Hey everyone,
Can I be honest with you lot? I was actually dreading this chapter, because I thought it'd be about the confrontation between James, Sirius, Remus and Snape and I had completely forgotten that Hagrid's Tale would be read first. When I realized that, I felt a lot better and a lot more excited about what this chapter will bring.
Silly me,
Venquine1990
Chapter 41
A Fail And A Success
14th of August 1995
The Arena, Potter Place
Ron's POV
The last chapter has been really hard for me as I hated hearing how easily I start to suck at the sport I love above all other and I hated even more to hear what bloody schemes that no-good toad comes up with in her need to make my best friend's life miserable. And the knowledge that she's not alone disgusts me the most.
"How can so many people, two of which are supposed to be on our side, want to do this much harm to one person, one teenager? And when are we going to make sure that House Weasley is no longer related to that witch or her cursed daughter? I really hope dad will be willing to do that when the Marauders leave for their meeting."
I think to myself, yet then I decide to focus on the more positive aspects of this all. And the funny thing is that I am sitting exactly opposite of one of these aspects. Lea, Fred and George, Sora and Riku are all seated together in one small cluster with James Potter and Sirius Black on either side of the group respectively.
And like myself, did I notice them sending several concerned looks up at the manor several times over the course of the last chapter. They, like me, hate to hear what book-Harry has to go through and worry that the real Harry might have to experience the same, even with Madam Longbottom taking the evil toad's place.
But the truth is that I have always known something about the person who, in the book, just came back into the picture that I never want Harry to find out. I know how important Hagrid is to Harry as he was the first adult to ever do something nice for my friend and I really don't want him learning that Hagrid doesn't return the sentiment.
"After all, if he cared for Harry the way Harry cares for him, he would have defending him, Hermione and Neville when it came to Norbert." I think, my eyes turning to Dumbledore as I wonder the same thing I often do when seeing the two together: "I wonder if Hagrid ever really told the man the truth about his day-off."
But while I wonder that, do I also feel grateful. Grateful that, if Dumbledore did get told this, he never told Harry about it. Yes, I know how much Harry hates to be kept in the dark about things, but in the state of mind he is currently in, to hear that his first adult friend betrayed him so early on will do things to him I dread to see happen.
"Is there something wrong, Mr. Weasley?" The ancient man then suddenly asks, but I shake my head and say: "No sir, just lost in thought." And of course this draws the attention of my family, but I shake my head again and think: "I might try and talk with the man about Norbert later, but for now, it's not a matter of importance."
"I'd like to read next, sir." I tell the Headmaster, who nods and someone who might one day just become a team mate to me levitates the book over to me. Yet I notice that, while the others looked away after I shook my head a second time, that Alicia is still looking at me, concern in her eyes. I smile at her and start to read.
Hagrid's Tale … tongue impatiently.
"Ron, you were constantly moving on your broom. Hermione was stuck in one place in the stands. She didn't get half the exercise you did, so she'd get cold easier." Luna tells me and I feel a little stupid as I remember the same happening to me during Harry's first three years. I nod at the quirky blond and then continue reading.
They crept … our King.
"Now that is just rude." The twins chorus and one of them says: "Yeah, even we'd never do that." But then Hermione says: "Maybe he made his own verses. The book doesn't state what he's saying, does it?" The twins share a look and they say: "I guess so. Nick isn't Peeves, after all." And everyone nods at this as I read on.
They crept … front door.
This makes Moody grimace and he says: "Bad move. You should have used Mobilicorpus to hide your tracks. Not to mention Hagrid should have covered his windows before he turned his lights on. Better have Albus announce his return than he do so himself." And while I read on, do I feel to be in two battle about what might happen.
On one hand do I really not want Hagrid in a confrontation with the toad as she is just too horrible, even for the crap he put Harry through in his First – not to mention me in our Second. But on the other hand, does a part of me still want to see Hagrid punished as his betrayal is just wrong especially on someone as caring as Harry.
