Hogwarts: My Grandmother is the Queen

Hermione fell into deep thought upon hearing Henry's words.

After a moment, she nodded and said, "You're absolutely right, Your Highness. Hagrid's knowledge of magical creatures is much more extensive than what's found in books."

Ron kicked a pebble in the road and muttered, "His snacks always test your teeth."

Everyone laughed when they heard Ron's words.

At the entrance hall leading to the main castle, they had to separate—Gryffindor Tower and Slytherin Cellars were in different directions.

"So, see you tomorrow?" Harry said, with a hint of anticipation.

"Of course," Henry nodded. "Have a nice weekend."

Watching Henry walk away down the underground corridor, Ron suddenly spoke up: "He...he really didn't show any...you know anything about Hagrid's cabin or Hagrid himself."

"Because he has real manners, Ron," Hermione said. "Manners aren't about looking down on people or lifestyles that are different from yours; they're about respecting and understanding differences."

Harry patted Ron on the shoulder: "And he likes Hagrid's animal stories, I can tell he's not faking it."

Ron shrugged. "Well...maybe there really is one in Slytherin...who's not bad."

The fact that he said those words was the highest praise imaginable.

Meanwhile, Henry walked down the cold, dark corridor back to the Slytherin common room, his mind replaying what he had seen and heard in Hagrid's hut.

Those rough but vibrant collections, Hagrid's unreserved enthusiasm, the relaxed and authentic atmosphere that Harry, Hagrid, and Hagrid displayed in that environment... all of this was so different from the exquisite elegance of Buckingham Palace that he was familiar with, yet it possessed the same solid and warm appeal.

"Lucy," he called softly.

The house-elf appeared silently beside him.

"Prepare some snacks suitable for feeding small, gentle magical creatures, such as earthworms that Bowtruckles like, or jam and breadcrumbs that fairies like. The quantity doesn't need to be large, but they must be fresh," Henry instructed. "Perhaps we can bring gifts for Mr. Hagrid's friends when we visit him next time."

"Lucy understands, Your Highness." The little fairy bowed and disappeared again.

Relationships require careful maintenance, especially with someone as simple and sentimental as Hagrid.

This visit was a good start, and he wanted to ensure that the connection could continue and transform into deeper trust.

As soon as he entered the Slytherin common room, Draco immediately stood up from his seat by the fireplace and strode over.

"Henry! Where have you been? I've been looking for you for ages!" Draco's voice was urgent and curious. "Pansy said she saw you leave the castle with Potter and the others?"

Many people in the lounge perked up their ears.

Henry remained composed: "Yes, Draco. Harry invited me to visit Mr. Hagrid, the gamekeeper. He's quite knowledgeable about magical creatures, and his hut has a number of interesting collections."

"Hagrid? That half-giant?" Draco's voice rose involuntarily, filled with obvious disgust. "You went to his filthy little hut? With Potter, Weasley, and that Granger?"

His reaction was exactly what Henry had expected. Slytherin, especially the Malfoys, harbored a deep-seated prejudice against half-giants like Hagrid who were close to Dumbledore.

Henry sat down in the nearest armchair and gestured for Draco to sit as well.

His voice was calm, yet it carried a power that forced Draco to calm down.

"Draco, first of all, a person shouldn't be judged solely on their lineage or profession. Mr. Hagrid is a full-fledged employee of Hogwarts and enjoys the deep trust of Headmaster Dumbledore. Secondly," he paused, looking into Draco's eyes, "do you know what Hagrid is responsible for? The Forbidden Forest. And the Forbidden Forest, as far as I know, is the most unknown place within the Hogwarts grounds, hiding many secrets and resources."

Draco's expression of disgust froze for a moment, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

“A man who knows the Forbidden Forest inside and out,” Henry continued, lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear, “a man who knows the habits, weaknesses, and values ​​of all magical creatures… in some cases, that might be more useful than a cartload of Galleons. Knowledge is power, Draco, especially when it comes to those areas that are inaccessible to ordinary people.”

He leaned back in his chair, his tone returning to normal: "Putting all that aside, Mr. Hagrid is a warm and simple man. There's no harm in maintaining a good relationship with him."

Draco processed Henry's words. He had to admit that Henry's way of thinking was always more sophisticated than his own.

It wasn't a simple matter of likes or dislikes, but rather seeing the underlying connections and values. Although he still found Hagrid vulgar and unbearable, Henry's words truly touched his Slytherin instincts.

"...Okay," Draco said somewhat reluctantly, "but you have to be careful not to pick up any weird smells. I heard he keeps a lot of disgusting things there."

Henry smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

He didn't intend to change Draco's mind; he just wanted him to stay away from opposing him.

At this moment, Pansy and Daphne also came over, curiously asking what Hagrid's cabin looked like.

Henry briefly described the collection of magical creatures, omitting the specifics of his conversation with Harry and the others, focusing instead on the unusual specimens and interesting facts, satisfying their curiosity and diluting the slightly unpleasant atmosphere brought on by Draco.

The rest of the weekend passed peacefully. Henry continued his studies, practiced spells, and occasionally participated in quiet discussions about Quidditch tactics in the common room.

Captain Flint even sent someone to inform him that special training for Seekers would be added starting next week, clearly showing how much importance he attaches to the upcoming game against Gryffindor.

On Sunday evening, Henry sat by his bedroom window, watching the huge shadows that occasionally swam across the depths of the Black Lake, and wrote a letter to his grandmother.

The letter details his visit to Hagrid's Cottage and his observations of Hagrid himself and the corner of the magical world he represented, so different from the royal and Slytherin circles.

"...Mr. Hagrid's knowledge and passion are genuine and pure. His connection to the Forbidden Forest and his understanding of magical creatures are an integral part of Hogwarts Castle, and he is one of Headmaster Dumbledore's trusted right-hand men. Establishing connections with such a person can broaden our understanding of the magical world."

"...Harry Potter and his friends seemed relaxed and authentic there. This reminded me that influence isn't only exerted through elaborate tea parties and complex strategies; sometimes, genuine communication and shared interests can touch people's hearts more directly."

He also inquired about William and Harry's well-being at the end of the letter and sent his regards to his great-grandmother.

Mercury took the letter and flew into the night. Henry glanced at the progress bar, which was stuck at 99.75%, and began to plan how to invite the students from the last house to the tea party to activate the system.