HOGWARTS - HARRY

Dylan didn't comment on what the younger students said.

If simply asking a teacher for advice counted as bravery, then Harry and the others were indeed correct.

"Hopefully, Professor Snape will be in his office over the weekend," Dylan thought.

After returning home that evening, he planned to take some time to sort out his confusion about Potions. He decided to wait until the weekend before bothering Snape.

For now, he had other things to do.

Walking out of the classroom alongside Harry and Ron, he glanced at Harry.

"Are you ready to go now?"

During breakfast, he had arranged to visit Hagrid's hut with Harry after class.

Harry's stomach growled. "Uh, I plan to go after I finish eating," he admitted.

The exhausting Potions lesson had left Harry eager to grab some food.

"Alright, looks like you're starving." Dylan nodded.

Harry sighed helplessly. "You have no idea how it feels to be stared at by Professor Snape all day. I had to sit up straight the whole time."

Dylan chuckled as he, Ron, and Harry made their way to the Great Hall.

After Dinner

Harry, now feeling more energetic, perked up, and Ron, too, seemed livelier.

Hearing that Dylan planned to visit Hagrid, Ron immediately insisted on tagging along.

Dylan had no objections.

The three left the castle, heading towards Hagrid's hut.

"Hey, big guy, we're here to see you!" Ron called out even before they reached the door.

"Oh, it's you little wizards!"

Hagrid beamed upon seeing Harry and warmly welcomed them inside.

"Have you eaten yet? I've got some rock cakes here. They're delicious—give them a try!"

Hagrid proudly placed a plate of what looked like stones on the table.

"We've already eaten, but we could use some dessert," Ron said, reaching for one of the rock cakes.

"Crack!"

"Hiss!"

Ron's eyes widened as pain shot through his jaw.

He felt as if his teeth were about to break!

"Why is this cake so hard?"

Curious, Harry picked up a piece and bit into it, but after chewing for what felt like an eternity, he barely managed to break off a few crumbs.

"Oh my god, did you use a Hardening Charm on this cookie? I need to learn the Shattering Charm right now!" Ron groaned.

Dylan knew the spell, but he was still a novice at it. He had no intention of struggling with the rock cake, so he simply left it untouched.

Hagrid scratched his head. "Oh, right—these might be a bit tough for you lot to chew."

"If you can't eat it, let Fang have it. Magic can heal injuries, but I don't want you breaking your teeth," Hagrid chuckled.

Harry quickly tossed his rock cake to Fang.

Ron, however, was determined to keep battling his.

Fang eagerly devoured Harry's cake and then trotted over to Dylan, wagging his tail.

Dylan simply patted the massive dog on the head.

Seeing no food coming his way, Fang turned his attention to Ron.

The dog ran back and forth between them, panting loudly with his tongue hanging out. His strong but uncoordinated limbs caused him to stumble into the sofa a few times.

Ron finally gave up his fight and discreetly slipped his rock cake to Fang.

As Hagrid poured water for everyone, he turned around just in time to see Fang's enthusiasm.

He laughed heartily. "Looks like Fang really likes you all. You should play with him more."

After handing out the drinks, Hagrid settled into a chair and let out a sigh. His gaze landed on Ron.

"I'm glad to see you getting along with Fang. It reminds me of your brother Charlie—he's got a way with magical creatures that few wizards do."

Ron blinked. "What about Fred and George?"

Hagrid's face scrunched up. "Don't even mention those two troublemakers!"

After Fang finished devouring the rock cake, Harry began playing with him.

Seizing the moment, Dylan turned to Hagrid. "Sir, I have a favor to ask."

Hagrid looked surprised. He had heard McGonagall mention Dylan several times—a bright student, full of potential. Even Snape, who rarely lost his temper, had been irritated by him that morning.

Now, this little wizard was approaching him with a request.

Did he want advice about magical creatures?

Hagrid straightened up slightly, suddenly feeling rather professor-like.

"Go on."

Dylan smiled. "I love magical animals, and I've been thinking about raising a Wu Ying as a pet for a while now. But I heard I need a breeding license. I was hoping you could write me a letter of recommendation."

Hagrid's eyebrows shot up.

"Wu Ying? Now that's a fine choice—they're adorable creatures. You've got good taste."

After a brief pause, he nodded. "Alright, I'll write a letter and send it to the Bureau for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. With my referral, they should process it quickly."

"Thank you! My name is Dylan Hawkwood, by the way."

Hagrid grinned. "I know who you are. You're that bright little wizard who keeps professors busy even during their breaks! Hahaha!"

Dylan simply smiled.

"So, Dylan, you're getting a magical animal?" Harry asked, watching Fang return to Dylan's side.

"I've never even heard of a Wu Ying," Harry admitted.

"It's a creature that looks a bit like a black cat," Dylan explained, picturing his future pet's cold, piercing eyes.

"Very cute."

Harry nodded, accepting the explanation without question.

Hagrid, however, seemed indifferent to the eerie presence of a Wu Ying. He opened his mouth to say something but hesitated when Harry suddenly changed the subject.

"During Potions today, I felt like Professor Snape was really out to get me," Harry muttered.

Hagrid's expression shifted, and his usual cheerful demeanor faded.

"Oh, him," Hagrid sighed. "Professor Snape is just like that. He's not nice to anyone—except maybe Headmaster Dumbledore."

Dylan noticed Hagrid's sudden reluctance to talk about Snape, as if he was purposefully avoiding the topic.

He wisely chose not to press further.

After all, he still needed that letter of recommendation.

End of Chapter

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