In the days that followed, Norbert grew rapidly.
Every day after their last class, the Gryffindor trio ran to Hagrid's hut, not out of eagerness to see the dragon, but out of worry.
Worry about Hagrid, worry about Norbert, worry that something unfortunate was drawing steadily closer.
Henry visited several times as well, though less frequently, and never stayed long. He sat quietly beside them, observed, said a few words when they were useful, and then left.
He was waiting. Waiting for Sir Arnold's reply, waiting for his father's response, waiting for the right moment to move.
Two days later, three letters arrived together.
The first was from his father:
"Dear Henry,
I received your letter. The idea is excellent, and I support it fully.
Regarding the funding, I have already spoken with the Royal Charitable Foundation. Twenty million Galleons is not a small sum, but for the Royal Family's first official investment in the wizarding world, it seems entirely appropriate. Sir Arnold will handle the details with you directly, and if you need my personal involvement at any stage, please write.
Also, William and Harry have been eyeing scarves again. This time they've set their sights on my tartan one, the one your grandmother gave me. I've already locked it away.
With love,
Father"
Henry set the letter down with a quiet smile. He could picture his brothers' expressions with perfect clarity.
Twenty million Galleons, though. He hadn't quite anticipated his father's generosity running to that scale.
The second letter was from Sir Arnold, considerably thicker than the first.
"Dear Your Highness,
Your letter has been received. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has already spoken with me, and the matter of funding has been resolved: twenty million Galleons, disbursed over three years, eight million in the first, seven in the second, five in the third. This is more than sufficient to establish a world-class magical creature sanctuary.
Regarding the Ministry of Magic, I have made initial contact with Fudge's office through various channels. The details are as follows.
First, the progress of negotiations. Last week, in my capacity as Royal Advisor, I held an informal meeting with the Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Magic, arranged through Humphrey. The response was one of genuine interest, particularly regarding the proposed 'royal funding, Ministry of Magic oversight' model. It offers them public recognition at no material cost, which is an arrangement few politicians find easy to refuse.
Second, the scope of the protected area. Our initial proposal centered on a dragon sanctuary, but during these early negotiations, the Ministry suggested a broader concept: a comprehensive magical creature nature reserve encompassing dragons, unicorns, hippogriffs, and other endangered species. The advantages are considerable. A larger project commands greater public attention, attracts a wider range of stakeholders, scholars, conservation groups, specialist organizations, and is considerably easier to push through Ministry approval on account of its broader scope. I believe this is the right direction, and if you agree, we should upgrade the plan accordingly.
Third, the political dimension. Our most significant obstacle at present is not funding or land, but Fudge's temperament. You are already acquainted with his priorities: recognition, authority, and the constant need to demonstrate his independence from Dumbledore. A project of this visibility, led openly by the Royal Family, may strike him as a threat to his position rather than a cooperative venture. This requires careful handling.
Your grandmother has expressed confidence that you are ready to manage this negotiation yourself. The suggestion came from you; the opportunity to lead it forward is yours.
Fourth, the recommended next steps. If you agree to the above, I suggest the following. First, speak with Hagrid, inform him of the plan in broad terms and reassure him that Norbert's situation can be resolved properly. The dragon provides us a natural and human starting point. Second, begin preparing for your meeting with Fudge. A detailed briefing document is enclosed for your reference.
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Arnold Robinson"
Henry set the letter aside and sat quietly for some time.
Twenty million Galleons. A Magical Creatures Reserve. Fudge.
He understood the last variable clearly enough. Fudge was a politician who craved achievement and chafed at Dumbledore's shadow, precisely the kind of person who would not stand quietly aside while the Royal Family accumulated goodwill in the wizarding world.
He would move quickly, wanting to attach himself to the project, perhaps even to lead it. That impulse would need to be managed carefully: the Royal Family could not simply provide the funding and remain invisible.
They needed visibility, credit, and a voice in every phase of what followed.
He picked up his quill and began his reply to Sir Arnold.
"Dear Sir Arnold,
Your letter has been received. Thank you, and please convey my gratitude to my father as well.
Regarding Fudge, I agree with your assessment entirely, and I am grateful to my grandmother for her confidence. I will prepare thoroughly for this meeting. What I need from you is detailed intelligence: his particular priorities, what he is most sensitive to, what he fears, and what outcomes he genuinely desires. I would also like to understand what leverage we hold if negotiations become difficult.
On the question of scope, I fully agree with upgrading the proposal to a Magical Creatures Reserve. Greater scale means greater influence and more stakeholders who have reason to support us, this can only work in our favour.
I will speak with Hagrid first to reassure him and ensure the dragon matter is handled with care. Once your briefing arrives, I will begin preparing for the meeting with Fudge.
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Henry"
The following afternoon, Henry walked to Hagrid's hut.
The trio was already there, as they had been nearly every day since Norbert hatched. The dragon had grown noticeably in just the past few days, he was nearly three feet long now, and the chain keeping him secured had been replaced with a heavier one. Hagrid mentioned that Norbert often pulled hard against it.
"He wants to fly," Hagrid said quietly, watching the dragon where it lay on the ground. "He can feel it, even if he can't manage it yet."
Norbert's orange-red eyes tracked the room's occupants steadily. He exhaled a small burst of sparks that left fresh scorch marks on the flagstones beside the old ones.
Henry sat down beside Hagrid. "There's something I need to tell you."
Hagrid turned toward him immediately. "What is it?"
"It's about Norbert," Henry said.
Harry and the other two went very still, their attention sharpening.
Hagrid's expression shifted. He was clearly bracing himself. "What's happened to him?"
Henry didn't answer immediately. He looked at Norbert, at the scorch marks on the floor, at the straining chain, at those alert, restless eyes.
"Hagrid," he said quietly, "you know you can't keep him."
Hagrid said nothing. His hands moved together in his lap, fingers working unconsciously.
"I know," he said at last, his voice low. "But—"
"But you can't bear to part with him," Henry said.
Hagrid nodded slowly, his gaze returning to Norbert and remaining there.
"He's the first dragon I've ever kept," Hagrid said. "I've wanted one since I was a boy. I used to read about every species I could find, studied the breeds, memorized their habits, dreamed about them. Having my own dragon was the biggest dream I had."
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