Hermione Granger and Sky Vortex

Chapter 11. The Best Thing to Forge a Friendship.

The sky was covered with dark clouds, promising rain, as Hermione left the castle and headed towards Hagrid's hut. 'Hope I don't get soaked,' she thought, glancing up. She hadn't yet learned how to magically disperse raindrops. Hermione smiled at the memory of a spring day when she sat on a bench, with raindrops dancing around her. She now knew there were magical umbrellas that could protect her from the rain, but she hadn't mastered those spells yet.

Hermione felt a bit sad thinking about her meetings with Tommy. She really missed their friendly walks and chats. They wrote to each other occasionally, but letters couldn't replace face-to-face conversations. Plus, she couldn't share details of her magical life with Tommy, making their communication feel more distant from her reality.

At Hogwarts, Hermione felt lonely, not finding anyone who shared her interests and concerns. The only person she got along well with was Percy Weasley. Hermione respected him for his strict adherence to rules and his drive for order. He once told Hermione that he planned to work at the Ministry of Magic after school. She thought it was a great idea and supported him in his decision. But he wasn't friend material: Percy was much older and too withdrawn.

Putting aside her not-so-cheerful thoughts, Hermione sighed and looked ahead at Hagrid's hut, which was now looming not far away. Smoke was curling from the chimney, and next to it was a small, now-empty garden.

Hagrid, the Keeper of the Keys at Hogwarts, lived outside the school, almost at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Hermione was a bit surprised by the appearance of his home. Hagrid's hut was much smaller than she had expected, considering his size.

Hagrid's other job at Hogwarts was as the gamekeeper. From what Hermione had heard from other students, this was his main occupation. People said he loved animals, and some even claimed he could talk to them. Hermione secretly hoped that Hagrid was just as good at getting along with people. She hadn't formed her own opinion of him yet. He didn't teach and rarely came to the castle, so since her arrival at Hogwarts, they hadn't met.

Soon, Hermione reached the hut and knocked on the door. Hagrid's dog barked loudly, and she heard his heavy footsteps. A few seconds later, the door opened, and Hagrid stared at Hermione, looking confused.

"Er...," he mumbled, not sure what to say.

"Hagrid," Hermione said, getting straight to the point, "I need to talk to you. Can I come in?"

"Well...," Hagrid drawled, still looking puzzled at the unexpected guest.

Hermione noticed Harry and Ron behind Hagrid's broad back, sitting at a table covered with cookies and other sweets. A large teapot was steaming in the middle of the table. 'What are they doing here?' Hermione wondered. At that moment, Hagrid stepped aside to let her in, saying:

"Well, since yeh're here, come on in. Plenty o' room fer everyone."

Hagrid pulled up another chair to the table and brought a large cup for Hermione, who, feeling a bit awkward, stepped inside the hut.

"Hi," she said, trying to stay calm.

Since their midnight run from Filch through the Hogwarts corridors, she had been trying to avoid Harry and especially Ron.

"Hi," Harry replied calmly.

"Hi," Ron muttered, looking away, clearly annoyed.

Hagrid, slightly frowning, looked at them and asked:

"Summat wrong? Anythin' the matter?"

"Everything's fine, Hagrid," Harry answered.

It was clear from Ron's face that he didn't agree with Harry, but he stayed silent, and Hermione decided it was best not to say anything either.