Without wasting any more time, they started walking through the Hogwarts grounds. First, they passed the greenhouses, then the Boxing Willow, and finally they saw the small wooden hut that belonged to Hagrid, on the edge of the forbidden forest.
A crossbow and a pair of gumboots were outside the front door, "T-this is a good idea?" asked Pete,r shivering at the sight of the crossbow. Toby's expression also looked frightened as he looked at the large crossbow, which appeared to have some rusty blood on it.
In the eyes of many students, Hagrid was very scary, as he was somewhat barbaric-looking and almost 10 feet tall. However, James knew that he was a kind-hearted person.
"Don't worry. I have a feeling Hagrid is good-natured," said James as he knocked on the door twice. As soon as he hit the door, they heard frantic scratching and several barks.
Then a low, raspy voice was heard, "Down, Claw, down!"
Hagrid's big hairy face appeared as the door opened, "Mm? First-year students?" said Hagrid with doubt and confusion in his eyes that were barely visible.
He had been a Hogwarts warden many years ago, and this was the first time five young students had knocked on his house door.
"Hi. Yes, we're first years. I'm James..." said James respectfully as he introduced Sirius and the others.
"Nice to meet you guys. What do you need?" asked Hagrid, who had taken a liking to James because of how respectful he sounded.
"We have heard many rumors about the Forbidden Forest and the amazing creatures that inhabit there. Since you are the gamekeeper we thought you would have many interesting stories to tell..." said James, who had practiced this speech, to try to get Hagrid to like you. That way they would get into confidence, and later they would ask him for the boats, although he was also very interested in the subject of the magical creatures that inhabit the forbidden forest.
Hagrid's expression changed to one of surprise at James' request, "If you don't have time, we'll leave..." said James when he heard no response from Hagrid.
"Oh no, of course not! I was surprised that someone would ask me to tell them my crazy stories. It's not a common thing," Hagrid said, pleasantly surprised, as it was nice to see that there were boys at Hogwarts who were interested in his work.
"Come on in. Back Claw," he added as he struggled to hold an imposing white Great Dane by the collar.
The marauders entered as they looked around the inside of the hut curiously. There was only one room. Hams and pheasants hung from the ceiling, a copper kettle boiled on the fire, and in one corner was a huge bed with a blanket made of scraps.
"Make yourselves at home," said Hagrid, looking at the boys and releasing the dog, who threw himself against Toby and began to lick his ears.
"Easy, easy..." said Toby, feeling tickled and petting the big dog.
"It's weird that he likes someone unfamiliar so much. Would you like some tea?" offered Hagrid, and everyone nodded as it was very cold. After a few minutes, everyone had a cup in their hands and were sitting comfortably.
"Do you have any creatures in mind? There are a great many in the Forbidden Forest. There are even parts I haven't gotten to," Hagrid said fascinated.
"I've heard there's a tribe of centaurs. Is that true?" asked Sirius, very interested in the subject.
"Oh, I guess it's impossible to stop rumors in the castle! Centaurs don't like to attract the attention of humans, but I'll tell you about it..." said Hagrid enthusiastically, as he told them how he met the centaurs and that he even managed to get to have a friendly and minimal relationship with them.
After that, they asked him about Trolls, Unicorns, and many magical creatures. Hagrid happily told them all about his experiences and adventures. Even for a moment the marauders almost forgot why they were there.
"Whoa, you know a lot about magical creatures," said Lupin in amazement, as Hagrid besides telling him about his encounters with magical creatures, told them the characteristics of each one and what things each creature liked.
"Yes. I've always liked them..." said Hagrid, scratching his big beard.
"Look at the time it is. It's getting dark already. Better get back to the castle," he added as he noticed through the window that it was getting dark.
'Has it been that long already?' thought James surprised. They had stayed up listening to Hagrid's stories and hadn't realized it was almost dark.
"One last thing, Hagrid. Do you know Bowtruckle Island?" asked James.
"The island that's in the Great Lake? Yes, I know it. That's where the sneaky little Bowtruckles are. Why?" asked Hagrid, curious.
"We were wondering if you could take us there in the boats, as visiting the forbidden forest is very dangerous. We wanted to meet the Bowtruckles," said James, looking at Hagrid.
"Mm, it's true that visiting the forest is very dangerous as they are first-year students. It would be better to visit that island where there is no danger..." said Hagrid while he had a hand on his chin, "It's fine. I don't think there will be a problem. It's been a while since I've visited those little devils" he added with a smile.
"Great!" said Sirius, and Hagrid thought he was happy to get to see some very peculiar creatures, but that wasn't why.
"We'll do it tomorrow when your classes are over. See you," Hagrid said as he opened the door and said goodbye to the boys. He had liked this gang, plus they were Gryffindor like he was.
"Well, it was easier than I expected. Although the tea was awful," said Sirius as they walked towards the castle.
"While someone distracts him, I'll take the bark," said James. He felt kind of bad about lying to Hagrid, but they had no choice.
"Next time, we'll bring him something to eat and also for Claw," said Lupin, who had liked Hagrid, and it was rare for an adult to like him.
The next day, after the school day they rushed to Hagrid's hut, who was already waiting for them with two boats ready on the shore.
James got into one boat with Hagrid, and the other four got into the remaining boat. When they reached the small island, they could see the only tree that was the Wiggentree, in addition to serving as ingredients for making potions, the wood was used to create wands.
The Bowtruckles were very small and shy. They hid behind the leaves of the Wiggentree, and as soon as you approached the trunk you could see how they positioned themselves ready to attack with their long, sharp fingers.
Hagrid came prepared. He brought with him woodlice, crustaceans that live in trees. They were a favorite food of the Bowtruckles, all this he explained to the boys very enthusiastically.
While he was feeding the little magical creatures and Sirius was asking him many questions to distract him, James took advantage and with a very quick Difffindo charm cut the bark and kept it in his robe.
The Difffindo is a charm used to cut something with precision, very useful for this occasion and deadly for other occasions.
After that, he concentrated on the lesson Hagrid gave them. The Bowtruckles stopped showing so much caution but did not let them touch them as there were too many of them, and they did not fully trust them.
After a 20-minute lesson, they left the island. They thanked Hagrid very much, for taking them and teaching them and returned to the castle going as fast as possible to the Gryffindor common room.
"Finally, we have everything!" said Sirius already in the dormitory and everyone cheered happily to be able to finish the potion already.
"Hagrid is good at explaining. He'd make a great professor," commented Toby.
"Yeah... come on, James. Get everything you need out and get to brewing that damn potion," said Sirius. James nodded. From his trunk, he removed all the necessary tools and started with the brewing of the potion while using the book as a guide. He had already read it these days, so he was confident, plus it wasn't a difficult potion.
Finally, after a while, an orange liquid was in a glass vial. The potion was finished. James rested it on the coffee table next to the boxes of dungbombs that were still in the same place.
"Dungbombs, check. Potion, check. Invisibility cloak, check," James said as he pulled his cloak out of his trunk and rested it on the coffee table.
"Okay, marauders, let's get dinner. Last dinner before the best prank yet," said Sirius with a smile.
Besides dinner they toasted, obliged by Sirius, who was very dramatic. After that they talked about who would infiltrate the Slytherin common room and went to sleep, looking forward to the next day.