Chapter 56: Hagrid, the Studious

After eight hours of study, Hermione felt a bit tired. She lazily stretched, blinked her eyes, moistening the dry orbs. She gathered the day's study results and stashed them in her backpack. Looking at the thick stack of notes and papers, Hermione felt incredibly content and satisfied. Even Tom, sitting next to her, seemed much more agreeable.

"It's time to eat," Hermione realized, feeling that she had missed lunch. She was now ravenously hungry, and she dragged Tom along to the Great Hall.

During dinner, Tom not only filled his plate with a substantial amount of food for himself but also packed a bunch of drumsticks and wings. Every evening, he made sure to release the bird-snake and feed it, while also taking the opportunity to clean its teapot.

After a day of intensive revision on Saturday, Tom was brimming with confidence. He began visiting each professor one by one, asking for assessments. He started with the amiable Professor Sprout, who taught Herbology and was also the head of Hufflepuff. Then, he visited Professor Aurora Sinistra, who taught Astronomy, and Professor McGonagall, who taught Transfiguration.

The assessments went smoothly. Tom breezed through the professors' examinations, gaining their approval and insights. The professors unanimously suggested that since he had mastered the first-year curriculum, he should start self-studying second-year magic.

Now, there was only one person left—Professor Severus Snape, the Potions master.

Tom hesitated and felt conflicted. He wasn't particularly eager to approach Snape for an assessment. Dealing with a prickly professor like Snape was best done by keeping a respectful distance. But circumstances forced Tom's hand.

After one Potions class, Snape detained Tom.

"I heard you've been seeking early final exams from various professors," Snape said, his emotionless eyes fixed on Tom.

"Yes, Professor."

"Very well," Snape said with a sarcastic smile. "If our brilliant Mr. Yodel wants to add some challenges and pressure to his life, I, as a professor, won't stand in the way." Snape waved his wand, and a set of potion ingredients and a cauldron appeared on a desk. "The exam is simple: brew a Forgetfulness Potion. If there's a mistake, your days will be spent in detention."

Snape left Tom to his task, watching intently. Snape seemed determined that any error, even a minor one, would result in failure. However, Tom disappointed Snape, completing the Forgetfulness Potion flawlessly.

Snape checked Tom's work with a stern face and then declared that he had passed the assessment. Afterward, he swiftly left, appearing uncomfortable staying a moment longer in the Potions classroom. Unbeknownst to Snape, he left behind a forgotten notebook on the lectern.

With that, Tom completed his theoretical breakthrough in magical knowledge. In the days that followed, he immersed himself in the library, practiced Quidditch, and played several successful matches with his team. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were both undefeated, setting the stage for a crucial match between them to determine the winner of the Quidditch Cup.

Tom's routine continued until Easter break. On a sunny Saturday morning, while studying in the library with Hermione, they spotted an unusual visitor—Hagrid.

It was strange to associate Hagrid with the library, but there he was, attempting to move quietly despite his massive frame. Though he tried to keep noise to a minimum, his sheer size betrayed him.

"Hagrid, what are you doing here?" Hermione noticed him, greeted him, and asked curiously.

"Oh, just lookin' for some books," Hagrid replied evasively, sounding nervous. His reaction piqued Hermione's interest.

"If it's about magical creatures, we've read quite a few books. Maybe we can help," Hermione offered, handing Hagrid a stack of books, including titles like "From Egg to Inferno," "The Dragon Keeper's Guide," and "Raising Dragons for Fun and Profit."

"I hope these can be of assistance," Hermione said, passing the books to Hagrid.

Hagrid revealed a broad, grateful smile and nodded. "Thanks a lot. I won't disturb ya any longer. I'll be goin' now."

"Wait, Hagrid! You're still looking for something?" Harry, Ron, and Neville suddenly appeared. Their backpacks bulged with books, indicating a substantial amount of research.

Hagrid became wary. "You lot still investigatin' Nicolas Flamel, eh?"

"Ha! We figured out who he is ages ago!" Ron looked smug.

"Nicolas Flamel? I remember he's a skilled alchemist, able to create the Philosopher's Stone," Tom casually remarked, holding a book titled "Varieties of Dragons in Britain and Ireland."

This comment shattered the composure of everyone present.

Hagrid was on the verge of collapse—angry at himself. He had been tasked by Dumbledore to keep this secret, and now one more person knew!

Harry, Ron, and Neville were in shock—months of research, and the answer was known to Tom all along!

Hermione looked curiously at the three boys. It seemed they knew something she didn't.

In the end, Hagrid exploded in frustration. He warned them to stop investigating, emphasizing that it had nothing to do with them. He then hastily left.

Hermione, still curious, observed the three boys. They seemed to know something she didn't.

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(End of this chapter)