The topic of this Care of Magical Creatures lesson was salamanders.
At the teaching grounds beside the Forbidden Forest, bonfires made from piles of firewood and leaves blazed away. Small, bright-red lizards crawled around in the flames.
Professor Kettleburn had each group gather around a bonfire and handed them a few small glass bottles.
"Salamanders are small lizards that live in flames. They usually feed on fire. As long as the flames don't go out, they'll keep living."
Professor Kettleburn introduced the Fantastic Beasts to the class.
"However, if you regularly feed a salamander that's been taken out of the fire some chili peppers, it can survive for up to six hours."
Scott and the others crouched beside the bonfire.
"Is it sick?" Fred asked, gently poking a salamander lying motionless in the fire with a stick.
Just then, Professor Kettleburn clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.
"Salamander blood has powerful healing and restorative properties, and it can also be used to make a variety of Potions. The most famous of these is the Strengthening Solution," he said loudly.
He picked up a glass bottle. "Today, we're going to learn how to draw blood from these little creatures. You'll need it for your Potions lessons!"
"Why do we have to do Old Bat's work in Care of Magical Creatures, too?" George complained to Scott and the others, clearly displeased.
"Everyone, come over here." Professor Kettleburn crouched beside a bonfire. "Watch my demonstration closely! I have to make sure I don't seriously hurt it."
Although Professor Kettleburn only had one arm, it didn't seem to affect his movements. He was clearly very practiced at drawing blood.
After watching the professor's demonstration, Scott and the others got to work, copying his movements to draw blood from the salamanders and fill the