Written for Hogwarts' Teachers' Week: Rubeus Hagrid, (setting) faculty lounge.
I tried doing an accent, I'm not sure how it turned out though…
Word count: 457
On First Lessons
"So, Hagrid, tell us, what do you have planned for your first lesson?" Minerva asked, sipping at her tea slowly.
Rubeus licked his lips, suddenly feeling a little awkward in his chair. It wasn't the first time he found himself in the faculty lounge, but it was the first time he was there as more than the caretaker and Keeper of the Keys—the first time he was there as a teacher too. It was, honestly, somewhat intimidating.
He was excited though—creatures were his passion, and he still wasn't quite sure he could believe that Dumbledore had actually asked him to be the new Care teacher. It didn't feel quite real, but hopefully that would change once he actually started the lessons.
"Ah… Ah did have a few ideas," he said, trying not to come off as shy as he was feeling.
"Oh, really?" Filius asked, bouncing excitedly in his seat. Somehow, that easy enthusiasm and non-judgemental support soothed Rubeus' nerves.
"Well, Ah was thinkin' about maybe showin' them the Thestrals first, they're sweethearts… Or the Hippogriffs, they're staying nearby at this time of the year, don't ya think it could be a fun lesson?"
"It certainly does sound, uhm, interesting," Filius swallowed thickly, laughing a little nervously, and exchanging a look with Minerva Rubeus couldn't quite decipher before turning back toward him.
"Well, as long as the children are safe," Minerva said, hands clasped tightly around her tea cup, "I'm sure it'll be fine. Did Albus approve of this?" she asks politely.
Rubeus nodded enthusiastically, smiling widely. "He said it was a great idea," he gushed.
"Well, if Albus approves, I suppose it will do," Minerva said, lips pursed thinly.
"Hippogriffs are fascinating creatures," Filius added. "I'm sure they'd make a great subject for your first lesson, and they would definitely leave an impression."
"Hopefully not too much of one," Minerva muttered, but after a sigh she eased up a little. "I'm sure you'll do great, Hagrid—you love your subject, and those creatures, and Albus wouldn't have chosen you for this if he didn't believe you could do it. You just need to believe it too."
Filius was nodding along, his head bobbing up and down quickly, and Rubeus felt his eyes water.
"Thank ya," he said. "This really means a lot to me, ya know?" he added, wiping his cheeks. "Ah just want to get it right."
"You will," Filius replied confidently. "Just do your best and it'll be fine," he added, reaching up to pat Rubeus' forearm.
"Yes, and before long you'll be just like the rest of us, complaining about the way students write their essays," Minerva joked, snorting in her tea.
Rubeus couldn't help it—he laughed.