A couple of hours later, after helping the Longbottoms get their house back together, Hagrid returned to the Blacks. They were still performing the ritual and so Hagrid decided to spend some time with Harry, who was for some reason awake at strange hours, before he went away for quite some time. While just helping Harry play, Hagrid's mind wandered and thought about where he could go first.

He imagined himself walking through the deserts of Egypt looking for sphinxes, he imagined himself climbing the mountains on North America looking for Wampus cats, he imagined himself visiting the dragon sanctuaries all around the world, he imagined visiting clans of vampires or werewolves in eastern Europe and when those thoughts entered his head, he just kept wondering why he hadn't thought of this before. Because he didn't want to think about it, he went over to see how the ritual was going.

The door to the room opened and it was a silent pair of Blacks who exited. Arch and Lucy were both just mumbling to themselves, completely exhausted, and Hagrid called a house elf for Arch but carried Lucy to her bed himself. The ritual lasted for hours and must have taken a lot out of them. There must have been some powerful intent behind those loyalty rituals, and Hagrid was hopeful for the future. That meant that there was a large burden and compulsion Bella could now be without.

Now he had three issues in his plan. First he needed approval to exit the country. Then he needed to get approval from Albus to leave Hogwarts. Finally he had to find some way of bringing Bella along as a kind of captive without anyone finding out in customs. The first part was hopefully taken care of, the second part he was going to sort out first thing in the morning, and the final part was a bit tricky but he knew someone who just might help.

The next morning at breakfast, he was met with a Sirius who appeared very fragile as he sat down. The skin on his body seemed to be brand new as it had a slight shimmer to it, and he was very sensitive about it, but other than that he seemed fine. Overall a very productive day yesterday. Today was hopefully going to be the same, as after explaining his plan to Sirius, he used the floo to call Albus. Moments later he was in the headmaster's office once more.

"Ahh Hagrid. To what do I owe the pleasure?" The old man was smiling his usual smile and his eyes were ever as twinkly. Hagrid gathered himself for a second before calmly saying "I've decided I need a break from all this. After a war like this I need a break from all of Britain in fact. I'd like to leave my position as gamekeeper and I'd like to do it with your approval." Sure he could just exit here without anything, but this way they ended on good terms and that was important if Hagrid was ever going to get a job again.

Albus' smile grew even wider "I've been waiting for the day you'd want to see what's outside these wall. I was afraid you'd stay comfortable my dear friend. I hope you'll find what you're looking for, I will approve of this." Hagrid was relieved and it showed on his face as he let out a chuckle. But Albus interrupted him "Where will you be keeping your items though? I'm sorry but I can't hold on to them if you're gone a longer period."

Hagrid nodded "I'll gather up everything that's mine and hand it over to the Blacks to hold for me while I'm away." 'Probably shouldn't have said that', was what Hagrid thought instantly. And Albus' face when he did, only confirmed that he should have kept the Blacks to himself. "The Blacks?" Albus raised his eyebrow and now there was a fierce glare instead of twinkle in those eyes, who seemed to swap from old and kind to passionate and fierce in just a second.

Hagrid cleared his throat "Y-yes. Archie has always been a dear friend. I've been meeting up with him and Lucy for these few nights and will probably stay there until I can make the trip." Albus didn't quite believe that was all there was to that story but didn't believe Hagrid would lie to him so let it go. "Alright then. Well go on, I have to sort out things for the new students who're arriving in September."

Hagrid nodded and walked down to his little hut. He didn't really own that many things. The little money he made from this job had always just been saved up in a vault, he was waiting for that one thing he wanted to buy. As it turns out, he wanted to buy a long term vacation. So he grabbed some sheets, some clothes, and lastly his faithful pink umbrella. He wouldn't part with that one again any time soon.

All of his items except for his umbrella went into a trunk which he left outside the door to the hut while he walked into the forest to explain to the creatures in there. He had become friends with quite a few of them. The unicorns accepted him, the centaurs had made exceptions for him, the thestrals even let him ride them but his main friend in there was Aragog. Sure the acromantula wasn't all that friendly really but he lost all of his friends once and then Aragog was the only one. He was an old friend and he couldn't leave without saying goodbye.

So Hagrid walked through the woods, and along the way, spiders who were several feet tall all stepped away from him and made a bowing gesture. None of them stood in his way as he walked in to the main nest where he knew Aragog lived. He didn't really leave that place anymore either as his children and their children fed him. When he finally made it in there he looked into the many eyes and smiled "Hi Aragog, my old friend."

"Hagrid. What are you doing here? No problem I hope?" Hagrid shook his head and now his eyes started to tear up. "No, no, nothing like that. I'm just coming to tell you that I'm leaving for a while. A rather long while actually. I don't know when I'll be back. I do trust that you'll still be alive by then but please remember the rules I set out."

Aragog seemed a bit saddened by the news that his friend wasn't going to visit him. "I see. And yes, I remember them all. Don't harm the intelligent species, don't expand further than the forest and finally if someone comes asking for venom just give it to them, but not personally." Hagrid gave him a toothy grin. "I knew I could count on you. Don't do anything stupid and we'll see each other again some time. Good bye my friend."

Aragog simply looked at Hagrid as he turned around and walked away, after a short while he stood up and bowed to his human friend. "Good bye, Hagrid. I'll make sure my children tell their children of you." Hagrid simply waved him off without turning around.

Soon he was back with his trunk and started walking out of the grounds towards Hogsmeade. He could use a short walk anyway so there was no need to floo right now. As he got there he took a butterbeer at the three broomsticks and explained to all at the bar as well. Flitwick was apparently there and he was ecstatic. "I'm so happy for you Hagrid. I hope you find what you wish for out there. Don't forget to stay in touch!"

Hagrid agreed as the little professor had been one of his better friends among the professors. He would never judge anyone due to his own problems growing up and that made sure that Hagrid had no problems with the man. He also always had an infectious good mood which often helped. Hagrid said good bye to them all once more and stepped to the floo. It was now nearing the afternoon and Hagrid had one more stop today.

"Scamander Farm!" he yelled out and the flames enveloped him for a short second. Soon he arrived at the other side and was met with a kind looking older lady. With a gentle and tender voice, although with an American accent, she called out "Oh it's Hagrid! How great to have you over for a visit today!"