Ron's shout completely shattered Hermione's faint hope that he actually knew something.
"Don't be stupid, Ron. Dragon eggs have to be incubated over fire."
Hermione snapped, rolling her eyes. Only then did Ron's jaw snap shut.
The little wizards plopped down on the tiny stools in Hagrid's hut.
After saying hi, Sean flipped through notes on dragon rearing while using a gentle Incendio to warm the egg—mimicking a mother dragon's breath.
The flames roasted the egg and turned the hut into a sauna.
Especially since Hagrid had every window shut tight and the curtains drawn.
Harry felt sweat prickling his scalp.
"Great to see you lot—and you too, Justin."
Hagrid beamed at the trio first, then turned to Justin.
"Sean's mentioned you tons, Hagrid. Thrilled to finally meet a magical creatures expert."
Justin grinned.
"Oh, no, no—magical creatures are a huge field. I'm nowhere near an expert!"
Hagrid actually blushed.
Harry and the others exchanged skeptical looks. Even Harry, who secretly trusted Hagrid, thought Justin might be laying it on thick. Hermione and Ron definitely did.
Then Justin dropped the mic:
"That's what Sean says."
"Really?"
Hagrid whipped around to Sean, who was hiding behind his book.
The book lowered slowly. Sean's calm green eyes met Hagrid's and he gave a small nod.
Expert? Hagrid was basically a master. Just being buddies with centaurs was proof enough.
Hagrid puffed out his chest, his mood swinging like a pendulum. He couldn't stop smiling and insisted they try stoat sandwiches.
The kids finally managed to politely decline.
Then they started debating dragon names.
While that was going on, Justin leaned in:
"Hagrid, I'm pretty sure this is my first time in your hut…"
The implication was clear: How do you know me?
"Oh, you've been here a whole week—"
Hagrid tapped a parchment map. Only three names glowed: Sean, Hagrid, Justin.
It was Sean's latest test version—range expanded to cover most of the castle and the Forbidden Forest.
For castle corridors on different floors, the map even popped up a precise 3D mini-model. Justin stared, gobsmacked.
"Amazing alchemy…"
He breathed.
…
They finally settled on Norbert for the dragon.
Everyone liked it. They slipped out into the night.
"I'll use it to let you know when the baby breaks out!" Hagrid called from the doorway, waving the planning map.
Harry and Ron had no clue what "it" was.
"Sean—if I'm not wrong—"
Hermione recognized the map instantly.
"Still testing."
Sean nodded.
Harry and Ron were totally lost. They were convinced the two were using some kind of secret code.
But they didn't have time to dwell. Professors were piling on homework, and first-year exams were closing in.
Hermione's study schedule got brutal. Every day was packed and exhausting.
Sean stayed busy. He added everyone from the cottage to the planning map and slapped an Disillusionment Charm on it. Names appeared when needed, vanished when not.
Anyone could also tap their button to hide their dot—constant tracking was creepy.
That day, Sean's planning map was 10 points from Expert. He was about to make copies for the cottage crew when Hagrid's name flashed a red exclamation mark.
A light tap with his wand—Hagrid's avatar popped up: "Requesting assembly."
The cottage was deep in revision. Sean tapped the desk. All eyes turned.
"The dragon's hatching."
…
Ron immediately wanted to ditch Herbology and bolt for Hagrid's.
Hermione shut that down hard.
"Hermione, how many times in our lives do we get to see a baby dragon hatch?"
"We have class. We'll get in trouble—and if someone finds out what Hagrid's doing, he'll be in way worse shape than us—"
They argued from the cottage to the greenhouses. Then Harry cut in:
"Quiet—"
Hermione's prediction came true. Malfoy was standing there, ears wide open. No idea how much he'd heard.
The group's faces fell.
While the castle crew looked grim, Sean—out by the Forbidden Forest—was actually excited.
He had the afternoon free and had arrived early. Now he and Hagrid watched the egg.
Some animals bond with the first person they see. Sean wasn't sure if dragons did, but he was curious anyway.
The egg sat on the table, a deep crack running down its side. Something inside scratched and clinked—adorable little tap-tap-taps.
"Oh—Harry, where are they—"
Hagrid paced, antsy.
Finally, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Justin burst in. Ron still clutched a Herbology trowel—they'd snuck out during break.
Under everyone's stares, the dragon hatched.
Newborn creatures always come with rose-tinted glasses. Sure, it looked like a crumpled black umbrella, but the joy of new life was real.
In that moment, Sean heard the panel:
[You have gained the affinity of the magical creature Norwegian Ridgeback (Norbert) at Master standards. Proficiency +300]
The ping stunned him so much he didn't notice the dragon waddling over.
The little guy sneezed—a few sparks shot from its nostrils. Hagrid whooped:
"Isn't he beautiful?!"
The "beautiful" dragon sniffed curiously at Sean and his wand. When its nose bumped Sean's finger,
Hagrid couldn't resist—he reached out and rubbed its head.
The dragon chomped his finger, flashing tiny fangs.
"Blimey, look—it knows its mum!"
Hagrid beamed.
"I think… it likes Sean better."
Hermione muttered, unconvinced.