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Seeing the three unharmed, Professor McGonagall first breathed a sigh of relief. Then looked ahead.
The scene was a mess. When she saw the troll's mud-like corpse, her pupils sharply contracted.
Behind her, Snape and Quirrell also wore grave expressions.
"Can someone tell me what exactly happened here?"
Professor McGonagall looked at the three.
Hermione was about to speak when Ron suddenly said: "It was me. Wanted to see what a troll looked like. So I dragged these two here."
Hermione froze.
Harry caught Ron's look. Also cooperated: "Yeah, yeah… that's right."
"Then what about the troll's corpse?" Snape spotted the flaw.
The club on the ground, originally the troll's, was stained with blood. Obviously it died by its own weapon.
Harry and Ron exchanged glances. Both looked at Hermione.
This they truly couldn't explain.
"I did it." Hermione was concise.
Snape sneered: "You, a first-year student, have this ability? Just honestly tell the truth. Maybe we'll deduct fewer points from Gryffindor."
Hermione shrugged. Raised her hand. Whispered the incantation.
The club, thick as a person, slowly levitated. Then under Hermione's control, nimbly danced left and right. As if mocking Snape's earlier words.
Snape's face darkened. But said nothing more.
Professor McGonagall looked at Hermione with surprise.
But next second, her face fell. Said coldly: "Extremely foolish behavior. I hope you know how lucky you are… Especially Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter. If Miss Granger hadn't been present, you know how serious the consequences could've been."
Then looked at Hermione: "And you, Miss Granger. I thought you always acted with sense. Didn't expect you'd violate rules with them this time."
"All three of you—five points from Gryffindor each!"
Professor McGonagall was truly angry. Several first-years, so reckless, joking with their own lives.
"Additionally," her tone shifted, "Miss Granger killed the troll, ensuring other Hogwarts students' safety, and demonstrated high-level magical ability. Ten points to Gryffindor!"
I knew it.
Hermione kept rolling her eyes internally.
Professor McGonagall still favored Gryffindor.
"But as punishment for breaking school rules, you three will help Hagrid—"
Before McGonagall finished, saw caretaker Filch dragging someone over.
Filch threw Malfoy to the ground. Shouted: "This one was hiding nearby. Sneaking around watching. Caught him red-handed."
Good grief. Probably Malfoy saw Harry leave the group. Wanted to cause trouble. So secretly followed.
Hermione looked at the dejected Malfoy. Thought to herself.
"Seems there's one more wandering outside against rules. Five points from Slytherin. You four are punished to help Hagrid tonight." McGonagall said.
Malfoy looked devastated. Harry indicated this wasn't his first time—used to it.
Hermione didn't care. Deduct away. No matter how much is deducted, Dumbledore will find ways to add it back.
Can't expect her to desperately earn gold stars like elementary students in her past life, right?
On the way to find Hagrid, ignoring the bickering between Malfoy and Harry, Hermione looked at the magic book.
Like "Curiosities," after collecting "Magical Creature" blood, corresponding entries unlocked. This was also why she specifically made this trip today.
Also one of the rare legitimate opportunities to contact magical creatures at Hogwarts. Naturally wouldn't miss it.
What surprised her more—she could use magical creature blood to transform similar creatures. Turn them into beings with magical properties too.
Another delightful discovery: killing the troll harvested 10 Soul Energy at once.
Could higher soul quality yield more energy?
While Hermione pondered, Ron quietly approached.
"Um… Hermione…"
"Mm?"
"Look, today I took the blame for you. Can you promise me one thing…"
Seeing Ron's hesitant manner, Hermione immediately grew alert.
You're not about to confess, are you?
She knew—the original and Ron were a couple.
But now she was Hermione. Completely couldn't accept such things.
Aren't big sisters' broad embraces better?
Fortunately, next second Ron stated his purpose.
"So… considering this time, could you lend me your Nimbus 2000 to fly for a few days…"
Oh, borrowing the broom.
Waiting here for me, huh?
Never mind then.
"Sure." Hermione nodded readily. "Considering your loyalty, after Quidditch ends, I'll give you the same model."
Ron's eyes widened with delight.
Just as he was about to say more, Hagrid's hut arrived.
After explaining to Hagrid, he looked at the little ones at his feet. Helplessly shook his head.
"You lot really can cause trouble. Just so happens, I'm going to the Forbidden Forest tonight. Come with me."
As Hogwarts' gamekeeper, one task was preventing students from entering the forest unauthorized.
"But the school forbids students from entering the Forbidden Forest…"
Hearing "Forbidden Forest," Malfoy immediately chickened out.
Hagrid reassured: "Don't worry. We're just investigating the forest edge. I basically know the situation there. Won't be dangerous."
"Then why are you loading the crossbow…"
"Don't mind such small details."
Everyone: "…"
The Forbidden Forest.
Called forbidden, full of danger—essentially just various dark creatures' nests.
Not much for adult wizards. The wizarding world had far more dangerous places. But for lower-year students, truly not a good place.
Hagrid walked ahead. Suddenly saw something. Quickly stepped forward.
"This is…"
Harry looked at a puddle of mercury-like liquid on the ground.
"Unicorn blood," Hagrid's face was grave. "This is why we came."
"Recently I found a dead unicorn. Was murdered. Worried there were other victims, so I patrol daily. Didn't expect to actually encounter this."
"But looks like this one's just injured, not dead. Let's search nearby."
Watching Hagrid and the others leave, Hermione crouched down. Pulled out a syringe.
Hey, unexpected harvest.
Malfoy frowned: "What are you doing?"
Harry refused to group with him. Ron too. The universally disliked Malfoy had to accompany Hermione.
Hermione ignored him. Silently collected a vial of blood.
[Magical Creatures]
[Unicorn (Collected)]
[Symbol of purity, possesses horn on forehead, blood can prolong life]
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