Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Bailey and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various reader's amusement everywhere across the globe during these dark and gloomy days.

A Dog's Purpose Is Strange Magic Chapter 41

Turns out Harry, Hermione, and Ron had much bigger problems to contend with than just the Sorcerer's Stone. Not that the three of them don't keep trying to encourage Quirrell through subtle means and gestures every chance they can possibly get whenever they cross paths with him other than in their normal everyday classes. Bailey still has no idea why they're being so nice to him. Why then can't see what she does about him? That he's an evil snake hidden under his smiles and stuttering exterior which is obviously to her just a façade. She may get in trouble for it each time she utters a low growl in his direction anytime he steps close to her boy, but to her, she's protecting Harry so it is worth the reprimand.

No. Quirrell or the Sorcerer's Stone isn't the only thing weighing heavily on her boy's mind besides Quidditch.

The final exams are looming ever closer and it is all thanks to Hermione.

Hermione is all too happy to remind Harry and Ron that final exams are just a measly ten weeks away. So while the two of them simply want to relax and not worry about it until the final days she is not allowing them to slack off for a minute. Hermione makes it noted to them that this is far from the time to risk doing that.

Combined with all the homework and endless studying laid on them they're practically spending a high percentage of their time in the library these days.

On the bright side for Bailey she's able to catch up on a lot of downtimes, but a significant downside…She's bored to tears.

While she's happy her charges are safe Bailey wishes something, however small, might occur to bring a touch of excitement back into the mix. Especially on a day like today when it is the middle of spring and the over closer approach of summer is beginning to lighten everyone's spirits. She wants to go outside and have some fun, not be stuck indoors day in and day out.

Be careful what you wish for, right?

Bailey is awoken from a nice comfortable nap when she hears and feels large heavy footsteps nearby. Raising her head from crossed paws she turns her ears in that direction, sniffing the air. It's Hagrid and he doesn't have Fang with him. Not surprised about that. It's a miracle even if she is permitted in the library. No, what is confusing her is Hagrid's current manner. He appears to be sneaking around, not wanting to be seen by anybody. Kind of impossibly difficult to do for someone his massive size. It most certainly doesn't help his case at present.

This is the proven point when Ron spots him a few seconds after Bailey notices him.

"Hagrid! What are you doing in the library," asked Ron, delightedly surprised.

Hagrid was startled so badly by Ron that Bailey thought a tiny earthquake might've hit with how the floor shook. He's fortunate the territorial librarian Madame Pince didn't stomp over to throw him out.

After regaining his bearings Hagrid shuffles into view, hiding something behind his back. Looking a smidge ridiculous to the point Bailey tilts her head slightly in confusion as she observes him underneath the table.

"Just looking," he said sheepishly, suddenly suspicious of their doings. "And what're you lot up to? You're not still looking for Nicholas Flamel, are you?"

Grinning broadly, Ron said "We, we found out who he is ages ago. And we know what that dog's guarding. It is the Sorcerer's St-."

"Shhhh," exclaimed Hagrid in a hushed tone of voice. "Don't go shouting about it. What's the matter with you?"

Shutting the book in front of him, Harry said "There are a few things we wanted to ask you, as a matter of fact. About what's guarding the Stone apart from Fluff-."

"Shhhh," said Hagrid, fearfully nervous. "Listen now, come and see me later. I'm not promising I'll; tell you anything, mind, but don't go rabbiting about it in here. Students aren't supposed to know. They'll think I've told you."

"See you later then," said Harry, satisfied that they'll finally be getting some answers they desire.

Hagrid then shuffles off, concealing whatever it is he has in his moleskin overcoat.

"What was he hiding behind his back," said Hermione, thoughtfully.

"Do you think it had anything to do with the Stone," said Harry, curious. "Ron, go check. Take Bailey with you. She'll sniff out the exact area."

So Ron and Bailey head for the isle Hagrid had previously been browsing. Bailey then sniffs out Hagrid's scent, pinpointing the spot that had his attention the most.

"Good girl, Bailey," said Ron, petting her on the head. Ron then scans his eyes over the selection. Removing some books, one that she takes into her mouth to carry, he and Bailey then rejoin the others at the table. Ron slams them down onto the table, unveiling the titles for them to see. "Dragons! Hagrid was looking up stuff about dragons! Look at these: Dragon Species of Great Britain and Ireland; From Egg to Inferno, A Dragon Keepers Guide."

"Hagrid's always wanted a dragon, he told me so the first time I ever met him," whispered Harry.

"But it's against our laws," informed Ron. "Dragon breeding was outlawed by the Warlocks' Convention of 1709, everyone knows that. It's hard to stop Muggles from noticing us if we're keeping dragons in the back garden. Anyway, you can't tame dragons. It's dangerous. You should see the burns Charlie's got off wild ones in Romania."

"But there aren't wild dragons in Britain," said Harry, perplexed.

"Of course there are," corrects Ron. "Common Welsh Green and Hebridean Blacks. The Ministry of Magic has a job hushing them up, I can tell you. Our kind has to keep putting spells on Muggles who've spotted them, to make them forget."

"So what on earth's Hagrid up to," contemplates Hermione.

Not more than an hour later the four of them are at Hagrid's hut.

Bailey takes one step through the door and she's panting in an effort to cool off from the stifling heat brewing within. Hagrid already has a blazing fire in the grate. Uncommon in warm weather. Bailey doesn't know how Fang can stand it the way he is.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron are immediately on Hagrid's case about the Sorcerer's Stone. Thanks to Hermione's persuasive methods in manipulating Hagrid does have success. He lets slip that other professors have set up their own protections against those who might be after the Stone, including the Headmaster.

