Max sat frozen in his chair, his mind still reeling from Dumbledore's decision. He had expected punishment, maybe even expulsion, but instead, the Headmaster had given him a chance—a chance to prove that he belonged.
Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled as he leaned forward. "To ensure that you truly belong at Hogwarts, you must accomplish a task. A test of skill, determination, and courage."
Max straightened, his heartbeat quickening. "What kind of test?"
Dumbledore gestured with a slow wave of his hand. "You are to enter the Forbidden Forest and retrieve a rare Moonlight Bloom, an herb that only blossoms under the full moon's glow. However, the task is not as simple as it sounds."
McGonagall's stern gaze bore into Max. "The Forbidden Forest is no place for an untrained wizard. The creatures within are dangerous. Acromantulas, werewolves, and worse lurk in its depths."
Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed. But that is why this test is important. To attend Hogwarts, one must demonstrate more than just a desire to belong. You must prove you can hold your own in this world."
Max inhaled deeply. He had only learned to use magic a few days ago, and he lacked the experience that even the youngest students here had.
Just as he opened his mouth to accept the challenge, a voice interrupted.
"No!!"
Max turned in surprise as Echo, still in his cat form, leaped onto the desk and faced Dumbledore and McGonagall. His golden eyes shone with intensity. "He's not ready for this."
McGonagall gasped and took a step back, her wand half-raised. Dumbledore's expression shifted from calm curiosity to something sharper, more intrigued.
". . . ."
". . . A most curious creature," Dumbledore mused. "A speaking cat? And yet . . . I don't sense any magic from you."
McGonagall's lips pressed into a thin line. "What exactly is this, Mr. Max?"
Max hesitated. He knew the truth about Echo, but revealing it now would only cause more suspicion. He had to tread carefully.
"He's an Animagus," Max said, his voice steady. "A rather skilled one."
McGonagall's eyes narrowed. "An Animagus? And yet, I have never encountered one who could hide their magical presence so completely."
Echo flicked his tail. "I'm simply built differently."
Dumbledore chuckled softly, but there was still an air of suspicion around him. "An Animagus who can hide his magic . . . Quite the rarity. But very well, I will accept this explanation for now."
Echo turned to Max, his expression serious. "This is reckless. You just started using magic. You don't even know half the spells these students do."
Max clenched his fists. "I don't have a choice. If I want to stay, I have to prove myself."
Dumbledore observed the exchange before nodding. "If you wish, you may bring someone with you. Having a companion in the Forbidden Forest is not against the rules of this test."
Max blinked in surprise. "I can bring someone?"
McGonagall still looked uncertain. "Are you sure this is wise, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore gave her a reassuring glance. "He must learn to trust others, as much as he must learn to stand on his own."
Max processed this new information. Bringing someone with him could be helpful, but who? He barely knew anyone at Hogwarts.
As if reading his thoughts, Dumbledore smiled. "Fortunately, I believe there are some individuals already waiting for you outside."
Max's brow furrowed in confusion. "Waiting for me?"
Dumbledore gestured towards the door. "Shall we invite them in?"
McGonagall walked towards the door, opening it with a slight wave of her wand. The door creaked open, revealing the dimly lit corridor outside. Max turned his gaze, his heart pounding as he waited to see who had been summoned.
A pair of familiar faces stepped into the office. One of them was a tall, red-haired boy with a confident smirk, the other a bushy-haired girl who looked at Max with keen curiosity.
Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
Max stiffened in his seat. He hadn't expected this. The Golden Trio—or at least two-thirds of it—were standing in front of him, looking him over with interest.
Ron tilted his head. "So, you're the one who sneaked into Hogwarts, huh?"
Max nodded, unsure of what to say. Hermione, on the other hand, was more analytical, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Professor Dumbledore asked us to come here. He said you might need someone to help you with a challenge."
Max exchanged glances with Echo, who simply sighed. "Well, at least they're not complete strangers."
Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed. Ronald and Hermione have proven themselves to be quite resourceful in the past. I believe they would be suitable companions should you choose to accept their help."
Max hesitated. He had wanted to prove himself alone, but was that truly the wisest course of action? The Forbidden Forest was dangerous, and as much as he hated to admit it, Echo was right—he wasn't ready to take on such a task alone.
Finally, he exhaled and nodded. "Alright. I'll accept their help."
Ron grinned. "Brilliant. A trip into the Forbidden Forest? Sounds like an adventure."
Hermione, however, looked much less excited. "This is serious, Ron. We don't even know what we're up against yet."
Dumbledore smiled. "Then it is settled. You will depart tomorrow at moonrise. Use this time to prepare yourselves. The Moonlight Bloom is not easily found, and the journey will test your skills in ways you may not expect."
McGonagall pursed her lips but didn't argue further. Instead, she simply turned to Max and the others. "Be careful. The Forbidden Forest is not to be taken lightly."
Max nodded. He knew what he had to do. He had come to Hogwarts searching for a place to belong. Now, he had a chance to prove that he deserved to stay.
And he would not fail.
As he stepped out of the office with Echo, Ron, and Hermione, he felt a newfound determination settle in his chest. The real challenge had just begun.