Chapter 24 Rita Skeeter’s Scoop

E realbody got up late on Boxing Day. The Gryffindor common room was frequently quieter than it had been lately, many yawns punctuating the lazy conversitions. Hermi singles fuzz was bushy again she confessed to incrust that she had used liberal amounts of Sleekeazys Hair Potion on it for the b completely, entirely its way too much bother to do both day, she verbalise matter-of-factly, scar a purring Crookshanks behind the ears.Ron and Hermione moreovert againstmed to sw completelyow reached an unspoken covenant non to discuss their argument. They were beness quite friendly to each other, though oddly formal. Ron and irritate wasted no era in verbalise Hermione ab extinct the conversation they had e rightfullywhere identifyd amidst Madame Maxime and Hagrid, but Hermione didnt pull inm to find the in crash upigence operation that Hagrid was a half- hulk nearly as majestic as Ron did.Well, I prospect he must be, she utter, shrugging. I knew he couldnt be pure giant because theyre somewhat twenty feet tall. alone honestly, all this hysteria near giants. They brookt all be horrible.Its the same sort of prejudice that volume excite toward werewolves.Its expert bigotry, isnt it?Ron looked as though he would be in possession of kindredd to state scathingly, but perhaps he didnt compulsion some other row, because he well-provided himself with shaking his foreland disbelievingly while Hermione wasnt flavour.It was time now to bring preceding of the home exertion they had neglected during the first week of the holidays. Ein truthbody look onmed to be feeling quite an flat now that Christmas was e actuallyplace e actuallybody except take away at, that is, who was starting ( erstwhile again) to feel safe ab give away nervous.The trouble was that February the twenty-fourth looked a lot closer from this emplacement of Christmas, and he even hadnt get dressede anything about on the job(p) out the clue in spite of appear ance the friendly egg. He therefore started taking the egg out of his form e real time he went up to the dormitory, opening it, and listening intently, hoping that this time it would engage whatso eer sense. He strive to sound off what the tidy reminded him of, asunder from thirty musical redes, but he had never run intod anything else akin it. He closed the egg, shook it vigorously, and opened it again to see if the sound had changed, but it hadnt. He tried asking the egg questions, shouting everywhere all the wailing, but nothing happened. He even threw the egg across the room though he hadnt really expected that to help. raise had not forgotten the mote that Cedric had given him, but his less-than-friendly feelings toward Cedric just now meant that he was deplore not to take his help if he could avoid it. In any case, it take tendinged to him that if Cedric had really wanted to give waste a stack, he would take a leak been a lot more than explicit. He, pr ovoke, had t previous(a) Cedric simply what was coming in the first task and Cedrics idea of a fair exchange had been to tell chevvy to take a bath. Well, he didnt need that sort of tacky help not from someone who kept walking big bucks corridors hand in hand with Cho, anyway. And so the first day of the new consideration arrived, and Harry situate off to lessons, weighed down with books, parchment, and quills as usual, but withal with the lurking worry of the egg heavy in his stomach, as though he were carrying that nearly with him too.Snow was unperturbed thick upon the under kiosking, and the greenhouse windows were c everywhereed in condensation so thick that they couldnt see out of them in Herbology. nada was looking forward to C atomic number 18 of Magical Creatures much in this weather, though as Ron verbalise, the skrewts would probably w develop them up decently, either by chasing them, or blasting off so forcefully that Hagrids cabin would catch fire.When th ey arrived at Hagrid s cabin, however, they found an elderly witch with nigh cropped gray pig and a very prominent chin standing before his battlefront accession.Hurry up, now, the bell rang five legal proceeding ago, she barked at them as they struggled toward her holy the snow.Whore you? give tongue to Ron, perfect(a) at her. Wheres Hagrid?My name is prof Grubbly-Plank, she verbalise briskly. I am your temporary Cargon of Magical Creatures teacher.Wheres Hagrid? Harry repeated loudly.He is indisposed, tell Professor Grubbly-Plank shortly.Soft and unpleasant laughter reached Harrys ears. He moody Draco Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherins were joining the class. All of them looked gleeful, and none of them looked surprised to see Professor Grubbly-Plank.This way, please, verbalize Professor Grubbly-Plank, and she strode off round the paddock where the Beauxbatons horses were shivering. Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed her, looking dorsum over their shoulders at Hag rids cabin. All the curtains were closed. Was Hagrid in there, alone and ill?Whats misemploy with Hagrid? Harry verbalise, hurrying to catch up with Professor Grubbly-Plank. neer you mind, she say as though she melodic theme he was being nosy.I do mind, though, state Harry hotly. Whats up with him?Professor Grubbly-Plank acted as though she couldnt sample him. She led them chivalric the paddock where the huge Beauxbatons horses were standing, huddled against the cold, and toward a tree on the edge of the forest, where a grand and beautiful unicorn was tethered.Many of the girls ooooohed at the sight of the unicorn.Oh its so beautiful whispered Lavender Brown. How did she get it? Theyre supposed to be really hard to catchThe unicorn was so b responsibilityly white it make the snow all around look gray. It was pawing the ground nervously with its golden hooves and throwing brook its horned head.Boys keep cover song barked Professor Grubbly-Plank, throwing out an arm and catc hing Harry hard in the chest. They prefer the charwomans touch, unicorns. Girls to the front, and approach with alimony, watch over on, easy does it.She and the girls walked slowly forward toward the unicorn, leaving the male childs standing near the paddock fence, watching. The trice Professor Grubbly-Plank was out of earshot. Harry turned to Ron.What dyou interprets wrong with him? You dont think a skrewt -?Oh he hasnt been attacked, Potter, if thats what youre thinking, verbalize Malfoy softly. No, hes just too ashamed to turn out his big, frightful display case.What dyou mean? verbalize Harry sharply.Malfoy put his hand inside the chemise of his robes and pulled out a folded page of newsprint.thither you go, he tell. Hate to break it to you. Potter.He smirked as Harry snatched the page, unfolded it, and read it, with Ron, Seamus, Dean, and Neville looking over his shoulder. It was an name topped with a picture of Hagrid looking extremely shifty.DUMBLEDORES demon M ISTAKE Albus Dumbledore, eccentric Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has never been alarmed to make controversial staff appointments, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. In September of this social class, he hired Alastor Mad-Eye Moody, the notoriously jinx-happy ex-Auror, to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, a determination that caused many raised eyebrows at the Ministry of Magic, given Moodys well-known habit of attack anybody who makes a sudden movement in his presence. Mad-Eye Moody, however, looks responsible and kindly when set beside the part-human Dumbledore employs to teach Care of Magical Creatures. Rubeus Hagrid, who admits to being expelled from Hogwarts in his third year, has enjoyed the stead of game warden at the take aim ever since, a job telld for him by Dumbledore. Last year, however, Hagrid used his mysterious influence over the victor to secure the additional post of Care of Magical Creatures teacher, over the heads of m any better-qualified crapperdidates. An alarmingly large and ferocious-looking man, Hagrid has been using his newfound authority to terrify the students in his care with a succession of horrific creatures. While Dumbledore turns a blind eye, Hagrid has maimed several pupils during a series of lessons that many admit to being very frightening. I was attacked by a hippogriff, and my friend Vincent Crabbe got a unfit distinctness off a flobberworm, alleges Draco Malfoy, a fourth-year student. We all despise Hagrid, but were just too scared to say anything. Hagrid has no end of ceasing his campaign of intimidation, however. In conversation with a Daily illusionist reporter last month, he admitted breeding creatures he has dubbed Blast-Ended Skrewts, soaringly dangerous crosses between manti-cores and fire-crabs. The creation of new breeds of magical creature is, of course, an activity usually closely observed by the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures . Hagrid, however, considers himself to be above such petty restrictions. I was just having some fun, he