Hermione rarely left her homework unfinished and went out of the Castle at night.
But there had been far too much commotion over the Chamber of Secrets lately, and it concerned her closely. Hermione could not help taking more of an interest, and went with Harry and the others to Hagrid's Hut.
Although Hagrid was a little surprised by the four youngsters' unexpected visit, he welcomed them warmly and happily prepared tea and snacks for them.
As he prepared them, he complained that a Niffler or something similar seemed to have turned up near the Castle. All the large roosters he kept had died for no apparent reason.
Hagrid's tea was as excellent as ever, and his snacks, as usual, looked rough but tasted very good.
But neither Harry nor Hermione nor Neville had any interest in food or drink just then.
Well, they did not, but Ron did.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Harry and the others brought up the reason for their visit that day. "Hagrid, you must know a great deal about magical creatures, right? We have some things we'd like to ask you."
"I wouldn't say a great deal." Hagrid gave a guileless smile and waved a hand, looking a little embarrassed. "I'm just interested in them. Yes, very interested, so I've learned a bit more about them."
Harry did not really believe Hagrid's modest words.
Back when they had been raising the baby dragon Norberta, Draco's involvement had led Hagrid to use contract magic on him.
That was advanced magic that even Hermione had barely touched upon.
And Hagrid had actually studied contract magic just so he could understand what magical creatures were thinking and communicate with them more easily.
With that sort of disposition, Harry would never believe that Hagrid knew little about fantastic