Monday morning.
The Hogwarts Great Hall once again descended into the usual Monday chaos.
The mail time the young wizards had been eagerly awaiting had arrived.
Hundreds of Scottish Owls came swooping into the dining hall.
They circled above the tables, searching for their respective owners.
Once they locked onto a target, they swiftly dived down.
They dropped letters or packages onto the young wizards' tables, laps, or heads.
The students' own owls, meanwhile, leisurely landed on the tables and freeloaded off their owners.
Two pitch-black owls flew in together, hauling an oval package.
Unlike the other owls, which casually tossed down their deliveries,
they carefully maneuvered the package and steadily placed it in front of Brook before turning and flying away.
Brook immediately stored the package in his ring, then glanced at Snape at the staff table.
Snape happened to be looking at him as well.
Their eyes met.
Snape rose directly and headed toward his office.
Brook hurried to his feet and followed after him.
One in front of the other, they soon entered the Potions office.
"It's here?" Snape asked.
"It's here."
"Take it out."
Brook did not waste words. He took out the package and tore away its thick wrapping.
Inside was an egg painted white and decorated with colorful patterns.
He waved his wand at the egg.
"Clean-Up Charm!"
The egg revealed its original blackened appearance.
Snape picked it up and examined it closely.
"What kind of Dragon?"
"A Norwegian Ridgeback."
"You don't need to concern yourself with what comes next." Snape took a small pouch from his pocket and held it out to Brook.
Brook did not take it. "This..."
"Take it." Snape's tone remained flat.
"All right!" Only then did Brook accept the pouch. "Professor, there's one more thing."
"Speak."
Brook hesitated. "Hagrid