Chapter 71: The Happy Pet Owner
The secret passage seemed designed for night owls, its exit tucked away behind some bushes near the Quidditch Pitch, just a short distance from the castle. Once everyone had emerged, Fred and George took the lead, walking a few steps ahead before turning around and spreading their arms wide.
"Welcome to Hogwarts at night," Fred declared with a grin.
"This feels completely different from the daytime. Enjoy it," George added.
Cedric and Kanna, both a little excited, exchanged glances. This nighttime adventure was entirely new for them. The sense of novelty filled them with a mixture of thrill and nervousness.
Kyle, on the other hand, wasn't feeling particularly emotional about it, but it was still his first time seeing Hogwarts under the night sky. Curiosity got the better of him, and he began to take in the surroundings.
Hogwarts at night was serenely quiet. The stars twinkled above, casting a gentle glow that felt like little nightlights scattered across the sky, illuminating the castle's silhouette. The scene was both beautiful and dreamlike, exuding a sense of calm and peace that was different from the bustling energy of the day.
They stood there for a moment, taking it all in, until Fred reminded them that they had business to attend to. The group then began heading towards the Forbidden Forest. Along the way, they made a wide detour, purposely avoiding Hagrid's hut.
Fang, despite his timid nature, was still a trained hunting dog with sharp senses. If they wandered too close, he might notice them, and the last thing they wanted was for Hagrid to drag them all back to the castle.
After safely passing Hagrid's cabin, the group found themselves in front of a vast expanse of woodland. With Kyle's guidance, they soon came upon a lush Wiggentree—the home of the Mooncalves.
As luck would have it, the Mooncalves were already emerging from their lair. These shy magical creatures looked up at the night sky, their long necks extended, with their large, round heads contrasting comically with their slender, spindly legs. They almost resembled mini alpacas, and their awkward proportions made them oddly endearing.
Under the moonlight, the Mooncalves began to raise their front legs, while their slightly thicker hind legs swayed in a quirky, irregular rhythm.