Chapter 1: Trouble
Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk, doing his daily work. His phoenix, Fawkes, stood by his cage, howling a beautiful melody.
"Fawkes, do you think it is time to enroll new students for the new school year?" he said in a British accent. Fawkes replied in a cry.
"Thank you, my dear. You have been a great help." He continued his work until the headmistress, Professor Minerva McGonagall entered the room in a rush.
"Professor Dumbledore," she sounded furious and afraid.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall, how may I help you?"
"We have some critical problems with the students. There's havoc at the main hall. We need you right away, Professor."
"Well then, let's go." He took out his wand and pointed it towards the ceiling. A streak of light appeared and the next thing they knew, they were at the main hall, where all the students had gathered and the whole place was definitely havoc. The candles were lit and floating on the air; the students sat at their places and talking about the same topic—which was the main topic—without realizing the headmaster has arrived.
Albus and Minerva sat at the places and Albus stood at the centre. The other professors were already there—Severus Snape, Filius Flitwick and Rubeus Hagrid. They looked unhappy.
Albus turned to the students whom did not notice his presence. "Silence," he muttered. No one listened. "SILENCE!" he said. The main hall became quiet and the students calmed down. "Thank you," he said.
"Can anyone please tell me what is going on here?" he asked politely. No one answered. He turned to his fellow colleagues whom were also discussing about the same topic which he doesn't know. Severus stood up.
"Professor Dumbledore, may I speak on their behalf?"
"You may."
"Students have been attacked by unknown creatures that we could not recognize."
"Yes, Professor. I don't even know who or what those creatures are. According to my experience, none of them are magical creatures." Hagrid stood up and continued.
"Not magical creatures?" Flitwick said. "But you told us those are magical creatures."
"Not any more. I checked my books. None of them belonged to magical creatures."
"If they are not magical creatures, what are they, professor Hagrid? Could you explain?" Snape protested.
"This is not the time to argue, professors!" McGonagall scolded.
"Minerva, how are the students that were attacked?" Albus asked.
"They only have minor injuries. But they still need to stay at the medical room for further inspections."
"Are there any witnesses?"
"Yes, apparently, the witnesses are Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley."
"Sent them to my office then." He said. Then he turned to the students. "Listen up, students. I assure you, your safety is guaranteed. The doors and gates will be locked and patrol teams will patrol the area to secure no more creatures enter without permission to harm you. Whoever or whatever those creatures are, we will find them. But now, you must return to your rooms and take your rest. Classes continue tomorrow. Good night."
The students started to retreat. The brunet, Harry Potter, and his friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, also returned to Gryffindor common room. "What do you think about the creatures that attacked the students?" Ron asked. He looked afraid. "Will it attack us?"
"As what Professor Dumbledore said, we will be safe. Don't worry yourself, Ronald." Hermione replied.
"Based on my opinion," Luna suddenly appeared. "Those creatures are not magical. They're some kind of creatures in the Muggle world, that hidden among them and us."
"Magical creatures are the same." Harry assumed.
"But these creatures are not magical."
"And you presumed that they are—"
"Cryptids."
"What? I beg your pardon?"
"Cryptids. Hidden creatures among Muggles and us."
Ron laughed. "You're joking, right? Cryptids? What are they at all? I've never heard of them in my whole life. A joke right?"
Luna looked at him with no reply. "Ron, it's not a joke. Luna doesn't joke." Harry said.
"Okay... I knew that."
"Cryptids?" Hermione asked. "Why have we never heard of them?"
"Because, they aren't supposed to be."
"Do they have a council or ministry like M.O.M.?"
"Maybe. But one thing is positive of that some Muggles had called themselves, Secret Scientists."
"Secret scientists? Looks to me they aren't secret at all."
"Ahh...Harry!" McGonagall called from behind. They turned around. "Harry, Hermione and Weasley, Professor Dumbledore wishes to see you right away."
"D-d-did we did something wrong?" Ron shivered.
"Of course not. You are such fine students. Come along." She ushered the trio. "Oh yes, good night Ms. Lovegood."
"Yes, good night."
"Ahh... Harry, I've been expecting you. And Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley. Do sit." Albus said. "I want to ask you something. You three had witnessed the attack, right?"
"Yes." Harry replied.
"I want to know everything you know." He said as he cleared the things on his desk and took out a few pieces of paper and pen. "By the way, why are you always around when there's something happening?"
"I have been asking myself the same question for 5 years." Ron admitted.
Dumbledore smiled a little. "Now, would you please, Harry, recollect the creature's appearance. It would be helpful for us."
Harry nodded. He took the feather pen and the paper and tried to trace the creature's appearance from his memories. It would be hard but he'll try his best. Soon, he was done after finishing the final details.
"It looked exactly like a snake, but it doesn't seem like one. It looked very nasty." Harry said as he handed the paper to Dumbledore.
"And there are other creatures too, creatures which looked like cobras moving on their—tails, which doesn't seem like normal snakes do." Hermione added.
"And—they have 4 arms! Arms! Snakes have arms! And there are also flying creatures and a huge worm like one and another purple one which doesn't seem like snakes at all that doesn't have eyes. And there's also—and also—" Ron started to got nervous.
"Mr. Weasley, do calm down." Dumbledore persuaded.
"A-a-are you sure we're safe, Professor Dumbledore?" Ron asked.
"I assume you everyone within this walls are safe. The professors will risk their lives to protect the students. If there aren't anymore details, you may retreat to your common room."
"Oh, wait, Professor Dumbledore. I have more details." Hermione said.
"Do speak up, Ms. Granger."
"As what the snakes that aren't magical, I believe that those are cryptids."
"Hermione, those are Luna-nonsense." Ron assumed.
"If they aren't cryptids, could you explain what are they? For some reason I support Luna's opinion."
"Guys, let's not argue here." Harry persuaded.
"Well, Harry, tell your friend that she was talking nonsense too!"
"Ron, I... believe Luna. She does have a point."
"I...I can't believe you believe Luna than your best friend for 5 years!"
"Ronald..."
"That's enough for today. You may return to your common room. Dismissed." Dumbledore ordered. The trio still went back, arguing.
"Minerva," Albus said.
"Yes,"
"If what the children saying are true, we need professionals in this job that involved in cryptids."
"I'll be right on it sir."
"When you're done, please inform me. I want to see the people on my own."