The Wizard's Guide to Timelords and Other Demons Book 1: The Forgotten War

Astronomy Tower

Ascending the long staircase to the top of the astronomy tower was not an easy task for Hagrid. However, the panoramic overview of the Forbidden Forest it provided made the arduous trek a necessity. Dumbledore leaned over the parapet and gazed into the heart of the immense forest in the distance.

"What exactly am I looking for, Hagrid," the Professor inquired.

"Right there," Hagrid pointed, "ter the left o' tha' patch o' taller trees."

Dumbledore could see the patch of old Scots Pine trees Hagrid was referring to. The tallest reached to about 60-70 feet above the forest floor. Two-hundred yards or more to the left was a grove of younger European beech trees. He fixed his gaze on the center of the beech grove and watched. A moment later, Dumbledore realized that several of the trees were moving.

"Wind, perhaps?" he asked.

"Pretty still today, Professor," Hagrid replied. "On'y a slight breeze down by me shack but nothin' strong enough ter do tha."

Dumbledore stepped over to a small refracting telescope perched on a wheeled stand nearby. He peeked through the small finderscope mounted to the side of the barrel and aligned the telescope to point in the vicinity of the restless foliage. Then he peered into the eyepiece and carefully adjusted the focus until the image became clear. What he saw troubled him deeply.

Within the Forbidden Forest dwelled a variety of magical creatures—both good and evil—that, for centuries, had considered these dark, foreboding woods to be their home. To the best of Professor Dumbledore's knowledge, giants had never been one of them. Yet through the telescope, he was able to make out three hulking goliaths just below the tree line. The giants move slowly through the grove, effortlessly pushing aside trees to accommodate their considerable girth, nearly knocking the over some of the younger ones.

The last time Dumbledore had seen giants in the Forbidden Forest was during the First Wizarding War which had ended about 15 years ago. During the war, almost all the giants who chose to be involved in the war had allied with Lord Voldemort. Could it be that Voldemort was already positioning forces for the war that was coming?

Dumbledore's sources said otherwise. It was too soon for him to move right now. Then what was happening in the forest that would cause the giants to assemble there? And what were their intentions?

"How many, Hagrid," he asked.

"Maybe 15 ter 20 by now i'd reckon," he responded. "They started showing up 'bout an hour ago. Firenze says they're gather'n half a mile or so north o' the colony."

Hagrid further explained that he had seen other magical creatures arriving in the forest since early this morning, including four mountain trolls that had come down from the hills on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. One of them appeared to be riding a Graphorn until the ill-tempered beast decided it had had enough and threw him off before taking off back into the mountains.

He had also seen two young dragons land in a clearing about an hour ago, disappearing into the thick woods only to resurface later at the giant's gathering.

Dumbledore found this puzzling. Dragons were not generally disposed to associate with trolls or giants. Could this somehow be related to the earlier incident in Professor Umbridge's office? Perhaps Elise and the Doctor knew something that would help shed some light on all of this.

"Hagrid, if you are feeling well enough," he offered, "I'd like you join me at a meeting I am about to attend."

"I would be happy to professor sir," Hagrid responded, eagerly. He was ready to get back into things after his long hiatus.

"Wonderful! I have some new friends I would like you to meet."