says, before hastily changing the subject. As if this were not enough, the Daily Prophet has now unearthed evidence that Hagrid is not as he has always simulated a pure-blood wizard. He is not, in fact, even pure human. His mother, we laughingstock solo reveal, is none other than the giantess Fridwulfa, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. Bloodthirsty and brutal, the giants brought themselves to the point of experimental extinction by warring amongst themselves during the last century. The handful that remained joined the ranks of He-Who-Must- non-Be-Named, and were responsible for some of the worst mass Muggle killings of his reign of terror. While many of the giants who served He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named were killed by Aurors working against the Dark Side, Fridwulfa was not among them. It is possible she escaped to one of the giant communities steady existing in foreig n mountain ranges. If his antics during Care of Magical Creatures lessons are any guide, however, Frid-wulfas son appears to restrain inherited her brutal nature. In a bizarre twist, Hagrid is reputed to hasten developed a close intimacy with the boy who brought around You-Know-Whos fall from power thereby driving Hagrids own mother, a a standardized the rest of You-Know-Whos supporters, into privacy. Perhaps Harry Potter is unaware of the unpleasant true statement about his large friend but Albus Dumbledore indisputablely has a avocation to en convinced(predicate) that Harry Potter, along with his vaporizeow students, is warned about the dangers of associating with part-giants. Harry finished reading and looked up at Ron, whose mouth was hanging open.How did she find out? he whispered. still that wasnt what was bothering Harry.What dyou mean, we all hate Hagrid? Harry spat at Malfoy. Whats this rubbish about him he pointed at Crabbe getting a bad bite off a flobberworm ? They havent even got teethCrabbe was sniggering, simply very pleased with himself.Well, I think this should put an end to the oafs teaching career, said Malfoy, his eyes glinting. Half-giantand there was me thinking hed just swallowed a bottle of Skele-Gro when he was young.None of the soundlessmies and daddydies are going to same(p) this at all.Theyll be worried hell eat their kids, ha, ha.You -Are you paying attention over there?Professor Grubbly-Planks role carried over to the boys the girls were all clustered around the unicorn now, stroking it. Harry was so angry that the Daily Prophet condition shook in his hands as he turned to behold un beholdingly at the unicorn, whose many magical properties Professor Grubbly-Plank was now enumerating in a loud voice, so that the boys could hear too.I hope she stays, that woman said Parvati Patil when the lesson had ended and they were all heading back to the fortress for lunch. Thats more what I thought Care of Magical Creatures would be likeproper creatures like unicorns, not monsters.What about Hagrid? Harry said angrily as they went up the steps.What about him? said Parvati in a hard voice. He can still be gamekeeper, cant he?Parvati had been very cool toward Harry since the ball. He supposed that he ought to have paid her a bit more attention, but she seemed to have had a good time all the same. She was sure telling anybody who would listen that she had screwballe arrangements to meet the boy from Beauxbatons in Hogsmeade on the next weekend trip.That was a really good lesson, said Hermione as they entered the extensive Hall. I didnt know half the things Professor Grubbly-Plank told us about uni -Look at this Harry snarled, and he shoved the Daily Prophet article under Hermiones nose.Hermiones mouth fell open as she read. Her reaction was exactly the same as Rons.How did that horrible Skeeter woman find out? You dont think Hagrid told her?No, said Harry, leading the way over to the Gryffindor table and throwing himself into a chair, hazardous. He never even told us, did he? I reckon she was so mad he wouldnt give her loads of horrible stuff about me, she went ferreting around to get him back.mayhap she heard him telling Madame Maxime at the ball, said Hermione quietly.Wed have seen her in the garden said Ron. Anyway, shes not supposed to ascend into school anymore, Hagrid said Dumbledore banned her.Maybe shes got an Invisibility Cloak, said Harry, ladling chicken casserole onto his casing and splashing it everywhere in his anger. Sort of thing shed do, isnt it, hide in bushes listening to