With that, he raised his wand.
Two precise and stable beams of magical light shot from its tip, with no excess energy wasted.
The first beam gently enveloped the worn rune node, restoring the dim etchings to their original luster at a visible speed.
The second beam, like a solid strand of light, cleverly linked two other nodes in the main circuit, forming a brand-new energy channel.
Buzz…
A faint hum sounded.
On the massive metal box, all the previously malfunctioning runes instantly lit up, emitting a stable and soft glow. The ventilation ports began to hum steadily and reassuringly.
This purely "magical engineer"-style repair, full of precise logic and aesthetic elegance, completely changed Hagrid's expression toward Alan.
The enormous wrench slipped from Hagrid's limp hand with a clatter. For the first time, he looked at the first-year student with genuine, heartfelt respect.
Having successfully repaired the temperature-controlled healing chamber, Alan became an undisputed guest of honor in Hagrid's hut.
As a token of thanks, Hagrid brought out three large mugs, each the size of a bucket, filled with dark brown, indescribable-smelling tea. The steam mingled with the smell of the hut's fireplace and the faint musk of animal furs, creating an atmosphere unique to this place.
Alan, using the excuse of needing to verify the chamber's operation, returned alone the next afternoon.
He knew very well that the surface-level issues—official explanations for students such as "What's in the Forbidden Forest?" or "Which creatures are the most dangerous?"—were insufficient. He needed a more precise key.
"Hagrid."
Alan's voice was soft as he crouched down, untangling a huge fishing net for Hagrid. The rough and resilient strands still had bits of aquatic plants clinging to them.
Without looking up, he worked naturally, as if making casual conversation.
"I've been reading a book about magical creatures, and it introduced an interesting concept: ecosystem."
He paused and handed Hagrid a snapped piece of rope from the net.
"I've been thinking… The Forbidden Forest is such a vast, primordial woodland. Within it, could there exist a stable and complex ecosystem?"
"Eco… system?"
For Hagrid, the term was as novel as a freshly hatched Bowtruckle. His thick eyebrows shot upward, his massive frame leaned forward, and the old wooden chair creaked under the strain.
His interest was piqued.
"Yes."
Alan stood, brushed dust from his hands, and looked Hagrid in the eye, beginning to cast his carefully prepared bait.
"Take the Acromantula, for example. They are top predators. I wonder if fluctuations in their population would directly cause mass migrations of smaller herbivores like the Bowtruckle. And how would such predation indirectly change the forest's vegetation coverage?"
This was no longer a student asking a teacher—it was an equal, inquiry-based exchange.
Alan didn't give Hagrid much time to ponder. He immediately posed a deeper question to push the discussion further.
"And then there are the Mooncalves and centaurs. They are nocturnal and highly territorial. Given the limited space of the Forbidden Forest, do their ranges overlap? If so, how do they manage resource competition? Is it for water, or specific magical plants?"
Each question was precise, professional, and full of the unique charm of "magical ecology."
These questions bypassed the superficial "which creature is stronger" level and struck at Hagrid's most beloved and proud domain—the hidden, intelligence-driven operating principles of the Forbidden Forest.
Hagrid no longer saw Alan as a student to be protected or tolerated.
His gaze toward Alan changed to one of delight and recognition—finding a kindred spirit.
"Oh, Alan, you're asking exactly the right questions!"
Hagrid slapped his massive thigh with a boom. Excitement coursed through him, and words flowed in an unstoppable torrent, breaking the dam of his usual silence.
He spoke of the delicate "terror balance" between Acromantulas and unicorns. The spiders never attacked adult unicorns, while the unicorns' light purified areas, keeping light-averse dark creatures away, indirectly sheltering smaller beings.
He explained hunting agreements etched in ancient runes between centaur tribes and werewolf packs, precisely dividing hunting territories during full moons, down to each stream and valley.
He even discussed the Whomping Willow: its violent branches were superficial; its true power lay in the underground root system. The roots secreted a special sap, altering soil pH and preventing other large magical plants from surviving, monopolizing nutrients in an entire area.
He talked about the migration of Bowtruckles: their flight paths weren't fixed but adjusted depending on the abundance or depletion of hidden magical springs deep within the forest.
These secrets had never been shared with a student.
They were the true pulse and breath of the Forbidden Forest, insights Hagrid had spent a lifetime uncovering.
Alan listened silently, his mind palace working at full speed. The vivid, raw, unstructured information from Hagrid transformed into glowing data streams, rushing in. The vague node for "Forbidden Forest" was rapidly filled, structured, and refined. Each new piece of knowledge fit like a puzzle piece, making the model clearer and more three-dimensional.
This enjoyable "academic exchange" continued until dusk.
The evening light streamed through the hut windows, casting long rays on the floor.
Hagrid was overjoyed. Being understood and respected gave him immense satisfaction.
From a dark corner of the hut, he brought out a stone. His movements carried a rare solemnity.
Strange moss grew on the stone, glowing softly and calmly under the dim light. The glow was soothing, not harsh on the eyes.
"Here, Alan."
Hagrid handed over the still-warm stone, his voice low and sincere.
"This is Glow Moss, from the deepest parts of the Forbidden Forest. It's rare, only found where unicorns often drink."
He grinned, showing a simple, genuine expression.
"The light… it brings peace."
Alan extended both hands and carefully took the precious stone.
It felt slightly heavy; the glow shone through his fingers, casting warm spots in his palm.
He held the stone, the glow reflected in his eyes.
This light was a symbol of trust.
He had acquired the first key to all the secrets deep within the Forbidden Forest.
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