THE CLOAKED FIGURE

As they ventured further into the heart of the Forbidden Forest, one thing became clear—this detention was going to be anything but ordinary. And with Marteen's enthusiasm for danger, who knew what trouble they might stumble into next?

Harry quickened his pace to catch up with Hagrid's long strides. "Hagrid," he whispered, "what exactly are we looking for out here?"

"Well, Harry, it's a right nasty business, I'm afraid. Summat's been attackin' unicorns in the forest."

A collective gasp rose from the group. Even Marteen's excited grin faltered for a moment.

"Attacking unicorns?" Hermione echoed, "But who would do such a thing?"

"That's jus' it. We don' know. Found one dead a few months back. Since then, it's been happenin' more an' more. Found traces of unicorn blood all over the place."

SNAP! A twig broke under Ron's foot, making everyone jump.

"S-sorry,"

Marteen, recovering quickly from his momentary shock, piped up. "Whoa, dead unicorns? That's hardcore! What do you think could be doing it, Hagrid? Some kinda monster?"

"M-monster?" Draco stammered, unconsciously edging closer to the group.

Hagrid's grip tightened on his crossbow. "Could be. Whatever it is, it's quick, clever, an' not afraid of humans. That's why we need ter be extra careful."

As they pressed deeper into the forest, the trees seemed to close in around them. Shadows danced at the edge of their vision, and strange noises echoed in the distance. Was it just the wind... or something more sinister?

Harry felt a chill run down his spine that had nothing to do with the cool night air. Unicorns—creatures so pure and magical—being hunted in this dark forest. What kind of evil could be behind such acts?

"This is a mystery! Hey, if we find the unicorn killer, do we get extra credit?"

"Marteen!" Hermione hissed, scandalized.

As they continued their patrol, each step taking them further into the unknown, the weight of their task settled heavily upon them. Somewhere in this forest, a dangerous predator lurked—one that even unicorns weren't safe from. And they were walking right into its hunting grounds.

The night stretched on, full of shadows and secrets. What would they find in the depths of the Forbidden Forest? And more importantly, what might find them?

Suddenly, Fang froze, his nose twitching as he sniffed the ground intently. The group halted, holding their breath as Hagrid stepped forward, his massive form casting long shadows in the lantern light.

CRUNCH. Hagrid's boots crushed fallen leaves as he knelt to examine what had caught Fang's attention.

"Blimey," he muttered, "It's unicorn blood."

The students crowded around, their eyes wide as they took in the sight. On the forest floor, gleaming in the dim light, was a puddle of silvery-blue liquid. It shimmered with an otherworldly glow, like liquid moonlight spilled across the dark earth.

"Whoa," Marteen breathed, "That's some trippy-looking blood!"

"This—this is ridiculous!" he sputtered. "This kind of detention isn't meant for first years. Wait until my father hears about this." Draco said.

"Chill out, Draco. I bet my dad would be stoked to hear I'm on a real magical creature hunt. This is, like, prime wizard training!" Marteen said.

"Right then. We've got a trail to follow. Stay close, an' keep yer eyes peeled."

As Hagrid began to move forward, following the glittering trail of unicorn blood, the students fell in line behind him. Each silvery droplet led to another, creating a haunting path through the dark forest.

SNAP! CRACKLE! The underbrush seemed alive with noise as they pressed on.

Harry felt his heart racing, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through him. This was more than just a detention now—it was a real magical mystery.

Hermione clutched her wand tightly, her eyes darting from tree to tree.

"What do you think we'll find at the end of this trail?"

Ron gulped, "Dunno if I want to find out, to be honest."

"This is so cool! It's like we're tracking a magical predator. Hey, Hagrid, if we find the unicorn, can I keep a horn? I heard It is worth around 21 Galleons."

"Marteen!" the others hissed in unison, exasperated.

As they ventured deeper into the heart of the Forbidden Forest, following the eerie trail of unicorn blood, the trees seemed to close in around them. Shadows danced at the edge of their vision, and strange noises echoed in the distance. What awaited them at the end of this silvery path? And were they prepared for what they might find?

The night was far from over, and in the Forbidden Forest, danger lurked around every gnarled tree trunk and in every deep shadow. Their adventure had only just begun.

As they pressed deeper into the forest, the silvery trail led them to another puddle of unicorn blood, gleaming eerily in the moonlight that filtered through the canopy.

Hagrid knelt once more, the students gathered around. But Harry's attention was suddenly drawn elsewhere. In the distance, partially obscured by the darkness and twisted trees, he spotted a cloaked figure hunched over something white—a unicorn's body. The figure seemed to be... drinking from it.

Harry felt his breath catch in his throat. Without a word, he began to move towards the macabre scene, as if drawn by an invisible force. The others, engrossed in examining the blood puddle, remained oblivious to his departure.

