Erwin knew this was thanks to his Magical Creature Affinity. The Bowtruckle was a gentle, shy creature, one of the few magical beings that could communicate with wizards. It had a fascinating ability to mimic any leaf shape, making it look disarmingly cute. But don't let the appearance fool you—these guardians of wand-wood trees packed a surprising punch if provoked. To harvest their protected trees, you'd need their permission, though they'd tolerate minor pruning if the trunk stayed intact. All in all, the little fellow had a mild temperament.
Normally, Bowtruckles avoided humans, never straying far from their trees. The fact that this one had scampered right up to Erwin's hand spoke volumes about his affinity. The creature waved its twig-like branches, brushing them lightly against his palm. A grin tugged at Erwin's lips.
"Little guy," he said softly, "I'm hunting an Acromantula. Seen any around?"
The Bowtruckle's spindly face twisted in alarm. It flailed its branches wildly and let out a series of high-pitched whimpers—sounds Erwin somehow understood, as if the affinity bridged the gap.
"I know they're dangerous," Erwin assured it, "but I'm no pushover. Will you show me?"
After a hesitant pause, the Bowtruckle nodded and leaped from his hand, stumbling on landing but scrambling up to shake off the dirt. It toddled ahead on root-like legs, a comical sight that made Erwin chuckle. Adorable, really.
He followed the creature deeper into the Forbidden Forest. The Bowtruckle bounded along, pausing now and then to gesture at useful herbs sprouting from the undergrowth. Erwin gathered them without hesitation, spotting a cluster of moonflowers amid the haul. The Forbidden Forest truly was a treasure trove—and this Bowtruckle? A pint-sized guide straight out of a fairy tale.
As they pressed on, the canopy thickened, dimming the moonlight to faint shafts. In any adventure tale, this was prime territory for a Lumos charm. Erwin flicked his wrist, summoning a Muggle flashlight instead. No need to waste magic on basics—he hadn't even bothered learning the spell properly since unlocking his System. Slacking off like that could dull one's edge, he admitted with a wry internal shrug.
The Bowtruckle hopped onto his hand, peering curiously at the device. It emitted a couple of inquisitive chirps.
"Oh, this? Just a flashlight," Erwin said. "Too bulky for you, though. Here—try this smaller one." He pulled a tiny novelty light from his enchanted ring, clipping it to the creature's branch. "Press the button, and it'll glow."
The Bowtruckle tapped it eagerly. A soft beam flickered to life, and the little guardian bounced in delight, branches fluttering like excited applause.
Erwin scanned the gloom. Spider silk glinted here and there—signs they were closing in on the Acromantulas' lair. "Alright, little friend, head back now. I'll visit soon and bring batteries. Stay safe."
The Bowtruckle rubbed against his fingers, reluctant, but Erwin coaxed it gently. "You'll sense when I'm near—just come find me." With a final nod and backward glances, it scampered off.
Erwin watched it go, not wanting the creature around for what came next. Experiments with giant spiders weren't exactly family-friendly. He was no monster; better to spare the little one any frights.
Flashlight in hand, he ventured deeper. Something felt off, though. The Acromantulas should have ambushed him by now—their habitat was unmistakable, webs draping every trunk like ghostly veils. He swept the beam ahead and froze.
Bloody hell.
A massive, dog-sized head poked from behind a tree, eight green eyes gleaming. Furry legs gripped the earth, the body a hulking shadow. It stared at Erwin with unnerving curiosity, silent as a ghost.
No sound, no charge. Erwin's affinity must have bought him a truce. The effect was stronger than he'd guessed—taming wild beasts without a word.
"Hey, big fella," he called, waving casually. "Come here."
The Acromantula paused, then skittered closer on tentative legs, stopping a safe distance away. It eyed him warily, mandibles twitching.
Erwin's pulse quickened. It was listening. Understanding. Like an upgraded Parseltongue for all creatures, not just snakes.
"You get me, right?" he asked.
The beast dipped its head in a slow nod.
"Brilliant. I need to test a telepathic spell. It won't hurt—just a quick link. Help me out?"
The Acromantula flinched, retreating a step, clearly spooked.
"Whoa, easy!" Erwin said, raising his hands. "No tricks. Cooperate, and I'll make it worth your while." He rummaged in his enchanted ring and tossed out a hefty slab of ham—something he'd swiped from the kitchens on a whim before term started. Who knew it'd pay off?
The Acromantula's eyes locked on the meat, hunger overriding fear. It inched forward, and Erwin grinned. Test subject acquired.