AN: Second Half of your Christmas double-header!
Harry had few issues for the remainder of the week. His Wednesday classes had gone smoothly, with Professor Flitwick praising Harry for his quick mastery of Flipendo, as he had managed something very few first-year students had, he had managed to completely overwhelm the training dummy's self-righting charm and flipped the dummy on its head. That had awarded Harry twenty points for Ravenclaw, and applause from both the Gryffindors and the Ravenclaws. After that not even the back to back classes with Slytherins, Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions, could bring Harry down. He had ended up being so wired, that he couldn't even nap before his midnight Astronomy lesson, and mildly regretted that the next morning. Thankfully the class had still been on the Flipendo spell for their next Charms class that morning, and Harry could secretly rest while pretending to study ahead. Friday's double of Potions class in the morning had them brew Wiggenweld Potion, which was supposedly useful as an energizing potion. Harry managed to brew one that Snape considered "adequate'', Daphne Greengrass however said that his potion was great.
With their Friday afternoons free of classes, the dectet of friends once more found themselves in the Sphinx Club room, where Professor Flitwick had procured them a clock. "Oh! It's good to be free of classes for the week. I'm liking what we're learning, but this break is nice." Harry says, stretching out over one of the couches.
"Yeah, especially after your double potions this morning. Can't believe Snape didn't award points for your potion, it was at least as good as mine!" Daphne says, sitting with Tracey on one of the other couches.
"Snape seems to have it out for Harry and Neville in particular," Hannah says. "Neville got so nervous because Snape was hovering over him he over-stirred and lost his eyebrows when the cauldron exploded! Snape deducted seventeen points for it too, he's the only professor that doesn't do multiples of five."
"You might not like him guys, but it's Professor Snape." Hermione says from her position next to Padma, nose deep in 'A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration'.
"I know you're right Hermione but I hate it." Lavender says from her seat next to Parvati.
"I wonder what I did to make him mad anyway, the first day he laid down what were apparently some later-year questions about Potions to me. I still don't get that." Harry says, getting a few books out of his bag.
"Who knows?" Susan says, getting her own materials out. "Do you guys want to do a group study session for a bit? I know we're on break from classes, but I could use some help with that Herbology assignment Professor Sprout gave us."
"Oh, what's your assignment? I can help with Herbology." Neville says, pulling out 'One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi'.
"She's having us write about what uses there are for Spiky Bush, and how best to cultivate it." Susan says, flipping to the appropriate page in her copy.
"Oh! We have the same assignment, how about we all work on it together?" Neville says.
"That's a good idea. We can probably do that for all of our homework for this weekend if it's the same, or at least we could cover the same subjects at the same time." Padma says, retrieving her own copy of the book.
"Yeah! Sphinx Club Homework Hour!" Parvati says, causing everyone to look at her.
"Sphinx Club?" Hermione asks.
"Well yeah, we hang out in their room, and they don't exist anymore, why don't we just take their name?" Parvati explains.
"She's got a point." Harry says.
"Guess we're the Sphinx club then." Tracey adds.
The newly rebirthed Sphinx Club then spend the next few hours doing all of their homework for the weekend, with whoever feels as though they understood each lesson the best leading the discussion. Neville proves himself to be far and away the most knowledgeable about Herbology, having nearly worn the cover of his copy of 'One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi' to bits already. Harry took charge of this week's Charms class, as well as Defense Against the Dark Arts. Susan leads everyone through Transfiguration, having taken incredibly diligent notes alongside Hermione, but having a slightly firmer grasp on the practical aspects of it, having been the first to successfully transform a match into a needle. Parvati gave a rousing lecture on the formation of Magical Britain, and the beginnings of the Statute of Secrecy, even adding the tidbit that one of Harry's ancestors led the charge on the creation of the Statute. Hannah surprisingly knows a lot about Astronomy, and guides them through their assignments with excited ease. Daphne is of course, quite the potions mistress, and leads them through the process for creating a Cure for Boils potion, which was the subject of their homework for the weekend. After only three hours, all of them had their weekend's homework finished, and took to further study. Everyone was to choose a class that they considered their favorite and read ahead on it, with the expectation that on Monday, they would lead the group through what they had read ahead on, allowing all of them to move through their studies quickly.
