A few weeks later, Professor Dumbledore had sent a letter to young Collin. Collin was to meet him in the courtyard to address something important. Collin met with the headmaster in the afternoon after his classes, and sending off his weekly letter to his dad. "Thank you for meeting me, Collin."

Collin nodded, slightly nervous. "Of course, Professor Dumbledore. You said you wanted to discuss something important?"

"Something very important, Collin. A situation I don't believe I can solve without your help…" Collin was highly confused. He was a mere first year, and as his prefect liked to point out, he was trouble. What kind of help would he be to the headmaster?

"Er… what is it, Professor?"

Dumbledore smiled. "It's Hagrid's birthday!" Collin blinked in surprise. "Actually, it's not his birthday yet, but it will be very soon. I would like your help organizing a proper surprise party."

Collin scratched his head in confusion. "That's amazing, but why me?"

Dumbledore smiled kindly at the boy. "I've been impressed with your enthusiasm and creativity, and Hagrid as grown quite fond of you." Collin was surprised once more. He only talked to the half-giant a few times, and that was mostly when he was learning to take care of Sickle, the Niffler he was given care over. Dumbledore then looked concerned. "He recently lost one of his favorite pets, and hasn't been his typical, cheerful self…" The headmaster sighed. "He gives so much of himself, and does so much to help everyone at Hogwarts…" His smile returned. "The least we can do is give Hagrid a fantastic party to show how much we appreciate him." He raised a brow with a smirk. "What do you think Hagrid most would like to have at his birthday party?"

Collin didn't need to think long. "Hagrid loves caring for magical creatures. I'd…" the boy chuckled. "I'd probably get him another rare one that he isn't supposed to have…" He grimaced sheepishly. "I… probably also shouldn't have said that." He looked embarrassed.

Dumbledore just kept smiling and nodded. "I am well aware of Hagrid's love for exotic, and sometimes illegal, creatures." His eyes lit up as he thought of something. "You're right that nothing would make him happier than a new creature. I'll put in a request with an old friend… Let's discuss the finer details, so that we can give our friend Hagrid the best possible party…" The two of them sat down and spent almost an hour planning it. Dumbledore was pleasantly surprised by the young boy's insight into the half-giant's likes and dislikes for the party. "You have excellent ideas, Collin. I knew you would be the best person to help organize Hagrid's special day. Hagrid will no doubt receive many fantastic gifts…" He then winked. "And I have a feeling that you will also receive something very special for your efforts."

Collin was a little confused about that, but shrugged it off. "Thank you, Professor. There's a lot to do, and not much time… I'll ask Rowan to help me work out the best birthday party plan…"

Collin met up with Rowan after dinner in the common room. Rowan was already reading a book when Collin filled him in on the plans.

"Thanks for your help, Rowan. I want to make Hagrid's party as good as it can be, but we don't have much time…"

Rowan smiled. "Don't worry, Collin. The only think I like more than learning is planning." Collin chuckled at that. "We'll need to allocate our time and resources in the most efficient manner in order to achieve our celebratory goals."

"Hehe, agreed."

"PLANNING PARTY! WOOOOOOOO!" Collin blinked, startled by his friend's sudden enthusiasm… Rowan really liked planning.

After discussing things for a while, Collin started to yawn. It was getting late. "Thanks for your help, Rowan. If I follow this plan, I should be able to prepare a brilliant birthday party for Hagrid."

Rowan smiled. "My pleasure, Collin. I'll plan to see you there."

Collin snickered while other students in the room groaned. "That was a good one. You should probably save your best bad jokes for the party."

"Good thinking, Collin. This will be my first party, so I want to make a good impression… What should I wear to Hagrid's birthday party?"

"Remember that scarf I suggested you get in Diagon Alley, when we first met?"

"Good choice, Collin. I love that scarf, but I can never find the right occasion to wear it."

"Thanks again, Rowan. Tomorrow I have to go and invite Madam Hooch to Hagrid's birthday party…"

"See you there, Collin. I can't wait to celebrate Hagrid, and stuff my face with cake!"

