Chapter 36: Warning

"Why are they so friendly to you?"

Hagrid asked curiously as he poured water for Luke.

George and Fred were crouched by the fireplace, taking turns petting Fang.

It was clear from their movements that they were quite skilled, and Fang was thoroughly enjoying it. Who knows if they had used this trick to win Fang over before?

"Well, it might sound a bit self-indulgent, but it's natural," Luke said as he took a sip from the cup, not minding Hagrid's choice of mug, though he didn't examine it too closely to avoid ruining the moment.

"Natural talent, huh..." Hagrid nodded with some understanding, though there was also a hint of regret in his voice.

He didn't think there was anything wrong with the situation. On the contrary, he understood well that in the field of magical creature studies, you either had extraordinary persistence, a natural affinity with magical creatures, or absolute strength. 

Of course, the top researchers often had all three qualities—like Newt Scamander, for example.

"Do you want to become a magical creature researcher?"

Hagrid asked, taking a sip of hot water himself, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.

If Luke answered yes, Hagrid would immediately send a report to Professor McGonagall and have Luke visit once a week to help patrol the Forbidden Forest. 

In reality, Hagrid would mostly be watching over Luke as he observed and studied the magical creatures.

After all his years in the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid knew that there were still many magical creatures deep in the forest that he hadn't discovered. Most of these creatures either didn't like him or couldn't defeat him. As a result, they kept their distance from him and his loyal companion, Fang. Hagrid's resistance to magic, inherited from his giant blood, along with his younger brother, who was more giant than human, meant that these two were nearly as formidable as some of the most dangerous creatures in the Forbidden Forest.

This made it difficult for Hagrid to observe magical creatures like the Demiguise or Occamy, as they didn't enjoy being around someone with giant blood.

But with someone like Luke, who had a high affinity for magical creatures, perhaps things could change.

However, Luke shook his head slightly, a bit regretfully. "I do love magical creatures, but I don't think I have enough time to dedicate to it. You know my position—it means I can't always do what I want."

At this, the other three present exchanged slightly awkward looks with Luke.

It was true—Luke, as the current head of the Gaunt family, tasked with dragging his family out of the mud, didn't have many choices.

"I see"

Hagrid sighed with a hint of resignation. Although disappointed, he couldn't argue with Luke's reasoning.

Seeing Hagrid's disappointed expression, Luke's lips curled into a barely noticeable smile.

Then, he patted Hagrid's shoulder and said, "Don't be too disappointed, Hagrid. I'll come and help you whenever I can on the weekends. I'm not sure how much help I'll be, but I'll do my best."

"Really?! That's fantastic!"

Hagrid was visibly overjoyed.

Luke smiled. "Of course. I can't promise for sure, but I'll try my best. Sometimes the professors' assignments might be a bit overwhelming."

"I understand!" Hagrid laughed heartily. "But I'm sure you'll manage just fine, Luke."

Luke kept smiling, though inside, he was a bit nervous.

He really wasn't so sure. The system's evaluations were accurate, and they indicated that his talent in Potions and Herbology was indeed quite lacking.

And there were other subjects, like Astronomy and Ancient Runes, where the system hadn't provided any hints. Luke didn't know why, and the system wasn't giving him any answers. He could only leave it at that.

So, while Luke was confident about his schoolwork, it wasn't absolute confidence.

"It's getting late, Hagrid. We should head back now. We've got classes tomorrow," Luke said, deciding to push aside those thoughts for now.

With the day's main objectives accomplished, he was ready to leave. After all, he was still a child physically, and a good night's sleep would do him good.

"Oh, right, you should get going!" Hagrid replied, glancing over at the twins, who were busy snooping around, seemingly searching for something interesting to take with them.

"And especially you two," Hagrid added, "stop sneaking off with things every time. If you want something, just ask me directly. If I can give it to you, I will..."

Luke could tell from Hagrid's weary tone that he'd had his fair share of trouble with the twins.

The moment Hagrid started speaking, George and Fred quickly hid their hands behind their backs, grinning mischievously.

George said, "Well, of course, we tell you about the things we're allowed to take."

Fred added, "But some things, you know, are generally off-limits~"

Hagrid: "..."

Luke, trying to stifle a laugh, said, "Alright, enough messing around. Time to go."

Despite their apparent maturity in some ways, the twins were only a year older than Luke.

"Got it!" X2

They both replied, standing at attention and giving a mock salute, mimicking the formal response Aurors give to their superiors, as if they'd been ordered to charge into a Death Eater stronghold.

Hagrid, a bit bewildered, looked back and forth between Luke and the twins. Despite their playful antics, there was a hint of seriousness and respect in their actions.

How had Luke managed that?

Luke noticed Hagrid's surprise, but this was expected. Any of the other professors would likely have been equally astonished if they saw this.

After all, if some students were considered the "trouble" of their respective Heads of Houses, then the Weasley twins were on another level—they were the school's troublemakers.

But Luke had no intention of explaining. What could he say?

It's just a matter of money?

As Hagrid watched in wonder, the twins, still playfully bantering, followed Luke out of the hut.

"Oh, by the way, Hagrid," Luke turned back to say, "a Runespoor told me there might be some danger in the Forbidden Forest in the next few days. Be careful on your patrols and stay safe."

"Don't worry, I'll be careful."

Hagrid's expression turned serious as he nodded. He didn't take Luke's warning lightly.

Luke nodded back and continued on his way.

One quiet, two lively, the three of them quickly disappeared into the night.

Hagrid watched their retreating figures with a sense of contentment. The twins had finally found someone who could keep them in check. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Hagrid then turned to inspect his collection.

Unicorn tail hair? Still there. Occamy eggshells? Not missing... wait, how did he have more than before?

Puzzled, Hagrid glanced again in the direction the trio had gone, but the dark night offered no answers.

A faint smile appeared on his lips, though it quickly faded as he hurried over to another cabinet. These were high-risk items—he couldn't let those two get their hands on them to sell.

"Fred, did you return the stuff to Hagrid?" George asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I did. You've been going on about it since last time. It's just an Occamy eggshell. If Hagrid didn't allow it, we couldn't have taken it out of the hut," Fred replied.

"That's different. Occamy eggshells are expensive!" George said.

"Alright, alright, you're right. Not that we're short on money anymore. I gave it back."

Luke overheard their conversation from behind and smiled warmly.

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