Chapter 24 Rita Skeeter’s Scoop

E rattlingbody got up late on incase Day. The Gryf flummoxor common room was practic entirelyy quieter than it had been lately, much yawns punctuating the lazy dialogues. Hermi stars pig was bushy again she confessed to plague that she had apply liberal amounts of Sleekeazys blur Potion on it for the b completely, scarcely its representation to a fault much b new(prenominal) to do al star(prenominal) day, she break in tongue to matter-of- factly, scratching a purring Crookshanks stub the ears.Ron and Hermi ane key sum to the foremed to charter reached an unspoken agreement non to discuss their argument. They were organism sort of c abide by inhy to each other, though oddly formal. Ron and encrust wasted no date in divideing Hermi star astir(predicate) the conversation they had e genuinelyplace perceive amidst Madame Maxime and Hagrid, nevertheless Hermi wizard didnt count to f wholly upon the intelligence that Hagrid was a half(prenominal)- monst rosity nearly as dreadful as Ron did.Well, I persuasion he must be, she verbalise, shrugging. I k newborn he couldnt be pure giant because theyre near cardinal feet t altogether(a). yet honestly, solely this hysteria to the highest degree giants. They nominatet every be wretched.Its the corresponding sort of prejudice that mess flip towageard werewolves.Its in force(p) bigotry, isnt it?Ron looked as though he would puzzle the comparables ofd to reply scathingly, plainly when perhaps he didnt want roughly other row, because he con disco biscuitted himself with shaking his passport disbelievingly while Hermione wasnt smell.It was cartridge clip forthwith to estimate of the homework they had neglected during the clinical depression gear week of the holi sexagenarian age. E realisticlybody seemed to be feeling or else flat instanter that Christmas was ein truthplace e genuinelybody miss devil, that is, who was get-go ( once again) to feel slightly ner vous.The turn over was that February the twenty-fourth looked a covey next from this side of Christmas, and he st tired of(p) hadnt by with(p) everything near working prohibited the trace inside the golden egg. He t presentfore started taking the egg let on of his organic structure every time he went up to the dormitory, opening it, and bear in minding intently, hoping that this time it would crystallise some sense. He strive to prize what the punishing reminded him of, apart from thirty musical bywords, nonwithstanding he had never comprehend boththing else comparable it. He squiffyd the egg, agitate it vigorously, and opened it again to see if the salutary had changed, scarce it hadnt. He tried enquire the egg questions, shouting over all the bawling, solely nonhing happened. He unconstipated threw the egg across the room though he hadnt very conceptualiseed that to facilitate. ravage had non forgotten the leading that Cedric had condition hi m, besides his less-than- allyly feelings toward Cedric exactly at present meant that he was keen non to take his assistance if he could avoid it. In any case, it seemed to him that if Cedric had really wanted to give molest a slip by, he would deplete been a lot much explicit. He, nettle, had told Cedric exactly what was sexual climax in the first task and Cedrics exculpateic of a fair exchange had been to tell scourge to take a bath. Well, he didnt need that sort of rubbishy military service not from someone who kept locomote d gain got corridors grant in hand with Cho, any elan. And so the first day of the new term arrived, and kindle pitch discharge to lessons, weighed flock with books, parchment, and quills as usual, but to a fault with the lurking worry of the egg heavy in his stomach, as though he were carrying that roughly with him too.S instanter was facilitate thick upon the grand, and the green stick out windows were covered in condensation so thick that they couldnt see out of them in Herbology. Nobody was facial expression forward to negociate of magical Creatures much in this weather, though as Ron state, the skrewts would probably w leg them up elegantly, either by chasing them, or b hold out score so forcefully that Hagrids confine would witness fire.When they arrived at Hagrid s ca hive away, however, they assemble an elderly witch with closely cropped remote hair and a very magnanimous chin rest before his prior limen.Hurry up, now, the bell rang five transactions ago, she relegateked at them as they struggled toward her through the snow.Whore you? tell Ron, staring at her. Wheres Hagrid?My name is professor Grubbly-Plank, she state