HP: Wizardry’s a Hassle, Wand in the Right Hand, Gun in the Left

...Back to the present.

"Oh, heavens, I really fell for you two's tricks—though I'm just glad you're both okay now. Otherwise, I'd never forgive myself!"

After his initial excitement faded, Hagrid couldn't help but feel guilty and terrified.

"I bet you two planned this all along, knowing that it would take me ages to learn that... what's it called... [Soul Link] spell—yes, that's the name, right?"

"I can't even remember the last time I studied a spell so seriously."

"Anyway, by the time I finally mastered it and looked up, it was almost the time we had agreed on earlier."

"I couldn't stop you two!"

"And I didn't even have time to notify Professor Dumbledore. Knowing you two, you'd definitely take such a huge risk as you said you would. So, I had no choice but to rush into the Forbidden Forest to find Norbert and cast the spell on him."

"Thank goodness the spell worked, and that lad let me climb onto his back and fly up."

"...But honestly, flying high on Norbert's back felt amazing!"

"Wait, I'm getting off-topic!"

"...Speaking of which, Hermione, did you teach me the spell and then just drag Glenn off without a word? I didn't even know when you two left!"

At this point, Hagrid glared at the two little figures in front of him.

"Ah... hahaha, well, time was tight back then..."

"We promise we won't do it again next time! Don't worry, Hagrid."

Hermione laughed nervously, trying to gloss over the situation.

Seeing that Hagrid seemed about to say more, Hermione quickly changed the subject.

"Hagrid, there's no time for that now. Did you bring what we asked for?"

"Even though the Basilisk is already struggling, it's better to finish it off quickly to avoid any unforeseen complications."

"Huh? Oh, oh! Yes, I brought it!"

Hagrid was momentarily stunned but, after thinking it over, realized the girl had a point. He reached into his coat and rummaged around.

"Here it is."

Hagrid pulled out a lump of something. Under the moonlight, its true form was revealed...

It was a rooster.

That's right, even before learning the Basilisk's true nature, Glenn had specifically instructed Hagrid to protect the last remaining roosters.

Although they didn't know why the heir of Slytherin behind Ginny wanted to kill these animals, since it was their target, protecting them was bound to serve some purpose.

And as it turned out, Glenn's foresight was correct.

Once the two of them learned more about the Basilisk, their final measure in the plan was for Hagrid to bring the rooster as backup.

Indeed, summoning Norbert wasn't actually part of their plan to destroy the Basilisk. The dragon was merely there to restrain the creature's movements, ensuring it couldn't escape when it heard the rooster's crow.

According to the book, a rooster's crow was fatal to a Basilisk. Since Tom Riddle had gone to such lengths to kill all the roosters in the coop behind Hagrid's hut, this information was undoubtedly reliable.

If that was the case, why not use a simpler method to resolve the situation?

"Let's go, Hagrid. Don't keep Norbert waiting."

Hermione tugged at Glenn and quickly led the way for Hagrid.

"...Why do I feel like something's off?"

Hagrid hurried to follow. He didn't dare let these two out of his sight again. However, he kept scratching his head along the way, unable to figure out what was bothering him.

His head itched, as if he were growing a brain.

The group arrived at the spot where Norbert was tangling with the Basilisk. The area was a complete mess.

Trees were broken, craters littered the ground, and the two massive creatures were locked in a fierce struggle on the forest floor.

Oh, right, the "struggle" was one-sided. The Basilisk's lower jaw had been blown off by Glenn, making it incapable of biting.

The once-lethal Basilisk had lost its deadly gaze, its powerful bite, and now only had a weakened, writhing body from massive blood loss and exhaustion. All that remained were a few venomous fangs.

Well, those fangs might not even penetrate Norbert's dragonhide.

It was truly a pitiful sight.

But it could also be said that it deserved its fate.

Sensing its impending death, the previously near-lifeless Basilisk suddenly rallied, struggling with newfound strength. Caught off guard, Norbert's massive body nearly got thrown off. Fortunately, its sharp claws were deeply embedded in the Basilisk, preventing it from being flung aside and saving it from embarrassment.

Stare~

Feeling three pairs of eyes fixed on it, Norbert seemed somewhat annoyed. Enraged, it intensified its attacks on the Basilisk. The temperature of its fiery breath rose significantly, so much so that Glenn and the others could feel the heat waves from where they stood.

"So this is the monster from the Chamber of Secrets..."

Hagrid gazed silently at the pitiful Basilisk before him, his expression betraying a mix of emotions. After a moment, he spoke in a complex tone.

Both the sharp-minded Hermione and the emotionally sensitive Glenn, due to her Obscurial nature, noticed the hidden emotions in Hagrid's words. However, neither of them said anything.

Hermione felt that if Hagrid wanted to share, he would do so on his own. If not, she wouldn't press him.

As for Glenn, she simply couldn't decipher the meaning behind those emotions and had no intention of prying.

In the end, Hagrid said nothing more, and Glenn could sense the faint negative emotions surrounding him dissipating entirely.

"Once we kill this creature, no one at Hogwarts will ever be harmed by it again!"

Hagrid laughed heartily, patting his large belly.

He was genuinely happy that the hidden danger within Hogwarts was finally being eliminated.

This happiness far outweighed any other feelings he might have had, such as the bitterness of being wronged for fifty years or the relief of the truth coming to light.

This lovable giant truly, wholeheartedly loved Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"Let's hear you crow, little one."

Hagrid gently lifted the rooster in his arms.

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