CRUNCH. SNAP. Twigs and leaves broke under Harry's feet as he crept closer.

The cloaked figure suddenly stood up, its movement unnaturally fluid. As it turned, Harry caught a glimpse of silvery unicorn blood dripping from beneath its hood.

WHAM!

"AAAAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!"

A searing pain exploded in Harry's scar, unlike anything he'd ever felt before. It was as if his head was being split open. He let out an agonized scream, his hands flying to his forehead as he crumpled to the forest floor.

"HARRY!"

The sound of pounding footsteps filled the air as Hagrid and the others dashed towards him, their faces etched with panic.

"What happened?"

"Where did he go?"

"Is that—oh my god!"

Their voices blended together in a cacophony of fear and confusion as they reached Harry's prone form. The night air was thick with tension, the once-quiet forest now alive with the sounds of panic and the lingering echo of Harry's scream.

The cloaked figure glided towards Harry, its movements unnaturally smooth and silent. The air around it seemed to grow colder, shadows deepening with each step it took.

Hagrid's eyes widened in alarm. He thrust out one massive arm, halting the other students in their tracks. "Stay back!" he growled, his voice low and urgent.

The children huddled behind Hagrid's towering form, their faces pale with fear in the dim moonlight. Even Marteen, for once, was speechless.

"Harry!" Hagrid called out, "Harry, come 'ere! Now!"

But Harry remained on the ground, his hands pressed against his scar, seemingly oblivious to the approaching danger. The cloaked figure drew ever closer, its presence radiating malevolence.

CLICK!

The sound of Hagrid's crossbow being readied cut through the tense silence. He raised the weapon, aiming it squarely at the mysterious figure.

"That's far enough!" Hagrid bellowed, "One more step an' I'll shoot!"

The cloaked figure paused, its faceless hood turning slightly towards Hagrid. The air crackled with tension, like the moment before a lightning strike.

Hermione whimpered softly, her hand clutching Ron's arm. Draco looked as if he might faint at any moment. Even Fang, usually so boisterous, cowered behind Hagrid's legs.

The standoff stretched on, seconds feeling like hours. What would the cloaked figure do? Would Hagrid's warning be enough to drive it away? And what of Harry, still vulnerable on the forest floor?

The Forbidden Forest held its breath, waiting to see what would happen next in this terrifying confrontation.

Suddenly, Marteen burst into action. He dashed forward, his wand drawn, ignoring the shouts behind him.

"Marteen, no!" Hagrid bellowed.

"Are you mad?" Hermione shrieked.

But Marteen paid them no heed. He advanced on the cloaked figure, his steps casual yet purposeful. The figure raised its wand in response, the air crackling with tension.

"STUPEFY!"

A jet of red light shot from his wand, but the figure deflected it with a lazy flick. Undeterred, Marteen continued his approach.

The figure retaliated, sending a spell hurtling towards Marteen. Without a word, Marteen's wand slashed through the air. An invisible shield sprang up, the spell dissipating harmlessly against it.

WHOOSH! CRACK!

Spells flew back and forth, Marteen and the figure locked in a silent duel. The forest lit up with flashes of light, shadows dancing wildly.

Suddenly, a sickly green light erupted from the figure's wand, streaking towards Marteen. His eyes widened in recognition—this was no ordinary spell.

At the last second, Marteen dove to the side. The green light sailed past, leaving a scorched mark on a tree behind him.

Anger flashed in Marteen's eyes. He thrust his wand forward, his face set in grim determination. No incantation left his lips, but a blinding bolt of lightning burst from his wand tip.

The figure tried to block, but the sheer power of the spell was overwhelming. With a deafening CRACK, the lightning struck. The cloaked form was hurled backward, slamming into a massive oak tree with a sickening THUD.

For a moment, silence reigned in the forest. The other students stood frozen, their mouths agape at the display of magic they'd just witnessed. Hagrid's crossbow hung forgotten at his side.

Marteen stood tall, his wand still pointed at the crumpled form of the figure. The air around him seemed to shimmer with residual magical energy.

What manner of first-year student could perform such advanced magic? And who—or what—was this mysterious attacker that had been preying on unicorns?

As the dust settled, the Forbidden Forest held its breath, waiting to see what would happen next in this unexpected and terrifying confrontation.

A collective sigh of relief rippled through the group as they cautiously approached Harry. Ron looking at the cloaked figure.

"Is... is he dead?"

No one answered, the silence heavy with uncertainty.

Hagrid lumbered over to Harry, gently helping him to his feet.

"Yeh alright there, Harry?"

But before Harry could respond, movement caught their eye. The cloaked figure, though clearly injured, was struggling to its feet.

"Hey!" Marteen shouted, "Where d'you think you're going?"