When Harry … in horror.
At this everyone shares concerned looks and then Hercules sighs and asks: "Didn't you lot say that he went to visit the giants or something?" We nod and he shrugs and says: "Then his wounds –.""But they are." Riku suddenly interrupts him, frowning in concerned confusion. We all turn to the slightly older teen and he says:
"That mission was weeks, almost even months ago. We know this, because Madame Maxime, who went with him, has been back in France for some time now. So that means that those wounds; they're not giant related. Something else caused them." And instantly Hermione and I share a look, already suspecting the worst as I read on.
Hagrid's hair … broken ribs.
This seems to turn everyone Sora knows thoughtful and Hercules mutters: "That actually does sound like giant wounds. Either that or he faced something like a giant Minotaur or – no, he'd have more broken ribs than cuts and be more bruised. Minotaurs don't use their hands other than to punch things." At which Beast says:
"If I didn't know any better I'd say he encountered something like me.""Like a werewolf?" Hermione asks, sending an apologetic look at Lupin, who smiles at her for her suggestion and to prove he doesn't hold it against her and Beast nods as he says: "Possible. Do those work together in this world?" But Lupin shakes his head and says:
"Minotaurs actually no longer live in Europe. Centaurs still live in some parts of Greece and other lands with rich history, but Minotaurs moved to the bottom of Africa many centuries ago. They also became very territorial when they did.""No Minotaur, then." Hercules mutters and while the others stay thoughtful, do I read on.
It was … Hagrid firmly.
"He's hiding something. He found something on his way back from the giants, fell in love with it the way he did with Fluffy and Aragog and took it to the forest." I mutter and Hermione whimpers: "And knowing his luck, Hagrid is going to take Harry to see it at some point." Which makes me grimace as I have to agree with her before I read on.
"Would you … yeh that."
This makes Hermione and me roll our eyes in perfect sync and I grumble: "He said the same about the Stone, but he still told Riddle about Fluffy and all. Sorry Hagrid, that doesn't mean jack anymore." And while I say this, do I send furtive looks at the headmaster. He grimaces to prove he agrees with me and I read on.
"Did the … beard twitched.
This makes Sirius glare and he says: "If I didn't know any better, I'd say Hagrid is so used to it, he doesn't even feel like hiding things anymore. That he was purposely keeping mum to see how well you guys know him. How much you know about him and his mission." At which I can only roll my eyes and say:
"Knowing him and his loyalty to Dumbledore, I don't doubt that.""And what do I have to do with all this, Mr. Weasley?" Dumbledore suddenly asks and I decide to test the man one last time. "Sir, when Hagrid came to confess about Fluffy, how long did it take before he actually came out and confessed? What exactly did he tell you?"
The man looks thoughtful and curious and he says: "Well, it did take Hagrid a few minutes before he said he had something to confess and I do admit that I needed a good two hours to get the whole story out of him, but what does that have to do with anything?""Did he ever mention the date he lost Norbert to Charlie, sir?"
"He gave Norbert to Charlie?" The man asks and this confirms everything. I throw the book down and start cursing, while Hermione looks at the man shocked and Neville now looks heavily disgusted. Everyone notices this and turns to either me, my best friend or my dorm mate, but I ignore this as I just curse my anger out of my system.
I then turn to the group at large and snarl: "Harry doesn't learn of this. I know better than anyone how much he hates being kept in the dark, but – if he learns of this before he graduates it might give him a reason to resent going to the school. He is not to learn of this, not until he graduates." And everyone nods at me in a solemn promise.
I then turn to the Headmaster and say: "Yes, Norbert was sent to Charlie. Harry came up with it when Norbert was growing to be too large to handle and Charlie told us that getting him out of the castle without anyone noticing was best done from the top of the Astronomy Tower. And you know where you found his cloak, don't you sir?"
