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Pat*eon : ilham20
Naruto: Uchiha Shiroge Rebellion
"We're here."
Filch's voice was rasping as he pointed a gnarled finger toward Hagrid's hut in the distance.
"Thanks, Filch."
Rock handed Mrs. Norris back to the caretaker. After offering his thanks, he turned and walked alone toward the gamekeeper's cabin.
Filch didn't turn away until Rock had disappeared into the gloom. He gently patted Mrs. Norris, who was nestled in his arms. "Alright, my sweet, time to go back."
"Meow~"
"Oh? Did you fancy his cat treats that much? All right then, I'll open a fresh tin for you when we get back."
Standing in front of Hagrid's hut, Rock looked back toward Hogwarts castle. Through the heavy mist, he could only make out the faint, warm yellow glow of distant windows.
The fog was getting thick tonight.
Knock, knock.
Rock rapped on the heavy wooden door.
The door swung open, revealing Hagrid's massive frame. He looked alert, almost guarded, but his expression softened into relief the moment he saw it was Rock.
"Young Rock! Come in, come in. Get yerself some hot tea to warm yer bones."
Rock nodded. It was detention, after all. Dumbledore had simply said to follow Hagrid and do as he was told.
Inside, Hagrid poured Rock a massive mug of scalding hot tea before sitting down. He looked the boy over with concern. "You alright, Rock?"
"I'm fine," Rock smiled, signaling that there was nothing to worry about.
Hagrid nodded, though he kept watching Rock out of the corner of his eye. He'd heard about what happened at the school from Harry and the others. To be honest, he thought Rock had done the right thing.
Rock didn't notice Hagrid's scrutiny. He was busy scratching Fang behind the ears. The boarhound was lying at his feet; now that the dog was used to Rock, he didn't try to tackle him anymore.
Maybe he just knew Rock wasn't a fan of slobbery greetings.
"Hagrid... when are we heading out?" Rock asked, looking up after taking a large gulp of tea.
"Right now!"
Hagrid stood up and started gathering his gear—a massive crossbow and two lanterns.
"Here... take this with yeh."
Hagrid handed a small bottle of powder to Rock. Rock examined it in the firelight. "Essence of Dittany?"
"That's the one. Patrolin' the Forest... sometimes the little critters stick yeh. That'll close a cut in no time." Hagrid winked.
"Thanks." Rock pocketed the bottle and took the lantern Hagrid offered him.
"Right then. We're just patrolling the outskirts tonight. Don't worry, just stick close to me."
Perhaps worried that Rock might be scared, Hagrid flashed a reassuring, toothy grin. "Most of 'em are gentle creatures, long as yeh know how to treat 'em."
Rock smiled but didn't reply. The two of them, accompanied by Fang, stepped out of the hut and toward the treeline.
"Blimey, look at this fog..."
As they neared the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid realized the mist was much heavier than usual. It made the forest look far more foreboding than it normally did.
"Watch yer step, Rock. Stay close."
Rock gripped the cold metal handle of his lantern, scanning the surroundings by the swaying light inside the glass.
Hagrid's massive silhouette moved slowly ahead of him like a walking, furry mountain. It was a size that definitely made you feel safe.
They stuck to the outer perimeter. The fog was so dense that Hagrid muttered something about how he would have taken Rock to see the unicorns if the weather had been clearer.
Though, there was no guarantee a unicorn wouldn't just bolt at the sight of people anyway.
Hm?
Just as they reached a particularly damp patch of the forest, Rock heard a rustling sound, followed by a low, whimpering cry.
Hagrid stopped instantly. He signaled for Rock to freeze. Gently setting his lantern on the ground, Hagrid reached into his oversized moleskin coat and pulled out a few knobby, lumpy... potatoes.
"Rock, here's a test for yeh. Know what that little fella is?" Hagrid whispered.
Rock crouched beside Hagrid and peered into the darkness. First, two balls of ghostly green light floated into view, followed by a third, forming a triangle.
The creature slowly emerged from the shadows—it had a body like an elk, but covered in short, midnight-blue fur that looked like the night sky. On its forehead, there weren't antlers, but three long, slender tentacles, their tips glowing with a soft light.
"A Starhorn," Rock whispered. "A close relative of the Mooncalf."
He recognized the magical beast immediately.
"Beautiful," Hagrid beamed, clearly delighted that Rock knew his stuff. He tossed the potatoes toward the creature.
The Starhorn sniffed them cautiously before starting to munch away happily.
"Billy there is about to shed his horns. He's been a bit cranky lately. See that middle one? The base is already loose."
Rock nodded, moving his lantern behind his back. Starhorns were notoriously terrified of bright lights and sudden noises.
"Well? Want to give him a pat?"
Hagrid grinned, that special shine in his eyes that Rock had seen before. It was the same look his grandfather, Newt, got whenever he was around magical creatures.
"I'll pass. If he's shedding, he's vulnerable. Best not to touch him," Rock said, shaking his head. "Grandpa always said that shedding is a form of growth; we shouldn't interfere."
Rock stepped back carefully before standing up.
Hagrid looked even more pleased, murmuring his approval of Rock's knowledge.
"Let's get movin'. Seems the fog is making the critters more active tonight."
Rock felt a moment of déjà vu. It was just like being back at the manor. Whenever he went into the suitcase, Newt would guide him around just like this.
They continued their patrol, chatting quietly. Whenever they spotted a creature, Hagrid would quiz Rock first.
Rock answered everything correctly, revealing depths of knowledge that surprised even the gamekeeper.
"I mean it, Rock. If yeh follow in yer grandfather's footsteps, yeh'd make a crackin' Magizoologist. Truly." Hagrid sighed in admiration.
Rock waved away a few moths fluttering around his lantern and shook his head. "I like magical creatures, sure. But I don't think I'll follow Grandpa's path."
This had always been Rock's plan. He knew he didn't possess the same boundless, loving heart for creatures that Newt did.
"Aye, fair enough. You young ones always have yer own ideas." Hagrid chuckled, not bothered by the rejection.
Clop-clop—
A crisp sound of hooves striking the earth cut through the air, instantly grabbing their attention.
"Blimey... it's her! She's never come out on her own before!"
Hagrid gasped, hurriedly gesturing for Rock to look. Rock raised his lantern slightly and peered ahead.
There, pushing back the gloom, was a creature that glowed with the luster of fresh snow and the iridescent sheen of pearls. It stood silently, looking straight at Rock.
A unicorn.