His Goodwitch

Chapter 8: Meeting Hagrid, Quidditch training and a three headed dog

Third person point of view

The next day classes went on as usual with Professor Snape criticising Harry and docking Gryffindor points. Herbology and History of Magic going along uneventful besides Hermione constantly trying to dissuade Harry and Ron from attending the duel between classes. After History of Magic, it seems the argument was put to rest as the four travelled towards Hagrid's hut. Once the quartet had reached Hagrid's cabin Harry knocked on the door. "oh 'ello 'Arry who have you got with you?" said Hagrid cheerfully after opening the door. "Hi Hagrid, these are my friends Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Elizabeth Russell and Hermione Granger" explained Harry. "Please call me Lizzie, everyone does" said Lizzie as they settled down at Hagrid's large kitchen table glancing nervously at Hagrid's boarhound. "Don't worry bout Fang, he is very friendly despite his size and sometimes a bit cowardly" said Hagrid reassuringly while fetching the tea pot to pour them all tea. Lizzie and Hermione tried to smile but were still unsure as Fang came to sniff everyone, ending up laying his head on Harry's lap and drooling on his robes.

"So, how are you finding Hogwarts 'Arry" enquired Hagrid pouring himself a cup of tea after serving the quartet. "All right. Ron and I don't get lost anymore. Classes are going okay. Although DADA is my favourite subject although Quirrell is not the best teacher as he stutters all the time making it hard to understand him. History of Magic is really dim and potions was utterly dreadful, Snape docked of points because I couldn't answer questions that we hadn't learnt yet" complained Harry. "Yes, I think he gives everyone grief if not from Slytherin he was one of the ones who claimed to switch sides after the first war" explained Hagrid. "I also think Snape was a bit unjust picking on Harry. Especially when it was clear Hermione and I knew the answers. Is it just me or does Professor Quirrell seem off to you?" commented Lizzie thoughtfully. "What do you mean by off Lizzy? If you mean scared of his own subject, then I'd say yes" replied Hagrid. "Not sure exactly yet but something doesn't sit right with him and my instinct is never wrong" declared Lizzie.

"I also made an enemy as well" said Harry changing topics. "Who?" Hagrid asks taking a sip of tea before rising to gather some rock cakes on a plate the group to share. "Draco Malfoy" answered Harry. "Right piece of work, him and his family is. Another family who came crawling back to our side after the war" said Hagrid offering them all rock cakes which Hermione and Lizzie politely declined. To Lizzie's amusement apparently the rock cakes were too hard to eat because after trying to eat one both Harry and Ron hid it in their pockets. "Do you know the Malfoys well Hagrid? In my letter to home, I described our encounter with Malfoy. They suggested keeping an open mind since you don't necessarily know their home life and to just be civil with each other" said Lizzie. "Merlin Lizzie, you don't want to be associated with that sort, trust me. No I haven't had much to do with them, just a few encounters here and there. My advice to you is to stay clear as best you can and don't let him get to you" advised Hagrid pouring the group a second round of tea.

The rest of their visit followed similar lines talks of Hogwarts, classes and home. Eventually they had to leave for dinner, pockets stuffed with rock cakes that they accepted to not seem impolite. However, when they passed by the black lake on their way up to the castle all the rock cakes were thrown into the water.

Later that evening after dinner Lizzie and Harry received Nimbus 2000's each which they took as they headed down to the pitch to wait for Wood who was meeting them there at 7 pm. When they arrived at the pitch Harry said "Come on Lizzie, let's go for a test flight" encouragingly mounting his broom. Lizzie bit her lip in response. At her nervousness Harry called "Come on it feels great and we might as well warm up while waiting" taking off to do laps around the pitch. Eventually Lizzie joined him in zooming around the pitch.