Chapter 416: A Surprise
Chapter 416: A Surprise
At the entrance of the library, Kyle and Hermione stood facing each other, a bit awkwardly.
"Sorry..." Hermione whispered.
Just as she had slammed her hand on the table, Madam Pince had returned after reshelving some books.
Like most students who caused a ruckus in the library, they were both promptly escorted out.
"I don't mind," Kyle shrugged. "I wasn't planning on staying in the library anyway. I was just about to go find Hagrid. Want to come?"
"No, thanks," Hermione replied after a moment's thought, shaking her head. "I think I'll go back and reread some of the magical theory books to make up for the time I wasted."
"Alright," Kyle said, "but remember, don't overuse the Time-Turner again, or your condition will only get worse."
"Okay..."
The two parted ways at the staircase.
Kyle returned to the ground floor, crossed the entrance hall, and made his way to Hagrid's hut.
The hut was unusually lively today. In addition to Connor and her friends, Harry and Ron were also there.
They were huddled together, excitedly discussing something.
As Kyle approached, he noticed a hay-filled nest on the table between them, with a small lion-like creature curled up inside. However, its tail was curved and hooked, resembling that of a scorpion.
"A Manticore?" Kyle exclaimed in surprise.
"I knew you'd know it!" Hagrid said happily. "A few days ago, I found a Manticore giving birth deep in the Forbidden Forest. I reckon it must have recently come here from somewhere else, as we've never had this species in the forest before."
Hagrid was beaming with joy, tickling the little creature in the hay nest with his fingers, unfazed even when it gave his finger a playful nip.
"Look at 'im, so happy," Hagrid said, his face filled with adoration.
For Hagrid, discovering a Manticore in the Forbidden Forest was like stumbling upon a treasure. He had been so excited that he hadn't slept well for several days, choosing instead to keep watch deep in the forest.
The last time he had been this thrilled was when he became the professor for the Care of Magical Creatures class.
"So, Hagrid, are you planning to bring it to class?" Kyle asked.
"Oh no..." Hagrid shook his head vigorously. "Manticores are classified as 'XXXXX' on the Beastly Dial, and Professor Dumbledore certainly won't approve of having one in front of the students, even if it's just a cub."
Kyle nodded in agreement.
Indeed, a Manticore was not suitable for the classroom. While it was still small and a bite would do little harm, the problem was that there was also an adult Manticore in the forest.
If someone didn't know their own strength and accidentally angered it, causing it to use its summoning magic, things could get out of hand very quickly.
This was especially true for the students of Slytherin, who rarely paid heed to Hagrid's instructions. More than half of the troubles encountered during the Care of Magical Creatures classes could be traced back to them.
In the face of an enraged adult Manticore, even Hagrid might not be able to protect everyone.
"I brought it here just to show you," Hagrid continued, "as it's a rare opportunity. You won't get to see the cubs of 'XXXXX' magical beasts anywhere else."
At this, Kyle raised an eyebrow.
That wasn't entirely true—he had not only seen them but had also helped deliver them.
The little Venomous Panthers in Newt's case bowed respectfully to him; they were just shy of calling him "Uncle."
No one moved; everyone's gaze remained fixed on the little creature in the hay nest. They could always see the fire crabs and aero swifts later; this moment was too captivating to pass up.
Suddenly, Kyle felt someone poking his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Hagrid gesturing for him to step aside.
Although Kyle was unsure what this was about, he followed Hagrid to an open space on the other side of the hut.
"What's up?" Kyle asked.
"Well, it's like this..." Hagrid said awkwardly, "A few days ago, I overheard some Slytherins saying that you have fire dragon teeth for sale. Do you still have any?"
"Yes, plenty," Kyle nodded.
"Could you sell me some?" Hagrid asked in a low voice, producing a cloth bag and placing it in Kyle's hand. "Professor Dumbledore gave me an extra professor's salary. See how much of it you can exchange for the dragon teeth."
The bag was heavy, probably containing a few hundred galleons.
Hagrid didn't have many expenses for food and lodging. Most of his spending was at the Three Broomsticks or the Hog's Head for a few mugs of mead, so most of his money was right here.
"That's easy," Kyle said. "Wait a moment." He ran into Hagrid's hut and closed the door.
When he came out, he had another bag in his hand.
"Two teeth from each type of fire dragon, along with the corresponding dragon scales," Kyle said, handing over the bag along with the one containing the galleons.
"You've given the wrong bag," Hagrid said. "These galleons are for you."
"Don't joke around, Hagrid," Kyle laughed, waving his hand. "I won't take your money."
"No!" Hagrid shook his head firmly. "I've heard that these are things you brought back from Romania. If you insist on not taking payment, then I won't take them."
With that, Hagrid grit his teeth and handed the bags back.
...
(End of Chapter)
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