Hogwarts: Bourne Returns from Warhammer

Chapter 86 It’s too late, get in the car quickly
"Professor Scamander! Professor Sprout!"

Taking Bourne and the others to the greenhouse door of Professor Sprout, the Head of Hufflepuff, Hagrid shouted at the top of his lungs before pushing the door open and entering.

In the past two days, a color-changing giant snail has somehow appeared in a field in the greenhouse. Professor Scamander always comes to the greenhouse during the day to help eliminate insects.

"Is it Hagrid?"

Hearing someone calling him, Professor Sprout inside agreed: "Come in, just be careful about the glass box at the door."

Professor Scamander remained silent.

When Bourne and the others walked in, they found that the teacher of the Care of Magical Creatures class was squatting at the door, guarding the glass box in front of them attentively.

Inside this glass box, there are more than a dozen mature, color-changing giant snails. The largest one is about the size of a volleyball, and the smallest one is about the size of an adult's fist. They are densely packed together. The mucus secreted from their abdominal and foot parts, About an inch thick has accumulated at the bottom of the box.

"professor?"

Hagrid noticed the behavior of his second idol (the first one must be Dumbledore), so he lowered his voice as much as possible and greeted softly.

"Ok?"

Hagrid was almost behind Scamander. No matter how hard he concentrated, the old wizard found himself blocked by a shadow blocking the sunlight.

"It's Hagrid. You brought a few little wizards with you. What do you want?"

"What are you doing?"

Hagrid curiously ignored the old professor's question for a moment and asked instead: "What's so interesting about the color-changing giant snail? What did you discover?"

The color-changing giant snail is a magical animal whose shell changes color once an hour, and wherever it crawls it always leaves a highly toxic trail behind it. Plants that come into contact with it will turn yellow, become dehydrated, and even burn.

However, this magical animal basically poses no threat to wizards. At most, it will cause a loss of harvests in vegetable gardens and medicinal gardens.

Wizards usually do not eat them because they may carry parasites - however, it is said that wizards in France will use the meat of the discolored giant snails for cooking - the only valuable magical material on them is the mucus secreted from the abdomen and feet.

This slime is acidic and corrosive, and is one of the few substances known to be capable of killing Horklap. At the same time, after dilution, this mucus is also the main raw material of many household cleaners, which is very effective in dealing with spotted mango.

"Oh, yes, Hagrid. Well, yes, I did find something."

Although the situation of autism is much better than when he was young because he has gone through many storms in recent years, Scamander still seems a little "disconnected" from time to time when talking to others.

Only when talking about content related to magical animals, this old man will show his professionalism and rigor as the No. 1 in the industry.

“Although there are currently populations of color-changing giant snails in Asia, Europe and the Americas, they are generally farmed by wizard cleaner factories.

These farmed color-changing giant snails will be cast with confusion curses and variant spells such as the 'Sex Transformation Suppression Curse' and the 'Reproduction Suppression Curse' when they are born.

The purpose of this is to prevent them from hybridizing with common local snails and snails if they escape from the breeding farm.

Because the emergence of hybrid species may violate the "Secrecy Act", causing No-Majs to become aware of the existence of magical animals. "

Perhaps because he has lived in North America for a long time, Scamander's name for ordinary people who do not know magic has unconsciously become "No-Maj", which is commonly used in the magic world there, instead of "No-Maj" in Europe. Muggle".

"But I just observed that after these color-changing giant snails got together, they unconsciously changed their genders, and some even began to mate and reproduce uncontrollably - this is what happens to wild color-changing giant snails. Characteristics - and wild color-changing giant snails now only exist in their native Africa.

In the past 100 years, in order to maintain the diversity of its wild population, this native color-changing giant snail has been classified as a non-trade item by the Ministry of Magic of various countries, and individuals or companies are not allowed to conduct any form of private sales. This kind of restriction is very strict, even I have never raised it..."

Realizing some of the problems in his words, Scamander quickly said seriously: "...the color-changing giant snail that appears here must be contraband that someone secretly captured and brought back when they went to Africa, and then was put in somehow. This greenhouse.

Fortunately, it was discovered early. Professor Sprout and I had already dug deep into the ground to clean up the place. Otherwise, allowing these wild color-changing giant snails to multiply uncontrollably would have caused some very bad consequences. After escaping, they may even cause an ecological disaster in the Forbidden Forest. "

"It's so bad. Which little wizard put them in the greenhouse? We have to look back and find out who is so naughty!"

