"... Hagrid, that's pretty much the situation."
After hearing Lucien's explanation, Hagrid chuckled, "No need to apologize to me, my friend."
"Oh, by the way, how are the vegetables I planted? Does your Lumina like them?"
Lucien had gradually gotten used to Hagrid's rather unusual thought process.
His first reaction was to ask if the vegetables were tasty; this half-Giant friend's straightforwardness and kindness made Lucien feel a bit ashamed.
"Uh, it thinks they're very good, it really likes the taste of those vegetables."
"Haha, that's good. How come I don't see your pet?"
Lucien casually answered Hagrid's question:
"That kid is still playing in the Forbidden Forest."
Hagrid nodded, then reminded him, "Then you'd better tell it to be careful; there are still some dangerous creatures in the Forbidden Forest."
Lucien expressed understanding, said thank you, but he wasn't too worried about the Lumina.
Thinking about the terrifying power of the Purifying Flame and the unrestrained Apparition, he should probably worry about whether Glimmer might burn through the Forbidden Forest one day.
Hmm, thankfully, Unicorn only needs to consume dew and the essence of plants; it's a vegetarian, otherwise, the animals in the Forbidden Forest would become its buffet.
Lucien and Hagrid chatted while petting Fang's head.
For some reason, Fang, who had kept his distance from him the previous few times, actively came over to seek pets today.
Is it because he's been coming to Hagrid's more often and has gotten familiar with Fang?
Or has something changed about him these past two days...?
Whoosh—
A crimson ball of fire appeared beside Hagrid's cabin, followed by a large red bird flying out of it.
"Fawkes!"
Hagrid immediately called out the Phoenix's name.
Lucien's thoughts were also interrupted by Fawkes's appearance, and he couldn't help but look at this legendary bird.
According to the Popular Science in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," the number of Phoenixes is extremely rare.
It is said that the Dumbledore family has a deep connection with Phoenixes, and when a family member needs help, a Phoenix will appear.
So this is Headmaster Dumbledore's Phoenix, huh? Well, its entrance effect is quite magnificent.
Hagrid thought Headmaster Dumbledore had sent Fawkes to find him again, so he extended his arm, ready to catch it.
However, Fawkes didn't even look at him, flying straight towards Lucien and finally hovering in front of the young man.
Is it here for him?
Lucien subconsciously extended his arm, and Fawkes elegantly landed on it.
It feels quite light, actually. It looks so big; is it just fluffy, with thick feathers?
After Fawkes settled, it stretched its head and rubbed Lucien's hair, appearing very affectionate.
"Hagrid, is this...?"
Hagrid scratched his messy hair,
"Headmaster Dumbledore probably needs to see you, that's why he sent Fawkes."
"But I've never seen a Phoenix be so friendly with people before."
"Oh right, Fawkes's way of transporting people..."
Before Hagrid could finish, large flames erupted from Fawkes, engulfing both himself and Lucien.
The next moment, Lucien appeared in the Headmasters Office.
"Good morning, Lucien."
Lucien saw an old man with white hair and beard, wearing half-moon spectacles, greeting him.
"Good morning, Headmaster Dumbledore."
As Lucien greeted him, Fawkes still lingered on his arm, even starting to preen his hair with its beak.
Seeing this, Headmaster Dumbledore couldn't help but be surprised; it was the first time he had seen Fawkes so affectionate with anyone else.
"Haha, it seems Fawkes really likes you."
"Old friend, go rest for a bit. I have some things to discuss with this young Wizard."
However, Fawkes completely ignored Headmaster Dumbledore, continuing to preen Lucien's hair.
This made Headmaster Dumbledore slightly awkward, and it wasn't until Lucien gently patted Fawkes that it reluctantly flew away.
Lucien was also a bit puzzled; why was the Phoenix so close to him?
And Fang too; rather than gradually getting familiar, it seemed more like a sudden onset of closeness.
Both of them like this, so there must be some new quality about him.
Recently...
Glimmer's awakening? Or perhaps because he, as the Unicorn's owner, had undergone some changes that these animals and magical creatures could sense?
Because the Lumina was dormant in the system space before, or was still in its infancy, this change in quality wasn't obvious?
Hmm, next time he goes to the Forbidden Forest, he'll try it with other fantastic beasts to verify.
Lucien was deep in thought when his gaze was suddenly drawn to something.
In the center of the room, a square glass cabinet stood, with shaded candle lamps placed at its four corners.
A patched, cracked, grayish-white hat lay in the middle of the cabinet.
"Sorting Hat? How did you turn white?"
"Oh, yes, yes, someone finally recognized me!"
"Lucien, putting you in Ravenclaw was indeed the right choice, unlike that short-sighted boy last time..."
"You are indeed very clever, truly the most talented young Wizard I've seen in all these years..."
The Sorting Hat chattered on, and Lucien turned to look at Headmaster Dumbledore, a hint of confusion in his eyes, as if to ask: Is this normal?
Headmaster Dumbledore merely spread his hands,
"After the last Sorting Ceremony, it became much more active. It talks like this for a while every day."
Headmaster Dumbledore's expression couldn't help but turn strange as he recalled his conversation with the Sorting Hat that night. He had only wanted to ask about Lucien's character and talent, but it ended up costing him a glass display cabinet and a monthly hat cleaning.
Lucien nodded. It seemed that after a thousand years of work, the magic hat had gone mad.
After Lucien sat down, Headmaster Dumbledore conjured honey water, lemon drops, licorice wands...
Looking at the variety of sweets on the table, Lucien couldn't help but inwardly grumble, truly the old bee Dumbledore.
"Lucien, this should be our first conversation, but I've already heard about you from several Professors."
"They all speak quite highly of you, saying you are a very talented, diligent, and humble student."
"That's also due to the kindness of the teachers; I am very grateful for their guidance and help."
Headmaster Dumbledore surely didn't call him here just for praise, did he? Hogwarts doesn't have "Excellent Student" awards.
Lucien felt that his performance at the start of the year was quite normal. Besides learning a bit faster and showing some magic talent, there was no need for the Principal to call him in for a talk.
But it was good timing anyway. He had wanted to talk to Headmaster Dumbledore about going to Quirrell for Defense Against the Dark Arts tutoring.
It's safer to give Headmaster Dumbledore a heads-up.
Lucien was wondering how to bring up the matter with Headmaster Dumbledore when Headmaster Dumbledore suddenly asked:
"Lucien, I was chatting with Professor Flitwick earlier, and he mentioned you wanted to try using the Undetectable Extension Charm to contain living creatures?"
"Hmm, yes, but Professor Flitwick also told me it would be very difficult to achieve."
Headmaster Dumbledore nodded, and a letter floated into his hand.
"Actually, regarding this question, I consulted an old friend."
"His name is Newt, Newt Scamander. Have you heard of him?"
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