While the "Graduate Anytime Certificate" was indeed very useful, it wasn't something everyone had a use for.
The next day, Lynn asked Harley and Cho. Although both were somewhat interested, they felt they wouldn't really need to use it.
Compared to Lynn's roommates, the two of them were very self-disciplined.
They paid attention in class, finished homework on time, and basically learned everything the teachers taught without issue. The rest of their time was spent training for Quidditch or relaxing and chatting with friends.
Cho's only slight distress was that she wasn't very good at Transfiguration. However, the Graduate Anytime Certificate couldn't immediately turn her into a little Transfiguration genius; the item had its limitations.
Fortunately, Lynn could help in this regard. His current standard of Transfiguration was already superior to the vast majority of fourth-year students. What he lacked was more practice time to digest the theoretical knowledge he had learned through repeated application.
After Halloween, Hogwarts truly ushered in a snowy winter.
However, the snowflakes in early November were small, pattering and intermittent. To truly run outside the castle and play in the snow happily, one would have to wait until December. According to Cho, around Christmas, the snow outside Hogwarts could be several feet deep, and the Black Lake would freeze completely. Many people would run onto the Black Lake to ice skate after class.
But one had to worry about the Giant Squid in the Black Lake. Although it was very good to the students, it would sometimes play pranks. For example, it might suddenly tap hard with a tentacle from under the thick ice, vibrating the skating little wizards until they fell onto the ice. Occasionally, it would break the ice cap in the center of the lake to float on the surface and bask in the sun when it wasn't snowing and the sun was out.
However, fishing in the Black Lake is not recommended, because the Merpeople in the lake can sometimes be quite stingy. When you happily pull up your fishing rod, the fish you caught might only be half a fish left after being bitten off by them.
Generally speaking, although the Merpeople of the Black Lake look a bit rough, their attitude toward Hogwarts students is okay. They are considered neutral-leaning-friendly; they won't hurt little wizards swimming or diving in the Black Lake, but they don't actively make contact with humans much either.
The day after the Halloween feast, Hogwarts welcomed the weekend.
As light snow fluttered down, Lynn received a text message from Hagrid inviting them to his hut.
"Cho, don't eat lunch yet."
Lynn and Harley went to the Ravenclaw table and found Cho.
"Hmm... is something up?"
"Hagrid said the cloaks he was making for us are ready. He wrote to ask us to go over and try them on."
"Will it be that glittering golden kind?"
Cho was quite happy after hearing the news. Although Hagrid looked big and rough—a bit scary even—after truly interacting with him, one could completely feel that Hagrid was actually a very good and enthusiastic person.
"Then should we bring some gifts over to him?"
Cho hesitated for a moment, not knowing what gift would be good to bring Hagrid.
"Don't worry, don't worry, I've prepared everything for you guys. Although Hagrid lives in a hut, he doesn't actually lack anything. However, Hagrid has two biggest hobbies: one is raising little cuties and raising dragons, and the second is drinking heavily and eating big chunks of meat."
"I ordered some things two days ago, and they were just delivered last night. The timing is perfect today."
"What is it?"
Harley asked curiously, "Did you manage to get Hagrid a small dragon... or a dragon egg?"
"Although I thought about it, dragon eggs are controlled substances and can't be bought through normal channels. But—dragon meat is allowed."
"Is dragon meat edible?" Harley's eyes lit up. She had now more or less acquired the attributes of a foodie. Although she didn't eat much and her appetite wasn't huge, she liked to taste everything.
"Relax, this is Ancestor-selected quality, Fireball dragon meat imported from the East. It's 14 Sickles per kilogram, which works out to about the same price as beef sold in supermarkets, but in the Muggle world, you can't buy it."
"I bought several parts. We can barbecue, do hot pot, or stew the meat. There's also a piece of dragon liver; nothing beats pan-searing that."
"I have to thank Fred and George for this. They told me Cedric's dad works in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, so I asked Cedric and wrote to his dad to get the purchasing address. Although Diagon Alley sells various materials from dragons, they don't sell Fireball dragon meat."
"I bought four hundred kilograms. Even for Hagrid, that's enough for him to eat well for a week."
Lynn spent all the Galleons he had looted from that unlucky black market merchant on this.
"But I bought a lot this time, so I invited a few more people. Hagrid agreed, too; he should be busy building a bonfire outside the hut right now, so don't eat lunch in the Great Hall."
"Then Marietta should go too!" Cho naturally wouldn't forget her best friend. She stepped forward and whispered a few words in Marietta's ear, and the two girls stood up arm in arm to follow Lynn.
