Following the secret passage beneath the Whomping Willow, our brave companions, after several turns and many paces, suddenly found themselves in a surprisingly open space. What they discovered left them utterly flabbergasted! This was indeed the lair of the Acromantulas, yet the exit they'd created was closer to the cave's mouth, revealing a colossal waterfall cascading outside.
Stepping out, they were met with a truly breathtaking, albeit terrifying, sight. Under the moonlight, the clouds stretched out like an endless sea, with mountain peaks rising like isolated islands. Below, the valley teemed with colossal, scuttling creatures. Sensing their presence, these behemoths surged towards them like an incoming tide.
"Where in the name of Merlin have I landed?" Lockhart, utterly bewildered, stared at his wand before glancing back at the tunnel entrance.
---
### A Ferocious Welcome
"Full attack!" Lupin, ever the vigilant one, swiftly brandished his wand, sending an Acromantula hurtling from a tree and away from them. But before he could even catch his breath, several more Acromantulas, as massive as heavy-duty lorries, scuttled towards them with alarming speed from every conceivable corner.
Professor Kettleburn, his face etched with worry, cast a series of "Lumos" spells, finally allowing everyone to see their surroundings clearly: they were perched atop a mountain peak, entirely surrounded by a dense, writhing mass of Acromantulas.
"My wand, quickly!" Even Grindelwald, usually so composed, was rattled. He moved swiftly to retreat into the secret passage, only to see more Acromantulas pouring out from various tunnels within the cave.
---
### A Golden Protector Emerges
Just then, a terrifying wave of fear magic swept through the area. Every Acromantula attempting to approach froze stiff, several of the closer ones convulsing and trembling before collapsing to the ground.
"Goo-chee!"
The little golden monkey, paws on hips, stood defiantly on Lockhart's shoulder, its gaze sharp as it surveyed its surroundings. It then let out a fierce, menacing roar.
"What is that?" Grindelwald, his curiosity piqued, looked at the rather peculiar little monkey.
"A Three-Handed, an extremely rare dark magical creature," Lupin replied, studying the golden monkey with fascination. "Some dark wizards attempt to keep them as pets, but without exception, they've all been completely drained of their internal organs in an accidental breach of containment. That's why some call it the 'Skin-Maker'."
Grindelwald narrowed his eyes. He harboured a strong dislike for wizards who kept small, peculiar magical creatures, finding them quite unsettling.
But Lockhart, paying no mind to Grindelwald's opinion, observed his surroundings with a hint of confusion before turning to a bewildered Hagrid. "Where is this?"
---
### The Forbidden Forest's Expanding Menace
"Deep within the Forbidden Forest," Hagrid replied, his expression grave. "Aragog and his mate passed away. After consulting with Dumbledore, I released their offspring into the deeper parts of the Forbidden Forest to prevent them from harming the students."
He strode over to an Acromantula, pried open its mouth to examine its fangs, and his brow furrowed deeply. "They seem to have multiplied unchecked. This area was supposed to be inhabited by werewolves. I fear I've made a mistake, those werewolves..."
"Werewolves?" Lockhart asked, a touch of bewilderment in his voice. "I've heard rumours from students about werewolves in the Hogwarts Forbidden Forest, but I always thought they were just tall tales. Does Hogwarts truly permit werewolves to reside here?"
Hagrid shook his head. "Not wizards who turn into werewolves, but those very beautiful wolves." He tried his best to explain, but struggled to find the right words.
"They're more like wolf cubs, really," Lupin interjected, a sorrowful expression on his face. "On the full moon, wizards infected with lycanthropy transform into werewolves. If two werewolves... mate, the witch will give birth to a litter of wolf cubs."
"Werewolf wolf cubs can never transform into humans, but they possess near-human intelligence and the appearance of incredibly beautiful wolves."
---
### Unravelling Lycanthropic Mysteries
Lockhart listened to this description with keen interest, instinctively asking, "Can the Human-Revival Charm turn these wolves back into people?"
