Three weeks had passed since the start of term, and autumn was starting to show. The weather was cooler, and a light breeze blew through the grounds. It had even rained last night.
Arya got out of bed and picked up the letter on her desk. She read it for the hundredth time.
My dear, you can't imagine how much I miss you! Ilvermorny is so quiet without you. Everyone keeps asking where you are. I had to explain it a dozen times! Professor Crendan was furious—you're the only one who got an A in Transfiguration last year. He said if you join the British Ministry instead of MACUSA, he'll send you a Howler! He's always had issues with Brits.
Yesterday William asked about that hazel-haired girl from your group. When I told him you left, he said, 'Good riddance! She was so stupid, thought she could wipe our memories. Didn't know her spells don't work on us!' But don't let him get to you. A few days ago, we were searching her closet for confiscated items—guess what we found? Your broken wand from third year! I'm sure he liked you. Why else keep it?
Oh, and the team misses you too! We got a new Chaser—Broxson, that tiny second-year. He's good, but nothing like you. I still save your seat in Professor Steinfield's class. Remember how we used to chat during Potions? You sketched half your ideas there. Maybe that's why we never became good at brewing!
Hey—did you say Albus Potter's in your house? The son of Harry Potter?! If you see Mr. Potter himself, get an autograph for me! I tried during the Quidditch World Cup, but couldn't.
Miss you tons—wish you could come for Christmas. Hope this silly owl finds its way to you—it has to cross a whole continent! Take care of yourself.
Love, Sarah.
Under Sarah's letter were a few magical stickers. Arya choked back a lump in her throat, set the letter down, and put on her cloak. It was the weekend, and everyone was going to Hogsmeade—except for her and Albus, who were grounded.
She heard their voices at the bottom of the stairs.
"If you want, I won't go either."
"No, it's fine—you promised Rose."
"I just hate leaving you two alone again!"
Arya cut in, "No need to worry—we've got like ten pages of Ancient Charms homework to do!"
Albus added, "We can go see Hagrid. He found out we're grounded and said to drop by."
Arya perked up. She didn't feel like doing homework—spending time with a half-giant sounded far better.
"Sure, let's go!"
They stepped outside. The chill air prickled their skin, and traces of last night's rain still lingered on the grass. Puddles of water dotted the grounds.
They walked past a patch of grass and approached Hagrid's hut. Arya found it charming—round, brown, with a thatched roof still damp from the rain. Albus knocked, but no one answered. They called out for a while, but it was no use.
Albus said, "Guess he's not home."
- Doesn't matter.
Arya, eyes fixed on the towering trees behind the hut, asked, "Is that the Forbidden Forest?"
"Yeah," Albus replied.
"I've always wanted to see inside."
Albus chuckled, "Trust me, we've been in there before."
"Exactly! So now it's my turn."
"Arya—we're already in trouble. You really want to add to it?!"
"No—but come on, one quick look won't hurt. I'm sure every student's snuck in at least once. If you stop complaining, we'll be in and out!"
Albus sighed. "Fine. But if you get attacked by a centaur, I'm not taking responsibility."
"They live deeper in the woods. I've read Hogwarts: A History."
She marched into the forest. It was damp and earthy. Fallen leaves gave off a rich scent. Arya stepped lightly, trying not to crush the plants beneath her feet. Her wand was raised just in case.
Suddenly, a beautiful unicorn appeared. Its body was white, its horn golden.
Arya gasped.
"Don't get too close," Albus warned.
"I won't. I just... it's stunning. If I'd known there were unicorns here, I'd have brought it something. I haven't seen one since I was ten—we healed it and let it go."
Still mesmerized, Arya reached forward. Albus tugged her hand.
"Time to go."
"Just a little further—then we'll turn back. Promise."
They continued deeper. The forest grew darker, the plants thicker, the path narrower.
Then—Arya froze.
They stumbled upon a nest of strange golden birds. Their heads were snake-like, their noses flat. Arya had never seen such creatures. Black magical roots slithered up their bodies like a dark curse.
Before Arya could speak, Albus grabbed her hand.
"Run!"
The creatures had sensed them. They swooped at incredible speed. Arya shouted a spell and they both ran, glancing back now and then. Arya gasped for air, running with everything she had. Her cloak snagged on a massive plant and tore. When she turned, she saw a hulking figure—and suddenly, the creatures turned and chased after it.
"I think that was Hagrid."
"Yeah. Come on."
Panting, they stumbled out of the forest. Arya looked down at her ripped cloak.
"What were those things?"
Back at the hut, Arya said, "They're the strangest creatures I've ever seen. My dad's a magizoologist—I've never even seen a drawing of them."
"Don't worry. They're probably some weird Hagrid pets. He raises all sorts of odd stuff."
Arya looked uneasy. "But did you see their bodies? That black stuff—it looked like a dark spell."
Albus frowned. "I don't know. But if they were dangerous, Hagrid wouldn't bring them near school."
Arya muttered, "I don't think he meant to bring them."
Back inside, Scorpius was back from Hogsmeade, beaming. Apparently, he'd had a great time. Arya and Albus told him everything.
"Why do you guys always have the cool adventures without me?!"
Arya, still shaken, said, "It wasn't that fun. Honestly, I was terrified."
Albus proudly said, "I wasn't scared at all!"
Arya gave him a look. "Yeah, who was it that kept saying 'Let's go back' every five minutes?"
Scorpius stepped in, "Okay, okay, no fighting! Let me tell you what happened with Rose today..."
It was midnight. The common room was darker and cozier than ever. Green lights danced along the walls. Arya had fallen asleep over her Ancient Charms homework, her quill slipping from her fingers.
By the fireplace, Albus and Scorpius were still working on their Potions assignment, barely able to keep their eyes open.
Scorpius blinked, then noticed something through the window.
"Albus, look."
They walked over. Their window was low and level with the ground, offering a view of the Forbidden Forest. A red blaze had overtaken part of it—but strangely, only one section burned, with no spread.
"The Forbidden Forest is on fire," Scorpius said. "Should we wake everyone?"
Albus replied, "I don't know. Look—it's only one part. Someone set that deliberately."
"Maybe it's because of those creatures," Arya said from behind them. She'd woken up.
"Maybe Hagrid realized they were dangerous and decided to get rid of them."
Just then, they saw Professors McGonagall and Weasley emerging from the forest.
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