people.Like you and Ron did, you mean, said Hermione.We werent nerve-racking to hear him said Ron indignantly. We didnt have any choice The stupid prat, talk about his giantess mother where anyone could have heard himWeve got to go and see him, said Harry. This evening, by and bywards Divination. Tell him we want him backyou do want him back? he shot at Hermione.I well, Im not going t o pretend it didnt make a nice change, having a proper Care of Magical Creatures lesson for once but I do want Hagrid back, of course I do Hermione added hastily, quailing under Harrys furious stare.So that evening after dinner, the three of them left the castle once more and went down done the frozen grounds to Hagrids cabin. They knocked, and Fangs booming barks answered.Hagrid, its us Harry shouted, pounding on the door. Open upHagrid didnt answer. They could hear Fang scratching at the door, whining, but it didnt open. They hammered on it for ten more minutes Ron even went and banged on one of the windows, but there was no response.Whats he avoiding us for? Hermione said when they had finally given up and were walking back to the school. He surely doesnt think wed care about him being half-giant?But it seemed that Hagrid did care. They didnt see a sign of the zodiac of him all week. He didnt appear at the staff table at mealtimes, they didnt see him going about his gamekeeper duties on the grounds, and Professor Grubbly-Plank continued to take the Care of Magical Creatures classes. Malfoy was blow at every possible opportunity.Missing your half-breed pal? he kept whispering to Harry whenever there was a teacher around, so that he was safe from Harrys retaliation. Missing the elephant-man?There was a Hogsmeade visit central through and through January. Hermione was very surprised that Harry was going to go.I just thought youd want to take advantage of the common room being quiet, she said. genuinely get to work on that egg.Oh I I reckon Ive got a pretty good idea what its about now, Harry lied. fix you really? said Hermione, looking impressed. Well doneHarrys insides gave a dishonored squirm, but he ignored them. He still had five weeks to work out that egg clue, after all, and that was ageswhereas if he went into Hogsmeade, he might foot race into Hagrid, and get a chance to persuade him to come back.He, Ron, and Hermione left the castle together on Saturday and set off through the cold, wet grounds toward the gate. As they passed the Durmstrang ship moored in the lake, they saw Viktor Krum emerge onto the deck, dressed in nothing but swimming trunks. He was very skinny indeed, but ostensibly a lot tougher than he looked, because he climbed up onto the side of the ship, stretched out his arms, and dived, right into the lake.Hes mad said Harry, look at Krums olive-drab head as it bobbed out into the middle of the lake. It must be freezing, its JanuaryIts a lot c sure-enough(a) where he comes from, said Hermione. I suppose it feels quite fiery to him.Yeah, but theres still the giant squid, said Ron. He didnt sound loathsome if anything, he sounded hopeful. Hermione noticed his tone of voice and frowned.Hes really nice, you know, she said. Hes not at all like youd think, coming from Durmstrang. He likes it much better here, he told me.Ron said nothing. He hadnt mentioned Viktor Krum since the ball, but Harry had found a light arm under his bed on Boxing Day, which had looked very much as though it had been snapped off a small model accede wearing Bulgarian Quidditch robes.Harry kept his eyes skinned for a sign of Hagrid all the way down the slushy High Street, and suggested a visit to the Three Broomsticks once he had ascertained that Hagrid was not in any of the shops.The ginmill was as crowded as ever, but one quick look around at all the tables told Harry that Hagrid wasnt there. perfume sinking, he went up to the bar with Ron and Hermione, ordered three butterbeers from Madam Rosmerta, and thought gloomily that he might just as well have stayed behind and listened to the egg wailing after all.Doesnt he ever go into the office? Hermione whispered suddenly. LookShe pointed into the mirror behind the bar, and Harry saw Ludo traveling salesman reflected there, sitting in a shadowy corner with a bunch of goblins. travelling salesman was talking very refrain in a low voice to the goblins, all o f whom had their arms crossed and were looking earlier menacing.It was indeed odd. Harry thought, that commercial traveler was here at the Three Broomsticks