Hearing that the Forbidden Forest was almost affected, and thinking that those cute little guys had not lost their homes, a good old man like Hagrid also showed a rare hint of anger on his face. He turned around and glared at the Weasley twins who were following behind him.

George: "..."

Fred: "..."

At this time, Professor Sprout also walked over, with some mud on his body, and his hands wearing thick dragon leather gloves tightly grasping a wild color-changing giant snail that was constantly twisting its carapace.

"This should be the last one, Senior Newt," she threw the color-changing giant snail into the glass box. “This year’s biting kale is all ruined.”

"I have to talk to Minerva later and ask her to find out who did this. Last time, dozens of biting cabbages that were about to mature ran away together and almost injured a flying lesson student. The little wizard is actually because of the color-changing giant snails that lay eggs and reproduce underground.

Even though I clearly spread enough nutritious ointment made from foxtail eggs when sowing, the highly toxic mucus they secreted still made the biting cabbage uncontrollable, so I took the initiative. Cut off the roots and ran out of the greenhouse. "

The Head of Hufflepuff, who was also known for his good temper, was as angry as Hagrid at this time.

"I suggest you lay some devil's nets underground. The scaly skin of this magical plant is very thick and can resist the acidic mucus of the color-changing giant snails. Moreover, in addition to the color-changing giant snails, devil's nets can also prey on many other species underground. Pests, that’s what a lot of the for-profit magic plant plantations over there in North America do.”

Scamander gave a professional meaning, and Professor Sprout followed suit and said that he would go back to other greenhouses to collect some devil's net spores.

Seeing that the two big guys were having a lively conversation and were about to continue discussing related academic issues, Byrne quickly put his fist to his mouth and coughed lightly.

Only then did Hagrid remember what he came to the greenhouse for. "Sorry, Professor Scamander," he quickly got to the point and quickly told the story of the Bourne and Weasley brothers who wanted to apply for the "Forbidden Forest Wardens".

Like him before, Professor Scamander was naturally stunned for a moment, and even Professor Sprout, who was observing, was surprised.

You know, Professor Sprout has been teaching at Hogwarts for more than 20 years, and is also the dean of Hufflepuff, one of the four major colleges, but even she has never heard of this hidden student position in Hogwarts. .

"is this real?"

Professor Sprout waved her magic wand, and several benches appeared. She asked Hagrid and Burne to sit down and talk first. Then, the witch summoned a ceramic teapot and poured a cup of concentrated flower tea for each of them.

"Actually, I suspected it might be a prank at first," Hagrid said, glanced at the Weasley brothers, and shrugged, "But I checked my "Professional Handbook" and it was There is indeed such a position as a 'forbidden forest ranger'.

Two days ago, a foal was born among the unicorns in the Forbidden Forest, which met the recruitment requirements, so I brought them all over to Professor Scamander. Because according to the "Occupation Handbook", the qualification review for this position ultimately needs to be decided by the professor of the Care of Magical Creatures class. "

"But Bourne is only a first-year student and has not yet taken the Care of Magical Creatures class. Can he also apply?"

Professor Sprout asked curiously.

"Professor, look at this." Bourne had already anticipated this question and directly took out the parchment he copied from the library. "This is from an early edition of "Hogwarts: A School History." The original text below lists several students who have won the 'Hogwarts Outstanding Contribution Award'. Among them is a Hufflepuff senior who became the 'Forbidden Forest Warden' in the first grade and has continued to do so. Worked until graduation.”

"Radolph Pittiman," Sprout read out the name, but she had no impression of it at all. Instead, Scamander knew this person.

"Mr. Pittiman is indeed one of our seniors," Scamander affirmed: "He is a wizard writer. I read his "The Biography of Ulric the Strange" when I was in school. He is very fond of weird people. The story of Rick living with fifty augurs for a winter is very detailed and interesting. Moreover, he was also the first wizard to point out that the calls of augurs have a mind-disrupting function. It can be seen that he has a deep understanding of this matter. He has a very in-depth understanding of the habits of these magical animals.”

"I see. As expected of Senior Newt, he is knowledgeable and knowledgeable." Professor Sprout seemed to have little stars in his eyes.

Even though he had experienced it many times in his life, Scamander still seemed a little overwhelmed by being regarded as an idol by middle-aged and elderly witches (or even being confessed to her face to face). He could only use the excuse of checking up on the "Career Handbook" of the Care of Magical Creatures class to quickly leave this impromptu tea party. But when he left, he promised Bourne and the others that if there really was such a thing as a 'forbidden forest ranger', he would inform them.

