In a rush, a collective effort was made to extinguish the flames that had caught on Hagrid’s beard. As this unfolded, Wentworth made his way into the room, casting a careful gaze at the Norwegian Ridgeback in the company of Hagrid and the others.

Curiosity evident in his voice, Hagrid inquired, “Wentworth, what brings you here?”

Without raising his gaze, Wentworth responded, “Professor Dumbledore assigned me a task. I happened to pass by and thought to say hello, but I didn’t anticipate witnessing such a magical spectacle.”

Without giving room for further inquiries, Wentworth gestured towards the Norwegian Ridgeback and asked, “Hagrid, what are your plans for this?”

Excitement painted across his face, Hagrid shared, “I’m planning to keep him discreetly in the Forbidden Forest. You won’t tell anyone, will you, Wentworth?”

Wentworth, offering a reassuring smile, replied, “Certainly, I won’t tell anyone about this.”

As Hagrid prepared to express his gratitude, Wentworth interjected, “However, are you prepared to risk losing the entire Forbidden Forest over a mere Dragon?”

Wentworth’s words caught Hagrid off guard, leaving him momentarily stunned.

In the midst of this discussion, Hermione chimed in, aligning herself with Wentworth’s concerns, “Wentworth is right, Hagrid. You saw it just now. It’s newly born, yet it can already breathe flame. Are you certain it won’t accidentally set the Forbidden Forest ablaze?”

Taking in Wentworth and Hermione’s pointed remarks, Hagrid fell into contemplative silence. After a prolonged pause, he spoke with a tinge of sorrow, “But it’s still so small. Where else can I send it?”

Seizing an opportunity, Draco eagerly interjected, “I already told you, Hagrid, sell it to me! I can offer you a generous amount of Galleons!”

Hagrid, clenching his teeth, retorted, “Don’t even think about it. I won’t ever sell my child!” He protectively stands between the Dragon and Draco.

Ron, seeking a more practical solution, offered, “Leave it to me, Hagrid. My brother specializes in Dragon studies in Romania. We can send it to him.”

However, Hagrid hesitatingly rejected the idea, “Romania? No, it’s too far! I’m afraid I’ll never see it again!”

Finally, Wentworth stepped in, offering a solution, “Leave it to me, Hagrid. Within two days, I’ll arrange for someone to take Norbert away and find a suitable location to raise him. You’ll still be able to visit him in the future if you trust me.”

Relieved, Hagrid responded hastily, “Wentworth, don’t take me wrong… I believe in you, but where are you going to take him?”

Wentworth, exuding confidence, suggested, “How about raising him in Austria? I have a relative who lives alone in a forest there, and he can make for a suitable companion for this Norwegian Ridgeback.”

Grinning in agreement, Hagrid nodded and remarked, “Austria sounds perfect. It’s not too far, but remember, Norbert is a Dragon. Despite being a good lad, he can get dangerous when provoked. Is your relative okay with that?”

Wentworth chuckled, assuring, “Don’t worry a bit about it; it won’t even matter if there are three more Dragons sent his way!”

Hearing what Wentworth just said made them curious about who was this person truly is.

What kind of person could Wentworth trust for him to say such thing?

With Hagrid and Wentworth reaching a consensus, Draco, visibly disappointed at missing the chance to acquire a real Dragon, sullenly took a seat while pouting.

Noticing Draco’s expression, Wentworth approached him and teased him, “Young master feeling a bit gloomy that his wealth couldn’t buy anything for him?”

Hearing Wentworth’s tease made Draco feel annoyed, “It’s not that!”

Ron, who was nearby, picked up the cue and teased him more, “Perhaps it’s about time for the young master to learn that not all his father’s riches would be enough to carry him.”

“You shut your mouth, Weasley! You know very well I could buy your whole house with the pocket money I am receiving!” Draco replied while pointing at Ron.

Harry separated them once again before they were about to argue, “Guys, stop! We are inside Hagrid’s place. The last thing we want is for him to call a Professor on us!”

Ron and the others sported indifferent expressions as they observed the resolution of the fire Dragon situation.

With the creature’s fate settled, Wentworth, checking the time, turned towards Harry and the rest, remarking, “It’s curfew time. Aren’t you all planning to head back? I just spotted Professor McGonagall patrolling the corridor consistently. Looks like she’s keen on enforcing curfew!”

Upon hearing Wentworth’s reminder, Harry and his companions exchanged glances, hastily bid farewell to Hagrid and Wentworth, and hurriedly made their way back.

As Harry and the others dashed back, Wentworth remained seated in his cabin, calmly picking up a teacup and pouring himself a cup of hot tea. Curious, Hagrid inquired, “Wentworth, it’s curfew time. Aren’t you planning to hurry back?”

Wentworth took a leisurely sip of tea without a hint of urgency and replied, “It’s fine. Have you forgotten? I mentioned I’m here to complete a task assigned by Professor Dumbledore.”

Upon hearing Wentworth’s words, Hagrid’s realization struck like a bolt, prompting him to respond without hesitation, “Wentworth, what task did Professor Dumbledore assign to you? Do you need my help?”

Ecstatic at Hagrid’s willingness, Wentworth beamed, exclaiming, “In fact, yes! I do need your help, Hagrid!”

However, his expression then shifted to one of mystery as he softly shared with Hagrid, “Hagrid, have you heard that the Forbidden Forest has become quite unstable lately? Some Unicorns have even been attacked. The task Professor Dumbledore gave me is to uncover the truth behind this.”

Hagrid nodded as he listened to Wentworth’s story.

Assured by Hagrid’s acknowledgment, Wentworth continued, “Of course, I’m aware. You were the first to inform Dumbledore about it.”

Hagrid replied, “Don’t worry, Wentworth, I’ll definitely assist you. This falls within the scope of my responsibilities!”

Satisfied with Hagrid’s commitment, Wentworth smiled. After savoring a cup of tea, he gracefully exited Hagrid’s Hut.

A few steps around the Forbidden Forest, he then strolled unhurriedly towards Hogwarts Castle.

Upon entering the castle, Wentworth encountered Professor McGonagall in the midst of a heated exchange with Harry, Draco, and the others.

The students, sporting expressions of distress, were on the receiving end of Professor McGonagall’s stern words.

“Good evening, Professor McGonagall!” Wentworth greeted, stepping forward with a genial smile.

Upon seeing Wentworth approaching, Professor McGonagall frowned, expressing her dissatisfaction, “Wentworth, I hope you have a good reason for being out so late and not returning to your dormitory.”

Unfazed, Wentworth calmly retrieved a note from his belongings and handed it over to Professor McGonagall.

She examined the note, her brows furrowing further. However, she returned the note to Wentworth, cautioning, “While the Headmaster has permitted this, I still advise you, Wentworth, to exercise caution.”

Wentworth nodded in acknowledgment, and with a gesture from Professor McGonagall, he was allowed to proceed on his way.

Wentworth strolled past Harry and the others, entered the castle, and glanced back to witness Professor McGonagall berating Harry and his companions while holding the note.

“If not for an enthusiastic classmate who left me a note, I wouldn’t believe that first-year students would dare loiter near the Forbidden Forest during curfew! Who emboldened you?” Professor McGonagall’s voice echoed in rebuke.

A slight smile played on Wentworth’s lips as he continued on his way.

Simultaneously, a small green figure ascended Wentworth’s sleeve, diligently climbing along his trousers. It was Leafy the Bowtruckle.

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Published On: February 11, 2024

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