Strange Beginnings

Chapter VIII.II

Y/N's thoughts moved quicker than they could keep up with. It couldn't have been Hagrid who opened the chamber, he would never have attacked his fellow students, and he's always been in favor of animals (especially those thought to be more dangerous). The clanking of silverware on dishes and chattering from every direction was giving Y/N a headache. As soon as desserts started to appear along the tables they were frugal in their indulgence and ate a single slice of cake before excusing themselves.

The quiet walk back to the dungeons was eerie. Flickering torches seemed to get dimmer and dimmer the further down they went. Inside the common room the fireplace crackled green but offered little warmth. Even sitting on the edge of the couch closest to the hearth they could barley feel it's presence. There were few students in the dormitory which was expected considering most wouldn't leave the dining hall for another twenty or so minutes. Y/N utilized the moment and pondered everything they had on their mind.

What if Hagrid was framed for the attacks 50 years ago? Maybe he knows who would have wanted to get him expelled.

That thought was interrupted when none other than Draco Malfoy plopped himself on the couch facing Y/N. His two goons standing behind him.

"Why the long face Y/L/N?" his tone was not one of concern, "Shouldn't you be crying over your mudblood friend in the hospital wing?"

"Shut up, Malfoy." Y/N rolled their eyes. They couldn't say they've ever had any desire to talk to the platinum blonde boy but now was even farther from that.

"Or what? You're gonna punch me in the nose again?" He laughed, "I'd like to see you try."

Crabbe and Goyle smirked and folded their arms, putting on a cringy tough persona.

Now Y/N laughed, "No but it's truly embarrassing you have to walk around with bodyguards." They shook their head mockingly. "Can't even handle your own problems."

Draco's face burned, "You better watch what you say. My father will be here tonight and he wouldn't like knowing who damaged my face last semester."

"Your father is coming? Why?" Y/N was now interested in the conversation.

"He's coming with the Minister of Magic in fact. He's going to actually do something about this chamber business rather than leave it up to that oaf Dumbledore," Draco sneered.

Y/N chose not to comment on that last statement. Worried more so about why the Minister of Magic himself was coming to Hogwarts. Without formalities Y/N stood and walked out the common room door. Ignoring the snobby remark their cousin made, calling them a "mudlover". There were still many students mingling in the hallways. Trying to see how close they could make it to the curfew before having to rush off to their respective dormitories. The second year walked out of the castle doors and through the courtyard towards Hagrid's hut.

It was now passing dusk, the light from inside the little house shown brighter than the light on the horizon. They could hear Hagrid playing his flute from inside. After three knocks the music stopped and big feet thumped over to the door. To the groundkeeper's surprise Y/N stood on his second step.

"Why hello there Y/N! What can I do for yer?" his voice came out chipper as usual.

"Hey Hagrid, is it alright if I come in?"

"Of course, of course!" He ushered the student inside. "It's nearing curfew yer know? I wouldn't want yer to ge' into trouble."

Y/N awkwardly grinned trying to avoid the rules for a moment. "Yeah I uh, I didn't think it could wait for the morning." They stuffed their cold hands under their legs, not knowing how to bring up the question blazing on the tip of their tongue. "Malfoy told me his father and the minister are coming Hogwarts tonight."