Regulus of Hogwarts: Lord of the Stars

Chapter 400 Avery, Let's Trade One for One

The outer perimeter of the forbidden forest and its depths are two different things. The depths are pitch black, so thick that it's impossible to see through, with tree canopies overlapping tree canopies, preventing moonlight from getting through, and you have to feel your way along the path under your feet.

The surrounding area is different; the trees here are sparse, their canopies not fully closed, and moonlight leaks through the branches, casting silvery spots of light on the ground.

Luminescent plants were scattered here and there, and moonspot moss lay in the cracks of the rocks, emitting a cold white glow.

Several fluorescent ferns clung to the rocks, emitting a warm yellow light that contrasted sharply with the cool white of the moonspot moss, like someone had lit a few small lanterns in the forest.

In the distance, a few luminous mushrooms hid under an old oak tree, their caps flashing a pale green light, their rhythm slow and gentle, like breathing.

There were also some unnamed ones, red, blue, and purple, scattered like stars among the decaying leaves and tree roots, like someone scattering a handful of shattered light on the ground.

As the evening breeze blew, the lights swayed gently with the blades of grass, flashing on and off.

The further you go in, the denser the light spots become.

Inside the hollow of an old tree, a cluster of dark blue fungi filled the opening, making it appear as if the entire opening was half-open.

A puddle of water lay at my feet, with several orange-glowing seed pods floating on the bottom. The wind ruffled the surface of the water, causing the light to shatter into pieces before slowly returning.

Some kind of insect carrying a cold green light streak flew past overhead, leaving a fleeting trail of light.

The air was filled with the smell of dampness and decaying leaves, mixed with the magic of various plants, creating an indescribable and complex fragrance.

This place is quiet, yet not truly quiet.

Beneath every glimmer of light lies a spark of life, shining with each breath.

The entire perimeter was bathed in these colorful lights, making it appear as if it were submerged underwater—quiet, dreamlike, and almost unreal.

Spending too much time in Hogwarts Castle can make you forget what kind of world it is.

Upon arriving at this place, those forgotten things resurfaced. The land beneath my feet and the starry sky above me hold far more than what is written in textbooks.

Regulus walked at the back of the group, looking at the area, when a not-so-serious thought suddenly popped into his head.

A dog, leading a few young wizards, entered the Forbidden Forest.

This whole thing seems wrong no matter how you look at it, but when Hagrid's dog is leading it, it suddenly makes sense.

Hagrid led the Gryffindors eastward, while a dog led the Slytherin group westward—it all seemed so natural, as if it were the only way it should be.

It's no secret that the Forbidden Forest is dangerous; anyone with a brain in the British wizarding world knows that this forest is not to be trodden upon.

Even in the outer areas, it's not entirely peaceful unless you go deeper.

The professors were certainly aware of this as well.

If older students come in and take a look around, we can just turn a blind eye and let it go, but it's always a few younger students.

We need to think about this carefully; we might come up with something.

All the faculty and staff at the university know Hagrid; he's been around for decades. All the professors know that Dumbledore trusts Hagrid, and all the professors trust Dumbledore.

A simple calculation shows that all the professors trust Hagrid.

Hagrid trusted his dog, so tonight Gryffindor was led by Hagrid himself, and Slytherin was led by Hagrid's dog. The division of labor was clear and reasonable.

Hagrid knew the Forbidden Forest so well that he could find the magical creatures' dens with his eyes closed, so he figured a dog would be enough to guide him.

As for whether this dog is reliable or not, in Hagrid's eyes, Frosty is probably reliable, after all, the Forbidden Forest is full of cute little creatures like it.

Dumbledore's trust, after going around in circles, landed on a cowardly hound.

Regulus didn't want to think about it; that was the professors' business.

Just tonight's trip alone, with him by my side, even if we cross the entire forbidden forest, nothing will go wrong.

The group entered a slightly open area to the west, where several old trees were spaced apart, and patches of deep blue sky peeked out from the tree canopies overhead.

Regulus raised his hand and gently waved it in front of him, and the Disillusionment Spell began to fade from the top of his head.

The light distorted where he stood, like transparent folds when a heat wave rises from the ground.

Then the folds were peeled away one by one, the figure went from blurry to clear, and finally the whole person stood steadily in the twilight.

Avery had been waiting for this moment, and he had a lot to say. As soon as Avery appeared, he came over.

Alex turned around, relaxed his shoulders a little, and let out a breath.

Lina and Samuel looked over at the same time. It was the first time they had ever seen Regulus emerge from his invisibility and stare intently at the air as it distorted and became visible.

Hermes merely blinked, glanced at him, and then turned his gaze back to the depths of the Forbidden Forest, craning his neck slightly forward as if he wanted to crawl inside.

Avery was the first to speak, his voice filled with resentment: "Why should we?!"

His face turned cold as he walked from the cabin.

Slytherin had to maintain his composure, and the young master of the Cuthbert family had to be even more reserved; no one in the group uttered a sound.

Now that they were in a secluded spot, Regulus finally showed up, and Regulus could finally vent his anger.

"We're put in solitary confinement too," he said, his voice simmering with anger. "They laugh and tease those lions, but when it comes to us, they give us the cold shoulder and won't even give us a proper word."

