Harry Potter and the Great Old Ones

Chapter 836

After a short rest, Professor Caldwell decided to lead his team to a soft mudflat area, a potential research site they had identified using satellite imagery.

This location is an unexplored wetland that may harbor many more unknown species of life, and it is even possible to find traces of birds and small mammals that have not been found in the George Ring.

The damp, muddy area welcomed the expedition team. The ground was soft and wet, and each step they took caused a rustling sound as they sank into the mud.

The aroma of soil, along with the unique scent of humus, filled the air. The surroundings were enveloped in dense green vegetation, with large, thick leaves glistening with dew.

The team members put on waterproof shoe covers and carefully avoided the muddier areas.

Under Professor Caldwell's guidance, they proceeded along a naturally formed path.

Despite the slippery ground, everyone remained highly vigilant, afraid of missing any corner where creatures might be hiding. Many team members even turned on their flashlights to better observe any small creatures that might be lurking there.

The trees in this wetland area are shorter and their foliage is denser, making it difficult for light to penetrate the thick green curtain to reach the ground. Occasionally, a few beams of sunlight can be seen slanting down through the gaps between the treetops, illuminating a small area on the ground, where the soil takes on a rich golden-brown hue.

As they ventured deeper into the wetlands, they noticed some unusual aquatic plants floating on the surface. Their large leaves, covered with a thin layer of wax, helped them float steadily. In shallower areas, toads and small aquatic insects could be seen darting about, creating delicate ripples.

As the team ventured deeper, Professor Caldwell pointed to an open area ahead, where a picturesque landscape of lakes and mountains came into view.

“This will do,” Professor Caldwell said.

The area has a large body of water, forming a natural lake with crystal-clear water and various reeds and water splashes along its shores.

As soon as Professor Caldwell finished speaking, the team members took out their tools and prepared to begin a series of water and biological sample collections. Professor Caldwell was also busy helping out.

Each member had a clear understanding of their task before setting off, so despite being busy, it wasn't like a wedding.

Rosalind took out her soil sampling tools and began digging in the soft mud by the lake, carefully placing soil samples from different depths into clearly marked plastic bags. Her movements were precise and meticulous, ensuring that each sample accurately reflected the soil characteristics of this wetland.

Jason focused on water quality analysis, using a portable pH and conductivity meter to test the lake water's acidity, alkalinity, and ionic strength. He also prepared several transparent water sample bottles, collecting samples from different locations and depths, labeling them, and placing them in special sampling bags for more detailed chemical analysis back at the university.

On the other hand, Emilia, a biologist on the team, carried a microscope and simple biological collection tools. She and her assistant were carefully capturing and classifying insects and aquatic microorganisms on the lakeshore. She used a long, thin net to gently glide across the water's surface, carefully transferring each small organism she caught to an aquarium, and then observing and recording their morphological characteristics under a microscope.

Throughout the sampling process, Professor Caldwell and several other researchers surveyed the surrounding environment of the lake. They examined the vegetation types around the lake, recorded different plant species, and determined how these plants interacted with the wetland ecosystem. Professor Caldwell also paid special attention to some bird nests, carefully observing them with binoculars and recording the activity patterns of birds that might be newly discovered species.

As the sun gradually sank below the mountains, the sky was tinged with a pale golden-red hue, and the entire lake reflected a beautiful sunset. The team members completed their sampling tasks one by one, began packing up their equipment, and prepared to return to camp. Meanwhile, in Central Europe…

A few days ago, after enjoying the lavender fields of Provence, Harry and his friends set off to continue their travels through Europe along the previously planned route.

After visiting France, he didn't go directly to Germany, but instead went straight to Spain, and then planned to take a boat to visit Italy and Greece.

After arriving in Spain, Harry and his group first went to the famous city of Barcelona.

Barcelona is the heart of Spain and a vibrant city.

The architecture here is mostly Gothic, and even wizards like Harry and his friends felt a little disoriented as they walked through the streets and alleys.

It felt as if I had returned to Hogsmeade Village.

Of course, this place is much larger and more lively than Hogsmeade Village.

Because it's currently summer vacation, the streets of Barcelona are filled with tourists from all over the world.

Some tourists, dressed in casual shorts and T-shirts, wearing sun hats or brightly colored headscarves, and carrying maps and cameras, occasionally stopped to carefully examine or photograph the street scene.

Some tourists, however, prioritize style, opting for elegant dresses or crisp shirts with trousers, paired with comfortable yet sophisticated sandals, and carrying designer handbags or backpacks. In their leisure time, they—and primarily they—might choose to gracefully enjoy a cup of coffee at a street-side café, leisurely observing the passersby.

She's somewhat like the kind of budget-conscious fairy who traveled on a shoestring budget before Tiera's time travel.

There are also younger travelers who dress more casually and like to incorporate personalized elements into their clothing, such as hats with varied patterns, interesting brooches, or T-shirts with unique designs. They usually travel in small groups.

Of course, there were also tourists dressed in professional outdoor gear, equipped with professional hiking shoes and multi-functional backpacks. They were clearly using Barcelona as a transit point to prepare for hiking up the Pyrenees, or were tourists who had just come down from the Pyrenees.

The Pyrenees are a spectacular, massive mountain range that straddles the border between France and Spain, serving as a natural dividing line between the two countries.

The Pyrenees are known for their cliffs, deep valleys, and numerous hiking trails.

However, no matter how many tourists there are, and no matter how different their clothing is, their clothing is mainly light and cool.

Therefore, not a single tourist was dressed like the Weasleys—