Never Ending Surprises (Marauders era love story)

Coffee

"What're you after?" Hagrid spoke to her gruffly, but he smiled kindly all the same, "I've got peppermint, lemongrass, some o' the muggle instant stuff?"

"Peppermint tea thanks." I stumbled over my words but he didn't say anything, just bustled around the kitchen putting on the kettle. 

"Grab a seat wherever! Though careful of Fang he likes to sit atop of any visitors in the lower seats."

I specifically chose a spot where Fang could reach me, watching as he trotted over and place a drooling head on my knees. I grinned down at him, a little grossed out by the amount of drool but still grateful for the fluffy presence. 

"Here you are!" Hagrid places two steaming mugs of tea on the coffee table in front of him. 

I took the mug and held it in front of my face, letting the steam warm my face. Hagrid was looking at me curiously. 

"Yer the new one aren't ya?" Hagrid finally said, smiling, "I remember Dumbledore pointing you out a few years ago."

"Uh, yeah I guess I am." I smiled back at him, taking a deep sip of tea. 

"How's it been then? I think I've seen ya running around with James and the like? Cheeky boys the lot of them." Hagrid laughed.

"It's been ok," I leaned back into the oversized chair. "I mean no, it's been great, actually."

"Well that's good to hear." Hagrid sipped his large mug and leaned back as well. "Hogwarts is a great place to be, especially under Dumbledore."

At his words my chest caught, throat constricting. I wanted to curse myself but before I could even turn away I could feel tears welling in my eyes and lip shaking.

"Oh dear, I'm sorry did I say something?" Hagrid had no pity in his eyes, just...something I couldn't pick. Understanding? Fang nuzzled his slobbering face further into my robes and I choked out a laughing sob.

"No," I hiccuped, wiping at my still falling tears, "I just... I" a fresh wave of tears streamed down and I tried to cover my face with my hand.

"Here," Hagrid pushed my hand down slightly, handing me a handkerchief. I didn't want to ask if it was a used one, so dabbed carefully with the edges. "What's going on?"

I paused - how much would he know? Does it even matter at this point? Dumbledore confides in him doesn't he? Hagrid watched me expectantly, leaning back in his chair.

"Ain't nothing you can say that's gon shock me - the stuff I see as groundskeeper! Well, perhaps some stories for other times, eh?" He patted me on the shoulder, a bit harder than I would say was desired as I felt the chair sink under his tap.

I opened my mouth and it all just came tumbling out - and I mean everything, from the beginning. Well, maybe not some of what Sirius and I had gotten up to...

When I was done my chest heaved but was light as a feather. I could have floated into the heavens there and then.

"Well I'd say that's all a very fair reason to be feeling a bit out of sorts!" Hagrid smiled kindly, and in a way that told me he had already known a lot more about me than he'd let on.

The clock hanging on the mantlepiece suddenly chimed and I jumped, kicking Fang lightly who whimpered, scampering away.

"What time is it?"

"Ah that's the chime for dinner!" Hagrid stood up. "Come on let's get you back up to the castle."

I nodded slowly, standing up and rubbing at my eyes again.

"Yeah, and, uh sorry for just dumping all that on you." I looked at the floor. Hagrid waved a large hand in dismissal.

"Ah, nonsense, sounds like James needs a good smack around the head though." He grinned and I gave a pathetic sounding laugh. Great, going to get into the Great Hall with red eyes and my throat playing up.

We made our way up passed the rolling hills of the Hogwarts Grounds, the lush green sparkling from rain I hadn't realized had fallen. Hagrid went through some of the weirdest times he'd caught students in the forbidden forest. He didn't name anyone but there were a solid few I knew had to be the marauders out and about.

That thought caught in my gut, twisting and turning like a snake. I didn't want to see them, couldn't see them right now. Hagrid turned to me, realising I'd slowed significantly.

"Don't you worry about them, I'll tell em to leave ya."

"Thanks," my pathetic laugh came out again and I stifled an eye roll. "But I think I just need to head up to the common room."

"Alright, but you wait in front of the stairs for two mins before you do - ok?"

I raised my eyebrows but nodded.

"Ok."

We walked the final steps and pulled open the doors to the entrance hallway. The bustle of sound poured through, most students already sitting down and eating in their houses.

"Two minutes," hagrid nodded, tapping his nose conspiratorially before he stamped off towards the Great Hall. He pulled back the doors almost completely so he could fit himself in and I snuck a look towards the Gryffindor table. Hazel eyes caught mine and I looked away quickly.

Hagrid kept to his word and was back out in minutes with a little squishy package.

"This'll keep you over till breakfast." He looked proud of himself as he handed it over. "You take care of yourself, alright? And don't be a stranger now."

He patted my shoulder again, a little lighter than before and I smiled broadly.

"Definitely - thanks again."

"Nothing to thank me for, just a listening ear." Hagrid smiled and turned again, heading back into the Hall.

I looked down at the squishy package and smiled. A whiff of warm bread and roast chicken sncuk out and my stomach rumbles. Time to get back to the dorms.

The whole way up the stairs I knew I was taking longer than necessary, stopping at interesting paintings and cloaks of armor that I'd never before given a second glance.

No one came after me.