Ashes of a Phoenix
Disclaimer: In the first chapter.
Before they knew it, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were on the train a couple of miles from Hogwarts. They were excited about returning to school and seeing all their old friends and housemates.
" I bet we'll win the cup again this year," said Ron in his lazily confident way."
Hogwarts hadn't awarded the house cup last year because of the tournament that Harry still had nightmares about.
" I wouldn't be so sure of that," said Hermione," Besides we'll have more to worry about this year than the house cup."
At this Harry's face fell as he remembered the imminent threat of Voldemort who surely knew where to find him and how to make him wish that he'd never been born.
" No, Harry," said Hermione quickly," I meant our OWLS. How we place on that test determines what classes we take and what careers we can get into."
"So no pressure Harry," Ron laughed.
" Laugh if you like, Ron. I'm sure they're still hiring at the Committee for The Disposal of Dangerous Creatures Office," said Hermione coldly.
" I could always hire myself out as a house elf," said Ron knowing the sure way to push Hermione's buttons. House elves were basically slaves and Hermione had been campaigning for the last year to win their freedom. Unfortunately, everyone believed the elves to be contented and uninterested in caring for themselves.
" He may as well. It's the only way he'll ever get to live in a decent house," said a smug voice from outside their chamber. Draco Malfoy stood leaning against the wall smirking at them.
They were all saved from what promised to be a nasty fight by the sudden apparition of Dumbledore, McGonogall, Snape, and Flitwick in the middle of the train. "What?" asked Hermione? Teachers had never apparated on the train before. The appearance of so many along with the grim looks on their faces signaled the occurrence of something unpleasant and probably dangerous.
" Mr. Malfoy, you will come with me back to the Slytherin house," said Snape promptly.
" You three," said McGonogall addressing the three Gryffindors," must come with me at once."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed her swiftly moving footsteps to the back of the train. They were much surprised to find a small compartment lit by candles and sitting on the floor their divination teacher, Professor Trelawney. They were surprised because she was hardly the first person you would call in a crises.
" Listen carefully because there is little time," said Mcgonogall shortly," Hagrid went to talk to his mothers relatives in the mountains this summer. As you probably know they are giants but Hagrid went to speak with them anyway to try to gain their protection against the evil that is mounting against us. He failed. They did not care for Hagrid's human appearance and rose against him despite their kinship. He is badly injured and has requested to talk to you. Professor Trelawney is going to do a spell, which allows telepathic communication. You will not be there physically but you will be able to see, feel and hear Hagrid and he you. However this is very dangerous, if Dumbledore hadn't insisted that you had the right… If at anytime you feel Hagrid pull away from you must let go or risk being trapped inside his mind and being pulled into death. Do you understand?"
They all nodded their heads numbly. They all held hands and listened as Trelawney mumbled the ritual words that bound all of their minds together.
Hagrid was lying on a bed in the hospital wing that compared to him looked made for a doll. His hair was disheveled and his face covered in bruises but what dismayed them more was the sight of tears running down his kind, homely face.
" Harry, Ron, Hermione. I knew you'd come. I can al'ays count on you three can't I?"
Not trusting their voices they shook their heads in affirmation.
" I need you three to do some very important things fer me. First of all there's Fang. He don't need much tending just see that he's fed and has water and a fire in the winter time. It gets awful cold in that cabin. And keep the place tidy. It's the only home I had after I was kicked out. I can' stand the thought of it going to shambles after all the work I put into it. "
Then he lowered his voice, unaware that none else could here him talking," Las'ly and most important there's Jeffrey. After my mum left she had another son. He's all giant. I never knew what it was like to have a brother even a half one. But Jeffrey carried me home from the mountains. He couldn't stop them from beating me but he made sure I made it back. The other giants'll never take him back now. He can't speak real well and he aint too smart but…"
" We'll take care of him Hagrid," Harry vowed," I promise."
" Promise," said Ron hollowly.
" P-P-Promise," Hermione stuttered.
Hagrid nodded his head and was still.
" No!" screamed Harry," No you can't leave." He felt Hagrid drifting into space and he fought to hold him to the bond that anchored their minds together tying Hagrid to the world.
" Harry!" He jumped with a start. Hermione had slapped him hard across the face.
" I'm sorry Harry," she said softly," He's gone and I couldn't let you be pulled into the grave as well."
The three friends looked at each other then hugged as they sobbed silently. Nothing would ever be the same. Wisely, Professor Trelawney and Professor McGonogall blew out the candles and silently left the room.
Sorry guys. According to the challenge I must kill off three characters. This is so sad I'm about to make myself cry and there are lots of people around.