The next day, Collin had a light breakfast before rushing off to join his classmates out on the training grounds for their flying class. He figured it was the perfect time to ask Madam Hooch.

"Excuse me, Madam Hooch?" Collin asked as he came up to the tall white haired witch with golden eyes.

"What is it, Mr. Hedgehog? Class is about to begin."

Collin got a little nervous, but swallowed it. "I wanted to talk to you about Hagrid's birthday."

She looked at him unimpressed. "Are you serious?"

"Um… yes… I mean, I'm not as serious as you, but…" He stumbled over his words, looking as nervous as Ben Copper.

"This can wait until after class." She then turned to the others. "By your brooms, everyone! Remember to remain focused at all times, or you will surely fall to your death!"

The class went through the usual maintenance of their brooms, commanding them to hand, and mounting them. Hooch was satisfied at the least. When the class had been dismissed, Collin came up to her once more, determined to help Hagrid have a good party by inviting the other staff that he so admired.

"Can we talk about Hagrid's party now?"

Hooch looked at the tiny student with confusion. "Why are you even inviting me to Hagrid's birthday party?"

Collin smirked. "Hagrid really respect you and the other teachers. It would mean the world to him if you all came to his party." Collin explained.

"I'm too busy to attend anyone's party at this time…"

Collin felt a little down, but understood. Teachers were busy after all. "Oh… alright then…"

"I do, however, appreciate Hagrid's dedication to Hogwarts…" Collin looked up with hope. "I also appreciate you willing to help out and go out of your way for someone. Five points to Gryffindor." Collin grimaced. He wasn't in it for the points. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend Hagrid's party until I treat all of these brooms… I need to cast the charm to cure reluctant reversers on each one to improve its ability to reverse."

Collin's eyes lit up. "I can help you."

"Do you know the spell? I'm already late for a Quidditch match and don't have time to show you."

Collin shook his head before another idea came to mind. "No, but I'll ask Professor Flitwick to teach me! Don't reserve yourself for other parties until I get back!" Collin grinned as he ran off.

Hooch gave out a small chuckle as the boy ran off. "I'll do my best, Mr. Hedgehog."

Collin sent a letter to Professor Flitwick, who quickly responded, agreeing to meet with him. Collin met up with him after lunch. "Thank you for meeting me, Professor Flitwick."

"Of course, Mr. Hedgehog. What can I do for you?"

"I was hoping you could teach me the charm to cure reluctant reversers." Collin explained.

Flitwick smirked. "Madam Hooch is putting you to work, is she?"

"Yes, sir. She needs my help to treat all of the brooms."

Flitwick put a hand to his chin as he thought about it. "Very well…" He summoned a broom to a desk nearby before smiling. "I'm very much looking forward to seeing how Madam Hooch behaves at a birthday party…" Collin took notes throughout the entire "lesson" and made sure to ask a few questions on what he didn't understand. "That should do it. Please cast the Charm to Cure reluctant reversers…" Collin nodded and made his way to the broom with his wand. He cast it calm as you like, and the broom bristled. Flitwick seemed happy. "Well done, Mr. Hedgehog. I believe you're ready to help Madam Hooch, and get this party started…" Collin nodded and made his way down to the grounds where Madam Hooch was awaiting him.

"Have you learned the Charm to Cure Reluctant Reversers?"

Collin nodded. "Yes, Professor Flitwick taught me. I'm ready to help you treat all of these brooms, so that you can go to Hagrid's birthday party."

Hooch smirked. "Very well, Mr. Hedgehog. Let's get to work…" The two of them spent three hours doing what usually took Madam Hooch three days. Collin was as quick to learn the spell, as he was to use it. After all but one broom was done, Madam Hooch looked at the young first year with a bit of pride. "Good work. There appears to only be one more broom to treat…" Collin nodded and cast the spell. "Thank you, Mr. Hedgehog. Why don't you handle the broom to make sure it works properly?" Collin nodded, summoning the broom as requested. "Well done. These brooms appear ready to reverse."

