The improved potion was a success. An unforgettable evening began when Brian climbed onto a unicorn's powerful back and ended when its muscular back had left his backside sore. He reached one conclusion-riding a unicorn was no different from riding an ordinary horse.
Mr. Scamander shared Brian's opinion, but Hagrid could not relate-there was no oversized unicorn for him to ride. He did, however, boldly try brushing the unicorns with his stiff stubble, though the unicorns clearly preferred a brush.
"Although this potion has very limited uses, we have indeed found a way for men to have close contact with adult unicorns. Our next task is to improve it."
As Newt Scamander left Hogwarts, he rubbed his backside and said happily,
"Brian, if you have time, write up this property of unicorn noses and send me the manuscript. I'll submit it to Fantastic Beasts Today for you-a friend of mine runs the magazine. It's modeled on Transfiguration Today and is reasonably well known. If all goes well, you'll gain a reputation and a handsome fee."
Rubbing his backside, Brian joked, "I will. It looks like this is the beginning of my rise to fame in the wizarding world."
Having his name appear in a wizarding publication was quite meaningful. Considering that, At my current pace in Transfiguration, it'll be at least another six months before I can publish an article in Transfiguration Today, Brian decided to find time to finish the manuscript.
Over the following week, Brian first filled out and submitted a great pile of teaching reports, then held a final discussion with Professor Burbage to settle this year's Muggle Studies exam paper. Finally, on the day before exam week began, he entrusted an owl with a delivery to Mr. Scamander's home in Dorset.
Brian had skipped dinner that