Mine Forever ( a Harmione fanfic )

Chapter 29

The next two days passed in a blur of schoolwork, Quidditch practice, and late-night research sessions in the library. The mystery of the artifact loomed over them like an unanswered question, its presence a constant itch in the back of their minds. But between essays, patrols, and Prefect duties, there was hardly any time to dwell on it—at least, not without drawing suspicion.

It was late Wednesday afternoon when Harry finally suggested, "We should go see Hagrid."

Hermione glanced up from her Transfiguration notes, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. "Oh, we should! We haven't visited him since term started."

Harry grinned. "Figured we could use a bit of normalcy."

Hermione gave him a knowing look. "Normalcy? When has visiting Hagrid ever been normal?"

He laughed, shoving his books into his bag. "Fair point. Come on, let's go before dinner."

Hagrid's hut sat nestled at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, its small windows glowing warmly against the deepening autumn dusk. The faint curls of smoke from the chimney promised the comforting scent of woodsmoke and something slightly burnt—most likely Hagrid's latest attempt at baking.

The crisp autumn air nipped at their cheeks as they made their way down the sloping path, the scattered leaves crunching beneath their feet. Hermione instinctively looped her arm through Harry's, pressing closer to his side.

"You're freezing," Harry murmured, shifting so he could tuck her against him more securely, his arm wrapping around her waist.

"It's October, Harry," Hermione said, though she didn't protest as he pulled her closer, his warmth seeping into her. "Cold weather is hardly surprising."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it," Harry said, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to her temple. "Or that I won't use it as an excuse to keep you close."

Hermione let out a soft laugh. "As if you need an excuse."

"True," Harry admitted, grinning.

Before they could knock on Hagrid's door, it swung open with a loud creak, revealing the half-giant's beaming face.

"'Bout time yeh two came down here!" Hagrid boomed, his massive frame nearly filling the doorway. "Was startin' ter think yeh'd forgotten ol' Hagrid."

"Never," Hermione said with a warm smile as Hagrid ushered them inside.

The familiar scent of burning logs, damp earth, and something suspiciously like singed fur filled the small cabin. Fang, Hagrid's enormous boarhound, let out a deep woof and immediately ambled over to Harry, pressing a drool-covered snout against his robes.

"Nice to see you too, Fang," Harry muttered, patting the dog's massive head as he tried to discreetly wipe the slobber off on his sleeve.

Hagrid plopped down in his oversized chair, setting three large cups of tea on the wooden table. "So, how've yeh been? School keepin' yeh busy?"

Harry and Hermione exchanged a look. Busy was an understatement.

"That's one way to put it," Harry said, leaning back in his chair with a sigh.

"But it's good to be back," Hermione added, taking a sip of her tea.

Hagrid studied them for a moment, his dark eyes twinkling before he leaned forward, his expression softening. "And how are you two?"

Harry frowned. "What do you mean?"

Hagrid gave him an exasperated look. "I mean, how are yeh together?"