Hogwarts: My Grandmother is the Queen

"Henry Wales, Mr. Hagrid," Henry introduced himself with a smile, handing over the small package. "A little something to bring you in; I hope you like it."

"Oh! That's too kind!" Hagrid carefully took the package with his large hands, clumsily untied the ribbon, and saw the exquisite ceramic jar inside. He sniffed it. "Honey? Jam? It smells wonderful! Thank you, Henry! Come on, don't stand, sit down! I just brewed a pot of strong tea and have some freshly baked rock cakes—I used fewer stones this time, I promise!"

He burst into laughter, and I don't know if it was just my imagination, but it felt like his laughter shook the dust off the roof beams.

Everyone sat down around the large table. The chairs were indeed a bit too big for Henry, but still quite comfortable.

Hagrid bustled about, bringing several large, thick teacups, pouring in piping hot black tea, and then bringing out a large plate of grayish-brown cakes.

This pizza... if it were in Hagrid's hand, it would be the size of a biscuit; but for these four children, it was bigger than the large-sized pizzas sold in stores.

Harry skillfully picked up a piece, wanting to try it several times but unable to make up his mind, appearing hesitant.

Hermione sipped her scalding hot tea, while Ron stared at the rock-skin cake, clearly preparing himself mentally.

Henry followed their example and took a piece of rock crust.

It feels heavy in the hand, and the texture is indeed like weathered rock, thick and hard.

He politely tried to take a small bite—luckily he held back, otherwise he would have broken his teeth.

However, as the saying goes, if one door closes, another opens. Henry put the rock-skin cake in the teacup and let it steep for a while.

Although it's called a teacup, it's actually no different from a large bowl.

After dipping it in hot tea, it became chewable. Henry took a bite and found the taste quite good, like a waffle with a milky aroma.

"The taste is very unique, Mr. Hagrid," Henry commented, his tone sincere and without any deliberate flattery.

Hagrid's face lit up with joy: "I'm glad you like it! Many people don't like it the first time they try it. Here, try some of this honey, spread some on!"

He opened the jar of honey that Henry had given him, and the thick, golden honey emitted a rich floral fragrance.

Henry added a little to the softened rock crust as instructed, which immediately improved the texture.

Hagrid scooped out a large spoonful and put it directly into his mouth, squinting his eyes and letting out a satisfied sigh: "Good honey! Much better than the ones sold in Hogsmeade!"

The atmosphere quickly warmed up; Hagrid was a man who couldn't keep a secret, especially when the topic turned to his beloved animals.

"Henry, which magical creatures are you particularly interested in?" Hagrid asked, taking a large gulp of tea.

“I have respect and curiosity for them all,” Henry replied, “but if I were to say which ones I’m particularly interested in… perhaps those creatures whose intelligence is similar to that of humans, or those whose history is closely intertwined with that of the magical world, such as centaurs or unicorns. Of course, dragons are also awe-inspiring beings.”

Dragons are a topic Hagrid can never refuse.

Sure enough, Hagrid's eyes lit up even more: "Dragons! Oh yes, they're amazing! Powerful, beautiful, fire-breathing... When I was young, I thought about raising a fire dragon. As for centaurs, there's a tribe in the Forbidden Forest, but they... well, they're a bit arrogant and don't like dealing with wizards unless it's something important like astrology. Unicorns, well, there are some deep in the Forbidden Forest, pure and beautiful, but also very wary."

He began enthusiastically to explain the origins of the various objects in his room: the huge white object was the horn of an old, deceased unicorn; the string of colorful beads was woven from feathers shed by a harbinger bird in different moods; the glowing mushrooms soaking in the glass jar were treats fed to the Bowtruckles; and the glossy fur on the wall came from an invisible beast cub that he had helped deliver but which unfortunately died...

Henry listened very attentively, occasionally asking a question or two. He even discussed with Hagrid the differences in magical creature protection laws in different regions, mentioning some cases of endangered animal protection in the Muggle world that he had seen in Sir Arnold's materials, and drawing parallels between them and the situation in the magical world.

“Sometimes I think,” Henry said thoughtfully, “that while Muggles may not know about magical creatures, their awareness of protecting the flora and fauna of their world might be something we can learn from. For example, establishing special protected areas, studying species habits, controlling poaching… Of course, that is, on the premise of not violating the Secrets Act.”

Hagrid listened intently, nodding repeatedly: "That's right! Some wizards are too selfish, only thinking about obtaining materials from animals and completely disregarding their lives! They should be protected properly, just like you said!"

He sighed with emotion as he looked at Henry with the eyes of someone who had found a kindred spirit.

Clearly, this friend's fondness for Henry has increased dramatically.

Hermione joined the discussion, citing various sources to add information about the habits and protection levels of different magical creatures.

Harry and Ron preferred to hear adventure stories—how Hagrid helped a hippogriff in the midst of a stormy birth, and how he cleverly rescued a stolen egg from a group of mischievous vixens.

Ron was initially silent, but as he listened, he couldn't help but chime in with stories of the various little mishaps he, Harry, and Hermione had experienced at Hagrid's place, such as how Tooth once ate Ron's workbook as a snack, or how he once tried to help take care of Flobber Caterpillar but ended up covered in slime.

Henry chuckled at these amusing anecdotes, making Ron feel that the boundaries between the academies truly seemed blurred in this warm, cluttered, and animal-filled cottage.

He watched as Henry—the Slytherin—carefully stroked the Bowtruckle perch that Hagrid had brought out to show off, his face showing no disgust, only curiosity and caution.

Time always flies, and it was almost noon when Henry got up to say goodbye.

"Mr. Hagrid, thank you so much for your hospitality. I learned a lot this morning and had a very pleasant time."

"Don't be shy! You're welcome anytime!" Hagrid stood up, nearly hitting the rafters. "This place is always open to animal lovers! Next time you come, maybe I can show you the edge of the Forbidden Forest... in a safe area, of course!"

"That would be my pleasure," Henry smiled. "Thank you again, Harry, Hermione, Ron. Thank you for inviting me."

Leaving Hagrid's cottage and walking back to the castle, the atmosphere among the four was different from when they arrived. Although there was some silence, it was generally quite harmonious.

"That's just how Hagrid is," Harry said. "He might be a little careless, but he's the best."

"He has a very kind heart," Henry agreed, "and his knowledge comes from genuine passion and practice. Knowledge gained from books is never complete; to truly understand something, one must put it into practice."