Chapter 212: Ron’s Illusion
After committing the location of the two rowan trees to memory, Kyle didn't linger. He returned to Hagrid, who was standing nearby, awkwardly holding a bundle of branches he'd picked up, all while casting glances back at his cabin.
"Oh... you picked them out that quickly?" Hagrid stammered, turning to face Kyle. "I wasn't thinkin' about the dragon egg, honest! Just saw somethin' runnin' over there a moment ago... might've been a Kneazle."
"There are still Kneazles in the Forbidden Forest?"
"Oh, yeah." Relieved that Kyle seemed to believe him, Hagrid continued, "Actually, there's quite a few Kneazles in the Forest, but they don't usually come out in front of wizards. Even I only catch a glimpse now and then. As you probably know, these Magical Creatures are real sharp and cautious. If they want to stay hidden, no one'll find 'em."
Kyle nodded. Kneazles were indeed highly intelligent. Newt always believed that, like Wampus Cats, they had a natural talent for Legilimency, although their ability didn't fit into any known category of magic. One thing was certain: you couldn't hide your true intentions from a Kneazle, as they could sense what was in your heart.
Kyle's thoughts drifted to his own Kneazle, Tom, who spent most of his days eating, sleeping, and occasionally rolling onto his back in utter laziness. That one, Kyle mused, was certainly an outlier—a bit like a carefree Husky in a pack of clever wolves.
Back at the cabin, Hagrid enthusiastically invited Kyle in once more.
"Maybe next time, Hagrid," Kyle replied, shaking his head. "I need to finish some homework and get these branches ready over the holiday."
He added, "By the way, write to me when the dragon egg hatches. I helped care for baby dragons at Newt's once, so I have a bit of experience."