"Thestrals."
Hermione looked at the introduction to Thestrals in the open copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by old Mr. Newt.
"The creatures we're going to study next Tuesday."
"If it's Thestrals-" Hermione let out a soft breath.
She lowered her head and exchanged a look with Su Er, who blinked a few times.
"At least they're not Manticores or anything like that. The Thestrals have been pulling the carriages since our second year, so there shouldn't be any problems... right?"
"Only people who have witnessed death can see them-some people can't even see them at all-not being able to see them means they won't do anything rash to offend them, so there won't be any danger."
"Hagrid's picked a pretty sensible creature this time..." Hermione closed the book in satisfaction. "As long as Hagrid doesn't have us feed the Thestrals or anything like that in class, Umbridge definitely won't be able to find fault with him. What do you think?"
Hermione hooked a finger around Su Er's round ear.
In fact, even if it were harmless slugs, Umbridge would have found some excuse to pick on Hagrid. No, to put it more aptly-her apparent target was not her real one.
If it really were slugs, the only remotely dangerous things about them would have been their circular, serrated teeth-oh, those were the only "weapons of mass destruction" on their bodies capable of hurting young wizards' fingers.
"That evil, hypocritical, twisted old hag!"
On Tuesday afternoon, Hermione indignantly scooped Su Er up and rubbed his head hard several times. "This is blatant discrimination against his ancestry! Just because Hagrid is a giant! She must know that! She's using it to attack Hagrid just to drive him out of Hogwarts!"
"Just listen to those comments she