To change the future

A Wrongful Arrest

The group of seven were well aware of Hagrid's fondness for large and terrifying creatures.

"Which doesn't mean he's a killer, big creatures need love also."

In their first year at Hogwarts, he had attempted to rear a dragon in his small wooden hut, and they would not soon forget the massive, three-headed dog he had named "Fluffy."Had Hagrid known as a boy that a monster lay hidden within the castle, Harry was convinced he would have done anything to catch a glimpse of it. He likely pitied the creature for being confined for so long and believed it deserved a chance to stretch its numerous legs; Harry could envision a young Hagrid, at thirteen, trying to put a leash and collar on the beast. However, Harry was also sure that Hagrid never intended to harm anyone.

"Of course I wouldn't, I never killed anyone." Hagrid confirmed

Harry sometimes wished he had never learned how to operate Riddle's diary. Ron and Hermione repeatedly pressed him to describe what he had witnessed, to the point where he grew thoroughly tired of recounting it and the lengthy, repetitive discussions that ensued. "Perhaps Riddle accused the wrong person," Hermione suggested.

"Oh he very much did, and he knew it." Daphne hisses

"It could have been a different monster attacking people..." "How many monsters do you reckon this place can accommodate?"

"About eight or so, give or take a few."

"Eight?" Toni and Bruce yell

Ron questioned listlessly. "We've always known Hagrid was expelled," Harry said despondently. "And the attacks must have ceased once Hagrid was ousted, or Riddle wouldn't have received his award." Ron attempted another angle. "Riddle does remind me of Percy— who prompted him to inform on Hagrid, anyway?" "But the monster had taken a life, Ron," Hermione reminded.

"You encountered Hagrid in Knockturn Alley, right, Harry?" "He was purchasing Flesh-Eating Slug Repellent," Harry responded swiftly. The trio lapsed into silence. Following a lengthy pause, Hermione, with a tentative tone, broached the most complex question. "Should we approach Hagrid about it?" "That would be a delightful visit," Ron remarked sarcastically. "'Hello, Hagrid. Have you unleashed any wild and hairy creatures in the castle recently?'"

"I would have told you about Aragog." Hagrid says

Ultimately, they resolved to remain silent about Hagrid unless another incident occurred.

Every magical winced, looking at the group of seven kids, knowing two of them had been attacked.

As days passed without a sound from the mysterious voice, they grew optimistic they wouldn't have to confront him about his expulsion. Four months had elapsed since Justin and Nearly Headless Nick were Petrified, and it appeared everyone believed the assailant had ceased their attacks. Peeves had tired of his taunting song, Ernie Macmillan courteously requested Harry to pass a pail of leaping toadstools in Herbology, and in March, the Mandrakes hosted a boisterous celebration in greenhouse three, much to Professor Sprout's delight. "Once they begin shifting into each other's pots, they're ready," she informed Harry and Jason. "Then we can revive the petrified victims in the hospital wing."

"Why did you tell them that?" Theo asks curiously

"I heard those silly rumors about them being the heirs and wanted to reassure them I knew they weren't." Sprout says, though she knew the elder Potter brother's distaste for her house and students, especially after second and fourth year

During their Easter holidays, the second-year students faced a new challenge: selecting their third-year subjects, a decision Hermione considered with utmost seriousness. "It could affect our entire future," she explained to the group while they reviewed and checked off potential new subjects.