Krum's Repayment

"Krum is really hardworking."

"It's January now, and it's so cold. Accio in the sky all day long."

On the way to the Care of Magical Creatures Class.

Harry overheard two passing Hufflepuff students saying this.

He looked up at the sky.

Despite the heavy snowfall, Harry's enhanced eyesight allowed him to spot Krum at a glance.

Krum is riding his Nimbus 2001.

Perhaps it's because the weather is too cold.

He wore the green Dragonhide Earmuffs while flying, and a black fur cloak that made him look bulging.

"Krum truly in the heavens? Perhaps that's related to the mystery." These were the words of Neville.

He could tell from the expression on Harry's face that Krum was indeed in mid-air.

Ron, who should have been standing next to Harry, was instead standing behind the Ravenclaw students on their way to class.

Clearly, Ron was still keeping his promise to Ginny —to stay away from Harry.

Even the layout of the dormitory has been changed.

However, unlike Ron's initial plan to have the person behind him move forward, his outcome was different.

That is, Neville slept next to Harry.

When Ron actually said that, Anthony immediately switched beds with Ron.

The dormitory layout, from left to right, is as follows: Ryan, Harry, Anthony, Neville, Ron, Michael, and Terry.

Harry is still wavering about these changes.

On the one hand, he had finally managed to reconcile with Ron.

We haven't had enough time together yet.

We'll have to separate again.

But on the other hand,

Knowing that Ron had brought up everything about Ginny and his intimacy in that dream made him uncomfortable, and he wanted to keep his distance from Ron again.

And so, torn between his feelings, he arrived at the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

Hagrid is already waiting here.

Surprisingly, Hephaestus was there too.

When they got closer, they found that the surrounding snow had all melted.

Several wizards who had arrived earlier had already taken off their thick cloaks.

The robe underneath was revealed.

It feels like March has arrived, a time when the winter snow melts and everything comes back to life.

"Are the Care of Magical Creatures today very sensitive to the cold?"

"Could it be Ashwinder?" Harry thought from behind.

Lisa Turpin and Padma were taking off their clothes while guessing Care of Magical Creatures they would encounter that day.

But they were not surprised by Hephaestus's existence.

This is all because Hagrid's teaching career is becoming increasingly successful.

He became increasingly adept at his courses.

He also dared to bring up things outside the classroom during class.

They even bring them to class.

Hephaestus was one of them.

People are now used to its existence.

As the school bell rang, Hagrid waved, signaling everyone to follow him into the Forbidden Forest.

However, they hadn't gone far when a stable appeared in front of them.

The appearance of the stables has sparked much discussion.

"Could it be that we're learning about Abraxan today?"

"If it's an Abraxan, this stable is too small."

"And if that's true, why doesn't it taste like Firewhisky?"

"They all only drink Firewhisky, isn't that strange, Maye?"

"Ahem, I noticed it while I was admiring the scenery. The Abraxan was right next to Beauxbatons' carriage."

"I think you're looking at people, not horses."

"Alright, quiet!"

The creature we're going to learn about today has another name: the Patronus of horses.

Even the fiercely competitive Abraxan, after drinking too much Firewhisky, will suddenly quiet down and snort affectionately at them.

However, they also have a drawback.

That is, they are naturally shy and distrustful of humans.

They always hide when someone approaches.

They usually build their nests on haystacks that smell of horses.

In their daily lives, they usually hide among the herds of horses they protect.

"Speaking of which, does anyone know what they're called?" Hagrid blinked.

While the other students were still thinking, Harry raised his hand and answered, "Porlock!"

Harry thought it was too obvious.

"Great, Ravenclaw 2 points!"

Hagrid then opened the entrance to the stable.

Four or five strange creatures, each about two feet tall, walking upright, and with fur of various colors, cautiously approached Hagrid from behind.

And it quietly peeked out.

They are even-toed ungulates, covered in coarse, soft hair, with a large, strong mane on their heads like horses, but their noses are unusually large.

With its tiny arms and four short, thick fingers, it looks like a rag doll.

Many girls exclaimed "Oh~".

Hearts also shone in her eyes.

Lisa Turpin couldn't hold back any longer, "Then how can we get close to this little cutie? I mean, hug it and take a big sniff."

"Haha," Hagrid stroked his beard, "The main point of this lesson is this—without using magic."

Make these timid little guys willing to come near you.

The secret lies in what I just described about Porlock.

Until ten minutes before the end of the class.

Padma was the first to discover the secret—that is, to stick straw with the scent of horses all over her body.

Straw, on the other hand, is everywhere in Ma Peng.

That's not the most meticulous thing she did.

It's not because boys aren't very interested in this.

Harry also faintly heard an ethereal singing voice coming from somewhere.

My attention was diverted.

Hagrid ultimately added 5 points to Padma's discovery.

The girls, without any hesitation, wrapped themselves in straw and headed towards the Porlock.

And he hugged them to his arms.

Even after class ended, the girls remained gathered there.

Harry and his friends headed towards the castle.

Harry also mentioned the singing he had vaguely heard in class earlier.

Strangely, apart from Neville saying he seemed to hear something, everyone else said there was no singing at all.

Just as Harry was wondering about this and was slowly about to walk out of the woods...

Accompanied by wind and snow, there was also the sound of flying brooms cutting through the air.

Krum, riding a broom, hovered in front of them.

"Hello, may I speak with Harry alone?"

Harry hasn't answered yet.

Those around him nodded in agreement and left the woods, giving Harry and Krum some private space.

"Congratulations on making up with Ron," Krum said as the others left.

"What?" Harry asked, puzzled.

"Listen," Krum took a deep breath and said, "I shouldn't have told you this."

We are both friends and competitors.

You wouldn't want me to be like this either.

I know you are such a noble person.

But in the First Task, you told me the real content of the competition.

It also helped me discover the real advantage through its hints.

And I've noticed that you haven't tried flying lately.

You mean?

"Yes, fly! Put on the Dragonhide Earmuffs and your Fire Dragon Toy."

There will be a surprise.

Okay, I should go now.

You just got back together with Ron.

He's still waiting for you.