Chapter 56: Bet With Hagrid

Due to the news in the Daily Prophet in the morning, young wizards lacked enthusiasm during classes. It was difficult for them to settle down and focus on class.

Especially those from Muggle families. After hastily learning about the situation with the Swooping Evil, they couldn't help but worry about the safety of their families.

It was one of the most dangerous creatures in the magical world that roamed freely and fed on human brains. If it made its way to a Muggle community…

Thinking about this, their unease deepened. Even sitting in the classroom, their eyes were fixed on the windows, hoping for the owl to bring back a reply soon.

The professors had no better solution. They could only slow down the pace of teaching and offer as much comfort as possible.

It wasn't until the second class in the morning, Herbology, that the situation improved.

"Cheer up, children."

In Herbology class, Professor Sprout entered the greenhouse and, looking at the listless young wizards, smiled. "Just now, Mr. Newt Scamander issued a statement, confirming that there have been no traces of the Swooping Evil in both the magical and Muggle worlds.

So, it has likely flown elsewhere, and you don't need to worry about the safety of your families anymore."

As Professor Sprout spoke, she took out the briefing notes that she had treasured for many years and told everyone about Newt Scamander's achievements.

Kyle noticed that some of the notes were quite old, with the oldest one fading.

It commended him for his outstanding contribution in defeating the Dark Lord Grindelwald.

There was also a photo of a young and handsome Newt Scamander.

After reading the notes, the young wizards felt considerably relieved.

The fact that the most renowned Magizoologist personally assured them should suffice.

Moreover, he was a close friend of Headmaster Dumbledore for many years, further enhancing his credibility.

By lunchtime, the atmosphere in the Great Hall became lively once again.

"I can't believe I forgot about the afternoon classes." Cedric picked up a skinned potato, disappointed. "Looks like I can't go with you to find Hagrid. What a pity."

Second-year coursework was more demanding than the first year, and apart from weekends and holidays, there were rarely half-day breaks from classes.

"We are just going to get some fertilizer from the Mooncalves, that's all." Kyle took a bite of bread and asked, "Why? Are you planning to cultivate decorative plants as well?"

"No, I'm just interested in Mooncalves." Cedric said, "I heard they perform a complex dance under moonlight, which sounds magical. Plus, I haven't seen what Mooncalves actually look like."

"You might not see the dance." Kyle shrugged, "That has to wait until night, and by then, it's already past the castle curfew unless you fancy some nighttime wandering."

"I know," Cedric said, "So, that's why I just want to see the Mooncalves."

"That's still possible." Kyle nodded.

Even though Mooncalves slept during the day, they usually lived in caves, visible from the outside.

Of course, the condition was that Hagrid was willing to take them into the Forbidden Forest.

After finishing his pumpkin juice, Kyle suggested, "How about we go right after lunch? There's still over an hour before class which should be enough time."

Cedric's eyes lit up, "Is that okay?"

"Of course, we didn't set a time anyway."

At that moment, Kyle also noticed Kanna seemed interested. He casually asked, "Do you want to come as well?"

"Yes!" Kanna hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Thanks to Professor Sprout, she now admired Newt Scamander greatly and was curious about all those peculiar magical creatures.

After lunch, the three of them headed to the small cabin next to the Forbidden Forest.

This time, there was no need to knock. When they arrived, Hagrid was watering the pumpkin patch.

After Halloween, the massive pumpkins in the field were nowhere to be seen, leaving only some seedlings that had yet to mature.

"To the Forbidden Forest?"

After Kyle explained their purpose, Hagrid shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, first-year wizards can't go to the Forbidden Forest. It's too dangerous."

"It's okay, Hagrid."

Kyle smiled, "No one knows the Forbidden Forest better than you at Hogwarts. Moreover, Mooncalves live on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, which is relatively safe. With you leading us, we will definitely not be in any danger."

"Even if you say so, I..."

"By the way, you also have a good understanding of magical creatures." Kyle continued, "I bet that after Professor Kettleburn retires, you'll be the one to take over as professor of Care of Magical Creatures."

"Me, a professor?... No, you must be joking. How is that possible? I'm far inferior to Professor Kettleburn."

Even through his thick beard, Cedric could see the anxiety on Hagrid's face.

"Alright, but you're correct about one thing. I do know a lot about those obedient children in the Forbidden Forest."

Hagrid looked at the three of them and then put down the watering can, saying, "Follow me. I'll take you to see those Mooncalves.

But you must promise to stay close to me and not run around. Otherwise, I'll immediately send you out and never let you go into the Forbidden Forest again!"

"We promise, Professor Hagrid!" The three of them said in unison.

The word "professor" once again made Hagrid blush.

But soon, he thought of something, and his mood suddenly became somewhat melancholic. "I can't be a professor. Please don't say that in the future, it's not good if others hear it."

"You need to have a little confidence in yourself."

Kyle reached out and patted his back, saying seriously, "You'll definitely become a professor in four years at most."

"Impossible." Hagrid shook his head, "You don't have to comfort me."

He couldn't even use a wand in front of others, how could he become a professor?

"How about we make a bet?"

Kyle held out four fingers, "If you don't become a professor in four years, I'll find a way to get Newt to agree to let a dragon stay with you for two months during the summer holidays at Hogwarts."

Hagrid suddenly stopped, turning around in disbelief, "Mr. Scamander has a dragon?"

"Yes." Kyle nodded, "Because of its bad temper, it would indiscriminately attack any creature it saw after leaving Newt, so it was sent back by the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary three times. On the third time, they explicitly stated their refusal to take it back.

Besides, its temperament was not suitable for release into the wild, so it could only be kept in the suitcase."

"I agree." Hagrid nodded immediately.

(End of chapter)