He wasn't really interested in Hagrid's enthusiasm; the young master of the Cuthbert family didn't need it. What was a good-looking forest ranger worth?

He just couldn't stand those two blatantly hypocritical people.

Even first-year students know what Slytherin's composition is, and what Cuthbert's composition is, and the professors know even better.

But no professor ever treated him differently in class, in the hallway, or in any other setting.

He was resentful that a forest ranger was being left out in the cold.

"Just a forest ranger," Avery scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "What's with the airs!"

Regulus certainly wouldn't side with Hagrid, but he didn't join in the insults either. He knew about Hagrid's past and couldn't be bothered to argue.

"He's from Gryffindor," he said casually, "and someone Dumbledore trusts."

He glanced at Avery, not emphasizing it much: "It's not worth arguing with him."

Avery snorted; he certainly wasn't going to mess with that big guy.

Whoever his identity is, and whatever that big guy's identity is, it would be shameful for them to put even the slightest effort into Hagrid.

He's just a forest ranger; he has to do all the work himself, like he doesn't have a magic wand. To put it bluntly, what's the difference between him and a Muggle?

"I'm not going to argue with him," Avery muttered, "I just can't stand his attitude."

He grew increasingly angry as he spoke: "Even professors wouldn't do that, but he's so quick to change his attitude, even showing directions can create a sense of closeness or distance!"

Finally, he added, "As if nobody cares!"

Regulus didn't respond to that, but he did feel that this matter had its historical origins.

Hagrid's prejudice against Slytherin stems not only from Slytherin itself, but also from Slytherin's successors.

The murder that Tom Riddle framed for Hagrid back then resulted in his wand being broken and him being expelled from school. Anyone would hold a grudge for life.

Having gone through that history, Hagrid's current cold demeanor is already quite endearing.

A less cunning young wizard could do far more harm in the Forbidden Forest than a typical Slytherin wizard.

If you point someone down the wrong path and let them slip in a trap, but then say, "I warned you not to go in," no one can find fault with that.

Hagrid didn't do that; he even sent a dog to lead them, which was quite kind of him. No wonder Dumbledore trusted him.

But Regulus didn't intend to reveal this; he had to keep Voldemort's actions a secret.

He glanced at Avery, then his thoughts took a different turn.

If you really feel uncomfortable about Hagrid's actions, there is a way to resolve this once and for all.

If Avery dies here tonight, Hagrid is doomed.

An heir of the Twenty-Eight Holy Clans died in his confinement, right under the noses of his henchmen. No matter how much Dumbledore tried to protect him, he couldn't anymore. At the very least, he'd have to pack his bags and get out of Hogwarts.

Once he leaves Hogwarts, unless Dumbledore keeps a close watch on him, he's definitely not going to survive.

So, when you think about it that way, Avery could actually afford the price of Hagrid's cold demeanor.

The young master of the Cuthbert family, a one-for-one trade would be a perfect deal no matter how you look at it, but unfortunately Avery is probably unwilling to trade himself.

He glanced at Lina and Samuel again.

These two are no good. They're not big enough. They're mixed-race, have no powerful backing, and died in the Forbidden Forest. They won't make much of a splash. They probably won't even get two lines in the newspapers. Hagrid won't even get a scratch.

The thought flashed through his mind, and Regulus glanced at the work in the hands of the group; they hadn't picked many clumps of moonshine.

Hermes had no intention of bending down; he leaned against a tree trunk, his hands in his pockets, his gaze drifting into the depths of the forest.

Avery was still there, fuming, twirling his wand between his fingers.

Alex, on the other hand, had already gotten to work, squatting down beside a few pebbles, picking at the moss in the crevices with his fingers, and gathering a small handful.

Samuel and Lena also separated, their heads down as they searched among the tree roots and rocks.

"Moonlight Moss," Regulus asked directly, "How do you plan to find it?"

He gestured with his chin towards the patch of shimmering light: "Look with your eyes?"

Avery paused for a moment, looked down at the mess of lights at his feet, and then at the small handful in Alex's hand.

Alex was the first to react. He put the moss in his hand into the cloth bag, stood up, and patted the mud off his knees.

This is where we start teaching.

Lena and Samuel straightened up, glanced at each other, and stood there without moving.

Regulus pondered for a moment.

Of these, Hermes, Alex, and Avery have all trained with him for quite some time and have already established a foundation.

Lena and Samuel hadn't practiced properly; they only knew what was taught in class, which was enough, but not enough for him.

Yesterday's fight was a brawl between these guys.

The two of them worked together to take down Peter. They did it swiftly and decisively. Regardless of the opponent's skill level, they were at least fighting alongside the team, showing a sense of solidarity.

Since we've already clashed with another group as a whole, and now that we're in the same boat again, let's teach them all together.

Consider it a reward; every effort deserves a reward.

Alex walked over and casually pulled Lina and Samuel over with him.

Both of them perked up.

Lina's eyes gleamed in the dim light, and she couldn't suppress the smile on her face as she grabbed Samuel's arm and pulled him toward Regulus.

Samuel also looked up, and the two exchanged a glance, both seeing the same excitement on each other's faces. They turned back to stare at him.

Hermes also lingered closer, his eyelids drooping, as the sunlight fell on Regulus.

Avery was the last to react; his wand stopped spinning, and he had long forgotten about Hagrid.