Deep in the forest, the long, low calls of Thestrals echoed faintly, blending with the serene stillness of the Moonlight Velvet habitat.
Professor Viktor gently set the little creature back down. It landed lightly, shook its now-looser coat, and affectionately rubbed against his boot.
"Balanced contract…" a Ravenclaw boy with neatly combed brown hair repeated softly, eyes focused.
"Professor, does this mean our relationship with all magical creatures should be built on some form of 'exchange'? Even if that exchange seems… so unequal? We provide protection and habitat, they provide materials. It sounds…"
"Like exploitation, only gentler than before, right?" Viktor finished for him, looking at the boy kindly.
"But this is already the result countless wizards who truly love these little darlings worked hard to achieve."
"It's an outcome both magical creatures and wizards can accept."
"And that's exactly why the Magical Creature Protection course was created—to cultivate more wizards who genuinely care about these wonderful beings, and to keep searching for that point of harmonious coexistence."
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the earnest young faces of the fourth-years.
"Of course, I know ideals are beautiful, but reality is often harsh. Poaching still exists. Habitats are still being destroyed. Cooperation between Ministries worldwide is sometimes rocky… the road is long."
Viktor's voice grew clear and firm again.
"But change begins with awareness. With understanding the fundamental difference between 'research' and 'protection'. With moments like today—sitting here, thinking, questioning, feeling."
"Now—practical time."
He clapped his hands.
"Pair up. Your task: without disturbing the Moonlight Velvets, observe and record at least three distinct behavior patterns."
"Then analyze how these behaviors connect to their magical properties or survival needs. Homework is a 500-word observation report."
"Remember—use your eyes, your ears, and the respect you just learned. Not your eager wands."
The students immediately sprang into action, displaying the efficiency and order of upper-years.
Cedric naturally paired with his Hufflepuff friend.
They chose an observation spot with a clear view of the clearing yet hidden enough not to disturb.
"They groom their fur very frequently," Cedric noted quietly, quill moving rapidly across parchment.
"Those drifting light motes don't seem purely visual—more like magical overflow or pheromones? Possibly territory marking or emotional communication."
His partner added: "Look at the big one—it's nibbling the mycelium around those glowing mushrooms… Silver Mist Grass clearly isn't their only food source."
"They're so cute… if only we could keep one like a Puffskein."
......
Back in the now-empty classroom, the vanished suitcase reappeared with a soft pop.
Click.
Tom pushed the lid open and climbed out.
Right behind him came a stream of excited, chattering students.
Tom stood beside the case, carefully counting heads and cross-checking with the list in his paw.
Once every student was out, Viktor emerged last.
Under dozens of reluctant, longing gazes, he snapped the suitcase shut with a crisp pa and picked it up.
"Alright, everyone—that's all for today. Don't forget your homework!"
With that, Viktor walked out without looking back, Tom trotting happily beside him.
......
Afternoon sunlight poured through the castle windows. The excited voices of young witches and wizards echoed through the ancient halls.
In the Great Hall, every single student who'd just attended Magical Creature Protection was sharing their experience.
They proudly showed off the protective charms they'd personally woven from Moonlight Velvet fur—some delicate and beautiful, others clumsy but full of pride.
Even at the Slytherin table, the atmosphere was the same.
An interesting and knowledgeable professor. Rare magical creatures they'd never seen before. And that suitcase that seemed to contain an entire world.
But most of all—the personally crafted sedative charms they'd made themselves.
All of it spread like wildfire through the student body.
Younger students who hadn't taken the class yet listened with open envy.
Of course, the discussions weren't only praise.
There were arguments too.
Mostly between fourth-years and sixth-years who'd already endured Lockhart's Defence class… and his die-hard fans.
Compared to Viktor's Magical Creature Protection lesson,
Lockhart's complete disaster of a class looked even worse by contrast.
And that became the spark for heated debates.
But the topic that drew the most discussion—across every table—was still Viktor's suitcase.
The one identical to Newt Scamander's.
The one everyone was now convinced held an entire world inside.
During lunch, when Viktor finally entered the Great Hall, necks craned from every direction.
To their disappointment—he wasn't carrying the now-legendary "world-in-a-suitcase."
At the staff table, Lockhart—who had only just finished painstakingly redoing his appearance after the morning's fiasco—watched Viktor being swarmed with dark jealousy.
His teeth ground together.
Damn it—Viktor Scamander again!
Back in school, the man had always stolen the spotlight.
His carefully prepared graduation speech had been completely overshadowed by Viktor's expulsion scandal.
Even after graduation—publishing books, fighting for headlines—Viktor was always there.
And now he'd come to Hogwarts hoping to ride the Boy-Who-Lived's fame… only to run straight into Viktor again!
Watching the crowd of students buzzing around Viktor, Lockhart's eyes practically turned red with envy.
All those cheers and discussions… they should have been his!
Damn it—why does Viktor always haunt me and steal my thunder? No—I have to do something. I have to make everyone look at me instead!