"Does… that mean you'll go to Hagrid's birthday party?" Collin asked hopefully.

"I suppose. I must admit, I don't have very much experience in this area…" She scratched the back of her head. "Any idea for how I should behave at the party?"

Collin smirked. "You should be yourself. People like you and respect you for who you are."

Madam Hooch smiled back. "Thank you, Mr. Hedgehog. And thank you again for your help with the brooms. Five points to Gryffindor."

Collin's blush returned. He didn't feel like he needed to earn points for that, but was grateful nonetheless, as it would keep his prefect off of his back. "Thanks for agreeing to go to Hagrid's birthday party, Madam Hooch. I'm sure you'll be the most difficult one to convince."

"Really?" She asked with surprise. "Have you already talked to Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall?"

Collin tensed at that. "N…no… but I will…" He ran off, trying to figure out why he had forgotten about his own Head of House and the Potion Master. Both of them were harder to deal with on a given day.

Collin made his way into the courtyard, and found himself surprised when Merula of all people asked him to deal with two other Gryffindors! He nearly fainted from shock, she asked him for something rather than ordered! Shaking off his shock, he went to talk to his Head of House that was standing in the back of the Courtyard, looking over the situation.

"Excuse me, Professor McGonagall?"

"Not now, Mr. Hedgehog. I'm supervising the courtyard to ensure no one uses magic outside of class." This was a serious rule.

Collin nodded as he bit his lip. "I won't take too much of your time. I just wanted to see if you could come to Hagrid's birthday party later."

McGonagall sighed. "I would love to, but I haven't the time to get Hagrid a present…"

Collin thought about it and then had an idea. "What if… what if I supervised the Courtyard for you?"

McGonagall looked at him skeptically. "I suppose that would give me enough time to take care of other matters, and buy Hagrid a proper gift…" She hid a smirk. "Keep an eye on everyone, particularly those two Gryffindors…" She indicated to the duo that seemed to be giving death glares. Collin had a feeling he could simply stop spells they might know with his shield, but he preferred not to let many, if any, know he could shield himself against spells without a wand. He didn't even know why, and he only knew the shield to work on certain spells and such. "Thank you. I will return soon to evaluate your performance…" It was another test for him, and Collin was determined to pass it.

Collin sighed as he looked at the two Gryffindors in question. "It does look like those two Gryffindors are about to fight…"

Collin made his way over as quietly as possible, being the smallest in the courtyard. "Haw many points have you earned for Gryffindor?!" A sixth year asked with a growl. He was a human, and the first year he was growling at was ironically a wolf.

"I've earned more points than anyone in our house." The first year defended himself. Collin rolled his eyes, still not seeing the obsession with house points.

"Watch your mouth, first-year." The elder boy snapped. He didn't like being outdone it seemed. "If we don't win the house cup, I'll make sure everyone in Gryffindor takes turns dunking your head into this fountain." He indicated to the fountain in the courtyard. Collin didn't like bullies or threats.

The first year had some guts though. "Does threatening someone smaller than you make you feel better about being so stupid?"

Collin decided to step in now. "Whoa! Hey! Let's keep calm. There's no need to fight…" Collin pleaded.

"Shut up, cursed kid. This is none of your business." The sixth year snapped.

Collin's eyes narrowed. "We're in the same house. It's my business if you threaten another classmate just because you decided to be rude. It's also my business because McGonagall asked me to watch you two."

"What are you going to do about it?" The sixth year sneered.

Collin took a deep breath, calming himself down first. "I'm going to ask you to leave before someone gets hurt…" His voice was steel for once, unlike with his duel with Merula.

The sixth year whipped out his wand and cast a spell. "Depulso!"

Collin found himself knocked back to the ground quite a ways, much to the surprise of those in the courtyard. Even Merula's eyes were wide with shock. Collin picked himself up and wiped his now bloody nose.

