Chapter Thirteen

The Gryffindor trio stood talking to Hagrid outside his hut. The large man was talking about his latest monstrous pet with a tear in his eye. "'E's not dangerous t'all!" he protested. "Sure, 'e's got sharp fangs and breathes fire, but that's just Nature's way of lettin' 'im defend himself!"

They were saved from responding when Hagrid lifted his head and cried out, "Hullo, Severus! I heard what happened but never got a chance to speak ta ye. How are ye doin'?"

Severus paused, carrying a basket full of vials and collection jars. He had been exploring the grounds in search of potions ingredients. "Hullo, Hagrid," he said, eyeing the Gryffindors suspiciously.

"C'mere and talk to me a bit. These three won't hurt ye none."

Severus approached slowly, sliding his wand into his sleeve, as if he would be hexed in broad daylight in front of a teacher. With his track record, he wouldn't be surprised. "Are you really teaching Care of Magical Creatures? I heard Draco talking about it."

Hagrid looked uncomfortable. "Now don't ye go believin' everything that that lad says! Buckbeak barely scratched 'im—"

"Draco was a fool for insulting a hippogriff, and I've told him so. Did the students really get to *ride* him?" The Slytherin looked fascinated.

"Well, yeh, if they got on well enough."

"And your classes get to see Thestrals?"

"Oh yes, fascinatin' creatures, Thestrals. Luna tells me you've been helpin' her ta feed them."

"Draco also said something about Blast-Ended Skrewts. I've never heard of those. What are they? Did you breed them yourself? However did you get away with making a new breed?"

"Well, I, uh…"

"I wish I'd had you as my teacher. Your classes are so much cooler than Professor Kettleburn's!"

Hagrid fairly swelled with pride. He rummaged in his pockets and withdrew a grimy-looking handkerchief, which he used to dab at his eyes and loudly blow his nose. It sounded like a foghorn. "That's a right lovely thing ta say!" he sniffed. "I'm glad ta have a Slytherin who 'preciates my classes."

"I'm full up this year," Severus said almost apologetically, "but I'd love to have a few private lessons if you can manage it."

"Private lessons!" Hagrid sobbed. "Bless yer heart, Severus!" He dashed into his hut, leaving the Gryffindors to gape at his retreating back. They glanced at each other, wearing identical expressions of shame. They had secretly dreaded Hagrid's classes due to the ferocious creatures that the half-giant loved to adopt and introduce to the students. Severus was genuinely enthusiastic and appreciative, and they felt guilty that they could not bring themselves to feel the same. It had been a relief to drop Care of Magical Creatures.

Hagrid appeared in short order and stuffed something in Snape's basket. "'Ere ya go! Know ye'll have a good use fer this."

Severus reached into the basket and withdrew a handful of fine white hair. "Hagrid! This is unicorn tail! It's worth a fortune!"

"'Tis nuthin'. The unicorns snag it on branches and such. So long as it's not taken forcefully, it should be foine for ye ta use. I wuz gonna use it fer bandages, but I s'spect ye'd appreciate it more."

"Oh! I – thank you!"

"I wuz just about to make my rounds and check in on some 'o my creatures. Want ta come with? P'raps we'll come across some more potions ingredients."

"Sure, all right. I was headed that way anyway."

"See you three later!" Hagrid called cheerfully as they walked away, talking about Skrewts and Thestrals and all sorts of creatures. Harry, Ron and Hermione could only shake their heads.