Snape's Commission

"Are you serious, Professor?"

Edmund looked at Snape in disbelief, unable to believe what he had just heard.

Snape wanted him to follow Harry's group into the Forbidden Forest that night.

"May I ask why?"

Snape's voice sharpened with heavy sarcasm. "Do you believe that oversized gamekeeper has enough sense to keep Potter under control? Given their relationship, Potter may as well have been invited on an outing."

"I need you to keep an eye on them and ensure Potter receives the punishment he deserves."

Edmund did not believe a single word of that explanation. Snape was worried about Hagrid, yes, but more accurately, he was worried Hagrid would not look after Harry properly.

Unfortunately, Edmund had no habit of serving as anyone's babysitter, even if that person was the protagonist.

"Professor, you know I..."

Snape cut him off.

"If you go tonight, Ravenclaw will receive twenty points. In addition, I will give you a bottle of Arcane Expansion Draught."

This time, Edmund fell silent.

Snape was paying that much?

The twenty points were not the key. The potion was.

Arcane Expansion Draught could increase a wizard's total magical reserves. The exact effect depended on the person, but even at minimum, it could add the equivalent of half an adult wizard's reserves.

The potion was extremely difficult to brew, and several of its ingredients were already extinct.

With Edmund's talent, that bottle could increase his magic by a considerable amount. It might rival the benefit of a Legendary card.

After thinking it through, Edmund yielded.

"I accept, Professor. May I ask where you obtained such a potion?"

If he could get more of it, his growth would become much faster.

At this point, Edmund's mastery of spells was already no worse than a professor like Snape. In some areas, he was even stronger.

But his total magical reserves remained the main factor limiting his strength. Without enough raw magic, his output would fall, and he still had to avoid the awkward possibility of exhausting himself after only a few powerful spells.

"Do not indulge in fantasies," Snape said coldly. "I obtained it when I was young, while exploring an ancient Egyptian tomb. This is the last bottle in my possession."

That shattered Edmund's pleasant dream.

Still, he could not complain. One bottle was already excellent.

"No problem. I will go tonight. You can rest assured."

The bargain complete, Edmund did not linger. He went straight back to his dormitory to sleep so he would not be drowsy in the Forbidden Forest.

...

At exactly eleven o'clock, Harry, Neville, and Ron followed Filch to the door of Hagrid's hut. Malfoy from Slytherin came as well.

When they arrived, Hagrid did not immediately lead them into the forest. Instead, he waited where he was.

"What's wrong, Hagrid?" Harry asked curiously. "Is someone else coming?"

"Aye," Hagrid said. "Professor Snape said another student would be joining us."

Harry immediately felt sympathy for that student. Anyone targeted by Snape was probably a decent person.

Then Edmund came strolling over at an unhurried pace and greeted him.

"Harry."

"Edmund!" Harry said, startled. "It's you? You're the student Snape punished?"

Edmund nearly stopped walking.

If Snape could not come up with a convincing excuse, he should not have bothered. Would an outstanding wizard like Edmund be punished?

Unfortunately, he had accepted payment. The blame had to be carried.

"Yes. I will be entering the Forbidden Forest with you tonight."

Harry was delighted and quickly introduced him to Hagrid.

Hagrid's rough voice boomed warmly.

"I know you. Ravenclaw's best young wizard, aren't yeh? Edmund, if that's all right. Harry talks about yeh often."

"Edmund is fine," he said with a smile.

Hagrid was also a hidden treasure trove. Edmund had been using many magical materials in his recent experiments, and some were difficult to find on the market. There was no harm in building a good relationship with him.

Once everyone had gathered, they entered the Forbidden Forest.

Malfoy's face went pale almost at once, and he kept muttering that his father was on the school board. No one had time to care.

Harry and the others were nervous too, but none of them wanted to show fear in front of their rival. They forced themselves to follow Hagrid along a narrow path into the deeper forest.

The farther they went, the darker and more oppressive the trees became.

Suddenly, they saw a faint glow in the distance.

The group approached, and Hagrid raised his lantern.

"See that?" he said gravely. "That silvery stuff is unicorn blood."

His expression darkened. This was not the first time something like this had happened recently. Half a month ago, a unicorn had been found badly wounded and dead.

Edmund stepped forward to examine the ground. Soon, he noticed a line of hoofprints ahead.

"I know which way the unicorn went," he said. "Follow me."

He took the lead and followed the traces until they reached the bank of a stream, where they found another splash of silver blood.

Just as they were about to inspect it, something rustled in the trees beside the bank.

Harry and the others immediately huddled together. Hagrid tensed and aimed his crossbow toward the sound.

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