Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is not meant to infringe upon copyrights.
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The morning's news in the Daily Prophet had left the young wizards listless in class, making it difficult for them to concentrate and listen.
Those from Muggle families were especially troubled. After quickly catching up on information about the Swooping Evil, they couldn't help but worry about their families' safety.
It was one of the most dangerous creatures in the wizarding world, roaming the wilds and feeding on human brains. If it escaped into the Muggle community...
The thought of it only made them even more uneasy. Even while sitting in class, they kept their eyes glued to the windows, hoping for an owl to hoot and bring back a reply.
The professors had no other options but to slow down their teaching and offer their best comfort.
It wasn't until the second period of the morning that things began to improve.
"Cheer up, children."
During Herbology class, Professor Sprout walked into the greenhouse and smiled at the listless young wizards. "Just now, Mr. Newt Scamander has issued a statement confirming that no trace of the Swooping Evil has been found in either the wizarding or Muggle worlds.
So, it's likely flown elsewhere. Don't worry about your families' safety."
As she spoke, Professor Sprout pulled out her treasured brochures and explained Newt Scamander's achievements.
Kyle noticed that some of the brochures were very old, the oldest one completely faded. It commended him for his outstanding contributions to the defeat of the Dark wizard Grindelwald.
It also contained a photo of Newt Scamander, looking young and handsome.
The young wizards felt reassured after reading the brochure.
With the personal assurance of the wizarding world's most renowned Master of Magical Creatures, they felt confident that everything would be fine.
Furthermore, this person was a longtime friend of Headmaster Dumbledore, lending him even more credibility.
By noon, the Great Hall was bustling again.
"I can't believe I forgot I had classes this afternoon," Cedric said disappointedly, picking up a potato in its skin. "Guess I can't go with you to see Hagrid. What a shame."
Second years have more classes than first years, and except for weekends and holidays, they rarely have half a day off.
"It's just to get some fertilizer for the Mooncalf . What's the big deal?" Kyle took a bite of his bread and asked, "Why, are you planning on raising ornamental plants too?"
"No, I'm just interested in the Mooncalf ," Cedric said. "I heard they do a complicated dance in the moonlight. It's magical, and I haven't seen what a real moonbeast looks like yet."
"You probably won't be able to see the dance," Kyle shrugged. "That'll have to wait until nighttime, and by then it'll be well after the castle curfew, unless you want to go on a night out."
"I know," Cedric said. "So I just wanted to see the Mooncalf ."
"That's still possible," Kyle nodded.
Although Mooncalf need to sleep during the day, they usually live in caves and can still be seen from outside.
Of course, the premise is that Hagrid is willing to take them to the Forbidden Forest.
Kyle put down his pumpkin juice. "How about this, let's go straight there after dinner. There's still over an hour before class, so we should be able to make it in time."
Cedric's eyes lit up and said, "Is that okay?"
"Of course, we don't have a scheduled time anyway."
At this time, Kyle also noticed that Kanna seemed interested, so he casually asked, "Do you want to come with us?"
"Yeah!" Kanna hesitated and nodded.
Thanks to Professor Sprout, she now adored Newt Scamander and was intrigued by all the strange and bizarre magical creatures.
So, after lunch, the three of them headed to the cabin next to the Forbidden Forest.
This time, they didn't knock. When they arrived, Hagrid was watering the pumpkin patch.
After Halloween, the massive pumpkins had all disappeared, leaving only a few immature seedlings.
"Go to the Forbidden Forest?"
After Kyle stated his purpose, Hagrid shook his head and said, "No, no, first-year wizards can't go to the Forbidden Forest. It's too dangerous there."
"It's okay, Hagrid."
Kyle said with a smile, "No one at Hogwarts is more familiar with the Forbidden Forest than you. Besides, the Mooncalf lives on the relatively safe edge of the Forbidden Forest. With you following us, we will definitely not be in danger."
"Even if you say that, I will..."
"By the way, you know a lot about magical creatures." Kyle continued, "I dare say that after Professor Kettleburn retires, you will take over as professor of Protection of Magical Creatures."
"Me, as a professor?... No, you must be kidding, how is that possible? I'm far worse than Professor Kettleburn."
Even through his thick beard, Cedric could see the panic on Hagrid's face.
"Okay, but you're right about one thing. I do know those good kids in the Forbidden Forest very well."
Hagrid glanced at the three of them, then put down his water bottle and said, "Come with me. I'll take you to see the Mooncalf .
But you must promise to stay with me and not run around, or I'll send you out immediately and never let you go to the Forbidden Forest again!"
"We promise, Professor Hagrid!" the three of them said in unison.
The word "professor" made Hagrid blush again.
But then he remembered something and his mood suddenly became a little depressed. "I can't be a professor. Don't say that again. It's not good if others hear it."
"You have to have some faith in yourself."
Kyle stepped forward and patted the back of his hand. He said seriously, "In four years at most, you will definitely be a professor."
"Impossible." Hagrid shook his head. "You don't need to comfort me."
He couldn't even use a wand in front of others, so how could he be a professor?
"How about we make a bet?"
Kyle held up four fingers and said, "If you don't become a professor in four years, I'll find a way to get Newt to agree to leave his dragon with you for two months during the summer vacation at Hogwarts."
Hagrid stopped abruptly and turned his head in disbelief and said, "Does Mr. Scamander have a dragon?"
"Yes," Kyle nodded. "It has a very bad temper. After leaving Newt, it will indiscriminately attack all creatures it sees. Therefore, it was returned to the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary three times. The third time, they explicitly refused to accept it.
In addition, its personality is not suitable for being released back into the wild, so it can only be kept in a box."
"I agree." Hagrid nodded immediately.
[End of the chapter]