With a nudge from Douglas, the trio guided Hagrid back to the table and set about helping him draft the new Code of Conduct.
Meanwhile, Douglas amused himself by teasing Fang...
As they debated whether Hagrid's black hunting dog should be included in the rules, Harry piped up quietly,
"Hagrid, my uncle has a black dog too—his name's Padfoot. I think he'd get along great with Fang…"
He went on to describe Sirius's Animagus form in detail.
Douglas caught Harry's description, but he wasn't worried. Sirius had assured him that, aside from the four Marauders—and maybe Lily—no one else knew about their Animagus forms, and only they used the nickname Padfoot.
So Douglas wasn't concerned Hagrid would make the connection. Still, he glanced at Ron's pocket—no sign of movement.
Unexpectedly, Hagrid's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Funny you mention a big black dog—I swear I've seen one like that, years ago. There used to be a huge black dog and a stag wandering the Forbidden Forest together. I tried to catch that dog a few times, thought Fang could use a friend, but I never managed it. Always felt like those two weren't just ordinary forest creatures.
Haven't seen them in years, though. Hope nothing bad happened—maybe some magical beast got them."
Douglas's mouth twitched. He kept silent.
Hagrid really did want to adopt everything. Douglas remembered vividly how Hagrid once camped by a lakeshore in the Forest for three days, convinced a red-crowned crane would return. Afterwards, Hagrid had sighed regretfully,
"You lot have no idea how beautiful that crane was. Only one of its kind in the whole Forest. I was hoping to catch it, find it a mate—let it start a family here…"
Bill and Charlie, who knew the truth, had laughed about that story for weeks.
Hagrid's booming voice snapped Douglas out of his thoughts.
"Oi, Douglas, what're you daydreaming for? So, is it a yes or a no? I promise I'll take good care of your dog—raise him strong as Fang! You can visit anytime."
Douglas chuckled,
"I'll have to ask him myself when I get home. But honestly, I doubt he'd want to. He spent years as a stray, and now he's finally living the good life as a pet. I doubt he'd fancy running wild with you every day…"
It was nearly eight o'clock by the time they finished a first draft and handed it to Douglas for review.
Forbidden Forest Magical Creature Reserve Student Safety Guidelines
Dear students,
The Forbidden Forest—also known as the Dark Forest—is Britain's largest magical creature reserve, providing a natural and suitable habitat for a wide variety of magical beings.
For your own safety, you must strictly observe the following rules. Failure to comply is at your own risk.
The Forbidden Forest contains a designated classroom pasture. All lessons take place within this area. Never enter the Forest on your own.Before class, thoroughly review the magical creatures to be studied that day. Professors may conduct random spot checks; students who fail will not be permitted to participate in hands-on activities.During class, wear all protective gear as instructed by your Professor. Failure to do so means you may be excluded from the lesson.Do not feed magical creatures any food unless specifically instructed.Do not provoke, tease, or antagonize any magical creature—physically or verbally.Observation and interaction with dangerous creatures must always be supervised by the Professor.Do not wander off or leave the class group while in the pasture. ...
Douglas skimmed the list—overall, it was a solid set of safety rules.
He turned to Hagrid,
"These guidelines aren't just for students to memorize. As a Professor, you also need to keep a close eye on student behavior during class. If anyone steps out of line, intervene immediately."
Hagrid nodded earnestly.
Douglas hesitated, then added,
"One more thing: the Ministry's dropped all charges against you. You can use your wand openly now. I suggest you keep working on your magic—especially defensive and healing spells."
Hagrid looked sheepish.
"Actually, I've been practicing in secret these past years. Back when Dumbled—er, someone—fixed my wand for me, I learned a lot about treating magical creatures from the library…"
All four of them rolled their eyes. Hagrid had just given away Dumbledore again.
Douglas sighed,
"I don't just mean treating magical creatures. I mean you should be ready to treat students in an emergency. Before every class, think ahead about possible risks. Keep the right potions and spells on hand.
Hermione, add a 'Hagrid's Classroom Safety Checklist' beneath the student guidelines. List everything a Professor should be mindful of. I'll check your memorization during my morning rounds."
The trio snickered and dutifully added Douglas's requirements to the parchment.
After a bit more work, Douglas noticed it was getting late. He gathered the three students and prepared to leave.
At the door, Douglas turned back,
"Oh, Hagrid—if things aren't too busy in the Forest, why not join my morning runs starting tomorrow? Not for fitness, but so you can spend more time with students and get to know their thoughts. It'll help you in class."
Not waiting for Hagrid to protest, Douglas ushered the trio out of the hut and toward the castle.
On the walk back, Douglas said,
"You all have great ideas. If you need any task rewards, just ask me."
Hermione suddenly asked,
"Professor, can we ask other Professors for help? Like, for information about Sirius Black…"
Douglas guessed she'd picked up on something from Hagrid earlier, and smiled,
"Of course—but remember, not every Professor is like Hagrid. Not everyone spills their secrets when they get excited."
Harry pressed,
"Uncle, do you have any recommendations?"
Douglas stopped and answered seriously,
"I suggest you make friends with Professor Lupin. Spend time with him, even tell him directly what you're up to. You can't investigate Sirius Black without him. If you become friends, he'll be a tremendous help."
As they reached the castle doors, they spotted Professor McGonagall waiting for them, arms folded.
They quickly came to a halt. Douglas smiled,
"Good evening, Professor. Burning the midnight oil?"
Professor McGonagall gave a brisk sniff,
"Next time, don't keep students out so late. How's Hagrid?"
Douglas replied,
"He's doing much better. The students helped him put together a new lesson plan. I'll speak to Mr. Malfoy myself…"
McGonagall nodded, then drew Douglas aside and handed him a sheet of parchment.
"This is the new Chamber blueprint. The other Professors have already set up their challenge sections. Because the Chamber is so vast and labyrinthine, every subject Professor at Hogwarts is involved.
Only your Defence Against the Dark Arts section remains. And mind you, these Chamber challenges are serious—if a student can clear a subject's entire section, they qualify to skip the practical graduation exam. So your challenge can't be just another ordinary lesson…"
Douglas took the blueprint and saw that each subject—seven core classes, five electives—had its own area mapped out. Even Care of Magical Creatures was already marked.
McGonagall seemed to notice Douglas's puzzlement and explained with a rare smile,
"Professor Kettleburn's section is his final gift to Hogwarts. Hagrid just has to look after the magical creatures inside from now on."
Douglas nodded. It looked like he'd be busy for a while.
Well, what could he do? No one had expected him to return to Hogwarts this year, so nobody had bothered to tell him about any of this over the summer.
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]