[Wheeze...] Heavy, weak breathing poured from the Acromantula Aragog's mouth. Dark red blood flowed like rivers down its massive body, trickling to the ground and pooling into puddles. Its mandibles trembled as it watched its offspring slaughtered to extinction by the Death Bird. Liquid... whether blood or tears... flowed from Aragog's eyes, soaking its fur.
"Wonder if Acromantula blood is valuable." Ethan murmured, looking heartbroken at the contaminated blood on the ground.
He felt not the slightest pity. In this dark Forbidden Forest, the Acromantula and its clan had received tremendous protection and help from Hagrid. However, they didn't understand gratitude.
Ethan remembered that in the original story, even when Harry and Ron told Aragog they were Hagrid's friends, they were still hunted by the spider clan. They nearly died in the Forbidden Forest. After Aragog's death, during the Battle of Hogwarts, the spider clan even helped Death Eaters attack Hogwarts. Truly raising tigers to invite disaster! Apart from contributing venom worth a hundred Galleons per pint, the Acromantulas had done nothing but evil! Hagrid, please wise up!
Ethan shook his head in exasperation. "Screech!" On the other side, the Death Bird was killing with enthusiasm. With the "divine weapon" in hand, chopping those eight-legged crawlers was like cutting leeks! Combined with its flight mobility, one dive could mow down a swath of spiders. Very stress-relieving.
Even Ethan was envious watching. If I could become like that, how amazing would it be... Ethan looked down at his ten fingers and sighed. Human flesh is so weak!
Just then... [Human, you slaughtered my offspring. We will never forgive you...!] The dying Spider King said hoarsely, full of resentment and unwillingness. Its eight compound eyes stared at Ethan wetly and hatefully, like a curse.
Ethan: "I suggest you become a ghost after death so we can continue our feud."
Ridiculous. He was the righteous representative of the glorious "Lamp," a warrior of justice. How could he fear mere evil?
Ethan didn't mind showing the dying Acromantula what true art looked like.
Acromantula: [...] Damn, this human spawn is completely immune to reason. Is it some newly evolved species?
Aragog broke down, roaring hoarsely: [If not for that strange bird... you had no chance of victory! Cough, cough!]
Seeing it coughing blood, Ethan quickly took out a small vial to collect it. Can't waste it.
The Acromantula trembled all over, looking like it might die of anger. Ethan finished collecting the blood with satisfaction. After thinking, he said: "I wasn't planning to act personally... after all, it's all precious material. But it seems I can't let you rest in peace without clearing up your misunderstanding."
Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding? The Acromantula was confused. Then it saw this tender black-haired human child raise his wand. His lips moved: "[Break]"
The next second... Red filled Aragog's eight compound eyes! In its vast field of vision, only swirling, flowing crimson like curtains! Surface liquids evaporated instantly. The cries of offspring abruptly stopped. As if Death's scythe had gently swung, only the crackling of flames could be heard.
In that instant, the Acromantula Aragog, who had almost no natural enemies in the Forbidden Forest, finally remembered the fear of being prey. So from the beginning, I never had any chance of victory. Pure self-entrapment.
[Hagrid... my friend, sorry for betraying your trust... But if given another chance, I'd probably make the same choice for my clan... This is what we are... beasts...]
Then it fell silent. Its surface showed the grey defeat of death.
"Snap." Ethan snapped his fingers. The crimson dragon flames receded. The surrounding land was completely clean. Under everyone's already numb gazes, Ethan took a deep breath, his cobalt-blue eyes looking down at the ashes on the ground, suddenly showing a pained expression.
Damn it! I still couldn't hold back! How many Galleons was that worth?! Sigh, I'll have to order more from the Malfoy family...
Just then, a warm cloak was draped over Ethan's shoulders from behind. Ethan turned to meet Luna's clear blue eyes. Though at this moment, those blue eyes were flashing with excitement.
"So cool, Ethan! I've never seen such spectacular flames! Are those dragon flames?" Luna whispered, staring at Ethan without blinking.
