Disclaimer: The usual applies…
Summary: The three Gryffindors go poking around…
Chapter 4
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat by themselves at the Gryffindor table that night at dinner.
Ron began helping himself to extra helpings of mince pie while Harry and Hermione hardly toughed their food.
"Is it still bothering you, Harry?" Hermione said from across the table.
Harry looked over at her as he spoke, "Yeah, I mean, have you ever seen a look from Snape like that?"
"Well, no. But, that isn't the first time that he's done anything for you like that. Remember that quidditch match?"
"Yeah," Ron said with a mouthful of pie, "But remember how he is in class, everyday?"
Harry nodded, "Look how he treats Neville, Hermione."
"I still say that you two are wrong about him. If Dumbledore trusts him, then so should we."
Ron rolled his eyes, "You're only sticking up for him because he's a professor."
Hermione glared at Ron. "Don't you remember anything? Remember last term? He showed us the Dark Mark on his arm."
"So? There's your proof that we shouldn't trust him."
"It means that he wasn't afraid to show us. Honestly, Ron, I didn't even grow up knowing who Voldemort was and I know more about him than you do!"
"Don't say that name!" Ron hissed.
"Keep it down, you too," Harry whispered after some looks from the other Gryffindors down the table.
Hermione sighed and lowered her voice, "Voldemort made sure that even his Death Eaters didn't know who they were, even at the peak of his power. Why would Snape show us if he wanted to go back? It doesn't make sense."
Ron's lips formed a sideways frown. "Ok, let's say you're right. Then explain why he's been acting so weird lately."
"Ron's right, Hermione. Why would he make an even bigger greasy git out of himself if Voldemort's gaining power? Don't you think he'd be trying to work with Dumbledore and the other professors if he were on our side?"
"Put yourself into his shoes, Harry. Think about his past. He doesn't exactly have a friend to talk to about it, does he? This is probably just the way he deals with things."
"You're forgetting Lucius Malfoy," Ron said pointedly.
"Remember today in class? When he grabbed his arm?"
Harry and Ron raised their eyebrows. They couldn't quite see how that was a point for Hermione's side.
Hermione ignored their blank looks and continued her explanation. "I read about the Dark Mark over the summer. You know, considering what's happened. When it hurts, that means that Voldemort is calling the Death Eaters. Now where did Snape go after class?"
"Hagrid's cabin," Harry answered. He looked as if he knew where she was going with this.
Ron had also apparently caught on. "Reckon we'd better pay Hagrid a visit then?"
Hermione and Harry nodded their heads.
* * * * *
The three sat in a corner in Gryffindor's common room. They each had a book in front of them and a quill in their hands. They sat in silence, busing themselves with work as the room slowly emptied. It was nearly midnight before Fred and George, the last remaining, left the warmth of the fire, shooting the three in the corner suspicious looks.
The quills stopped and each of the friends listened until they heard the door upstairs shut meaning that the twins had gone to bed.
Books were clapped shut and quills dropped.
Harry grabbed the bag at his feet that he had stored his father's cloak of invisibility in. "All right, if we're going to go, now's probably the time," he said eyeing the other two.
Ron and Hermione nodded and moved closer to Harry who draped the cloak around all three. The portal to the Gryffindor dorms opened but no one could be seen entering or leaving. The three heard the light snores of the fat woman as the painting closed behind them.
Creeping down the dark corridors very slowly, the three kept ears open for any sign of Filch, Mrs. Norris, or Peeves. Finally, making their way to the grounds, they began walking faster to Hagrid's hut, keeping a considerable distance from the lake. There was a cold wind in the air and they were anxious to get to the fire that lit Hagrid's cabin so warmly.
At last, they reached the hut. Harry extended a hand and knocked on the large door.
"Who's there?" came the booming reply. The door opened and Hagrid looked around. He looked around then narrowed his eyes and added quietly, "Tha you, Harry?"
"Yeah," Harry whispered.
"And us," Ron corrected.
Hagrid made room for the three to pass unnoticed through his door before closing it.
