Chapter 7: Midnight Mischief

                                    

                                          
The next day I walked alongside Ron, Harry, and Hermione, excitement building as we made our way to Hagrid's hut. 
The trees grew taller, casting long shadows across the grounds.
"Imagine having a hut right on the edge of the Forbidden Forest," Ron said, his eyes shining.
"I've heard Hagrid's got some amazing creatures in there," Harry added.
Hermione consulted her book,
"According to 'A History of Hogwarts,' Hagrid's been gamekeeper since 1945."
I nodded, "He must know everything then."
As we approached the hut, the sound of rock music drifted out, accompanied by Hagrid's booming laughter. 
We knocked, and the door swung open to reveal Hagrid's wide grin.
"Ah, first years! Welcome! Come on in."
Inside, the hut was cozy, with a fire crackling in the hearth. Rock cakes and tea were spread on the table.
"Make yerselves at home," Hagrid said, gesturing to the chairs.
As we sat, I noticed a peculiar-looking dog in the corner.
"That's Fang," Hagrid said, chuckling. "He's me loyal companion."
-
As we sipped our tea, I asked, "Hagrid, how did you become the gamekeeper here?"
Hagrid's expression turned nostalgic. 
"Well, I've been around Hogwarts fer a long time. Started as a student, but... let's just say I didn't exactly fit in."
Ron's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean?"
Hagrid leaned back, his eyes clouding. 
"I was expelled, but Dumbledore saw somethin' in me. Gave me a second chance, he did. I've been takin' care of the creatures here ever since."
Harry's eyes widened. "What happened to get you expelled?"
Hagrid's face darkened, and he hesitated before speaking. 
"My half-giant heritage... some folks didn't take kindly to it. There were... incidents."
The room fell silent, but Hermione broke the tension. 
"We're glad you're here now, Hagrid. You're an amazing gamekeeper."
Hagrid's face softened, his smile returning. "Thanks, Hermione. Means a lot comin' from yeh."
As we finished our tea, I realized Hagrid's past was more complex than I'd imagined.
We settled back into our seats, Hagrid's eyes flicked toward the window.
"Who's peekin' through me window?" Hagrid growled.
We turned to look, and Harry replied, "It's Draco."
Hagrid's expression darkened. "That little scamp. What's he doin' sneakin' around?"
Ron muttered, "Probably looking for trouble."
Hermione's eyes narrowed. "We shouldn't have stayed out so late."
I glanced at Hagrid, concerned. "Will we get in trouble?"
Hagrid waved his hand. "Don't worry, I'll handle it. You're me guests."
Just then, Draco's face vanished from the window, and we heard footsteps fading into the darkness.
Hagrid's voice lowered. "I'll make sure he doesn't cause any trouble. But mark my words, that one's got a nasty streak."
The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows on the walls as we sat in contemplative silence.
Suddenly, Hagrid spoke up. "Time for yeh to get back to yer dorms, I reckon."
We nodded, reluctantly standing to leave.