Walking to the entrance of the Great Hall, the other people Lynn invited had also arrived: Hermione, Parvati, and Parvati's sister Padma, who all played well with Harley, plus Lynn's four roommates, along with Fred, George, and Cedric.
Inviting Cedric was to thank him for his help earlier, otherwise Lynn wouldn't have been able to get this stuff. As for the rest... Lynn really didn't mind other things. Who isn't a handsome guy themselves?
Luring a wolf... er... luring a vampire into the house? Not really, not really. With Quirrell around, a vampire would smell him from ten kilometers away and run.
"Everyone's here. Let's head out. Hagrid should have the bonfire ready."
Lynn pushed open the small door of Hogwarts castle, and the group filed out.
The footprints of more than ten people left a long trail on the snowy grass.
Even without getting close to Hagrid's hut, one could see a bonfire blazing in the world of fluttering snow from afar. The bonfire's flames were extremely vigorous; most likely, Hagrid had used magical wood as firewood again.
One wondered if Ollivander would slap his thigh and cry out "Waste!" upon seeing this scene. Huge logs that would take two people to wrap their arms around had been chopped into large pieces of firewood. Hagrid's busy figure grew larger and larger in their field of vision.
"I've got everything ready, just waiting for you lot!"
From a long distance away, Hagrid's piercingly strong voice boomed. He waved his large arm, his hairy face full of smiles. This was the first time so many people had come to be his guests, and Hagrid was in a very good mood.
"Come on, everyone, it's warm by the fire."
Beside the roaring bonfire, a long table made of logs was piled with plates full of raw meat. The marinated dragon meat had been cut into chunks and slices. The aroma of the meat stewing in the large cauldron could no longer be blocked by the lid, spreading rapidly in all directions along with the white steam.
"French red wine stewed dragon meat. The house-elves started working on it in the morning and stewed it for the whole morning."
Hagrid chuckled happily. "They were a big help, but I didn't take up too much of their time. After all, the elves still have to prepare breakfast and lunch for you."
"I think it will be ready to serve in a little while. I just checked, and the sauce isn't thick enough yet."
"No matter. Just right now we can skewer the meat. Later we can do some teppanyaki and charcoal-grilled skewers."
Lynn beckoned his friends to sit down, then smiled and said to the boys:
"How about we handle this work together?"
"What about us?" Harley raised her hand. "Can I grill meat? I've wanted to try it for a long time!"
"Of course you can." Lynn brought out the portable kitchen and unfolded it. "It will remind you to flip the meat before it burns."
"Don't underestimate me, Lynn!"
"Then I'll help too." Cho spoke up with great interest. "I know how to pan-sear steak."
"It would be even better if you said you knew how to make braised pork."
"Come to my house for Christmas, and I'll have my mum make it for you, how about that? Hong Kong-style braised pork!" Cho blinked playfully. "Call me 'good big sister,' and I'll take you to my house for Christmas. Good deal, right?"
"Keep dreaming. A handsome guy like me charges an appearance fee—unless your family's cat can do a backflip."
The girls laughed together, then they all started examining the portable kitchen with Harley. The spacious counter was enough for them to fiddle with.
Skewering meat with wooden sticks wasn't a troublesome job. Wearing gloves, the few boys worked nimbly while chatting. Vegetables could be sandwiched between the meat chunks; Hagrid had prepared bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and unpeeled garlic cloves.
The scent of charcoal-grilled meat skewers soon drifted over. Although the girls doing this for the first time were a bit flustered, fortunately, the future-tech portable kitchen could not only suck up smoke but also had mechanical arms to help process ingredients, so everything proceeded in an orderly manner.
"It's gotta be Lynn," Fred sighed with emotion.
George took over the conversation, speaking with beaming brows: "We've been at Hogwarts for three years, but this is the first time we've come out for a picnic with so many girls."
"I kind of regret not asking Angelina to come along."
"Since when did you have a thing with Angelina?! Fred, confess honestly!"
George put Fred in a headlock and spoke fiercely: "We're twins! How can you keep things from me?"
"Because you, George, are an idiot who doesn't understand flirtatious glances. I've liked her since I joined the team last year, you stupid smelly brother."
"Then I've learned now. When I get back, I'm going to hit on Lee's sister."
Lee Jordan was another good friend of the twins, but if he heard this, George would definitely be chased for two miles.
"By the way, Lynn."
George, releasing Fred's neck, asked somewhat gossipy-ly: "You said last time that Harley isn't the one, then what about Cho?"
"Cho?"
