7 Ch. 7

Four skill cards in the color of blood-red float teasingly around Hagrid's head!

Superhuman Strength. Superhuman Endurance. Superhuman Durability. Partial Magic Resistance.

"Professor Lockhart?" the half-giant hesitantly asks.

I know what I should take, but I couldn't stop myself. I give the mental command to EXTRACT Superhuman Strength without a speck of regret. Despite the fact, physical strength in a magical world would be of limited use, I still had to have it! Besides, what young boy, and not so young, didn't dream of having Herculean strength?!?!

To my utter bewilderment, the extraction failed. All of Hagrid's cards are still visible, including the Superhuman Strength. As I focus on the red cards, there is no visible option to extract or any other command. I've never seen a card I couldn't extract, or a red card.

Maybe there is a criteria for me to be able to EXTRACT red cards... Or maybe it's some twisted cock-tease on powers being denied to me.

"Professor Lockhart?" the half-giant cautiously asked as he warily stared down at me. "You all righ'?"

"Rubeus Hagrid," I excitedly said coming out of my dazed state. "I must say, it is a pleasure to finally meet you," I say as I extend my hand.

"Ah, pardon?" Hagrid's massive hand wrapped around my own as he asked in confusion.

"Why, my good man," I said as I gave his hand a single shake before letting go, "of course I would remember you from my days as a student, but we've never formally met. From what I understand, there isn't a witch or wizard alive that knows more about beasts large and small than you." My smile grows a bit more, as a pink glow blossoms over the little bit of Hagrid's face not covered in hair.

"Oh, I don' know abou' all that now," Hagrid denied in a deep rumbling voice.

"Nonsense," I quickly interject before Hagrid can say much more. "Few can claim to be able to handle half the creatures you can wrangle, and none of them have all their digits," I state in a tone that declared my statement to be a matter of fact.

Hagrid takes on a look of uncomfortable pride as he looks around the pub and swings his arms a bit before putting them in his pockets. He clearly doesn't get many compliments.

"I look forward to picking your brain," I say as I gesture for the half-giant to lead the way out of the pub. "Who knows," I continue as we're heading towards the exit, "perhaps I may even talk you into allowing me to tag along when you go venturing into the Forbidden Forest?"

"I don' see wha' harm it could do," Hagrid modestly replied.

"Excellent," I cheerfully reply. The best part, my excitement isn't an act. If I'm able to glean the skills from magical beasts like trolls and giants then Hagrid is the perfect person to befriend. Even if I'm not able to gain cards from beasts without some amount of human breeding, then at least I could gain a bit more experience with magical battles. There is only so much I can do to prepare in my flat.

Plus, it may open up a way for me to gain the red-goodness of Hagrid's superhuman skill cards.

As we stepped out into the sun-filled street of Hogsmead, I spot several enclosed carriages lining the curb. Given that there isn't a horse in sight, and I arrived promptly at the given time for Hogwarts' professors, I'm sure these are the carriages pulled by thestrals. Not going to lie, I'm rather disappointed I can't see the magical death-horses.

"Yeh can take da ferst one, dare," Hagrid said as he pointed to the lead carriage.

With a casual wave of my hand, I send my levitating trunk onto the luggage rack of the first carriage. The Summoning and Banishing Charms have to be some of the most underrated pieces of magic in the wizarding world. With a bit of practice, the two spells can give one a knockoff Telekinesis. I'm also a huge fan of how Grindelwald used the ability to throw a car mid-duel. That is one hell of a statement!

"Will you be escorting me back?" I innocently ask Hagrid.

"No," Hagrid said with a shake of his enormous head. "Professor McGonagall will be meetin' yeh at the entrance," Hagrid explained as he awkwardly stood on the sidewalk.

"Well then, I look forward to speaking with you again," I reply with a bow of my head before turning towards the magical carriage. As I climb into the back, I'm not surprised to see it empty, but I am surprised to see how large the carriage is. It's nothing absurd, being able to comfortably seat six adults, but magic is still at play.

As the carriage lurches forward, I can't help the excitement brewing in my stomach. I'm finally here.