The man's eyes widen before the twinkle inside them dims out and he says: "It would seem that Hagrid never truly told me the full tale.""Or defended Harry when McGonagall took that crazy amount of point for being out of curfew. And if Harry finds out about that, he'll see it as his first ever friend betraying him.
And we all know how he feels about traitors." At this even those who have actually only been for a few days or who only learned of Harry when Sora found out about him nod and we then all do the same. As one we all look up at the manor, at the couple of windows that represent Harry's bedroom and that have their curtains closed.
"Harry can't learn of this." I think, but then I notice that the Headmaster is back to looking at me. I tilt my head his way and in his eyes I can read a very clear message as if he is sending it into my brain through some kind of magic. I will see Hagrid punished for this when he returns. I do not approve of traitors, either.
I nod at the man, knowing he suffered from Pettigrew's betrayal as well as he lost two students he always greatly cared for, one to death and one to 14 years of capture. And while this makes me grimace as it brings my thoughts back to that woman I no longer want to be related to, do I pick the book back up and continue reading.
"So you … aren' they?"
This makes Hermione squeak in fear and she whimpers: "My parents. They – they – they have this – this – this tradition to go to – to – to – to the mountains every Christmas. Dad ac-ac-actually had a – a – a – a near –." This shocks us and then Kingsley says: "Hermione, I will personally map out their locations for your parents.
To make sure they never go to the mountains where the giants live again, okay?" At this Hermione nods, calming down somewhat and Ariel hugs her close as she asks: "What exactly happened? Surely if he met a giant, he'd know magic existed long before you were told in your first." At this Hermione nods again and she says:
"He never met one. He – he was hiking in this one area one time, when I was about six years old, and – and almost got crumpled under a small earthquake. The residents never got to explain how that was possible as there are normally never earthquakes there." At this the young, pregnant queen grimaces and Hermione turns to Kingsley.
"Must have been either a rogue giant who wanted to have some fun or a guard giant who thought your dad was coming too close to their territory. I'd have to ask the Aurors of that country if they arrested any Giants at that time, but otherwise it's just a matter of mapping out the giant territories." Hermione sighs relieved and I read on.
He adjusted … his face.
And this is exactly what Hermione needs as she and I share a glance that speaks the same story. "Harry and innocence? Yeah right!" And we snicker at each other, the others that probably think the same thing we did following. Yet then I notice Sirius with a thoughtful expression on his face and his arms crossed as he says:
"You know, I'm okay with this." Shocking everyone and he says: "It's after the fact. Hagrid is back and he's telling Harry the story of what happened to him. As long as this happens and Harry leaves it at that, not searching out those that might be in danger, but in situations he really can't handle, I'll be fine with that.
It'll keep him in the loop, but won't make him risk his neck. To me, that sounds like the perfect solution." Yet at this Hermione and I share another look and I say: "Think again, Sirius." The man turns to me and Hermione says: "If missions take this long and Harry doesn't hear how the mission goer is, he'll still worry."
The man sighs and says: "Which will make him more willing to search out the danger, if only to be sure that the goer is safe. Good point. Guess I'll have to think this one through a little more." I then notice Sora looking at his mother and he asks: "Mum, didn't you say that the Manor has this room that simulates memories?"
This confuses and intrigues me and James nods before Sora says: "If you want, we can use that to keep Harry busy. Give him something to do when he starts worrying about those he cares for going on missions.""How?" James asks and Sora answers: "He can train against the things I faced when I first started traveling."
This shocks his parents, but Sora says: "It's something I thought about when we read of what Harry puts the DA through. He sounds like me after I was done with my first journey. Ready to face crazy hard battles, because he has already been through them. But my first journey started out pretty small, pretty tame."
At this Riku nods and Ariel says: "That's right. The craziest you faced in my world were Ursula and that shark." Which astounds me, but then Sora says: "Yeah and your world was one of the last I visited in that journey." Which calms his parents down and James says: "We'll discuss this more later." Sora nods and I read on.
