My partner at Hogwarts is Tom

Deep within the dense forest, the long, drawn-out neighing of Thestrals could be faintly heard, intertwining with the tranquility of this moonshine velvet habitat.

Professor Victor gently put the little creature down from his arms. It landed lightly on the ground, shook its relaxed body, and affectionately rubbed against his boots.

"The contract of balance..." a Ravenclaw boy repeated softly, his neat brown hair and focused eyes.

"Professor, does this mean that our relationship with all magical creatures should be based on some form of 'exchange'? Even if that exchange seems so... unequal? ​​We provide protection and the environment, and they provide materials. It sounds..."

"It still sounds like exploitation, only more subtle than before, right?"

Viktor picked up the conversation, looking at him gently.

"But this is already the result of countless efforts by wizards who love these magical little creatures."

"It's an outcome that both magical creatures and wizards can accept."

"And this is also the original intention of the Magical Creatures Protection Class, hoping to cultivate more wizards who truly love these magical creatures and find the balance point that allows wizards and magical creatures to live in harmony."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the young and earnest faces of the group of fourth-grade students.

"Of course I know that ideals are often lofty, but reality is often harsh. Poaching still exists, habitats are still being encroached upon, and cooperation between the international ministries of magic is often disrupted... There is still a long way to go."

Viktor's voice became clear and strong again.

"However, change begins with awareness, with understanding the essential difference between 'research' and 'protection.' It begins with you sitting here today, thinking, questioning, and feeling."

"Well then, it's time for practice." Victor clapped his hands.

"Work in pairs. Your task is to observe and record at least three of the Moonfly's behavioral patterns without disturbing them."

"And try to analyze the relationship between these behaviors and their magical properties or survival needs. The homework is to write a 500-word observation record."

"Remember, observe with your eyes, with your ears, with the 'respect' you've just learned, not with your wands that are itching to be used."

The students immediately sprang into action, demonstrating the efficiency and orderliness of the older students.

Cedric naturally teamed up with his friend, another Hufflepuff boy.

They chose an observation point that offered a clear view of the entire open area while also being sufficiently concealed.

"They groom themselves very frequently," Cedric muttered as he wrote, his pen moving rapidly across the paper.

"Those scattered points of light seem to be more than just a visual effect; they're more like a kind of magical diffusion or pheromones? Perhaps they're related to territorial marking or the transmission of emotions."

His companion immediately added, "Look at that big one, it's nibbling on the mycelium at the edge of that glowing mushroom... Silver Mist Grass doesn't seem to be their only food source."

"They look so cute, don't they? I wish I could have one like Pu Rongrong."

…………

The suitcase that had disappeared in the empty classroom reappeared.

With a crisp click, Tom pushed the suitcase open and climbed out.

Following closely behind were a group of excited young wizards discussing the matter.

Tom stood by the suitcase, counting the number of young wizards one by one and comparing them with the list in his hand.

As all the young wizards emerged, Victor's figure also stepped out of the suitcase.

Then, amidst the reluctant gazes of the young wizards, he snapped the suitcase shut and picked it up.

"Alright everyone, that concludes today's lesson. Remember to do your homework when you get home!"

After saying that, Victor led Tom out of the classroom without looking back.

…………

In the afternoon, the bright sunlight shone down, and the noisy voices of the young wizards echoed in the ancient castle.

In the Great Hall, all the young wizards who had just taken the Magical Creatures Protection class were sharing their experiences from the course.

Showing off to their companions the amulet they had woven themselves, whether exquisite or ugly, from moonlight down.

Even at the Slytherin table, the scene was the same.

An interesting and knowledgeable professor, rare and magical animals that I have never seen before, and a magical suitcase that is like a small world.

Of course, the most important thing is to show off the amulet they made by hand, which has a calming effect.

All of this was passed down among the young wizards.

This made the young wizards who hadn't yet taken a course on the protection of magical creatures extremely envious.

Of course, along with it spread not only boasting, but also arguments.

These arguments mainly came from fourth-year students, as well as sixth-year students who had taken Defense Against the Dark Arts and Lockhart's fervent fans.

Because compared to Victor's Magical Creatures Protection Class.

Lockhart, also a new professor, presented an even more disastrously messy course.

This became the trigger for the argument among the young wizards.

However, the most debated and discussed item was still the magical box in Victor's hand, the same one Newt Scamander had.

Even when they saw Viktor arrive at the auditorium during their meal, all the little animals craned their necks to look at him.

Unfortunately, to their disappointment, Victor wasn't carrying the briefcase that the young wizards had described as containing a world.

Meanwhile, Lockhart, who had finally managed to carefully revive his disheveled self in his office while everyone was watching the spotlight on Viktor, gritted his teeth in secret.

"Damn it, it's Viktor Scamander again! He was always the star back in school!"

"The spotlight on my carefully prepared graduation speech was completely overshadowed by the expulsion controversy this guy caused."

"Even after graduation, when publishing books, I had to compete with him for headlines. And now, I've chosen to become a professor at Hogwarts, hoping to ride on his savior's fame, only to run into this guy again!"

Lockhart was filled with envy as he watched Victor being watched and discussed by a group of young wizards.

All those cheers and discussions should have belonged to him!

"Damn it, why is Viktor always haunting me and stealing my thunder? No, I have to think of a way to get everyone's attention!"