Bilbo was always grateful for the Baggins' reputation as a respectable hobbit family. Because of it, others were less inclined to fuss about him never removing his hat. He was cautious around others, more so than other hobbits. You see, Bilbo Baggins had a secret, one that he could never reveal.

Bungo and Belladonna Baggins were very glad they had not enlisted the help of any other hobbits for the birth of their child. They were also thankful that Belladonna had a wizard for a friend. Being both an istari and a loyal friend, the wizard assisted with the birth, making it much easier than it could have been, had they no outside help.

When the wizard brought them their now-clean newborn, Belladonna took the baby in her arms. "He will be Bilbo Baggins." she said. Having named their child, the proud new parents loosened the cloth swaddling the tiny hobbit so they could look at his face. Like all new parents, they decided things like 'he has your eyes,' or 'he has my nose,' and 'he has your father's chin.' He had small rabbit ears and a little tail.

"I will speak with Radagast the Brown about crafting a magical item to conceal Bilbo's features," said the wizard "but I cannot predict when it will be finished."

"The tail will be easy enough to hide, but the most we can do for his ears is let his hair grow long and have him wear a hat over them." said Bungo. Little did the hobbits know that they wouldn't see Gandalf for many years, by which time the matter would have entirely slipped from his mind.

The parents succeeded in keeping Bilbo's rabbit features secret from the other hobbits until one day when he asked Belladonna "Momma, why do I always have to hide my ears and tail from others? Why don't I have a name on my wrist?" hobbits, like elves and dwarves, had soulmates. The name of a hobbit's mate was written on their wrist, legible only to the hobbits, and their mates – if their mate was of another race. "Is there something wrong with me?"

Deciding Bilbo was old enough to understand, Belladonna pulled him to sit between Bungo and herself. "Bilbo, there is nothing, wrong with you. Never, ever think that about yourself. You are perfect the way you are."

"Your differences from others do not make you any less of a hobbit, or any less our son. But if the other hobbits saw your ears or tail, they may try to hurt you, or even take you away from us." explained Bungo. Running his hand through Bilbo's curly hair and along his ears, he continued. "Never doubt our love for you, Bilbo."


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