"Phew, finally finished." Evans set down his quill and leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath.
After their afternoon chat, Dumbledore had asked him to compile all the intelligence related to the Great Lake. This forced him to go through the Restricted Section of the library once more before finally finding some clues.
But honestly, those clues were all vague rumors. Very few wizards seemed to know about that great lake. The only rumors that existed were passed down by people like him and Newt, who could understand animal speech and descriptions from magical creatures.
However, some magical creatures mentioned in those descriptions were ones even Evans had never seen. With specific dates noted below, there was still some reference value.
The sound of flapping wings rang out by the window, making Evans turn his head in confusion.
A gray-white owl had somehow appeared outside the window, its wings constantly beating against the glass, as if wanting to enter but unable to find an entrance.
Evans waved his wand. The closed window suddenly opened, causing the owl to lose its balance and tumble into the room, landing on the bed.
Nana, who was counting her treasures, looked at the owl that fell headfirst onto the bed. She curiously moved over and poked it twice, making the owl nervously shift aside.
The owl struggled to its feet and flew onto the desk. It pointed its right leg at Evans, its wing also indicating the paper tube on its leg.
Evans stroked the owl's head and showed a friendly smile as he removed the tube.
He recognized this owl. Every time Bill sent him letters after graduation, this owl delivered them.
It seemed Bill's situation had concluded, and he'd written to report.
Though he hadn't expected this matter to drag on for over two months.
Perhaps they encountered some difficulties along the way.
Evans opened the tube and unfolded the letter inside.
But as he read, the smile on his face gradually faded, becoming somewhat grave.
After finishing completely, he pondered briefly, folded the letter, and put it in his pocket, then turned and spoke softly.
"Nana, Alice, Little Cloak, pack up."
"We're leaving for a few days."
He transformed into a silver-white arc of light and vanished.
The next day, morning.
"What do you think Professor Kahn will teach today?"
Third-year students walked toward the Magical Creatures Hut, discussing today's possible lessons with excitement.
As third-years, this was their fourth Care of Magical Creatures class, and each of the previous three had given them plenty of surprises.
Puffskeins, Nifflers, Diricawls. Each was adorable, further strengthening their initial decision to choose this course.
Selecting this class, which all the upperclassmen recommended, was definitely the right choice!
Maintaining an excited discussion, the young wizards reached the Magical Creatures Hut classroom door and pushed it open.
But upon entering the classroom, they suddenly discovered that standing on the platform wasn't the Professor Kahn they knew, but a towering figure whose head nearly touched the ceiling.
The young wizards tilted their heads strangely. Confusion filled all their eyes.
Although as third-years, many recognized this giant-like strong man, they weren't clear why Hagrid would appear here.
Seeing the young wizards' confused gazes, Hagrid coughed somewhat awkwardly twice, his voice sounding not very confident.
"Hello, I'm Hagrid. Professor Kahn has matters to attend to and will be away for about a week. During this week, I'll be teaching you Care of Magical Creatures."
"Don't worry, though. Your teaching content was all set by Professor Kahn before leaving. Only the professor changed to me."
But having said this, watching those young wizards' faces become expectant again, Hagrid suddenly felt some pressure appear in his heart.
He'd envied Evans before. After all, he loved magical creatures too, and loved Hogwarts even more. If he became the Care of Magical Creatures professor, he'd definitely be very happy.
But now, facing so many expectant faces, Hagrid only felt immense pressure, even speaking with some stuttering.
"So, shall we start class now?"
"Yes, Professor!"
After answering, the young wizards obediently sat in chairs, waiting for Professor Hagrid's teaching.
Although they hadn't seen today's magical creature yet, they still maintained their expectation.
Hagrid took a deep breath and tried to calm his excited emotions.
Third year, teaching about Kneazles. I'm very familiar with Kneazles. Although Evans didn't leave lesson plans, I prepared notes last night. Definitely won't have problems!
I must teach this week's classes well!
Determination flashed in his eyes. Hagrid slowly spoke, trying to keep his tone steady without too much trembling.
"Kneazles are creatures that look very much like cats, but their ears are generally quite large, and their tails are different from those of ordinary cats. More like lion tails."
But as time slowly passed, the expectation in the young wizards' eyes seemed to be fading, making Hagrid's heart panic.
Was my teaching too boring? Right, I should have invited some Kneazles to help. But when Evans notified me last night, it was already late, and this morning I had to feed other magical creatures. The Forbidden Forest Kneazle colony was far away. No time to find them.
I seemed to remember Casey Cat's Cat Castle housed several Kneazles, but class was in session now. I had no way to seek help there.
But continuing like this, wouldn't those young wizards really find it boring?
Hagrid's tone began to tremble.
"Listen, their fur can serve as wand cores. Just not very effective."
Evans said that if I encountered any situation, I could try asking Hermione for help. But second-years were now in the Charms class. Hermione couldn't possibly come help me.
What to do? What to do?
Sweat gradually seeped from the half-giant's forehead, and his massive hands involuntarily twisted together.
If I'd still envied Evans before, now I only wanted Evans to return quickly.
I really can't handle this situation!
But just as Hagrid felt increasingly nervous, meowing suddenly came from the classroom entrance.
Moments later, several Kneazles squeezed through the door into the classroom, lazily wandering around, perfunctorily letting each young wizard pet their heads.
Then Hagrid suddenly felt something jump onto his head, and a little girl's apologetic voice rang in his ear.
"Sorry, meow, Evans notified me long ago, just arrived a bit late, meow!"
"But keep going! I believe in you, meow!"
Hearing these words and watching those lazily patrolling Kneazles, his fighting spirit reignited in his eyes, and his voice no longer stuttered.
"Besides fur, their habits also differ somewhat from ordinary cats."
I believed I could definitely teach this week's classes well!