret magical arts of Kamar-Taj, unknown to anyone in this world. Few, if any, would be able to counter him on short notice; the element of surprise could prove invaluable.

The intruders’ footsteps were growing louder, their lights brighter. Professor Kettleburn, with no time for further argument, stood and raised his wand, firing a bolt of red light toward the source.

“I’ll hold them off! Run!” he shouted.

Siwen was touched by the professor’s bravery but did not obey.

“Stupefy!”

Siwen joined in, casting a Stunning Spell toward the intruders’ light.

Their opponent reacted quickly, blocking both attacks with a Shield Charm and retaliating with a flash of blinding green light.

“Damn it, they’re dark wizards with no scruples!” Professor Kettleburn cursed, ducking behind a tree for cover.

He shot Siwen a fierce look. “Take care of yourself, you little rascal!”

Then, the professor sprang from his hiding place and engaged the dark wizard in a fierce duel.

Siwen, concealed behind another tree, calculated the time. By now, Dumbledore should have reached the open lawns and could easily spot the signal above the forest.

He muttered a spell under his breath, “Ruddy Sparkle.”

From the tip of his wand, a stream of red, misty light poured forth. With another incantation, “Ascendio!” the red glow shot into the sky, bursting into a brilliant firework.

“Fuck!” The dark wizard, his face concealed by a black hood, spat a curse and fired a spell at Siwen’s position.

But Professor Kettleburn, seasoned in dealing with dangerous magical creatures, was not so easily bested. With a flick of his wand, he deflected the curse with ease.

“Your fight is with me, you bastard!” the professor roared, wearing a fierce expression.

As their duel continued, the dark wizard was steadily forced back, on the verge of defeat.

“Aren’t you going to help?” he shouted in desperation.

Professor Kettleburn started violently, glancing toward another direction.

Suddenly, a voice broke in from the side.

“Expelliarmus!”

…