Once the hero of the story appeared, what Ron had said no longer mattered, because everyone crowded around Su Er to hear his adventures.
Well, mostly his roommates did the talking while everyone listened, occasionally supplying a "Wow!" as an appreciative audience. Su Er only had to stand to one side and mumble a few perfunctory agreements.
Morn's storytelling ability was every bit as good as Ron's. He had dreamed up an epic romance between a human and a Fantastic Beast-a Veela, specifically. Su Er and that Veela, who might not even exist, were practically one step away from turning into butterflies and flying off together...
With the story getting this ridiculous, how could Su Er possibly admit to it?
He would let the rumors fly for a while. The more absurd they became, the fewer people would believe them.
Sure enough, the excitement was only temporary. The young wizards' enthusiasm was soon dampened by their busy studies and Su Er's refusal to give a straight answer. Hardly anyone mentioned it anymore.
Su Er found time to visit Hagrid's Hut and brought Fang lots and lots of meat, enough to last him several days. Fang was absolutely delighted.
The giant spider with half its head missing lay beside Hagrid's Hut. When Su Er found Hagrid, he was wearing Dragonhide Gloves and removing the spider's legs.
"I thought you'd dig a hole and bury it." Su Er helped Hagrid light the fire. For some reason, ever since his experience in the Forbidden Forest, he had found the Fire-Making Spell much easier to cast.
"If it were some other little darling, I would." Hagrid tossed a section of spider leg he had removed into the roaring fire.
"Acromantulas hardly count as little darlings. There are far too many of them. The centaurs