Harry of Hog and the Saga of Hogswarth
A/N: Hi everyone, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Romance will eventually be a factor in this story, don't worry, but Harry/Ron is one of my favourite (right after Harry/Hermione) platonic relationships in the books, and I really want to give you that aspect of the story, hence this chapter. It is also an important chapter though, as it kind of leads the story into the action. :) No more playing happy family with Hagrid after this, so if you like him savour this chapter… we won't see him again for a long while. Don't worry! Next chapter the story will really start. I'll try to update quickly, but I need reviews, so comment please. :)
THANK YOU for reviewing guys, I was so happy!
Avanell – lol, for some reason your comment made me laugh, but I really am sorry to disappoint you. I assure you, Hermione in this story does not exactly fit the title of princess… don't worry though, she will make her appearance soon! Next chapter in fact, so I hope you stick around. :) And chapter 6 is going to be all about her. On another note, I know that this is labelled R/Hr, and honestly I think it could just as well be H/G, but the relationship between Ron and Hermione will (as far as I've planned) develop before Harry and Ginny's, so R/Hr seemed the most appropriate pairing, also because Hermione will be a much more central character to the plot than Ginny will, at least initially. That said, it will take some chapters to set up the story, and I definitely don't want to rush anything with any of the relationships, so I don't know when exactly the romance is going to commence… but when it does, I promise you won't be disappointed (well I hope)!
rweasley500 – Wow, your comment made me so happy. I am glad you read this story too! Damn, though, you caught me out… ah well, it was never supposed to be a secret, I just hope people will accept it as being part of the story, and not think I am trying to project my weird conspiracy-Star Wars-evil thoughts into your brains... I just thought it would fit the situation. I am looking forward to hearing your feedback, thank you for reviewing!
theliznach – I feel the same way. Medieval, time turning and someone-getting-thrown-into-AU stories have always greatly appealed to me, and I am always on the lookout for new ones… I am so happy to hear that you like this story, and hope you will continue to enjoy it :)
MagikCat – Yay, you reviewed:) You can't believe how much I appreciate your support, it really does make writing this story much more enjoyable. Thank you!! And we'll see Hermione next chapter I promise.
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Chapter 4: Coming of Age
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"Happy birthday, Harry!" Ron and Hagrid shouted, waking Harry with a start. He grinned groggily, rubbing his eyes.
"Thanks," he smiled. "I didn't even hear you get up!"
"We were extra careful," Hagrid said, beaming. "Very special day after all, innit?"
"Yeah," Ron chipped in, "You are finally 17! About time, too."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Come on Ron, you are only a few months older than me!"
"Five actually, to be more precise," Ron said proudly. He actually knew this for a fact, Hagrid had told him that all he was able to say about himself when Hagrid had found him all those years ago was that his name was Ron-ull-something, which Hagrid decided to just shorten to Ron, that he had followed the butterflies and that his birthday was the 1st of March.
Harry snorted. "Yeah whatever, where is my present?" He said eagerly. Hagrid chuckled; Harry might be an adult now, but he really hadn't changed at all.
"Actually," Ron said, "We both have a present for you." He glanced nervously at Hagrid. "I'll… go first then." Harry noticed now that Ron had had his hands behind his back, and now put them out revealing…
"A sheath!" Harry exclaimed gleefully, taking the long brown leathery sheath from Ron and examining it. "It is amazing Ron, thank you so much! Wow, this must have taken you ages…"
"Well," said Ron, shuffling his feet, his ears beet red, "I got a lot of it done when I was sick, while you were out practising… and really, Hagrid helped me," he said, looking at his feet. "So, you uh, you really like it, then?"
"Come off it, I love it!" Harry exclaimed gleefully, pulling Ron into a hug. "It will be perfect once I get a sword of my own!"
Hagrid cleared his throat.
"Oh right," said Harry happily, "You said you had a present too." He was smiling broadly. Ron glanced at Hagrid, looking very expectant and proud for some reason.
"Alrigh', well", said Hagrid nervously. "I really would have… but I didn't know… Well alright Harry, here's the thing," he stammered, "Maybe I should have given yeh this earlier… but forgive an old man for wanting to protect you for as long as I could… an' also I figured this was probably when you would have really gotten this anyway," he finished. Harry was looking at him in confusion.
Hagrid reached under his bed and pulled out a long package, wrapped in a woollen blanket. "Happy birthday then, Harry. Use it well."
Harry slowly took the package, staring at Hagrid. Slowly he unwrapped it, and gaped at what he saw inside. He pulled out a magnificent sword, red rubies on the handle and a crest he wasn't familiar with engraved on the razor sharp blade. "Hagrid…" he exclaimed, unable to fully comprehend what he was seeing, "Where did you…?"
Hagrid looked down. "Well yeh see… when I found you all those many years ago… I never told you, but I… I also found this. Looked like it had been flung in between the trees, I almost didn't see it. It… it was your father's, Harry."
Harry looked down at the sword in astonishment. He had never owned anything of his parents', never had anything to remember them by, and now… "I… thank you, Hagrid," he said, tears in his eyes. Ron was looking at Harry, smiling sadly. "You don't know what this means to me."
"Yeh aren't angry then?" Hagrid asked worriedly.