Looking down at my hand, I stare at dozens of floating cards. I'm beyond curious why I wasn't able to gain a red card from Hagrid, but something tells me it's still possible. I just have to figure out the secret, and once I do...

I put my thoughts of unlimited power on hold as I think of the half-giant Hagrid. If I am able to gain some of the benefits of a human-hybrid, does that mean I would be forced to take on some of the negatives that comes with it? Would I grow absurdly tall and hairy? There is no way gaining several feet of height wouldn't be painful. Maybe this is the cheats way of forcing me to consider the consequences of absorbing some cards?

I wouldn't be against it making me a bit taller, just enough to get over the six-foot mark, but I don't want to gain the height or size of a half-giant. I especially don't want to gain their facial features or propensity to grow hair.

It only takes a few short minutes before the carriage comes to a halt. That was much faster than I thought it would be. That, or I was lost in thought for a bit.

Stepping out of the carriage, I'm met with a wonderous sight. I'm too close to the main entrance to get a view of the entirety of Hogwarts, but what I can see is impressive. The sheer size and detailed stonework on everything reminds me of a piece of art. Even Old Gil's memories don't do the magical castle justice.

Well... It's decided. I want my own castle.

Having taken in every bit of the castle within sight, I turn my attention to the tall feminine figure standing at the top of the entrance stairs. Dressed in robes and witches hat of deep emerald, Professor McGonagall has a striking resemblance to her actress. She is taller than expected, and hints of black hair can be seen from under the brim of her hat. While she does have a severe-looking face, and her square-framed glasses are a bit old-fashion, this McGonagall is much younger than I pictured.

"Professor McGonagall," I greet in stunned disbelief. There are half a dozen purple cards floating around her head, to include one for Dark Arts, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Magical Rituals. "You've not aged a single day since I saw you last," I continue as I make my way up the stairs. Without preamble I take the older witch's hand in my own and tactfully kiss the back of her hand.

A slight raise of an eyebrow is her only response to my blatant flattery. "Professor Lockhart," McGonagall greets with a noticeable strain on the title.

"Please," I interject with both hands raised. "There is no need for formalities. While I may have been a horrible student, that doesn't take away the fact I remember you as an amazing teacher." Finally reaching her level, I stare into the eyes of the slightly shorter witch. "I'm sorry about that, by the way, being such a git when I was a student," I say with the corner of my mouth raised to lighten the mood.

McGonagall's head slightly jerks back, as if I just jumped at her. "I wasn't that bad, was I?" I tentatively asked. I may have Old Gil's memories, but they were obviously one-sided.

"Well, Gilderoy," McGonagall hesitantly began, "you certainly had a generous amount of flair to you," the Transfiguration professor finished diplomatically.

"Ha," I happily respond. "That is, perhaps, the kindest description I've heard of my younger self." Taking a look around, "I hope you don't have to stand here all day, waiting on the rest of the staff to arrive," I say with a question in my eyes.

"No," McGonagall said as she gave her head a small shake. "I was waiting for you, actually. You are the only new staff member, the rest do not need me to show them to their lodgings," the older witch said as she turned towards the entrance doors.

As talented as she is, I pick her Magic Transfiguration skill card.

Looking over my shoulder towards my trunk, I make a waving gesture with my hand and turn back towards McGonagall. The slight raising of her eyebrows is her only reaction to my casual display of wandless magic.

"Come along," McGonagall said as she began making her way into the entranceway before I can offer her my arm. "I'll show you to your room. There will be a staff meeting at nine o'clock on the first. If you have any questions before then, feel free to ask."

I'm quiet for the first minute of our journey, far more interested in taking in the sight of everything. The magical paintings and enchanted pieces of furniture are a pleasant sight, but the general feeling in the air... It's unexplainably warm and comforting and leaves a feeling of safety in the back of my mind. As if everything will be alright somehow. I can see why everyone took the events from the books with such good grace.

Pushing thoughts of exploring the castle from my mind, I glance towards the Deputy Headmistress. "This will be my first time teaching," I confess. "Any advice?"

A look of approval flashed across McGonagall's face before her stern mask resurfaced. "Be firm but fair, and stick to your lesson plan," McGonagall sagely answered.

Lesson plan? Shit!