Chapter 29: Fifty Years Ago (1/2)
The Gryffindors were all excited about the upcoming Quidditch match. It was going to happen the first Saturday after the Easter Holidays.
That Friday, as Chris made her way towards the Great Hall, after a potion class, she remembered that she had left her one book at Transfiguration class. So she ran back to collect it, when she heard Professor McGonagall and Flitwik talking.
”Lockhart aside, I'm really glad that the attacks stopped.” said Professor McGonagall.
”I agree, but do you really think Minerva that the attacker will stop here?” Professor Flitwik said. ”I mean...”
”The heir is still not caught. I also fear about that.” Professor McGonagall sighed. ”But if another attack happens, then Hagrid will be in trouble.”
”Dumbledore did saved him last time, didn't he?”
”Oh yes. He did, fifty years ago. I was studying for my N.E.W.T.s at that time, when Hagrid was expelled.”
”He did hide some dangerous creatures, though, Minerva, you've to agree, he was really a suspicious one in school.”
”Of course he was, his love for dangerous creatures is still there but I know him, Flitwik, he'll never try to harm anyone.” Professor McGonagall said confidently.
Chris ducked out of the room, before she could be caught eavesdropping. But now she had a clue: Hagrid.
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Knowing Harry will not believe Chris, about his big best friend, Hagrid getting expelled because of being the heir of Slytherin, Chris decided to check on Hagrid on her own.
The same Friday afternoon she set off to meet Hagrid, who lived in a small wooden house on the edge of the forbidden forest. A crossbow and a pair of galoshes were outside the front door.
When Chris knocked she heard a frantic scrabbling from inside and several booming barks. Then Hagrid's voice rang out, saying, ”Back, Fang — back. Who's there?”
”It's Chris, Hagrid. Harry's friend.” Chris said.
There was few moments of silence, then Hagrid's big, hairy face appeared in the crack as he pulled the door open.
”Chris? What're you doing here..?” Hagrid looked around for any sign of Harry. ”... alone?”
”Hagrid, I wanted to talk to you about something.” Chris said politely. ”Also you asked me to come for tea, didn't you? Said any friend of Harry can visit you.”
”O' righ' righ'. C'mon in. Hang on,” Hagrid said. ”Back, Fang.”
He let her in, struggling to keep a hold on the collar of an enormous black boarhound.
There was only one room inside. Hams and pheasants were hanging from the ceiling, a copper kettle was boiling on the open fire, and in the corner stood a massive bed with a patchwork quilt over it.
”Tea?” Hagrid said, letting go of Fang, who bounded straight at Chris and started licking her ears. Like Hagrid, Fang was clearly not as fierce as he looked.
”No thanks.” Chris said scratching Fang's head affectionately. ”So his name is Fang?”
”Yes.” Hagrid replied. ”Cake?”
Hagrid was clearly confused and uncomfortable. Chris understand this and took the cakes Hagrid was offering. The rock cakes were shapeless lumps with raisins that almost broke her teeth.