"Too late." The sixth-year sneered.

Collin's eyes were a harsh steel blue now. "This young pup is right. You are stupid…" He threw a vial of stink potion at the other boy, distracting him before throwing a Wiggenweld potion that had failed, resulting in a small knock back.

"That didn't count…" The sixth year whined pathetically. He then walked away.

Collin shook off the rest of his anger and grimaced. "He's supposed to graduate when?"

"Hehe, Thanks, Collin Hedgehog. You really gave a beating to that sixth year." The first year complimented.

Collin sighed as he heard another voice comment on the "fight". "You did indeed."

"My apologies, Professor McGonagall. I didn't intend to get into a fight." He was just a magnet for trouble it seemed.

"Explain your behavior…"

"I…was just trying to defend this first year from a bully…"

"Did you give this first year an opportunity to defend himself?"

Collin turned his head and sighed. "No…"

"If you did, you would have found that he is more than capable. Five points from Gryffindor." Collin just nodded numbly.

After the other student left, Collin looked up at her with a slightly concerned face. "…will you still go to Hagrid's party?"

"I will. I actually ran into the headmaster, and I am quite excited after hearing what he has planned…"

Collin looked confused. "Really? What is he planning?"

"He asked me to keep it a secret. And he asked me to tell you to invite Mr. Filch…"

Collin nodded and made his way to the Great Hall where Mr. Filch usually was around this time.

"Oh, and Mr. Hedgehog?" Collin paused but looked at his teacher. "While I don't condone dueling on school grounds, you did well to protect that first-year Gryffindor." Collin nodded and continued off.

Collin found Mr. Filch exactly where he expected him to be. Collin made his way up to the cranky old man. "Excuse me, Mr. Filch…"

"What do you want?" He snapped. Next to him was Mrs. Norris, who hissed at him.

Collin didn't flinch or anything, much to the older man's surprise. "I want to see if you and Mrs. Norris will come to Hagrid's surprise Birthday Party."

Filch was suspicious. "You don't want to invite me to any party. You probably just want to trick me by filling my invitation with stink pellets."

"It's a verbal invite." Collin pointed out.

"By filling my drink with Bulbadox powder?"

"I don't think that's edible." Collin was confused. Did this guy get pranked that often?

"By training a red cap to sit inside the cake until I try to take a slice, at which point it hops out and bludgeons my skull?"

"First, what the heck is a Red Cap? Second; What the hell? I'm just seriously asking you to come to Hagrid's party." Collin scowled.

"Hmm… why should me and Mrs. Norris go to Hagrid's birthday party?"

"The more the merrier. It will make Hagrid happy to have a lot of people at his party." Collin pointed out with a smile.

"I hate Hagrid." Filch snapped, though not as much venom as it could have been.

Collin frowned and looked at him with a slight glare. "Nobody hates Hagrid. Not really anyway."

"Well… I certainly don't like him… Tell me who all is gonna be at this party. I need to know if I should bring my shackles…" Collin merely chuckled and started to explain who was going to be at the party and how Filch shouldn't bring shackles. It took Collin an hour, and it was getting late, but he eventually convinced him to come. "Fine. You can tell Dumbledore that I'll go to Hagrid's stupid birthday party…"

"That's great!" Collin smiled. He then looked to Mrs. Norris. "Are you sure you don't want to get Mrs. Norris a little party hat?"

Filch yelled at that. "NO CAT HATS!"

Collin just snickered and made his way to his room. The next morning, he received a letter from Dumbledore. He made his way down to the training grounds. He found Hagrid and Fang the dog waiting with Professor Dumbledore.

"Good morning, Professor. Good morning, Hagrid." He then petted the dog that was only a tad shorter than him. "Hehe, and a good morning to you as well, Fang."

"Thank you for coming, Collin." Dumbledore smiled. "Hagrid and I have urgent business in Hogsmeade, and you have a critical role to play."

Collin raised a brow. "Of course, Professor. What do you need me to do?"

