67. Apollyon Black

In the soft light of the following morning, Apollyon returned to her secluded spot near the Forbidden Forest, a place that had become her sanctuary for magical practice and contemplation. The tranquility of the clearing, with its gentle breeze and the distant sounds of the forest, offered her a sense of peace and focus, an environment where she felt her magic could truly flourish.

As she began her exercises, delving deeper into the nuances of the spells and runes she had studied, Apollyon sensed a presence at the edge of the clearing. Turning, she spotted a young Thestral, its thin, bat-like wings folded against its sides and its skeletal body quivering slightly. The creature's eyes, deep and knowing, met hers with an unmistakable plea for help.

Apollyon knew that Thestrals were often misunderstood creatures, visible only to those who had witnessed death firsthand. Their appearance, though unnerving to some, belied a gentle and intelligent nature. The young Thestral before her, with its distress so palpable, stirred a deep sense of compassion within her.

Approaching slowly, so as not to startle the creature, Apollyon extended her hand, offering a silent gesture of friendship and aid. The Thestral, in turn, took a tentative step forward, its gaze never leaving hers, as if recognizing in her a kindred spirit, someone who had faced the shadows and emerged with a deeper understanding of life and death.

Gently, Apollyon examined the Thestral, her eyes and hands moving carefully over its body in search of injuries. It didn't take long for her to find the source of its distress—a deep cut along its flank, likely the result of an encounter with some forest predator. The wound was serious but not beyond her ability to mend.

Drawing upon her knowledge of healing spells and her innate magical abilities, Apollyon focused her energy, her intent clear and unwavering. She whispered the incantation, her voice soft but firm, as her hands glowed with a gentle, healing light. The magic flowed from her, weaving into the Thestral's flesh, knitting the wound together with a precision and care that spoke of her deep respect for the creature before her.

As the spell took effect, the Thestral's quivering subsided, its eyes softening with relief and gratitude.

In the clearing's serene silence, punctuated only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of forest creatures, Apollyon and the Thestral shared a moment of quiet connection. The healing spell had worked its magic, the wound on the Thestral's flank now nothing more than a faint scar, a testament to the young witch's growing prowess.

It was then that the sound of heavy footsteps broke the tranquility of the moment, drawing both their attentions to the edge of the clearing. Hagrid, Hogwarts' gamekeeper and caretaker of magical creatures, emerged from the shadows of the trees, his expression a mix of surprise and concern.

"Wha' have we here?" Hagrid boomed, his voice filled with wonder as his eyes fell on the young Thestral standing calmly beside Apollyon. "I been lookin' for this lil' one since mornin'. Heard he'd gotten himself hurt."

As he approached, the Thestral, now healed and calm, showed no fear of Hagrid, a testament to the gentle giant's known kindness towards all magical creatures. Hagrid's gaze shifted to Apollyon, his expression turning from surprise to admiration.

"An' you healed him," he stated, more a realization than a question, his eyes scanning the now-healed flank of the Thestral. "That's some advanced magic for a student, even for Hogwarts."

Apollyon, feeling a slight flush of pride at Hagrid's recognition of her skills, nodded. "I couldn't just leave him injured," she explained. "The wound was deep, but it was within my power to mend it."

Hagrid knelt down, his large frame surprisingly graceful, to inspect the Thestral more closely. "You've got a real talent, Apollyon," he said, standing up and facing her with a broad grin. "An' a big heart. It takes a special kind of witch to connect with a Thestral, especially to heal one."

The gamekeeper's genuine praise filled Apollyon with a warmth that went beyond the satisfaction of having successfully healed the creature. It was the recognition of her actions, of her decision to help, that truly mattered.

"I've always felt a connection to magical creatures," she admitted. "And I believe that understanding and caring for them is as important as any spell or potion."

Hagrid nodded, his eyes twinkling with respect. "You're right about that, Apollyon. An' I reckon you'll do great things with that kind of attitude. If you ever want to learn more about magical creatures, you know where to find me."

