Scene 1: Leaving the Castle
Scene 1: Leaving the Castle
Read Aloud:
“Right, listen up. We’re searching for a single specimen today: the Bubotubers—they look like large, thick, black slugs. Alright now everyone come get a pair of dragon-hide gloves and we'll be on our way. Stay in your groups!”
Juniper Scene
Juniper trails behind, poking at a floating sapling with her wand.
“Come on, just a little tap. If he yells at you, bite his boot.”
The sapling slaps Professor Thimblethorn’s hat off his head.
“Juniper!”
“It was Mr. Leafy, Professor Thimblethorn, not me!”
Scene 2: The Clearing
Setting: The Forbidden Forest, Bubotuber Field Trip
Read Aloud:
The forest opens into a wide, grassy clearing ringed by towering, ancient trees. Their branches arch high overhead, letting through dappled light that shifts oddly in the mist—neither full sun nor proper shade. The air is still but heavy, carrying the faint scent of moss and something floral just out of reach.
The ground is lush with thick grass, soft underfoot and wet with morning dew. Scattered among the green are clusters of wildflowers in reds, whites, and blues—nothing like the thick, black, slug-like herb you're meant to find.
Students begin to walk off in their groups, poking around nervously. Luminous Nettle hisses at a Hufflepuff boy. Snapberries pop lightly if touched.
Combat Encounter: Extremists
As the students begin to gather samples, a shout rings out from the mist.
Three robed figures emerge—hooded, grim, wands drawn. One presses a wand to Professor Thimblethorn’s head. He looks terrified.
Thimblethorn:
“Do as they say. No heroics. Give them what they want.”
Bandit Leader:
“You’re not warriors. You’re just children. Drop your wands—those who do not resist will not be harmed. This is not your fight.”
Primrose:
“Leave us alone! This is Hogwarts, Harry Potter will be after you for this!”
A Wand-Breaker steps forward and grabs Primrose roughly by the arm. She shrieks. He snaps her wand in half and throws her back. She stumbles, terrified, humiliated.
A tense silence follows.
Enemies
- 1 × Zealot (Bandit Captain stats)
- 2 × Wand-Breakers (Bandit stats)
Scene 3: Grimbella’s Arrival
When the players are clearly outmatched, Professor Grimbella arrives in a blast of heat and pressure. Fire crackles through the trees.
She steps through the smoke, her long coat billowing behind her.
“You have three seconds to run.”
- She casts Silence on one attacker—he collapses mid-spell.
- Another drops his wand and flees.
- The third is frozen by her presence.
She turns to Elias, who had been laughing.
“Those who use their voices to laugh at others’ pain don’t deserve to have one.”
She taps his throat with her wand. Elias clutches his neck. When he tries to speak, he oinks like a pig. His wand sparks when he touches it.
“One hour. Learn to be quiet.”
Aftermath
Prim is silent, kneeling in the grass. Juniper walks over and offers her a handkerchief—no jokes, no quips. Just quiet support.
Thimblethorn gathers the class. The students walk back to the castle in silence.
Optional Mechanics
- Insight (DC 12): Notice Juniper watching Prim—concerned, not amused.
- Persuasion (DC 13): Reassure or comfort Prim. Success grants a minor long-term bonus to social checks with her.
Back at the Castle
Evening Announcement in the Great Hall:
“There was an incident on today’s field trip. Radicals infiltrated the outer grounds. Additional security will be present. Students are advised not to travel alone after dark.”
Rumors and Fallout
- The nickname “Potty Potter” begins to circulate among some Slytherins.
- Prim stops quoting Harry Potter altogether.
- She avoids group meals and remains quiet in class.
A subtle but significant shift has begun.