Dark Memories

Book 1 - Part 9: Norbert

The moment Hermione and Neville got back, and they found a secluded place to talk, Ron and Harry told them what they had found that night in the library and what had happened with the creepy mirror.

Neville squeaked and Hermione gasped when Harry told them what he saw.

After that, Harry's friends were even more closer to him, afraid what he saw could have been some kind of bad omen, or worse.

In spite of this, the weeks that followed went by quickly, and they all worked diligently in improving their Occlumency. After Ron and Harry had skimmed through that book in the library, they were sure they were getting a handle on it.

Their studying not only included Occlumency and their classes, but dipped into more advanced magic, including some nice spells Hermione had found after borrowing a book from a third year. They figured that with Quirrell, they couldn't be too careful.

It had taken a bit of work, but they had gotten down a fair bit of the spells down, including Lumos, Stupefy (poor lake fish), and Accio.

The game with Ravenclaw, which had been refereed by Snape, had gone by very quickly. When they looked back to it, it was hardly significant when compared to everything else going on. The only memorable things concerning that day included Dumbledore coming to watch, Snape flinching as Harry shot by with inches to spare, and Harry diving after and catching the Snitch in record time.

One day, while sitting in the library, quietly practicing their Occlumency and doing homework, Hagrid went by.

"Hey, Hagird," Ron said, glancing at a book in the large man's hands, the title coming into view.

Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit.

"Oh, uh, hey," Hagrid said, attempting to hide the book. "What are yeh guys doin'?" he asked, trying to look innocent as he went to them.

Harry leaned forward and whispered, "practicing Occlumency."

"How's it goin'?" he asked, kneeling beside them.

"Pretty good, I've thought about trying Legilimency, you know, to make sure Ron and the others are getting it, but I don't think that's a good idea..." Harry trailed off.

"Prolly a good idea not to touch that stuff if you can help it, Harry," Hagrid said darkly.

Harry and the others nodded.

"Hagrid, do you think you should start practicing Occlumency? I mean, with Quirrell around and stuff—" Ron began, the thought suddenly coming to him.

"Nah, me being half giant and all, someone would have tuh really work at it ter get ter me mind," Hagrid said proudly.

Hermione looked back to the book in his hand by his side.

"What are you reading, Hagrid?" Hermione asked.

"Nothin'," Hagrid said quickly.

At that, they knew he was hiding something.

"Alright, if yuh must know..." Hagrid looked around, making sure no one was listening or nearby. "I have a dragon," he whispered happily.

"Hagrid, how did you get one?" Ron asked, his eyes wide.

"Come, we'll talk at my place, want ter show you him anyway," Hagrid said, as if he was a dad about to show off his first born.

- - -

"A dragon egg..." Ron whispered, staring at it as Hagrid removed it from the fire.

"Yes, isn't it wonderful?" Hagrid asked. "It should—"