The offer, coming from someone as knowledgeable and passionate about magical creatures as Hagrid, was an honor. "I'd like that, Hagrid. Thank you," Apollyon replied, her heart light with the possibilities that lay ahead. "But I already know a great amount that might match yourself." She smiled.

As they walked back towards Hagrid's hut, nestled on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, the gamekeeper shared his wisdom about the creatures that dwelled within and the importance of respecting their domain. The path was familiar to Hagrid, marked by the passage of countless trips into the forest on his caretaking duties, but for Apollyon, it was a journey of discovery, each step revealing more of the magical world she was eager to understand.

"You've got to be careful, Apollyon," Hagrid warned, his voice taking on a serious tone. "The Forbidden Forest is full of wonders, but it's also home to dangers that even the most skilled wizards should think twice about facing."

Apollyon nodded, taking his advice to heart. She understood the risks, her encounter with the young Thestral a reminder of the delicate balance that existed between the magical and the wild. "I understand, Hagrid. I'll be cautious. But I can't help but feel drawn to learn more about the creatures and the magic that resides within the forest."

Hagrid looked down at her, his expression softening. "I can see that curiosity in ya, and it's a good thing. But it's gotta be balanced with caution. There's a reason the forest is forbidden to students, after all."

As they reached the cozy warmth of Hagrid's hut, the gamekeeper invited Apollyon inside for a cup of tea. The interior was as she had expected: cluttered yet homely, filled with various magical creature-related paraphernalia and the comforting smell of freshly brewed tea.

Sitting at the rough-hewn table, Apollyon listened intently as Hagrid shared stories of his own adventures within the Forbidden Forest, his encounters with its denizens both fascinating and cautionary. It was a rare privilege to hear these tales from someone who had experienced the forest's mysteries firsthand, and Apollyon felt a deep appreciation for the gamekeeper's willingness to share his knowledge with her.

"You already know a great amount, do ya?" Hagrid chuckled, raising an eyebrow at her claim. "Well, that's impressive. There's always more to learn, though. The magical world's a big place, after all."

Their conversation drifted from magical creatures to the broader aspects of magical study and practice, Hagrid expressing a genuine interest in Apollyon's unique approach to magic. Despite his rough exterior, the gamekeeper possessed a keen insight into the nature of magic, and his encouragement of Apollyon's explorations reinforced her belief in the value of her unconventional path.

As the evening wore on, illuminated by Hagrid's tales and the glow of the hearth, Apollyon realized the time had swiftly passed, and she needed to make her way to her next class: Defense Against the Dark Arts. With a reluctant but grateful farewell to Hagrid, she promised to return soon, eager to continue their conversations and learn more from his vast experience with magical creatures.

Hagrid's hut, with its warm lights and the scent of earth and wood, faded into the background as Apollyon hurried back to the castle, her mind a whirl of thoughts. The connection she had felt with the Thestral and her conversation with Hagrid had deepened her appreciation for the complexities and wonders of the magical world, a world she was only just beginning to explore.

Her next class, Defense Against the Dark Arts, was held in one of the castle's many towers, a room that was both austere and imposing, with tall windows that looked out onto the darkening sky. The new professor for the course, Professor Eldridge, stood at the front, a figure both enigmatic and intriguing. With a background shrouded in mystery, rumors abounded about his experiences battling dark forces across the globe, making him a subject of both curiosity and respect among the students.

As Apollyon took her seat, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Defense Against the Dark Arts was a subject she found particularly fascinating, offering not just practical knowledge for protecting oneself against dark magic but insights into the nature of fear and courage.

Professor Eldridge began the class with a brief introduction, his voice calm and authoritative, commanding the attention of every student in the room. "Today, we will delve into the principles of defensive magic," he announced, his gaze sweeping over the class. "Understanding these principles is crucial, not just for combating dark magic, but for developing a mindset that values vigilance and preparedness."

