Regulus of Hogwarts: Lord of the Stars

Regulus's original plan had been to let Aragog make the first move, then proceed straight to the experiment.

Provoke it. Enrage it. Let it lunge. Then show it that lunging accomplished nothing.

Simpler that way, and more in line with how Acromantulas operated.

But Aragog's intelligence had overridden its predatory nature. What should have been an instant eruption of violence had become this tense, probing conversation.

Since talking was on the table, Regulus didn't mind spending the extra time.

If the experiment succeeded, he'd need Aragog to articulate what it felt and experienced. A cooperating subject capable of clear expression would always be more useful than a resentful captive pinned under force.

At last, Aragog spoke again. Its voice had dropped lower, chelicerae folded together, body weight shifting backward.

"I think I know why you came to me. Because I have intelligence. I can communicate. My magical resistance is decent."

While it spoke, all eight compound eyes studied Regulus without blinking.