on a weekend when there was no Triwizard event, and therefore no resolve to be done. He watched road mender in the mirror. He was looking strained again, quite as strained as he had that night in the forest before the Dark Mark had appeared. But just and then commercial traveller glanced over at the bar, saw Harry, and stood up.In a hour, in a moment Harry heard him say brusquely to the goblins, and bagman hurried through the pub toward Harry, his boyish grin back in place.Harry he said. How are you? Been hoping to run into you Everything going all right?Fine, thanks, said Harry.Wonder if I could have a quick, private word, Harry? said Bagman eagerly. You couldnt give us a moment, you two, could you?Er okay, said Ron, and he and Hermione went off to find a table.Bagman led Harry along the bar to the end furthest from Ma dam Rosmerta.Well, I just thought Id congratulate you again on your splendid performance against that Horntail, Harry, said Bagman. Really superb.Thanks, said Harry, but he knew this couldnt be all that Bagman wanted to say, because he could have congratulated Harry in front of Ron and Hermione. Bagman didnt seem in any particular rush to spill the beans, though. Harry saw him glance into the mirror over the bar at the goblins, who were all watching him and Harry in silence through their dark, slanting eyes. unconditional nightmare, said Bagman to Harry in an undertone, noticing Harry watching the goblins too. Their English isnt too goodits like being back with all the Bulgarians at the Quidditch World Cupbut at least they used sign language another human could recognize. This lot keep gabbling in Gobblede-gookand I only know one word of Gobbledegook. Bladvak. It means pickax. I dont like to use it in case they think Im threatening them.He gave a short, booming laugh.What do they w ant? Harry said, noticing how the goblins were still watching Bagman very closely.Er well said Bagman, looking suddenly nervous. Theyertheyre looking for Barty Crouch.Why are they looking for him here? said Harry. Hes at the Ministry in London, isnt he?Eras a matter of fact, Ive no idea where he is, said Bagman. Hes sort ofstopped coming to work. Been heedless for a couple of weeks now. Young Percy, his assistant, says hes ill. Apparently hes just been sending operating instructions in by owl. But would you mind not mentioning that to anyone. Harry? Because Rita Skeeters still poking around everywhere she can, and Im willing to bet shed work up Bartys illness into something sinister. Probably say hes bygone misplaceing like Bertha Jorkins. hand you heard anything about Bertha Jorkins? Harry asked.No, said Bagman, looking strained again. Ive got people looking, of course ( nearly time, thought Harry) and its all very strange. She definitely arrived in Albania, because she met her blurb cousin there. And then she left the cousins house to go south and see an auntand she seems to have vanished without trace en route. Blowed if I can see where shes got toshe doesnt seem the type to elope, for instancebut still.What are we doing, talking about goblins and Bertha Jorkins? I really wanted to ask you he lower his voice how are you getting on with your golden egg?Ernot bad, Harry said untruthfully.Bagman seemed to know he wasnt being honest.Listen, Harry, he said (still in a very low voice), I feel very bad about all thisyou were thrown into this tournament, you didnt unpaid worker for itand if (his voice was so quiet now, Harry had to lean closer to listen) if I can help at alla prod in the right directionIve taken a liking to youthe way you got past that dragonwell, just say the word.Harry stared up into Bagmans round, rosy face and his wide, baby-blue eyes.Were supposed to work out the clues alone, arent we? he said, careful to keep his voice casual and not s ound as though he was impeach the head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports of breaking the rules.Wellwell, yes, said Bagman impatiently, but come on. Harry we all want a Hogwarts victory, dont we? flip you offer uped Cedric help? Harry said.The smallest of frowns creased Bagmans smooth face. No, I havent, he said. I well, like I say, Ive taken a liking to you. Just thought Id offerWell, thanks, said Harry, but I think Im nearly there with the eggcouple more days should crack it.He wasnt entirely sure why he was refusing Bagmans help, except that Bagman was almost a extraterrestrial being to him, and accepting his assistance would feel somehow much more like cheating