Born From Madness (Harry Potter Fanfic)

179

"Hagrid... where are we going?" Harry asked while the three of them followed behind Hagrid, deeper into the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid didn't said much of anything as he kept looking over his shoulder like he was expecting someone to pop out of somewhere. 

"I promise I'll tell you when we get there." Hagrid assured them while he kept looking around every tree. 

"Hagrid, why are you armed?" Ginny asked. When Ginny pointed it out, Harry noticed the crossbow over his arm. 

"Just a precaution." He told them. 

"You didn't bring your crossbow the day you showed us the thestrals." Ron told him. 

"Well... we weren't going in so far then... and that was before Firenze left the forest." Hagrid said." 

"Why does Firenze leaving make a difference?" Ginny asked. 

"'Cause the other centaurs are good and riled with me, that's why. They used to be-- well, you couldn't call them friendly-- but we got on all right. Kept themselves to themselves, but always turned up if I wanted a word. Not anymore." Hagrid said, sadly. 

"Firenze said that they're angry because he went to work for Dumbledore." Harry said, remembering what Firenze told him. 

"Yeah-- angry doesn't cover it. Ruddy livid. If I hadn't stepped in, I reckon they would have kicked Firenze to death--" 

"They attacked him?" Ginny asked, horrified. 

"Yep. Had half the herd onto him." 

"And you stopped it?" Harry asked, amazed and impressed. 

"Well of course I did! I couldn't stand by and watch them kill him, could I?" Hagrid explained, "Anyway, since then the other centaurs have been livid with me and the trouble is, they've got a lot of influence in the forest..." 

"Is that why we're here?" Ginny asked. 

"No... no, it's not them... they could complicate the problem, yeah... but... you'll see what I mean in a bit..." Hagrid told them while they were going deeper into the forest. 

"Hagrid, what is going on?" Ron asked while the three of them tried to keep up with Hagrid. 

"Well-- there's a good chance I'm going to be getting the sack any day now," 

"But you made it this long, what makes you think--" Ginny started when Hagrid sighed. 

"Because Umbridge reckons it was me that put that niffler in her office even though I told her it was not... and it wasn't me... but she thinks anything to do with magical creatures, it has something to do with me. You know... she's been looking for any chance to get rid of me. I don't want to go, of course, but if it wasn't for... the special circumstances I'm about to tell you, I'd leave right now... before she's gets the chance to do it in front of the whole school like she did with Trelawney." He explained to them. Harry opened his mouth to speak when Hagrid lightly patted his back. 

"Don't worry about me. I'll be able to help Dumbledore once I'm otta here, I can be useful to the Order. And you lot will be fine as well. You'll have Grubbly-Plank." he told them, "I wouldn't be telling you this at all if I didn't have to. But if I go... well... I'll need you three to help me... and Hermione when she comes back." 

"Of course, we'll help you... what do you want us to do?" Harry asked him. Before anyone could say another word, they came into a clearing. Harry's eyes widened when he saw a large mound curled up against a massive tree. 

"Hagrid... who is he?" Harry asked him. 

"This is Grawp." 

"Grawp?" everyone asked.