Aside from having a hard time keeping secrets, Hagrid also has an inexplicable talent for naming Fantastic Beasts.
This time was no exception.
The name "Norbert" does sound nice, but it's a female dragon... it's like calling a little girl "Iron Egg."
It's fortunate that it doesn't understand, otherwise it might have already blown a mouthful of Dragon Flame onto Hagrid's beard.
"Hagrid, I think this name is a bit inappropriate, how about..."
Just as Kael was about to suggest a new name, he saw Hagrid covering Norbert's ears, looking at him with a tense expression.
"Don't say it, Kael, it's Norbert..."
Hagrid was truly nervous.
He remembered the owl named Ladon, which never recognized him after Kael changed its name.
He worried the same might happen this time.
"It's Norbert..." Hagrid repeated, pressing down even harder.
His hand was so large that it nearly enveloped Norbert's entire head.
The little dragon appeared bewildered and began kicking and flapping its wings on the table once it realized what was happening.
Finally, it simply spewed a burst of Dragon Flame, scorching Hagrid's hand and making him take a sharp breath.
The air was filled with a burnt smell, yet despite this, Hagrid didn't let go, continuing to watch Kael nervously.
"Alright, have it your way." Kael figured out what Hagrid was thinking.
To avoid being kicked out, he sensibly decided not to press the matter further.
Norbert it is, Kael thought, its memory isn't developed yet anyway, they could always change it later.
Besides, Hagrid wouldn't be able to keep it forever.
Hagrid clearly didn't know Kael's thoughts, and after hearing his assurance, he released Norbert and quickly rushed to a large water bucket, plunging his hand in.
Kael chuckled, "You're too nervous, it can't even comprehend the meaning of the name."
But Hagrid didn't respond, instead awkwardly changing the topic: "I never knew fire dragons liked eating fish. The book says their favorite food is sheep."
"The author probably referenced the Antipodean Opaleye; they do have a taste for Australia's local sheep and even enjoy brandy."
Kael raised his eyebrows, "Of course, other fire dragons are similar; sheep and cows are their main foods."
"But Norwegian Ridgebacks are different; because of their growing environment, they're the only fire dragon that hunts for food in the water."
Hagrid, somewhat frustrated, threw aside the book "Raising Fire Dragons for Fun and Profit", growling, "I really should switch books... this one is full of mistakes."
"It's just a small part; most of the content is fine." Kael suggested, "Or you might borrow 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'. It has detailed information on Norwegian Ridgebacks."
...
Hagrid's affection for Norbert was already verging on doting.
In the following days, the dead mink on his cabin's outdoor rack disappeared entirely, replaced by whole cow legs and meticulously prepared fish.
Moreover, these fish were generously sized, even the smallest being at least a foot long.
During this period, aside from Kael, Harry and his friends also frequently visited, though most of their time was spent in the dim cabin persuading Hagrid to send the fire dragon away with facts and reasoning.
"You can't keep it forever, Hagrid!"
Hermione repeated words she'd said countless times, "In two weeks, it'll be as big as the house, there's no way you can hide it!"
"I know, but there's still time, isn't there." Hagrid mumbled evasively, "It's too small now; what if it gets bullied out there? I wouldn't be at ease."
Norbert looked at them, then tilted its head at Kael, squealing in confusion.
"Oh, they're discussing what to have for the next meal." Kael touched the scales on its neck, whispering, "How about Tebo wart hog leg, with some corn and cabbage."
Norbert grumbled displeasedly and began to roll on the floor.
"No, you must finish those, even as a fire dragon you can't just eat meat."
Meanwhile, Hagrid was still arguing with Harry and the others about the custody of Norbert; no one noticed the anomaly on Kael's side.
"Malfoy already noticed it." Harry advised, "This is too dangerous, Hagrid."
Hagrid shook his head, "But Kael said before, the window is too small, maybe he really didn't see."
Suddenly, all eyes focused on Kael in the corner.
"Don't look at me, it has nothing to do with me."
Kael quickly said, "That was just a possibility; knowing Malfoy's character, if he did see the dragon, he would have reported it to a professor way earlier, instead of waiting until now.
Of course, it's also possible that he's trying to use this info to threaten Harry... anything's possible."
"Did you hear that, Hagrid." Harry raised his voice, "None of us can guarantee Malfoy didn't see it; he might report to Dumbledore anytime."
"And it's illegal to raise dragons." Hermione said, "If Dumbledore found out, how disappointed he'd be..."
"Perhaps, I could place it in the Forbidden Forest." Hagrid hesitated, "Like Fluffy and Aragog before, they're doing fine now."
"Wait..." Harry seemed to realize something, furrowing his brow, "I know Fluffy, it's the Three-Headed Dog in the restricted area... but what's Aragog, how many creatures do you have in the Forbidden Forest."
"No, no, no, you misheard, just Fluffy."
Though Hagrid tried explaining and assured them Aragog was a harmless little cutie, no one believed him.
Harry knew Hagrid too well; the kind of Fantastic Beasts he liked were indeed the dangerous sorts as evident from the Three-Headed Dog and fire dragon.
"Hey, Hagrid..."
Just then, Kael took out a bottle of blue potion and placed it on the table.
"Here's your spider tonic; I've increased the potency per your request, enough for a spider as large as a car."
"So, Aragog is... a spider?" Harry asked.
"Probably an Eight-eyed Giant Spider." Hermione thought for a moment, "I read about them in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'; they're the only ones that can grow that large."
Ron said nothing, his face quickly turning pale, and his body shivering involuntarily.
The once familiar cabin suddenly felt alien, the bed's underside, the corner, the cabinet... seemed to hide spiders everywhere.
"We should, hurry back..." Ron stood stiffly, breaking down, "I haven't finished my homework yet!"