In truth, Terry and the other two were observing the two XXXXX-class creatures with intense focus and barely concealed excitement.
After all, these were magical creatures that most ordinary wizards would never encounter in their entire lives. Even the Wampus Cat alone was rare enough to be considered a once-in-a-lifetime sight. As for the Chimera, an even more infamous and dangerous beast, they knew better than to speak of it openly—at least not until Professor Kettleburn finally retired.
And then there was the matter of what Cerberus was guarding.
None of them dared to show the slightest curiosity toward it.
Although Ryze had not revealed the exact nature of the object hidden behind that monstrous three-headed dog, he had dropped enough hints. It was bait—something deliberately placed by Headmaster Dumbledore—and it was connected to a figure whose name was never spoken aloud.
That alone was enough to silence any reckless curiosity.
The Ravenclaw students were far more concerned about Hagrid accidentally letting something slip than about satisfying their own questions. If they became entangled in such dangerous affairs, it would not end well for any of them.
So when Hagrid nearly blurted something out earlier, Terry and the others simply pretended they had heard nothing.
Unfortunately, subtlety was not Hagrid's strength.
He coughed awkwardly, clearly aware that he had come dangerously close to saying too much. Then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, he clapped his hands loudly.
"Oh! Nearly forgot—my brain's gone soft," he said, chuckling nervously. "Been too busy admirin' these beauties. Actually, I've got somethin' special prepared as well. Got the idea after watchin' Harry's first Quidditch match."
This immediately drew Harry's attention away from the Chimera.
"I was plannin' to show it to you at Christmas," Hagrid continued, "but the little thing's too delicate—too precious, really. Doubt I could keep it safe that long. So… might as well show you now. I reckon none of you have seen one before."
Harry blinked, curiosity instantly piqued.
Something related to Quidditch?
What could it be?
"Wait here," Hagrid said, already turning away. "Won't take long."
He disappeared into the depths of the enclosure.
Two or three minutes later, he returned carrying a tiny birdcage—so small it could fit between two of his massive fingers. A black cloth covered it completely.
Hagrid carefully placed the cage in front of them.
"Harry," he said, his tone unusually gentle, "after watchin' your debut… I thought you ought to see this. Consider it… professional insight."
Harry swallowed.
Professional insight?
What kind of creature could possibly be connected to his role as a Seeker?
With great care, Hagrid lifted the black cloth.
A flash of gold burst into view.
Inside the tiny cage, a delicate, golden creature fluttered rapidly, its wings beating so fast they blurred into streaks of light.
Harry's eyes widened.
"Is that… a Golden Snitch?"
At first glance, it looked identical—the same golden sheen, the same darting motion, the same mesmerizing speed. But something was off.
It had eyes.
Bright, ruby-like eyes.
"No," Hermione said immediately, her voice filled with excitement. "That's not a Golden Snitch—it's a Golden Snidget!"
She stepped closer, clearly fascinated.
"This is the original inspiration for the Snitch," she continued. "In medieval Quidditch, the Snidget was released during matches as a prize. Whoever caught it would earn one hundred and fifty Galleons."
She paused, then added, "Eventually, the tradition evolved. The Snidget was replaced by the Golden Snitch, and that's how the role of Seeker was created."
Hermione's gaze sharpened as she looked at Hagrid.
"But Snidgets have been protected for years. They're incredibly rare—rarer even than a Demiguise. Hagrid… how did you get one?"
Hagrid scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Well… I've got a few… special friends," he said vaguely. "They've got their ways. One of 'em's from Greece. Took him about half a month to get it to me."
He quickly added, "But don't worry! I'll be sendin' it back tomorrow morning. Just borrowed it, that's all."
Hermione still looked uneasy, but she said nothing further.
Hagrid turned back to Harry.
"Since it's a rare chance," he said, "d'you want to touch it? As a Seeker, this might be one of the only times in your life you'll ever get to feel a real Snidget."
He gently opened the cage a fraction.
"Don't worry—I've got a Binding Spell on it. It won't escape."
Harry leaned forward, his eyes locked on the tiny golden creature.