"So, how will Professor Scamander notify us?" On the way back to the castle from the greenhouse, Fred suddenly thought of this question and couldn't help but ask.

"I don't know." Bourne shook his head, "But, nine times out of ten, I don't think he will send an owl to deliver a letter to us." What happened that night proved that Bourne was right again.

While Bourne was brushing his teeth in the bathroom, the little Khan, who was also brushing his teeth with a small toothbrush in his mouth, suddenly spat out the bubbles in his mouth, and then reached out to wipe the bubbles on his stomach. From his pocket, he took out a red bat decorated with a black dragon horn patch.

"Huh? Why is triple speed here?"

Bourne clearly remembered that he lent the bat to Ron and Seamus today. They said they would take Neville, who was a little overweight, to the court to exercise.

The little Khan saw Bourne's doubts and rolled his eyes at the confused master. His meaning was obviously: What time has it been? If you still think about these things, look over there quickly - —

After understanding what this little ancestor... well, little pet... wanted to express, Bourne immediately saw what the "thing" was that made the little Khan look like he was facing an enemy.

On the window sill of the bathroom, a black Sniff was leaning against the grilled wooden window, playing with the bronze handle that had just been removed from the window.

Seeing Bourne looking at him, the Sniff swished his hands into the pocket on his belly, then took out a small Panama hat and put it on his head, pretending to be friendly to Bourne. En raised his hat as a greeting.

Seeing this, the little Khan held the triple speed (Xiu Xiu and the mixed-blood Xiu Xiu can lift many times the weight) in his two little paws, and stood on the marble washbasin and performed a Xia Ji Eight Dance on the spot. , intending to frighten the opponent with momentum.

Bourne couldn't help but be speechless.

In order to prevent it from smashing the sink, he could only confiscate the weapon from the little Khan. However, in order to comfort the little pet, Bourne also held it by the back of its neck and put it on his shoulder - this position was equivalent to a safe zone.

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, it's not here to find you, and it doesn't dare to put you in its belly bag and take you away," Bourne comforted the little Khan while glaring at the Sniff sitting on the windowsill. . Although this little guy is quite cute to be honest, who wouldn’t let him be his own pet?

Also, it destroys common items in the Gryffindor common room.

"Professor Scamander sent you here?" Bourne walked to the window sill and asked the Niffler, who nodded angrily.

At this moment, Bourne also happened to see Scamander, the professor of Care of Magical Creatures, who had arrived outside the Gryffindor Tower and was waving hello to him through the window.

"It's too late to say anything, get in the car first!"

"car?"

Bourne heard cart as car.

At this time, Professor Scamander and the extremely excited Weasley brothers were standing in a supermarket trolley.

However, the size of this trolley is a bit large, and it still doesn't look crowded even though there are three people standing there.

It was hung by a long "rope", and Bourne looked up to the sky and saw only a blue "balloon" floating in the air.

"Is this... an Airwing?"

Bourne's eyes widened. He really didn't expect that he would be able to see such a magical animal that was said to be extinct in his lifetime.

The Airwing is an extremely rare magical animal. Although it looks like a dodo at first glance, it has a long tail covered with scaly feathers and a pair of short fleshy wings.

According to the estimates of magizoologists, the Airwing may be the magical animal that can fly the furthest distance in a single flight. Even the Thestral, which is famous for its good flight, cannot compare with it.

According to some man-made records in history, they have two completely different ways of flying: one is to fly with two wings, just like ordinary birds; and the other way of flying of air-wing birds is to fly The body expands into a huge "balloon" and uses the buoyancy of the air to lift itself into the stratosphere above the clouds. Then it deflates and flaps its wings to fly.

As a result, the habitat of this magical animal can basically only be found in some high latitude areas. Because the lower the latitude, the higher the height of the stratosphere (closer to the equator, it is difficult for large passenger aircraft to break through the troposphere), so airfoils are not suitable for survival at low latitudes.

In high latitudes, relatively speaking, food richness is lower than in low latitudes. Coupled with the expansion of humans, the living environment of air-winged birds was squeezed. At the end of the 19th century, air-winged birds became very rare. Today, many wizards believe that this magical bird is extinct.

Bourne slipped out of the window and jumped onto the cart hovering outside. After standing firm, he curiously told Professor Scamander his doubts.

