Chapter 16: Dragons and Sin

The new school term began.

Life continued with its usual routines. Quidditch games energized everyone (except for Leo), homework piled up, and there were no signs of anyone attempting to steal the Philosopher's Stone.

Days were filled with teaching magic to students, conducting personal research, and enjoying weekends with Hermione. It was a fulfilling routine.

One day, Hermione rushed into Leo's study room.

"Leo! Something terrible is happening! Dragons..."

"Calm down, Hermione. Take a deep breaths."

With her composure regained, Hermione explained that Hagrid, of all people, was searching for a particular book in the library and that book happened to be about how to raise dragons. Leo had a bad feeling about this. Curious, Harry and Ron joined Hagrid's expedition to a remote shack, and Leo's suspicions were confirmed. Hagrid was trying to hatch a dragon egg. What's more, Hagrid inadvertently revealed a method to keep Cerberus calm to the suspicious person who possessed the dragon egg.

"He said Cerberus falls asleep when it hears music, can you believe it? And he claimed that raising a dragon without permission is illegal, but it had always been his dream. What do you think, Leo? Should we inform Professor Dumbledore?"

Leo had already made up his mind about Hagrid. Cerberus's weakness had been eliminated, and the Philosopher's Stone's defenses were solid. However uncertain elements needed to be eliminated. Even something that appeared perfect could have hidden vulnerabilities. It was best for Hagrid to disappear.

"Dumbledore won't help. He'll probably just defend Hagrid and overlook the fact that he talked about Cerberus. If someone knows about Cerberus, they likely have their sights on the Philosopher's Stone. Hagrid who is unaware of the danger he's causing should be sent to Azkaban."

"Azkaban?"

"It's like a prison for wizards, but it's also used for executions."

"So, what happens to Hagrid?"

"Holding a dragon egg might not warrant a death sentence, but he won't be out for several years. For now, I'll use my connections to contact the Ministry's Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. As for the dragon... I think I'll secure it for research purposes. Dragon blood, scales, and fangs are valuable materials. With proper care, I might be able to advance my research using the dragon."

"That's a relief. Dragons won't be put down for something they didn't do, even if the eggs were obtained illegally."

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Hagrid's POV 

I love creatures, especially big and strong ones. It's been that way for as long as I can remember; it's like it's engraved in my soul.

I've dreamt countless times of having a dragon as a pet and playing with it.

In the past, I've had my share of ups and downs, but now, as the Gamekeeper at Hogwarts, I get to interact with various creatures. I can't thank Professor Dumbledore enough for that. But still, I can't help but want to have a dragon...

While I was thinking about that, I met someone who was struggling with disposing of a dragon egg. I managed to acquire it through a bet, and I was on top of the world! Well, I may have said a bit too much at the time, but as long as it's within Hogwarts, with Professor Dumbledore around, it should be fine.

Today is the day I've been eagerly waiting for. It looks like the egg is about to hatch! I've invited Harry and Ron to witness this memorable moment with me.

The eggshell cracked open, revealing a beautiful baby dragon inside. I had decided to name it Norbert. When I placed it on my hand, it bit me, but I knew it was just a sign of affection. How adorable it is.

Over the past week, Norbert has been growing rapidly. It's about time to let it out of the hut to soar freely in the sky. I'm sure Harry and Ron feel the same way. They visit almost every day. Today, Ron is playing chase with Norbert.

Ah, every day is full of happiness.

As I savor this happiness, there was a knock on the door of the hut. I hurriedly tried to hide Norbert, but the door opened. Standing on the other side were a man I hadn't met before and a student... I believe the student's name was Leonard Taylor? Both of them were there.

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"Excuse me. I am Walter Howard from the Ministry of Magic, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, specifically assigned to the Dragon Research and Control Division. I've received information about the illegal possession of a Norwegian Ridgeback dragon here. It seems there is no mistake in the information... Now, you will be sent to Azkaban. Of course, you will have the opportunity to defend yourself in court, but I suggest you prepare for at least five years."

"N-No, I don't want to! I haven't done anything wrong! What's the issue with spending time with my favorite animal?

"If you saw someone using unforgivable spells and justifying it by saying, 'I wanted to use them, so what's wrong?' What would you think? They would be considered insane. To me, you seem like just that kind of person. No matter what excuses you make, a crime is a crime. Please, come with me."

"What about Norbert?! He's just been born, and without me, he'll die! I can't leave him all alone!"

"As for that, you can rest assured. Mr. Leonard Taylor here will take him as a research subject. Naturally, we have obtained the Ministry's permission for this. So, Taylor, it's in your hands now."

Hagrid, wearing a look of despair, was led away by Walter. Inside the hut, only Leo, a perplexed Harry, and Ron with hostile intent remained. Leo cast a Stunning Spell on Norbert, who was flying around the hut. Even though it was a child, it was still a dragon. Its movements slowed down but it didn't lose consciousness. However, during that moment, Leo managed to put on a specially prepared collar. Norbert, who had been wildly unruly just moments ago, suddenly calmed down and perched on Leo's shoulder. Having nothing more to do, Leo left the hut.

Then, Ron hurled insults at Leonard Taylor. "Hey! Leonard Taylor! You framed Hagrid, didn't you?! Because you wanted to research dragons, you falsely accused Hagrid and sent him to Azkaban. Give us back Norbert!"

"To keep a dragon, you need permission. He didn't have that permission. Imprisonment is only natural, I think. I have the means to control dragons, but what about him? If he had continued to keep dragons without permission, they would have become uncontrollable, posing a danger to the students. It would have been too late by then. Well, I can't deny that I wanted to study dragons.

"Shut up! I was planning to give Norbert to Charlie, the Dragon Keeper, if he became unmanageable! There was no problem until you interfered, causing all of this!"

"You seem to think covering up the crime is the right thing to do. Well, it doesn't matter."

Ignoring Ron, who might say something more, Leo left the hut. Harry approached him.

"Wait a minute. Is Hagrid really that bad? Is Azkaban really that terrible?"

"Dragons grow quickly, and they're magical creatures that require skilled wizards to handle as a team. Besides, various parts of them, like scales and fangs, can be used in dangerous magical potions. Allowing someone without permission to handle such creatures is a problem. As for Azkaban... Well, in simple terms, it's like a place without happiness, almost like hell."

Hearing this, Harry directed his hate toward Leonard, the one responsible for sending Hagrid to such a place. No matter what problems Hagrid might have had, and no matter how dangerous dragons might be, he was their friend. Sacrificing their friend for the sake of research was unforgivable. There must have been another way.

Although Harry and Ron's relationship with Leo had soured significantly, securing the dragon safely was far more important. As he headed from the hut to his study room, Leo contemplated,

 (Now, what should I research? Utilizing the robust scales, applications in magical potions... There are so many possibilities.)

"Oh, right. I need to give you a name. Calling you Dragon forever will be inconvenient." 

He had been called Norbert, but that name had completely vanished from his mind. Leo knew he lacked a talent for naming, so when he returned to his study room, he decided he would ask Hermione to give the dragon a name.

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It was the exit chapter for the dragon and Hagrid.

Since there were no dragon-related incidents, there are no scenes about the forest and unicorns.

Additionally, there were no point deductions, and Malfoy didn't have any appearances!

The absence of Hagrid does have some impact, so it might be better to deviate from the original story...

As for the dragon's name, what should it be...?