LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Guardians of Knowledge
The gates of Hogwarts loomed ahead, their ancient ironwork gleaming under the soft glow of twilight. Alex approached them with measured steps, his enchanted cloak fluttering lightly in the evening breeze.
As he neared the entrance, the familiar sight of Hagrid's hut came into view, nestled at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Smoke curled from the chimney, carrying the scent of roasting meat and earthy herbs.
"Ah, Alex," Hagrid's booming voice greeted him before the gates even opened. The half-giant strode forward, his broad grin as warm as ever. "Been ages, it 'as!"
"Hagrid," Alex replied, clasping the man's massive hand. "It's good to see you again."
Hagrid's eyes twinkled with delight as he led Alex toward his hut. "Didn't think I'd see ye back 'ere after all this time. Hogwarts hasn't been the same since ye left."
Inside, the cozy hut was just as Alex remembered—cluttered but welcoming. Fang, Hagrid's boarhound, thumped his tail lazily against the floor, letting out a deep woof of recognition.
"Still teaching about magical creatures?" Alex asked, taking a seat at the oversized table.
Hagrid chuckled, pouring Alex a mug of mead. "Aye, couldn't leave these critters behind. The young 'uns need someone to show 'em how to care for 'em proper. Still Keeper o' the Keys, too."
Alex smiled, taking a sip. "You were always the best man for the job."
The two old friends talked late into the night, reminiscing about their shared adventures and discussing the state of the wizarding world.
As the conversation turned serious, Alex leaned forward. "Hagrid, I need a favor."
Hagrid raised an eyebrow. "A favor, eh? What can ol' Hagrid do fer ye?"
"I'm looking for a guardian," Alex said carefully. "One to protect the Kamar-Taj library. Something... formidable."
Hagrid's eyes widened slightly. "Yer thinkin' of somethin' big, then? Not jus' yer average watchdog, I reckon."
Alex nodded. "Exactly. The library holds knowledge too dangerous to fall into the wrong hands. I need a creature that can deter even the most powerful intruders."
Hagrid scratched his beard thoughtfully. "Well, there's only one creature I can think o' fer a job like that... a Cerberus."
Alex's expression didn't falter, though he felt a flicker of apprehension. "A Cerberus? Are you sure?"
Hagrid grinned. "Oh, aye. Nothin' gets past a three-headed dog if it don't want it to. I've been raisin' one meself in the forest. Thought I might bring it ter Hogwarts one day, but it's got a temper."
Alex leaned back, considering. "And you think it would take to me?"
"It'll take some work," Hagrid admitted. "But ye've always had a way with creatures, Alex. If anyone can handle it, it's you."
The next morning, Hagrid led Alex deep into the Forbidden Forest. The ancient trees towered above them, their gnarled branches creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight into dappled patches.
"The big fella's been livin' near the heart o' the forest," Hagrid said, carrying a sack filled with raw meat. "Likes his privacy, he does."
As they approached a clearing, a low, rumbling growl echoed through the trees. Alex felt the ground tremble slightly beneath his feet.
"Don't be alarmed," Hagrid said, though his tone carried a note of caution. "He's jus' lettin' us know we're on his turf."
Stepping into the clearing, Alex saw the Cerberus for the first time. The massive beast stood taller than any creature he'd seen, its three heads swiveling to observe the intruders.
Each head snarled in unison, baring razor-sharp teeth. Its black fur shimmered like obsidian, and its glowing red eyes burned with an almost supernatural intensity.
"Steady now," Hagrid murmured, holding out a piece of meat. The middle head snapped it up, while the other two growled softly.
Alex stepped forward cautiously, extending his hand. He whispered a calming spell, his voice barely audible.
The Cerberus hesitated, its growls softening as it sniffed the air around Alex.
"That's it," Hagrid said encouragingly. "Ye've got his attention."
Alex conjured a small, glowing orb of light, letting it float just out of reach. The Cerberus's heads followed it, their curiosity piqued.
"Intelligent," Alex noted. "It can sense the magic."
Hagrid nodded. "Aye, sharp as a tack. But it takes a firm hand to train 'em."
Alex spent hours in the clearing, gaining the Cerberus's trust. He fed it, played with it, and spoke to it in soothing tones.
By the end of the day, the beast allowed him to stroke its fur—a significant sign of acceptance.
"He likes ye," Hagrid said with a grin. "Didn't think he'd warm up so quick."
Alex smiled faintly. "He understands my intent. He knows I mean no harm."
Over the next week, Alex continued to bond with the Cerberus. Hagrid shared his knowledge of the creature, teaching Alex how to issue commands and interpret its behavior.
"Ye'll have ter name him," Hagrid said one evening.
Alex thought for a moment. "Cerberus is fitting, but he deserves something unique... Let's call him 'Aegis.'"
The day finally came to transport Aegis to Kamar-Taj. Hagrid helped Alex conjure a portal large enough for the massive beast.
"Yer takin' good care of him, I know it," Hagrid said, patting Aegis's flank. "He's a special one, he is."
"Thank you, Hagrid," Alex said sincerely. "For everything."
As they stepped through the portal, Aegis followed obediently, his three heads scanning the new surroundings with curiosity.
The Kamar-Taj library was a marvel of mystical architecture, its endless shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls.
Aegis settled at the main entrance, his presence alone an imposing deterrent. The students whispered in awe as they passed by, giving the massive creature a wide berth.
"Perfect," Alex said, observing how Aegis seemed to sense the energy of the library.
In the weeks that followed, Aegis became an integral part of Kamar-Taj. He patrolled the library, his keen senses detecting any disturbance.
"He's more than a guardian," Alex told his students during a lecture. "He's a symbol of the lengths we'll go to protect knowledge."
The bond between Alex and Aegis grew stronger, and the library thrived under the watchful eyes of its new protector.