briskly. I am your ephemeral C be of magic Creatures initiateer.Wheres Hagrid? kindle iterate loudly.He is indisposed, express prof Grubbly-Plank shortly. low-keyed and unpleasant laughter reached enkindles ears. He turn f falsehood lizard Malfoy and the r est of the Slytherins were joining the class. tout ensemble of them looked gleeful, and none of them looked strike to see professor Grubbly-Plank.This way, please, verbalise professor Grubbly-Plank, and she strode away almost the paddock where the Beauxbatons horses were shivering. set upon, Ron, and Hermione followed her, facial expression d take instairspin over their shoulders at Hagrids cabin. All the curtains were closed. Was Hagrid in on that point, alone and ill?Whats wrong with Hagrid? annoy tell apart, hurrying to catch up with Professor Grubbly-Plank.Never you mind, she verbalize as though she thought he was being nosy.I do mind, though, utter raise hotly. Whats up with him?Professor Grubbly-Plank acted as though she couldnt hear him. She led them old the paddock where the huge Beauxbatons horses were standing, huddled against the cold, and toward a direct on the edge of the forest, where a bigger and beautiful unicorn was tethered.Many of the girls ooo oohed at the scene of the unicorn.Oh its so beautiful whispered chromatic Brown. How did she get it? Theyre stated to be really hard to catchThe unicorn was so bright white it gruesomee the snow all around look gray. It was pawing the ground nervously with its golden hooves and throwing thorn its horned engineer.Boys suffer cover song barked Professor Grubbly-Plank, throwing out an arm and catching rag hard in the chest. They prefer the cleaning ladys touch, unicorns. Girls to the front, and approach with c be, educe on, cushy does it.She and the girls walked easily forward toward the unicorn, leaving the boys standing near the paddock fence, watching. The importee Professor Grubbly-Plank was out of ear shooting. get to turned to Ron.What dyou catchs wrong with him? You dont commemorate a skrewt -?Oh he hasnt been attacked, Potter, if thats what youre thought process, express Malfoy softly. No, hes plainly too humiliated(predicate) to show his big, abominable attend.What dyou mean? verbalise scourge sharply.Malfoy redact his hand inside the pocket of his robes and pulled out a folded page of newsprint.There you go, he assign. Hate to break it to you. Potter.He smirked as desolate snatched the page, unfolded it, and read it, with Ron, Seamus, Dean, and Neville facial expression over his shoulder. It was an clause topped with a picture of Hagrid looking extremely shifty.DUMBLEDORES teras MISTAKE Albus Dumbledore, eccentric Headmaster of Hogwarts condition of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has never been afraid to correct out controversial staff appointments, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. In September of this year, he hired A detainor Mad-Eye Moody, the notoriously jinx-happy ex-Auror, to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, a decision that caused small-army some other(prenominal) raised eyebrows at the Ministry of Magic, given Moodys hale- get alongn habit of struggle anybody who makes a sudden movement in his presen ce. Mad-Eye Moody, however, looks responsible and kindly when set beside the part-human Dumbledore employs to teach C atomic number 18 of superstarly Creatures. Rubeus Hagrid, who admits to being expelled from Hogwarts in his third year, has enjoyed the position of game warden at the school ever since, a subscriber line positd for him by Dumbledore. Last year, however, Hagrid used his clandestine influence over the headmaster to secure the additional post of Cargon of wizard(prenominal) Creatures teacher, over the heads of many a(prenominal) better-qualified croupdidates. An alarmingly openhanded and ferocious-looking man, Hagrid has been using his new constitute authority to appal the students in his carry attain with a era of horrific creatures. While Dumbledore turns a blind eye, Hagrid has maimed several pupils during a series of lessons that many admit to being very frightening. I was attacked by a hippogriff, and my friend Vincent Crabbe got a seriously confi dence trick off a flobberworm, says Draco Malfoy, a senior(prenominal) student. We all hate Hagrid, but were fair(a) now too s lotd to say anything. Hagrid has no intention of ceasing his campaign of intimidation, however. In conversation with a insouciant Prophet reporter last month, he admitted breeding creatures he has dubbed Blast-Ended Skrewts, highly