Before Talieson could force the painful words, 'goodbye moon dog' out of his mouth, the moon dog's ears suddenly perked up. He let out a short bark and ran off into the forest. "I guess he's happy to finally be home," said Talieson, dejected. His father put his arms around him and gave him a hug. 

"This is where he belongs," said Richard trying to comfort his son. 

"Someone's coming," said Micheal pointing further down the path. The moon dog was trotting back up the path looking as pleased as ever. He paused briefly to pick up a larger stick. Behind him was a tall glowing figure, an apparition. 

"Hello, friends," spoke the ghost in a low and noble voice. He was a tall man, very old with deep wrinkles on his face.  His smile was genuine and friendly. The clothes he wore were made of leather and decorated with an intricate pattern of small white shells. The boys and Rose smiled shyly back. The moon dog ran over to Talieson and nipped at his sleeve pulling him closer to the kind ghost. "You must be the brave young man who saved Hle and his friends from the witch's spell that cast them into wood."

"Er, I," Talieson did not know what to say. The moon dog bounced higher with apparent glee. 

"Perhaps you will have better luck training Hle than I did as a boy," chuckled the ghost watching the moon dog sniff around Talieson's feet. "He likes to cause mischief most of the time. He looked up at Talieson. "I'm Tuk. Hle protected our family for many years. So did many other creatures who shared the forest with us." He paused and his eye grew sad. "He saved my life when I was 10 years old. Goldminers murdered my grandmother and chased me into the forest." He stooped down to pet the moon dog, though his hand when right through the creature causing the moon dog to shiver but not deterring his happiness. "Hle lost his freedom. The giants could not completely undo the witches spell, we could only play on nights like tonight when the moon was full." He sat down beside the moon dog who seem mildly reluctant to receive more petting from the ghost. 

"Why did the witch want to kill Hle and the other animals?" asked Micheal. 

"Why does anyone one want to kill?" asked Tuk the sorrowful look returning to his eyes as he looked up at the group, hanging on his every word. "She haunted these woods for hundreds of years. Her heart was filled with hatred. She probably did not even know why. We pitied her for her misery even when she tried to make life hard for my family. She never knew love." Tuk turned again to the moon dog. "You used to have many enemies Hle between the witch and the gold miners. You were such a good pet. Loyal and faithful. Dangerous too when evil threatened during a full moon."

"Well, we have come to return him to you," said Talieson swallowing hard. 

"Oh, no," Tuk chuckled. "The moon dog is faithful to his new master I'm afraid. He is an adventurous spirit and not interested in returning to the Redwood Forest. The giants agree he has more than paid his dues to his homeland." Tuk rose to his feet again. The moon dog trotted over and sat down next to Talieson. Tuk smiled gently, "he's yours now." He looked over at Rose who was holding the goat asleep in her arms. "I would venture Jeff doesn't want you to leave him behind tonight either." Rose kissed the top of the goat's head gently. 

Talieson knelt beside the moon dog to pet him and the moon dog licked his face.

"It looks like you are going to have to explain to your mother how you came in possession of a moon dog after all," laughed Richard. "You have begged for a pet for years. This one's a keeper."

"Talieson," said Hagrid. "Rose," he glanced briefly at both of them. "Er, McGonagall thought this migh' be the outcome. She told me ter tell yeh Talieson that Hogwarts could use a guard dog during the school year ter help patrol the halls at night." Talieson's face brightened even more. 

"An' Rose," Hagrid continued, "well nonna the other professors ever thought it right yer mum ter make yeh take her stinky old cat Crookshanks ter school with yeh. McGonagall says yeh can take Jeff as yer pet next year." Rose smiled with bliss and kissed the soft white fur in her arms again.

Talieson looked pensive, "Hagrid does that mean Professor McGonagall thinks Hle is safe, even though he, you know ki.." his voice trailed off.

"Hle would never kill a human or another animal unless it was purely in self-defense or to defend another, and only then when there was imminent danger of certain death." Tuk looked proudly at the moon dog. "He does not even have magical strength unless it is a full moon." The moon dog was now lying on his back, eyes closed, tongue hanging out, enjoying his belly being rubbed by  Micheal in addition to Talieson. "Talieson," said Tuk and paused to get his full attention. Talieson stood and moved a bit closer to the ghost. "You are a powerful wizard to break the curse of the witch. The world needs good, powerful wizards because it is filled with beauty, but also with evil and hate. The gold miners left California over a hundred years ago, but there are many more who hurt innocent people and animals out of greed and hatred. It is your job to fight against evil and create more joy and good in the world. Hle will fight with you. He will always be faithful to you."

A stronger glow got the group's attention and they stared in wonder as the silhouette of a massive dragon emerged from the darkness and came to rest beside Tuk. "Oh!" said Talieson to the dragon. "Thank you. You saved my life, all of our lives." He gestured to his friends. Everyone murmured their thanks. 

"Greta and I have been having fun together," smiled Tuk. "I had foolishly always thought that after death I would be able to fly, but I can only just sort of swoosh around unless I get a ride from Greta here." The dragon let out a snort and small transparent puffs of smoke rose from her nostrils. "Well, I will say goodbye then," said Tuk. "On behalf of the giants, thank you." With those words, he climbed onto the transparent dragon and she lifted off into the night sky.

The small group stood together in silence not wanting to break the magic of the moment. 

"I think it is time for the next adventure," said Talieson to the moon dog. 

"How about a nice relaxing summer vacation first," said Richard. "I think everyone's parents are eager to see them after a long school year." Talieson took off his shark tooth necklace and handed it to Rose and Hagrid. 

"Meet you in Diagon Alley in August?"

"Of course," laughed Rose. "Hold on tight Jeff, mum's going to be thrilled to meet you." And with that, she and Hagrid vanished with a swirling flash. 

Richard gathered the boys together. "Ready to go home?" They all nodded and disapparated with a soft pop. The moonlight continued shining as bright as day in the tranquil nighttime forest. A mild breeze ruffled the ferns gently as if the giants had sighed in relief.