969 Felicitations

The rest of the day passed in a blur including tutoring followed by their Gobbledegook class in the evening. Their Gobbledegook class at least proved interesting as Professor Manzil Snipe proceeded to introduce them to the different traditions between goblin clans. Apparently, there were dozens of goblin clans throughout the known magical world, but they all were ruled over by Grok Gringotts. The goblin clans had united after the creation of Gringotts to follow one sole Goblin King. However, each goblin clan was led by their own Goblin Chief, their own ruler of sorts. It was similar to a monarchy system, where the King is the sole ruler of the land, but there are various nobles governing over providences under his rule.

The various goblin clans all looked different too. Some are lighter or darker than others. Some are taller, shorter, or stouter than others. Not to mention, that there even existed differences in the types of magic goblin's practice much like in the wizarding world. That is not to say there is not a general overlap, but there are unique differences that arose due to.

And though it was a rather fascinating discussion by the end of it all, Rowan was rather tired. Still, she had made a promise and so after dinner, Rowan slipped away. Standing in front of the front entrance to Hogwarts, she donned a thick fur-lined cloak and a thick dark scarf. She wore a pair of warm fur-lined gloves and made certain to pull up her hood before exiting the castle into the bitter, dark cold.

Rowan's warm breath leaves smoky clouds of air that quickly dissipate in the brisk wind. Her cloak flaps loudly about her causing her to tuck her face deeper into her scarf. The bitter wind tosses icy, damp snowflakes into the air striking her face and creeping inside. The sky is dark and gloomy with the threat of another late-night snowstorm.

The wind shrilly begins to pick up and Rowan is barely able to hear her feet crunching through the snow. The inky black lake in the distance is completely frozen over and is finally safe for students to ice skate on. It was a popular destination for many of the Hogwarts students, especially among couples.

More so with the Hogwarts Board announcement of a Physical Education course to be added next year to the curriculum. Many of the muggleborn students waited eagerly in anticipation and had even begun to introduce the game of ice hockey to their pureblood friends. Professor Elias Murphy especially helped explain muggle sports as part of his class and the fairly popular club that he ran after school.

The muggle sport of Ice Hockey gained popularity among the students since the game resembled Quidditch to an extent and was especially popular with the beaters and keepers of the Hogwarts teams. The Quidditch Captains were also intrigued as the sport taught their Chasers to pass better and the entire team how to strategize and collaborate. Even Sirius was seen playing in conjunction with various members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team including Peter, (who turned out to be a nimble ice hockey athlete).

Stifling a chuckle at the memory, Rowan is not able to prevent the corner of her lips from pulling up in a faint smile. Glancing up from her memories, she found herself near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. There at the edge is a large hut with smoke trailing from the chimney. The windowpanes glow warmly despite the layer of frozen snow and frost.

Seeing Hagrid's hut within reach, Rowan presses forward despite the bone-chilling wind. Stomping her feet loudly against the doormat, she raises her chilled gloved hand to loudly knock on the door. From inside the cottage, Fang's loud barks can be heard as he excitedly leaps at the door having recognized the scent.

"Down Fang," Hagrid affectionately said to the boarhound, before moving to open the door. "Tis a bit late for a visit," he loudly said as he curiously opened the door to the unexpected visitor on his doorstep.

Hagrid looked handsome and muscular wearing a well-fitted logger button-up shirt. His glossy dark hair is lazily pulled back with a hair tie and his beard is neatly trimmed. He looked ruggedly handsome, and he knew it too now, (thanks to his beloved opal and all the female students who tended to openly sigh at him. Hagrid was dense, but not that dense…)

A beaming smile appeared on Hagrid's face as he recognized the late-night visitor. "Come, come in Rowan. I know you've been busy being a Prefect and all."

"Thank you, Hagrid," Rowan sincerely mumbled as she stepped into the toasty warm cottage. Her glasses thankfully are enchanted not to fog up and something which she is profoundly thankful for. Then again, Goblins were the best of craftsmen.

"Nah, tis alright," Hagrid earnestly said as he firmly closed the door. "I've frankly been busy being an assistant professor and being apprenticed to Professor Kettleburn. I've got the kettle on the stove would you like a cuppa of tea?"

"Yes, that would be lovely, Hagrid," Rowan thankfully replied as she sat down in one of the large wooden chairs.

"I don't get many visitors at this hour," Hagrid explained as he poured tea into a mug. "I thought it might be Caretaker Filch needing something done."

"Yes, I can understand that," Rowan mumbled trying to keep Fang at bay. The boarhound excitedly leaped up and tried to lick Rowan's face, who did her best to dodge the dog's slobber. She firmly pushed the dog down, who did not take no for an answer. Instead, Fang rested his head on her robes drooling over her robs. She physically shudders in distaste but permits Fang to curl up at her feet. A great thing about dragonhide botos is that they kept everything out including dog slobber…

"And on that note, how is your tutelage under Professor Kettleburn going Hagrid?" Rowan asked as Hagrid set a teacup in front of Rowan and a plate full of rock-hard raisin cookies.

"Quite well," Hagrid happily answered as he sat down causing his chair to creak. "Professor Kettleburn reckons that at this rate I will complete my apprenticeship by the end of this school year. He says, I nearly as good a Mister Newt Scamander when it comes to taming beasties. Why Olympe is so proud! Including my mum!"

Hagrid paused to sheepishly scratch his cheek. "Though Mum doesn't right understand what the means. Mum thinks I'm some sort of Giant Shaman."

"Is that so bad?" Rowan asked as she took a sip of the strong flavored tea. Normally she would be opposed to the strength of the tea, but it felt just right with the cold weather. She softly blew on her tea and took another sip to warm herself up.

Hagrid makes a wry face at the question, before carefully saying, "Giant shamans are greatly respected by all giants. They are considered sacred, sort-of like mystical leaders."

"I am certain that is a sincere compliment, Hagrid," Rowan said as she set her teacup down and reached over for a rock-hard raisin cookie. It was time to pretend to eat the inedible cookie lest she hurt Hagrid's feelings. "And besides I cannot think anyone better suited to be a leader."

"Ah, shucks," Hagrid flushed at the compliment. "Thank you, Rowan." He happily said, before pushing the plate of cookies towards her. "Eat up, there's plenty!"

"Right," Rowan drily said as she discreetly handed the rock-hard cookie to Fang underneath the table and reached for another. These cookies were weapons of war of that much she was certain of. On the other hand, maybe, they could be used as house bricks. That certainly explained the real-life tale of the witch from Hansel and Gretel.