Chapter 18 - The Forbidden Forest (2/2)

Meanwhile, the ”shut boy of Hogwarts” Ron, which Neal gave the idea and Malfoy spread out, I.e. Shameless, Hopeless, Useless and Tactless boy of Hogwarts; was just like his nickname, without any shame of losing the points, was just enjoying playing wizards chess, roaming around, disturbing Hermoine's studies and gets ready to get physical with others instead of using wand or thinking about for a second, when others insult him.

In the first week of April, The Gryffindor Trio was suddenly called to Prof. McGonagall's office. As they were wondering what they might have done, she said, ”you three didn't serve you detention.

The three were stupified to hear it. Before they reply, she asked, ”what? Did you think I forgot since I didn't summon you then? That's only because it was very dangerous at that time.

It would be too much of a punishment to you guys if I sent you then But since the forbidden forest is peaceful aside from occasional troubles now, its the time for you to serve your detention”.

All three of them tried to argue, ”But Professor...”. She interrupted, ”hmm, will you three go or should I just take off the points again for not obeying Professor's orders?”. They grudgingly accepted, ”yes, Professor”.

Then she said, ”meet caretaker Filch after dinner. He'll explain to you what to do”. They nodded and went to meet Filch while cursing her in their minds. With their lanterns in their hands, all three of them followed caretaker Filch and Mrs. Norris, his pet cat.

Soon, they reached the edge of the forest and saw three people and a large dog there. Harry broke into a smile even before seeing a person as his size tells him who he is even from a distance. Just as he thought, it turned out to be Hagrid.

But soon, their eyes narrowed as they saw Malfoy stood there and Neal petting the dog. Upon seeing them, Neal stood up, ”oh, you guys are here? Let's go”.

Harry asked in a narrowed tone, ”What are you doing here?”. Neal replied, ”Malfoy is like you guys facing detention while I'm on an official Hogwarts business”. Ron scoffed, ”huh, Hogwarts business? At this time? Who are you fooling around”.

Malfoy sneered, ”Oh, please, he isn't a ”Shut boy” like you, Weasley”. Then Harry defended him and they started arguing again. Neal sighed, ”this won't do. Draco, you are going with Ron and Hagrid. Harry and Hermoine, you two follow me”.

Malfoy almost screamed, ”Hey, what are you talking about. You told me you will let me follow you”. Neal replied, ”what should I do. We need to form two teams of three. No matter who ended up on our team, you'll argue with them anyway.

You are safe with Hagrid and Fang, anyway”. While Harry said, ”I'm going to team up with Hagrid. We won't follow you”.

Neal replied, ”you are not going on a field trip. You are serving detention. You have no choice in it. So, stop arguing and follow me behind. I already wasted too much time. Hagrid, I'm going. If two of these four don't follow me, I'll just report as it is to the Professor”.

Then he started to walk into the forbidden forest without hearing what everyone else have to say. Hagrid then said, ”well, it's better this way. Neal knows this forest just as much as me. You two just bear with it and follow him into the forest”.

Harry nodded, ”well, it's better than going with Malfoy anyway”. Both of them also started to walk quickly while trying to catch up with him.