Harry was sitting in his office, filling out tireless paperwork as his head was rattled with endless, overwhelming thoughts. Harry was working as the Head of Magical Law Enforcement using his quiver to write leaflets for the wizarding community as he couldn’t catch a break, his hands moving frantically as he penned it out. Ever since he left Hogwarts, Harry had to carry the burden of working at the ministry, the dependency others in his field had on him was too much toll to bear. He missed the ones he loved the most – his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who were married themselves and worked at separate units in the ministry. His wife Ginny Weasley and his beloved children Albus, James and Lily, who felt separated from him due to obligations they couldn’t control. It made Harry’s heart feel dispirited as all he wanted was to retire from his job and to see his loved ones again, anything to make his burden less unbearable. Then the memories came flowing back to him – he remembered the day he came to Hogwarts. When the warm, gentle Rubeus Hagrid pulled him away from the cruel home of The Dursleys to the magical, vast wizarding world, a world where he most inclined to belong. All Harry wanted most out of this workaholic life was to see Hagrid once again, to tell him how far he’s came ever since he held him in his arms as a baby. Harry’s train of thought was interrupted when an owl came swooping into his office, its wings fluttered hastily as it dropped a letter on Harry’s desk. The owl crashed down to his office desk, giving him a look of insincerity as it fluttered away frantically, away to deliver more post. Harry desperately grabbed at the letter as he saw something his heart never faltered to recognize, the red emblem of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry. The letter looked very urgent as Harry read his contents, realising that the letter was of pressing matter. Was Albus or James having trouble at school? Was Harry called to a dangerous matter? Harry tried not to let this questions blind him as he trimmed the letter carefully open, wrapping the paper to view as he discovered it was a letter from none other than Professor Minerva McGonagall as he began to read the contents of the letter, in shock of what he was reading.
Dear Mr. Potter,
It’s been ages since we’ve had the privilege to write to you
You’ve been so busy with your ministry duties, but we need you present at Hogwarts.
Rubeus Hagrid is at death’s door, we don’t know how long he has left.
He is currently resting sickly in the hospital wing.....with no one by his side.
He needs someone to be at his bedside and he needs you Harry.
You meant a lot of Hagrid, you were like the son he never had.
Be there for him in his final hours Harry....it’ll mean so much to him.
Minerva McGonagall
Harry felt his heart sink into despair at those words as his body just froze, coming to terms with the fact that Hagrid didn’t have that long left. He had so many fond memories with the compassionate giant and to learn that he is currently bedridden, begging for him to be at his side. Hagrid meant a lot to Harry, he was the one that introduced him to a world of magic and sorcery and changed his life forever. Hogwarts would have been nothing without Hagrid and for it to lose its light was a feeling he could barely stomach. Harry had to leave immediately as he didn’t want to miss out on Hagrid’s last breath. As he prepared to close out his office, he hastily reached into his drawer as he grabbed a mysterious box, covered in wrapping paper as he held it tightly in his hands, memories flooding back to him as he marched out of his office, bracing himself to reunite with Hagrid after so long...
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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Day
Harry arrived at the gates of Hogwarts as the lively, imposing castle reined high over him, bringing back many joyous memories as McGonagall waited for him by the gates, her expression stern. Harry tried to suppress the nostalgia and longing he’d been feeling as his heart was tainted with uncertainty, worried about Hagrid’s condition. He had a sack cradling in his arms as he walked towards the gates, greeting his former professor with a genuine handshake as he could sense how McGonagall felt, a downpour of relief on her face as she was glad to see Harry once again. “Oh Harry....how wonderful to see you again. He’s been expecting you...” McGonagall muttered, her voice full of pity as Harry smiled a cold smile, emotion ruthlessly plaguing his heart as his concern for Hagrid was indescribable.
“Hello professor, how is he holding up?” Harry asked, his voice trembling with concern as McGonagall led him into the hallways, taking him through the grounds of Hogwarts as she kept him informed.