Lupin shook his head. "They are wolves by nature, not humans. How could they possibly return to human form?"
This was a truly dreadful thought for everyone present, the image of a mother carrying a seemingly large child for nine months only to give birth to a litter of wolf cubs was truly horrific to contemplate.
Professor Kettleburn, evidently aware of Lupin's secret, sighed and gently patted his former student's shoulder.
"The manifestation of a magical bloodline!" Lockhart mused, stroking his chin. "If lycanthropy is considered a magical bloodline, it is undoubtedly exceptionally unique!" He mused, his expression shifting, wondering if the intelligence of werewolf wolf cubs might be comparable to that of children like Crabbe and Goyle. He even pondered whether Voldemort's snake-like facial features and declining mental acuity might be connected to this very issue.
---
### A Night of Unexpected Comfort
The group swiftly departed, as despite the golden monkey's "paralysis aura," the sheer number of relentlessly surging Acromantulas threatened to engulf them. After clambering out of the pit beneath the Whomping Willow, Hagrid hesitated for a moment before moving a large stone to block the entrance. He needed to discuss the arrangement of these Acromantulas with Dumbledore, and this secret passage would be incredibly convenient. He planned to permanently seal it once the matter was resolved.
Hagrid failed to notice Grindelwald's strange expression and shimmering eyes as he temporarily blocked the hole, remaining utterly silent. Of course, even if he had, the simple-minded giant, with his inherent innocence, wouldn't have thought much of it.
After all that upheaval, they seemed to have returned to their starting point, yet the atmosphere among them was vastly different. It was deep into the night, and they hadn't found suitable shelter, but no one seemed particularly worried. Grindelwald, having been confined in Nurmengard for decades, was no longer particular about his living arrangements. Lupin, a lifelong wanderer, had spent many nights on park benches. Even Professor Kettleburn, despite his physical disabilities and apparent need for comfort, had often braved the elements during his adventurous life.
---
### A Magical Campsite
Ultimately, it was Lockhart who summoned the Knight Bus, asking the lady conductor, who had spent some time in the Forbidden Forest, to lead them to a suitable camping spot. Not far from the Whomping Willow, nestled in a small mountain hollow surrounded by a stream, the area glowed with luminous blue flowers and iridescent, glass-like pebbles. The Knight Bus clearly understood Lockhart's desires.
Here, they found a unique species of mushroom. Some were only a few centimetres tall, while others towered three metres high, their broad, thick, purplish caps forming a natural roof. Around them hung pearl-like strands of a sessile, plant-like insect, warding off creatures that might try to nibble at the mushroom stems. A truly natural dwelling!
This was where their individual personalities truly shone. Grindelwald borrowed Lockhart's wand and, using Transfiguration, transformed some of the colourful crystal pebbles into a bed and walls, unwilling to compromise on his comfort.
Professor Kettleburn, with no complaints whatsoever, simply burrowed into one of the mushroom houses, and before anyone could react, the sound of his snores echoed from within.
Lupin, ever vigilant, meticulously surveyed every detail of their surroundings. Upon his return, he found Lockhart gathering firewood to light a campfire and helped him, using his wand to split the wood. "This might not be suitable for a long stay. I've spotted traces of the Streeler, so they should be living nearby."
"Furthermore, I've seen Diricawl feathers. I suspect these two bird species are currently battling for territory in this area, so it's likely to become quite noisy."
---
### The Allure of the Soul Fire
The Diricawl, a bird resembling a dodo, has pale blue, spotted plumage, with males boasting long tail feathers. Its most peculiar trait is its lifelong silence, only emitting a long, piercing shriek moments before death, replaying every sound it has ever heard. Its feathers are prized ingredients for Veritaserum and Memory Potion.
