26 Meeting Hagrid

"Nice to meet you too, Harry. Now, we got lots to do today. First, we'll be headin' to Diagon Alley to get yer school supplies. Professor Dumbledore said you might be attendin' Hogwarts, and if that's the case, we gotta get yer wand, books, and all the rest," Hagrid explained, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

Harry nodded, eager to explore the magical world further. "Sounds good, Hagrid. Lead the way."

The journey to Diagon Alley was an adventure in itself. Hagrid navigated through the hidden entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, tapped a few bricks with his umbrella, and soon they found themselves in the bustling magical shopping district.

Diagon Alley was a sight to behold – shops with colorful signs, wizards and witches going about their business, and a general sense of enchantment in the air. Hagrid guided Harry to various stores, helping him purchase a wand from Ollivanders, pick out textbooks from Flourish and Blotts, and get his magical supplies.

As they strolled through the crowded streets, Hagrid shared stories about Hogwarts, magical creatures, and his experiences as Keeper of the Keys and Grounds. Harry absorbed every bit of information, finding the magical world fascinating.

The last stop of the day was Gringotts, the wizarding bank. Hagrid led Harry to a small cart that zoomed through underground tunnels, eventually arriving at a vault deep within the bank. Harry was astonished to see piles of gold Galleons, silver Sickles, and bronze Knuts – the wizarding currency.

Back at the Leaky Cauldron, Hagrid left Harry with a reassuring pat on the back. "Enjoy yer stay here, Harry. I'll be back tomorrow to take you to the magical creatures shop. You'll love it!"

As Hagrid walked out, Harry felt a mixture of excitement and gratitude. He was ready to embrace this new chapter of his life, and Hagrid's warmth made the journey even more enjoyable.

"No need for that much formality, Harry. I've got to say, you've grown a good bit since I last saw ya. Fit in my hand the last time. 'Twas me who got you out of the house.

So tiny and that cut on your forehead. If I'd known what those Muggles would do, I'd have left 'em a present to show 'em my opinion of 'em," Hagrid told him.

Harry grinned, having some pretty nice ideas about what he could do to the Dursleys if he ever had the bad luck of meeting them again.

"C'mon. Let's take you to the Cauldron. We'll have to take Muggle transport. I don't fit in the Floo here," Hagrid said.

"No problem. How far is Charing Cross Road away from here?" Harry asked.

"On foot, twenty minutes. I don't know about those Muggle vehicles. Never really learned how to go by 'em. Only those train-like ones," Hagrid answered.

"That's no problem. As long as you know the way, we can walk. I've never really been to London except for the finals of the primary school championship in football. But then we were only driven to the stadium where the competition was taking place," Harry said.

"Yes, I heard you were really good at football. I'm curious how you'd be at Quidditch. Your dad was a great Quidditch player. Gave your mum quite a few scares when they were dating in their seventh year," Hagrid chuckled.

"You knew them better?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, I did. Even at school. Your dad and his gang of friends were a right handful. Always up to prank somebody. Liked a good laugh, 'em. Don't know how often I had to chase 'em outta the forest. But they were great people, your parents. Is a shame what happened to 'em. They were head boy and girl in their time. Both very bright. But your mum also had a temper when she wanted. Your dad was a bit stupid about his attempts at tryin' to win her. Got himself hexed good if she was furious."

"Needed to mellow out a bit to get her, but I've rarely seen a couple so in love as 'em after they finally were together. And when you were born, your dad and his friends let loose a great firework at the Hogwarts grounds. Thought the students and teachers should also celebrate with 'em. And one look was enough to see they loved you more than anything. Really great people they were," Hagrid said, wiping his nose over the memories.

Harry was touched. This was more than he had ever heard about them. And they seemed to be normal people, with their own quirks.

Hagrid chuckled at the memory of Harry's parents, sharing stories of his dad being a skilled Quidditch chaser and recounting a comical incident involving a toy broom nearly harming Harry's mum's cat.

"Harry, were there any photos left in the house when you got me?" Harry asked with hope.

"I didn't get ter really look. I only got yer outta there. But I can try an' see if some of their ol' friends have some which they'd give yer," Hagrid replied.

"That would be great. I never saw a photo of them and never was allowed to ask questions about them with the Dursleys," Harry expressed.

"Bloody muggles, I'd like ter introduce 'em ter Fluffy sometime," Hagrid mumbled.

"Who is Fluffy?" Harry asked, intrigued.

"A three-headed dog I got from a Greek chappie a while ago. Real softy he is, yer only need ter know how ter handle him. Play 'im a bit of music an' he falls asleep. Mos' magical creatures are only misunderstood, I think. Look at 'em callin' Thestrals dangerous creatures. Only 'cause they can only be seen by those who've seen death. Thestrals can look after 'emselves. Ministry fools don' like tha'. We've a 'hole herd at Hogwarts. They pull the carriages for the students when they come with the Hogwarts Express every year," Hagrid explained as they walked towards Diagon Alley.

Harry couldn't help but imagine the Dursleys cowering in fear before a giant three-headed dog named Fluffy. The idea brought a mischievous grin to his face.

Curious about the magical creatures at Hogwarts, Harry asked Hagrid to share more. Hagrid listed an array of creatures, from owls and rats to Hippogriffs and unicorns. As they walked through the part of London where St. Mungo's was located, Hagrid provided a glimpse into the magical fauna within the grounds of Hogwarts.

Harry was particularly intrigued by the mention of a runespoor and asked, "Wow, that's a lot of creatures. What exactly is a runespoor?"

....

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