"Oh, all … or something?"
Here I notice Riku and Sora share a look before Sora shrugs and says: "To be honest, a single month is kind of short. I think it took me to travel to – what was it – four or five worlds and go through their problems in my first journey or so?" Here Riku shrugs and says: "Sounds about right." At this I can't help but ask:
"How many worlds did you travel to?" And Sora thinks it through before he asks: "Are we counting the times I went back to a world or not?""Sure, why not?" I retort and he answers: "I went to a total of eleven worlds and went back to three of them several times." This really makes me feel like my book-self did and I read on flabbergasted.
There was … the way?"
"There really is nothing wrong with that, you know? Hermione and Harry and even most of my friends lived like that until we found out the Magical World was a thing. Heck, once you visit that amusement park, you'll probably never make such a comment again, I guarantee." Sora tells me as he shrugs at my statement and I nod before reading on.
"Well, not … Eaters around."
Here I notice Hercules raising his eyebrow and he says: "I can get that you want to keep Hagrid safe, Headmaster, but I just don't like that idea. It sounds like you are willing to give those Death Eaters the same chance to convince the Giants that you are hoping to get yourself." This makes the man grimace and he asks:
"How would you do it, Mr. Hercules?" And the man shrugs as he says: "Well, I wouldn't use magic around those giants, of course, but Hagrid sounds like a really strong kind of person and from my personal experience, giants respect those with great power. So why not let Hagrid prove his strength in front of them?
I mean, Death Eaters rely on their magic, right? That's what makes them think they're superior? But surely Hagrid would resist a spell or two and be able to grab and pummel them a bit. Not bad enough they'd die or something, but enough that the giants can see that he is strong like them. Wouldn't that entice them to our side?"
"Perhaps, but if they were to then see that we are not like that –.""You could have them stay somewhere Hagrid can visit them, have him keep his role as ambassador between the wizards and the giants. Heck, you could even send them out alongside your Order members to give your members a security detail of their own."
Dumbledore looks at the man shocked, but the man's words also made me and Hermione share a look. "Have them stay somewhere Hagrid can visit them? yeah, that's why Hagrid is looking as he is in the book, no doubt about it." Goes through my mind and Hermione's eyes prove that she is thinking the same before I continue reading.
Hagrid paused … own protection."
"That is both true and not. It is true that wizards forced the giants away, but that is because of many reasons. One is the many myths that involve them such as the Greek ones. Another is the fact that, more often than not, in due time giants do tend to live up to these myths, even in towns that accept them as equals.
It's just a fact that, more than three dozen times in only two-hundred years, giants would be welcomed into communities, grow in number in these communities and then go on rampages that would often destroy said communities. Those facts are why we forced them out." Madam Longbottom tells us at which I read on, feeling intrigued.
"So," said … in class!"
"Considering everything that's going on, I really don't blame either of them for not remembering that, Hermione. Ron's got his insecurities and problems with being a good Keeper to deal with and Harry has Umbridge and the teachers being oblivious and all." Ariel tells the girl, who nods in agreement at this and I read on, smiling at her.
"Well, anyway … camp again."
By now Hercules has his arms crossed and a frown on his face as he says: "Your ways were good and the fact that you paid mind to what they do and don't like is definitely commendable, but – I think with how violent they are, the method I proposed would have worked better." Dumbledore hums at this, but doesn't disagree, so I read on.
"Blimey, Hagrid … so well."
"How are giants on feuds or grudges?" Hercules suddenly asks and Dumbledore answers: "They prefer them settled, the bloodier the – ah, I see where you're going. Yes, I guess that would have worked quite well." Then suddenly I realize something "Hey wait a sec, this might be happening right now!" I shout.
Everyone looks at me and I say: "Think about it. Hagrid left at the end of the month and needed more than a month to get there. Say he needed a month and a half. It's the fourteenth right now. Maybe he's there. Maybe Gurg isn't dead yet. Or maybe Macnair is visiting Golgomath as we speak." And everyone looks at this shocked.
