Unicorns in the world of Harry Potter were commonly found in Northern Europe, but were rarer elsewhere.
The herd of unicorns in the Forbidden Forest was rather unusual. No one knew when they had been relocated there, but they, too, lived under Hogwarts' protection.
Young unicorns were golden, while adults were silvery white.
Adult unicorns were formidable fighters, on par with lesser dragon species, and their running speed was exceptional. Otherwise, they would never have been classified as four-star fantastic beasts, nor would Voldemort have had such a hard time capturing one in the original story.
These creatures rarely approached humans of their own accord, and even when they did, they preferred innocent young girls.
That was precisely what puzzled Shawn. Encountering the same unicorn once or twice could be coincidence, but any more than that had to be deliberate.
The herb lying in his palm was moonlight grass, a Mooncalf's favorite. It was extremely valuable, and even the resource-rich Forbidden Forest might not have more than a few plants.
In the distance, the unicorn watched Shawn's movements and backed away a few steps, hiding behind a large tree while poking its head out to peer at him.
Shawn kept his hand extended, but despite the fragrance drifting from the moonlight grass, the unicorn still showed no intention of approaching. Its forehoof pawed at the ground, as though it might be preparing to flee.
Shawn considered this briefly. Realizing that food would not lure it over, he put the herb away. Purple floating rings appeared behind him and carried him swiftly in one direction.
Immediately, the clatter of running hooves sounded behind him.
Now Shawn was certain: this unicorn was not simply following him around.
Glancing back at that silvery-white figure, he flew backward toward it, then used Apparition to