Who let this Dementor into Hogwarts!

Chapter 518 Hagrid: Why was Cohen the only one who chose the Protecting Fantastic Creatures class?
Living long enough really does allow you to see everything, including the Earl having his own children (just kidding).

"What's that look in your eyes!"

Seeing that Cohen still looked doubtful, the Earl shouted,
"Just wait, once it hatches, you'll be able to tell at a glance if it's my baby!"

The count stayed in the lounge all night, as if afraid someone would switch his eggs.

At breakfast on the second day of school, Professor McGonagall distributed the new semester's timetable to them—but this time, Professor McGonagall needed to verify their OWL grades to ensure that they met the requirements for the advanced class.

Hermione made her decision the fastest; she submitted her summer study plan, which included continuing to study Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Herbalism, Divination, Ancient Runes, and Potions.

"Are you sure it's these?" Professor McGonagall asked Cohen, whose chosen career path was completely different from what he had discussed last semester.

Cohen chose Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbs, Protecting Magical Creatures, and Potions.

“That’s what my dad expects,” Cohen said. “My grades should be good enough, right? —”

“Your grades are excellent, certainly good enough for these courses,” Professor McGonagall said. “But I noticed you dropped Muggle Studies. Professor Bubbaje welcomes students with good grades or above to take the advanced course in Muggle Studies… I remember you wanted to be a memory eraser?”

“I don’t want to think about it now,” Cohen said. “The Department of Fantastic Creatures Management isn’t bad either.”

"Have you considered continuing your studies in Transfiguration?" Professor McGonagall asked.

“This…” Cohen said, clearly reluctantly delaying his response.

“Well, this may be one of the few remaining choices you have at school, and I hope you will be careful,” Professor McGonagall said with some disappointment. “But it’s always good to learn more, and I’m glad you can choose five courses instead of three—next is… Longbottom.”

When it was Neville's turn, his round face was full of anxiety.

“Your Herbalism grades are excellent, outstanding, and Professor Sprout will certainly be happy to see you back. But the problem is Transfiguration. I'm sorry, Longbottom, a ‘pass’ grade isn’t enough to take the NEWT course in Transfiguration. I’m worried you’ll fall behind,” Professor McGonagall said. “Why do you want to continue studying Transfiguration? I’ve noticed you don’t seem to particularly like it?”

“My grandma made me learn it,” Neville said in a barely audible voice.

“You have more autonomy in this matter and don’t need to be so passive,” Professor McGonagall said. “However, I see that your Charms grades are good. Why don’t you apply for the advanced Charms course?”

“My grandma thought choosing Charms class was just to save trouble…” Neville said.

“Choose Charms. I’m going to write a letter to Augusta to remind her that she shouldn’t think the course is worthless just because she failed her OWL exam,” Professor McGonagall said.

Professor McGonagall gave advice to each student, and when it was Harry's turn, she recommended that he take Potions—because Slughorn allowed students with good grades or above to take the course.

The gears of fate began to turn under Cohen's indulgence—but Cohen was actually not very interested in Snape's old textbooks.

Since Harry chose Potions, Ron did too.

“Now we’re going to be doing our homework every night again,” Ron said happily.

“No, we have one different course. I’m studying Protecting Fantastic Beasts, which none of you have taken,” Cohen reminded him. “Hagrid’s assignments are definitely not as many as Professor McGonagall’s.”

“It’s a good thing you signed up, otherwise we wouldn’t know how to explain it to Hagrid…” Harry said. “This course really doesn’t help most people’s employment…” Ron shook his head. “Cohen, apologize to Hagrid for us—if he’s upset.”

But Cohen's expression suddenly turned serious.

"What's wrong, Cohen?"

“I suddenly realized a very serious problem,” Cohen said. “Protecting magical creatures is simple, that’s true, but Hagrid’s class… I’m not the only one who chose it this year, am I?”
-
Cohen's guess is not without merit.

Normal students would rather choose Divination than Protecting Magical Creatures. At least Divination involves complaining to a crystal ball, while Hagrid's Protecting Magical Creatures class involves facing a group of dangerous monsters and being complained about by them.

The first class after lunch was the class on protecting magical creatures, which was at the same time as the ancient runes, so Hermione and Cohen left the Great Hall together.

Hagrid waved excitedly to the four of them, but everyone except Cohen avoided his gaze.

Harry and Ron were having a blast today with only their last Defense Against the Dark Arts class—if Edward hadn't looked so expectant, Cohen would have been even happier than them…

Cohen felt an increasing urge to skip class.

“If the Time-Turner were still around, I probably would have chosen it, since the two courses are scheduled together,” Hermione said regretfully. “Thank goodness for you, Cohen, otherwise Hagrid would be really upset—so many of us didn’t choose his course.”

“It might also develop into individual teaching,” Cohen said. “It’s very likely that I’ll be the only one selected for the entire grade.”

At the staircase in the foyer, the two parted ways; Hermione was going upstairs, while Cohen was going to the outer area.

There was no one on the road. Hagrid was standing outside the hut with his hands tucked in, looking very much excited about the first advanced class of the semester. He seemed to have been preparing for it for a long time.

"Cohen!" Hagrid waved vigorously upon seeing Cohen. "Where are Harry and the others? Why didn't they come with you—did they go to the bathroom?"

“Emmmm…” Cohen said, “They didn’t choose it, and asked me to apologize to you—especially Hermione, whose ancient runes clashed with your class time, so she couldn’t choose it.”

"Oh."

Hagrid paused, seemingly confused, and began repeating Cohen's words verbatim, as if he thought he had misheard.
"Didn't choose...it clashed with the time...okay, okay..."

"Are you alright?" Cohen asked.

“They’re all busy, I know…” Hagrid murmured. “Cohen, shouldn’t you hurry up and get to class too—it’ll be over in a few minutes…”

“I’m in class right now, Hagrid. I chose your class,” Cohen said, rubbing his forehead, glancing back at the castle. “If there aren’t any other students—”

“I knew no one would choose my class…” Hagrid said dejectedly. “Even Harry and the others don’t like it…”

“Don’t get too excited, Hagrid,” Cohen said. “You still have to prepare lessons—there are students besides me.”

Cohen pointed in the direction of the school, where a student was running hurriedly towards them.

(End of this chapter)