A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 527: Hagrid's Experience

Felix stood at the castle gates, the sky almost entirely dark. From this vantage point, one could see the lights on in Hagrid's hut. Footsteps and chatter approached from behind.

"I should've guessed earlier," Harry said. "Neville mentioned his parents returned a week ago, took him to Diagon Alley for school supplies... I mean, if they were going to the same place as Hagrid, there's no reason for him to be this slow."

"Because they're on different missions," Sirius explained as they appeared at the castle gates. "The Longbottoms repelled Death Eaters who were rushing to support, just a tit-for-tat, and once it was over, they returned. But Hagrid... Hey, Felix." He waved.

Felix nodded at Sirius, unsurprised by the arrival of Harry and the others. "Considering your relationship with Hagrid... a meeting now is better; otherwise, it might be months until the next."

"What's wrong with Hagrid?" Harry asked urgently.

"He'll be spending most of his time in the Forbidden Forest. Today's an exception. He needs to tend to his injuries," Felix replied briefly. "Let's go; the sooner, the better."

The five of them descended the marble steps. Harry was filled with questions. Ron nudged him, "Look there." Following Ron's gaze, Harry spotted the dim light in Hagrid's hut, lifting his spirits.

As they crossed the open grounds to reach Hagrid's hut, yapping echoed.

Sirius called from the doorway, "Hagrid, we're here!"

The hut rumbled with commotion. After a while, the door opened. Hagrid stepped out, shocking everyone. His face was dirty, his head misshapen, as if beaten into a pulp: his left eye swollen shut, blood caked around it, and his nose bleeding, making it hard to discern its proper position. Exposed skin—hands and face—were bruised and cut.

Hagrid gingerly closed the door with his inconveniently injured hand, casting doubt on its condition.

"Are you... are you okay, Hagrid?" Hermione asked softly.

Struggling to open his eyes, Hagrid seemed to recognize Hermione's form. He grinned lopsidedly, "Ah, good to see yeh all. Wasn't plannin' on showin' up for a while... but can't exactly hide in this state and be seen, can I?" He gestured at his face, attempting a smile but disturbing the wounds.

"Dumbledore told me, and I didn't quite believe it," Felix surveyed Hagrid, "but it seems true... How did the expedition to the giants with Olym go?"

"Vanished?!" gasped Ron.

"We searched for her. No success. It was the height of chaos. Had to retreat..." Hagrid's voice trailed off.

"Have you reported this to Dumbledore?" Sirius inquired, concern knitting his brow.

"No," Hagrid admitted, avoiding eye contact. "Thought I'd give it a try myself. But... well, it's been tough. I ain't a tracker, am I?" His voice wavered.

Felix exchanged a glance with Sirius, a silent understanding passing between them.

"We'll help you search, Hagrid. Together," Harry declared firmly.

"Thanks, Harry... But yeh got school," Hagrid protested.

"We can manage," Hermione interjected.

"Yeh sure?"

"Yes, Hagrid," assured Hermione.

"Alright then. Thank yeh." Hagrid nodded gratefully.

The group walked in silence, Hagrid leading the way. The Forbidden Forest exuded a haunting ambiance. Yet, their determination to find Madame Maxime burned brighter than ever.

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