“Hagrid is laying rest in our hospital wing, he’s currently battling illness. His old age isn’t enough to save him....he’s not got long to live Harry. He knows that truth all too well and accepts his fate....seeing you again will make him smile....” McGonagall explained, her voice trembling of emotional as Harry felt his heart beat fast, moved by the fact Hagrid knew he was dying and he was accepting of his approaching end. Harry needed to be at his side in his final moments, it was something he truly needed. McGonagall took him through the halls, eventually settling into the hospital wing as the nurses were tending to Hagrid, greeting Harry as he entered the ward, sadness slowly crippling at him as he had to stay strong, he had to stay strong for Hagrid and for everyone in Hogwarts. He approached Hagrid’s bedside as he was in frail condition, old and grey as his bushy beard was the only distinct look that helped him spot out Hagrid. His eyes lit up when he saw Harry as he pulled up a stool to sit by the bedridden Hagrid, who chuckled heartily upon seeing him once again. “Ooh Harry....how far you’ve grown....” Hagrid chuckled, his voice nearly broke with emotion as Harry smiled, trying to lift his spirits up.
“It’s great to see you again Hagrid....god, it’s been so long...” Harry muttered, filled with happiness to see his old friend again.
“It has Harry, it bloody well has been!” Hagrid stammered, the two bursting into wholesome laughter as Hagrid’s chuckle was more croaky, faltering as it eventually became a loud, crackling cough, Hagrid forced to cover his mouth as he tried to suppress his sickness. Harry tried to maintain his smile, trying to keep Hagrid in hopeful spirits. “How I’ve ye been doing Harry? Your eyes tell me you’ve had a thrill of a life. Tell me, how Mr Potter has been doing eh?...” Hagrid asked, his voice trembling with earnest joy. “You can say that Hagrid....I’m married with children, there all students at Hogwarts. I have a job at the ministry; I’m the head of magical law enforcement. I’ve had an eventful life since I left Hogwarts....sometimes I wish...that I could return....” Harry explained, trying to hold back the melancholic tone in his voice as Hagrid smiled a hearty smile, understanding his wishes.
“Oh Harry...of course you do. You were only but a wee boy in those days, I remember you were as small as a bonetruckel when I brought you to Private Drive. I watched you grow up...look where you are now; you’re here....you saved the wizarding world from darkness, so all you want is to return to simpler times. Innit strange to think back, to see the inner child in ye Harry. Whenever I saw Albus and James, all I saw was you. All throughout your time in Hogwarts....even after all this years, you’re still the boy I know...” Hagrid chuckled, remising on simpler times as Harry sat by his bedside, smiling unconditionally at Hagrid’s tender words. Hagrid lay in his hospital bed, crumbling upon the illness as having Harry by his side kept him smiling, until his inevitable final breath. Harry held onto the giant’s wrinkly hand, keeping him company as his warming touch assured him he wasn’t alone.
“Remember that time....when...we first met. You brought me a cake for my birthday because the Dursleys wouldn’t celebrate it with me. You were the only one that cared...you brought me into this magical world. That’s the greatest birthday gift anyone has given me...” Harry muttered, utter relief and sadness pouring from his voice as he tried to suppress the gloom in his eyes as Hagrid smiled that signature smile, his face almost buried in his grey beard. “I remember that so fondly Harry....you never fail to leave my memory” Hagrid chuckled, staring at Harry with a gentle, fond look. Hagrid desperately coughed once again, his breath fragile as Harry clenched onto his hand, keeping him tranquil as his health was slowly deteriorating, gasping for air. One of the nurses hastily gave Hagrid medicine to keep his sickly state in check as Hagrid swallowed an exhausting gulp of medicine, struggling to breath amidst the coughing as his sickness was doing tolling damage to his body. Harry watched in pain as his old friend was in ill health, breaking his heart as he could do nothing but watch Hagrid’s health decline further. Hagrid placed the medicine container gently on the table as he suppressed his chesty coughs with pained laughter as he tried to maintain his composure amid his faltering health. He kept looking at Harry, tears forming in his eyes as he just smiled. “I can’t believe how fast time’s went Harry....you’ve had a thrill of a life, you should be proud of yourself.....I’ve always feared death, it scared me....but seeing how far I’ve came, I’m now ready to go....all the wee ones will remember “Hagrid the Gatekeeper” as part of Hogwarts history.....I won’t be here for that...but I know....they’ll have a legacy to remember me by.....” Hagrid muttered, in tears as his voice was engulfed with gut-wrenching emotion, staring at Harry with eyes of love. Harry let out a smile, trying to bring Hagrid care and warmth as tears fell down his face, left in emotion at seeing his friend go. He washed tears from his eyes as he bent down to reach for his satchel, bringing out the meaningful gift he brought for Hagrid.