"Five points from Gryffindor!" Professor Scamander was very happy and generously gave Bourne five points at once. "The question you raised is very good!"

Then, the old wizard used his wand to create a breeze, blowing the air-winged birds and leading them towards the Forbidden Forest.

While riding the wind, Professor Scamander told the little wizard in the trolley about his experience of raising air-winged birds. He talked about how he accidentally rescued some airwings in the wilds of North America, and then used this as an opportunity to adopt a few chicks and give them highly professional training.

“Life always finds a way,” he said. “I taught some aerobirds how to live in mid-latitudes, allowing them to fly long distances without having to fly high into the stratosphere. Now, this one is called The 'Dudu' airwing is one of the several airwings I plan to release into the Forbidden Forest. Taking us to the Forbidden Forest will allow it to adapt to its future living environment in advance."

"Professor, you asked us to go to the Forbidden Forest together so late. Are you planning to conduct a qualification assessment on us?"

Fred was extremely impatient, even more impatient than his brother George.

Scamander did not hide it, nodded, and said: "Yes, I went back and checked the "Staff Handbook" of the Care of Magical Creatures Department, and it does say the recruitment and assessment method for the 'Forbidden Forest Coordinator' .

It just so happens that a cub may be born among the unicorn herd in the Forbidden Forest today.

In the evening, Hagrid was notified by the centaur tribe and had rushed over. He sent me a letter via owl ten minutes ago, saying that he was in some trouble and asked me to come over. I thought that you were also applying for the 'Forbidden Forest Coordinator', so I called you all.

This won't affect your rest, right? "

George and Fred shook their heads after hearing this. Just kidding, at this point, they are usually preparing for their upcoming night outing.

As for Bourne, there is no need to think too much about sleeping problems. Not to mention that Horace had prepared enough energy tonics for him. He would just go with the flow in the history of magic class tomorrow morning. It was not a big deal.

Professor Scamander was definitely a master at using weather spells. The airflow he summoned blew the Airwings, and soon led them deep into the Forbidden Forest.

Moreover, it is obvious that he is very familiar with the distribution of magical animals in the Forbidden Forest.

Bourne guessed that the old wizard probably went to the Forbidden Forest when he was in school. Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to know the Forbidden Forest as well as Professor Kettleburn and Hagrid within less than a month of taking over as a substitute teacher.

He used the Airwing Bird to take them on an arc-shaped trajectory in the air, which did not pass through the habitat of any magical animals with the ability to fly (Bourn originally thought he would meet those familiar Thestrals again, but he couldn't Who knows that Professor Scamander avoided that route very accurately).

He briefly explained to the little wizards: Unicorns are inherently very sensitive magical animals, and they will become extremely sensitive when giving birth. If they interact with other magical animals (especially aggressive ones) If you interact with them and your body is contaminated with their breath, it will easily make the unicorn mother anxious for a while, which is not conducive to her giving birth.

All I can say is, it's so professional.

The Bourne and Weasley twins were convinced.

In about fifteen minutes, they had penetrated nearly three or four miles into the Forbidden Forest - don't underestimate this number, because the terrain in the Forbidden Forest is very complicated. This journey is not very far in the sky, but if you use your legs to walk in the dense forest, It would take at least several hours to walk there - basically, this is the furthest distance that even the most adventurous little wizard can penetrate into the Forbidden Forest in his life.

Anyway, George and Fred confessed that although they had sneaked into the Forbidden Forest, their furthest trip was not even one-third of the journey tonight.

After flying for another minute or two, Professor Scamander pouted and whistled at the "toot" above his head. This smart air-winged bird understood what he meant, opened its locked beak, and gradually shrank its body.

They landed on a meadow.

Hagrid had already seen them, and he kept waving to them when they landed. Next to him, there was a unicorn lying on its side on the ground. It neighed twice from time to time and had four long white legs. The legs then bent once or twice, looking weak.

Different from the forest clearing of Thestrals, the forest clearing where this unicorn lives is not large, but the grass and trees seem to have been deliberately trampled to be much smoother. Moreover, many wild apples, wild dates, and other types of juicy berries were neatly placed around the unicorn that seemed to be about to give birth, as if someone had come specially to visit the "maternal woman."

"Professor Scamander," Hagrid hurriedly stepped forward when he saw the cart landing, and said anxiously to the magical creature protection expert: "It has been more than three hours, and Swifty still seems to be motionless. Her little baby It seems a little reluctant to come out.”

(End of this chapter)