However, even so, there was still an unresolved issue - what to do about Norbert escaping into the Forbidden Forest?
The next day, inside Hagrid's hut.
"Norbert, my poor little darling, how could you leave me like this?" Hagrid, a tall figure, was curled up and crying like a child.
But no one paid him any attention. Harry and Ron had brought in Alaric because he was more powerful than them, and they hoped he could help search for Norbert in the Forbidden Forest.
"So, you just let it run into the Forbidden Forest like that?" After listening to their explanation, Alaric couldn't help but feel a headache.
"In this world, dragons are one of the most powerful creatures and top predators, with no natural enemies. Even young dragons in the Forbidden Forest are nearly invincible," Alaric explained impatiently.
"Norbert has passed its weakest period and already has some hunting ability, especially here - in the Forbidden Forest."
"The ecosystem in the Forbidden Forest doesn't have powerful predators. Thestral and unicorns are gentle carnivores, and the most powerful are wolves and Acromantulas, but they wouldn't be a match for a young dragon - especially Acromantulas, dragon breath can burn their nests."
"Here, no creature can suppress it, not even its competitors. If it gets a mate, it's a typical species invasion. In this case, guess what Norbert will do?
It will hunt and grow at an unimaginable speed, soon becoming a challenge even for the Centaur tribe. Then we'll be facing a true top-tier magical creature, and a slight mistake could lead to a massacre."
Alaric's analysis scared them, and Ron tried to deny it several times, but he had to admit that Alaric's analysis was logical and couldn't find any room for objection.
"So... what should we do?" After a moment of silence, Harry finally asked with a hoarse voice.
"Quickly contact Dumbledore and mobilize the professors to search for Norbert," Alaric said seriously.
"No, we can't tell Headmaster Dumbledore about this."
Finally, Ron gathered the courage to speak loudly, "If the professors find out, they'll definitely expel Hagrid."
Hearing this, Alaric frowned, "I've said before, Dumbledore won't do that."
However, Harry and Ron didn't believe it at all. They continued to plead desperately.
After a moment of contemplation, Alaric finally agreed, "Alright, I won't tell Dumbledore, and I'll help you find the dragon, but you have to agree to two conditions."
Upon hearing this, Harry and Ron, although reluctant, reluctantly nodded.
Alaric continued, "First, neither of you is allowed to participate. You're too weak, and you can't even cause harm to it. Second, dragons are too dangerous, and I can't guarantee that I can catch Norbert safely. I might end up killing it."
Upon hearing the first condition, Harry and Ron were somewhat unwilling, but they reluctantly agreed. However, when they heard the second condition, their reaction became intense.
"No, you can't kill Norbert," Ron shouted loudly. "Hagrid will be heartbroken."
"I know he will be heartbroken," Alaric said, sounding ruthless.
"But I have to take responsibility for the safety of the other young wizards at Hogwarts. We can't let this dragon stay in the Forbidden Forest for too long."
His analysis was straightforward, completely different from his usual character.
Then he changed the subject, "However, I promise that as long as there's a chance to capture Norbert alive, I won't kill it."
Although reluctant, Harry and Ron had to accept this answer. They looked at the crying Hagrid and left the hut.
"Go! Go! Do whatever you want, I can't control it anymore," Hagrid cried, as if he had already foreseen Norbert's fate.
"My Norbert, my poor little baby."
The three of them left the wooden house, leaving Hagrid crying loudly inside.
After watching Harry and Ron walk away, Alaric happily raised his fist.
Contact Dumbledore, ensure the safety of young wizards - it was all just to scare them.
The intelligence of the dragons of this world was not very high. Their wings were not separate, but rather replaced the front limbs, making them more like Wyverns than Dragons.
In other words, Norbert's hatred for them wouldn't last long. After entering the Forbidden Forest, Norbert would most likely stay deep in the forest rather than coming to Hogwarts to cause trouble.
Alaric said those things just to persuade them to allow him to hunt and dissect the dragon.
Of course, Alaric didn't lie; he just didn't tell them the specific probability.
After convincing the three of them, no one would stop Alaric from hunting and dissecting Norbert.
This was a dragon, a real, living dragon, not just a totem appearing in literary works.
Moreover, besides research, a live dragon was a treasure. Dragon blood, dragon claws, dragon dung, dragon nerves, dragon horn, dragon skin, dragon liver, dragon meat - all were precious magical materials.
Now, they were all his.
Alaric snapped his fingers and shouted, "Skyraider, come."
Soon, his broomstick arrived in front of him. Alaric mounted the broomstick and began searching for Norbert over the Forbidden Forest.
...
For a week straight, Alaric spent a few hours flying over the Forbidden Forest every day but found no trace of Norbert.
The only benefit was that he had effectively narrowed down the search area. He estimated that in another two or three days, he would find the dragon's trail.
On this night, Alaric set out again, planning to search deeper. However, before he flew too far, he noticed a bright fire.
His eyes lit up; maybe it was Norbert's dragon breath igniting something.
He accelerated his flight towards the fire.
The scene was chaotic, with weeds and bushes burning fiercely. Two centaur bodies lay on the ground.
Alaric jumped off his broomstick and cautiously approached.
One of the bodies was mostly charred, and the other was slightly burned, but the neck was a mess of blood and flesh, obviously bitten off.
Clearly, Norbert had clashed with the centaur tribe during his hunt, but the centaurs had clearly underestimated the young dragon and suffered heavy losses.
From the scene, it seemed the battle hadn't ended long ago, and the two sides shouldn't have gone far.
Alaric drew his wand and cast an illusion spell on himself. Although it was of little use against creatures with sensitive smell or hearing, it was better than nothing.
Then he pointed forward and used the Tracking spell.
"Appare Vestigium."
In his line of sight, there were clearly visible hoofprints and several dragon claw marks on the ground. These marks emitted a blue light and extended into the distance.
Following the tracks, Alaric walked with light steps, chasing after them.
.
.
.
Guys, do leave some power stones and reviews.
✌patreon.com/bobthewriter✌
If you guys enjoy this story, you can support me on Patreon and get access to Advance Chapters, it really helps me to work on new chapters.