"Babysit Fang."

Collin was surprised. Hagrid then put in his own two cents. "He can be a bit wimpy , but Fang's a good boy, Collin. He won' give yeh any trouble."

Collin just laughed. It was Saturday anyway, so he had no classes. "Sure, no problem. How long will you be gone?" The party was only a few days away.

Dumbledore decided to be cryptic. "As long as it takes." He smiled.

Collin just chuckled again. "Okay…"

"Thanks fer yer help, Collin." Hagrid then turned to Fang. "Be a good boy, Fang! I'll miss yeh!" The dog barked happily to show it's love for its master.

As the two walked away, Collin had to figure out how to keep the dog busy. He decided he'd kill two birds with one stone and practice his magic. "Let's get some practice in. Watch this, Fang…" Fang sat down and watched the young wizard as he pulled out his wand. "Lumos!" The light glowed at the end of his wand, thankfully at a normal lighting. "Pretty cool, right? It's called the wand-lighting charm!" Fang seemed unimpressed. Collin rubbed the back of his head with a grimace. "Not impressed, huh? I suppose you've seen that one before…" Collin then sat down next to the dog. "Maybe we should just have a chat until Dumbledore and Hagrid get back…"

Collin talked to the dog as though it was a person, and Fang responded as though he was listening. Collin mostly talked about his classes and trying to get people to quit comparing him to his sister. After a few hours, Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid had returned. "I see you two are enjoying yourselves…"

Hagrid smiled at the dog. "I missed yeh!"

Collin just smirked and backed off as Fang jumped at Hagrid's heel. Dumbledore looked over to Collin while Hagrid was busy. "Hagrid and I have completed our tasks, so you should continue to inform others of the event we discussed."

Collin nodded. "Who should I talk to next?"

Dumbledore smirked. "Professor Snape. You may want to bring him a gift to improve your chances of success…"

Collin nodded and sent word out to Penny Haywood, who was somehow on Snape's good list. Penny immediately responded that she had an idea. They met up with Ben Copper in the Artefact Room.

"Thanks for your help, guys." Collin said with a grin. He liked having friends he could depend on, and these two were some of the best. "I'm hoping that if I bring Snape some rare potion ingredients, he'll agree to come to Hagrid's party."

"Happy to help, Collin." Penny smiled warmly. "I know what's in the potions storerooms, so I have a good idea of what Snape will find useful."

Ben also seemed a little more chipper than usual. "I'm just happy that I'm not all alone in this room like usual… It's a pre-party!"

Collin snickered while Penny was unsure of the attitude. "The skulls and cobwebs sort of ruin the party atmosphere…"

Collin added in his own opinion. "Not to mention the odor." He was still grinning though. He liked Ben's enthusiasm when it showed.

Ben now seemed a little down. "Well, I never said it was a good pre-party…"

"Let's search for ingredients Snape might need." Collin pointed out as he started looking in the hard to reach areas. Hagrid's birthday party is starting soon…" After five minutes, the group found a whole slew of ingredients. "Wow! Great work, everyone! We found dead blowflies, dried nettles, fluxweed, bicorn horn, and boomslang skin… how the hell did all of this end up in here?" They all shrugged. "Hopefully some of these will make Snape happy…"

Ben seemed confused. "It's strange the things that make Snape happy…"

Penny even added her own thoughts. "Are we sure that anything makes Snape happy?"

Collin thought about it. "I don't really need him to be happy, I just need him to hate me a little less, for Hagrid's sake so the party will go as planned."

Penny started giggling. "Good luck, Collin. I really hope it works, so we can party with Professor Snape…"

Collin nodded and headed down to his Potions class, as it was almost time for class to start anyway. Professor Snape was in his room, waiting for students to pile in. "Excuse me, Professor Snape."

"How many more years will I be forced to tolerate your presence, Hedgehog?"

