Due to the morning's news in the Daily Prophet, the young wizards were listless during classes, struggling to concentrate on their lessons.
Students from Muggle families were especially affected after learning about the Graphorn — one of the most dangerous creatures in the wizarding world, now wandering free and feeding on human brains. The thought of it reaching Muggle communities filled them with dread.
Their anxiety mounted as they sat in class, eyes constantly drifting to the windows, hoping for owls to bring replies from home.
The professors, having no real solution, could only slow their teaching pace and offer what comfort they could.
Relief finally came during the second morning class.
"Cheer up, children." Professor Sprout said as she entered the greenhouse for Herbology, smiling at the dejected young wizards, "Mr. Newt Scamander has just announced that no trace of the Graphorn has been found in either the wizarding or Muggle worlds. It must have flown elsewhere — your families are safe."
She pulled out some treasured newspaper clippings to share Newt Scamander's achievements with the class.
Kyle noticed several aged clippings, the oldest one faded, documenting Scamander's outstanding role in defeating the Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald.
Among them was a photograph showing Newt Scamander in his youth, handsome and determined.
The young wizards relaxed upon seeing these credentials. If the wizarding world's most prestigious Magizoologist had personally assured their safety, they could rest easy.
His close friendship with Headmaster Dumbledore only added to their confidence in his words.
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By lunchtime, the Great Hall was lively again.
"I can't believe I forgot about my afternoon classes." Cedric sighed, picking up a potato with its skin on, "I won't be able to go with you to see Hagrid — what a shame."
Second-year coursework was heavier than first year's, and except for weekends and holidays, it was rare to have half a day without classes.
"It's just collecting some Mooncalf dung — what's there to be disappointed about?" Kyle asked between bites of bread, "Are you planning to grow ornamental plants too?"
"No, I'm just interested in Mooncalves." Cedric said, "I've heard they perform this complex dance in the moonlight. It sounds fascinating, and I've never seen real Mooncalves before."
"You probably won't see the dance." Kyle shrugged, "That only happens at night, and by then it'll be well past curfew — unless you're planning to sneak out."
"I know." Cedric said, "That's why I just want to see the Mooncalves themselves."
"That should be possible." Kyle nodded.
Although Mooncalves sleep during the day, they live in burrows, so they're still visible from outside — assuming Hagrid will take them into the Forest.
He set down his pumpkin juice, "How about this — let's go right after we finish eating. We still have over an hour until class; we should make it."
Cedric's eyes lit up, "Really?"
"Of course, we didn't set a specific time anyway." Kyle noticed Kanna's interest and casually asked, "Want to come along?"
"Mm!" She hesitated briefly before nodding.
Thanks to Professor Sprout, she now greatly admired Newt Scamander and was very curious about magical creatures.
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After lunch, the three of them headed to the small hut by the Forbidden Forest.
They didn't need to knock — Hagrid was outside watering his pumpkin patch. The huge Halloween pumpkins were gone, leaving only young seedlings in their place.
"The Forest?" After Kyle explained their request, Hagrid shook his head vigorously, "No, no, first-years can't go into the Forest. It's too dangerous."
"It'll be fine, Hagrid." Kyle said with a smile, "No one at Hogwarts knows the Forest better than you, and besides, the Mooncalves live near the edge where it's relatively safe. With you accompanying us, we won't be in any danger."
"Even if you say that, I still..."
"Besides, you're really knowledgeable about magical creatures." Kyle continued, "I bet you'll become the Care of Magical Creatures professor after Professor Kettleburn retires."
"Me, a professor? No, you must be joking — that's impossible. I'm nowhere near Professor Kettleburn's level."
Even through his thick beard, Cedric could see the half-giant's flustered expression.
"Well, you're right about one thing—I do know the little ones in the Forest quite well." Hagrid looked at the three of them, then set down his watering can, "Come on then, I'll take you to see the Mooncalves. But you must promise to stay close to me and not wander off, or I'll send you straight back and never let you into the Forest again!"
"We promise, Professor Hagrid!" The three said in unison.
The word "professor" made him blush deeply again.
But soon he seemed to remember something, and his mood suddenly dropped, "I can't be a professor, don't call me that anymore. It wouldn't be right for others to hear."
"You need to have more confidence in yourself." Kyle said seriously, patting his hand, "In four years at most, you'll definitely be a professor."
"Impossible." Hagrid shook his head, "You don't need to comfort me."
He couldn't even use a wand in front of others — how could he possibly become a professor?
"Let's make a bet then." Kyle said, holding up four fingers, "If you haven't become a professor in four years, I'll convince Newt to let you keep his dragon here for two months during Hogwarts' summer holiday."
Hagrid stopped abruptly and turned around in disbelief, "Mr. Scamander has a dragon?"
"Yes." Kyle nodded, "It's too aggressive — whenever it leaves Newt's care, it attacks any creature it sees indiscriminately. The Romanian Dragon Sanctuary has sent it back three times, and the third time they explicitly refused to take it again. Since its temperament makes it unsuitable for release into the wild, it can only be kept in the case."
"I agree." Hagrid nodded immediately.
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