Chapter 62 — The Spiders Attack
Russell sat down beside Corvey.
As the professor cracked open the Acromantula's massive pincer, an incredibly rich aroma burst forth, completely enveloping Russell.
There was even a faint hint of… seafood?
Imitating Corvey, Russell scooped the white flesh with a shard of the pincer shell.
The texture was somewhat like crab meat, though with a slight sandy crunch.
It melted instantly on his tongue—delicious.
"How is it? Not bad, right?" Corvey raised a brow at him.
"To be honest, I wouldn't normally attack an Acromantula. I only did it to train you."
He sighed softly. "You probably don't know this, but Hagrid has… connections with the Acromantula colony's leader. If he finds out I killed one, he'll definitely come bother me. So—today never happened, understood?"
He gave Russell a playful wink.
"Of course, Professor."
"Smells wonderful," a voice called out from the trees.
Russell immediately stiffened, but Corvey waved a hand casually, signaling that there was no danger.
Still, Russell couldn't help glancing toward the source of the sound.
Hoofbeats—light, rhythmic.
A moment later, a centaur emerged from the shadows of the forest.
She was young, strikingly beautiful in a wild sort of way.
Her long chestnut hair fell down both sides of her face and brushed across her bare chest, masking her curves just enough to preserve modesty.
Like most centaurs, she wore no clothing.
"Long time no see, Corvey. Out hunting with a little foal today?" she teased, slinging her bow back onto her shoulder.
"That smells amazing. Mind if I try some?"
Her eyes sparkled, and without waiting for permission, she folded her front legs beneath her and settled onto the ground like a resting horse.
Instead of reaching for the pincer near them, she simply tore off another from the corpse, cracked it open with her hands, and devoured it ravenously.
In no time, that pincer was emptied, and a satisfied smile spread across her face.
"Hi, little foal. I'm Ailene," she said, extending a hand toward Russell.
"Humans greet like this, yes?"
"Hello, I'm Russell Fythorne."
Her hand was rough and calloused from years of drawing a bowstring.
"I have to say, Corvey—nicely done."
She clicked her tongue in appreciation.
"These cursed beasts are always causing trouble. They keep trying to take our territory. Just a few days ago, one of our own was injured by them."
Russell had long suspected it—an invasive species was never a good sign.
They always threatened native ecosystems.
"Ailene, have you noticed anything unusual in the Forbidden Forest recently?" Corvey asked casually.
To his surprise, Ailene paused, thought for a moment, and then nodded seriously.
"Exactly what I mentioned before—Acromantulas have suddenly begun expanding aggressively. Their numbers are way higher than usual. They're giving us no peace."
"Looks like it's time for a proper purge…" Corvey murmured.
"Will the other professors even agree to that?" Russell asked.
"Of course, Fythorne," he replied with a smile. "Their numbers are far too high. If this continues, the entire forest will be overrun."
"Hah! As if. We centaurs aren't afraid of those ugly brutes," Ailene scoffed.
Corvey merely smiled. If they truly weren't afraid, she wouldn't be complaining.
The centaurs had their limitations—they reproduced like humans: slowly and irregularly. Acromantulas, on the other hand, were egg-layers capable of producing hundreds or thousands at a time.
If not for Hagrid's influence and Dumbledore's deterrence, they would've bred unchecked long ago.
Of course, only a small number survived to grow as large as the one they had just fought; most were eaten by other magical creatures—a rare and delicious meal.
Russell felt that out of all professors, Snape probably had the greatest interest in such a "purge."
Acromantula venom was priceless—up to 100 Galleons per pint.
He could totally imagine Snape hunting Acromantulas himself, not for money but for the rare fresh potion ingredients.
Just as the three finished eating and prepared to destroy the remains, a clicking, skittering noise echoed through the forest.
Ailene and Corvey tensed immediately—one drew her bow, the other his wand—shielding Russell between them.
The sound grew clearer and closer.
Russell soon saw them: Acromantulas emerging from all directions, not as large as the one they had slain, but each the size of a small pony.
They must have followed the scent when their missing brood-mother failed to return.
"Fythorne, remember the spell I just used?" Corvey whispered. "Acromantulas—"
"Of course, Professor," Russell grinned nervously. "I'll try not to slow you down."
His heart was pounding, but mostly with excitement.
He mentally repeated the incantation he'd practiced earlier:
Incendio Maxima…
"It's strange," Ailene muttered, frowning. "Normally killing one Acromantula wouldn't cause such a strong reaction. They even cannibalize each other's corpses."
Her words made Corvey's expression shift.
He suddenly turned toward the roasted carcass and flicked his wand.
The spider's abdomen split open—revealing masses of white eggs inside… all roasted solid.
They had killed a pregnant broodmother.
No wonder so many Acromantulas had come hunting.
"This is bad," Corvey said quietly. "Females only make up about one percent of the colony. We killed their mother."
"No wonder…" Ailene's voice trembled. "When I watched the stars earlier, they warned me tonight was ill-omened. I should have listened…"
"We'll need the Headmaster," Corvey sighed bitterly.
With the spiders closing in, he lifted his wand high.
Biu—
A red flare shot into the sky.
It burst open, forming the glowing crest of Hogwarts.
"Professor, will he even make it in time? Even on a broom—"
But before Russell could finish, a calm, gentle voice spoke behind him:
"Of course I can make it in time.
Though once we've dealt with these creatures, the two of you owe me a very satisfying explanation."
It was Dumbledore.