Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

The morning sun barely crested the horizon when David finished his breakfast—a few slices of bread and a glass of milk. Just as he swallowed the last bite, Jason's voice echoed from outside the wooden house.

"David! You ready?" Jason called out, his tone cheerful but laced with nervousness.

David hurried outside to find Jason waiting with his broomstick, eyes bright but shoulders tense. Today, as promised, Jason would take him to see Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback David had once known so well.

The flight took about half an hour along a winding stone path that led north. They soared over rugged hills and dense patches of forest, the wind whistling in their ears. At last, Jason angled his broom downward, slowing to a hover by the edge of a secluded valley.

"We're here," Jason announced, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. He turned to David, his eyes narrowing. "Are you absolutely sure about this? Norwegian Ridgebacks are known for being... well, temperamental. And Norbert, he's one of the feistiest."

David nodded with confidence. "Don't worry. He might've grown up, but he won't hurt me. We're friends... or at least, we used to be."

Jason exhaled, his shoulders relaxing just a bit. "Alright, if you're sure. But stay close, and if anything goes wrong, get behind me. Fast." He patted his wand, now secured in the easiest spot to draw from.

He regretted his rash decision from the night before—offering to bring David to see Norbert without thinking it through. But a promise was a promise, and Jason wasn't one to back out.

With that, they descended toward a sectioned-off area of the dragon reserve. As they flew, David shouted over the wind, "Does anyone take care of Norbert regularly?"

Jason shook his head. "No. Norbert wasn't born here. He doesn't trust us, and he's prone to attack anyone who gets too close. We've had to leave him alone to grow and hunt by himself. It's safer for everyone that way."

David nodded, understanding. It fit with what he knew of Norbert—independent, fierce, but loyal to those he trusted.

As they approached the area marked for Norbert, the sound of splashing water echoed through the valley. Jason tensed, his eyes darting to the lake up ahead. "Looks like we're lucky. He's close by. Just... stay behind me."

David grinned. "I told you, there's nothing to worry about. Norbert and I are good friends."

Jason wasn't so sure. He tightened his grip on his wand as they flew over the lake. David's expression was calm, even excited, but Jason's heart was racing. If Norbert attacked, he would have only seconds to react.

Then they saw it. A massive, scaly creature was plunging into the water, sending waves splashing high into the air. David's heart skipped a beat.

It was Norbert, bigger and fiercer than David remembered, now nearly seven meters long with glistening black scales and jagged ridges along his back. Even from a distance, his teeth looked as sharp as swords.

As Norbert burst from the water, a fish flailed between his jaws. He snapped his mouth shut, swallowing the prey in one gulp before turning his head toward the two figures floating in the air above.

Jason's heart dropped as Norbert's yellow eyes locked on them. The dragon's mouth opened wide, exposing rows of dagger-like teeth. He let out a low, rumbling growl that echoed across the lake.

Jason's knuckles whitened around his wand. "David... now would be a good time to run," he whispered, his body coiled to flee.

But David did the exact opposite. He flew forward, positioning himself between Jason and the advancing dragon.

Jason's heart stopped. "What are you doing?! Get back here!"

David ignored him. Instead, he raised his fist and held it out toward Norbert, his face calm and determined.

For a moment, Jason thought David had lost his mind. But then, the impossible happened.

Norbert's eyes widened. The fierce growl faded to a low whimper. His wings slowed, his body drifting to a halt mid-air. He tilted his massive head, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed the air around David.

David's face broke into a grin. "Hey, Norbert. Remember me?"

The dragon blinked, then slowly—almost shyly—lowered his head toward David's outstretched fist. David gave him a playful tap on the nose, just as he had done countless times before when Norbert was smaller.

Norbert's entire body shivered, and his wings stopped moving. He fell, splashing into the lake below with a tremendous crash.

Jason's jaw dropped. "Did... did you just kill him?"

David laughed. "Nope. Just wait."

Sure enough, a moment later, the water erupted in a geyser as Norbert shot back into the air, his wings beating joyfully. With a playful roar, he glided toward David, his eyes alight with recognition.

David reached out, patting Norbert's head. "I missed you too, buddy."

Jason stared in disbelief. "How... how did you do that?"

David shrugged. "We're friends. You just have to spend enough time with them to understand."

Jason was silent, his mind racing. He had spent his life working with dragons but never seen anything like this. Never felt this kind of connection.

David turned and shouted over his shoulder, "Want to come up? Norbert doesn't mind giving you a ride."

Jason's heart skipped. "Really? You're serious?"

David nodded. "Come on. Just sit behind me. Norbert doesn't bite... at least not today."

Hesitating only a moment, Jason slid onto Norbert's back, his breath catching as he felt the power of the dragon's muscles beneath him.

For a moment, Jason was a child again, dreaming of dragons and adventure. He looked over at David, his eyes wide with awe. "How did you make him trust you like that?"

David's face softened as he remembered the hours spent with Norbert, playing, laughing, and growing up together. "It's simple," he said, his voice gentle. "As long as you really get along with them, they'll get along with you too."

As Norbert's wings caught the wind and they soared into the sky, Jason understood. It wasn't just about raising dragons. It was about friendship, trust, and truly understanding the creatures he loved.

Maybe David was right. Maybe he still had a lot to learn.