SABAISM | H. POTTER

SIXTEEN. | THE LOSS OF TWO FRIENDS

"It can't be Hagrid," Ron insisted vehemently, his voice laced with disbelief, "it just can't be." The three Gryffindor's roamed across the expansive grounds, each step echoing the turmoil within them. The autumn air was cool but electrified with their collective concern as they struggled to accept the nightmarish notion that had seeped into their minds. Hagrid, with his immense frame and heart as big as the castle itself, was associated with a creature that had wrought chaos. Despite their inner turmoil, none found it easy to reconcile the lovable giant with the monster that haunted their thoughts.

"How could a man who loves magical creatures even more than the children he guards let something so terrible slip his grasp?" Gemini pondered amidst the cacophony of doubt and fear swirling around them. They stood like statues in a garden of shadows, where memories of Hagrid's gentle ways clashed violently with the horrific accusations concerning the malevolent serpent that lurked within the castle's walls. "We don't even know this Riddle. He sounds like a dirty, rotten snitch to me," Ron challenged fiercely, his indignation clear as he fought against the rising tide of accusations aimed at their colossal friend.

"The monster killed someone, Ron!" Harry exclaimed, frustration coloring his tone. He desperately sought for a semblance of reason amidst the escalating tension. "What would any of us have done?" he questioned, hoping to break through Ron's steadfast denial.

"Look," Gemini interjected, a hint of resolve entering her voice. "Hagrid's our friend. Why don't we just go ask him about this?" Her attempt at diplomacy was noble, aiming to bridge the chasm of fear that threatened to consume them.

Ron scoffed, rolling his eyes dramatically. "That'd be a cheerful visit. 'Hello, Hagrid. Tell us, have you been setting anything mad and hairy loose in the castle lately?'" His sarcasm pierced the heavy air that surrounded them, but oblivious to their mounting tension, they proceeded, only to bump directly into the living mountain of a man they were discussing.

"Mad an' hairy?" Hagrid echoed, his rich, booming voice startling them. He towered over the group, a broad smile stretching across his weathered face as he grinned down at the startled children.

A wave of guilt and embarrassment washed over their features. Hagrid had been nothing but kind and patient with them, and they felt wretched even considering the dark notions circulating through their minds. "No!" they exclaimed in unison, the words spilling out in a rush, fueled by their desire to reassure him.

At their collective outburst, Hagrid's expressive eyes darted between each of them, concern etching itself deeper into his brow. Eager to change the subject, Gemini caught sight of a peculiar canister that the giant clutched with one enormous hand. "What's that you've got, Hagrid?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Flesh-Eatin' Slug Repellant," he explained, his voice taking on an animated lilt. "Fer the Mandrakes, yeh know? Accordin' ter Professor Sprout, they still got a bit o' growin' up ter do; but once their acne clears up, we'll be able to chop 'em up, stew 'em, an' get those poor folks in the hospital un-petrified. 'Til then; you three best watch yerselves, all righ'?"

As Hagrid's jovial laughter echoed around them, they exchanged glances, relief flooding their senses. It felt good to step away from the morbid discussion, even if just temporarily. All nodded in response, the tension slackening just enough for them to observe their friend's enormous figure as he stomped away, each footfall resounding like the beating of a drum.

Just then, their subdued chatter was interrupted by the hurried approach of Neville, who burst onto the scene looking utterly frazzled. His pallor spoke volumes as he panted out, "Harry! I don't know who did it, but you'd better come."

Satisfied that this wasn't just a misguided joke, the five of them braced themselves, quickly following the shaky boy. "What's happened?" Gemini queried, concern flooding her voice.