Maddy's face lit up like a Christmas tree at the sight of the nifflers, but fell as Professor Collins revealed that they wouldn't truly be "taking them home" as he had said. As someone with an excellent track record with taking care of animals (well, Elliot, who was mercifully low-maintenance), the Gryffindor had rather more confidence in her abilities than her instructor plainly did.

Still, the third year thought, a grin blossoming on her face once more as she made eye contact with Alcyone, this would be fun.