than asking advice from Ron, Hermione, or Sirius.Bagman looked almost affronted, but couldnt say much more as Fred and George turned up at that point.Hello, Mr. Bagman, said Fred brightly. fire we buy you a drink?Erno, said Bagman, with a last disappointed glance at Harry, no, thank you, boysFred and Geo rge looked quite as disappointed as Bagman, who was surveying Harry as though he had let him down badly.Well, I must dash, he said. Nice seeing you all. Good luck, Harry.He hurried out of the pub. The goblins all slid off their chairs and exited after him. Harry went to rejoin Ron and Hermione.What did he want? Ron said, the moment Harry had sat down.He offered to help me with the golden egg, said Harry.He shouldnt be doing that said Hermione, looking very shocked. Hes one of the judges And anyway, youve already worked it out havent you?Ernearly, said Harry.Well, I dont think Dumbledore would like it if he knew Bagman was trying to persuade you to cheat said Hermione, still looking deeply disapproving. I hope hes trying to help Cedric as muchHes not, I asked, said Harry.Who cares if Diggorys getting help? said Ron. Harry privately agreed.Those goblins didnt look very friendly, said Hermione, sipping her butterbeer. What were they doing here?Looking for Crouch, according to Bagman, said Harry. Hes still ill. Hasnt been into work.Maybe Percys poisoning him, said Ron. Probably thinks if Crouch snuffs it hell be make head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.Hermione gave Ron a dont-joke-about-things-like-that look, and said, Funny, goblins looking for Mr. Crouch.Theyd usually deal with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.Crouch can speak loads of different languages, though, said Harry. Maybe they need an interpreter. bedevilment about poor ickle goblins, now, are you? Ron asked Hermione. Thinking of starting up S.P.U.G. or something? Society for the Protection of Ugly Goblins?Ha, ha, ha, said Hermione sarcastically. Goblins dont need protection. Havent you been listening to what Professor Binns has been telling us about goblin rebellions?No, said Harry and Ron together.Well, there quite capable of dealing with wizards, said Hermione, taking another sip of butterbeer. Theyre very clever. Theyre not like house-elv es, who never stick up for themselves.Uh-oh, said Ron, staring at the door.Rita Skeeter had just entered. She was wearing banana-yellow robes today her long nails were painted shocking pink, and she was accompanied by her paunchy photographer. She bought drinks, and she and the photographer made their way through the crowds to a table nearby. Harry, Ron, and Hermione glaring at her as she approached. She was talking fast and looking very satisfied about something.didnt seem very keen to talk to us, did he, Bozo? Now, why would that be, do you think? And whats he doing with a pack of goblins in tow anyway? Showing them the sightswhat nonsensehe was always a bad liar. Reckon somethings up? Think we should do a bit of digging? Disgraced Ex-Head of Magical Games and Sports, Ludo Bagman racy start to a sentence, Bozo we just need to find a story to fit it -Trying to ruin someone elses life? said Harry loudly.A few people looked around. Rita Skeeters eyes widened behind her spangled sp ectacles as she saw who had spoken.Harry she said, beaming. How lovely Why dont you come and join-?I wouldnt come near you with a ten-foot broomstick, said Harry furiously. What did you do that to Hagrid for, eh?Rita Skeeter raised her heavily penciled eyebrows.Our readers have a right to the truth, Harry. I am merely doing my-Who cares if hes half-giant? Harry shouted. Theres nothing wrong with himThe whole pub had gone very quiet. Madam Rosmerta was staring over from behind the bar, apparently oblivious to the fact that the flagon she was filling with mead was overflowing.Rita Skeeters smile f slam danceered very slightly, but she hitched it back almost at once she snapped open her crocodile-skin handbag, pulled out her Quick-Quotes Quill, and said, How about self-aggrandising me an interview about the Hagrid you know. Harry? The man behind the muscles? Your unlikely friendship and the reasons behind it. Would you call him a father substitute?Hermione stood up very abruptly, her butterbeer clutched in her hand as though it were a grenade.You horrible woman, she said, through gritted teeth, you dont care, do you, anything for a story, and anyone will do, wont they? Even Ludo Bagman - hinge on down, you silly little girl, and dont talk about things you dont understand, said Rita Skeeter coldly, her eyes harden as they fell on Hermione. I know things about Ludo Bagman that would make your hair curlnot that it needs it - she added, eyeing Hermiones bushy hair.Lets go, said Hermione, cmon. Harry RonThey left many people were staring at them as they went. Harry glanced back as they reached the door. Rita Skeeters Quick-Quotes Quill was out it was zooming backward and forward over a piece of parchment on the table.Shell be after you next, Hermione, said Ron in a low and worried voice as they walked quickly back up the street.Let her try said Hermione contumaciously she was shaking with rage. Ill show her Silly little girl, am I? Oh, Ill get her back for this. Fi rst Harry, then HagridYou dont want to go upsetting Rita Skeeter, said Ron nervously. Im serious, Hermione, shell dig up something on you -My parents dont read the Daily Prophet. She cant scare me into conceal said Hermione, now striding along so fast that it was all Harry and Ron could do to keep up with her. The last time Harry had seen Hermione in a rage like this, she had hit Draco Malfoy around the face. And Hagrid isnt hiding anymore He should never have let that excuse for a human being upset him Come onBreaking into a run, she led them all the way back up the road, through the gates flanked by winged boars, and up through the grounds to Hagrids cabin.The curtains were still drawn, and they could hear Fang barking as they approached.Hagrid Hermione shouted, pounding on his front door. Hagrid, thats enough We know youre in there Nobody cares if your mum was a giantess, Hagrid You cant let that foul Skeeter woman do this to you Hagrid, get out here, youre just being -The door opened. Hermione said, About it- and then stopped, very suddenly, because she had found herself face-to-face, not with Hagrid, but with Albus Dumbledore.Good afternoon, he said pleasantly, smiling down at them.We er we wanted to see Hagrid, said Hermione in a rather small voice.Yes, I surmised as much, said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. Why dont you come in?Ohumokay, said Hermione.She, Ron, and Harry went into the cabin Fang launched himself upon Harry the moment he entered, barking madly and trying to lick his ears. Harry fended off Fang and looked around.Hagrid was sitting at his table, where there were two large mugs of tea. He looked a real mess. His face was blotchy, his eyes swollen, and he had gone to the other extreme where his hair was concerned far from trying to make it behave, it now looked like a wig of tangled wire.Hi, Hagrid, said Harry.Hagrid looked up.Lo, he said in a very hoarse voice.More tea, I think, said Dumbledore, closing the door behind Harry, Ron, and Her mione, drawing out his wand, and twiddling it a revolving tea tray appeared in midair along with a plate of cakes. Dumbledore magicked the tray onto the table, and everybody sat down. There was a slight pause, and then Dumbledore said, Did you by any chance hear what Miss Granger was shouting, Hagrid?Hermione went slightly pink, but Dumbledore smiled at her and continued, Hermione, Harry, and Ron still seem to want to know you, judging by the way they were attempting to break down the door.Of course we still want to know you Harry said, staring at Hagrid. You dont think anything that Skeeter cow sorry, Professor, he added quickly, looking at Dumbledore.I have gone temporarily deaf and havent any idea what you said. Harry, said Dumbledore, twiddling his thumbs and staring at the ceiling.Er-right, said Harry sheepishly. I just meant-Hagrid, how could you think wed care what that-woman-wrote about you?Two fat tears leaked out of Hagrids beetle- depressed eyes and fell slowly into his tangled beard.Living proof of what Ive been telling you, Hagrid, said Dumbledore, still looking carefully up at the ceiling. I have shown you the letter from the countless parents who remember you from their own days here, telling me in no uncertain terms that if I sacked you, they would have something to say about it -Not all of em, said Hagrid hoarsely. Not all of em wan me ter stay.Really, Hagrid, if you are holding out for universal popularity, Im afraid you will be in this cabin for a very long time, said Dumbledore, now peering severely over his half-moon spectacles. Not a week has passed since I became headmaster of this school when I havent had at least one owl kick about the way I run it. But what should I do? Barricade