Harry of course chose Defense Against the Dark Arts, as while he liked Charms he feels as though Defense was his stronger subject. Padma took Charms, which she said was always her favorite. Parvati unsurprisingly chose History and said that this was going to be good practice when she took over for Professor Binns. Susan and Hermione decided to tag-team Transfiguration, as each said that the other was better at it. Neville chose Herbology, stating similar reasons to Parvati. Daphne and Tracey take up Potions, and Hannah and Lavender decide to do Astronomy together. The groups split off for some reading and note taking, and before they could realize how late it was their clock let out a chime, signalling curfew was approaching.
"Okay! We'll meet up here after dinner on Monday. Assuming we get here before 7, we'll have 3 hours to go over everything. Do that twice a week on Monday and Friday and we should be able to power through all of our school work!" Harry says, feeling a surge of determination, and his energy is matched by the room.
"Woo! Sphinx Club!" Parvati says again, throwing her fists into the air.
The Sphinx Club separated into their four respective houses, and began to make their way to their common rooms. "I'm really glad you had the idea to do this Harry, it's nice having so many friends." Hermione says, flushing slightly red at the statement.
"It was actually Hannah's idea. I think I just gave her the inspiration." Harry says, pondering the events that led to this point.
"Whoever had the idea, it's great! When Parv and I were sorted into different houses, I was worried we wouldn't get to be close anymore. She always preferred boys and fashion to my books and stuff, but we still did everything together. She'd read with me and I'd do 'fashion shows' for her. Since we look the same she always used me as a model for any clothes she wanted to wear, so she could see how they would look on her." Padma says.
"That does sound pretty convenient." Harry says, "Although I imagine just about everything looks good on you."
Padma flushes at that, "It was pretty handy, and since Parv has such a good eye for fashion, I got to benefit from it too."
"I was never into boys or clothes really. I just liked my books." Hermione says. "Have you ever read any of Jane Austen's work Padma?"
"Oh yes actually. Mother said it was 'required reading for any girl going to Britain', I read both 'Emma' and 'Pride and Prejudice' they were pretty weird for me though since they were so unlike books from home. Parvati really enjoyed 'Pride and Prejudice' though. She was swooning over Mr. Darcy for months." Padma answers.
Harry doesn't really understand what they are talking about, but Hermione and Padma seemed to be getting along well. So that was good enough for him. As they make it to the stairs, the trio see the large man known as Rubeus Hagrid, who walks up to them.
"Howdy Harry, Yer fers' week treetin' ya well?" Hagrid asks, his tone friendly.
"Yeah, it's been great actually. I made some friends on the train and in class. We've become the new Sphinx Club." Harry answers, pleased at getting to speak with Hagrid again. The giant of a man was just so earnest and friendly it was hard not to like him.
"Well thas great," Hagrid says, "Hows 'bout ya three come down t' mah hut t'morrow fer tea? I'll let you meet ma dog Fang."
"I'd love to come, Hagrid." Harry says, the two girls next to him nod as well. "What time do you want us to come down?"
"Reckon 'bout three then. Fang'll be happy he loves people. Why doncha bring Hedwig along with ya? She was such a pretty bird." Hagrid says.
"Will do, see you tomorrow Hagrid, we've got to get back to the common room before curfew." Harry says, waving goodbye to the man.
"H've a good nigh' you three. Don' stay up too late!" Hagrid says, waving them off.
Entering the common room, the trio find themselves a secluded couch off to the side and take a seat.
"Hagrid's friendly isn't he?" Padma says.
"Yeah, he's the one who told me I was a wizard. Guess he just wants to check on me. Says he knew me when I was a baby." Harry says.
"Ooh! Little baby Harry in Hagrid's big hands! I bet you could wrestle his fingers." Padma coos. Harry flushes and Hermione laughs at his misfortune.
"After we go to Hagrid's tomorrow, do you mind if I borrow Hedwig Harry? I want to send another letter to my parents." Hermione asks.