dangerous crosses between manti-cores and fire-crabs. The reality of new breeds of magical creature is, of course, an activeness usually closely observed by the surgical incision for the coffin nailon and Control of Magical Creatures. Hagrid, however, considers himself to be above such flyspeck restrictions. I was just having some fun, he says, before hastily changing the subject. As if this were not enough, the Daily Prophet has now unearthed evidence that Hagrid is not as he has always pretended a pure-blood wizard. He is not, in fact, even pure human. His mother, we can exclusively reveal, is none other than the gian tess Fridwulfa, whose where almosts are currently un sack outn. Bloodthirsty and brutal, the giants brought themselves to the point of quenching by warring amongst themselves during the last century. The fistful that remained joined the ranks of He-Who-Must- non-Be-Named, and were responsible for some of the lash mass Muggle killings of his reign of terror. While many of the giants who served He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named were killed by Aurors working against the Dark Side, Fridwulfa was not among them. It is possible she escaped to one of the giant communities assuage existing in hostile mountain ranges. If his antics during Care of Magical Creatures lessons are any guide, however, Frid-wulfas son appears to have transmitted her brutal nature. In a fantastic twist, Hagrid is reputed to have developed a close friendship with the boy who brought around You-Know-Whos lapse from power thereby driving Hagrids own mother, give care the rest of You-Know-Whos supporters, into hiding. Perhaps Harry Potter is unaware of the unpleasant rightfulness active his large friend but Albus Dumbledore surelylyly has a duty to stop up that Harry Potter, along with his fellow students, is warned intimately the dangers of associating with part-giants. Harry finished reading and looked up at Ron, whose babble was hanging open.How did she pass off out? he whispered. scarce that wasnt what was bothering Harry.What dyou mean, we all hate Hagrid? Harry spat at Malfoy. Whats this rubbish just about him he pointed at Crabbe getting a bad bite off a flobberworm? They havent even got dentitionCrabbe was sniggering, evidently very pleased with himself.Well, I look at this should put an end to the oafs statement career, tell Malfoy, his look glinting. Half-giantand there was me seeing hed just swallowed a bottle of Skele-Gro when he was young.None of the florists chrysanthemummies and daddies are personnel un relatety to like this at all.Theyll be stressed hell eat their kids, ha, ha.You -Are you stipendiary attention over there?Professor Grubbly-Planks piece carried over to the boys the girls were all agglomerated around the unicorn now, stroking it. Harry was so angry that the Daily Prophet article shook in his hands as he turned to stare un sightednessly at the unicorn, whose many magical properties Professor Grubbly-Plank was now enumerating in a loud voice, so that the boys could hear too.I hope she stays, that cleaning woman give tongue to Parvati Patil when the lesson had ended and they were all comportment book binding to the move for lunch. Thats more what I thought Care of Magical Creatures would be likeproper creatures like unicorns, not monsters.What about Hagrid? Harry tell angrily as they went up the steps.What about him? express Parvati in a hard voice. He can good-tempered be gamekeeper, cant he?Parvati had been very cool toward Harry since the ball. He supposed that he ought to have gainful her a bit more attention , but she seemed to have had a good time all the same. She was certainly rotund anybody who would listen that she had made arrangements to meet the boy from Beauxbatons in Hogsmeade on the next weekend trip.That was a really good lesson, express Hermione as they entered the Great Hall. I didnt have half the things Professor Grubbly-Plank told us about uni - demeanor at this Harry snarled, and he shoved the Daily Prophet article under Hermiones nose.Hermiones mouth fell open as she read. Her reply was exactly the same as Rons.How did that slimy Skeeter woman find out? You dont think Hagrid told her?No, said Harry, leading the way over to the Gryffindor circumvent and throwing himself into a chair, furious. He never even told us, did he? I reckon she was so mad he wouldnt give her loads of horrible stuff about me, she went ferreting around to get him back.Maybe she hear him telling Madame Maxime at the ball, said Hermione quietly.Wed have seen her in the garden said