Once the line of questions is finished the kids finally take notice of what's in the fireplace underneath a boiling kettle. Recognizing he no longer has a choice Hagrid divulges what is there. It's a huge black egg. Because of who he is related to Ron discovers what it is right away.

A dragon egg?

This sure explains Hagrid's odd behavior in the library earlier today.

Crouching over the fire to get a closer look at the egg, Ron said "Where did you get it, Hagrid? It must've cost you a fortune."

"Won it," said Hagrid. "Last night. I was down in the village having a few drinks and got into a game of cards with a stranger. Think he was quite glad to get rid of it, to be honest."

"But what are you going to do with it when it is hatched," asked Hermione.

Pulling out a large book from underneath his pillow, looking very pleased with his change in circumstances, Hagrid explains "Well I've been doing some reading. Got this out of the library. Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit. It is a bit out of date of course, but it's all in here. Keep the egg in the fire since their mothers breathe on them and when it hatches feed it on a bucket of brandy mixed with chicken blood every half hour. And see here, how to recognize different eggs. What I've got there's a Norwegian Ridgeback. They're rare, them."

Stating the obvious, Hermione deadpanned "Hagrid, you live in a wooden house."

But Hagrid wasn't listening. He was humming merrily as he stoked the fire, feeling nothing except joy over what he saw as good fortune.

Bailey loves Hagrid just as the rest of them do heartily, but occasions like this make her seriously question the gamekeeper's sanity.

It takes a couple of days following this until Hagrid messages them that the dragon egg is in the process of hatching. This is a special experience exclusively for them. Unfortunately it comes to them during classes. So there's a fear they'll end up missing it. You don't often get the opportunity to watch a dragon be born every day. The wait makes them anxious and extremely antsy.

As soon as Herbology is finished the four book it directly to Hagrid's. Just their luck Hagrid says it is nearly out when he greets them.

They haven't missed it.

The egg is lying on the table with deep cracks in it. Something was moving inside making funny clicking noises from the interior.

Not wanting to be left out Bailey stands on her hind legs to get as close to the egg as possible. Stretching her neck out Bailey lightly grazes her nose over the shell.

All at once there is a scraping noise and the egg splits open. The infant dragon flopped onto the tables. Its spiny wings were huge compared to its skinny jet body, a long snout with wide nostrils, stubs of horns, and orange bulging eyes.

To most, including the kids, this Norwegian Ridgeback is entirely unattractive.

For Bailey this little baby is undeniably cute.

It sneezed. A couple of sparks flew out of its snout.

"Isn't he beautiful," murmured Hagrid, happily.

Hagrid reaches out a hand to stroke the dragon's head. It growls snapping at his fingers. The movement causes the newborn to stumble on unsteady legs. Before anyone can stop it the baby tumbles from the table.

Instinctively Baily catches the baby on her nose. She then gently lowers the baby onto the floor. Temporarily stunned from the fall the infant shakes itself off and stares at Bailey with its big eyes, blinking in confusion. Warmth fills her from head to tail as maternal instincts take hold. Bailey lays down and nuzzles the hatching closer to her. Surprisingly the baby curls up against her side, releasing a big yawn. As the hatchling settles down for a nap Bailey starts giving it a bath.

Tentatively, Hermione asks "Hagrid, how fast do Norwegian Ridgebacks grow exactly?"

Hagrid was about to answer when the color suddenly drains from his face. He leaped to his feet and ran to the window.

"What's the matter," said Harry, alarmed.

"Someone was looking through the gap in the curtains. It's a kid. He's running back up to the school."

Harry bolted to the door and looked out.

"Malfoy," grimaced Harry, bleakly.

Malfoy had seen the dragon.

Authors Note:

By the way who's been watching House of the Dragon? I am so in love with Prince Daemon. He is a dream. Matt Smith was the perfect person to play that character. Similar to Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool no one could've done it better.

Apologies for the long wait everybody!

I cannot begin to describe how apologetic I am for taking so heinously long to get back on track. It's difficult when you have so many ideas flying around to start on one and then another just pops out in your head. From this day forward that's all gonna change.

I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes To Town, Fatal Attraction, The Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Heroes Vs Predators, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascott, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, Mermaids Walk Among Us, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Sayuri Wren, Fifth Turtle, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, The Emperor's Daughter, Glenstorm's Daughter, Dianca Robbins, Morning Star, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire and Ice, Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, A Revolutionary Romance, Aunt, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8thLoser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, Dido Cruger: Power Rangers SPD, The True Catwoman Of Gotham, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D

By the way, Charmer And Company, Edith Angelica Tepes, Spirits Save The Justice League Against Crazy Jane, Crazy Jane Comes to Town, Fatal Attraction, Strawhat's Mermaid, When Two Become One, The Sorcerer's Daughter, Heroes vs Predators, Enola: The Last Unicorn To Middle Earth, Silent Guardians To Gotham, Hachiko: UA Class 1-A's Mascot, Mermaids Walk Among Us, Big Hero 6: Mirai Hamada, U.A. High Schools Own Blue Eyes White Dragon, Reira Todoroki: Daughter Of Fire And Ice, Morning Star, Crown Jewel Of Gongmen City, Fifth Turtle, The Emperor's Daughter, Rorschach's Legend, Sayuri Wren, Bianca Robbins, Aunt, Glenstorm's Daughter, Mandalorian: The 2ndFoundling, Eira Byrnison, and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, Rava's Journey, Princess Of The Forest, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, and The True Catwoman Of Gotham, are some of the best newest additions to my profile.

Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure.