26 Horseman's Invitation
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During the following period, Hogwarts remained tranquil, free from new attacks, and incidents of petrification. In short, the buzz created by the Chamber subsided swiftly at Hogwarts, with few students referencing it.
Anticipation built for the imminent first Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Young wizards held varying opinions on the probable winner due to Lucius Malfoy, Draco Malfoy's father, sponsoring the Slytherin Quidditch team with the state-of-the-art Nimbus 2001 broomstick, significantly boosting their prowess.
Gryffindor Quidditch team captain Wood paced, while Ron, standing beside Harry, incessantly lamented the perceived unfairness of the game, unable to recall the last time Harry's skillful play secured a win in the previous term.
Ethan, a traveler to this magical world, had only witnessed Quidditch team training a few times. Intrigued by the game, he arrived early at the Quidditch Stadium and engaged with Professor Flitwick, who enthusiastically shared the history and knowledge of Quidditch with him.
The Quidditch match commenced promptly, and the atmosphere remained vibrant. The sight of the Quidditch players soaring on broomsticks before Ethan was visually pleasing.
Ethan regretted not having such a useful tool as a broomstick in his previous world. Portals for sorcerers proved torturous for witchers, as portals lacked stability.
Once, after participating in a sorceress's "invitation," Ethan, seeking convenience, asked for a portal. Unexpectedly, the portal malfunctioned, depositing him into a devil's cesspool among rock giants. It took a week in a bathhouse to eliminate the repugnant odor. Ethan also lost a considerable amount of money due to the incident, much to his chagrin.
While wandering in the sky, Ethan sensed a gentle tug at his clothes. Turning, he discovered Luna Lovegood, a first-year witch, beside him. Luna softly called him, adopting a singing tone. Realizing Ethan noticed her, Luna gestured mysteriously, signaling him to come closer.
Curious, Ethan approached Luna, who, after confirming privacy, cupped her hands like a receiver over his ear. In her hot and humid tone, Luna conveyed, "Professor Ethan, Firenze invites you to visit the centaur tribe in the Forbidden Forest as soon as possible."
The peculiar request both surprised and intrigued Ethan. Since arriving in this world, he hadn't interacted with centaurs and wondered about the purpose of the invitation.
Ethan, recognizing the gravity, addressed Luna seriously, "Miss Lovegood, did you venture into the Forbidden Forest? It's off-limits to students without professorial permission."
Luna, adopting a singing tone, responded, "Professor Ethan, you can call me Luna. I have many friends in the Forbidden Forest, and they won't harm me."
Confronted with Luna's persistence, Ethan found himself repeating several times the perilous nature of the Forbidden Forest and the caution little wizards should exercise. Luna nodded in understanding.
Having fulfilled her mission, Luna resumed her usual whimsical demeanor. Noticing a better view of the Quidditch match from the professor's chair, she joined Ethan and watched the game with interest.
Ethan, bewildered by Luna's unpredictable behavior, observed her happily humming throughout the Quidditch match. After a while, Luna spoke again: "Professor Ethan, can you help Ginny? She seems troubled lately. I've never seen so many bothersome Nargles swarm around one person."
Perplexed, Ethan inquired, "What are Nargles?"
Luna explained, "They're invisible and disrupt your mind by floating into your ears." Luna gestured in the air, attempting to trace the flight of the troublesome flies for Ethan.
Attentively listening to Luna's narrative, Ethan remarked, "Luna, your research on these bothersome creatures is unique. Perhaps you could write a paper, and I can help publish it in the Hogwarts Magazine."
Eagerly, Luna's eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, "Really? Are you truly willing to publish my paper?"
Despite Luna being labeled a peculiar girl, she possessed intelligence and sensitivity. She felt Ethan's genuine interest and willingness to help publish her theories, unlike others who dismissed her claims about bothersome Nargles and Wrackspurts.
Elated, Luna stood up excitedly, bidding farewell to Ethan to prepare for her newfound career in thesis writing. After a few steps, Luna returned, saying, "Professor Ethan, Ginny's situation is truly dire. She's entangled in bothersome Nargles, and I sense her heart is in pain. Can you help her?"
Ethan agreed, realizing the urgency of addressing Ginny's predicament, especially with Voldemort's notebook continuing to affect her. A sudden commotion from the Quidditch pitch diverted Ethan's attention. Harry had fallen, and a frenzied Bludger controlled by Dobby attacked him.
Swiftly, Ethan approached the court, wielding his wand and casting "Finite Incantatem". The out-of-control Bludger finally ceased its attack. Harry lay on the ground in pain, and Ron and Hermione rushed over. Lockhart, seizing the moment, attempted to heal Harry's broken arm but inadvertently made it worse.
Taking charge, Ethan picked up Harry, heading to the medical wing with Ron and Hermione in tow. Harry moaned in pain while Ron and Hermione offered comforting words.
Reflecting on Lockhart's healing spell, Ethan resolved to learn it. If the spell could unexpectedly remove an enemy's bones during battle, it would prove highly advantageous.