"No! Hagrid no, I respect your decision to wait to give me this… I think you are right, my father… I would not have gotten it before now… anyway." He finished quietly.
"Well then!" Ron said, breaking the heavy silence, "It's your birthday, why don't we start on that amazing birthday breakfast you've prepared, Hagrid?"
The rest of the day was passed amiably, and they celebrated Harry's birthday as they usually did, eating Harry's favourite foods, talking and relaxing. Throughout the day Harry kept glancing over at his sword and his new sheath, which was propped up next to it against his bed, and thought that in spite of his past, Harry really was lucky to have grown up with such amazing people.
That night Harry lay awake for a long time, watching the sword reflecting the moonlight streaming through the window, thinking. He was of age now. Hagrid had said that he had waited until now to give Harry the sword, because he wanted Harry to wait at least until he was of age to use it. Hagrid knew, of course, that Harry must one day leave to find Riddle. Harry was happy that Hagrid seemed to have so readily accepted that fact when he had first told Harry of what had happened, though Hagrid had insisted Harry didn't just wander off into the forest right then and there, one little eleven-year-old boy against the world. But now, Harry thought, Hagrid must think he was ready. Was he? Harry sighed, glancing over at Ron who was snoring loudly. He and Ron had always talked about the day they would set out to fight Lord Riddle as though it was another fun adventure where they could just make it home in time for tea – Harry had never actually asked Ron to accompany him, and he didn't know what he would do if Ron declined.
Deciding that sleep was not approaching any time soon, Harry decided to step outside for a bit of fresh air. As he got out of bed he was surprised to see Hagrid's bed empty – now that he thought about it, he could not remember hearing Hagrid go to bed. He slowly opened the creaking door to the cabin, and sure enough Hagrid was sitting on the front step, looking up into the sky. He gave a start as he noticed Harry, but then he scooted a little to the left, just making enough space so that Harry could squeeze himself down onto the wide plank of wood.
"Couldn't sleep?" Harry asked quietly.
"I was just abou' to ask you the same question," Hagrid replied gruffly. "Well, I shoulda known, really. I imagine you have a lot to think about now, haven't you?"
"Hagrid," Harry said urgently, before he lost his nerve. "I just don't know if… if I can do it," he finished quietly, ashamed at what he was admitting. "I mean, I'm not… he killed my parents, and I want him to pay. But I am just one boy… man… and I don't know if I can do it… by myself."
"What are yeh talkin' abou', by yerself? Ron will come with you, you know that!"
Harry shrugged. "If you say so."
"Hey, Ron wants to avenge yer parents almos' at much as yerself, I'd wager, after hearin' what Riddle did to them!" Hagrid said. "Has his heart in the right place, jus' like you. And I'd come with yeh meself, too, but well, ever since Riddle came to power I'm… let's just say I didn't choose to live out here in the forest meself."
Harry clenched his fists. "I will change that, Hagrid. If not for myself, I will kill Riddle so that you can live freely again."
Hagrid smiled ruefully. "Yeh know, I've actually gotten to like it out here. Livin' in harmony with the animals an' all… It's not too bad. No don' worry about me Harry. Though you know, if you ever get married, I migh' want to consider moving a bit closer, so I can see my grandchildren and tell them all kind of stories about yeh," Hagrid said with a wink.
Harry looked at him in amazement. He and Ron had known Hagrid for as long as they could remember, he had cared for them like a parent… but he had always been careful not to pretend to be their father, respecting that they had, or had had, their own fathers. Harry surprised both of them by reaching over and hugging Hagrid tightly. "I'm going to miss you, Hagrid."
"Oh me too Harry," Hagrid mumbled, "But yeh have to do what you need ter. We both knew this day would come."
Hagrid and Harry were both startled as the door opened once more, and Ron stuck his head out. "Wassgoinon?" He mumbled sleepily.
"Wow Ron, you actually woke up by yourself!" Harry said in mock amazement, "Will the wonders never cease?!"
"Ha ha," Ron said bemusedly. "Seriously what is going on? You look like someone's died."
"Well, actually," Harry said taking a deep breath, "I am… going away. Soon I guess, now I've got a sword. You know, to fight Riddle like we talked about… I think I'm ready."
Ron looked at him for a moment. "Great," he said finally, "When are we leaving? Just that, you know, I'll need to pack up my things, and we'll need to bring plenty of food, and extra shoes, and…" he trailed off at Harry's expression. "Harry, you didn't honestly think I would change my mind? I already told you mate, I'd follow you to the end of the world, that's not even a question."
Hagrid laughed at the two. "Well Harry, guess that clears it up. But why don't we all go get some sleep now, we'll settle everythin' tomorrow."
And with that, they all went inside and once again got ready for bed. Ron fell asleep almost instantly, immediately filling the hut with his familiar snoring pattern. Harry lay awake for a bit, a lot more content than he had been before. He would not be alone on his quest. And he would fight not only for his dead parents, but to regain Hagrid's freedom to live wherever he wanted. Harry was ready.
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I really don't think the Harry/Ron friendship is explored enough in fanfiction, so that's what I tried to do here... Hope you enjoyed. Yay though, now the story can really begin! Review please, and I'll update quickly. :)
