Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and it's characters.
(Talking)
(Aside)
Chapter 5
Rubeus Hagrid was currently having a heart attack, what with his heart trying to leap out his chest and in the process shatter his rib cage. Rubeus had no doubt that his heart was well on its way to its bloody freedom.
At least that was what he felt as he took in the sight of his son (his son, Oh God! Hes'tiny, so tiny! 'is five y'ar old son!) surrounded by hissing snakes, winding in-between Tom's legs like mischievous kittens. Rubeus had to wonder if this was the reason Mrs. Weasley (Call me Molly, dear, honestly!) always seemed to have so many grays in her hair by the time Ron had been sixteen. The war had only increased those white hairs. He could empathize with Mrs. Weasley (Molly!) now.
The instinctual need to snatch Tom (My Son! God, what if one of 'em bites 'im?) was only, barely, halted by the simple joy on his son's face. Tom looked so happy surrounded by the snakes, that Rubeus had to control himself, lest he make Tom wary and fearful. He knew, in his mind, that Tom would not be hurt. He knew that Tom was a Parselmouth, and as such could understand and talk to the snakes. He knew. But what did knowledge mean when it came to the safety of his son?
Still, when Tom looked up at him, with joy in his eyes and voice filled with curiosity and a desire to share what he had learnt from his snake friends (Papa! Papa! Look! Aren't they pretty? Can we keep them!? Please! Look this one says his name is Ssss, and this one says she's SSss, and then this ones SsSSs, and that one…), Rubeus knelt down and listened. It was only after Tom had introduced his Papa to every one of the snakes (nine of 'em, where did they come from?) that Rubeus told Tom about his gift, and how Rubeus had only heard hissing when Tom said the snakes' name.
Tom (curious, accepted and loved Tom), shrugged and agreed to act translator between Papa and the snakes (so can we keep them? Please Papa! I'll take care of them meself! I promise, please please please). Looking into the bright eyes of his son, Rubeus could only give one answer (Yes), even though the sight of his son with the snakes had given him a heart attack.
Rubeus, at that moment, also realized the reason for Molly's (Finally!) laugh lines and the quiet love that shined in her eyes all the time. Because, no matter the heart aches and crushing fear of his son getting hurt, it was worth every loving smile his son gave him. His heart still ached, but it was an ache that made living all that much sweeter.
Though, he still needed to remind Tom to give the snakes names Rubeus could pronounce.
AN: Thank you everyone for reading this! Those of you who have Favorited and Followed this story, Thanks so much!
I am sorry about the late update, but I truly do not have a regularly schedule. So my update will be irregular. Thank you for your Patience.
AN2: Writing Rubeus' way of talking is hard!
Review if possible!