Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

The warm aroma of freshly steamed buns filled the air as the house-elf appeared, balancing a plate with a few snow-white treats. Their enticing scent made David's mouth water. Thanking the elf, he carefully took the plate and set it on the table. The little creature remained by his side, eyes wide with anticipation, awaiting his verdict.

David had barely reached for one when Hermione's voice cut through the moment. "Did you hear that?" she asked, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Harry, who had just begun discussing the dumplings with Ron, paused. "What sound?"

"Hush!" Hermione silenced them with a wave of her hand, closing her eyes to listen. "There it is again."

David strained his ears, attempting to pull his focus away from the delicious food. A low, guttural roar, distant at first, was growing louder with each passing second. His eyes widened in realization.

"That's the sound of a fire dragon," he muttered, his voice low and serious.

"What?!" Ron yelped, nearly dropping his dumpling.

David didn't waste time explaining. Judging by the volume of the roar, the fire dragon was approaching at an alarming speed. It wouldn't be long before they would see its massive form against the sky.

"We need to move," David said quickly, setting down his food. Catching sight of the house-elf still standing nearby, he gave an urgent request. "Can you and your friends take everyone in the dormitory to the Great Hall?"

The elf's face lit up with understanding. "Of course, sir! We are happy to help." With a deep bow, he vanished.

Ron stood up, gripping his thigh as if bracing for impact. "Are you sure?"

"I spent time on a dragon reserve. Their calls vary, but this is unmistakable." David grabbed a dumpling and popped it into his mouth. Even with danger imminent, he wasn't about to skip a meal. "Let's go. The Great Hall will be safer."

They barely took a step before the roar echoed once more—closer this time, rattling the very walls of Gryffindor Tower.

"Run!" David urged.

As they reached the doorway, the students upstairs began realizing something was terribly wrong. A group on the lower floors came barreling down, shouting in alarm. Then the entire tower shuddered violently, as if struck by an enormous force.

With a deafening boom, the ground trembled, and stones rained down as the dragon's body crashed against the tower's side. Students stumbled on the quaking floors, falling to their knees in fright.

David turned back, ready to help, but before he could, several house-elves materialized beside the fallen students. With swift, practiced movements, they helped them vanish to safety. Relief flooded David's chest.

Outside the tower, David broke away from the group. "You head to the Great Hall," he instructed Hermione and the others. "I need to see what's happening."

Hermione instantly knew his intent. "You want to see the dragon, don't you?"

"Just from a distance. I might be able to help the professors."

Hermione studied his face, searching for any hesitation. "Be careful. If you don't show up in the Great Hall, I'm coming to find you."

David nodded. As soon as they were out of sight, he teleported to a clearing outside Gryffindor Tower.

Above, the setting sun cast golden hues on a massive fire dragon, its iridescent scales shimmering like pearls in the fading light. The dragon hovered, its wings beating powerfully as it let out another roar.

David's breath caught in his throat. He recognized it instantly.

"Hector?" he whispered, recalling the majestic creature from the dragon reserve—the Australian Opaleye he had once encountered.

Had it come searching for Alyssa? Or had it, too, fallen to the mysterious infection spreading through the magical creatures?

David gathered his courage and called out. "Hector!"

The dragon hesitated mid-flight, its massive frame grazing Gryffindor Tower. The top of the tower crumbled under the impact, sending debris cascading to the ground below.

Then Hector turned, lowering its head to inspect the one who had spoken its name.

David squinted against the light, scanning the dragon's eyes. They were clear—pure white, untainted by the strange affliction.

Before he could call out again, streaks of magic shot from the castle. The professors had arrived.

Hector roared in rage as the spells struck him, piercing his thick hide. Scales clattered to the ground. Furious, the dragon retaliated, spewing fire toward the castle. But an invisible barrier stopped the flames mid-air, dispersing them into harmless embers.

More spells followed, forcing Hector back. The dragon flapped its wings, lifting higher, but it was clear he could not overpower the professors alone.

David knew he had to intervene before Hector was seriously hurt. Summoning his Norwegian Ridgeback, he leaped onto its back and soared into the sky. He called out again, this time in a taunting voice, daring Hector to chase him.

The dragon hesitated for only a moment before charging after him, accepting the challenge. David led him away from the castle, into the depths of the Forbidden Forest.

Once at a safe distance, David turned, raising his voice. "Hector, stop! We're friends!"

Hector flapped his wings, hovering uncertainly. His great head tilted in confusion.

"I need you to land," David coaxed, pointing toward a nearby mountain. Slowly, Hector descended, his wary eyes never leaving David.

David hesitated, then summoned the unicorn. The moment it appeared, Hector let out a deep, mournful sound and rushed forward. He nuzzled the unicorn protectively, his massive body shielding it as if confirming its safety.

David stepped closer, watching the dragon's expression soften. Tears welled in Hector's eyes.

Then, with one final roar, Hector took to the skies, disappearing into the horizon.

David turned to the unicorn, but before he could react, it vanished on its own.

He frowned. That had never happened before.

Had the creatures in his illustrated book become... truly alive?

Shaking off the thought, he mounted the Norwegian Ridgeback and flew back toward Hogwarts.

As he neared the castle, he dismounted within the safety of the forest. Red-eyed creatures lurked in the shadows, but a burst of dragonfire from the Ridgeback sent them scurrying.

David teleported back into the castle, emerging near the Great Hall. The murmur of excited voices grew louder as he approached, but before he could slip in, a cold voice stopped him.

"Scamander, how many points do you think Gryffindor will lose for your stunt?"

Snape stood in the shadows, his expression one of barely contained irritation.

Before David could respond, Professor McGonagall stepped in. "While David's actions may have been reckless, his initiative in saving his fellow students deserves recognition. Gryffindor will be awarded sixty points."

Snape scowled but said nothing, storming off in frustration.

McGonagall turned to David, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Thank you, David. But promise me—next time, stay with the others."

David nodded. "I promise."

With a small smile, McGonagall gestured toward the Great Hall. "Go on. Your friends are waiting."

David stepped inside, met with cheers and relieved smiles. Tonight, the adventure had ended—but he had a feeling this was only the beginning.