“Hagrid....I’ve got something I’ve been meaning to give you....it’s a special gift to remind you of me one last time....” Harry muttered, voice awash in emotion as he enwrapped the bag, revealing a red photo album as he passed it to Hagrid, as his sad features lit up with joy, taking the gift gently from his hands as he gave the item a look of admiration. “It’s a photo album I’ve put together throughout the years since I left Hogwarts....it contains all of our memories, including pictures of my family...let’s just say, it’s something for you to remember me by....” Harry muttered, trying to suppress the emotion building within him as Hagrid began to kindly observe the photo album. He saw photos of Harry, Ron and Hermione in their first year at Hogwarts, smiling wholesomely as they were all together in a friendly embrace. Many photos included fond memories of his time at Hogwarts; Harry’s wedding to Ginny, sharing a sombre kiss as Hagrid revealed a hearty grin, getting emotional as he observed the moving pictures, showcasing Harry and his children, their time at Hogwarts and his many achievements at The Ministry of Magic. The album told the story of Harry’s life, a story fit for a hero as Hagrid sobbed, fresh tears falling down his face as he was honoured to have received the gift, giving Harry a sombre look.
“Thank ye Harry, this is the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given me....you have had such an incredible life...it is all you’ve deserved. Once I part this world, I hope that you continue with that life...to have the legacy of a hero on your shoulders.....I’m so proud of you, boy.....It’s been an honour for Rubeus Hagrid to be at your service...” Hagrid muttered, voice overcome with emotion, as she shook Harry’s hand, the two friends sharing one last handshake as Harry hugged Hagrid, engulfed in his warm, gentle embrace as Harry felt his eyes fill with tears, Hagrid smiling amid the heartache as he gave Harry one last, cherished look, proud to have had this last moment with him.
“Hogwarts won’t be the same......without you Hagrid....” Harry muttered, his voice muffled with raw sobs as Hagrid smiled, understanding Harry’s grieving words.
“I know....I know....but always remember that my spirit is with you....” Hagrid replied, voice full of hope and fondness as he was happy to have seen Harry once again, to spend time together before he departed from this world. Harry gave Hagrid one last smile, fraught with sadness, as his heart would miss Hagrid, his warm, gentle energy unlike anything he’d been exposed to. He just knew, that one day they’d meet again...
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Harry stood amid the cold grounds, clad in black as he walked through the blissful hills as his heart was filled with sadness and despair, carrying a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Once he reached the top of the hill, he laid flowers at the gravestone of Rubeus Hagrid as his soul rested amid the grounds of Hogwarts. Harry knelt by his grave, looking back on the gentle giant he once knew as he remembered him very fondly. Hagrid was a kindred spirit and he knew he was at peace, somewhere tranquil and divine, a place where he felt content with the life he’d had in the wizarding world. He’d never forget Hagrid’s kindness and the respect he gave to all creatures great and small, his lively presence and the way he presented himself to the world. He could never forget the friendly giant who brought him to this magical place. He taught him that his life mattered.
“I’ll miss you Hagrid...” Harry muttered, his voice trembling with hope that he would see his friend again. One day, when he’s ready.
Harry gave one last sombre look at Hagrid’s resting place as he began to march down the hill, saying goodbye to his old friend once again. Rubeus Hagrid’s grave lingered on the evergreen hills as the giant was finally given his time to rest....
R.I.P Robbie Coltrane