#5 focus on one fern, lose the forest

It took a while - or maybe it just felt like a long time because Gerald was a kid hanging out alone by a forest, waiting. Then he noticed a figure leave the castle and head in his direction. Hathmore was without a cloak or robes, and had his wand in hand.

When he reached Gerald, he gave the forest a glance and nodded. 'I need to retrieve some mucus from a nest deep in the forest. If you still wish to accompany me, I'll teach you the Anti-Spider spell - which you'll need,' he said. 'This asks a lot of a first year, so be sure you've got the nerve and focus for the task. It'll be up to you to fight of rather large arachnids.'

Professor Hathmore nodded, then had Gerald practice the simple wand movement. 'This spell repels - or rather, blasts away - acromantulas or other large spiders. It will only work on them,' he explained. 'You need to be direct and aim well. The incantation is: arania exime.' He demonstrated, though nothing much happened since there were no big spiders around to target.

'Give it a try.' It was clear that Hathmore had no intention of proceeding into the forest until Gerald had properly learned the spell. It made sense, as was Gerald's job to act as their defence once inside, keeping away any giant spiders that tried to attack while Hathmore worked. That was a lot of pressure for a first year, but they wouldn't be there if Hathmore didn't think Gerald was up to the task.

Professor Hathmore watched Gerald learn the spell, impressed with his movements and the clarity of his incantation. He could easily see the boy was no stranger to spell-casting, and suspected as much during their duelling training the previous day. In fact, Hathmore had noticed several first years were more ahead in their magical training than one might expect for so early on in their first term at Hogwarts.

'I did say it only works on a specific type of target,' he patiently reminded Gerald. 'But everything looks good. I say we're ready to proceed. Stay alert and keep your wand at the ready at all times.' Hathmore headed into the forest, not waiting for Gerald to catch up as the boy should already do so without prompt.

It sounded like a dangerous task in itself, with a lot of pressure on a student to be the one defending their Professor. What Gerald had no way of knowing or assuming was that nothing was as it seemed with Hathmore. A wizard of his advanced experience was always aware of his surroundings and could react in a second's notice, yet had been in so many far worst situations over time that Hathmore looked casual and as if he was just going about his day. He just wanted Gerald to think his Professor's life was in his hands, as it was better for the boy's training.

They walked for a while, venturing deep into the forest off any path - the further they went, the darker it became as if the day had gone. Then there were skittering sounds in the shadows, and webs covering the area. Hathmore kept going, his wand now out and he held an empty jar in hand. Their destination wasn't necessarily a spider's nest, though nearby one - if the webs were any indication.

A few spiders wandered around curiously, or hung down from tall trees above. Those were about the size of Fang, but it was the ones who dared to come closer that Hathmore made sure Gerald watched carefully. Those were huge - almost the size of a car (if Gerald was familiar with such a comparison).

'Wand at the ready,' Hathmore reminded him. 'I'll just be a moment.' He headed to a fallen log with some sort of webby, grassy next inside it. He just stuck his hand in an began extracting some sort of mucus into his jar. It was disgusting, yet Gerald had little time to observe.

Whatever the next was, the spiders didn't want anyone getting too close. A large one landed hard on the ground in front of Gerald - huge and angry, making aggressive noises and motions. It was about to attack, and Gerald needed to act fast with his newly-learned spell if hoped to defend himself or Hathmore from danger.

There was a bright flash of light as the spell blasted the spider backwards and into the shadows. It didn't return, though another landed off to the boy's right - ready to take its place. Thankfully, Gerald had gotten the hang of the spell now and knew how it worked, so long as he remained brave and focused on his surroundings.

'Why?' Hathmore asked, having been just near enough to have heard the boy. 'That is a simple question requiring a longer answer. An answer which is preferably given in safer circumstances, without the presence of territorial and hungry spiders - wouldn't you say?'

You may now free-RP the success of your spellcasting results. Another spider will replace a defeated one. To make progress, Gerald must defeat a total of 5 huge spiders.

Professor Hathmore sealed the jar full of mucus, and stored it away. He cast a spell to clean any mess. As he stood and turned, a spider lunged for him from the other side of the fallen log, out of Gerald's path. Hathmore hardly reacted, flicking his wand and sending the spider flying into the depths of the forest. It was a different spell than the one Gerald used, yet just as effective.

'Let's go.' He gestured for Gerald to follow, then hurried away from the nest and the angry spiders. Several took up the chase, but Hathore led the defense now. He made sure Gerald ran ahead of him so he didn't fall behind, and effortlessly cast spells to ward off the spiders.

Eventually, it was just them and the dark forest. There was no sign of a path or any sense of direction, yet Hathmore seemed to know where to go as he began leading the way. 'You did well,' he said. 'Good duelling reflexes there.'

'Lumos,' Professor Hathmore cast a wand-lighting charm, as they were still so deep in the forest that it could be perceived as night. Yet Gerald, who had actually been there at night, could notice notice the difference.

Hathmore was amused by the questions, though not discouraging. 'I've been in this forest many times, often for work, and also during my time as student, he said, stepping over a fallen branch. 'One should never underestimate the need for keen navigational skills or lack in such training.'

He checked Gerald still had his wand out, just in case. Hathmore didn't explain the spell he'd used, though hesitated before answering the next question. 'Remaining calm and rational during intense situations is essential for survival and excellence.' He shrugged. 'I've trained extensively to face any danger or foe that may oppose me or those in my charge. When one has that kind of experience and preparation, then one needn't be afraid of challenges.'

The last question was unlike the others, earning Gerald a curious glance from the Professor. The amusement remained. 'Well, that surely depends on which book. Do enlighten me, Mr Smithes.'