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However, after finishing another Apparition class, Anthony didn't see Hagrid at the hall entrance. They'd agreed to go to Flourish and Blotts today.
"What are you standing here for, Henry?" Professor Sprout passed by. Asked curiously. "Aren't you going to hear Minerva's lecture?"
Several students used textbooks to hide their faces and backpacks. Giggled while sneaking past them. Anthony glanced into their bags. Saw Zonko's logo.
Professor McGonagall was invited to give a lecture at the Transfiguration Society. Had invited her colleagues to the post-lecture banquet. But because Anthony had plans early on, he regretfully declined.
"Me? I'm waiting for Hagrid," Anthony said. "We agreed to go to the bookshop together today..."
Professor Sprout smiled. "Oh, I remember now. If I were you, I'd go straight to his hut and check. Maybe he just lost track of time in the pumpkin patch."
"I'll wait a bit longer. Then go find him," Anthony said. Though Hagrid occasionally forgot things, he often remembered at the last moment. Even if late, not by much. If he never came, probably something really happened.
Just as he looked around, a school owl fluttered over. Landed on the railing beside him. Displayed a hastily tied note on its leg. Anthony pulled out corn kernels from his bag—unlike Scabbers, his rat didn't seem interested in corn—while untying the note from its leg.
Anthony unfolded the note. Just glanced. Held it up to Professor Sprout. "From Hagrid." Professor Sprout also curiously leaned over to look together.
"Can't go to Flourish today. Unicorn died. If you're willing, come over. Fang's in the house. He knows how to find me. Hagrid"
"What?" Professor Sprout said puzzled. "Which unicorn died?"
Anthony frowned. "Last time I met Hagrid, he mentioned an injured unicorn mother. I think it died."
"Injured?"
"Right. Something strange hurt it right after it gave birth," Anthony said.
Meanwhile, a large group of professors happened to walk along the corridor. Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were saying something. Professor Trelawney followed them with a dreamy expression. As if gliding on the ground.
"What would want to hurt a unicorn!" Professor Sprout said incredulously.
Professor Quirrell followed behind them. He cautiously glanced at Professor Sprout and Anthony. Greeted them with a deathly pale face. Behind him was Snape. Mouth twisted in a sneer. Snorted disdainfully. Scared Professor Quirrell into flinching.
"Severus," Professor Sprout said disapprovingly.
"Pomona, we're leaving," Professor McGonagall called. "Hope you and Hagrid shop smoothly, Henry."
"Also wish your lecture goes well. Remember to enjoy the victory banquet," Anthony folded the note back in his pocket. "I think I should go over, Pomona."
"You certainly should!" Professor Sprout immediately said. "Please express my condolences for the deceased unicorn. Tell Hagrid—if there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate."
Anthony nodded to her. Quickly walked out the castle gates.
The first second it smelled him, Fang barked excitedly. It ran around in the house. Shook the stove and pots and pans in the cabinet with dangerous sounds.
Anthony opened the door with his left hand. Pressed down the pouncing big dog with his right. "Okay, Fang, okay!" he said seriously. "Bring the leash. We're going to find Hagrid."
Fang excitedly tried to lick his nose. Anthony repeated the command twice before it finally pulled the dog leash from the corner.
Anthony clipped the leash to its collar. "Come on, Fang. We're finding Hagrid."
Led by Fang, they walked into dense forest. Toward the Forbidden Forest depths. Perhaps because a unicorn had died, the entire Forbidden Forest faintly revealed restless breath. As if something dangerous and unfamiliar was moving among black tree shadows.
Fang cowered fearfully. Whimpered softly. Several times wanted to retreat. Looked up at Anthony pitifully. Then carefully walked forward. Anthony patted its head soothingly. "Just find Hagrid, okay?"
The deeper they went, the quieter the Forbidden Forest became. No insects chirping, birds calling. Sunlight couldn't penetrate. Even wind seemed to stop. Except for rustling sounds when Anthony and Fang passed through bushes, couldn't hear any movement. Though it had warmed up, the forest remained as silent as if trapped in endless winter.
As they passed through layered leaves, beneath Fang's anxious panting, Anthony could almost hear Fang's violent heartbeat. Even Anthony couldn't help wondering why the Forbidden Forest seemed to have no living things.
Don't know how long they walked. Sounds suddenly came faintly ahead. Fang excitedly raised its eyes. Charged desperately toward thorn bushes and dense branches. Pulled the rope in Anthony's hand taut. Almost directly yanked him into the forest.
"Hey, hey, wait!" Anthony called softly. Stumbled as it dragged him. Quickly ducked under a linden branch sweeping overhead.
Not until Fang suddenly braked did Anthony have energy to examine where he'd arrived. This was a clearing in the forest. Beside it in the woods, pure unicorns gathered in groups. Sadly watched the clearing center. Like silent silver-white ocean spreading through the Forbidden Forest.
In the clearing's center, Hagrid knelt with his back to them. Beside him sat an open small wooden box. Anthony faintly saw snow-white gauze and a small vial. If he remembered correctly Professor Sprout's earlier boasting, that should be essence of dittany.
Fang silently walked slowly to Hagrid's side. A unicorn in the woods moved. Was gently blocked by a taller one beside it with its horn.
Fang nudged Hagrid's arm. Hagrid put down his handkerchief. Turned around with red eyes. Hugged the huge dog head. Only then did Anthony finally see clearly what Hagrid blocked in front of him.
He'd never seen such a heartbreaking scene.
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