Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback dragon raised by Hagrid, looked utterly dejected as he lay sprawled in his enclosure. His usually vibrant eyes were dull, and he muttered in frustration, "I'm so stupid, really. I thought Hagrid's so-called nutritious meals were bad. But I didn't know that his roasted meat was even worse."

David knelt beside the dragon, trying to console him. "What happened, Norbert?"

Norbert groaned and continued, "Hagrid brought me a big pot of dark, unappetizing meat early this morning. I trust Hagrid, so I ate it. But—ugh—I didn't expect it to taste so foul! It felt like someone had shoved stinky socks down my throat while pouring boiling soup over me."

David chuckled softly, despite himself. He gently patted Norbert's head. "How about I cook for you? I've made plenty of tonics and meals for magical creatures before. I've got a bit of experience."

Norbert's eyes sparkled with hope, and he leaned against David eagerly.

Hagrid, who had been standing nearby, looked uncertain. "Well, alright," he said after a moment, "but I want to see how you're doing it. I can't have my Norbert eating something improper!"

David nodded confidently. "Deal."

As they walked back to Hagrid's cabin, Hermione came running toward them, her face full of worry. "David! Are you alright? Were you hurt?" she asked, scanning him for injuries.

"I'm fine, Hermione," David assured her. "See? Not a scratch!"

Relieved, Hermione quickly hugged him, then pulled back just as Harry and Ron approached. David blinked in surprise at the sudden gesture but said nothing as Hermione's cheeks flushed pink.

Harry and Ron bombarded David with similar questions, though without the hugs. David answered patiently, and together they returned to Hagrid's hut to sort out Norbert's meal.

---

Inside the cabin, Hagrid was cutting a slab of raw meat on a massive chopping board. Hermione, ever the logical thinker, crossed her arms and scolded him. "Hagrid, you shouldn't be keeping dangerous creatures like the Eight-Eyed Spiders in the Forbidden Forest! It's reckless, especially after what happened today."

Hagrid's knife hesitated mid-cut. He sighed heavily. "Aragog's usually good," he said softly. "If I tell him not to hurt anyone, he won't. But… I can't always control his kids."

"Exactly!" Ron exclaimed. "They nearly killed David today!"

At this, Hagrid's shoulders began to shake, and he let out a soft sob. "I'm so sorry, David," he said, wiping at his red eyes. "It's my fault. I should've done better."

David quickly stepped in, patting Hagrid on the back. "It's alright, Hagrid. No one got hurt, and Norbert even saved the day. But maybe it's time to set some boundaries for Aragog's brood."

Hagrid nodded solemnly. "You're right. If they step out of line again, I'll work with the centaurs to teach them a lesson."

---

With the matter settled, David turned his attention back to Norbert's meal. He rolled up his sleeves and prepared the baking pan. Hermione hovered nearby.

"Can I help?" she asked, her tone eager.

David raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how to cook?"

Hermione hesitated, then replied, "No, but I can learn!"

David chuckled and handed her a pair of tongs. "Alright. Just flip the meat occasionally, but not too often, or it won't cook properly."

Hermione nodded, determined. As she worked, David began mixing a blend of special spices for magical creatures. The room soon filled with a mouthwatering aroma.

Harry and Ron sniffed the air and stared longingly at the meat. "That smells amazing!" Ron exclaimed.

"You can't eat this," David warned with a grin. "I've added ingredients for magical creatures. Humans might experience… side effects."

The boys groaned in disappointment, but David added, "Tell you what—next time, come to my place. I'll cook something just for you."

"Really? That'd be brilliant!" Harry said, his face lighting up.

---

Once the meal was ready, Harry and Ron eagerly carried the large pot of seasoned meat to Norbert's enclosure. The dragon perked up immediately at the smell, letting out an excited roar. He devoured the meal in minutes, his energy visibly restored.

"That's much better!" Hagrid said with a relieved smile. "Thanks, David. I think Norbert needed that."

As the day drew to a close, the group made their way back to the castle, their stomachs rumbling. Harry and Ron raced ahead to grab seats in the Great Hall, leaving David and Hermione walking together.

Hermione slowed her pace and turned to David. "Can you teach me the spell you used earlier?" she asked, her voice earnest.

David blinked, surprised. "The spell? Why?"

"Because," Hermione said, meeting his eyes with determination, "if something like this happens again, I want to help you."

David smiled warmly. "Alright, Hermione. I'll teach you."

Her face lit up with a grin, and together, they walked into the castle, ready for a well-earned meal.