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"Are you serious?"
Erwin looked at Snape in amazement, unable to believe the words that had just left his professor's mouth.
Moments ago, Snape had asked him to follow Harry and his group into the Forbidden Forest this evening.
"Can I ask why?"
Snape's voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Do you think that oaf's brain can control Potter? With their relationship, Potter probably invited himself along."
"I need you to help me keep an eye on them and ensure Potter receives the punishment he deserves."
Erwin didn't believe a word of it.
Snape was worried about Hagrid, certainly, but more specifically, he was worried that Hagrid couldn't adequately protect Harry.
But Erwin didn't have the habit of playing babysitter, even for the protagonist himself.
"Professor, you know I..."
Before he could finish, Snape interrupted him.
"If you go tonight, not only will Ravenclaw receive twenty points, but I'll also give you a [Bottle of Magic Potion]."
This time, it was Erwin's turn to fall speechless.
Was Snape truly this desperate? He already told him about it before, and it was one of Snape's most treasured potions.
The twenty points weren't the draw; the potion was.
The [Bottle of Magic Potion] could increase a wizard's total magical capacity, with effects varying by individual.
At minimum, it could boost one's reserves by half that of an adult wizard.
Not only was this potion notoriously difficult to brew, but several of its ingredients were extinct.
With Erwin's talent, this potion would significantly increase his magical power, equivalent to a gold-tier reward card.
Thinking of this, Erwin yielded.
"I accept, Professor. May I ask how you acquired this potion?"
If he could obtain more of these potions, his growth would accelerate dramatically.
Erwin's current mastery of spellwork matched that of professors like Snape, and in some areas of magic, he even surpassed him.
But magical capacity remained the key limiting factor in his strength.
Without raising his total reserves, his output efficiency would decrease, potentially leaving him in the embarrassing situation of depleting his magic in mere seconds during intense combat.
"Don't get your hopes up. I obtained this while exploring a Pharaoh's pyramid in my youth. This is the last bottle."
Snape's icy tone shattered Erwin's fantasies.
Still, Erwin wasn't too disappointed; one bottle was better than none.
"No problem. I'll be there tonight. Don't worry."
With their arrangement settled, Erwin didn't linger.
He returned to his dormitory to rest, preserving his energy for the night ahead in the forest.
****
At precisely eleven o'clock, Harry, Neville, and Ron followed Filch to the door of Hagrid's hut.
Malfoy from Slytherin trailed behind them.
After everyone arrived, Hagrid didn't immediately lead them into the Forbidden Forest.
Instead, he waited.
"What's wrong, Hagrid? Is someone else coming?" Harry asked curiously.
"Yeah, Professor Snape said another student would be joining us."
Instantly, Harry felt sympathy for the unknown student.
Anyone targeted by Snape couldn't be having a good time.
At that moment, Erwin walked over leisurely and greeted Harry.
"Harry."
"Erwin! It's you? You're the student Snape punished?"
Several mental question marks appeared in Erwin's mind.
'If that old bat can't make proper excuses, he shouldn't bother trying. Would an excellent wizard like me actually get punished?'
Helpless, having taken Snape's payment, he had to fulfill his end.
Erwin nodded his head.
"Yes, I'll be entering the Forbidden Forest with you tonight."
Harry brightened considerably and hurried to introduce him to Hagrid.
The two became acquainted.
Hagrid's rough voice rumbled.
"I know you, Ravenclaw's finest young wizard. Erwin, right? Is it right if I call you that? Harry mentions you quite often."
"No problem at all."
Erwin agreed with a smile.
Hagrid was something of a hidden treasure trove.
Many of the magical materials Erwin had been using in his recent experiments were difficult to find on the open market.
Perhaps Hagrid could help locate them.
Building a good relationship with him could only benefit Erwin.
Once everyone had gathered, the group ventured into the Forbidden Forest.
Malfoy turned pale with fright, constantly muttering about his father being on the Board of Governors.
No one paid attention to Malfoy's complaints.
Harry and the others were nervous as well, but they refused to show weakness in front of their rival, so they forced themselves to follow Hagrid closely.
The group walked along a narrow, winding path deeper into the jungle.
The farther they went, the more isolated it became.
Suddenly, they spotted a faint glow in the distance.
Moving closer, Hagrid raised his lantern to illuminate it.
"See that? That silver-white substance is unicorn blood."
Hagrid's expression turned grave as he spoke.
This wasn't the first time such a thing had happened recently.
Just two weeks ago, a unicorn had died from severe injuries.
Erwin stepped forward to examine the scene, then keenly noticed hoofprints leading away.
"I know where the unicorn went. Follow me."
Taking the lead, Erwin tracked the clues.
They arrived at a riverbank and discovered a pool of silver blood.
Just as the group moved forward to investigate, rustling came from the woods near the shore.
Harry and the others hugged each other in fright, while Hagrid nervously aimed his crossbow in the direction of the sound.