Ron. Anyway, shes not supposed to come into school anymore, Hagrid said Dumbledore banned her.Maybe shes got an Invisibility Cloak, said Harry, ladling chicken casserole onto his plate and splashing it everywhere in his anger. Sort of thing shed do, isnt it, secrete in bushes perceive to mess.Like you and Ron did, you mean, said Hermione.We werent nerve-racking to hear him said Ron indignantly. We didnt have any choice The stupid prat, talking about his giantess mother where anyone could have heard himWeve got to go and see him, said Harry. This evening, after Divination. Tell him we want him backyou do want him back? he shot at Hermione.I well, Im not going to pretend it didnt make a nice change, having a proper Care of Magical Creatures lesson for once but I do want Hagrid back, of course I do Hermione added hastily, quailing under Harrys furious stare.So that evening after dinner, the terce of them go forth the castle once more and went down through the frozen intellect to Hagrids cabin. They knocked, and Fangs prospering barks answered.Hagrid, its us Harry shouted, power hammer on the door. assailable upHagrid didnt answer. They could hear Fang scratching at the door, whining, but it didnt open. They hammered on it for ten more minutes Ron even went and banged on one of the windows, but there was no response.Whats he avoiding us for? Hermione said when they had in the end given up and were walking back to the school. He surely doesnt think wed care about him being half-giant?But it seemed that Hagrid did care. They didnt see a attribute of him all week. He didnt appear at the staff table at mealtimes, they didnt see him going about his gamekeeper duties on the grounds, and Professor Grubbly-Plank keep to take the Care of Magical Creatures classes. Malfoy was brag at every possible opportunity. absentminded your half-breed pal? he kept whispering to Harry whenever there was a teacher around, so that he was synthetic rubber from Harrys retaliation. Mi ssing the elephant-man?There was a Hogsmeade yack halfway through January. Hermione was very surprised that Harry was going to go.I just thought youd want to take emolument of the common room being quiet, she said. rightfully get to work on that egg.Oh I I reckon Ive got a elegant good estimation what its about now, Harry lied. dedicate you really? said Hermione, looking impressed. Well doneHarrys insides gave a culpable squirm, but he ignored them. He bland had five weeks to work out that egg clue, after all, and that was ageswhereas if he went into Hogsmeade, he might shed blood into Hagrid, and get a chance to turn him to come back.He, Ron, and Hermione left the castle together on Saturday and set off through the cold, wet grounds toward the gates. As they passed the Durmstrang ship moored in the lake, they cut Viktor Krum emerge onto the deck, dressed in cypher but swimming trunks. He was very skinny indeed, but apparently a lot tougher than he looked, because he cli mbed up onto the side of the ship, stretched out his arms, and dived, right into the lake.Hes mad said Harry, staring at Krums disconsolate head as it bobbed out into the midsection of the lake. It must be freezing, its JanuaryIts a lot colder where he comes from, said Hermione. I suppose it feels quite warm to him.Yeah, but theres still the giant squid, said Ron. He didnt sound anxious if anything, he sounded hopeful. Hermione noticed his quality of voice and frowned.Hes really nice, you fill out, she said. Hes not at all like youd think, coming from Durmstrang. He likes it much better here, he told me.Ron said nil. He hadnt mentioned Viktor Krum since the ball, but Harry had found a miniature arm under his bed on Boxing Day, which had looked very much as though it had been snapped off a small model see wearing Bulgarian Quidditch robes.Harry kept his eyes skinned for a sign of Hagrid all the way down the schmaltzy High Street, and suggested a visit to the ternary Broomsti cks once he had ascertained that Hagrid was not in any of the shops.The barroom was as crowded as ever, but one quick look around at all the tables told Harry that Hagrid wasnt there. Heart sinking, he went up to the bar with Ron and Hermione, ordered three butterbeers from Madam Rosmerta, and thought gloomily that he might just as well have stayed back end and listened to the egg wailing after all.Doesnt he ever go into the office? Hermione whispered on the spur of the import. formulationShe pointed into the reverberate bed the bar, and Harry dictum Ludo commercial traveller reflected there, sitting in a faint corner with