Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

After the Minister of Magic and his Aurors had searched the castle and the surrounding grounds one final time, they returned to the castle entrance where Albus Dumbledore stood waiting with his usual calm, unreadable expression.

"Well, Dumbledore," Cornelius Fudge began, adjusting his bowler hat awkwardly, "I'm sorry for all the disruption tonight. You know I had to come—rumors of a dragon loose at Hogwarts… well, it's my duty to make sure no creature is putting the students in danger. As Minister, I have to be cautious—these young witches and wizards are the future of our world."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled faintly beneath the moonlight. "Of course, Cornelius. It's always comforting to see how deeply you care for the safety of our students. And I'm glad to hear you're satisfied there's nothing dangerous here."

He paused, his gaze drifting for a moment toward the dark outline of the Forbidden Forest. "Although, speaking of creatures… Hagrid informed me only days ago that he's spotted poachers near the forest's edge. Smuggling magical beasts, by all accounts. The centaurs have also raised concerns about increased wizarding activity near their settlements."

Fudge frowned, his jovial expression replaced by something more serious. "Poachers, you say? That is concerning. Once I'm back at the Ministry, I'll see to it immediately. You have my word, Albus."

With that, Fudge turned on the spot and Apparated away, the Aurors vanishing alongside him in bursts of magical energy. The professors soon ushered the remaining students back to their dormitories.

Further back, partially hidden among the shadows, Lucius Malfoy stood fuming. His plan to catch Dumbledore harboring a dragon had crumbled before his eyes. Scowling in frustration, he Disapparated awkwardly, leaving nothing behind but the faintest echo of his bitterness.

Dumbledore lingered a moment longer, his eyes still fixed on the distant tree line of the Forbidden Forest. A subtle smile curled his lips before he turned, robes sweeping behind him, and returned to the castle.

⸻

Later That Night

Cael slipped silently from the castle and made his way toward the Forbidden Forest. The towering trees swallowed him in darkness as he moved swiftly, his footsteps practiced, familiar with the path.

Deeper into the woods, past the gnarled oaks and twisted underbrush, he paused, bringing his fingers to his lips and letting out a sharp, steady whistle. The sound echoed faintly among the trees.

Moments later, there was a rustle of leaves, and from the shadows emerged Lenny—the silvery unicorn, her coat faintly shimmering in the moonlight.

"Hello, girl," Cael greeted softly, approaching with care. "Kept her safe, didn't you?"

The unicorn gave a gentle snort in reply, tilting her head.

"Good girl." Cael reached out, stroking her mane briefly. "Alright, show me the way."

Lenny turned gracefully, leading him deeper into the forest, her hooves barely making a sound over the mossy ground. They followed a narrow path until it opened near a small waterfall, its waters gleaming under the moon's glow.

There, perched on a rock near the cascade, sat Hermione Granger. Her wand was drawn, her eyes wide and alert as she scanned the darkness . Despite the night, the waterfall and the clearing were awash in pale silver light.

As Cael descended the hill, Hermione's wand snapped toward him, her voice sharp with fear, "Who's there? Don't come any closer!"

"It's me, Hermione," Cael said quickly, raising his hands slightly in peace. "It's alright."

Relief washed over her face as she lowered her wand. "Cael… thank Merlin. I thought the Aurors would find me any minute."

"They're long gone," Cael assured her. "Dumbledore convinced them there's nothing dangerous here." He glanced at the wooden box beside her—the dragon crate. "Come on, let's get Norbert back to Hagrid. It's time."

Cael levitated the box effortlessly, the tiny dragon inside shifting faintly in his sleep. Before leaving, he knelt beside Lenny, pulling a few treats from his pocket.

"You've done well, girl. Thank you." The unicorn nuzzled his hand before disappearing into the shadows of the forest once more.

As they walked back toward the castle grounds, Hermione fell into step beside him. "So… what exactly did you do to distract the Aurors?"

Cael smirked, adjusting the crate floating ahead of them. "Nothing much. A few spells here and there. Let's just say… they were very tired , so I made them sleep for couple of minutes, Can't let our protractors get tired right "

Hermione giggled, the tension easing from her shoulders. "You and your pranks…"

They made their way down the dark path, exchanging quiet conversation until Hagrid's hut came into view. Hermione halted, motioning for Cael to wait as she peered through the window.

Inside, Hagrid sat slumped at his table, head in his massive hands. His shoulders shook faintly, his eyes red and glassy with unshed tears.

"He's alone," Hermione whispered, stepping back.

They entered the hut softly. At the sight of them—and the levitating crate—Hagrid sprang from his chair, his expression crumpling with overwhelming relief.

"Oh, thank Merlin… Norbert…" He fumbled with the crate's latch, peering inside to find the dragon curled up, asleep and unharmed.

Hagrid's eyes filled with tears as he pulled them both into a crushing hug. "Thank yeh… thank yeh both. I dunno what I'd have done if… if somethin' happened to 'im."

Cael chuckled, trying to breathe through the bear-like embrace. "We owe you too, Hagrid."

Hermione smiled warmly. "We're friends, aren't we? That's what friends do."

Hagrid sniffled, wiping his eyes with one enormous hand. "Yeh… yeh, we're friends."

They sat together, the tension of the evening fading as they considered their next move.

"We still need to send Norbert away," Hermione said firmly, glancing between them. "Tonight proved it's not safe here."

"Where?" Hagrid asked, voice trembling.

Cael leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I heard from Fred and George— their brother Charlie's working with dragons in Romania. A reserve. Mountains, valleys, space to roam, all under the care of dragon handlers."

Hagrid's eyes widened, hope igniting behind them.

"And it's far away from humans… and poachers," Cael added meaningfully.

Hagrid wiped his nose on his sleeve, nodding. "A place full o' dragons… growin' up free… Yeh… That's where 'e belongs."

The decision was made. The dragon would find a new home— and for tonight, at least, Norbert, and all of them, were safe.