Hogwarts Bloodline Chapter 44: Let's Raise a Dragon - Novel Cool

Chapter 44: Let's Raise a Dragon

However, Snape was clearly a smart and suspicious person. Speaking directly to him could invite suspicion, so Ivan had to take a roundabout approach.

He needed to guide Harry and the others to guess the truth in a different way, and then let it reach Snape's ears so he could draw his own conclusions. This was the right approach to deal with a smart person.

In fact, Ivan hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. At first, he thought Snape's Potion Storage would be full of traps, but it turned out there was nothing.

Thinking back to the second year in the original story, where Hermione managed to steal potion ingredients for the Polyjuice Potion from Snape, Ivan understood. But to be safe, he still used an Odor-Removal Potion afterward to eliminate any lingering scent, just in case Snape caught a whiff of it.

While Ivan was lost in thought, Hermione suddenly grabbed his wrist and pulled him out.

"Hermione, where are you going?" Harry asked, puzzled.

Hermione turned around and replied, "Of course, we're going to see Hagrid. Whether someone stole from Snape or if Snape staged it himself, the simplest way to get past Fluffy is to use the Polyjuice Potion to transform into someone Hagrid knows and ask him directly!"

"So we just need to ask Hagrid if anyone has recently asked him about this, and we'll have our next clue", Harry said excitedly.

"Smart!" Hermione nodded.

Ivan had no objections. It would be good to check on Hagrid now and see if he had already obtained the dragon egg.

The three of them soon arrived at Hagrid's small hut. Unlike usual, smoke was billowing from the chimney above the fireplace. Hermione led the way, forcefully knocking on Hagrid's door. As soon as they entered, a wave of heat hit them.

Harry and Ron frowned in discomfort. It was too hot inside, even though it was winter and they needed a fire, there was no need to make it this unbearable.

Within a minute, both of them had beads of sweat on their foreheads. Ivan, however, felt a surge of excitement and his gaze shifted to the roaring fireplace.

More specifically, to the large, black, and charred egg in the center of the fire.

"Come, come, have some food! Don't be shy." Hagrid enthusiastically brought out a large bowl of Rock Cakes and some dried meat, placing them on the table. He then sat down, his massive body blocking Ivan's view of the fireplace.

Hermione and Harry noticed that Hagrid seemed off. His demeanor and actions were more nervous than usual, and he was wiping sweat in the hot room instead of opening a window.

"Hagrid, why is it so hot in here?" Ron complained.

"It's nothing, the weather has been really cold lately", Hagrid smiled and explained, then quickly pushed the Rock Cakes and dried meat toward them. "You should have classes this afternoon, right? Eat up and get going."

This made Hermione even more suspicious. However, there were more important matters at hand. Recalling their purpose, she asked urgently.

"Hagrid, we have some questions. Snape's Potion Storage Room was stolen from, and we suspect the thief might have used the Polyjuice Potion to disguise themselves as someone you know and get information on how to get past Fluffy. So, has anyone you don't know been asking you about Norwegian things recently?"

Hagrid was surprised by this news but quickly regained his composure, muttering to himself.

"But who else besides you guys? No one else has asked."

Hagrid's expression grew stern, and he scanned the group with a suspicious look. Hermione's words had made him realize that they might be imposters, otherwise, why would they be so interested in Norwegian matters?

Suddenly, Hagrid looked around, noticing someone was missing.

"Hey, where's Ivan?" Hagrid asked, puzzled.

Harry and the others were initially offended by Hagrid's suspicion, but they also noticed that Ivan, who had been sitting at the back, was gone.

Just as they were wondering, they heard Ivan's voice from behind Hagrid.

"Is this a dragon egg? It doesn't look very pretty."

Hagrid shuddered, jumped up, and turned around. Only then did Hermione and the others see Ivan standing by the boiler, with the large, black, and charred egg in the center.

"That's a dragon egg! Hagrid, where did you get this thing? It must have cost you a lot, right?" Ron recognized it immediately and excitedly squeezed next to Ivan. Harry also joined them to see the rare dragon egg.

Only Hermione noticed the various books on the table: *Raising Fire Dragons for Fun and Profit*, *Twelve Things to Consider When Raising Dragons*, *From Novice to Dragon Master*.

Hagrid covered his face with his thick, calloused hands. He knew he couldn't hide it anymore.

"Hagrid, raising dragons privately is illegal. If someone finds out, you'll be sent to Azkaban", Hermione said, though she was also interested in the dragon egg.

"Don't worry, no one will find out", Hagrid said, patting his chest. "I've always wanted to raise a dragon, and I know how to take care of them. There won't be any problems."

However, Hermione was concerned. Dragons were too big and grew too fast. In less than a month, Hagrid's wooden hut would burst.

Hermione turned around, intending to persuade Hagrid with Ivan, but before she could speak, she heard Ivan excitedly say,

"Can I help you take care of it once it hatches, Hagrid? I think it's a Norwegian Ridgeback."

Hagrid was surprised that Ivan could identify the dragon species just by looking at the egg. Even he had only figured it out after reading various books.

This showed that Ivan had extensive knowledge about dragons.

"Of course, as long as it doesn't interfere with your classes. But I have to warn you, it might be a bit challenging", Hagrid agreed, nodding. Ivan's enthusiasm made Hagrid feel like he had found a kindred spirit.

Ivan, who had known about Hagrid's plans to raise a dragon, had already read many related books and had a good understanding of the necessary knowledge. The two of them immediately started discussing the topic, leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione on the sidelines.

(End of Chapter)

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