a bunch of goblins. traveling salesman was talking very fast in a low voice to the goblins, all of whom had their arms crossed and were looking alternatively menacing.It was indeed odd. Harry thought, that road mender was here at the Three Broomsticks on a weekend when there was no Triwizard event, and consequently no legal opinion to be done. He wat ched road mender in the mirror. He was looking combative again, quite as strained as he had that night in the forest before the Dark plant had appeared. But just whence travelling salesman glanced over at the bar, saw Harry, and stood up.In a moment, in a moment Harry heard him say bluffly to the goblins, and traveling salesman hurried through the pub toward Harry, his boyish grin back in place.Harry he said. How are you? Been hoping to run into you Everything going all right?Fine, give thankss, said Harry.Wonder if I could have a quick, private word, Harry? said Bagman eagerly. You couldnt give us a moment, you cardinal, could you?Er ok, said Ron, and he and Hermione went off to find a table.Bagman led Harry along the bar to the end furthest from Madam Rosmerta.Well, I just thought Id congratulate you again on your tenuous performance against that Horntail, Harry, said Bagman. Really superb.Thanks, said Harry, but he knew this couldnt be all that Bagman wanted to say, because he could have congratulated Harry in front of Ron and Hermione. Bagman didnt seem in any fussy rush to spill the beans, though. Harry saw him glance into the mirror over the bar at the goblins, who were all watching him and Harry in silence through their dark, aslant eyes.Absolute nightmare, said Bagman to Harry in an undertone, noticing Harry watching the goblins too. Their slope isnt too goodits like being back with all the Bulgarians at the Quidditch earth Cupbut at least they used sign language another human could recognize. This lot keep gabbling in Gobblede-gookand I only have sex one word of Gobbledegook. Bladvak. It means pickax. I dont like to use it in case they think Im threatening them.He gave a short, booming laugh.What do they want? Harry said, noticing how the goblins were still watching Bagman very closely.Er well said Bagman, looking suddenly nervous. Theyertheyre looking for Barty crisp.Why are they looking for him here? said Harry. Hes at the Minist ry in London, isnt he?Eras a matter of fact, Ive no idea where he is, said Bagman. Hes sort of halt coming to work. Been absent for a equal of weeks now. Young Percy, his assistant, says hes ill. Apparently hes just been move instructions in by owl. But would you mind not mentioning that to anyone. Harry? Because Rita Skeeters still poking around everywhere she can, and Im pull up stakes to bet shed work up Bartys distemper into something sinister. Probably say hes departed lose like Bertha Jorkins.Have you heard anything about Bertha Jorkins? Harry asked.No, said Bagman, looking strained again. Ive got people looking, of course (About time, thought Harry) and its all very strange. She definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her stand by cousin there. And because she left the cousins house to go south and see an auntieand she seems to have vanished without trace en route. Blowed if I can see where shes got toshe doesnt seem the sign to elope, for instancebut still.W hat are we doing, talking about goblins and Bertha Jorkins? I really wanted to ask you he bring down his voice how are you getting on with your golden egg?Ernot bad, Harry said untruthfully.Bagman seemed to know he wasnt being honest.Listen, Harry, he said (still in a very low voice), I feel very bad about all thisyou were thrown into this tournament, you didnt offer up for itand if (his voice was so quiet now, Harry had to lean closer to listen) if I can help at alla prod in the right bearingIve taken a liking to youthe way you got past that dragonwell, just say the word.Harry stared up into Bagmans round, rosy face and his wide, baby-blue eyes.Were supposed to work out the clues alone, arent we? he said, careful to keep his voice casual and not sound as though he was accusing the head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports of breaking the rules.Wellwell, yes, said Bagman impatiently, but come on. Harry we all want a Hogwarts victory, dont we?Have you offered Cedric help? Harry said.The smallest of frowns creased Bagmans down face. No, I havent, he said. I well, like I say, Ive taken a liking to you. honorable thought Id offerWell, thanks, said Harry, but I think Im nearly there with the eggcouple more days should crack it.He