He was about to dash after the limping figure when—WHOOSH!—a magnificent creature burst from the undergrowth, blocking Marteen's path.

Half man, half horse, the centaur reared up, its powerful hooves pawing the air. Marteen skidded to a halt, his wand instantly trained on the new arrival.

"Marteen, don't!" Hagrid's voice boomed through the clearing.

The giant gamekeeper stepped forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "It's alright, everyone. This here's Firenze. He's a friend."

Firenze's piercing blue eyes swept over the group, lingering on Harry for a moment before settling on Marteen.

"Lower your wand, young wizard," he said, "I mean you no harm."

Marteen hesitated, his wand still raised. The air crackled with tension.

"But that... that thing," Marteen protested, gesturing towards where the cloaked figure had been. But when they looked, it was gone, having used the distraction to slip away into the shadows of the forest.

"Aw, man!" Marteen groaned, "It got away!"

Firenze's tail swished, his expression grave. "Perhaps it is for the best. The forest holds many dangers, and not all of them are what they seem."

The students exchanged bewildered glances. What did the centaur mean? And what was that mysterious figure that had attacked the unicorn?

Hagrid cleared his throat, gesturing towards Harry and Marteen. "Firenze, this here's Harry Potter and Marteen Grindelwald."

"Grindelwald?" he repeated, his gaze fixed on Marteen.

Hagrid nodded. "Aye, he's the grandson of Gellert Grindelwald."

"Young Grindelwald," Firenze said, "you must not seek out that cloaked figure. It may lure you into far greater danger than you can imagine."

Harry, still rubbing his scar, stepped forward. "But what was that thing? Why was it... drinking unicorn blood?"

"The only creature desperate enough to slay a unicorn and drink its blood is one who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. It is... He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

A collective gasp rose from the group. Ron's face turned ghostly pale, while Hermione clutched Harry's arm in fear.

But Marteen? He burst out laughing, his voice echoing through the silent forest. "You've gotta be kidding me! That was Voldemort?" He puffed out his chest proudly. "Man, if that's the big bad dark wizard everyone's afraid of, he seems pretty easy to beat!"

"Marteen!" Hermione hissed.

Firenze's tail swished agitatedly. "Do not underestimate the dark forces at work here, young Grindelwald." He turned to Harry. "Harry Potter, you must exercise extreme caution. The creatures of this forest know who you are, and not all of them wish you well."

Then, fixing Marteen with a piercing stare, he continued, "The same warning applies to you, Marteen Grindelwald. There are those who would seek to manipulate you, to draw you towards the darkness, knowing your lineage."

"Aw, come on. I can handle myself!"

"Can you?" Firenze asked softly. "The path to darkness is often paved with good intentions and overconfidence."

As the group stood in the clearing, the weight of Firenze's words settling over them, the Forbidden Forest seemed to press in closer. The shadows deepened, and every rustle of leaves carried a hint of menace.

Harry and Marteen exchanged glances, both realizing that their adventures at Hogwarts had just taken a far more serious turn. The night was far from over, and the dangers they faced were greater than they could have imagined.

As they trudged back through the Forbidden Forest, the looming trees casting eerie shadows in the moonlight, Ron sidled up to Marteen.

"Blimey," he said, "no wonder you're not scared of anything. You can handle yourself better than most grown wizards!"

Harry, still a bit shaky from his encounter, turned to Marteen.

"Thanks for saving me back there. That was... incredible."

"It was nothin'. Just doin' what any awesome wizard would do!"

Hagrid's massive hand came down on Marteen's shoulder, nearly buckling the boy's knees.

"Crikey, lad!" he exclaimed, "That was the most intense duel I've ever laid eyes on. If yer talent's this great, I can't help but wonder what yer grandfather was capable of in his prime."

The gamekeeper's eyes grew distant, as if looking into the past. "Only a few old folks have seen the true extent of Gellert Grindelwald's power. Old Dumbledore, of course, bein' one of 'em."

Then Hagrid's expression softened, and he gave Marteen's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "But I'm grateful, I am. Unlike yer grandfather, Yer a friend, Marteen."

"Thanks, Hagrid,"

"You know, Marteen," Draco drawled, loud enough for the others to hear, "the fame of your name truly matches your quality." His eyes flicked towards Harry, a sneer curling his lip. "Unlike another... famous person who seems incapable of doing much of anything."

Ron's ears turned red with anger, and Hermione's eyes narrowed at the thinly veiled insult. Harry, however, kept his gaze fixed ahead, determined not to rise to Draco's bait.

Marteen, oblivious to the tension, grinned. "Thanks, Draco! Pretty cool, huh?"

"Absolutely! You should get credit and recognition for defeating You-Know-Who. It's only fair, after all."

