29 Hagrid.

I was studying in the library, trying to understand the runes Dumbledore had worked on my Walkman. I was in deep focus, listening to my classical study mix. It started to make sense when I looked up and saw Hagrid shifting through the books. "Oh, it's time", I whispered to myself.

"Hagrid, what are you doing here?" Ron said from another table. That Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat at. I spied on their conversation, and when Hagrid shuffled off with some books. I saw Golden Trio search where he had been looking.

"Dragons!" Ron shouted. I chuckled to myself.

Hermione made a revision times sheet for everyone in the study group that week. I thanked her, but not everybody was happy.

"I know you don't like all the revisions, but Hermione is correct that tests are important. I believe we'll pass and maybe get some O's in some subjects you're worried about. I said. "Now, if you want O's or a crown in your subjects, I suggest following her guide."

"What's a crown?" Harry asked.

"If you are at the top of the class, your grade is also accompanied by a crown," I said. "It's just bragging rights, but if that's important to you, I would go for it." I explained, "I personally am going for the charms crown." I smiled in a challenge.

The next day in the morning, during the post, I received a letter from the Malhooks; we've been exchanging letters all year. But this one was worrying; Mr Malhook had gone to hospital after a collapse at work. Mrs Malhook said it was a mild heart attack. I patted Henley and gave him some of my breakfast. I started to write out a letter. I wish Mr. Malhook well, and if there are any hospital fees, I can pay them.

"Hospital fees," Grant looked over at what I was writing. "Eddie is everything okay."

"My foster father had a heart attack," I said softly.

"Are you okay?" Grant asked.

"He will be", I said, not listening.

"Eddie, I asked about you," Grant said softly, touching my shoulder.

"Huh, yeah, I will be too, just worried," I said as I folded the parchment and stuffed it into an envelope. "To Mrs Malhook Henley and stick around for a reply" I said to my owl. Henley took off out the great hall window. I watched him leave and let out a breath.

"I'm going on a walk after charms." I said, "To clear my head."

And that's what I did; after Charms's class, I headed out into the grounds, wandering along the path to Hagrid's hut. I found a rock, sat down, and practised a song. I knew the song but didn't know the sheet music, so I was working out the chords when I saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione coming down the path. "Hey," I called out to them.

"Eddie? What are you doing here?" Harry asked.

"Trying to work out a song", I said, "Actually, Hermione, can you tell me if I'm close."

I started to play it with no words, just the music.

"I know that from somewhere," she said.

"We're in a rush," Ron said.

"To go where?" I asked. "We have no classes", I said.

"Hagrids," Harry said, "come along; you might enjoy it."

"Oo-de-lally then," I said and got up.

Hermione laughed. "Really, that's why it was familiar?" She asked.

"Yup, I loved that movie", I said."I'm going to learn all those songs, well, those by Roger Miller. He made a good rooster."

"What are you talking about?" Ron asked.

"Robin Hood", I said.

"Who?" Ron asked.

"Rob from the rich to feed the poor, English outlaw hero," I said.

Harry nodded. Ron shook his head like he didn't know who we were talking about.

We got to Hagrid's hut, and Hagrid let us in. "Who's this?" he pointed at me.

"That's Eddie; he's a bit odd," Ron said.

"He's a Slytherin", Hagrid said.

"Yup, nice to meet you too," I told Hagrid.

"He's fine, hagrid. Eddie's been a good friend, and all the other Slytherins hate him", Ron said.

"Alright then, come on in." I walked into Hagrid's hut. It was cozy.

On the table was Norbert's egg cracking open. "Is this a dragon egg?" I asked, "You hatching a dragon?" I shook my head.

The dragon broke free from his shell, and the Norwegian ridgeback flopped on the table. Large wings, skinny and jet black, the thing looked odd but cute because he was a baby.

Hagrid was playing with the dragon when he spotted Malfoy in the window. Malfoy took off running.

"Hagrid, this is cool and all, but you're going to need to make plans for him or her," I said

"What do you mean?" Hagrid asked.

"That was Draco Malfoy. He has a vicious streak, and his father sits on the board of governors of Hogwarts."I said, pulling out my copy of Fantastic Beasts and where to find them. Flipping open to the page about Norwegian ridgebacks, "3 tons and about 9 meters long", I said, "That's how big they are going to get, and fast." I explained, "Dragons grow fast, like fully grown within two years, and the Norwegian ridgebacks get their fire breath in a few weeks of birth."

"Yes, I know, but he's just a baby", Hagrid said.

"I could message my brother Charlie", Ron suggested. "he's studying Dragons in Romanian.

"Cool", I said to Ron, "but I think we should go for someone local and a bit more sway." I tapped the book. "Mr. Scamander"

"I will think about it", Hagrid said. "Now off back to the castle with you lot."

"Okay, cya Hagrid", Harry said.

As we walked up the path to the castle. I practised and sang to make myself smile and forget the bad news. My light trailed behind me. •Oo-de-lally by Roger Miller•

♫Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly, what a day♫