Lynn turned his head to look at Cho, who was chatting with the other girls while pan-searing dragon steaks in front of the kitchen. From this angle, she really gave off a 'little chef' vibe.
"I saw someone sneaking out shoulder-to-shoulder after dinner for a date or something. Don't tell me that doesn't count."
Fred raised his eyebrows. Boys at this age loved to talk about these things; it was precisely the age when their hearts started stirring.
"Then you might be disappointed." Lynn shrugged. "Cho and I really aren't like that. To be honest, I haven't even thought about dating. It's too troublesome. Besides, I like them with big chests and long legs."
Such a candid answer stopped Fred's questioning mouth. Beside them, Cedric glanced at the girls working nearby. In all fairness, Cho fit his aesthetic perfectly, but if she had a boyfriend, Cedric wouldn't intrude.
Although only a third-year, Cedric was popular in Hufflepuff due to his outstanding looks and excellent grades. In his conduct, Cedric could be called a dashing gentleman.
But just as he looked up, Cedric's eyes widened slightly. He coughed quickly and cast his gaze at Lynn, giving him a signal with his eyes.
Although Lynn saw Cedric's motion, he didn't react immediately. After all, this was only their second meeting; they weren't that familiar.
But within two seconds, Lynn knew what it meant.
Because someone had placed a plate of grilled skewers in front of him. Cho carried a faint scent of grapefruit and jasmine, which now drilled into his nose.
"You like them with big chests and long legs, do you?"
Lynn's shoulder was pressed down. The young girl's gentle voice didn't sound as soft and warm as usual.
"So how big? How long?"
Lynn tilted his head back slightly, meeting Cho's eyes. "Maybe... you have a promising future?"
"I'll give you one more chance to phrase that, Lynn!" Cho, blushing slightly, squeezed Lynn's shoulder tightly.
This time, the voice ringing in his ear held a faint trace of murderous intent.
"They said we were dating." Lynn pointed a finger, selling out Fred and George immediately. "But I said no, because whether it's you or me, we're both too young right now. We don't know what love or true liking is at all."
Cho was slightly stunned upon hearing this, and her hand loosened a bit.
"I'm waiting for you to grow up; then you can tell me yourself."
These words made the tips of Cho's ears turn slightly red, and her voice lowered: "Who wants you to wait..."
"Then it's a deal?"
"Hmph~ Shameless." Cho rolled her eyes grumpily.
"So, can I go to your house to mooch a meal at Christmas?"
The hand Cho had on Lynn's shoulder applied a bit more force. She paused. "Actually, my cat really can do a backflip."
Leaving these words behind, Cho tossed her hair and left, her profile slightly flushed.
"Come try some." Lynn pushed the plate of barbecue in front of him. "Taste the girls' handiwork."
"Just now, you..." Cedric's expression was a bit odd; he felt like his stomach wasn't quite so hungry anymore.
"Oh, handsome guys are generally easier to forgive. Actually, Cedric, you... you should have this talent too. There are plenty of good-looking girls in Hufflepuff, right? They haven't chased you? I don't believe it."
Hearing this, Cedric waved his hands repeatedly, and roars of laughter spread out.
The sumptuous dragon meat feast left everyone's mouths oily. The grilled dragon meat was bouncy and tender, the stewed meat was soft and flavorful, and the thinly sliced meat for the hot pot was slightly crisp. This Fireball dragon meat, delicious no matter how it was cooked, received unanimous praise. The most amazing part was the dragon liver. Compared to foie gras, dragon liver wasn't as greasy, but the texture was equally delicate and carried a unique fragrance. It only needed a sprinkle of fine salt and pan-searing to become a top-tier delicacy.
It reminded him of the giant water bugs he had eaten in his past life. He wondered if there would be a chance to get some to taste.
More than an hour later, the friends left satisfied, while Lynn and the other two stayed behind. Hagrid led them into the hut, then shook out a fur cloak made of Re'em skin. The golden fur was the lining, while the outward-facing side was made of a soft, smooth fabric that felt somewhat like silk but lacked silk's sheen, having a color similar to matte black.
At first glance, it looked ordinary, but it was actually extremely luxurious and warm. Just the thread used for sewing was worth several hundred Galleons if picked out; every strand was spun from unicorn hair.
The stitching on the cloak wasn't very refined, but it was sewn very sturdily. Hagrid had put his heart into making it. Although such handiwork wasn't difficult for him—the leather coat he wore was made by himself—it still gave one the startling impression of a brute doing delicate embroidery.
"Hagrid, you're the best!"
Harley, draped in the cloak, stepped forward and hugged Hagrid's arm. Standing up straight, she wasn't even as tall as Hagrid's leg, so she could only hug his forearm.
