Chapter 228 "Inside The Forbidden Forest"

Wentworth fell silent, contemplating the gravity of the task ahead.

Hagrid's joy was palpable after learning that Wentworth was willing to join Hagrid's journey inside the Forbidden Forest.

In the current Hogwarts community, Wentworth was far from being perceived as an ordinary second-year student.

Hagrid, who had initially been concerned about the safety of Harry and the others with Wentworth's involvement, suddenly felt a surge of reassurance.

With Filch gone and everyone present, Hagrid addressed the group, "Our primary objective tonight is to locate the murderer responsible for the Unicorn's death in the Forbidden Forest. Since Wentworth is willing to accompany you, in order to enhance efficiency, I suggest we split into two teams and search separately."

As Hagrid proposed this, he shared a meaningful glance with Wentworth, who nodded in agreement. Wentworth then suggested, "I agree with Hagrid's proposal. How about the rest of us form one group and let Draco lead his own team? Being a member of the esteemed and noble Malfoy family, Draco should handle himself well in the Forbidden Forest, I presume."

Caught off guard by the proposal, Draco remained silent, his expression speaking volumes after realizing he was teased by Wentworth once again.

"You can't be like that, Wentworth! How about we divide into a group of two, Harry and Draco led by you, and Hermione along with Ron will be led by me?" Given the circumstances, Hagrid couldn't leave Malfoy to his own devices.

Consequently, Draco and Harry formed a team led by Wentworth under Hagrid's arrangement.

Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione paired up under Hagrid's leadership. The groups split up and ventured into the Forbidden Forest.

Simultaneously, in a secluded section of the Forbidden Forest, a man with sapphire eyes and long, white-blond hair stood in an open space, gazing motionlessly at the night sky filled with stars.

If one focused solely on the upper body, one would perceive a handsome man. However, a further glance revealed that this handsome figure possessed the body of a horse.

This enigmatic being was a Centaur in the wizarding world.

Amidst his star-gazing, a rustling of trees from the jungle behind the Centaur arose.

Another Centaur emerged and addressed the one watching the night sky.

"Firenze, I heard from Bane that you disregarded his objections and left the tribe to save a human child. I'm curious—why?" Ronan asked with a concerned tone in his voice.

Firenze, recognizing Ronan's presence, responded without turning around, "Ronan, even a creature without intelligence understands the instinct to protect their offspring; there is no need for excessive questioning."

Disapproving of Firenze's answer, Ronan countered, "But those creatures without wisdom only safeguard their own offspring. I have never witnessed creatures that protect the young of other species!"

Rather than arguing, Firenze responded calmly, "Indeed, they are merely unintelligent creatures, and we are not."

Ronan, taken aback by Firenze's response, retorted angrily, "Firenze, you are being contentious! Don't assume we are oblivious to your intentions. You aim to rescue the fabled child, Harry Potter! You are betting on our lives by siding with him!"

"But have you considered that our Centaurs will be taking sides by doing so? Neutrality is our path to survival. Do you wish to await the return of the He Who Must Not be Named and witness the massacre of our people?" Ronan continued.

Upon hearing Ronan's words, Firenze, for the first time, turned his head, gazing at his companion with a deliberate slowness. He spoke with a measured pace, "So, your concept of survival involves concealing ourselves within this Forbidden Forest and merely enduring the trials upon us without even picking a side?"

Ronan, momentarily taken aback by Firenze's response, retorted in irritation, "Firenze, do you comprehend the implications of your actions? All Centaurs recognize that an impending war, destined to engulf the wizarding world, looms on the horizon, and you risk your lives for the fabled child?!"

In response to Ronan's remarks, Firenze raised his head once again, appearing indifferent to the urgency of the situation.

Frustrated by Firenze's nonchalance, Ronan approached him, scrutinized his features, and declared, "Firenze, I won't permit you to leave. You will never save that human child!"

Unfazed by Ronan's assertion, Firenze merely cast a casual glance, refraining from a response that left Ronan somewhat disconcerted.

As Ronan believed he had influenced Firenze, the latter unexpectedly said, "Ronan, your efforts are unnecessary. In truth, I am no longer needed here in our tribe."

Upon hearing Firenze's response, Ronan was momentarily bewildered, prompting him to inquire with a puzzled expression, "Firenze, what do you mean by that?"

Still gazing at the starry sky, Firenze shared his contemplation with a similarly perplexed expression: "A star that unexpectedly emerges, radiating unmatched brilliance, was meant to overshadow the existing stars. Yet, the stars chose to seek refuge beneath its luminosity. Any star that attempts to resist the dazzling brilliance will eventually succumb to silence."

Although Ronan raised his head in response to Firenze's words, a persistent sense of confusion lingered.

However, observing that Firenze had no intention of elaborating further, Ronan sighed in relief, feeling reassured.

Meanwhile, Draco and Harry trailed Wentworth's lead through the Forbidden Forest, yet their search yielded no results.

Suddenly, Wentworth, who led the way, came to a halt and slapped his forehead.

Perplexed by Wentworth's sudden action, Harry and Draco exchanged puzzled glances.

Harry hurriedly inquired, "What's the matter, Wentworth?"

Turning around, Wentworth looked at Harry with mild annoyance and remarked, "It's nothing. I just suddenly feel incredibly foolish!"

Upon hearing Wentworth's words, Harry and Draco exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what he meant. Wentworth, however, proceeded to walk behind them and directed his instruction, "You two, take the lead!"

Harry quickly protested, waving his hands emphatically, "Oh, come on Wentworth! We have no idea where we're going! Do you want the blinds to lead you inside this dangerous forest?"

Annoyed, Wentworth retorted, "Do you think I know of the way inside this forest myself? Just do your best and lead us, Harry! I am pretty sure nothing bad would happen to us. We can scream for Hagrid's help if we ever get into danger."

Harry swallowed nervously, hastily retrieving his wand from his robes, arbitrarily selecting a direction, and initiating their forward march.

After a short while, Draco appeared to have spotted something intriguing. He urgently pointed to the ground and exclaimed, "Look, what's that?"

The trio hurried towards Draco's indicated spot. They discovered a pool of silver-white liquid in the moonlight, casting a beautiful and mysterious glow.

Draco, intrigued by the silver-white liquid, was tempted to touch it, but Wentworth promptly intervened, preventing him. In response to Draco's curiosity, he asked, "Wentworth, do you know what this is?"

Wentworth surveyed their surroundings cautiously and replied with a deliberate pace, "If Professor Snape were to hear your question, you'd likely find yourself in his office for a month of extra lessons!"

Harry and Draco were confused with Wentworth's answer. What are they currently seeing that made Wentworth mad at them? It's not like every single student inside Hogwarts is as smart as him...