My necromancer career begins at Hogwarts

Morris had no idea what had happened.

However, it is certain that he seems to be very popular with the Thestrals.

When he touched the neck of the lead Thestral, all the Thestrals came over affectionately, circling around him and even pushing Hagrid aside.

"This...this is really unusual." Hagrid managed a forced smile, but it looked like a complete charade. "You seem to be very popular with the Thestrals. They've never shown this kind of enthusiasm to anyone, not even me."

Maurice was surrounded by the Thestrals, somewhat bewildered.

He could clearly feel the joy and closeness emanating from these mysterious creatures, like long-lost relatives.

No, they don't seem like family.

It's more like they treat him like a leader.

But why is that?

What is it about him that attracts these creatures?

Morris tried to climb onto the back of a Thestral—which, obviously, welcomed his impolite behavior and let out a happy cry.

"Hagrid, could you please tell me about this animal?" He steered the Thestral to Hagrid's side and asked, "I know absolutely nothing about them."

"Sure," Hagrid replied with little interest. "Thestrals are very special magical creatures; only those who have witnessed death can see them. Because of this, many wizards believe they bring bad luck, but in reality, they are very gentle. I think you've already seen that."

Morris nodded thoughtfully, his fingers unconsciously stroking the Thestral's back.

Only those who have witnessed death can see Thestrals.

In other words, Thestrals are creatures deeply associated with "death".

This may be why Thestrals are close to him.

They are the same kind in some sense.

Although he was only a novice, he was still a necromancer and had had some close contact with "death".

For example, those two undead creatures that he personally awakened.

"Thestrals have an excellent sense of direction," Hagrid continued. "The carriages at Hogwarts are pulled by Thestrals. They can find their way accurately in any weather conditions and never get lost."

As if to confirm Hagrid's words, the Thestral beneath Maurice suddenly spread its enormous, bat-like wings and flapped them twice, prompting the surrounding Thestrals to follow suit.

Suddenly, the sound of flapping wings filled the open space.

Hagrid watched this scene and said sourly, "They never let me ride them."

"Perhaps it's because they can't carry you." Maurice dismounted from the Thestrals.

Hagrid looked down at his massive body, then at the emaciated Thestrals, and his expression softened slightly.

That seems... to make sense.

He clapped his hands, perking up again. "Alright, let's get down to business. Maurice, do you remember which Thestral carried you away yesterday?"

Morris surveyed the herd of Thestrals.

"Hmm..." He stroked his chin, saying with difficulty, "This might be a little difficult, because they all look exactly the same."

"How could that be?" Hagrid's eyes widened in surprise. "They're all different!"

Morris shrugged helplessly.

In his opinion, these black guys all looked pretty much the same.

Moreover, there are dozens of Thestrals here.

It was quite a challenge for him to find the one he had seen last night among so many Thestrals.

"How should I reply to Professor McGonagall?" Hagrid scratched his head in distress.

"Just make up any excuse," Maurice said casually, treating Hagrid like family. "Actually, yesterday was a complete accident. The Thestral was just fooling around with me. It's nothing serious."

"That's all we can do," Hagrid sighed.

His main concern was that the Thestrals might harm the students.

If something really goes wrong, it will be a huge problem—he learned this the hard way a long time ago.

But look at how Thestrals are treating Maurice now—

Look at them! These normally shy creatures are practically rolling around and begging in front of Maurice, not at all trying to hurt him.

but!

He can't accept it!

These little guys are usually only allowed to be close to one person!

Hagrid grew angrier the more he thought about it.

"Can we go back now?" Morris asked, noticing that Hagrid's expression was getting increasingly strange.

"Let's go." Hagrid waved.

Morris nodded and announced to the Thestrals, "Now, disperse!"

An astonishing scene unfolded.

The Thestrals understood Maurice's command and retreated in unison, quickly disappearing into the shadows of the Forbidden Forest.

The open space instantly became empty, with only a few fallen leaves remaining.

Hagrid stared in disbelief at the scene.

Wait a minute, he's the tamer, so why would the Thestrals listen to Maurice?

Morris was also somewhat surprised.

He had only said it casually, but he didn't expect the Thestrals to be so obedient, and even to understand the meaning of his words so accurately.

He turned to Hagrid, who was still in a daze, and said, "Let's go, Hagrid, it's almost lunchtime."

Hagrid then came to his senses and led Maurice away from the open space.

Throughout the journey, he kept asking Maurice how he managed to make Thestrals so obedient.

Morris didn't want to hide it, but he was also completely baffled and naturally couldn't explain it.

Maybe that's talent.

When they reached a fork in the road, Hagrid suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong?" Maurice asked alertly.

"Something's approaching," Hagrid replied curtly, shielding Maurice behind him and keeping his eyes fixed on what was behind them.

Just as Morris was reacting, something suddenly roared out from the dense forest.

"hiss--!"

A sharp whooshing sound rang out as a spear grazed Hagrid's leather coat and embedded itself in the dirt at Maurice's feet.

"Who is it!?"

Hagrid roared and immediately spread his arms to completely shield Maurice behind him.

Morris looked down at the spear. The wooden shaft was polished to a very smooth finish, and the spearhead was completely embedded in the ground, indicating that the person who used it had used tremendous force.

It's highly likely he's not a wizard.

Hagrid seemed to realize something and shouted in the direction the spear had come from, "I am Hagrid!"

A rustling sound came from the woods, and a tall figure slowly emerged.

It was a half-human, half-horse creature with a dark body and hair, exuding a wild aura.

"Bane?" Hagrid breathed a sigh of relief. "Why did you attack us?"

The centaur named Bane ignored Hagrid and instead fixed his gaze on what was behind Hagrid.

"Hagrid!" His voice boomed like thunder. "Tell me, what's behind you?"