Chapter 7
The next day's classes went swiftly. Mrs. Potter was a far
different divinations teacher than they were used to. She seemed
to apply her knowledge in a straightforward matter of fact manner
that surprised everyone! Everyone enjoyed the class. When they
got to the defense against the dark arts class they met out in
the yard instead of in the classroom and they found an old friend
there instead of Professor Potter. He greeted them all warmly,
and they all cried "Good afternoon Professor Lupin!"
"I'm sure," the professor continued, "you were not
expecting me. Unfortunately Mr. Potter was called away on an
emergency. I will be serving as his assistant in filling in for
him when he can't be conducting classes. He wants me to start
teaching you how to project shields. Sometimes the best defense
is not to attack your opponent but to block his power. Girls,
pair off over here, boys pair off over here."
They quickly obeyed. Harry found himself opposite Malfoy.
"Now!" Here is the incantation. Shieldest I. Take your
wand and make a waving motion in front of you. Let's try!"
The first time Harry tried a shimmering gold barrier appeared
before him. Malfoy succeeded too, but his barrier was silver.
"Very good!" the professor praised. "Very
good!" Now, back off a little. but the ones towards me
generate shields and their opposites attack then reverse."
They continued to exchange for some time until the professor
clapped his hands. "Excellent! Excellent beginnings!"
he cried. "Mr. Malfoy, I would like you to stay a few
minutes. The rest of you may run along."
"Did I do something wrong?" Malfoy asked as the others
headed off.
"No no!" the professor answered. "I just want to
have a few words."
Harry and Hermione headed for Hagrids. The house looked the same
from the outside but when they rapped on the door it wasn't
Hagrid that opened it but Madame Maxime.
"Oh! Harry! Hermione!" she greeted. "Do come in!
Hagrid has an errand but he'll be right along. I'm glad of it,
really. I'd like a few minutes to speak with you."
Harry noticed the house seemed larger inside. The bedroom was far
neater. Everything was far neater! Madame Maxime put out cups and
poured tea. "I'm going to be living here," she
explained, "helping Professor McGonaglle. my assistant has
taken over at Beauxbattons. The changes there are a little much
for me. I'm not very good at dealing with young men, and there's
another reason I need to be here. I hope we will become as good
friends as you have been to my Hagrid!"
"I'm sure we will!" Hermione put in.
The door opened and Hagrid entered. He took off his coat and hung
it up. "I see they're here!" he remarked. "Yes,
Rubeus!" Madame Maxime answered. "I think you should
sit down immediately, have some tea, and let them know what it is
you desire of them before they both burst!"
Everybody laughed. Hagrid sat down, sipped his tea. "Has
Gretel told you she's going to be living here?" he asked.
Both the youngsters answered "Yes!"
"The reason is," Hagrid managed, obviously nervous, "is
that I'm going to be a father. I think I've had quite a bit of
practice with children! I'm still rather worried about it. Gretel
and I will be very pleased if the two of you would be our child's
god parents. We know you're a little young, but we would really
appreciate it. We can't think of anyone better!"
Harry smiled. "Hagrid," he assured, "you're going
to be the best father that ever was, and I don't know about
Hermione but I would be honored!"
Hermione reached out and took Gretel's hand. "And so would
I!" she cooed. "When?"
"Around Christmas," the former headmistress answered,
"if all goes well."
"I'm sure it will!" Hermione assured. "You're
going to have every bit of help here you need, and I'm sure
Professor McGonagall won't be giving you too much work. Oh, this
is so phenomenal! It's so beautiful! Hagrid has been a father to
so many. This should've been a long time ago!"
"Yes!" Gretel answered, "it should have been.
Sometimes it takes death to make you realize that you have to
return life to the world. That's just as much your duty as
anything else."
"Well!" Hagrid cried, slapping his hands. "I'm
sure you want to run out and spread the word. We haven't told
anyone except the headmistress. So you'll get to give the news to
everyone at supper tonight."
Harry hesitated a moment then continued. "Ron feels he's
beginning to be left out because of the relationship growing
between me and Hermione. If you could have a word with him and
share your secret before it's given to everybody else. I think
he'd feel better."
"Absolutely!" Hagrid snapped. "Ron is as welcome
here as either one of you, any time. I could use some advice on
how his wonderful family gets along so well together! I'll go
right now!"
He lifted his wife's hand and kissed it, rose and headed out.
Harry and Hermione made their farewells and went out to one of
their favorite spots just to enjoy the afternoon for a little
while. As they were standing admiring the view they saw two
shadowy forms approach and descend into Hogwarts. "What was
that?" Hermione asked.
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