"As long as you like it, as long as you like it."
Hagrid chuckled happily and gently patted Harley's hair.
"I don't even know how to thank you, Hagrid."
Compared to Harley, Cho was a bit more embarrassed at this moment.
"No need to thank me, don't be polite. Take it; you are all good children."
"If we really want to thank Hagrid, why don't we find a chance to introduce him to a girlfriend?"
Lynn didn't feel embarrassed. He liked the cloak Hagrid gave him, so he would keep this kindness in his heart.
"Find Hagrid a girlfriend?" Cho blinked, slightly surprised.
"Is Hagrid not married? I thought..."
"Hagrid lives much longer than ordinary wizards. If calculated by ordinary people's age, Hagrid is probably only in his twenties now, right?"
"Oh? Is that so?"
Harley looked up at Hagrid curiously, but Hagrid wasn't very sure either.
"I'm actually a half-giant. My mum was a giantess." Hagrid didn't hide his bloodline much, but he wouldn't talk about it constantly either. However, the three little ones in front of him pleased him, so he just said it.
"Giants can indeed live a long time. Their lifespan is probably three or four times that of wizards."
"The longest-lived giant lived to be over seven hundred years old, and ordinary giants can have a lifespan of close to five hundred years. But under normal circumstances, giants rarely die of old age."
Lynn added: "Giants often fight among themselves, snatching territory or mating rights. Elderly giants are driven out of the tribe. That longest-lived giant was a rare one among giants who possessed good spellcasting talent—a giant wizard, or rather, a tribal shaman. Only such a wise figure would continue to be supported by the entire tribe of giants even in old age."
"Hagrid is actually very outstanding. He possesses the incredibly strong physique of a giant and also has spellcasting talent. This is very rare among half-giants."
"I heard that the headmistress of Beauxbatons School of Magic, Madame Maxime, is also a tall lady. Have you met her before, Hagrid?"
"The headmistress of Beauxbatons?"
Hagrid frowned slightly. "The Triwizard Tournament before the last one was held at Hogwarts. I remember the headmaster of Beauxbatons that time was a short man who was friends with Professor Flitwick and liked to wear colorful clothes. I really don't know the person you're talking about."
"But I'm not as good as you say." Hagrid smiled simple-mindedly, casting the matter aside. "I didn't even finish my third year before I was..." Hagrid suddenly stopped talking.
"Expelled? Or... but how could the school..." A trace of surprise flashed across Harley's face, but immediately, she realized what it meant. "Did something happen back then? They misunderstood you, right, Hagrid! You could absolutely never be a bad person, so they must have wronged you!"
"Thank you, thank you, Harley."
Hagrid was suddenly touched by this unquestioning trust. His eyes were a little wet. This grievance had been hidden in the bottom of his heart, spoken to no one, but once recalled, Hagrid couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental.
"Maybe we can help?" Cho also realized there must be something fishy in this, and she was willing to believe that the gentle giant in front of her was not a bad person.
"It's all in the past. It was fifty years ago." Hagrid waved his hand. "Just let it go. I'm living quite well now, aren't I?"
"Alright, children."
Hagrid, who didn't want to drag them into these old matters, stood up. "I have to go patrol the forest later. You should go back to the castle too."
"Oh, one more thing, I almost forgot."
Hagrid patted his head, reached out to take a bag from a hook on the ceiling, and grabbed a large handful of unicorn hair from inside. "Is this enough for you to use, Lynn?"
"If you need magical wood, the firewood pile outside is full of it. Just choose whatever you want. Come get more when you run out. There's plenty of this stuff in the forest. Take it for your experiments freely."
"Alright!"
Hagrid rolled the large handful of unicorn hair into a ball and stuffed it into Lynn's hand. "I need to go patrol the forest."
The three, having been ushered out by Hagrid, looked back at Hagrid's hut every few steps.
"Lynn, there must be something wrong about this, right?"
At this moment, Harley's small face was a bit serious. "We must figure out what happened and get justice for Hagrid."
"Yes, that's right. Hagrid must have suffered a great grievance."
Cho nodded in agreement. "Lynn, you'll help, right!"
"Of course. Hagrid has given me so much help."
"He deserves all this." Lynn nodded, keeping this matter in mind.
"Maybe we can come visit him more often, chat with him more. Perhaps we can learn more things."
"But not now. Don't rush."
"Let's go, ladies. It's quite cold outside; I'll see you back."
The next instant, the figures of the three people vanished from where they stood one after another, appearing at the entrance of the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor.
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