Argus and Daphne Greengrass ushered the Slytherin students back to the common room. Only then did Argus recall that Slytherin's annual highlight was about to kick off. Following the order set by Gemma Farley's original Slytherin Prefect Election and Ranking Duel, the vote for the top Slytherin leader would proceed next. Afterward, they'd organize sessions for as many members as possible to master the Patronus Charm, guided by upperclassmen and prefects. That way, no one would be caught off guard by Dementors.
With everything settled, Argus—exhausted from the day's chaos—finally collapsed into bed. He slept soundly, dreaming vividly until breakfast the next morning in the Great Hall. That's when he spotted Hagrid, his face etched with worry.
The moment Hagrid's eyes landed on Argus, they brightened. "Argus!"
"Hagrid!" Argus waved back, grinning.
He paused before speaking, debating whether to address him as "Professor Hagrid" now that he taught Care of Magical Creatures. But Hagrid's easygoing nature made formal titles feel like a wedge between old friends. Nah, he'd stick with the familiar name.
Hagrid lumbered over and leaned in, whispering conspiratorially—though his version of a whisper boomed like a regular shout. "Argus, got any classes this morning? I could use your help!"
Heads turned their way, curiosity piqued. Argus considered. "First period's free. Second's Divination. If it's not urgent, we've got time."
Relief washed over Hagrid's craggy features. "Brilliant! Meet me at my hut after breakfast? Got something to show you."
Argus's brow furrowed—he had a hunch. He nodded. "Sure, give me half an hour."
...
True to form, Argus arrived at the cozy cabin with a bottle of Firewhisky tucked under his arm. "Hagrid, congrats on the professor gig!"
Hagrid's eyes widened at the gift. "Firewhisky? Now that's the stuff! Haha..."
"We'll crack it open later," Argus said, setting it on the table. "Can't have you slurring through lessons." He'd already guessed why Hagrid summoned him, and sure enough, the giant's mood sobered instantly.
"Argus, you know I've never taught kids before," Hagrid mumbled, fidgeting. "What if I muck it up?"
"Easy, Hagrid," Argus said gently. "Your knowledge of magical creatures puts half the wizarding world to shame."
"You reckon?" Doubt lingered in his voice.
"Absolutely. Just share what's in your head—your Forbidden Forest patrols, the lot. The students'll eat it up."
Hagrid perked up a bit, but unease clung to him. "What if they... y'know, judge me?"
Argus got it. As a half-giant, Hagrid had faced prejudice his whole life. Framed by the Dark Lord years ago, he'd only survived thanks to Dumbledore. Socializing with young witches and wizards? Terrifying territory.
"Here's a tip," Argus said. "Don't overthink—just demonstrate. Show, don't lecture to death."
Hagrid nodded, brighter now. Mentioning the textbook he'd picked brought a spark to his eyes. "Remember The Monster Book of Monsters? Proper fun, those!"
Fun for you, maybe, Argus thought, recalling how the vicious tomes had nearly wrecked Flourish and Blotts' stockroom. If the shopkeepers hadn't contained them fast, it'd have been a disaster.
"They're a riot," Argus agreed diplomatically, "but the kids aren't built like you, and they might not know the spells to wrangle them. It'll be tricky."
Hagrid's face fell. "Blimey, what do I do? They'll hate me!"
"Nah," Argus chuckled. "If they've lugged the books to class, they've tamed them enough already. Teach 'em your tricks for handling the beasts—boom, you're the hero prof. Instant respect from the lot."
Hagrid beamed. "Got it! Oh, and one more thing. I'm debuting this little fella in my first lesson. Mind giving it a once-over? Help me plan?"
Emboldened, he tugged Argus toward the cabin's rear. Hagrid wasn't one for overanalyzing, but he knew his limits—and trusted Argus's old teaching assistant chops to spot pitfalls.
They hadn't gone far when a majestic creature trotted into view: sleek feathers, a proud eagle's head atop a horse's body, powerful wings folded neatly. Buckbeak, a hippogriff—rated XXX, teetering on XXXX for danger.
Argus suppressed a groan. Launching with this? Bold move, Hagrid. One wrong step, and lesson one could end in chaos.
Undeterred, Hagrid clapped a massive hand on the creature's flank. "Look at him, Argus! Buckbeak—eagle up top, horse below, wings like a dream. Gorgeous, eh? Perfect for my opener!"
---
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