"But we can't use magic. How are we supposed to let Hagrid know that there's a change of plans? That –?" Hermione wants to ask only for Lea to say: "Thank you, master." And he vanishes in his usual way. Hermione looks shocked and Kairi says: "Master Yen Sid is guiding Lea to where Hagrid is." At which I smile widely.
In the mean time
At Hagrid's
I just can't believe it. That no-good bastard that wanted to kill poor innocent Bucky, talking and laughing with Gorgomath. Dumbledore is counting on us and here he is, taking our hard efforts right under our noses. These thoughts piss me off and if it weren't for Dumbledore's warnings, I would have let my wild side run loose.
I don't like admitting and I know Olympe doesn't either, but being around so many of our kind does spark the parts of us that are affected by our giant blood. And our tempers aren't being helped by this or by the sight that lies before us. Yet these tempers get cooled down with a shock when a large tuft of black smoke appears.
From it a tall man – or better said a boy in his late teens who has a man's body – steps out and looks around, having to crouch down as he arrived in the part of our cave where the ceiling is bend to the side. "Well, this certainly isn't what I expected when I heard you found a pleasant cave. Damn, I've seen Heartless smaller than you two.
That book is not doing your size any justice." He mutters at the end, really confusing Olympe and me. The teen approaches us and reaches a hand out as he says: "Greetings. The name's Lea. I am the mate of one Harry Potter by Veela blood and am send here by Dumbledore to inform you of a change in the plans revolving – damn, what a smell!"
The news of the man coming from Dumbledore makes me feel relieved and takes away the tension I felt when he arrived. "What is the news?" Olympe asks and the teen answers: "Change of plans. Diplomacy is out the window, win their respect and let your grudge be resolved. Don't worry about the Ministry."
Olympe and I look shocked and the man shrugs as he says: "Hey, Dumbledore got the advice from someone who, I know, deals with giants, titans, hydras and other monsters like that on a daily to by daily basis. Trust me, he knows his stuff. He knows this is the best way to light to torches with one bit of fire. Got it memorized?"
We nod and he smirks as he says: "Good. Also Hagrid, even if you fail, we know you are going to take something else with you and that you will involve Harry in it." And here, as if the man turned from Sirius Black to You-Know-Who, does his entire posture, stance and the look on his face change and become dark and dangerous.
"Don't." He snaps and that one single word, that one single warning, is enough to make even the giant within me quake, making me nod meekly as I recognize that, when it comes to Harry, this teen stands above even Dumbledore, a thought that has never crossed my mind before. His whole demeanor changes back and he smirks:
"Have fun." Before disappearing in the same way he appeared here. "Am I the only one who got scared by that?" Olympe asks and I shake my head before I say: "Let's go quench that fear." Olympe nods and I quickly explain her the situation, about my grudge against Macnair. The woman snarls at this and we angrily storm down.
Back at Potter Place
Ron's POV
"That man has one weird way of describing things." Lea says as he returns to us. "What do you mean? Was something wrong?""Other than the stench of the giants and that even I had to crouch down in their cave when they easily tower over me, not really. I got them the message and I left." Everyone nods and I read on.
"So Macnairs … in her…"
"Well, whether they succeed or fail this time as well, if he takes Madam Maxime with him, we will always have one good extra fighter. That'll at least be something." Sirius mutters and Hercules makes us laugh as he says: "I wonder how good she fights." Having a look of intrigue and excitement on his face as I read on.
Hagrid gazed … looking disappointed.
Yet then suddenly Hercules, Tarzan, Beast, Even and Lea look up and before any of us can ask, do the former four grab hold of the last, who again vanishes in the same burst of shadow. Only when he comes back, he's actually alone. "WHERE ARE THE OTHERS?" Hermione screams in frightened shock and Lea answers:
"With the Giants. Hagrid and Olympe needed a bit of man power. Don't worry, Beast, Tarzan and Herc have fought greater threats than those monsters and are more experienced with fighting. And there really isn't anything that can break through Even's ice or his shield. The Master wouldn't send them if he didn't know this."
