Chapter 105
Albert was lost in thought, his mind spiraling with anxiety. All the way to their next lesson, he hardly paid attention to anything around him.
Albert muttered under his breath: I must get stronger fast. From what Trelawney said… if it isn't a false prophecy, then I'll probably die in the war or in some fierce duel!
His whisper was so quiet that Ron barely caught it, though he couldn't make out the words.
Ron: "Did you say something, Albert?"
Albert: "No, I just said we should hurry to the next class."
Ron: "Oh, right. Well, I heard Hagrid's lesson today is about some kind of flying creature. Shame I've no idea what kind of bird it is."
After a short walk, the four friends arrived at Hagrid's hut. Dozens of students from both Gryffindor and Slytherin were already gathered outside, waiting.
Harry: "Come on we're really late!"
Hagrid stepped out of his hut, surprised to see such a crowd. But instead of panicking, he steadied himself. After all, this was his first day as a teacher.
Hagrid boomed proudly: "Alright, alright! Settle down, everyone keep yer voices low, please! I've got somethin' real special fer yeh today… a great lesson! Now, follow me!"
For the first time, Hagrid felt a surge of pride he was finally living his dream as a professor.
The students followed him to the Care of Magical Creatures paddock.
When they arrived, several students began chattering noisily again. Hagrid clapped his hands.
"Quiet down, all o' yeh! Form groups over there and open yer books to page forty-nine!"
The day was beautiful the sky clear and painted with gentle clouds, the air fresh with the scents of wildflowers, lavender and jasmine wafting from the forest.
Albert breathed in deeply and smiled.
Albert: "I really envy Hagrid. With scenery and weather like this, this forest could be the best place for any wizard… if only it weren't crawling with dangerous beasts."
Just then, Draco Malfoy stepped forward, holding his large copy of the textbook.
Draco: "How exactly are we supposed to open this thing?"
Since he didn't know how to unlock the enchanted book, he asked Hagrid for help.
Hagrid: "Yeh just stroke the spine, o' course."
Draco obeyed, running his fingers along the spine. Instantly, the book snapped open.
Draco (astonished): "Oh it actually works! Ha!"
The students formed groups as instructed, opening their books.
But Neville, who hadn't heard Hagrid's directions, clumsily grabbed his copy the wrong way. The book snapped open, writhing violently in his hands, tearing his shirt and nearly biting his face.
Neville toppled over in a heap, drawing loud laughter from the crowd.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Albert set their bags aside on a nearby boulder and held their own books. Both Ron and Harry stroked the spines as shown, but Ron quickly realized he had forgotten the page number.
Ron (to Hermione): "Er what page did he say again?"
Hermione huffed, clearly irritated.
Hermione: "Honestly, Ron, you should take a leaf out of Neville's book write important things down so you don't forget! It's page forty-nine."
She flipped her book open briskly.
Ron frowned at her tone, then leaned toward Albert, lowering his voice so Hermione couldn't hear.
Ron: "What's wrong with Hermione today? She's acting… furious."
Albert shrugged, speaking plainly:
Albert: "How should I know? Ask her yourself. Do you think I can read minds?"
Ron blinked at him, baffled.
Ron: "What is with everyone today? First Hermione snaps at me, and now you're all snappy too!"
Before Albert could reply, Draco's sneering voice cut through the air.
Draco: "Merlin, this place has gone downhill. Wait until my father hears that Dumbledore let this oaf teach classes."
His friends snickered nastily.
Harry's temper flared. He stepped forward, glaring.
Harry: "Shut it, Malfoy."
Albert, however, smirked. He remembered this scenario from before, and an idea sparked in his mind.
Albert leaned close behind Draco and pointed suddenly toward the distance.
Albert: "Oh no it's Professor Dumbledore! Draco, he heard everything you just said!"
Draco froze instantly, panic washing over his face. Trusting Albert without a second thought, he squeezed his eyes shut and babbled:
Draco: "I'm sorry, Headmaster! I really am! I'll never say anything like that again, I promise! Please forgive me!"
He trembled so hard it looked as though he might wet himself.
The students burst into roaring laughter. Harry, Ron, and Hermione doubled over, clutching their sides as they laughed at Draco's humiliation.
One of Draco's own friends tapped him on the shoulder, whispering the truth—that Dumbledore wasn't there at all, and that Albert had tricked him.
Albert only smiled, pleased. Now he knew exactly what Draco feared most and that fear, he realized, could be used as Dr
aco's greatest weakness.
To be continued …