Witcher at Hogwarts

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Hermione curled her lips. While she was grateful to Luna for supporting her organization, she still found her a little... odd.

"Professor Ethan, I think Hagrid's in love with someone!" she whispered, leaning closer.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Hermione nodded eagerly. "I think he likes Madame Maxime!"

Ethan glanced at Hagrid, who had just set down a barrel and was now staring wistfully toward the Beauxbatons encampment in the distance.

The massive powder-blue carriage, drawn by elephant-sized winged horses, stood about two hundred yards from Hagrid's hut.

Beauxbatons students were steadily disappearing inside while the enormous Pegasi grazed in a makeshift paddock nearby.

"Maybe he just likes those horses," Ethan offered.

Hermione scoffed. "Professor Ethan, look at him! His clothes, his hair—he's even wearing perfume! That has to mean something!"

Ethan turned his attention back to Hagrid, now taking proper note of him.

Hagrid was dressed in his best—though arguably worst—attire: a shaggy brown suit that looked as though it had been pieced together from old rugs, paired with a loud yellow-and-orange checked tie.

His usually wild hair had been slicked into two gleaming, oily strands, reflecting the light in an odd way.

"He even put on cologne!" Hermione said, eyes wide.

"Hagrid is definitely in love with Madame Maxime!"

Just then, Hagrid seemed to notice them watching and lumbered toward them with an awkward grin.

Ethan and Hermione exchanged glances. Something about Hagrid's behavior was... off.

"Ethan," Hagrid greeted, still grinning in that peculiar way.

As soon as he got close, Ethan caught a whiff of something strong—an overpowering blend of oil, musk, and a faintly floral scent.

Hermione wrinkled her nose, waving a hand in front of her face.

"Hagrid! What is that smell?"

"Erm—cologne," Hagrid muttered, his face turning red beneath his beard.

"Did I put on too much? I'll go wash some off."

He hurried outside, where they could hear the heavy splash of water as he desperately scrubbed at his face.

When he returned, his beard still dripped, but at least the overwhelming scent had lessened.

Trying to act casual, Hagrid cleared his throat and turned to Ethan.

"So, uh... I hear you and Madame Maxime get along well?"

He kicked at the dirt with the toe of his boot.

Hermione's eyes narrowed. Ethan could tell she was still suspicious about his interactions with Fleur, and now her curiosity had doubled.

"I just helped two Beauxbatons students during the Quidditch World Cup riots," Ethan explained.

"Right, right," Hagrid said quickly.

He hesitated for a long moment before blurting,

"D'you know what Madame Maxime likes? I mean—not for any particular reason, just... curious."

Ethan bit back a smile. Hagrid's attempt at subtlety was about as effective as a dragon in a teacup shop.

"I don't know, but I'd suggest talking to her about the Pegasi," Ethan said.

"She cares for them, so it's a good topic to start with."

Hagrid's eyes lit up. "Yeah! Fantastic Beasts!" he beamed.

"That's my specialty!"

Hermione sighed, shaking her head. "Well, I suppose that settles it, then."

Ethan chuckled. Hagrid was nothing if not enthusiastic, and with his passion for magical creatures, perhaps he stood a chance.

"Do you think she likes fried tail snails? After discussing the Pegasi, I could bring them up! Hagrid said excitedly, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"No, Hagrid!" Hermione blurted out, her voice sharp with alarm.

"Do not—under any circumstances—bring up the exploding snails," she warned, emphasizing each word.

Everyone could already imagine the disaster that would unfold if Hagrid started discussing explosive magical creatures with Madame Maxime.

Even Luna, who usually adored Fantastic Beasts, visibly cringed.

Luna absentmindedly traced a faint red scar on her hand—a painful reminder of the time the sparks of an exploding tail snail had burned her.

Despite her love for magical creatures, even she had little fondness for that particular species.

Hagrid, taken aback by Hermione's reaction, raised his hands in surrender.

"Alright, alright! No snails, I got it."

Just then, his expression shifted. His body stiffened, and a deep flush spread across his face, making him look like a giant overripe tomato.

Following his gaze, they quickly understood why.

Madame Maxime had just stepped out of the Beauxbatons carriage, her students trailing behind her as they prepared to head toward the castle for the evening's banquet.

Hagrid's eyes turned misty, his expression one of pure admiration.

Hermione had only ever seen that look once before—when Hagrid had gazed lovingly at his newborn dragon, Norbert.

"You lot go on ahead," Hagrid muttered dreamily.

"I... I think I'll head over there."

Without waiting for a response, he lumbered toward Madame Maxime, his stride unusually light for someone his size.

To everyone's surprise, he seemed to be getting along with her quite well.

Within moments, the two were walking side by side toward Hogwarts Castle, the Beauxbatons students scrambling to keep up with their long strides.

"Hagrid is really in love with Madame Maxime," Hermione said in disbelief, watching them go.

"Yeah! If they had a baby, it'd probably weigh a ton!" Luna giggled.

"Luna!" Hermione hissed, frowning.

"That's—" She struggled for the right word.

That's completely inappropriate!

Luna shrugged, unfazed.

With Hagrid and Madame Maxime gone, the trio made their way toward Hogwarts Castle as well.

The Goblet of Fire selection ceremony was about to begin, and excitement buzzed in the air.

As they approached the entrance, the Durmstrang delegation emerged from the lake, heading toward the castle.

Viktor Krum walked at the front, side by side with Karkaroff, while the rest of the Durmstrang students trailed behind them in a loose formation.

Hermione suddenly sighed, then, to Ethan's surprise, ducked behind him as if trying to hide.

"What's up with you?" Ethan asked, puzzled by her odd behavior.

"It's Krum," she whispered.

He keeps looking at me—looking at me.

"It's weird!"

Ethan glanced toward Krum just in time to see the famous Seeker's gaze land directly on Hermione.

For a moment, Krum looked as if he wanted to say something, but before he could, Karkaroff tugged his sleeve, stopping him.

With that, the Durmstrang group continued into the castle, merging into the growing crowd.

Ethan exchanged a look with Hermione, but she sighed and shook her head.

"Let's just get inside," she muttered, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders.

And with that, they stepped into the castle, the air thick with anticipation for the night's event.