The tension in the clearing held for several long seconds.
Wand still raised, Alexander stood firm between Harry and the centaur.
Then heavy footsteps approached through the trees.
"Hello, Firenze."
The voice immediately broke the standoff.
Hagrid emerged from the brush, crossbow slung over his shoulder.
Firenze lowered his head slightly in greeting.
Though his gaze lingered on Alexander a moment longer before shifting back to Harry.
"You are safe now," Firenze said calmly. "Good luck."
Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the forest.
Alexander lowered his wand, and his protego maxima dissolved.
Ron and Heromine ran over to Harry to make sure he was okay.
Draco was holding onto Fang.
Alexander gave Hagrid a report about what happened — the unicorn, the dark cloaked figure, Draco fleeing, and the centaur.
Hagrid listened, and with a worried look on his face, he said.
"Right… we're headin' back. I'll finish the patrol later."
Alexander nodded.
They began the walk back toward the forest edge.
Halfway through, Alexander suddenly turned.
"Oh — Hagrid."
Hagrid blinked.
"Yeah?"
"Can I have some unicorn blood?"
Hagrid nearly dropped his lantern.
"W-Why?!"
Alexander waved a hand dismissively.
"For potion research points, of course. Only an idiot would drink it."
He added casually, "Also, I'm still young."
Hagrid scratched his beard, still looking unsettled.
"I'll… talk to Professor Dumbledore. See what he says."
Alexander smiled.
"Much appreciated."
They exited the Forbidden Forest not long after.
Hagrid went back into the forest, while Alexander led the group back to the castle.
Draco began ranting.
"This is outrageous! I'll be writing to my father! Detention in a murder forest—"
Alexander stopped walking.
He looked at Draco flatly.
"Shut up or I'll tie you up naked in the forest for a week."
Draco's mouth snapped shut instantly.
Harry tried to speak.
"Alex... what was that thing? Was it—"
"You will not get answers from me," Alexander said calmly.
He kept walking.
"I'm just a student. Go ask Headmaster Dumbledore."
Harry looked frustrated, ready to push further —
But Hermione placed a hand on his arm.
"Leave it."
Alexander escorted Draco back first.
Then he dropped the trio at Gryffindor Tower.
With detention later canceled thanks to Hagrid's report, Alexander suddenly found himself with free nights again.
Which meant only one thing.
New plans.
A few evenings later, he invited Cho for a private night stroll.
Destination: the forbidden forest.
Alexander draped the invisibility cloak over them both.
They left the Ravenclaw dormitory and walked out of the castle to the forest.
Cho was nervous and afraid as they crossed the boundary.
"It'll be fine," he assured her by squeezing her hand.
And gradually she stopped being nervous and afraid.
They observed towering Acromantulas moving through the trees.
Centaurs patrolling distant clearings.
Dozens of wild magical creatures live unseen by most students.
Cho's fear slowly transformed into awe.
Then they reached a moonlit stream.
There — glowing softly — stood a unicorn drinking water.
Cho froze in wonder.
She slowly pulled out her camera and took several photographs.
"I love it…" she whispered.
Alexander smirked slightly.
"I could capture one for you."
Cho immediately shook her head.
"No. It's nicer just seeing it free."
Alexander shrugged.
"Fair enough."
They wandered deeper beneath the silver glow of the moon.
And that's when they found them.
Dancing in a circular clearing.
Mooncalves.
Their large eyes reflected starlight as they performed their slow, ritualistic dance.
Cho gasped softly.
"They're beautiful…"
Alexander observed thoughtfully.
Their dung is excellent fertilizer.
Before Cho could react —
He drew his wand.
A series of Stunning Spells flashed.
Several Mooncalves collapsed gently onto the grass.
Cho stared, shocked.
"Why?!"
Alexander answered.
"Their dung is extremely useful for my garden. Also… now we can watch them dance anytime."
Cho blinked… then laughed despite herself.
"You're unbelievable."
Alexander had already opened his briefcase.
He stepped inside, issuing rapid instructions to Silver and Copper:
Habitat setup.
Feeding protocols.
Dung collection for agricultural enhancement.
Minutes later, he stepped back out satisfied.
"All done."
Cho shook her head, still smiling as they began walking back toward the castle.