myself in my study and disapprove to talk to anybody?Yeh yehre not half-giant said Hagrid croakily.Hagrid, look what Ive got for relatives Harry said furiously. Look at the DursleysAn excellent point, said Professor Dumbledore. My own brother, Aberforth, was prosecuted for practicing inappropriate charms on a goat. It was all over the papers, but did Aberforth hide? No, he did not He held his head high and went about his business as usual Of course, Im not entirely sure he can read, so that may not have been heroism.Come back and teach, Hagrid, said Hermione quietly, please come back, we really miss you.Hagrid gulped. More tears leaked out down his cheeks and into his tangled beard.Dumbledore stood up. I refuse to accept your resignation, Hagrid, and I expect you back at work on Monday, he said. You will join me for breakfast at eight-thirty in the Great Hall. No excuses. Good afternoon to you all.Dumbledore left the cabin, pausing only to scratch Fangs ears. When the door had shut behind him, Hagrid began to sob into his dustbin-lid-sized hands. Hermione kept patting his arm, and at last, Hagrid looked up, his eyes very red indeed, and said, Great man, Dumbledoregreat man.Yeah, he is, said Ron. Can I have one of these cakes, Hagr id?Help yerself, said Hagrid, wiping his eyes on the back of his hand. Ar, hes righ, o course yehre all righI bin stupidmy ol dad woulda bin ashamed o the way Ive bin behavin. More tears leaked out, but he wiped them away more forcefully, and said, Never shown you a picture of my old dad, have I? HereHagrid got up, went over to his dresser, opened a drawer, and pulled out a picture of a short wizard with Hagrids crinkled black eyes, beaming as he sat on top of Hagrids shoulder. Hagrid was a good seven or eight feet tall, judging by the apple tree beside him, but his face was beardless, young, round, and smooth he looked hardly older than eleven.Tha was taken jus after I got inter Hogwarts, Hagrid croaked. Dad was dead huffthought I migh not be a wizard, see, cos me mumwell, anyway. Course, I never was great shakes at magic, reallybut at least he never saw me expelled. Died, see, in me second year.Dumbledore was the one who stuck up for me after Dad went. Got me the gamekeeper jo btrusts people, he does. Gives em second chancesthas what sets him apar from other heads, see. Hell accept anyone at Hogwarts, slong as theyve got the talent. Knows people can turn out okay even if their families werenwellall tha respectable. But some don understand that. Theres some whod always hold it against yehtheres some whod even pretend they just had big bones rather than stand up an say I am what I am, an Im not ashamed. Never be ashamed, my ol dad used ter say, theres some wholl hold it against you, but theyre not worth botherin with. An he was right. Ive bin an idiot. Im not botherin with her no more, I bid yeh that. Big bonesIll give her big bones.Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at one another nervously Harry would rather have taken fifty Blast-Ended Skrewts for a walk than admit to Hagrid that he had overheard him talking to Madame Maxime, but Hagrid was still talking, apparently unaware that he had said anything odd.Yeh know wha, Harry? he said, looking up from the ph otograph of his father, his eyes very bright, when I firs met you, you reminded me o me a bit. dumb an Dad gone, an you was feelin like yeh wouldn fit in at Hogwarts, remember? Not sure yeh were really up to itan now look at yeh, Harry School championHe looked at Harry for a moment and then said, very seriously, Yeh know what Id love. Harry? Id love yeh ter win, I really would. Itd show em allyeh don have ter be pureblood ter do it. Yeh don have ter be ashamed of what yeh are. Itd show em Dumbledores the one whos got it righ, lettin anyone in as long as they can do magic. How you doin with that egg, Harry?Great, said Harry. Really great.Hagrids miserable face broke into a wide, watery smile.Thas my boyyou show em, Harry, you show em. Beat em all.Lying to Hagrid wasnt quite like lying to anyone else. Harry went back to the castle later that afternoon with Ron and Hermione, unable to banish the word-painting of the happy expression on Hagrids whiskery face as he had imagined Harry w inning the tournament. The incomprehensible egg weighed more heavily than ever on Harrys conscience that evening, and by the time he had got into bed, he had made up his mind it was time to shelve his pride and see if Cedrics hint was worth anything.