At the entrance of the library, Kai and Hermione looked at each other awkwardly, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"I'm sorry…" Hermione whispered.
Just now, when she slammed the table, Madam Pince happened to come back after shelving books.
Like most students who made noise in the library, both of them were kicked out.
"I don't mind," Kai shrugged. "I wasn't planning to stay long in the library anyway. Now it's just as well…I'm off to see Hagrid, what about you, wanna come?"
"No," Hermione thought for a moment and shook her head, "I plan to go over the Magic Text Books again and make up for the time I wasted earlier."
"Alright," Kai said, "but remember, don't overuse the Time Turner, or you'll just end up worse off."
"Okay…"
They parted ways at the staircase.
Back on the first floor, Kai walked through the hall and headed to Hagrid's hut across the grounds.
The hut was quite lively today; besides Conna and the others, Harry and Ron were also there.
The group was gathered together, excitedly discussing something.
It wasn't until Kai got closer that he realized there was a nest made of hay on the table among them.
Inside the nest was a small, lion-like creature, but its tail was hooked, resembling that of a scorpion.
"Manticore?" Kai exclaimed in surprise.
"I knew you'd recognize it," Hagrid said happily. "A few days ago, I found a Manticore in labor deep inside the Forbidden Forest. I reckon it must have recently wandered in from somewhere else.
After all, such creatures have never been in the Forbidden Forest before."
Hagrid was utterly delighted, even playfully teasing the little one in the hay nest without caring when it bit his finger.
"Look how happy it is," Hagrid said dreamily.
For Hagrid, finding a Manticore in the Forbidden Forest was like stumbling upon a treasure, so much so that he was too excited to sleep for several days, standing guard there day and night.
The last time he was this thrilled was when he became the Professor of Care of Magical Creatures.
"So, Hagrid, are you planning to bring it into the classroom?" Kai asked.
"Of course not…" Hagrid shook his head repeatedly. "A Manticore is a 5X-level magical creature, and Professor Dumbledore would never approve of it appearing in front of the students, not even as a cub."
Kai nodded.
Manticores are indeed unsuitable for the classroom. Though it's small now, and any bite would just draw a little blood, the problem is there's a larger one in the Forbidden Forest.
If someone mishandles it and angers it, prompting a Great Summoning Technique, there will be quite a commotion.
Especially those in Slytherin, who rarely pay attention to Hagrid's warnings. Most troubles in the Care of Magical Creatures class are caused by them, and the rest are all related to them.
Facing a furious adult Manticore, even Hagrid couldn't protect too many people.
"I brought it here this time just to broaden your horizons…" Hagrid continued, "after all, the chance to see a 5X-level magical creature cub is rare indeed elsewhere."
Upon hearing this, Kai raised an eyebrow.
That's not quite accurate, as he's not only seen them but has also helped deliver them.
The little Nundus in Newt's Box respect him so much they might as well call him uncle.
And he watched a nest of Hungarian Horntails hatch in Romania.
He just didn't mention it.
"Hagrid, can I touch it?" Ron asked eagerly, "Please, just once."
"No, Ron," Hagrid said sternly, "I already told you, you can stand there, even a bit closer if you want, but you mustn't touch it, for your own safety."
"Alright," Ron pouted, feeling a wave of regret.
This is a 5X magical creature; if he could touch it, he'd have bragging rights for a while.
Ever since the incident with Blake breaking into the Gryffindor dormitory, Ron had been in the spotlight for a few days, receiving more attention than Harry for the first time.
He liked the feeling very much.
But now everyone was more interested in Professor Lupin's scandals, and no one wanted to hear about his adventures anymore.
"But Hagrid…" Conna asked, confused, "didn't you say in your letter that you needed help picking magical creatures for classroom display?"
"Oh, that was just to surprise you all. In fact, I've already picked the magical creatures you'll be learning about in class."
Hagrid smiled, "Fire Crabs and Air-Winged Birds, both also cubs. If you want to see them, you can check inside the hut.
But remember, make sure to close the door… the Manticore's presence scares them."
No one moved… everyone's eyes remained fixed on the little creature in the hay nest.
They could see the Fire Crabs and Air-Winged Birds anytime, there was no rush.
Just then, Kai felt a tap on his shoulder. As he turned, he found Hagrid motioning for him to come over.
Though unsure of what was going on, Kai followed him to a vacant area on the other side of the hut.
"Is something up?" Kai asked.
"Oh, well…" Hagrid hesitated, "I overheard some Slytherins say you have Fire Dragon teeth for sale. Do you still have some?"
"Yeah, I have plenty," Kai nodded.
"Could you sell me a few?" Hagrid whispered, handing Kai a cloth bag, "Professor Dumbledore gave me an additional salary. See how much it'll get me."
The bag was heavy, with around hundreds of Galleons inside.
Hagrid didn't need to spend money on food and lodging, and at most, he'd visit the Three Broomsticks or Hog's Head Pub for a drink of Honey Wine, so nearly all of it was in that bag.
"Oh, that's simple, wait a moment." Kai quickly went into Hagrid's hut and shut the door.
When he came back out, he had another bag in his hand.
"Two teeth from each type of Fire Dragon, plus the corresponding Dragon Scales."
Kai stuffed these into Hagrid's hands, along with the bag of Galleons.
"You've got it wrong," Hagrid said, "Those Galleons are for you."
"Don't kid around, Hagrid," Kai laughed, waving a hand, "I wouldn't take your money."
"No way!" Hagrid shook his head firmly, "I heard them say these things were bought in Romania. If you refuse to take the money, then I won't take them."
With that, Hagrid gritted his teeth and handed the items back.
…