"What was their status?" Dumbledore asks in concern and Lea answers: "From what I could tell? They were okay, but were losing a little because they weren't fully used to their other side, their wilder side. They were retreating, but I think this back-up will be just what they need to really let their inner strength and fury out."
The man nods and mutters: "Please ask your master –.""He will. It will mean that we won't be getting anymore new readers until Even and the others are back, but Master Yen Sid is not one to abandon his pupils or those loyal to him." This is something Dumbledore can obviously relate to and we all calm down as I continue reading.
"Nope," said … Ron whispered.
Instantly the mood turns horribly depressed and angered, but I also notice Moody and Madam Longbottom frowning in concerned anger. They notice it of each other and Moody asks: "You're thinking it too." Madam Longbottom nods and the twins chorus: "Think what?" The two turn to them and Madam Longbottom answers:
"She's been waiting. She's been listening in. That tale was long and her office is much closer to Hagrid's hut than the Gryffindor tower. If nothing else she should have arrived just a minute before these three, not this late. The only other excuse, lame feeble excuse, I can think of is that she was busy grading homework."
The twins look shocked and Ariel moans: "Why does that make so much sense?" And Riku answers: "Because Umbridge's secondary goal, other than discrediting and hurting Harry, is to spy on anyone close to Dumbledore and find more information to discredit him on." Making the rest of us grimace and me read on, concerned.
"Get under … are you?"
At this I purse my lips and I say: "When it comes to his actions in our First, I slightly agree with her. When it comes to Hagrid in general, I so don't." And everyone nods, Sirius looking most furious just like he did when he too realized what his son had gone through. And while I really sympathize with the father, do I read on.
Without waiting … said quietly.
"Aka, you were spying." Moody growls, but Kingsley rolls his eyes and says: "Good luck convincing her of that." To which the former Auror smirks and says: "I don't need to. I just need to convince those that defend the law and hate her like I do that this should be counted as a criminal act." Making me guffaw as I read on.
"I was … "I see."
Here I get almost interrupted by groans and sighs of defeat and hear several of those around me slap themselves on the forehead. "And this is why Hagrid should have kept his arrival hidden until Dumbledore got to announce it at dinner." Moody grunts, gripping onto his cane with clear annoyance as I continue reading.
"Yeah," said … Hagrid. Goodnight."
"Translation, it was useless of you to come back and don't get comfortable, I will have you out of the school as soon as I can manage it." Kingsley growls, but Dumbledore turns furious and states: "She may judge the teachers, but I will not let her take them off the grounds if it is their home." I want to read on, but then something happens.
A gust of smoke appears in the center of the arena and Even, Beast, Tarzan, Hagrid and Madam Maxime appear, all of them looking pretty beat up, but also having grins of pride, excitement and accomplishment on their faces, their bodies indicating that they had the time of their lives, but are feeling quite exhausted now.
Belle instantly rushes for Beast, who actually is bald at certain parts, has a bit of one of his horns missing and has lost all of the cloths he has been wearing the last few days. "You look horrible. What happened? Are you okay? Who did this to you?" The Brunette, loving concern sounding through in her voice as she pulls him to his seat.
Or so she tries, but the Beast still seems dazed with adrenaline of what he just did. He grins at her ferally and then gives her a kiss that makes me turn beat red and hide my face behind the book. Hermione giggles, but also hides her face in my arm and I hear others, the twins, hooting at the couple and giving out catcalls.
When this stops, do I peek over the top of the book and sigh relieved to see Belle and Beast back at their usual seats, Belle looking not the least bit dazed or shocked as she seems too busy tending to the Beast's wounds and being helped by Kairi who is using her own Keyblade as well, Lea moving over to Even to do the same.
