Harry didn't say a word. He simply shot Draco a frantic series of glances, silently begging him to shut up.
Unfortunately, Draco was oblivious.
"Are you alright, Harry? Are your eyes bothering you?"
Harry let out a heavy sigh. He finally understood the old saying: good advice falls on deaf ears.
Just as Draco was about to continue, a cool voice cut through the air behind him.
"Draco," Hermione said, stepping forward, "I feel my combat skills are a bit rusty. I'd like to spar with you. No holding back—let's have a proper match."
Pansy Parkinson quickly chimed in, sidling up to Draco. "I agree. Practice makes perfect, after all."
Draco froze. He swallowed hard, turning a desperate, pleading look toward Harry.
Harry simply turned his head away, studying the ceiling as if he hadn't seen a thing. He had already given fair warning. Draco had chosen this path; now he had no one to blame but himself.
Before Draco could even formulate an objection, Hermione and Pansy had him by the arms, practically dragging him toward the dueling room.
It serves as a stark reminder: never underestimate anyone. Under certain conditions, their response can be beyond imagination.
No one truly knows the extent of the ordeal Draco endured that afternoon. They only know that sounds of distress echoed through the corridors for hours. Eventually, even those faded away.
Draco's ordeal didn't end until evening. The bruises on his face took a week to fully fade, though that is a story for another time.
Erwin, of course, was unaware of Draco's suffering. At that moment, he was leading a tour for the visiting students through the grounds of Hogwarts—the undisputed premier wizarding school in Britain, renowned for its vast size and history.
Yet for some students, the school's wonders were slightly intimidating.
Erwin walked through the Forbidden Forest with Fleur Delacour, Sunny Finch, and Charlotte, venturing deeper into the shadows beneath the ancient trees.
"I've heard rumors about this place," Fleur said, her eyes scanning the canopy. "They say the Forbidden Forest holds the most complete collection of magical creatures in the West."
Erwin nodded. "The rumors aren't wrong. The Forbidden Forest is teeming with life. Being protected by Hogwarts ensures a habitat for magical creatures found nowhere else."
Fleur agreed, then looked at Sunny Finch. "I assume there aren't this many creatures in your country?"
Sunny Finch shook her head. "Not in areas where non-magical people live. Generally, when magical creatures appear, they are relocated to protected sanctuaries. It safeguards the animals, but more importantly, it protects ordinary people. These creatures can pose significant threats."
Fleur sighed. "Your country has remarkable coordination. We rarely manage that level of organization in the West."
Incidents of magical creatures harming people were common in Britain, usually handled by the Ministry of Magic with memory charms and cleanup crews. But the Eastern approach was preventative. The entire magical community worked together to detect and address disturbances before they escalated.
Deeper in the Forbidden Forest, Erwin's group spotted Hagrid tending to his creatures. The gamekeeper waved a massive arm.
"Erwin! Over here!"
Erwin smiled and led the girls over. As they drew closer, Fleur's eyes widened in shock.
"This... this is a Cerberus?" she whispered.
Sunny Finch, however, looked at the three-headed dog with pure fascination. In the East, such a creature didn't exist. She wasn't afraid—she actually wanted to approach it.
"Yes, that's a Cerberus," Hagrid said cheerfully. "His name is Fluffy! Fluffy, say hello to everyone!"
Fluffy huffed dismissively, then turned and saw Erwin. Instantly, the massive beast scrambled to its feet. Six eyes filled with excitement, and the creature bounded forward.
"Fluffy, stop!" Erwin commanded sharply.
Hearing the command, Fluffy braked instantly, skidding to a halt just before Erwin. He lowered his heads, exposing his foreheads in submission.
Erwin sighed, patting the center head. Immediately, the other two heads pushed the middle one aside, demanding their share of attention. Erwin didn't favor one over the other, giving each head a firm pat. Fluffy's eyes closed, a deep rumble of contentment vibrating in his throat.
Hagrid pouted. "It's not the first time, but seeing Fluffy so affectionate with you still stings, Erwin. Don't I treat him well?"
Erwin chuckled. "It's a gift, Hagrid. Don't be jealous."
Turning to Fluffy, Erwin gestured to the girls. "Fluffy, these are friends. Be gentle. Play with them for a bit while I chat with Hagrid."
Fluffy nodded, his middle head dipping obediently.
Sunny Finch stepped forward immediately, placing her hand on Fluffy's massive head. Fluffy, listening to Erwin, didn't resist. Fleur, mustering her courage, joined her.
Petting a Cerberus was an experience one would regret missing.
Charlotte, however, stayed back. She had already interacted with Fluffy before with Erwin; there was no need to repeat the experience.