"Of course Hermione, just let me know anytime you need to use her. Sorry we haven't really found any wizards who live close to your parents though." Harry says.
"Oh it's fine. They'll just have to deal with replying to my letters when they come." Hermione says.
"Well, we've got a bit of time before we have to go to bed, how about we work on our subjects a bit for Monday? I've got an idea for my DADA lecture, but I do still need to research it." Harry suggests. The pair of girls agree and all three pull out their materials. A comfortable silence falls over them as they simply work and enjoy each other's company. As the night drags on though a series of yawns sweep through the trio, and they gather their notes and say their goodnights to each other, before heading to their respective rooms.
The September air was refreshing to the trio as they walked from Hogwarts castle to Hagrid's hut at the edge of the forest, Hedwig circling over their heads. Hagrid's house nestled itself near the edge of the large clearing that held Hogwarts's grounds, the Black Lake, and the fields near the Quidditch pitch. A decent sized garden could be seen in front of the hut that grew pumpkins that were as large as Harry was. The trio make their way up to the door and knock, Hedwig taking the opportunity to land on Harry's shoulder.
"Come on in you three! Door's unlocked." The voice of Hagrid says, and Harry obliges, opening the door.
Hagrid's shack was very obviously lived in. The walls of the building were lined with shelves and photos to the point that it appeared there was no space left. A small kitchen could be seen from the entrance, and next to it was a rough approximation of a sitting room, in that there was a table and a few places to sit. The giant form of Hagrid stood in the kitchen in front of what appeared to be a brick oven, and standing near him was a very large black dog with a droopy face.
"Welcome Harry, H'rmione… Padma? Did I get that right? Sorry if I didn't, I'm still workin' on it." Hagrid says, turning around to wave hello. On his hands were giant gloves made of a light brown leather, and in one hand he held a baking tray that appeared to have some type of scone.
"Yes I'm Padma, it's okay Hagrid. Thanks for inviting me!" Padma says, doing a small curtsy.
"Oh good. An' you all are welcome t' come on by whenever. Always like c'mp'ny. This here's Fang, he might look scary but he's a big softy." Hagrid says, moving into the 'sitting room' with the scones. Fang follows dutifully behind.
"Oh! He's cute! Look at the big boy!" Padma says, her voice raising as she attempts to smush the dog's face. He seems to enjoy the attention greatly.
"Well lookeh' ther' Fang. Ye made a fren'." Hagrid says, sitting down on the large couch, placing the tray of scones on the table. "Fresh from the oven them, I'd wait a minute or two befur' gettin' one."
"Thanks for the warning." Hermione says, looking sheepish. She's quite obviously a little intimidated by the large man.
"So Hagrid, I feel weird asking but what do you do here at Hogwarts?" Harry asks.
"Oh! No worries. I'm the Keeper o' the Keys. Although mostly I'm the groundskeeper. I make sure that the things in the Forbidden Forest stay there, and handle odd jobs that need doing." Hagrid says.
"What's in the Forbidden Forest anyway? What makes it forbidden?" Hermione asks.
"Oh, well there's an Acromantula colony, they're these big ol' spoiders. They're the primary reason you aren't allowed in there. There's a colony o' centaurs, Ministry calls em' dangerous, but they're a good lot. A few Unicorns, and some other critters roaming about. Sometimes Professor Kettleburn has me grab something from there to show off in a class, like a Niffler, or a Kneazle." Hagrid says.
"What are those? They're no animals I've ever heard of." Harry asks.
"Oh, a Niffler is kind of like a mole with a long nose. They love shiny thing and hoard them in their stomach pouch. They're okay as pets if you train them well. Kneazles are like very intelligent cats, but they're also much bigger. A kneazle is as big to me as a normal cat is to you. If they take a likin' to ya though, they're great pets. Good judges of character too." Hagrid says, giving a hearty chuckle.
"They seem neat, we don't have Professor Kettleburn though, what does he teach?" Hermione asks.
