Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

Over the next few weeks, David and Hermione only ventured into the Forbidden Forest once. During that time, Hermione grew even closer to the little unicorn they had befriended. The unicorn adored her but still stubbornly avoided David.

David also spent some time visiting Professor Snape's office to ask questions about potion-making. Snape, as always, was gruff and impatient, often dismissing David's questions as "too simple" to bother with. Yet, despite his attitude, Snape still gave detailed answers—answers far more insightful than anything David could find in books.

Hermione had confirmed that David's questions weren't simple at all, but Snape's dismissive demeanor remained. Even so, David left each visit with a deeper understanding of potion-making, though he often wished the process was less intimidating.

In the meantime, David had also sent a letter to Newt Scamander, describing their encounter in the Forbidden Forest and sharing observations about the unicorn. Newt eventually replied with a brief note: "Already knew. Forgot to write it down in my notes. Thanks!" David could only shake his head in disbelief.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was Friday afternoon. After finishing their studies, David and Hermione returned to the Gryffindor common room. The lounge was bustling with energy as students excitedly discussed the upcoming Quidditch season, set to begin the next day.

David and Hermione found a quiet corner to play wizard chess. David's confidence in the game had grown significantly, even though his skills hadn't improved much. After weeks of practice with Hermione, he proudly declared himself ready to compete in a hypothetical Hogwarts Wizard Chess Championship.

Hermione, on the other hand, had improved enough to win a few matches against him, though David still managed to hold his ground most of the time.

As they played, Harry and Ron burst into the common room, looking panicked. Spotting David and Hermione, they hurried over.

"David! Hermione!" Harry exclaimed.

"David, move your bishop two steps forward, then send your knight to finish the game," Ron said, eyeing the chessboard.

David followed the suggestion, and his bishop swiftly captured Hermione's rook. Her king was now defenseless.

"Checkmate!" David cheered.

"Ron!" Hermione said in mock outrage, glaring at him.

"Forget the chess, Hermione!" Harry interrupted, his voice urgent.

"What's wrong?" David asked, finally turning his attention to Harry.

"Someone's trying to steal something from the fourth-floor corridor!" Harry whispered, leaning closer.

"Who?" Hermione asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Snape!" Harry replied, his tone serious.

David and Hermione exchanged surprised looks.

"That can't be true," Hermione said, shaking her head.

"It is!" Harry insisted. "Ron and I were passing by Snape's office, and we overheard him talking to Filch. The door was slightly open, so we peeked in. Snape had this huge wound on his leg! It looked like something had bitten him!"

"Maybe he got the injury when he went to the fourth-floor corridor on Halloween," Ron added. "Remember when we saw him sneaking around before we found Hermione?"

Harry nodded. "He must have tried to get past the three-headed dog to steal whatever Dumbledore is hiding there!"

Hermione frowned. "Harry, you're jumping to conclusions. Snape is a professor—he wouldn't steal from Dumbledore!"

David chimed in, "I agree with Hermione. Dumbledore wouldn't let just anyone guard something important. Besides, we don't have any evidence."

Harry sighed in frustration but didn't argue further.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and soon David brought up the Quidditch match scheduled for the next day.

"Harry, are you ready to catch the Snitch?" David asked, trying to lift Harry's spirits.

"I guess," Harry mumbled, clearly nervous.

"Don't worry," David said reassuringly. "Even if things don't go perfectly, it's just your first match. There'll be plenty more opportunities!"

The next morning, the excitement in the castle was palpable. The Great Hall buzzed with chatter as students shared rumors about the players and their skills. Gryffindor's team was the favorite, with many students confidently predicting a victory against Slytherin.

Harry, however, wasn't enjoying the excitement. He sat at the Gryffindor table, too nervous to eat. Hermione and Ron tried their best to encourage him, while David observed quietly.

Finally, David spoke up with a mischievous grin. "Harry, I have an idea that'll solve all your problems."

"What is it?" Harry asked, looking hopeful.

"I'll sneak into Snape's office, grab some Polyjuice Potion, and transform into you. Then, I'll play in the match instead!" David said, feigning seriousness.

Ron burst out laughing. "David, are you secretly working for Slytherin? With your skills, Gryffindor would lose in record time!"

"Hey, I'm not that bad!" David protested, pretending to be offended. "Hermione even asked me for tips on wizard chess!"

Hermione rolled her eyes and playfully smacked David on the back. "You're impossible!" she said, laughing.

Even Harry couldn't help but smile at the exchange. His nervousness eased, and he managed to eat a few bites of breakfast.

By eleven o'clock, the entire school had gathered at the Quidditch pitch. The stands were packed with cheering students and teachers, the excitement contagious.

Before heading to the players' tunnel, Harry pulled David aside. "Thanks, David. That joke really helped."

"Anytime," David replied with a grin. "Just catch the Snitch, and we'll call it even for the hit Hermione gave me earlier!"

Harry laughed and nodded. "Deal."

As Harry disappeared into the tunnel, David and Hermione made their way to the Gryffindor section of the stands, ready to cheer on their friend.

The sound of Madam Hooch's whistle echoed across the pitch, and the game began. Cheers erupted from the crowd, and the intensity of Hogwarts' favorite sport filled the air. The Quidditch season had officially started!