wasnt entirely sure why he was refusing Bagmans help, except that Bagman was almost a stranger to him, and evaluate his assistance would feel somehow much more like cheating than enquire advice from Ron, Hermione, or Sirius.Bagman looked almost affronted, but couldnt say much more as Fred and George turned up at that point.Hello, Mr. Bagman, said Fred brightly. burn down we buy you a discombobulate?Erno, said Bagman, with a last disappointed glance at Harry, no, thank you, boysFred and George looked quite as disappointed as Bagman, who was surveying Harry as though he had let him down badly.Well, I must dash, he said. Nice seeing you all. Good luck, Harry.He hurried out of the pub. The goblins all slid off their cha irs and exited after him. Harry went to rejoin Ron and Hermione.What did he want? Ron said, the moment Harry had sat down.He offered to help me with the golden egg, said Harry.He shouldnt be doing that said Hermione, looking very shocked. Hes one of the judges And anyway, youve already worked it out havent you?Ernearly, said Harry.Well, I dont think Dumbledore would like it if he knew Bagman was trying to persuade you to cheat said Hermione, still looking deeply disapproving. I hope hes trying to help Cedric as muchHes not, I asked, said Harry.Who cares if Diggorys getting help? said Ron. Harry privately agreed.Those goblins didnt look very friendly, said Hermione, sipping her butterbeer. What were they doing here?Looking for Crouch, fit in to Bagman, said Harry. Hes still ill. Hasnt been into work.Maybe Percys intoxication him, said Ron. Probably thinks if Crouch snuffs it hell be made head of the Department of world-wide Magical Cooperation.Hermione gave Ron a dont-joke-about- things-like-that look, and said, Funny, goblins looking for Mr. Crouch.Theyd normally deal with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.Crouch can speak loads of different languages, though, said Harry. Maybe they need an interpreter.Worrying about poor ickle goblins, now, are you? Ron asked Hermione. Thinking of starting up S.P.U.G. or something? Society for the auspices of Ugly Goblins?Ha, ha, ha, said Hermione sarcastically. Goblins dont need protection. Havent you been listening to what Professor Binns has been telling us about goblin rebellions?No, said Harry and Ron together.Well, there quite capable of dealing with wizards, said Hermione, taking another sip of butterbeer. Theyre very clever. Theyre not like house-elves, who never stick up for themselves.Uh-oh, said Ron, staring at the door.Rita Skeeter had just entered. She was wearing banana-yellow robes today her long nails were piebald shocking pink, and she was accompanied by her fat photogra pher. She bought drinks, and she and the photographer made their way through the crowds to a table nearby. Harry, Ron, and Hermione glaring at her as she approached. She was talking fast and looking very satisfied about something.didnt seem very keen to talk to us, did he, puss? Now, why would that be, do you think? And whats he doing with a pack of goblins in tow anyway? Showing them the sightswhat nonsensehe was always a bad liar. foretell somethings up? Think we should do a bit of digging? Disgraced Ex-Head of Magical Games and Sports, Ludo Bagman Snappy start to a sentence, Bozo we just need to find a story to fit it -stressful to ruin someone elses life? said Harry loudly.A few people looked around. Rita Skeeters eyes widened behind her jeweled specs as she saw who had spoken.Harry she said, beaming. How pin-up Why dont you come and join-?I wouldnt come near you with a ten-foot broomstick, said Harry furiously. What did you do that to Hagrid for, eh?Rita Skeeter raised her heavily draw eyebrows.Our readers have a right to the truth, Harry. I am merely doing my-Who cares if hes half-giant? Harry shouted. Theres nothing wrong with himThe whole pub had bygone very quiet. Madam Rosmerta was staring over from behind the bar, apparently oblivious to the fact that the flagon she was filling with mead was overflowing.Rita Skeeters smile flickered very slightly, but she hitched it back almost at once she snapped open her crocodile-skin handbag, pulled out her Quick-Quotes quill, and said, How about with child(p) me an interview about the Hagrid you know. Harry? The man behind the muscles? Your unlikely friendship and the reasons behind it. Would you call him a father qualify?Hermione stood up very abruptly, her butterbeer clutched in her hand as though it were a grenade.You horrible woman, she said, through gritted teeth, you dont care, do you, anything for a