It was just after noon when Hagrid heard a swift knock at the door of his hut. Fang immediately began howling.
"Pipe down ye ruddy mutt!" Hagrid yelled as he made his way over to the door, Fang at his heels eager to see their guest. Hagrid blocked the dog with his leg and opened the door to see a very disgruntled looking Minerva McGonagall. It wasn't uncommon for her to visit him at his home as they had worked together and been friends for many years. She would occasionally stop by for tea and a chat, though Hagrid had noticed that over the past year or so her visits to his hut had become more frequent, and their chats had grown longer. But today, he noticed, she looked rather upset.
"Oh hello Minerva, are ye alright?" He asked as soon as he saw her.
"Oh Rubeus!" She said, worriedly moving past him and into his hut before he had even had the chance to invite her in. Of course it didn't bother Hagrid any. As far as he was concerned, she was always welcome in his home."School starts in just a couple days and we still have yet to receive a response from Harry Potter. I have sent letter after letter. It seems the muggles are moving all over the place. I told Albus those muggles were the worst sort to leave the boy with!"
He frowned when he heard this. "You think they're trying to keep him from going to Hogwarts?" He asked.
"Yes, and that's why I need to ask you a favor, Rubeus. It's quite a lot to ask, though, and I apologize for the short notice but I simply can't let those muggles keep that boy from going to Hogwarts and..." She rambled.
"Minerva." He stopped her. She closed her mouth and looked at him. "You don't have to apologize fer askin' a favor. Ye know I'd do anything fer ya." He said warmly.
Minerva smiled back at him. "Well I know if I send another letter they will just relocate again so I wanted to ask if you might be willing to bring Harry his letter in person and help him gather his school supplies? But as I said, I know it's a lot to ask…"
"O'course I will! I'd be happy to!" He said and relief washed over her features.
"Oh thank you, Rubeus! You don't know how much that means to me!" She said excitedly and ran over to him. She put her hands on his cheeks and pulled his face down to hers, planting his lips against hers.
Hagrid was shocked but tried to quickly recover and retaliate, placing his hands on her small waist and gently pulling her closer to him as he kissed her back.
Minerva pulled away after a couple seconds and looked up at him, seemingly surprised at her own actions. He released her waist and she stepped back slightly, a dark blush spreading over her cheeks.
They both just stood there looking at one another for a moment before Hagrid cleared his throat, then said, "I was gonna say there's no need to thank me but if that's 'ow yer gonna thank me then I need to do favors fer ye more often." He said with a smile.
Minerva couldn't help but laugh, secretly relieved that he didn't mind her lapse in judgement. In fact he seemed to rather enjoy it. She placed her hand on his arm and spoke again. "I really do appreciate it, Rubeus."
He placed his large hand over hers and said, "Like I said. I'd do anything fer ya."
They both looked at each other for a heavy moment before Minerva pulled back. "Unfortunately I need to be getting back to the Castle, there is still much to do before the students arrive." She said as she made her way over to the door. Hagrid followed behind her and opened the door for her.
She turned back around to face him again before she walked out the door. "You will come by and see me once you get back won't you? I will want to know that everything worked out alright." She asked.
"Sure, I will come find you soon as I get back. No need to worry." He said and she smiled at him once more before turning and walking out the door.
"Oh and Minerva!" He called after her just as she was walking down the front steps.
She turned and looked at him questioningly.
"You think when I get back I could have another one of those 'Thank you's?" He asked hopefully.
Minerva laughed at his flirtiness but nodded. "You get Harry here safe and there will definitely be another 'Thank you' waiting here for you when you get back." She winked, then turned on her heel and continued walking back up towards the castle.
Minerva didn't look back as she walked up the hill but she heard him chuckle before going back inside, the heavy door closing behind him. She finally had a chance to gather her thoughts. She had no idea what came over her just now, it was like she didn't even think, she just felt like kissing him and then did. But she was certainly not disappointed, the way his large hands felt pulling her closer as he kissed her back sent a shiver down her spine. She had become increasingly close with Hagrid as of late and had acknowledged that she was starting to feel something for him. After she lost Elphinstone it felt for so long like she would never be able to love again, but through all the pain Hagrid had been there for her, a friend and a shoulder to cry on, and over time she had started to see him differently and wanted to spend more time with him. He was always so sweet and respectful and kind, while at the same time being so big and strong and powerful. She felt her cheeks heating up just thinking about it.
As unexpected as her own actions may have been, she did not regret them, and it seemed that he didn't either. She was excited to see where this may go.
Hagrid chuckled and watched her walk up the hill, his eyes drawn to the sway of her hips before walking back inside his hut and closing the door behind him. Fang looked at him from his spot lounging on Hagrids large cushioned chair and Hagrid looked back at the dog with a big overjoyed smile on his face.
"Did you see that, boy?" He said as he patted Fang on the head. "Bloody hell, I can't wait to see her when I get back from helping Harry….Speaking of which, I think t'morrow is young Harry's birthday if 'm not mistaken!" Hagrid said half talking to Fang, and half talking to himself.
He began gathering up baking supplies then, "Think I'll bake him a cake then! I'm sure he'll like that!"