Collin looked down at his feet, "I… I'm a first year… so… six more… sir…"

"Well, let's hope you don't live that long." Collin held back a biting retort about death, knowing that he hadn't even revealed some things to his dad or friends.

"I wanted to talk to you about Hagrid's birthday party…" He said as calmly as he could.

"I cannot imagine a more doltish sentence."

Collin raised a brow. "Sir, I am more than aware that you know of my biological uncle, so I also know that's a lie." He murmured so that only the two of them could hear.

Snape raised a brow in turn. "Sit down, Hedgehog. We will revisit this idiotic topic after class… and if you mention him again…"

"I'll do it against my will and under the Imperius curse. Trust me, I am familiar with these things…" Collin and Professor Snape both nodded to each other; one wondering the knowledge of the other, and the second wondering how much patience must be spared upon the first.

Collin sat down at his table with four Slytherins and Rowan; as usual. They were going over the basics of potions so Collin decided to learn more about the other three Slytherins at the table, having already been familiarized with Merula. Ismelda Murk was a dark green serpent Mobian who liked death and destruction; truly the perfect candidate for being a Death Eater. Liz Tuttle was extremely in love with animals, and had become a bit of a vegan. She was very kind and helpful for a Slytherin, and happened to be a tortoise. Barnaby Lee was a human who was not the smartest on the block, but Collin could tell he was nice if you got to know him. He didn't have much time to know any of the Slytherins at the moment due to trying to keep up in class, but that didn't deter him. He'd know them before he graduated, of that he was sure.

After the class was dismissed, Collin tried again. "Can we talk about Hagrid's birthday party, Professor Snape?"

Snape rolled his eyes. "You have that look about you that says you'll never leave unless we do, so I suppose."

Collin nodded. "I know we don't always get along, and you and Hagrid aren't the best of friends, but we'd like you to come." He then pulled out the small bags of potion ingredients. "I even brought you some potion ingredients as a peace offering…" He handed them to the professor who towered over him.

Snape looked in one of the bags with a raised brow. "I have been needing more Bicorn Horn…" he then looked over to Collin once more. "Why should I attend Hagrid's birthday party?"

Collin didn't back down as he looked up at Snape, mustering up his courage. "You need to get out of this dark classroom, and socialize more. You might not always be in such a bad mood. My dad had to force me out of my own lab back home a lot when I was younger, so I know how you feel about it being a safe place to work without disturbance."

"Socializing is for fools."

Collin was just glad that the professor hadn't snapped at him. "So, I guess you won't be coming to the party?"

Snape looked at the boy, as though trying to read something. "I will attend this ridiculous event, Hedgehog." Collin's eyes lit up as his ears twitched. Had he heard right?

"You will?"

"I have important business to discuss with Dumbledore, and he has been increasingly difficult to find."

Collin nodded. "Of course, sir. That's great, Professor. After I get Hagrid's present, I'll see you at the party." Collin started off.

Snape merely rolled his eyes and started to put the new ingredients away. "I cannot wait." He muttered.

Collin was now starting to worry as he didn't have any idea on what to get Hagrid for his birthday! "Oh snap… I got everyone else, but I didn't get him anything…" He muttered as he went through one of the lower hallways.

"Excuse me, young man…" He looked up to see a kind looking old bear wearing a yellow coat with a green cape. He had a set of glasses on and was surrounded by three magical creatures. "Would you happen to be young Collin Hedgehog?"

"Er, yes, yes I am… and you are?"

"Amos Diggory, at your service, just call me Amos." Collin nodded. "Dumbledore has great things to say about you."

Collin blinked in surprise. "Thank you, sir… did Dumbledore ask you to bring these creatures?"

"He did indeed. An unorthodox request, but as I'm sure you well know, Professor Dumbledore is an unorthodox man." Collin merely nodded again. "I work for the department for the regulation and control of magical creatures, you see. This is just a small sampling of the amazing specimens I come across on a daily basis…" He indicated to the three creatures with him. "There's a fire crab…" a jeweled crab that looked part turtle and breathed fire… as well as farted it… "Beautiful creature with a very valuable shell, and a penchant for shooting fire from it's backside." The bear then turned to the smallest of the creatures. "The murtlap…" It jumped. "Not many know this, but the growth on its back can be pickled and eaten to improve one's resistance to…"

"Jinxes! Yes, they are quite impressive." Collin said with a smile.