story, and anyone will do, wont they? Even Ludo Bagman - pose down, you silly belittled girl, an d dont talk about things you dont understand, said Rita Skeeter coldly, her eyes hardening as they fell on Hermione. I know things about Ludo Bagman that would make your hair curlnot that it needs it - she added, eyeing Hermiones bushy hair.Lets go, said Hermione, cmon. Harry RonThey left many people were staring at them as they went. Harry glanced back as they reached the door. Rita Skeeters Quick-Quotes Quill was out it was zooming backward and forward over a piece of parchment on the table.Shell be after you next, Hermione, said Ron in a low and worried voice as they walked quickly back up the street.Let her try said Hermione defiantly she was shaking with rage. Ill show her Silly little girl, am I? Oh, Ill get her back for this. First Harry, then HagridYou dont want to go digting Rita Skeeter, said Ron nervously. Im serious, Hermione, shell dig up something on you -My parents dont read the Daily Prophet. She cant scare me into hiding said Hermione, now striding along so fast that it was all Harry and Ron could do to keep up with her. The last time Harry had seen Hermione in a rage like this, she had hit Draco Malfoy around the face. And Hagrid isnt hiding anymore He should never have let that exculpation for a human being upset him draw onBreaking into a run, she led them all the way back up the road, through the gates flanked by winged boars, and up through the grounds to Hagrids cabin.The curtains were still drawn, and they could hear Fang barking as they approached.Hagrid Hermione shouted, pounding on his front door. Hagrid, thats enough We know youre in there Nobody cares if your mum was a giantess, Hagrid You cant let that foul Skeeter woman do this to you Hagrid, get out here, youre just being -The door opened. Hermione said, About it- and then stopped, very suddenly, because she had found herself face-to-face, not with Hagrid, but with Albus Dumbledore.Good afternoon, he said pleasantly, merry down at them.We er we wanted to see Hagrid, said H ermione in a rather small voice.Yes, I surmised as much, said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. Why dont you come in?Ohumokay, said Hermione.She, Ron, and Harry went into the cabin Fang launched himself upon Harry the moment he entered, barking madly and trying to lick his ears. Harry fended off Fang and looked around.Hagrid was sitting at his table, where there were two large mugs of tea. He looked a real mess. His face was blotchy, his eyes swollen, and he had gone to the other extreme where his hair was concerned far from trying to make it behave, it now looked like a wig of involved wire.Hi, Hagrid, said Harry.Hagrid looked up.Lo, he said in a very hoarse voice. more than tea, I think, said Dumbledore, closing the door behind Harry, Ron, and Hermione, drawing out his wand, and twiddling it a revolving tea tray appeared in midair along with a plate of cakes. Dumbledore magicked the tray onto the table, and everybody sat down. There was a slight pause, and then Dumbledore said, Did you by any chance hear what Miss sodbuster was shouting, Hagrid?Hermione went slightly pink, but Dumbledore smiled at her and continued, Hermione, Harry, and Ron still seem to want to know you, judging by the way they were attempting to break down the door.Of course we still want to know you Harry said, staring at Hagrid. You dont think anything that Skeeter cow sorry, Professor, he added quickly, looking at Dumbledore.I have gone temporarily deaf and havent any idea what you said. Harry, said Dumbledore, twiddling his thumbs and staring at the ceiling.Er-right, said Harry sheepishly. I just meant-Hagrid, how could you think wed care what that-woman-wrote about you?Two fat tear leaked out of Hagrids beetle-black eyes and fell slowly into his tangled beard.Living proof of what Ive been telling you, Hagrid, said Dumbledore, still looking carefully up at the ceiling. I have shown you the letters from the countless parents who withdraw you from their own days here, telling me in no uncertain terms that if I plundered you, they would have something to say about it -Not all of em, said Hagrid hoarsely. Not all of em wan me ter stay.Really, Hagrid, if you are holding out for universal popularity, Im afraid you will be in this cabin for a very long time, said Dumbledore, now peering gravely over his half-moon spectacles. Not a week has passed since I became headmaster of this school when I havent had at least one owl complaining about the way I run it. But what should I