Capítulo 52: A Memorable Visit and a Nervous Flight Lesson
"Of course," Hagrid said cheerfully, his voice full of pride. He didn't notice Hermione's disapproving glare. "There's all sorts of creatures in the Forbidden Forest—unicorns, live crabs, and even eight-eyed giant spiders."
Hagrid leaned in closer to David, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I've actually been raising an eight-eyed giant spider in there. His name's Aragog. Found him a wife too, y'know. Now they've got loads of little ones! I'll take yeh to see 'em someday."
"Hagrid!" Hermione exclaimed, her tone sharp with disapproval. "Professor Dumbledore said students aren't allowed in the Forbidden Forest!"
"Oh, right," Hagrid said sheepishly, scratching his head. But a moment later, he brightened. "Well, I could ask Dumbledore. He'd trust me to keep David safe."
"Thank you, Hagrid," David said, eager to change the subject. "Are there giant trolls in the Forbidden Forest? I've heard stories from my grandfather about them being so big and strong they could punch down trees."
Hagrid's expression faltered for a split second before he forced a laugh. "Trolls? Nah, there's no trolls in the forest. Too dangerous, y'see. Definitely not."
David raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. It was clear that Hagrid was hiding something, though his poor acting made it obvious. David couldn't help but feel curious. If Hagrid knew about trolls in the forest, then who could have brought them there? It wasn't Voldemort, was it? Or perhaps a professor?
Lost in thought, David eventually sighed. "Really? That's too bad. I was hoping to see one."
The rest of the conversation steered clear of the Forbidden Forest, much to Hermione's relief. They chatted about their professors, with Harry and Ron agreeing that Professor Snape seemed suspicious and unfriendly. By contrast, they spoke warmly of Professor Quirrell, who had once helped them escape from Filch's scrutiny.
---
After four hours of chatting in Hagrid's cozy hut, Harry glanced at the clock and stood up abruptly. "Sorry, Hagrid, we need to go. We've been here too long, and we still have homework to do."
"Ah, that's a shame," Hagrid said, looking disappointed. "Well, come back soon. Next time, I'll cook somethin' special for yeh!"
Harry's face paled at the thought of Hagrid's cooking. The memory of rock-hard cakes and slimy meat dishes was enough to make him hastily thank Hagrid and lead the group back toward the castle. Hermione and David trailed behind, walking a few steps apart from Harry and Ron.
"David," Hermione said suddenly, her tone thoughtful. "Are you hiding something from me?"
David blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," Hermione said, narrowing her eyes, "you've been unusually curious about the Forbidden Forest, and you seemed to be deliberately steering the conversation with Hagrid. Have you been to the forest? Have you seen the trolls?"
David's heart raced, but he kept his face calm. Hermione's sharp observation skills were astonishing, especially since Harry and Ron hadn't noticed anything. After a moment's pause, David smiled and said, "Hermione, you look really beautiful today."
Hermione's eyes widened in shock, her cheeks turning pink. "What? I…" she stammered, forgetting her line of questioning.
David grinned inwardly, pleased with himself. He'd seen Newt Scamander use this tactic on Tina in a similar situation, and it had worked like a charm.
---
The next morning, excitement buzzed through the Gryffindor common room as the students prepared for their first flying lesson. Those from wizarding families were thrilled to show off their skills, while Muggle-born students were filled with nervous anticipation. Hermione, ever the studious one, had spent days reading about Quidditch and memorizing flying techniques.
By three o'clock, the Gryffindors and Slytherins had gathered on the training field. Two rows of old, battered broomsticks lay on the ground. David couldn't help but eye the brooms warily. What if one broke mid-air?
Madam Hooch arrived promptly, her piercing yellow eyes surveying the students. "Everyone, stand beside a broomstick. Extend your hand over it and say, 'Up!'"
David did as instructed, feeling a bit ridiculous as he held his hand over the broom. Nearby, he heard a loud thwack as Ron's broom leaped up and hit him in the face. David stifled a laugh as Ron muttered angrily under his breath.
"Come on, Neville," David said encouragingly, noticing his friend's pale face. "You'll be fine. Just focus on Madam Hooch's instructions."
Neville gave a weak smile, but his hands were trembling. David hoped Madam Pomfrey was ready for any accidents—just in case. As the lesson began, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Flying, after all, was a skill every wizard needed to master.
Status de energia semanal
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