Three Defence lessons of Surrunjation (water, furniture and boulders from the surrounding mountains) later, Omega seemed satisfied enough to proceed to something else. When the Gryffindors entered the classroom, they were greeted by a short note stuck to the blackboard.

"Something new today. Hagrid's hut." Harry read aloud. Eyebrows raised, the class started climbing down the stairs.

When they got to the hut, Hagrid, Omega and the Slytherin sixth-years were waiting. Some of them sniggered as the Gryffindors hurried to their places. Omega raised one eyebrow, then spoke.

"We will have a joint lesson today," she announced. Almost all the students groaned at this. "As part of this year's syllabus, you will be required to have some knowledge of magizoology. Over two periods, we will be covering an exotic magical beast. Kindly follow." She started off to the lake, Hagrid bringing up the rear.

"What's that for?" Ron asked as they made their way to the water's edge.

"Probably because You-Know-Who might be training beasts for his return. Could be, what with the Dementors and all." Hermione replied thoughtfully.

At the lake, Hagrid raised a gigantic horn to his lips and blew. A mourning, wailing sound came.

"Good Lord, what's he trying to do, deafen us?" Malfoy groaned, coverng his ears.

"Maybe just you, Malfoy," replied Hermione, whose ears weren't covered, but wincing at the noise.

"Oh, little Mudblood Granger here is just too deaf to hear a big oaf blowing a horn," Malfoy said mockingly.

He got a sharp push in return. With a wail just as horrible as the horn, he tumbled into the lake. Sputtering, his head bobbed up to the surface. Hagrid promptly stopped blowing as the Gryffindors' laughter rang out. His lip was curling slightly as he bent down to pull Malfoy out of the water. The rest of the Slytherins were crowding around him, when Parvati Patil screamed, "Look! The lake!"

As everyone turned around, even the Slytherins, huge beasts were swimming towards them at the speed of bullets. Their lower bodies were covered in scales of golden-white, and on top of their furry white torsos were lion's heads. They roared as they swam, sending waves of water crashing over the class.

"Merlions." Omega's voice rang out over the roaring and complaints of wet robes. She was completely dry, and grinned back at the appalled faces. "Desertious Charm. Anyway, back to the Merlions." One of them purred as she stroked its head, sending a small wave lapping at the students' feet. Some of them backed away nervously. "Mystical creatures. They're a symbol of the country Singapore, usually found only in Asia. These guys here arrived early this term. Their roaring creates waves, and looking at one straight in the eye will usually leave you frozen in whatever position you are in. they can be powerful allies when befriended, and well, let's just say you wouldn't want to make enemies out of 'em. That's why we're here today, so please pay proper attention."

Hagrid stepped over to continue. "Now, these 'ere creatures are really kind if yeh trust 'em, so you gotta be patient with 'em. They'll try an' earn your trust, so be friendly..."

Malfoy was whispering excitedly to his cronies Crabbe and Goyle as Hagrid spoke. Harry told Ron and Hermione, who both shook their heads in exasperation.

"The git's been enough in trouble with the beasts already, what's he gonna do this time?" Ron was amused. "Maybe he'll get his had bitten off or something this time, Harry, that'll be good for Quidditch," he added hopefully.

"So all yeh get into 'threes, and get ta' know the Merlions. They might let yeh ride, or summat like that." Hagrid finished.

"C'mon, let's go see that one," Hermione pointed out a smaller Merlion, not fully grown yet. Malfoy, however, chose the biggest of the lot, and was poking its nose with the tip of his wand. The Merlion roared again, and glared at Malfoy, who was laughing.

"These idiots can't even fight ba-" his body seemed to tense up, as if frozen. Crabbe and Goyle stared on, their eyes as round as plates, with absolutely no idea what to do. Omega walked over, shaking her head. "This, people," she pointed at the frozen Malfoy, "is exactly the opposite of what you want to do." The Gryffindor's laughter rang across the lake as Omega thawed Malfoy with a poke of her wand. "I told you, Malfoy, not to intimidate them. It would be appreciated if you could read the chapter in any bestiary on Merlions, and come up with a short essay for me explaining proper care for them." She walked away, leaving a very wet, very shocked Malfoy.

All the pupils in the class (with the exception of the Slytherins, who were trying in vain to put expressions of horror on their faces) were enjoying themselves immensely, as the Merlions performed incredible water stunts for them, or let them ride as they skimmed silently across the water. People oohed and aahed as a Merlion launched itself into the air gracefully, did a couple of flips and plunged back in with nearly no sound. Hermione had an extraordinary time, her new animal friend did an entire acrobatic routine as she rode it. Other than looking a bit green when she got off, she looked extremely happy.

"Very good, class. I'll expect no homework next lesson, but read up on Merlions, it'll help." Omega looked very satisfied behind the dark glasses.

The sun was sinking down slowly as the students walked back to the castle.