Hagrid hastily walked to the Forest—anywhere to get away from Riddle's accusations that he'd been behind the scares for the students of Hogwarts.
Keeping his gaze focused on the cobblestone path as it broke apart in the all-encompassing moonlight, Hagrid's thoughts shifted to Aragog, his pet, his companion.
Looking about only to make sure he wasn't being followed, Hagrid noticed he'd made it to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Now or never, he thought, taking the first of many quick steps toward the center of the masses of trees.
A noise to his left brought his attention to his surroundings.
His heartbeat sped up and he looked around, jerking his head toward the sound.
"'Lo? Anyone there?" he asked.
There was no response, but he heard a sudden flutter above him.
Thinking it might be Aragog, he began to climb the large tree in front of him.
He took a rest atop a large branch and saw toward its edge a large owl, with bright yellow eyes which penetrated him to his very soul, perched atop a nest brimming with a large, white egg.
The owl took in the sight of the young half-giant, disheveled and red-eyed, decided he was harmless, and flew off to collect more sticks.
Hagrid knew a bit about animal care and anxiously looked after the owl, flying off into the distant darkness. The egg couldn't be left at such a temperature with nothing to warm it.
Gingerly placing the egg in his large palm, he noted the cold sweat setting on his skin. He shivered.
The egg wouldn't last long without heat, and he was freezing.
He opened his mouth and tried to place the egg in, but thought better of it when he noted his teeth.
Hagrid then thought of rubbing the egg while he held it. Then, thinking of his troubles in athletics, decided he better not chance dropping the egg.
No, the only logical thing to do would be to place the egg in a warm, safe place.