"Very good." Amos was pleased. "And a porlock…" He indicated to the hooved creature on it's hind legs which also seemed part simian. "They protect horses and feed on grass."

"Let me guess, Dumbledore wants me to pick one of these creatures for Hagrid to look after?"

"He does indeed. Have a good look at them, and take your time. This is an important decision…"

Collin looked the three over and thought about how Hagrid lived and which one would work for him. "I think I've decided, Mr. Diggory… I mean, Amos."

"Excellent! Which one of these creatures would you like to give Hagrid for his birthday?"

"The Murtlap. It's perfect for Hagrid! It's useful, small, and it won't accidently burn his house down." Collin smiled.

"Excellent! I'll bring the others back to the office, and escort this Murlap to Hagrid's party."

"Thank you for your help, Amos."

"Thank you, Collin. I can't wait for the party, and I can't wait for you to meet my son, Cedric. He'll be a first-year when you're in your sixth!"

Collin smiled. "I'll keep an eye out for him when he shows up then." Collin nodded. "I look forward to meeting him."

"I'm sure you'll be impressed. Everyone is. I believe he's destined to be one of the greats." Collin felt happy and a touch jealous all at once, but he didn't show it. "Of course, I am a bit biased."

"Hehe, I'm sure you're right, Amos. I'll see you at Hagrid's party…"

"See you there, Collin. And keep an eye out for my boy!"

With that, Collin headed over to the Great Hall where the party was to be held. There were games, Bertie Bots every flavored beans in gift bags, students playing, teachers talking, and Hagrid looked quite happy with his new Murlap. Collin made his way in. As he came closer, he could swear he heard Snape mumbling about liking parties more if there weren't people there. He stifled a chuckle at that. Flitwick was wondering if they brought enough cake. Amos was just boasting about his boy, Cedric.

Hagrid's eyes lit up when he spotted the tiny first year. "I can' believe yeh threw me this wonderful birthday party, Collin!" Collin blushed. He didn't want full credit for it. "And yeh got me a Murtlap!"

Collin just grimaced and indicated to the other adults. "You can thank Headmaster Dumbledore and Amos Diggory for that."

Amos was hearing none of that though. "I simply provided the options. Collin is the one who made an excellent choice." Collin felt his face turn as red as his uniform.

"And yeh got so many people to come! Yeh even got Snape!" Hagrid was really happy about that.

"Regretfully." Snape said in his usual monotone.

Hagrid gave the tiny boy a quick hug. "Don' feel like yeh have to talk the me the whole time, Collin. Join the party! Have fun!"

Collin fell to the floor with a plop as Hagrid let go and chuckled. "Very well." He picked himself up and tried to mingle with the others, mostly staying to the side of the crowds while they had their fun. He was happy for them. Everything had turned out as it should for the party, and Collin was happy.

Later that night, Collin wrote to his dad to tell him all about the party and what had happened. The next morning, Collin found a parcel from Hagrid that contained an outfit that was similar to his own, but in Collin's size! There was a note with it;

"Dear Collin,

Thank yeh for the party. I had a great time! I hope yeh don' mind, but I got something special for ya. I used to wear this when I was a young' un and I thought it might fit ya. Had ta make it a tad smaller due to your size, but eh, it should fit still." Collin chuckled as he looked it over. It smelled of the forest and made him instantly think of home, as well as his early days. "Let me know if yeh like it. I'll see yeh around.

Sincerely, Rubeus Hagrid"

Collin smiled and started to write a note to Hagrid telling him exactly what he thought of the very thoughtful gift. He then got dressed in that very outfit under his robes and started off, ready for his next day.