Hogwarts: I Am an Exemplary Wizard

Chapter 565: Chapter 563: Special Tutoring

At Hogwarts, if you’ve never stayed up late finishing homework, can you really call yourself a Hufflepuff?

Kael certainly thought so.

So, in order to fit in, he spent the entire night writing his Potion Class homework.

This act shocked everyone around him; it was the first time they saw Kael in the group of students catching up on homework. Some even thought they’d gotten the date wrong, assuming the holidays weren’t over yet, and promptly put down their quills and returned to their dorms to sleep.

Of course, he paid a steep price for this—ten points and three days’ detention.

”Mr. Brown, detention starts this Friday, don’t forget.”

In Potion Class, Snape turned his head, deliberately or not, and looked in Kael’s direction.

Though it was known that Kael only did his homework the last night, all his answers were correct. Even after Snape had almost worn out the parchment from flipping through it, he couldn’t find a single fault.

But, well... opportunities like this are rare.

”Why didn’t you remind him yesterday was the last day of the holiday? Are you happy to see your classmate punished?”

”Five points from Hufflepuff!”

Kael couldn’t help but feel that this reason was quite enlightening.

There were so many people catching up on homework last night, virtually every moment someone was getting up and leaving, followed by new people joining in. How was he supposed to know whether those people had really finished their work?

He couldn’t possibly ask each one, that would be ridiculous.

Luckily, Kael was already used to this kind of behavior from Snape.

Besides, it was only five points, not much at all. In recent years, this was already the least number of points Snape had deducted from him.

...

After Potion Class was Care of Magical Creatures, a much friendlier class.

Hagrid brought a group of old friends, and it was his first day as a professor, eager to introduce them to everyone. But back then, Kael had stopped him just in time.

”Hippogriffs.”

Hagrid announced loudly to everyone, ”But don’t be fooled by their beautiful appearance. Hippogriffs are very proud, so be sure not to attempt to insult them...”

The crowd leaned in and whispered among themselves.

Kael thought that besides Hagrid, the others probably wouldn’t be deceived by the Hippogriffs’ appearance. After all, their dagger-like claws and beaks were too conspicuous to be ignored.

For fifth graders, this danger wasn’t really that hard to accept. After all, Hippogriffs were only 3X-rated Magical Creatures.

Next, Hagrid mentioned some points to note and demonstrated how to correctly approach a Hippogriff, then let everyone try it out themselves.

But he did call out Kael.

”Come with me, over here.” Hagrid said and led Kael to a gray Hippogriff.

”This is Buckbeak... a great little guy.” Hagrid said, ”Do you want to take a ride on him?”

Kael found it a bit odd.

Hagrid was enthusiastic, but not in his usual way... like he had some ulterior motive that made his tone and actions seem a bit forced.

”I know it won’t be a problem for you.”

Seeing that Kael hadn’t responded, Hagrid continued: ”But this time it’s different, very different.”

He instinctively glanced towards the Beauxbatons carriage and then whispered, ”Hippogriffs are very intelligent creatures that remember wizards who treated them kindly and won’t forget for years.

”Can you understand what I mean?”

Hagrid winked, ”Alright, that’s all I can say... So, the lesson requirement is to fly a lap on Buckbeak, or more if you’d like. There’s food Buckbeak likes on that rack over there; you can use it to reward him... good luck.”

With that, he strode off...

”Mr. Dervish, you should be more patient, don’t rush to touch them... Yes, just like that; now you can.”

After Hagrid left, Conna quietly asked, ”What did he mean just now?”

”Probably wants me to familiarize myself with this Hippogriff.” Kael thought for a moment and said, ”I guess it’s related to the final task of the Triwizard Tournament.”

When Hagrid was speaking just now, he glanced at the Beauxbatons carriage not just once, and every time he looked over, he seemed very nervous, clearly afraid of being noticed by them.

If it involves Beauxbatons, it’s probably about the Triwizard Tournament... Ever since the Christmas ball last time, Hagrid hadn’t actively spoken with Ms. Maxime, nor attempted to style his hair with motor oil again.

”So, the third task involves Hippogriffs?” Conna’s eyes lit up.

”Not likely to be that simple.”

Kael shook his head, ”Think about it, the first task featured the Zouwu and Fire Dragon, so they can’t possibly end with a 3X Magical Creature... that doesn’t make sense.

I think it’s probably just one part of the task.”

”That alone is quite enough.” Conna said, ”In the quest for the Goblet of Fire, every little advantage is crucial, right?”

”You have a point there.” Kael nodded.

He looked at the Hippogriff named Buckbeak and gave a polite bow.

Almost at the same time, it bent its front knees and then came forward, nudging Kael’s arm with its large, feathered head.

”Oh, you remember me.” Kael patted its head.

The feathers were a bit stiff, not as fluffy as an owl’s, but quite smooth.

”You know it?” Conna asked, feeling that Kael and Buckbeak didn’t seem to be meeting for the first time.

”Sort of, seen it before.” Kael mounted Buckbeak’s back, ”Hagrid’s right, they really are intelligent.”

The twelve-foot wingspan unfolded beside Kael, and Buckbeak immediately soared into the air.

Though both were flights, it didn’t feel the same as riding a broomstick.

Kael didn’t have to think about which direction to fly or when to turn; his only concern was not getting knocked off by Buckbeak’s wings... It was thrilling, to say the least.

Soon, Buckbeak circled the pitch and returned to the ground.

To avoid being thrown off, Kael took the opportunity and jumped off its back as Buckbeak prepared to land.

”Well done, Kael.” Hagrid called out to everyone, ”Everyone look, someone’s already completed it first, five points to Hufflepuff...”

”How did it feel?” Conna came over, curiosity piqued.

”More exhilarating than a Kelpie.”

Kael straightened out his wind-blown robe,

”I feel like playing Quidditch on a Hippogriff would be quite interesting too, though I wonder if Professor Dumbledore would agree.”

Conna thought about a dozen Hippogriffs flying chaotically above the Quidditch Pitch and shook her head repeatedly.

”I don’t know what the Headmaster would think, but Professor McGonagall certainly wouldn’t agree.”

”You’re right about that.” Kael sighed, ”What a pity, I think it’s really worth a try.”