"Care of Magical Creatures, that's where you'll learn about any creature that you could work toward domesticating or at least taming. Don't mean that what you find isn't dangerous though. Unicorns are friendly enough for example, and are usually covered in yer third or fourth year, but if you make one mad, or don't treat it right it'll gore ya righ' through." Hagrid says. "If ya take the class, and I hope ya will, be sure ta listen ta Professor Kettleburn, or whoever has the post then. He's thinkin' 'bout retiring anyway."
"Would you want to be the Care of Magical Creatures Professor Hagrid?" Harry asks.
"Boy would I. I'd love t' get to show off all sorts a' critters. Probably wouldn't be allowed t' though. I didn't get to graduate Hogwarts, durin' my third year there was sum'n nasty making it's way through the castle. It killed a poor girl, an' they thought it was one o' me pets. So they took away me wand an' expelled me. Dumbledore believed me when I said it weren' me though, so he told the old Headmaster Dippett to let me work as teh groundskeeper. Been here ever since."
"Awh, I'm so sorry to hear that Hagrid." Padma says, looking at the friendly giant from her place on the floor next to Fang.
"Nothin' ta worry about. I love what I do here, wouldn't trade it for all the gold in Gringotts." Hagrid says, getting one of his scones. "They're cooled down enough now, dig in."
"Okay Hagrid, but I thought we were having tea?" Harry asks, reaching for one of the scone.
"Hornswaggle, knew I forgot something. Sorry kiddos, but it's probably going to be strong, it's been steeping for a while." Hagrid says, getting up and making his way to the kitchen, pouring the very dark tea into an oversized teapot. Bringing over the tea, and some coffee mugs the group sat down to enjoy each other's company.
As the trio get up to head back to their common room for some studying, Hagrid speaks up. "Oh, nearly forgot Harry, I made ya somethin' the other day, here ya go." Hagrid hands Harry a handmade flute carved of some unknown material. "It's made of Peryton antler. Was surprised to find one in the forest, they don't nest around here. Had to put it down after it tried to attack the Thestrals, can' be havin' tha'." Hagrid says.
"Oh! Thanks, Hagrid it's really nice looking." Harry says genuinely. The flute was a purple-ish black color with flakes of blue scattered underneath the surface that shone in the light occasionally. "What's a peryton though? Or a thestral?"
"Oh, sorry, not used to people not knowing. Perytons are a kind of mix between a raven and a deer, although they're the size of an elk and have huge fangs, they're nasty buggers, but they taste really good. Thestrals are kinda like horses with giant bat-like wings, and you can only see them if you've seen death, they pull the carriages at Hogwarts. I'm the only person in all of Britain who trains thestrals. I even got me a special medal from the ICW for 'Efforts in species conservation'." Hagrid says, a proud look on his face.
"Oh that's very cool Hagrid!" Padma says, in absolute awe of the giant man.
"Oh don't be thinkin' anything of it. I just like em. People think they're scary when they're just gentle creatures. Guess I see myself in 'em." Hagrid says. "Now, you lot need to get back to the castle before it gets too late. Wouldn't want to have to give you detention and make ya clean out the Thestral stables!" Hagrid laughs and waves the trio off, Hedwig flying overhead.
The trip back to the Ravenclaw common room proves to be uneventful and after a quick riddle the group finds themselves in the common room. Hermione runs to her room and quickly writes her letter to her parents while Harry and Padma get started on their readings. Hermione comes down, having sent her letter with Hedwig and reforms their trio, sitting on Harry's side opposite Padma.
Harry, reading over his Defense textbook section on gnomes, briefly thinks back to his flute and wonders if he could learn how to play it. That would almost certainly make Hagrid very happy, and Harry decides it's a good idea, he'll just need some place to practice a bit. Maybe Professor Flitwick knows some kind of silencing spell so he doesn't bother his roommates?
Harry refocuses himself back on his Defense studies, telling himself that he'll ask Professor Flitwick on Monday. This weekend was focused on learning their next defense lesson well enough to teach it himself.
AN: Sorry if Hagrid's speech is hard to read, his accent is something strange to write. See you all on New Years Eve for Chapter 7!