Afternoon, Hogwarts grounds.
Leaning against the air beside him, Evans waited for the young wizards to gather while recalling his lunchtime conversation with Harry.
Regarding the claim that there was some monster in the castle preparing for slaughter, he actually found it quite credible. Because from not long after this semester began, he had always felt something in the castle was stalking him.
But that premonition wasn't particularly strong, which meant that even if there was danger, it wouldn't cause him too serious harm. Otherwise the pixies' danger sense would definitely notify him, not remain as silent as it was now.
Moreover, he still frequently visited the library and Great Hall, yet hadn't encountered any attacks.
However, just because it couldn't cause him much harm didn't mean it was harmless to those young wizards.
A creature that could make him feel stalked must be a very powerful dark creature, at least on the level of Acromantulas. Such creatures would be completely undefeatable for young wizards.
But recently Dumbledore seemed to have been busy all the time. Ever since he reported Hermione's acquisition of the compass, he hadn't seen him for several days.
Shaking his head and noticing the young wizards had all gathered, Evans buried his concerns.
It was time to prioritise the pixies' danger talismans. He had planned to make these things before, just hadn't found much time.
Before going with Hagrid to send off Norbert on Saturday, he'd better create a prototype of that thing.
Thinking this, he reached out to support the air beside him and looked around.
Today's Care of Magical Creatures class was for fourth-year Gryffindor and Hufflepuff students.
Among the young wizards present, more than half had obvious confusion on their faces, not knowing why Professor Kahn's hand was suspended in mid-air as if supporting something.
A small portion seemed to have thought of something, their eyes showing deep anticipation.
Seeing these young wizards' expressions, Evans smiled slightly.
"I'm glad I don't see fear on your faces, which means you've never experienced certain terrible or tragic events."
With that, he gently stroked the air beside him.
"Can anyone guess what I'm going to teach today?"
After a few seconds of silence, a hand raised.
"Is it Thestrals, Professor?" Cedric said softly. "I've read about these creatures in books. They seem to be invisible."
"Correct, five points to Hufflepuff." Nodding with a smile, Evans continued:
"But saying they're invisible isn't entirely accurate. To be precise, only those who have faced death directly can see Thestrals."
"I heard they represent ill omens." Angelina Johnson looked at where Professor Kahn was supporting, no fear in her eyes, just some worry about the rumours she'd heard.
Hearing this, Evans shook his head.
"They don't bring bad luck or anything like that, but a creature that can only be seen by those who have faced death will naturally spawn such rumours."
Having said this, he patted the air beside him again and softly explained the creature's characteristics.
"Thestrals are actually very gentle creatures. They're intelligent and loyal. As long as you don't harm them, they'll never attack you proactively."
"Normally, Thestrals' eyes are pure white, but when necessary, their eyes can turn pure black. In this state, they can directly perceive magic and death."
"Actually, you've encountered them many times. Hogwarts carriages are pulled by Thestrals. It's only because you can't see them that you're so unfamiliar with these creatures."
"However, they do look rather frightening."
With that, Evans drew his wand.
"Adjust your mindset a bit. Next, I'll let you see what it looks like. Not through facing death, of course."
Seeing several young wizards whose eyes showed terror, Evans explained helplessly: "Just some clever methods."
Hearing Professor Kahn's explanation, those overthinking students gradually relaxed.
But having just said only those who faced death could see Thestrals, then immediately saying he'd let them see it, anyone would overthink that, right?
Looking around and waiting for all the young wizards to adjust their mindset, Evans gently waved his wand.
"Are you ready? Please try not to show too intense fear. It would make it very sad."
As his words fell, a trace of pure white powder appeared in mid-air.
More and more powder appeared, beginning to drift slowly toward the ground. A few seconds later, against the backdrop of the powder, a vague outline materialised out of nowhere.
Sounds of swallowing echoed continuously; most young wizards' faces turned pale, and some even unconsciously stepped back half a step.
Though Professor Kahn had given advance warning, the outline revealed by the powder... was indeed somewhat frightening.
It was a monster that made one's hair stand on end just from a glance. It was extremely large, with a dragon-like face and bat-like wings, yet not a trace of flesh could be seen on its body. Thin skin clung to bones, along with those huge eyes, making it look like death's messenger.
Perhaps because the powder falling on its head was somewhat uncomfortable, the giant beast shook its head and snorted, scaring several nearby young wizards into retreating several steps, nearly falling to the ground.
However, besides those who were afraid, there were a few excited exceptions.
Looking at the huge monster revealed under the powder, George and Fred excitedly shrieked:
"Whoa! Cool!"
"Where's the scary part! This is absolutely awesome!"
Nearby, Lee Jordan was also full of excitement.
"I've always wanted to see those horses pulling the carriages!"
Amid the noisy calls of several Gryffindors, other students' fear also subsided somewhat, and curiosity surged again.
Sometimes troublemakers didn't just bring chaos to the classroom. When used properly, their ability to liven the atmosphere was unmatched.
Nodding lightly, Evans spoke:
"Now then, it's time for the practical session."
Having overcome their initial fear, the young wizards began lining up, approaching one by one to interact with the Thestral.
Though their interactions remained very cautious, compared to their initial terror it was much better.
Seeing the practical lesson on track, Evans finally had some leisure and time to observe the strange auditor who had come to the grounds at the start of class and been quietly crouching nearby.
She was a girl who looked somewhat dazed, with dishevelled, waist-length blonde hair. She wore Ravenclaw robes, had very pale eyebrows, a wand tucked behind her ear, and a necklace made of cork stoppers around her neck.
Perhaps sensing Evans's gaze, the girl tilted her head slightly, her tone ethereal, her voice dreamlike.
"Good afternoon, Professor Kahn."
Showing a smile, Evans spoke softly:
"Good afternoon, Miss Lovegood."