His breathing slowed.
Over the past two months of training, his instincts had sharpened dramatically. His body had learned to react to the slightest movement of a Snitch. Even now, just watching the Snidget's wings, he could almost predict its trajectory.
He raised his hand slowly.
Carefully.
Precisely.
He was just about to touch it—
And then everything went wrong.
In an effort to let Harry experience the "most authentic" sensation, Hagrid unconsciously relaxed the Binding Spell for a brief moment.
It was a mistake.
A critical one.
The Golden Snidget, renowned for its speed and intelligence, sensed the opportunity instantly.
"Whoosh—!"
A streak of gold shot out of the cage.
"NO—catch it!" Hagrid roared.
But his massive arms were far too slow. Compared to the Snidget, his movements might as well have been in slow motion.
The golden blur darted wildly through the vast interior of Professor Kettleburn's enchanted suitcase.
As it streaked past the Chimera's enclosure, the already irritable beast growled deeply, its heads snapping in agitation.
Professor Kettleburn, who had been relatively calm until now, sprang to his feet in alarm.
"Hagrid! Don't let it get near the Kneazles and Occamys!" he shouted. "If they catch it, they'll swallow it whole!"
At his age, and with his long history of disciplinary incidents, Kettleburn had only one wish left—to retire peacefully. A legal disaster involving a protected magical species was the last thing he needed.
Meanwhile, Harry's mind was racing.
He needed a broomstick.
If he had a proper broom, he could catch the Snidget within minutes. He was certain of it.
But there wasn't one in sight.
"Over there!"
Ryze's voice cut through the chaos.
He pointed toward a corner of the enclosure, where several old brooms were leaning against the wall.
"They're outdated," he said, "but they should still work."
Harry didn't hesitate.
He sprinted toward the brooms and grabbed one—a worn, aging Shooting Star.
Without wasting a second, he mounted it.
The broom lifted into the air with a shaky wobble, as though protesting its sudden return to service.
It was difficult to control.
Extremely difficult.
The handle creaked, the bristles rattled, and the entire structure felt unstable. It was like trying to ride a machine that hadn't been used in years.
Maintaining balance alone was a challenge.
Catching a Snidget under these conditions seemed almost impossible.
"Left!" Ryze called out sharply. "It's turning left—heading toward the Occamys!"
He stepped forward, his expression focused.
"I'll redirect it. Ailey!"
Ailey emerged instantly, streaking forward at incredible speed. Though not quite as fast as the Snidget, it was close enough to intercept its path.
A barrier formed midair.
The Snidget veered sharply, forced to change direction. The sudden maneuver slowed it down—just slightly.
That was enough.
Ailey continued to pursue, coordinating seamlessly with Ryze's predictions.
Below, Professor Kettleburn, Hermione, and Anthony cast spells to restrict the Snidget's movement, gradually herding it into a safer area.
The chaotic chase continued for nearly two minutes.
Then—
"Harry!" Ryze shouted. "It's going to dive—get ready!"
Harry reacted instantly.
Relying on pure instinct, he angled his broom downward, diving diagonally.
The Snidget streaked toward him.
At the last moment, just as it prepared to change direction again, Harry twisted his body sharply, adjusting his angle mid-air.
Time seemed to slow.
His hand shot forward.
And—
He caught it.
The golden light stopped, trapped firmly in his grasp.
For a brief moment, everything was still.
Then—
Crack.
The old broom gave out.
Having performed the most demanding maneuver of its existence, it finally reached its limit. The structure collapsed, and Harry began to fall.
But before he could hit the ground—
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
Ryze's voice rang out.
A Levitation Charm caught Harry mid-fall, slowing his descent until he landed safely on the ground.
The crisis was over.
Harry stood there, slightly breathless, his hand still closed around the tiny golden creature.
Inside his palm, the Golden Snidget trembled gently, its wings slowing at last.
For the first time, he truly understood.
This was not just a game.
This was the origin.
The living, breathing inspiration behind the Golden Snitch—and the role he now carried as a Seeker.
And for a fleeting moment, he had touched history itself.
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