Chapter 10- Hagrid's Farewell

Harry and Ginny arrived to a hero's welcome that night at Gryffindor Tower. The celebration went on into the morning. In fact, it didn't stop until dawn, when the sun crept in the windows. Only then did they realize how tired they all were. It was fortunate that it was Sunday morning.

If Hedwig hadn't nipped Harry's finger, he may have slept all day. She carried a note from Hagrid.

-I would be greatly honoured if you would come to my departure tea at 3 this afternoon. It will be held in the gardens. Please dress formally. - Hagrid.

Harry guessed that it had been written, or at least copied off another. Why so formal? Well, at least he'd have a chance to say goodbye to Hagrid and wish him well on his trip.

Harry got up and heard Pigwigeon chattering in Ron's bed. Hedwig hooted once in disgust.

"Ron, did you get one too?"

"Yeah, Harry." Ron answered quietly, so as to not wake the others up. "Why'd you think we got invited?"

"Don't know, but I'm going." Harry replied, "But let's not mention it to anyone."

They were on their way out to the gardens, their dress robes hidden under their normal ones. Hermione met them in the entrance hall. "Wait." she called. She looked around, noticing all the people. "Are you going to say goodbye to Hagrid?" she asked, pulling up the hem of her robe to show that she too was wearing formal robes, "I'll go with you."

"Sure." Ron said, excited.

They went to the gardens, where all the teachers were dressed in their best. The Gryffindor Prefect, Samantha, was at the entrance gate. "You're not supposed to be here."

"We were invited." Ron said defensively. Hermione pulled out the note from Hagrid.

"We'll just go and say goodbye." Harry replied, "We've dressed and everything."

Samantha looked over the note. "Alright." she told them, "I just had to be sure."

They went in. Ron looked back at Samantha. "I really don't like her. I'd rather have Percy back as our Prefect."

"You just don't like her because she's tough and plays by the rules." Hermione said.

"No." Ron retorted, "It's because she's a nosey little know-it-all who never lets us do anything."

"Well, she didn't stop the party last night." Harry said quietly. Ron's look could have melted ice. "Look! It's Madame Maxine." Madame Maxine, the headmistress of Beauxbaton was standing in the garden. She was conversing pleasantly with Dumbledore.

"I guess she finally admitted she's more than big boned." Hermione smiled.

"Yeh made it." Hagrid said brightly, "I'm not much fer these formal things" He wore his fur suit with a green and yellow spotted tie. "I'm glad ta see some friendly faces."

"What's going on?" Harry asked, "Why so..." he motioned around.

"I think its more fer Olym - er, Madame Maxine. Dumbledore's way of showin' appreciation an' all." Hagrid said, "Said I could invite you lot, special."

"That's only because you have a way of getting in to things anyway." Dumbledore replied quietly from behind them, "You all remember Madame Maxine." She was beside him.

"Yes. You look lovely." Hermione said.

"I sank you." Madame Maxine smiled, "As do you. I admit dat I am quite nervous about zis trip. Mais, c'est la vie. It iz needed." She looked to Hagrid, "Not all bad, it iz good to zee you again. May I 'ave zis dance?"

"I'd be delighted." Hagrid said shyly, leading her to the dance area.

"Good game yesterday," Dumbledore smiled, "Enjoy yourselves. Alas, I have to go be the host. The food and refreshments are over there." he waved.

They looked around and realized that the only other students were school Prefects. They headed to get some food. The teachers were all in pleasant moods. Even McGonagall was smiling, talking with Lupin.

"I think we should say goodbye and leave." Harry said, "I'm really not comfortable with this."

"Must be nice to have that option." Araya said. She was perched on a statue by the refreshments table. She was wearing dress robes of a deep blue velvet and her hair was pinned back from her face with soft fat curls left lose at the back. The ensemble was highlighted by the only jewellery she ever wore, that copper circular pendant which was now gleaming in the sun. A pair of sunglasses was perched on top of her head.

"I hate these things. Hated them when my grandfather threw them. Hated them to schmooze for grants. Hate them now."

"You look...wow!" Harry said, in awe.

Ron nodded in agreement and added, "Really smashing."

"Thank you." Araya smiled, floating down to the ground. "If you're waiting for Hagrid though, he won't be free until the end of the song. Which will be in about, oh, ten minutes."

"We'll wait. It would be impolite to just leave." Hermione replied, feeling somewhat jealous of the way Araya looked.

"Cool." Araya responded. She looked around, "Wanna dance?" she turned to look at them. "Ever done a Nagor Square. We had to learn it. Allows you to dance in a group."

They smiled, actually relaxing a little. "I don't know how." Ron said first. Both Harry and Hermione also nodded in agreement.

"It's easy, I'll show you if you like." she counted out the steps as they watched. Araya did it twice to the music, "Got it?"

"I think so." Hermione said, the boys looked a bit worried.

"Relax, come on." Araya smiled, "No one'll care." she pulled them out onto the dance floor. Hermione was across from Araya and the boys were across from each other. "Okay, one-two-three, turn left, four-five-six. Bow, Hermione in the centre, two-three-four, Ron and Harry, one-two-three. Bow, one-two-three turn four-five-six..." Araya narrated. She laughed as Ron and Harry stepped on her feet.

"Face the boy," Araya turned to Harry, Hermione quickly switched and faced Ron, "And together, two-three-four-five-six. Good, ow, good Harry. Ready switch." Araya faced Ron and put her hands to his. Ron's look of deep concentration made her laugh.

Ron thought it sounded like the most beautiful bells. Ron smiled broadly when they returned to the square. By the end of the song they were all smiling brightly, and in much better spirits.

"Wonderful, simply wonderful." Dumbledore smiled at them.

"Thank you for the dance." Araya said curtseying to the group. Then she moved to the side.

"Who knew she had manners." Lupin whispered to McGonagall. Araya turned to them, as she'd just walked past them, and smiled sweetly.

"I have them, I just choose not to use them." Araya winked and moved back to the wall.