"Now, who wants to say hello?"
Under Hagrid's expectant gaze, everyone instinctively took two steps back.
Hagrid clearly hadn't foreseen this. He'd assumed the students would share his affection for his precious pet. Obviously, this was not the case.
"Uh… how about you, Tom?"
Hagrid, seized by a sudden inspiration, turned his hopeful gaze to Tom Riddle.
In his mind, this would solve the immediate awkwardness and allow him to foster a closer relationship with Tom—killing two birds with one stone!
"My apologies, Hagrid."
Tom Riddle offered a polite smile, then turned his gaze to Buckbeak. "My pride exceeds even its own."
The notion of Tom Riddle bowing before another creature?
A complete jest.
As if sensing it was being observed, Buckbeak, who had been eating with its head lowered, raised its head and met Tom's gaze.
Tom Riddle held his head slightly higher, which Buckbeak interpreted as a condescending stare, making it bristle.
But those emerald green eyes held the gaze of a monster born at the apex of the food chain, filling Buckbeak with dread. It instinctively lowered its head and recoiled.
Hagrid glanced at Tom Riddle, surprised, then stroked Buckbeak, attempting to soothe the creature.
Tom Riddle, however, had not meant to frighten the creature, even if he harbored no particular fondness for Buckbeak.
But Tom Riddle had noticed Hagrid's earlier attempt at appeasement, so…
"Malfoy."
Hearing Tom Riddle's voice, Malfoy instinctively shivered. Whenever it was his turn to deal with things… it never ended well.
Not that Tom Riddle intentionally deceived him, but he always seemed to stumble into trouble.
Though the outcome was never entirely negative.
"…"
Malfoy gritted his teeth. Still, he had to obey Tom Riddle.
Resigned, Malfoy took two steps forward.
Seeing this, Tom Riddle turned his gaze to Malfoy, and their eyes met.
"You understand what I want, yes? Make friends with this big bird."
"Understood! As the proud Draco Malfoy, my pride shall surpass even its own!"
Believing Malfoy grasped the situation, Tom Riddle nodded approvingly.
Having witnessed Tom Riddle's actions and now receiving his 'approval,' Malfoy raised his head high and strode forward.
"Wait! Malfoy!"
Before Hagrid could intervene, Malfoy stood before Buckbeak.
Already frightened, Buckbeak was startled and emitted a sharp cry, rearing up and extending its sharp claws toward Malfoy.
Clang!
Like the clash of swords against shields and axes, a shimmering white barrier abruptly materialized where Buckbeak's claws were about to strike, protecting Malfoy.
"Sigh."
Tom Riddle sighed helplessly, and with a flick of his wrist, Malfoy was sent flying back to his side.
Having witnessed Malfoy's actions, Tom Riddle knew exactly what the child had been thinking.
Well, he is obedient, just a bit slow.
Tom Riddle didn't bother to comment; after all, Malfoy had only acted on his orders.
However…
Seeing Hagrid's even more frustrated expression, Tom Riddle's lips twitched involuntarily.
Could it be that this giant's fate is inherently incompatible with mine?
Why is it proving so difficult to get along with him?
Never mind, best to leave unsaid anything not of particular importance. I'll try once and won't force it.
Due to this incident, the other students were even more reluctant to approach Buckbeak.
Malfoy even threatened to have his father report Buckbeak to the Ministry of Magic and have him executed!
However, noticing Tom Riddle's gaze, Malfoy immediately retracted his statement.
"This bird has such spirit, so proud and untamed, unafraid of authority… truly a magnificent creature! I, Draco Malfoy, admire it, and therefore, I shall keep it!"
Hearing Malfoy relent, Hagrid instantly sighed in relief. Given Malfoy's family's influence, things could have escalated, placing Buckbeak's life in jeopardy.
But the broader problem remained unresolved; the students still refused to approach Buckbeak, regardless of Hagrid's explanations.
Hagrid frowned in frustration, unable to devise a solution, unsure of what to do, and beginning to doubt his suitability as a professor.
Tom Riddle glanced at Hagrid. Judging by outward appearances, this class would be a waste of time.
Oh well, I am a professor, after all.
Suddenly intrigued, Tom Riddle approached the students. "Since you are unwilling to learn about hippogriffs, I shall teach you something else."
Hearing this, the students' eyes lit up. Many had attended Tom Riddle's classes before.
"Close your books. The magical creature I am about to introduce cannot be found within their pages."
Tom Riddle smiled mysteriously, then amplified his voice with magic. "Zouwu!"
As soon as the word left his lips, a deafening roar echoed from the depths of the Forbidden Forest!
Not far from Tom Riddle, space distorted, and a golden behemoth plummeted to earth.
Boom!
The Zouwu snapped several trees in its path before regaining its balance. It lowered its head close to Tom Riddle, its large eyes practically begging for affection.
Upon seeing the Zouwu, the students' eyes widened in disbelief.
"I told you magical creatures weren't in the books! There's definitely no book with a danger level of 5X!"
"What school allows students to come into contact with a creature this terrifying?!"
Although the students were still cautious about approaching and instinctively maintained their distance, Tom Riddle remained unconcerned. As long as they listened to him, that was enough; physical contact was inconsequential.
However, not everyone was afraid to approach. Nagini, Malfoy, and Hermione Granger had encountered Zouwu before. Besides them…
"Hehehe, Tom, can I touch this cute big guy?"
Seeing Hagrid approach with a fawning smile, Tom Riddle wasn't surprised. After all, this giant was naturally affectionate toward powerful magical creatures.
Besides, this was likely Hagrid's first encounter with a real Zouwu.
"Don't ask me. If Zouwu agrees, then you may."
Tom Riddle treated his pets well; he would not force Zouwu if it didn't wish to be touched.
In Tom Riddle's estimation, Hagrid certainly did not hold a higher position than Zouwu.
Hearing Tom Riddle's words, Hagrid eagerly ran toward Zouwu, eager to communicate with it.
But Tom Riddle seemed to recall something and reminded Hagrid, "By the way, you might consider introducing the students to safer magical creatures next time, such as Nifflers."
"Eh? That's so boring! I definitely want to introduce them to the cute big guys!"
Hagrid clearly didn't realize that, with a few exceptions, most young wizards were terrified of the "big guys" he was referring to.
"Whatever."
Tom Riddle had already offered his suggestion; whether Hagrid heeded it was none of his concern.
...