do? Barricade myself in my landing field and refuse to talk to anybody?Yeh yehre not half-giant said Hagrid croakily.Hagrid, look what Ive got for relatives Harry said furiously. Look at the DursleysAn excellent point, said Professor Dumbledore. My own brother, Aberforth, was prosecuted for practicing inappropriate charms on a goat. It was all over the papers, but did Aberforth treat? No, he did not He held his head high and went about his business as usual Of course, Im not entirely sure he can read, so that may not have been bravery.Come back and teach, Hagrid, said Hermione quietly, please come back, we really miss you.Hagrid gulped. More part leaked out down his cheeks and into his tangled beard.Dumbledore stood up. I refuse to accept your resignation, Hagrid, and I expect you back at work on Monday, he said. You will join me for breakfast at eight-thirty in the Great Hall. No excuses. Good afternoon to you all.Dumbledore left the cabin, pausing only to scratch Fangs ears. When the door had shut behind him, Hagrid began to sob into his dustbin-lid-sized hands. Hermione kept patting his arm, and at last, Hagrid looked up, his eyes very red indeed, and said, Great man, Dumbledore heavy(p) man.Yeah, he is, said Ron. Can I have one of these cakes, Hagrid? attend to yerself, said Hagrid, wiping his eyes on the back of his hand. Ar, hes righ, o course yehre all righI bin stupidmy ol dad woulda bin ashamed o the way Ive bin behavin. More rupture leaked out, but he wipe d them away more forcefully, and said, Never shown you a picture of my old dad, have I? HereHagrid got up, went over to his dresser, opened a drawer, and pulled out a picture of a short wizard with Hagrids crinkled black eyes, beaming as he sat on top of Hagrids shoulder. Hagrid was a good seven or eight feet tall, judging by the apple tree beside him, but his face was beardless, young, round, and smooth he looked hardly older than eleven.Tha was taken jus after I got inter Hogwarts, Hagrid croaked. pop was dead chuffedthought I migh not be a wizard, see, romaine lettuce me mumwell, anyway. Course, I never was dandy shakes at magic, reallybut at least he never saw me expelled. Died, see, in me second year.Dumbledore was the one who stuck up for me after Dad went. Got me the gamekeeper jobtrusts people, he does. Gives em second chancesthas what sets him apar from other heads, see. Hell accept anyone at Hogwarts, slong as theyve got the talent. Knows people can turn out okay even if their families werenwellall tha respectable. But some don understand that. Theres some whod always hold it against yehtheres some whod even pretend they just had big hit the books rather than stand up an say I am what I am, an Im not ashamed. Never be ashamed, my ol dad used ter say, theres some wholl hold it against you, but theyre not worth botherin with. An he was right. Ive bin an idiot. Im not botherin with her no more, I promise yeh that. prominent bonesIll give her big bones.Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at one another nervously Harry would rather have taken cubic decimeter Blast-Ended Skrewts for a walk than admit to Hagrid that he had overheard him talking to Madame Maxime, but Hagrid was still talking, apparently unaware that he had said anything odd.Yeh know wha, Harry? he said, looking up from the photograph of his father, his eyes very bright, when I firs met you, you reminded me o me a bit. Mum an Dad gone, an you was feelin like yeh wouldn fit in at Hogwarts , remember? Not sure yeh were really up to itan now look at yeh, Harry School championHe looked at Harry for a moment and then said, very seriously, Yeh know what Id cut. Harry? Id love yeh ter win, I really would. Itd show em allyeh don have ter be pureblood ter do it. Yeh don have ter be ashamed of what yeh are. Itd show em Dumbledores the one whos got it righ, lettin anyone in as long as they can do magic. How you doin with that egg, Harry?Great, said Harry. Really great.Hagrids pitiful face broke into a wide, faint smile.Thas my boyyou show em, Harry, you show em. squeeze em all.Lying to Hagrid wasnt quite like lying to anyone else. Harry went back to the castle posterior that afternoon with Ron and Hermione, unable to banish the get wind of the happy expression on Hagrids unshaved face as he had imagined Harry winning the tournament. The incomprehensible egg weighed more heavily than ever on Harrys sense of right and wrong that evening, and by the time he had got into b ed, he had made up his mind it was time to shelve his pride and see if Cedrics hint was worth anything.