"Hagrid, good to see you have returned safe and sound. I assume that you and the others found a cave to hide in before you came back?" Dumbledore asks, but Hagrid looks around. I roll my eyes at this and hold up the book as I say: "We just read about you telling your entire adventure to our future selves, don't bother."
The half-giant looks shocked and Dumbledore says: "Ah yes, that reminds me. Maxime, why don't you go over there, where Even is with Lea? He can help you, Hercules and Tarzan heal of your wounds. Hagrid, would you mind joining me? I'd like a bit more of a detailed report on how your mission went off just now."
The half-giant nods, but I notice Dumbledore sending me a quick furtive look that has a strong sense of promise in it. I make sure Hagrid has his back turned to me and whisper: "Don't wake Harry." And the way that Dumbledore sends one last look back at our group is all the confirmation of this that I need, making me read on.
She left … really special."
Yet this really worries me and I think: "This is the man that thought sending twelve-year olds to speak with talking man-eating spiders was a good idea and who thought a first class should be so exciting, he brought a hippogriff." And I just know that all the other students are, more or less, thinking along the same lines as I read on.
"Erm… special … in Britain."
At this Sirius sighs in relief and he says: "Ooh good, he's talking about the Thestrals. Those are fine. They're good for Fifth years, even good enough for Fourth years, but only for the exams, that is." And instantly I want to relax, but Riku is still frowning and he says: "That'd be good – if not for the situation we are in."
This confuses us all and he turns to Sirius as he says: "You studied these Thestrals in your Fifth year as well, didn't you?" Sirius nods and Riku asks: "And what was the difference between your first four years – and theirs?" And instantly I get what he's saying. "They already saw death through the war. Most of them saw the Thestrals."
Hermione gasps and Riku nods before he says: "The same won't count for Harry's class. He and Neville might be the only ones and seeing what Umbridge thinks of them. We can only hope that she won't inspect him when he brings them in." At this I moan: "That's a fool's hope." Before I just resign back to the reading.
"Hagrid… please … of Hagrid!"
But at this I turn to the girl and say: "You know, I'm really in two-battle here. On one hand, I want you to, because it'll help Hagrid keep his job and make Harry have one less thing to worry about. On the other, I don't want you to because I really want Hagrid punished for his betrayal." And Hermione nods, agreeing with me.
Sirius then sighs and turns to his son as he says: "Take good care of everyone. Ask Augusta or Andy for help if you need it. If you need us, have them floo us through Dumbledore's office. Oh, and let Albus know we'll be using his office for the meeting." Sora looks shocked, but then turns solemn and nods at his father.
The man then looks at his two best friends, but then Kingsley says: "I better come along. Not in case something goes wrong, but to be a neutral party. Give Snape less of a reason to believe he's being attacked." The three Marauders nod and then Sirius turns to Lea, who instantly says: "I got it memorized, don't worry."
One last nod and the four men leave, three of them tense with concern for the meeting ahead, the other trying to be a calming factor to them. We all share a look and I pick up the bookmark we took with us a few days ago. "No use reading on with so many members missing." I mutter and everyone nods before Sora leads us inside.
Good luck, everyone,
So yeah, Hagrid's back, the giants are – more or less – on their side, Macnair's been taken care of and now – Hagrid's in trouble with the one man he looks up to more than anyone else. I know it was a little corny of me to go back to that thing I brought up in Fate's Finale, but sometimes I just do stuff like that.
Sorry not sorry. Anyway, next chapter: Snape discovers something that will make his entire life a lot harder, Sora learns what it really means to be the interim Head of House and Hagrid learns what people, especially his boss/idol, think of his cowardice silence of all those years ago. A pleasant chapter, I think not.
Wish me luck,
Venquine1990
PS. Like I said, I dreaded that chapter. Let's see how I feel about writing it next month. Also, no Grawp, sorry.