The lesson that followed was both rigorous and enlightening. Professor Eldridge demonstrated several defensive spells, each accompanied by a detailed explanation of its origins, mechanics, and practical applications. His teaching style was direct and engaging, encouraging questions and fostering an environment of active learning.

Apollyon was captivated, her keen mind absorbing every detail, every nuance of the spells and theories presented. She recognized the importance of the subject not just for her academic pursuits but for her personal journey as a witch navigating a world where darkness and light coexisted in complex ways.

The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom buzzed with a palpable excitement as Professor Eldridge, standing confidently at the front, prepared the students for their first practical lesson. "Today, we'll start with the basics," he announced, his voice resonant and clear, capturing the attention of every student. "We'll be focusing on one of the most fundamental defensive spells: Expelliarmus."

The students, Apollyon among them, leaned in, their anticipation building. Expelliarmus, the Disarming Charm, was a spell that many had heard of, even before setting foot in Hogwarts, thanks to its simplicity yet profound usefulness in dueling and self-defense.

Professor Eldridge moved with a grace that belied his age, demonstrating the proper wand movement—a swift, fluid motion that seemed to cut through the air. "Expelliarmus is not just about flinging your opponent's wand away," he explained. "It's about timing, precision, and, most importantly, the intent behind the spell. The desire to disarm, rather than harm, is key."

The class practiced the wand movement in unison, a sea of arms moving in rhythm to Professor Eldridge's instructions. "Swish and flick, focus on your target, and envision the wand flying from their hand," he guided.

When it came time to practice the spell, the students paired up, the room filling with the sounds of repeated incantations. "Expelliarmus!" they called out, some with more confidence than others. Here and there, wands flew from hands, sometimes landing several feet away, much to the delight and frustration of the students.

As the students around her paired off to practice the Disarming Charm, Apollyon teamed up with Lena Warwick, her fellow Ravenclaw and dormmate. They found a clear space in the bustling classroom, their focus sharpening as they prepared to practice the spell.

"Ready?" Apollyon asked, her wand poised as she eyed Lena, who nodded, a mix of eagerness and slight apprehension on her face. With a clear intent to disarm rather than harm, Apollyon executed the spell with the precision and timing Professor Eldridge had emphasized. "Expelliarmus!"

The spell hit its mark perfectly, Lena's wand soaring gracefully out of her hand to land a few feet away. The successful casting was met with an approving nod from Lena, who retrieved her wand, impressed by Apollyon's skill.

Encouraged by her success, Apollyon felt a surge of curiosity. She wanted to push her boundaries, to see if she could replicate the spell's effect using wandless magic. It was a bold move, especially in a classroom setting, but her desire to explore the depths of her magical abilities compelled her to try.

With her wand now resting on the desk beside her, Apollyon focused intently on Lena, who looked on with curiosity. Repeating the swish and flick motion with her free hand, Apollyon concentrated on the essence of the spell, her mind sharp with the intent to disarm.

"Expelliarmus," she whispered, the word barely audible, yet imbued with a clear, focused will.

The air between them seemed to pulse with energy as the spell took effect without the aid of a wand. Lena's wand once again flew from her hand, the movement smoother and more controlled than before. The room fell silent for a moment, the students and Professor Eldridge turning to witness the uncommon display of wandless spellcasting.

Lena retrieved her wand, a look of astonishment on her face. "That was incredible, Apollyon," she exclaimed. "I've never seen anyone perform wandless magic like that."

Professor Eldridge approached, his expression one of keen interest mixed with caution. "Miss Black, your ability to cast spells without a wand is most impressive," he began, his voice measured. "However, wandless magic is advanced and unpredictable. While I commend your skill, I must advise caution and remind you that the learning environment of the classroom is designed for the use of wands." 

Apollyon nodded, understanding the wisdom in his words. "I understand, Professor. I'll be careful," she assured him, her respect for the boundaries of the classroom intact despite her eagerness to explore the limits of her magic.

The class resumed, the buzz of conversation turning to whispers of admiration and speculation about Apollyon's display of wandless magic.

