Hogwarts Study Panel

Chapter 215: The Fire Dragon Emerges from its Shell

Ron's shout shattered Hermione's impression that he "seemed to know something."

"Don't be silly, Ron. Dragon eggs are meant to be hatched over fire."

Hermione gave an explanation, sounding annoyed, before Ron finally lowered his jaw.

Then the young wizards all sat down on the small stools in Hagrid's hut.

After exchanging greetings, Sheen looked at the information about taming fire dragons while using a fire spell to heat the dragon eggs, a step that imitated the fire dragon mother breathing on the eggs.

The scorching flames baked the dragon eggs, making Hagrid's hut unbearably hot.

In particular, Hagrid closed every single window and even drew the curtains tightly shut.

Harry felt so hot he was about to sweat.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all, and you too, Justin."

Hagrid spoke to Harry, the other two first, then turned to Justin.

“Sheen and the others have mentioned you many times, Hagrid. It’s great to meet a macabre expert today.”

Justin said.

"Oh, how can you say that? There's so much to learn about magical creatures, how could I possibly be a magical creature expert?"

Hagrid, on the contrary, became shy.

Harry and the others were skeptical. Apart from Harry's naive belief in Hagrid, Hermione and Ron both felt that the praise was excessive, as this didn't seem like Justin at all.

But after Justin said the next sentence, everyone nodded with an "I see" expression.

"That's what Sheen said."

"is this real?"

Hagrid turned around happily to look at Sheen, who was hiding a book behind his head.

The book slowly fell to the ground, and Sheen looked at Hagrid with calm green eyes and nodded silently.

Hagrid is more than just an expert; he's practically a master. Just the fact that he can befriend centaurs is quite remarkable.

Hagrid puffed out his chest. He was a man whose emotions fluctuated quite a bit, and now he couldn't stop smiling. He was determined to let them try the weasel sandwich.

With great difficulty, the young wizards finally managed to politely thank them.

Then they started discussing the name of the fire dragon.

Taking this opportunity, Justin asked:

“Hagrid, I remember this is the first time I’ve ever been to Hagrid’s Cottage…”

His meaning was clear: how could Hagrid possibly recognize him?
"Oh, you've been here for a week now—"

Hagrid pointed to a parchment map that had only three names on it: Sheehan, Hagrid, and Justin.

This is Sheen's latest experimental version, but this version is much larger in scope than the previous one.

It already includes most of the castles and the Forbidden Forest.

The map even pops up a precise 3D mini-map of the different floors of the castle, leaving Justin somewhat stunned.

"What amazing alchemy..."

he sighed.

……

The dragon was ultimately decided to be named Norbert.

Everyone was quite satisfied with the name, and they left Hagrid's cabin under the cover of night.

"I'll use 'it' to let you know when the baby dragon hatches!"

Hagrid held up a map of plans at the door, but Harry and the others couldn't understand what it was at all.

“Sheen—if I’m not mistaken—”

Hermione recognized it immediately as Sheehan's map of plans.

“It’s still in the experimental stage.” Sheen nodded.

Harry and Ron were completely baffled; they were convinced the two were communicating in some kind of encrypted form.

But they soon had no time to wonder about it.

The professors are assigning more and more homework, and the first-year exams are getting closer and closer.

Hermione helped them create a more urgent study plan, and they spent each day feeling both fulfilled and exhausted.

Sheen remained busy, placing the names of everyone in the cabin on the planning map and casting an illusion spell. The names would appear when needed and disappear when not.

Similarly, if someone is not willing to share their location, they can control the button to erase their traces.

After all, it's really unacceptable to keep your whereabouts completely private.

That day, Sheen's planning map was just ten points away from reaching the "Expert" level of proficiency. Just as Sheen was preparing to make one for each person in the cabin, a red exclamation mark lit up at the place marked with the words "Hagrid".

After Sheen tapped his wand lightly, Hagrid's large portrait immediately popped up, with the words "Request to Assemble" written on it.

Inside the cabin, everyone was still reviewing their lessons when Sheen gently tapped the table, drawing everyone's attention.

"The fire dragon is about to hatch."

……

Ron immediately lost interest in herbalism class and wanted to head straight for Hagrid's cabin.

Hermione strongly disagreed.

"Hermione, how many times in our lifetime can we see a Charmander hatch?"

“We need to go to class, otherwise we’ll get into trouble; if someone finds out what Hagrid has been doing, he’ll be in much worse shape than us—”

The two discussed everything from Hope's Cottage to the greenhouse, until Harry suddenly spoke up:
"Stop talking—"

Hermione's words seemed to have come true; Malfoy stood there listening to their conversation, seemingly overhearing as much as he did.

The expressions on their faces immediately turned grim.

Although the members of the cabins inside the castle didn't look too good, Sheen, on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, was somewhat expectant.

He had no classes this afternoon and arrived early. Right now, he's observing the dragon egg with Hagrid.

Some animals feel closer to the people they see when they are born. Sheen didn't know if dragons were like that, but that didn't stop him from being a little curious.

The egg lay on the table, a deep crack already running through it. Something inside was moving constantly, making a funny clicking sound.

"Oh—Harry, why haven't they arrived yet—"

Hagrid was somewhat agitated, pacing back and forth in the cabin.

Finally, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Justin arrived, with Ron carrying a Herbology shovel—they had come during the break.

Before everyone's eyes, the fire dragon hatched.

Newly hatched creatures always evoke a sense of wonder, even though they may look like a crumpled black umbrella, they certainly bring a feeling of joy in welcoming new life.

In this joy, Sheen heard the sound from the panel:
[You have gained the favor of the magical beast Norwegian Ridgeback (Norber) by meeting the standards of a master, proficiency +300]

The sound startled Sheen, who didn't even notice the fire dragon crawling towards him.

The little dragon sneezed, spitting out a few sparks from its nose, and Hagrid shouted excitedly:

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

The beautiful little dragon in Hagrid's mouth curiously crawled towards Sheen and Sheen's wand. When it touched Sheen's finger with its nose...
Hagrid couldn't resist reaching out a hand and patting the little dragon's head.

The little dragon bit his finger, revealing its sharp, long teeth.

"My goodness, look! It recognizes its mother!"

Hagrid said excitedly.

“I think…it seems to prefer Sheen.”

Hermione didn't quite agree.

(End of this chapter)