Chương 37: Does Your Family Keep a Dragon?
Hermione turned to Neville, her expression hesitant but determined. "Neville, could I borrow your toad for a moment?"
Neville looked a little startled by the request but nodded hesitantly, carefully passing his toad, Trevor, to Hermione. She held it with visible trepidation, her face tense as she brought it close to her nose to sniff.
David watched, amused. Hermione's cautious approach reminded him of Newt's initial nervousness when teaching him magic.
Suddenly, Trevor moved, brushing against Hermione's nose. She let out a startled shriek, instinctively tossing the toad to the ground. David quickly stepped forward, scooping up the startled creature before it could hop away.
"Did you catch the scent?" David asked, raising an eyebrow. Hermione shook her head, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Alright, let's try again," David said with a patient smile. Holding Trevor firmly in his hands to prevent any sudden movements, he offered it to Hermione. "Take your time this time and really focus."
Hermione nodded, leaning in cautiously. After a few moments, she straightened up with a triumphant smile. "I think I've got it!"
"Good," David said. He turned to Neville. "Why don't you give it a try too? If you learn this, you can always find Trevor yourself."
Neville looked hesitant. "Do you think I can manage it?" he asked nervously.
"Of course!" David said encouragingly. "I'll guide you."
David explained the spell again. "Remember, the key is to focus on the animal's scent and appearance. Visualize it clearly in your mind. Then, cast the spell Manifesto and draw a small circle with your wand."
Demonstrating, David flicked his wand, and a shimmering golden mist appeared, forming a glowing outline of a toad on the floor.
Hermione and Neville tried to replicate the spell. Hermione's mist dispersed quickly, while Neville couldn't produce any mist at all.
"Relax, Neville," David advised. "You're too tense. Take a deep breath and steady your hand. And Hermione, you need to focus on the toad's shape more clearly."
The two nodded and resumed their practice. After a few more tries, both of them succeeded. Neville's toad outline was more defined, likely because he was more familiar with Trevor.
As Hermione and Neville continued practicing, David leaned back in his seat, munching on snacks and enjoying the passing scenery. Occasionally, he chimed in with advice but otherwise let them focus.
---
The train ride passed quickly. As the sky darkened, the golden-red light of the setting sun bathed the landscape. Suddenly, a voice echoed through the train corridors.
"The train is about to arrive! First-years, please change into your school uniforms. Your luggage will be delivered to your dormitories."
Neville stood abruptly. "Oh no! My uniform's still in my suitcase. I think I left it in another compartment."
David frowned. "Do you remember which one?"
"I think so," Neville said uncertainly, scratching his head. He rushed off to search, leaving David and Hermione waiting.
After changing into their uniforms, David and Hermione stepped out into the hallway to wait for Neville. The train soon came to a halt, and the platform appeared outside, dimly lit and bustling with activity.
"Do you think Neville found his suitcase?" Hermione asked, scanning the crowd.
"Let's head down. He might already be on the platform," David suggested. Together, they stepped off the train.
---
"First-years, this way! First-years!" boomed a familiar voice. David looked up to see Hagrid holding a large lantern, towering over the sea of students.
"David!" Hagrid called out, waving enthusiastically.
David grinned and walked over. "Hi, Hagrid! This is Hermione Granger," he introduced.
"Hello!" Hermione said politely.
"Hello there," Hagrid replied warmly before leaning in conspiratorially, lowering his booming voice to a stage whisper. "David, tell me honestly. Does your granddad really keep a dragon in his magic space? I heard he's got a Ukrainian Ironbelly!"
Hagrid's not-so-quiet whisper drew the attention of nearby students, their eyes lighting up at the mention of a dragon.
David groaned inwardly. "Hagrid!" he said loudly, cutting through the rising murmur. "You know it's illegal to keep dragons, right? My grandfather would never do something like that."
The gathered students turned their curious gazes to Hagrid, who suddenly looked sheepish. He quickly waved his hands. "No, no, it's nothing! Forget I said anything!" he muttered, clearly embarrassed.
As the crowd dispersed, Hermione turned to David, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Does your family really have a dragon?" she whispered eagerly.
David sighed, rubbing his temples. "No, Hermione. Absolutely not!" He cast a glance at Hagrid, who was still avoiding his gaze, and muttered, "Hagrid's just...enthusiastic."
Hermione didn't look entirely convinced but decided not to press further as they followed Hagrid and the other first-years toward the boats waiting to take them across the lake to Hogwarts.
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