As the classroom settled back into its rhythm of practice and instruction, whispers and murmurs spread among the students, their curiosity and admiration for Apollyon's display of wandless magic sparking a flurry of conversation.

"Did you see that? Apollyon Black just cast Expelliarmus without her wand!" one student whispered to another, their eyes wide with amazement.

"I heard she's been able to do things like that since she first arrived at Hogwarts. They say she's got some kind of special talent," another chimed in, the tales of Apollyon's abilities growing with each retelling.

"Some say it's because she's a Black. You know, that family's always been full of powerful witches and wizards. But I've never seen anything like it," a third student added, the name "Black" lending an air of mystique to the discussions.

Despite the buzz her wandless spellcasting had generated, Apollyon chose to focus on the task at hand. She turned her attention back to Lena, offering her a supportive nod. "Your turn now. I'll be your target this time."

Lena, still slightly awestruck but encouraged by Apollyon's confidence in her, readied herself. Raising her wand, she concentrated on the principles Professor Eldridge had outlined earlier. "Expelliarmus," she pronounced clearly, directing the spell towards Apollyon.

The charm worked as intended, Apollyon's wand jumping out of her hand and clattering to the floor a short distance away. She smiled at Lena, pleased to see her dormmate successfully casting the spell. "Well done, Lena. That was perfect."

As they continued their practice, alternating roles and refining their technique with each attempt, the whispers around them persisted. Yet, for Apollyon, the noise of speculation faded into the background, overshadowed by the joy of learning and the satisfaction of helping Lena hone her skills.

The lesson on the Disarming Charm had become more than just a class exercise; it was a demonstration of the depth and potential of magic when wielded with intention and understanding.

As the Defense Against the Dark Arts class came to a close, Apollyon found herself still reflecting on her earlier encounter with the young Thestral and her conversation with Hagrid. The connection she had felt to the creature and the broader magical world it represented pulled at her, stirring a desire to deepen her understanding and experience with the magical creatures of the Forbidden Forest.

With a determined stride, Apollyon made her way back to Hagrid's hut, the setting sun casting long shadows across the grounds of Hogwarts. The idea of working alongside Hagrid, with his wealth of knowledge and experience with magical creatures, was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. It promised not just a chance to learn but to contribute in a meaningful way.

Knocking on the door of the hut, Apollyon waited with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The door swung open, revealing Hagrid's towering figure, a smile breaking across his face as he saw who it was.

"Apollyon! Back so soon, are ya?" Hagrid greeted her warmly, stepping aside to let her in. "What brings ya here?"

Apollyon entered, the familiar, cozy interior of the hut enveloping her in its warmth. "Hagrid, I've been thinking about our conversation earlier and about the Thestral," she began, her voice earnest. "I'd like to offer my help, if I can. I want to learn more about the creatures of the forest and help care for them, if you'd let me."

Hagrid's expression softened, touched by her offer. "That's a kind offer, Apollyon. Yeh've got a good heart, and it's clear yeh have a way with creatures. But the forest, it's a dangerous place, even for those who are familiar with it."

Apollyon nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I know it's dangerous, but I'm willing to learn and take precautions. I believe there's so much I can learn from you and from the creatures themselves."

Hagrid regarded her for a moment, weighing her determination and sincerity. Finally, he nodded, a decision made. "Alright, I can see yeh won't be deterred. We'll start slow, with the creatures around the edges of the forest. There's plenty to learn there before venturin' deeper."

Apollyon's heart leaped at his agreement, gratitude and excitement mingling in her expression. "Thank you, Hagrid. I promise I'll be cautious and learn everything you're willing to teach me."

Hagrid chuckled, his initial reservations giving way to a sense of anticipation for the opportunity to mentor someone as eager and capable as Apollyon. "We'll start tomorrow. Come by after yer classes, and we'll see about introducin' yeh to a few of the less...troublesome inhabitants of the forest."

As Apollyon left Hagrid's hut that evening, the path ahead seemed filled with new possibilities.