Chapter 1
You're late," Hagrid grumbled, peering through the foggy window of his small wooden hut. His beetle-black eyes searched for the familiar silhouettes of his three young friends.
"Only by a few minutes," James said with a cheeky smile, pushing the door open. Lily and Sirius trailed in behind him, their laughter mingling with the faint aroma of roasting chestnuts that filled the cozy space.
Hagrid's hut looked exactly as they had left it during the week - cluttered with various magical creatures, half-finished projects, and the ever-present smell of dragon dung fireplace. A gentle warmth emanated from the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the room. The giant's chair, large enough to seat all three of them, was pulled up to the small, round table that was now laden with steaming cups of tea and a platter of rock cakes.
"Make yourselves at home," Hagrid said, his gruffness giving way to a wide smile. "I've got something to tell you."
Curiosity piqued, they sat down, the chair groaning under their combined weight. Lily took a tentative bite of a rock cake, her teeth sinking through the crust with surprising ease. than she remembered.
"What is it, Hagrid?" she asked, eyes sparkling.
The gamekeeper's smile grew wider. "Well, you see," he began, his voice dropping to conspiatorial whispe, "I've got to go away for a bit. Dumbledore's sent me on a... a little errand. Important stuff, you know." He leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped over his large stomach.
James's eyebrows shot up. "How long will you be gone?"
"A week, maybe two," Hagrid replied, his expression a mix of excitement and apprehension. "It's all hush-hush”
James leaned in, his curiosity now fully piqued. "What kind of errand?"
"Can't say," Hagrid said, his voice dropping even further. "But I've got to leave hippogriff here, and I need you lot to look after him for me."
Sirius's eyes lit up at the mention of the boisterous boarhound. "hippogriff ? No problem! He's a good boy." While thinking of the mischief he could have with the hippogriff in his a dog from.
"But Hagrid," Lily said, setting down her half-eaten rock cake, "are you sure it's safe to leave him with us?"
"'Course it is," Hagrid reassured her, stroking his beard. "He's just a baby, really. And you know I wouldn't ask if it weren't important. Just make sure he's fed, that's all."
Sirius's grin grew mischievous. "How much does he eat?"
"Only a bit more than you," Hagrid chuckled, slapping Sirius on the back. "Just don't go feeding him your homework, or he might just start expecting it every day."
James nodded solemnly. "We'll take good care of him, Hagrid. Don't worry."
"Thank you," Hagrid said, his eyes misting over. "I knew I could count on you." He rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a large key. "Here's the key to the hut .” Lily took the key. "We'll make sure he's well looked after," she promised.