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 ntioned his parents returned a week ago, took him to Diagon Alley for school supplies... I an, if they were going to the sa 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 eting 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 ti 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 seed 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 , and I didn't quite believe it," Felix surveyed Hagrid, "but it seems true... How did the expedition to the giants with Olym go?"
Hagrid blushed. Waving his intact arm, "Not too successful. Olym and I... let's just say, we t the bare minimum. Giants sided apart, they had no ti for us... they split."
"Split?" Felix asked, surprised.
"Incredible, isn't it? Not many left, but they keep fighting..." Hagrid led them deeper into the forest, narrating his tale. "At the start of the break, Olym and I set off to persuade the giants."
"Mada Maxi?" Harry inquired.
"Yeah, her. Tough lady, never complains. Surprising, considering she's an elegant, well-dressed woman. When Dumbledore said she'd join us, I worried... but turns out, she handled everything without a fuss. Climbing rocks, sleeping in caves, not a single complaint. Plus, she always had useful stuff, said it was from you?" Hagrid looked at Felix.
"If you an the expansion capsules, indeed, they're disposable for now. If you need to store sothing else, it requires prior preparation," Felix replied.
"That's it," Hagrid nodded, stepping on a dry branch. "We arrived at their place quite swiftly. No hiccups until then. Afterwards, we road the mountains for days until we found their cave."
"You didn't use magic?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, can't do that," Hagrid muttered. "Alright while on the road, but near the giants' territory, it's a no-go. They hate magic, hate wizards. And there are deeper reasons; Dumbledore was worried about spies, so we had to be cautious... Anyway, we made contact with the giants, following Dumbledore's plan. It was a grinding phase, had to be patient, earn their trust. It worked, and our stay in their tribe grew longer."
At this point, Hagrid chuckled. "Golgomath—the giant leader—is lazy and greedy, surprisingly keen on hearing stories. So, Olym and I seized the chance to sing praises of Dumbledore. So other giants who understood English ca over. Progress was promising."
The forest grew darker. Felix conjured a milky-white orb illuminating a large area, revealing silhouettes of various creatures with glowing eyes, making hearts race.
This was the true Forbidden Forest at night.
"We offered gifts thrice, but on the third ti, an incident occurred.
So of Golgomath's followers disapproved. A riot broke out. Olym and I got separated. Found each other later... as for Mada Maxi, she vanished," Hagrid said, solemn.
"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 Mada Maxi burned brighter than ever.
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