Ignoring Hermione's voice behind him saying, "Humans can't use dragon magic," Ethan's breathing hitched. Looking at Luna before him, so close he could see his own bloody face reflected in those blue eyes.
So dirty! Ethan couldn't stand it, feeling as uncomfortable as if Acromantulas were crawling on him. Showing off feels good momentarily, then you clean up the crematorium.
Fortunately, the magical world had one-click cleaning spells. "Scourgify." The blood vanished. Ethan downed some all-purpose Pepperup Potion and finally felt alive again.
Taking a deep breath... comfortable. Dragon flames are impressive. But the consumption is really excessive. Per unit time, even more than the Cerberus. No wonder dragons all grow so big. There really is a reason. Flesh is weak!
Ethan: "When I have time, I'll teach you this magic."
Watching Luna nod enthusiastically, he smiled and wrapped the warm cloak tighter. There was even a small carrot embroidered at the collar.
Just then, Ethan's eyes sharpened and his smile faded. He saw Hagrid walking over with a pale face, swaying.
If Hagrid suddenly burst into tears demanding, "Why did you kill my beloved!!!" then Ethan would really have to slap him twice to see if he'd stop being crazy.
Fortunately, though Hagrid was overly trusting and kind, he still had basic reason and moral judgement. Hagrid looked deeply at Aragog lying on the ground like a collapsed small mountain. Turning his head, his knees bent...
Ethan: "!!!" Seeing that massive body about to kneel before him, Ethan hurriedly cast a Levitation Charm. He sent Hagrid flying!
Bang... Hagrid crashed heavily into a giant tree! He slumped down limply.
Others: "?!" A finishing blow?!
Fortunately, Hagrid was thick-skinned. He trembled and got up from the ground. Sitting there, tears falling in big drops, constantly choking out: "Sorry, sorry, sorry... It's... it's all my fault. I was too naive, almost... almost got you killed...! I don't deserve Dumbledore's trust! I'll resign as soon as I leave the forest! I... I belong in Azkaban!"
Watching Hagrid crying loudly, Harry and the others looked at each other. Azkaban? Why suddenly mention Azkaban? Has Hagrid finally realised how many laws he's broken over the decades by privately breeding dangerous creatures?
Only Cho Chang's gaze trembled, thinking of something.
Harry stammered comfortingly: "Ha... Hagrid, I think your intentions were good, but in the future, maybe don't start with good intentions..."
This made Hagrid cry even louder. He suddenly whipped his head around, looking at the silent Ethan, crawling over on hands and knees!
Ethan's eyes widened, feeling his hair stand on end. Dude, what are you doing?! His hand holding the wand was already twitching.
Fortunately, Hagrid stopped at a distance, sobbing: "Thank you, thank you, Ethan! Without you, I'd truly deserve death!"
Not quite that extreme. Ethan glanced at the crimson hidden in distant treetops. Old Dumbledore is spying through his phoenix again, isn't he?
Harry and the others finally reacted, showering Ethan with thanks. "That strange bird actually listens to Ethan! Truly worthy of Ethan! Simply awesome!" "Can Hogwarts really allow such hellish things to exist..." "I get it; this is also part of the talent training programme!"
Ron: "I knew it! Our boss Ethan definitely had a backup plan!"
Harry: First wipe the snot off your face before talking.
In the thanks coming from all directions, Ethan felt a strange emotion stirring in his heart. Originally, I just came for the bait. Can't exactly let myself die, so I killed all the enemies. Tsk! Why are my ears getting hot? Is it a curse?!
Ethan was alarmed and waved his hand: "Portal!" With a chorus of surprised cries, the little ones were tossed far away.
Phew, comfortable. Ethan snorted softly, awkwardly rubbing his burning ears. Luna watched this scene with a smile.
Hagrid wiped his tears and said hoarsely, "Ethan, you saved all of us. According to the laws of magical creatures, Aragog's body is your rightful spoils of war, so you should handle it."