By Thursday, word had gotten around what their classes were doing which caused a mix of excitement and groans – the latter mainly from those who were no longer taking Transfiguration. Gus had reminded them that they still had the skills capable of doing the challenges because they had taken five years of it, but if they weren’t up to the challenge then they could just write him an essay instead. Only a couple students took him up on that offer. They were sent to the library while the rest of them wandered out to the Forbidden Forest, where Gus quickly took his spot next to Basil as he explained why they were and what they were going to be doing. Gus fussed with his scarf because it was colder out here than he imagined it would be. Hopefully the rain will hold off.

The other professor pretty much covered all of their expectations, and Gus didn’t feel the need to chime in. Even if they were taking either of their NEWT classes, he felt confident they would know, or at least someone in their group would know how to defend themselves; plus he and Basil would be there in an instant if something was going terribly wrong. Maybe they’d see why the forest was forbidden for them to enter while they were still learning spells. (Although if he was being honest, he definitely would have jumped at the chance to explore the place without a professor watching his every move.)

Gus stepped forward to help answer any questions there were before he stepped back, wearing a bright grin. “You need to pair off because it’s safer, although you may work in groups of three if you wish.” By this point, NEWT students knew who they worked well with so it didn’t take long. “Follow me.” The professor waved at the group of students, and he took them onto a path, pausing at the entrance of the forest. “Have fun and be safe. You may begin.”

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