The three shed the coat and took seats near the fire.
"Awful late fer you three t' be walkin' around, in't it?" Hagrid said as he gathered three cups and started pouring tea.
"Thanks, Hagrid," each said as they were passed their tea.
"So, what're ye three wan' so late?"
"Well-" Harry began.
"We want to know as much as you can tell us about Professor Snape," Hermione blurted out, opting for the direct approach.
Hagrid's eyes narrowed in a frown. "Now, don' tell me tha you three think he's tryin' ter kill Harry again."
"We just want to know more about him," Ron interjected. "Come on, Hagrid, if he doesn't have anything to hide, then what are you afraid of telling us?"
"Now look here. Professor Snape's got a right ter his privacy."
"Well, that little bit in class wasn't too private," Ron argued.
"What littl' bit?"
Harry explained about what the professor had done to his arm. Next, Hermione related her information on the Death Eater's call. Ron finished with the reason that they had come, "After that, we saw him go to your cabin, Hagrid. So, we thought that you would know more about it."
"Professor Snape was just bringing Fang some medicine."
Harry looked down in his lap where the giant dog had rested its head, drooling slightly. "He's sick?" he said feeling the urge to move to another spot.
"Well, not now. Professor Snape fixed him right up. Hones'ly, you three."
"Hagrid, we just want to know which side he's on," Hermione prodded.
"Lisen, Dumbledore trusts him, an' tha's good enough for me," Hagrid said matter of factly.
"Yeah, but he also trusted Quirrell," Harry said in a final tone. "Hagrid, I know that it doesn't completely make sense but I can't trust him. I've tried and I haven't found any redeeming quality to get past my first impression of him."
Hagrid stood up and pointed a finger at Harry. "Tha man's been through hell an' back, Harry. You don' know what he wen' through for yer mum an' dad!" Hagrid stopped abruptly, looking angry with himself for telling too much.
Ron and Hermione exchanged looks.
Harry had now forgotten what they had come there for. "My, my mum? And my dad?"
"Harry, I'm sorry but I shouldn' a said anythin," Hagrid's voice was a bit higher pitched than normal.
"Hagrid, what… please… what did you mean by that?"
A single tear ran down Hagrid's big cheeks and was lost in his beard. He shook his head. "I'm sorry," he said more firmly than he felt, "but I can' tell ya tha'."
Harry slowly nodded his head. He didn't want to push his friend but he was still dying to know anything about his parents. But, maybe it was best that he not know if it concerned Snape.
Hagrid now looked almost as uneasy as Ron and Hermione. Deciding to change the subject, he chose a safe topic, "Uh, heard anythin' from Sirius?"
Harry expression immediately changed.
Hagrid waved his hand, "Dumbledore told me wha' happened tha' nigh'. Made me happy to hear tha' he wasn' the one. Always liked him. He an' yer dad always getting' in trouble together."
Harry relaxed a bit, though he couldn't stop a guilty pang from growing inside his stomach. He hadn't written to his godfather in ages. "Last I heard, he was doing well at Lupin's but I think I should write to him again soon."
"Well, when ya do, tell him tha' I said hello," Hagrid's smile had retured.
"I'll do that," Harry said, smiling back.
"I reckon ya three ought t' be headin' back. Gettin' late."
The three nodded and soon were under the cloak once again.
"See you in class tomorrow," Hermione said as they departed.
Hagrid closed the door behind them and returned to his chair. "Al' righ' there, boy?" he said as fang layed his head in Hagrid's lap. "Poor Harry," he said wiping his eyes. "Won' ever know nothin' abou' his mum an' dad."
* * * * *
Author's note: Ok, hope that wasn't too short. I know that not much happened but, alas, sometimes monologue is necessary… it leads to future angst, so I can't really complain ;-) Anyway, about killing Cornelius Fudge, I hadn't planned on it originally, but if I can, I'll try to write that in as he's definitely not my favorite character either. Also, thanks for all of the other reviews. I like getting feedback so I know what you guys like and what I should work on. Thanks again!