The Other Uncle (a sequel)

The Fox and the Hound

AN: Happy holidays!

Anna was already at Hagrid's hut when the trio got there. She opened the door for them with a hesitant smile, "Uhh, guys, now's not the best time for Hagrid to take visitors-" A choked voice cut her off, "S'all right, darlin'. You can let em in. They're like family." Anna nodded wordlessly and let them through before taking a seat next to the emotional half-giant, "I'm so sorry, Hagrid. I tried to pull some strings but, unfortunately, in the category of stubborn twats, Lucius Malfoy exceeds expectations. I swear, one day I take that stupid pimp cane from him and shove it -"

Hagrid coughed awkwardly, "Uh, Anna? There are children present, remember?" Anna blushed and looked at the trio apologetically, "Right, sorry." Harry looked at the adults in confusion, "Wait, what's going on? What are you guys talking about?"

Hagrid sobbed and Anna passed his a handkerchief and passed Harry an official looking letter, "This should explain." They gave her a questioning look but she was already back to focusing on calming Hagrid down.

Harry cleared his throat and read the letter aloud:

Dear Mr Hagrid,
Further to our inquiry into the attack by a Hippogriff on a student in your class, we have accepted the assurances of Professor Dumbledore that you bear no responsibility for the regrettable incident.
However, we must register our concern about the Hippogriff in question. We have decided to uphold the official complaint of Mr Lucius Malfoy, and this matter will therefore be taken to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. The hearing will take place on April 20th, and we ask you to present yourself and your Hippogriff at the Committee's offices in London on that date. In the meantime, the Hippogriff should be kept tethered and isolated.
Yours in fellowship,

<list of government officials>

Ron tried to to give their friend some hope, "But you said Buckbeak isn't a bad Hippogriff, Hagrid. I bet he'll get off-"

Hagrid's interrupted with another sob, "Yeh don't know them gargoyles at the Committee fer the Disposal o' Dangerous Creatures! They've got it out fer interesting creatures!"
Anna nodded firmly in agreement, "He isn't wrong. The whole lot of them in the bloody committee are just a bunch of dragon-hating, creature-killing, posh know-it-alls! Trust me, I've tangled with them before. They put a mother dragon down for trying to protect it's baby from some scoundrel trying to steal egg! Not only did the thief not get charged, but the poor baby was left orphaned before it was even born! That bunch hasn't got a sympathetic bone in their body!"

Hagrid patted her hand, "They just don' see the beauty in creatures like we do."

All of the sudden, there was a crash from the corner of the hut. The third years whipped around to see Buckbeak happily munching on a bloody cut of some sort of unidentifiable meat.

Hagrid wiped away a tear, "I couldn't leave him tied up out there in the snow!" He blew his nose into the handkerchief , "All on his own! On Christmas!"

Anna sighed, "You can let him stay here for today, but you're gonna have to tie him up tomorrow. They're very strict about tying up the animals they convict. I don't want you to be punished or fined for their stupidity."

The half giant sniffled but nodded, "Alright, but I'm doin' it fer you, not fer them idjits on the committee."

Hermione frowned, "You'll have to put up a strong defense, Hagrid. I'm sure you can prove Buckbeak safe."

"That's what I told him," Said Anna, "We're working on it but-"

Hagrid grumbled sadly, "Won't make no difference! Them Disposal devils are all in Malfoy's pocket! Scared of him! And if I loose this case, Buckbeak-"