Professor Kettleburn seed almost unbelievable.
With his two leg prostheses, he galloped swiftly across the snow, leaving even the Centaurs far behind. It was like watching a cyborg in action.
Additionally, his prosthetic arm, wielding a magic wand, moved at an incredible speed.
The spell he cast to block a massive oak tree that could have easily held three or four people was executed effortlessly.
This elderly professor, normally reserved, was suddenly showcasing his imnse power in the face of these Centaurs.
Run! Professor Kettleburn shouted at Matthew and the others, waving with his one remaining hand.
The magic wand in his prosthetic arm continued to fend off the Centaurs attempting to rush forward.
It was a wizard from a re district pitted against dozens, or perhaps even hundreds of Centaurs.
Matthew and his companions didnt dare to look back as they fled lifelessly towards the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest.
Fortunately, the footprints on the ground gradually beca more defined, ensuring they wouldnt get lost.
In the distance, the sounds of roars, horses hissing, and howls grew fainter, a glimr of hope in their desperate escape.
Only Professor Kettleburns voice lingered in their ears, faintly heard, urging them, Quickly inform Professor Rosier of all this!
Heavy rubber boots trudging through the snow, every step almost exhausting their strength. It was a long and arduous escape.
The five second-year Slytherin students had different paces: Matthew leading the way, followed by Draco, then Theodore, and finally Vincent and Gregory.
The two heavier students struggled to keep up and were clearly out of breath.
As they ran, the edge of the Forbidden Forest drew closer and closer.
They are getting closer! Draco suddenly cried out, his voice feeble but filled with dread.
Indeed, the sound of horseshoes crunching through the snow echoed from behind them.
Perhaps Professor Kettleburn had been overco by the Centaurs or their sheer numbers proved insurmountable.
Even with the assistance of his three prostheses, stopping them would be impossible in a short ti.
The students were cornered.
Dont use magic! Matthew warned his companions loudly once again. Dont provoke them!
With another deep breath, Matthew summoned all the strength he had left and continued following the path of their footprints.
The scene ahead seed more and more familiar. They were close to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Maybe if they held on for just two or three more minutes, they would reach Professor Kettleburns cabin.
Once there, they might be safe maybe.
Matthew, however, couldnt shake the uneasy feeling in his heart.
He knew too well that these Centaurs wouldnt let them escape easily.
As the sound of horseshoes drew near, Matthew suddenly sensed impending danger.
He reached for his wand, trembling hands clutching it tightly.
Swishwishwish A series of sharp sounds erged from behind them.
Protego! Matthew exclaid without thinking, casting a protective shield around himself.
Bangbang The sounds of impact echoed, indicating that sothing had hit the shield.
Arrows, the Centaurss arrows.
However, Theodore and Draco were not as fortunate.
Dracos wand had fallen deep into the Forbidden Forest, and Theodore, in his current state of terror, wouldnt dare to retrieve it.
The arrows struck their targets accurately, although they did not aim for vital areas.
Draco and Theodore fell in pools of blood, injured but not fatally.
The Centaurs ceased their pursuit for a mont, seizing Draco and Theodore and taking them away.
As for the remaining three, they continued to chase their final target.
Matthew successfully escaped the Forbidden Forest, but he did so at a steep cost.
Four of his companions were either lost or captured by the Centaurs.
Matthew realized that he hadnt fled towards the castle at all because he understood that he didnt have the strength left to gallop the hundred yards needed.
Instead, he headed for Professor Kettleburns cabin.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw another Centaur once again aiming at him with a bow and arrow.
Protego! Matthew shouted again, but this ti his voice was weak. The next attack might be fatal one.
Fortunately, Professor Kettleburns cabin was within reach. Without hesitation, he darted inside.
Swish, an arrow struck the door fra.
Judging by the approaching footsteps, the number of Centaurs exiting the Forbidden Forest had increased, at least seven or eight, maybe even more.
The nearest Centaur, chasing him relentlessly, reached the cabin door and attempted to break in.
Inside, Matthew found what he was looking for on Professor Kettleburns round tablean exquisite, antique teapot.
Almost a year ago, before venturing into the Forbidden Forest for the first ti, Professor Kettleburn had taught Matthew how to use this device.
Now was the ti to use it.
Without hesitation, Matthew hurled the entire teapot towards the cabin door.
Fortunately, Professor Kettleburn had cleared the area of snow.
There was a clear sound as the teapot shattered upon impact, and sothing akin to a snake suddenly erged, growing rapidly.
Its body extended nearly 15 feet, resembling a snake but with feathers, wings, and two legs. It was a bird-snake creature, aggressive when provoked.
A battle ensued as it fought against the surrounding Centaurs.
Although the distant Centaurs drew their crossbows and fired arrows, these projectiles seed ineffective against the creature.
Saved Matthew finally exhaled, but he didnt place all his hopes on the bird-snake.
His true intention for entering Professor Kettleburns cabin had been sothing else.
After a brief rest, he rushed to the still-burning fireplace.
Then, he reached into a flower pot on the side, scooping out a handful of shiny green powder.
Headmistress Vinda Rosiers Office! Matthew tossed the powder into the fireplaces flas and spoke clearly.
He stepped into the flas and disappeared.
In St Mungo Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, he regained consciousness after an unknown period.
MatthewMatthew A voice whispered his na, and he saw Hermiones face, her bright brown eyes gazing down at him.
Neville, co hereMatthews awake! Hermione exclaid.
Matthew blinked and saw Neville. He realized he was in a hospital bed, covered in white linen sheets, with dicine bottles on the bedside table.
What day is it now? he asked, then noticed the dicines and bottles. What happened at Hogwarts? Where are we?
Hermione explained, Its Sunday noon. Were in St Mungos now. Professor Rosier evacuated all of us due to the Centaur rebellion. As for Hogwarts, its fallen. Occupied by Centaurs and Dark Wizards.
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