Reefs Under the Moonlight and Silent Cooperation

The days leading up to the spring equinox passed in a state of hidden anticipation and tension. Hogwarts classes continued as usual, and the snow outside the castle gradually melted, revealing damp earth and nascent sprouts beneath. Lin Yanqing and Snape remained like strangers in class, but the bond connecting them transmitted a focused, ready-to-act intensity clearer than ever before.

Using his newly acquired [Mana Perception (Basic)] skill, Lin Yanqing could more acutely sense the underlying emotional currents from Snape—a mixture of caution, calculation, and an unyielding determination. He was also preparing silently, checking his wand, confirming a few practical spells that might be useful, and even "consulting" a senior Ravenclaw student for a few basic tips on anti-tracking and stealth.

The spring equinox finally arrived. The daytime classes felt exceptionally long. As night fell, the sky cleared, heralding a cloudless full moon. During dinner, Lin Yanqing noticed Snape leave the Great Hall earlier than usual, his figure disappearing into the entrance leading to the dungeons.

The time for moonrise was approaching. Lin Yanqing donned his Invisibility Cloak (it was the only "inheritance" he had brought with him from his transmigration, a common quality but sufficient to pass a first-year's inspection), and silently slipped out of the Ravenclaw Tower. He avoided the occasional patrols of Filch and his cat, Mrs. Norris, and crept towards the Black Lake dock.

The spring night in the Scottish Highlands was still cold, and the lake wind, carrying moisture, blew through him, chilling him to the bone. The dock was deserted. In the distance, the castle lights blazed, reflecting on the ink-black surface of the lake, breaking into flickering patches of light. Following the note, Lin Yanqing skirted the dock to the east, stepping onto a lakeshore covered in slippery rocks of varying sizes.

The moonlight poured down like mercury, illuminating the rocky area with a cool, silvery white. Beneath the shadow of a large, wind-sheltered rock, he saw the familiar figure.

Snape was already there. He wore a seemingly thicker, old black robe that blended almost seamlessly with the rock's shadow. He hadn't used any light, merely standing there quietly, facing the lake as if listening to the tide. When Lin Yanqing dispelled his invisibility and revealed himself, Snape spun around abruptly, his wand instantly pointing at the source of the sound, his eyes sharp as a hawk's in the moonlight.

Seeing it was Lin Yanqing, the wariness in his eyes lessened slightly, but he didn't lower his wand. He merely nodded slightly, a silent greeting. He spoke no words, instead gesturing with his eyes towards the deeper part of the rocky area.

"Time is short," Snape's voice was kept very low, almost drowned out by the gentle lapping of the lake against the rocks. "Lumos is too conspicuous. Use your perception."

Lin Yanqing nodded, closed his eyes, and concentrated on activating [Mana Perception]. The world "in his eyes" transformed into a map of mana flows of varying colors and intensities. He filtered out the complex magical background radiating from the castle and the dormant, powerful mana sources deep within the Black Lake, carefully searching for faint, specific fluctuations that might exist between the rock crevices.

"Over there," a few minutes later, he opened his eyes and pointed to a patch of seemingly bare rocks directly hit by moonlight not far away. "There are very faint, alternating flashes of silver-blue magical traces, matching the description. But... the magical reaction underwater next to it is a bit strange, unstable."

Snape followed his gaze, his brow furrowing slightly. He clearly wasn't relying solely on Lin Yanqing's perception; he was also using some form of detection magic, faint threads of mana swirling around his fingertips as he probed the area.

"It's a Grindylow nest," Snape concluded after a moment, his tone calm. "They're attracted by the Moonlight Moss but don't dare stray too far from the water. The traces are fresh; they left not long ago, likely in the water nearby."

This was a potential danger. Grindylows, those small, grey-green water creatures with long fingers, could be a troublesome number for two first-years.

"I'll draw them away, or create a diversion," Lin Yanqing suggested. "You collect." This was the most efficient division of labor.

Snape glanced at him, a flicker of calculation in his dark eyes. Sending Lin Yanqing to face potential danger aligned with his principle of "utilization," but the existence of their contract meant that any peril to one could implicate the other.

