The only real twist in this reformed trio was Ron's replacement by Draco. What made it truly unusual, though, was that it was a full Slytherin lineup. Harry might be in Gryffindor, and Hermione in Ravenclaw, but they both felt an odd pull toward Slytherin all the same. Whatever the final result, events were unfolding just as Erwin had foreseen. His scheme to craft a Slytherin savior hadn't come to full bloom yet, but the seeds were sprouting, and the payoff loomed close.
After morning classes, Erwin checked his personal panel before heading to the Great Hall. His eyes lingered on the Wizarding Acclaim.
[Current Wizarding Acclaim: 26800!]
A grin tugged at his lips. He fought the temptation to splurge on a draw. The System had promised a Christmas holiday lottery with better odds, so he decided to hoard everything for then. With this many points, couldn't he practically ascend to wizarding stardom? He set himself a modest target: one million before the holidays. Then he'd cash it all in at once. Go big or go home.
If his plan panned out and he clinched the lead by the weekend, those points would explode. A million? Possible, with a bit of cunning maneuvering.
After dinner, Erwin sprawled on the lush grass by the Black Lake, soaking up the mild midday sun. Drowsiness settled over him like a warm blanket. Truth be told, his tastes were maturing; he found real pleasure in simple sunbathing these days. The autumn light wasn't harsh—just soothing enough to make him want to linger forever. And the lake's grassy banks? His family never appreciated their hidden charm: soft, fragrant turf that begged for lazy afternoons.
Erwin admitted it—he was hooked on this spot. In his haze, he dozed off.
Until a familiar ripple of magic jolted through him.
He snapped awake, blinking at a hazy white shape creeping closer through the tall grass.
Erwin chuckled. "Beth, you could just walk up like a normal creature. The grass might be thick, but it won't hide that backside of yours. Sneaking like that? Hardly befitting a unicorn."
Beth rose from the undergrowth, shaking off stray blades with an irritated flick. Without warning, she charged straight at him.
Erwin's eyes widened. "Whoa, hold on!"
Too late. She barreled into his side, knocking the wind out of him.
He glanced down at the unicorn now draped across his lap, his shirt damp with nervous sweat. This wild thing—was it really a unicorn? Thank Merlin for his sturdy build. Young ones like her couldn't unleash massive spells yet, channeling all their spark into that deceptively blunt horn. Looks could deceive; it was sharp as a dagger.
Erwin patted her head. "Easy now, girl. No more teasing—I promise."
Beth pawed the ground twice, huffing her annoyance.
He smiled, crouching to stroke her mane again. She melted into his touch, nuzzling closer. See? Coaxing her was child's play.
"Why the sudden visit?" Erwin asked. "Didn't your sire say he'd keep you hidden for a bit?"
Beth whinnied softly.
He nodded. "Got it. He's not wrong—daylight's no risk for you, but you'll need to head back to the forest soon. No more wandering. It'll be dicey for a couple months, but come spring, you're free to roam. No more worries."
She bobbed her head and curled up beside him.
Man and unicorn formed an idyllic pair on the lakeshore, basking in quiet harmony.
What Erwin hadn't considered: the Black Lake drew crowds.
Within minutes, whispers spread like Fiendfyre. Before long, every student at Hogwarts knew a unicorn had appeared—and every professor was on alert.
In the nearby corridors, a cluster of students gawked from afar, too awed to draw closer.
"Is that Erwin with a pet unicorn?" one gasped.
"Lucky sod! That coat's like polished silver—I'd kill to pet it."
"Soft as a kitten, d'you reckon?"
"Who knows? Never heard of anyone lounging with one. Even legendary witches chosen by unicorns didn't get that cozy!"
"How d'you know they didn't?"
"How d'you know they did?"
The two Gryffindors squared off in a heated squabble.
Draco, watching from the side, sneered at the pair. Pathetic lions, blathering on about nothing. What did it matter to them? Brainless lot—rubbish at lessons and gossip to boot. Only he, Harry, and Hermione were Erwin's real confidants, already plotting to expose the school's lurking shadows. They were leagues ahead of these dim-witted Gryffindors.
Draco turned to Pansy. "Unicorns are meant to bond with pure-hearted witches, right? So why's the prefect so chummy with one?"
Pansy shook her head, her eyes on Erwin turning downright worshipful, as if he were Merlin reborn.
"No idea."
Draco's face lit up with mischief. "What if... Prefect Erwin's a girl?"
He leaned in, eyes gleaming like he'd unearthed buried treasure.
Pansy shot him a withering look. "Draco, has hanging with Harry dulled your wits? He's sharpening up, but you're going backwards! I ought to drag you to Madam Pomfrey—maybe someone's crammed your skull with sawdust."
Draco bristled. "Rubbish! Unicorns fancy witches with pure souls. How else do you explain it? Only one answer: the prefect's a she!"
"Bollocks!" Pansy snapped. "He's a bloke!"
Draco smirked. "Oh? You sure?"
Pansy opened her mouth. "I know because I saw..."
Her words hung unfinished, the air thick with suspense.
...
With that said, guys—today's 5 chapters have been published! I'm holding up my end of the bargain because you guys are absolutely amazing.
GUYSS!! We are currently sitting in the #50s. We are so close to the top! Just a little more push and we can break through. WE CAN DO IT!! Smash those Powerstones!!
Also, if you want to read ahead and support my work, please check out the P@treon. Plus, I am already planning a new Fanfiction! If you want to be a part of that discussion and help choose the next story, just join the Chatgroup on P@treon.
Let's keep this momentum going!
👉 [email protected]/MrGrim_
— MrGrim