"Now, now," Hagrid interrupted, "That'll be fer Professor Dumbledore ter decide if what happened tonight can be told ter anyone or not." He turned to Harry and Marteen, "Speakin' of which, you two'll need ter come with me ter the Headmaster's office when we get back. He'll want ter hear abou' tonight's events, no doubt."

"Awesome! Maybe I'll get a special award for services to the school or something!"

"Don't get ahead of yourself," Hermione muttered, but Marteen was too busy high-fiving Draco to notice.

As they neared the edge of the forest, the looming silhouette of Hogwarts castle came into view. The night's adventure had changed things, that much was clear.

As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky, Hagrid, Harry, and Marteen found themselves ascending the spiral staircase to the Headmaster's office. The stone gargoyle had leapt aside at Hagrid's muttered password, granting them entry.

KNOCK KNOCK!

Hagrid's massive fist rapped gently on the ornate wooden door.

"Enter,"

As they stepped into the circular office, they found Professor Dumbledore standing behind his desk, still clad in a magnificent purple dressing gown adorned with silver stars. His long white beard was slightly tousled, suggesting he'd been roused from sleep.

"Ah, Hagrid, Harry, Marteen," Dumbledore greeted them, "How was your patrol of the Forbidden Forest?"

Hagrid shifted uncomfortably, his bulk making the floorboards creak. "Well, sir, it didn't go exactly as planned..."

As Hagrid recounted the night's events, Dumbledore's expression grew increasingly grave. When the gamekeeper finished, the Headmaster sighed deeply, removing his half-moon spectacles to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"I must apologize," Dumbledore said, "What was intended as a simple detention has turned into a situation of great danger. I never imagined..."

He trailed off, his gaze moving from Harry to Marteen. The two boys stood side by side, an odd pair – Harry, with his messy black hair and lightning scar, looking tired but determined; and Marteen, still buzzing with energy, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

"It seems," Dumbledore continued, replacing his glasses, "that we have much to discuss. Please, sit down, all of you. This may take some time."

As they settled into the chairs before Dumbledore's desk, the portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses stirred in their frames, clearly interested in the tale about to unfold. The office was bathed in the soft golden light of dawn, but the atmosphere was thick with tension and unspoken questions.

Dumbledore leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes moving from Harry to Marteen. "Now, boys," he said softly, "I need you to describe this cloaked figure you encountered. Every detail, no matter how small, could be important."

Harry spoke first, "It was hard to see clearly, Professor. The cloak was dark, maybe black. It moved... unnaturally."

Marteen nodded, adding, "Yeah, it was definitely creepy. But the spells it used... I recognized them all. Powerful dark magic, for sure."

"And its face? Did you see anything beneath the hood?"

Harry shook his head. "No, sir. Just... darkness."

"I didn't see a face either," Marteen confirmed.

Dumbledore nodded, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "And its magic? You dueled with it, Marteen?"

"Yes, sir. The duel was intense. The figure was skilled, but I managed to hold my own."

"Professor... Firenze told us something. He said... he said it was Voldemort." Harry then added.

"That's what the centaur claimed. Is it true, Professor?" Marteen confirmed.

Dumbledore's expression grew grave at this information. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes distant as if considering something far beyond the walls of his office.

"Thank you, boys," Dumbledore said finally. "You've been very brave, and very helpful."

"Professor Dumbledore, sir," he said, "will I get recognition for defeating Voldemort?"

"Ah, ambition. A perfectly normal question for a Slytherin like yourself, Marteen. There's nothing wrong with that." His expression then grew more serious. "However, I'm afraid that what happened last night is best kept secret."

"But sir," he protested, "the troll incident was kept quiet because of the spell I used, and now this? I defeated Voldemort! Surely that deserves some recognition in the school?"

"Consider this, Marteen. If we were to announce that you had defeated Voldemort, who would believe it? The wizarding world believes him to be gone. They would likely think you a liar or attention-seeker."

Marteen opened his mouth to argue, but Dumbledore continued, "Moreover, I believe his loyal followers are still out there. Such an announcement could put you in grave danger."

The Headmaster's blue eyes softened as he saw Marteen's disappointment. "My boy, with your considerable talent, there will be plenty of opportunities for recognition in the future. Of that, I have no doubt."

Harry watched this exchange silently, a mix of emotions playing across his face. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief that the night's events would remain secret, even as he sympathized with Marteen's frustration.

Dumbledore stood up, signaling the end of the conversation. "Now, I suggest you both get some rest. It's been a long night, and I daresay you've earned it. You too, Hagrid."

As they left the office, Marteen's usual swagger was subdued, but there was a determined glint in his eye. It was clear that while he accepted Dumbledore's decision, his ambition for recognition was far from quelled.

The sun was now fully up, casting long shadows across the castle grounds. As Harry and Marteen made their way back to their respective dormitories, both boys knew that their adventure in the Forbidden Forest had changed things.