"No need," he finally rejected the suggestion, his tone stiff. "We'll go together. You watch the water, I'll collect. If anything happens, use Protego or the Firework Charm (Note: a low-level charm that creates noise and sparks) to scare them off. Don't engage in a prolonged fight."

This was, in essence, his first specific "cooperation" directive during an action. Lin Yanqing had no objections.

The two of them, using the shadows of the rocks for cover, cautiously approached the target area. The closer they got, the clearer the silver-blue magical points Lin Yanqing perceived became. They grew at the bottom of narrow crevices formed by interlocking rocks, clinging to the damp stone like solidified moonlight, emitting a cool aura. And in the dark water beside them, several clusters of dark green mana, representing the Grindylows, pulsed with malice and restless energy, slowly circling.

Snape took out a specially made silver trowel and a glass vial from his robe, beginning to collect with light and swift movements. His technique was extremely professional, ensuring he didn't damage the roots or the luminescent properties of the Twin Moonlight Moss. The entire process made almost no sound.

Lin Yanqing, meanwhile, was fully focused on monitoring the water. He gripped his wand tightly, [Mana Perception] at its maximum, feeling a slight throbbing in his temples. He could "see" the dark green clusters of mana seeming to be attracted by the activity on the shore, beginning to float upwards restlessly.

"They're coming up," Lin Yanqing warned in a low voice.

Snape's movements became even faster, almost a blur.

The first wet Grindylow, with its sharp horns and bulging eyes, suddenly emerged from the water, letting out a hoarse hiss as its long fingers reached for Snape, who was collecting!

"Protego!" Lin Yanqing had barely waved his wand the instant it appeared. An invisible barrier materialized between the Grindylow and Snape. The water monster slammed into the barrier with a dull thud and was flung back into the water.

Immediately after, a second and third Grindylow surfaced from different directions.

"Incendio!" The moment Snape successfully dug up the last clump of Twin Moonlight Moss and placed it in the vial, he flicked a spell towards the water's surface without looking back. Although not a true explosive spell, a dazzling burst of fire and a loud bang erupted on the lake, sending water splashing.

The startled Grindylows let out terrified shrieks and quickly submerged into the deep water, disappearing.

Silence returned to the surroundings, broken only by the sound of rippling water.

Snape quickly capped the vial, carefully secured it, and then stood up. His breathing was slightly rapid from the tension and swift action, but his face remained expressionless. He merely glanced at Lin Yanqing, confirming he was unharmed.

"Let's go," he said concisely, and was the first to quickly retreat the way they had come.

Lin Yanqing followed closely behind. The two of them walked swiftly and silently along the lakeshore until they were far from the rocky area and had returned to the relatively safer zone near the dock.

Snape stopped, and after confirming they were alone, took out the glass vial from his robe. In the moonlight, the "Twin Moonlight Moss" inside emitted a soft, pure silver-blue glow, breathtakingly beautiful.

He stared at the vial for a few seconds, then gripped it tightly in his hand and looked up at Lin Yanqing. The moonlight illuminated half of his pale face, and his dark eyes held complex emotions—relief from a successful mission, satisfaction from obtaining a precious material, but more than that, a deep, unreadable contemplation.

This collaboration had been successful. No conflict, no mistakes, and even a brief, effective cooperation when facing the Grindylows.

"Next time," Snape spoke, his voice still low but lacking its usual sharp edge, "when 'Tranquil Spring Water' is needed, I will notify you."

With that, he didn't linger. He turned and quickly disappeared into the shadows of the castle, as silently as he had arrived.

Lin Yanqing stood in place, feeling the cool spring night breeze on his cheeks. From the other end of the soul bond came a sense of calm, a feeling of groundedness from completing the objective.

"Phase Quest Updated! [Stabilize Contract - Material Collection] (1/2) Complete! (★ ω ★) Host and bonded partner's collaborative tacit understanding has increased! Rewards will be issued after all materials are gathered."

Next time... "Tranquil Spring Water"...

Lin Yanqing knew that this forced journey, this thorny path, they would continue to walk. And tonight, the moonlight seemed no longer so cold.