Chapter Two: Going Back
"Ugh." Jamie said as she grimaced at her father. Harry looked down at her, amused. "I prefer flying myself, but even apparition is better than the floo network."
Jamie smiled at him, remembering the story about his traveling by fireplace in the past, and then looked around. "This doesn't look like a school. Where are we?"
"Hogsmeade," Harry answered, thinking of his old friend Hermione, "An all wizarding town. Hogwarts is right up there, but we'll have to walk. Stay close." Jamie grasped her father's hand and they started off to the castle.
When they finally got to the grounds Harry stopped a second, immersed in memories, but he quickly shook them off and continued on. His daughter close behind, gaping at the magnificent place.
They were nearing a large hut when they heard a dog barking and someone shouted, "Who are yeh? And wha' business do yeh 'ave 'ere?"
Harry turned and Jamie hid behind him as they looked up to see a giant of a man, whom Harry recognized instantly. "Don't be afraid," he whispered to Jamie, "That's Hagrid." Jamie had, of course, heard all about Hagrid, but even her father's tales of this man couldn't shake the intimidation she felt.
"Hello, Hagrid." Harry greeted politely, "I was just looking for Headmaster Dumbledore. Is he up at the school?"
"Yeah, he is. Is he 'specting yeh?" Hagrid answered looking the man over suspiciously.
"I'm not sure. Most likely not. From what I understood, no one is really expecting me," he said with a slight laugh, then more to himself he added, "I wasn't really expecting me."
Hagrid gave the stranger a calculating look. "Maybe I should escort yeh to his office. What's yer name anyway?"
"I'm just a former student, you probably wouldn't remember me." Harry lied, "I remember where his office is though, thanks anyway." Harry replied, trying to avoid giving his name. If Hagrid was mad at him, it could get bad. If Hagrid had been worried about him, it could get bad, too.
"I'll take yeh anyway. Just in case." So Hagrid led Harry and Jamie to Dumbledore's office. It was Christmas time so there weren't many students around. A few teachers glanced at them as they walked by but thankfully no one said anything to them.
And then, as they rounded one last corner, he saw it. The gargoyle was there, exactly like it always had been, and again Harry was flooded with memories as it sprang to life and the three of them stepped onto the ascending stairs.
When they got to the door, Hagrid knocked and called out, "Dumbledore! Someun's 'ere ta see yeh!" Dumbledore invited him in and Harry and Jamie followed.
Harry's first glimpse of this man, was not what he expected. The old man looked, for once, old. There was no twinkle in his eyes, he looked pale and a bit slouched. However, the second he laid eyes on Harry, although still hidden by his traveling cloak, and then Jamie, he looked exactly like Harry had remembered. The twinkle came back, color came to his paled face, he straightened up, and even had a small smile touch his lips and grow to his eyes. Hagrid saw this and looked curiously between the two.
"Welcome home, Harry." Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling madly.