Intriguingly, the Billywig is its complete opposite. Except for sleep, it incessantly emits a high-pitched, screeching sound that can drive wizards to madness. Should a wizard wish to keep one, they must cast a Silencing Charm on it, a spell that requires monthly strengthening until it becomes unmanageable. This is an ancient species, represented by the number '4' in ancient runes due to its four vibrant and endearing colours: orange, pink, lime green, or yellow. A medieval Hogwarts Ravenclaw-educated Magizoologist, 'Uric the Oddball', once attempted to prove the Billywig's call was beneficial to wizards, but alas, he failed.
"They won't affect us," Lockhart said with a smile, gently drawing his wand and pointing it at the pile of firewood.
Two-coloured flames rose, emanating a gentle, all-encompassing, soul-soothing power that spread outwards. Soon, Billywigs and Diricawls flew in, but instead of squabbling, they settled quietly on nearby branches, much like cats instinctively drawing closer to a warm hearth in winter. In fact, it wasn't just these two birds that felt the wondrous effects of the Soul Fire.
Lupin's experience was even more profound. He simply stared, entranced, at the bonfire. His long-standing defensive posture and micro-expressions of vigilance melted away, and the accumulated weariness of years finally washed over him.
"What magic is this?" he murmured, gazing fixedly at the bonfire.
---
### Reflections by the Firelight
"Soul Fire!" Grindelwald approached, looking down at the bonfire, his eyes filled with memories. "The famed skill of Ms. Dorris Benitez, the Forest Witch."
During his decades in Nurmengard, he had often pondered whether his past actions were good or bad. He still had no definitive answer. Perhaps different eras and wizarding societal conditions would yield different judgments. But he knew that in his time, he had helped many, and benefited greatly in return.
For instance, saving the Forest Witch led to her pleading with Gilderoy Lockhart for help, which ultimately freed him from his imprisonment in Nurmengard. Of course, this wasn't merely a waiting game; he had made efforts to steer the 'future' in his desired direction, eventually leading to the destruction of Nurmengard Castle and giving Albus a reason to no longer confine him. He had paid his dues. As a Seer, he had glimpsed Lockhart's exploration and desire for something akin to an Obscurus-like Patronus, thus accelerating this future. It could be argued that Lockhart's ability to conjure such a powerful Patronus during the train attack was significantly influenced by this.
Naturally, his actions always elicited mixed reactions: some were overflowing with gratitude and swore their loyalty, while others felt genuine aversion and anger, much like Lockhart.
Grindelwald remained indifferent. His life had always been thus.
"Blast it!" Grindelwald suddenly muttered under his breath, looking warily at the Soul Fire, his brow furrowed. "This magic isn't like the one I remember! Is it affecting my mind?"
Lockhart spread his hands. "Of course, it's different. The Forest Witch's Soul Fire is her Soul Fire; this is my Soul Fire!"
Grindelwald understood the profound implications of that statement. He regarded Lockhart deeply, then finally nodded. "You want to learn fortress magic, don't you? I'll teach you!"
Lockhart chuckled. "Even if I plan to lock you back in Nurmengard?"
"Hmph," Grindelwald scoffed, his hands behind his back, narrowing his eyes at the starry sky visible through the gaps in the night's tree canopy. He was perfectly at ease, simply stating, "You need my help against Dumbledore, you know. You're the one who least wants me to remain in Nurmengard!"
Lockhart's eyes widened instantly. "That's slander!"
Grindelwald retorted with a cold sneer, "Who knows? No one can truly see into another's heart."
With nothing more to say, the two, tired of bickering, returned to their chosen pink mushroom houses to sleep. Only Lupin remained, quietly curled by the Soul Fire, a mournful expression on his face as he licked his wounds. The night wind ruffled his somewhat dishevelled hair; at thirty-three, his hair was already streaked with grey, his face etched with loneliness and desolation.
---
### A Night of Rest, Unbidden
After an unknown stretch of time, a beastly roar echoed from deep within the Forbidden Forest, awakening the entire woodland once more. Unbeknownst to them, another night had passed. Oh, and it wasn't exactly 'endured'; not this night, at least. Despite another night without sleep, he felt as though he'd had the most perfect rest, feeling considerably lighter. This Soul Fire magic truly was wondrous.