Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
AN: Though I do own Livia Helga Sprout. I have an OC!
Chapter 7:
Rubeus adores the days he can bring Tom with him to his office.
He has, with the help of Harry, Ron, Molly and Neville, come to understand that not all creatures are safe for all beings. Some are very unsafe for humans, and as such need to be treated with caution. It had taken a while for Rubeus to understand that not all fear of dangerous creatures that humans had was unfounded. It was not prejudice that made humans label creature as dangerous beings, but merely preservation. While an Acromantula's venom did not have much of an effect on giants, even half-giants, for a human it was nearly fatal. Similar to how certain magics had no effect on Rubeus, certain venoms and fatal substances did not harm Rubeus, but it would harm humans. Humans like his son, Tom.
And while Rubeus himself has no fear of creatures that can even harm him, he has found that when it comes to Tom, he is almost overprotective. Almost because Tom's snakes help ease the fear Rubeus has when it comes to his son's safety. A little bit.
So, when the days come where it is perfectly safe for Rubeus to bring Tom to works, Rubeus is over-joyed. Tom's curiosity and his thirst for knowledge are matched with how Rubeus remembers Hermione's to be. The way Tom's eyes light up with delight at every answer Rubeus is able to give, and the way Tom is eager for the books Rubeus provides on these subjects is heartening and humbling. Rubeus knows a lot about magical creatures, but answering Tom's questions has helped Rubeus gain a better understanding for them. The research Rubeus does in order to help Tom to gain knowledge has advanced his own.
At only seven years old, Tom is very well read, and quite intelligent. Rubeus has encouraged Tom's thirst for knowledge, though also made sure to instill morals, when and where possible. An advantage of working with animals all the time, is that Rubeus is able to instill a sense of kindness in Tom's actions. It helps that Tom is able to speak with the snakes, who in turn are able to communicate with other animals, and are willing to translate. Though much is lost in translation (animals are not the same as humans and do not have the same desires), it has helped Tom to realise that every being has feelings and are capable of hurting and being hurt. Life as such is a wonderful teacher to Tom.
When Rubeus brings Tom to the shop he owns, it is to the joy of those employed by him. A rare ingredients acquirer and an animal shelter (both normal and magical), Rubeus' business has grown beyond what he had initially imagined. He blames his manager for that. Livia Helga Sprout, who was the mother (Rubeus had been shocked to find out) of Pomona Sprout, the future Head of Hufflepuff. Livia had been working as a clerk in the realtor office Rubeus had gone to, when searching for a house to buy. She had been the one to show him around the available houses, as the office had been under the impression that Rubeus had come there to waste their time and money (adults see the half-giant heritage more easily than kids).
A friendship had been born that day between Livia and Rubeus, and it had continued on even till now. When Rubeus had mentioned his skills, Livia had used her Hufflepuff contacts to get him in touch with Potion Masters and suppliers with whom he could conduct his business. Once they had come to know that Rubeus was good at his work, word had spread, and business had bloomed. So much so, that it necessitated the need for a shop and employees. Rubeus, though good with animals, did not know how to handle an office. Livia had once more helped. Tired of her job at the realtor office, she had offered to manage the business side of Rubeus' work while he concentrated on the physical side of it. And thus, a partnership was born!
Today, Tom was not the only child in the office. Livia had bought her daughter to work as well. It was adorable to see Tom take care of the toddler. It was equally heartwarming to see Pomona toddle behind Tom as went from person to person asking his questions. Everyone could see that the two-year old had Tom wrapped around her finger, and that Tom didn't mind. He loved her as he would a sister, and did not mind caring for her, whenever possible.
(Rubeus found it ironic that the person who had been Pomona's boggart in one life, had become her protector in this one. It was an irony that Rubeus definitely enjoyed.)
AN2: Hi! Okay, this chapter is a bit talky? Well, it explains, a little, about Hagrid's job and how it came to be. My chapter are circular, they jump from point to point, and its written in a stream-of-consciousness way, so if it is confusing, please let me know!
Thank you!