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Chapter 56: A Bet with Hagrid
Chapter 56: A Bet with Hagrid
The young witches and wizards struggled to stay focused during their classes, their minds still reeling from the morning's news in the Prophet.
Especially those from Muggle families, who, after quickly catching up on the details of the deadly Cracker, couldn't help but worry about their family's safety.
After all, it was one of the most dangerous beasts in the wizarding world, a creature that roamed freely and fed on human brains. What if it ventured into Muggle territories...?
The mere thought sent shivers down their spines, and they found themselves staring out the classroom windows, eagerly awaiting an owl with a reply.
The professors could do little to alleviate their concerns, only slowing down their lessons and offering what comfort they could.
It wasn't until the second period in the morning that the situation improved.
"Come now, children, cheer up," Professor Sprout said as she entered the greenhouse for Herbology class, smiling at the glum students. "Just now, Mr. Newt Scamander released a statement confirming that there have been no sightings of the Cracker in either the wizarding or Muggle worlds.
So, it's likely that it has flown elsewhere. You don't have to worry about your families anymore."
As she spoke, Professor Sprout brought out a set of old newsletters that she had cherished for many years, educating everyone about Newt Scamander's achievements.
Kyle noticed that some of the newsletters were quite old, and the oldest one was faded. It commended Newt for his outstanding contribution to the defeat of the dark wizard, Grindelwald.
There was also a photograph of a young and dashing Newt Scamander.
The students felt much relieved after reading the newsletters.
With the personal assurance of the wizarding world's most renowned Magizoologist, things were probably under control.
Moreover, this man was a longtime friend of Headmaster Dumbledore, which added to his credibility.
By lunchtime, the Great Hall buzzed with activity once more.
"I can't believe I forgot we had classes in the afternoon," Cedric said, picking up a potato with its skin still on and looking disappointed. "Looks like I can't join you to see Hagrid. What a pity."
The second-year curriculum was slightly heavier than the first, and it was rare to have half a day with no classes unless it was a weekend or a holiday.
"It's just to get some fertilizer for the Mooncalf," Kyle said between bites of bread. "What's so regrettable about that?"
"No, it's not that," Cedric said. "I'm just interested in Mooncalves. I heard they perform a very complex dance under the moonlight, and I've never actually seen what they look like."
"You probably won't see the dance," Kyle shrugged. "That only happens at night, and by then, it would be past the castle's curfew unless you want to go for a nighttime stroll."
"I know," Cedric said. "I just want to see a Mooncalf."
"That's still possible," Kyle nodded.
While Mooncalves slept during the day, they usually dwelled in caves, so they could still be observed from the outside.
Of course, this depended on whether Hagrid would take them into the Forbidden Forest.
Kyle put down his pumpkin juice. "Let's go right after lunch, then. We have more than an hour before class starts, so we should make it."
Cedric's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Mhm!" Connor hesitated for a moment before nodding.
Thanks to Professor Sprout, she now admired Newt Scamander immensely and was extremely curious about all sorts of magical creatures.
And so, after lunch, the trio set off towards the small cabin next to the Forbidden Forest.
This time, they didn't bother knocking, and when they arrived, Hagrid was watering his pumpkin patch.
After Halloween, the enormous pumpkins that had once filled the field were now gone, leaving only a few young seedlings.
"Into the Forbidden Forest?"
Upon hearing their request, Hagrid shook his head repeatedly. "No, no, first-year students can't go into the Forbidden Forest. It's too dangerous."
"It's fine, Hagrid," Kyle said with a smile. "No one knows the Forbidden Forest better than you, and the Mooncalf lives on the relatively safer outskirts of the forest. With you around, we'll definitely be safe."
"Even if you say so, I still..."
"Also, you know a lot about magical creatures," Kyle continued. "I dare say that after Professor Kettleburn retires, you'll definitely take over as the Care of Magical Creatures professor."
"Me, a professor? ...No, you must be joking. How is that possible? I'm nowhere near as good as Professor Kettleburn," Hagrid said, his voice tinged with panic, despite being muffled by his thick beard.
"Well, there's one thing you said that's true—I do know those critters in the Forbidden Forest very well," Hagrid admitted, looking at the three of them. He set down his watering can and said, "Follow me, and I'll take you to see the Mooncalves.
But you must promise to stay close and not wander off, or I'll immediately escort you out and never bring you into the Forbidden Forest again!"
"We promise, Professor Hagrid!" they chorused.
Hearing the word "professor" caused Hagrid's face to turn crimson once more.
But soon, his expression turned somber as he thought of something. "I can't possibly be a professor. Don't call me that again; it wouldn't be good if others heard you."
"You need to have more confidence in yourself," Kyle said, patting his hand reassuringly. "At most, in four years, you'll definitely become a professor."
"Impossible," Hagrid shook his head. "You don't need to comfort me."
How could he possibly become a professor when he couldn't even use a wand in front of others?
"How about we make a bet, then?" Kyle proposed, holding up four fingers. "If you haven't become a professor in four years, I'll find a way to get Newt to agree to let you foster the Fire Dragon for two months during the Hogwarts summer holidays."
Hagrid stopped in his tracks, turning to face Kyle with a look of disbelief. "Mr. Scamander has a Fire Dragon?"
"Yes," Kyle nodded. "Its temper is too aggressive, and after leaving Newt, it started attacking indiscriminately every creature it saw. So, it was returned to the Romanian Fire Dragon Reserve three times, and the third time, they refused to take it back.
Additionally, its temperament is not suitable for release into the wild, so it has to be kept in a box."
"I agree," Hagrid immediately nodded.
(End of Chapter)
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