#6 Scare Bear Tea Party

Grace was a little excited to have tea with Hagrid. She hadn't spoken to him, but from what others had said, Hagrid was one of the nicest people at Hogwarts. She thought Gerald's idea was pretty smart, and they could also enjoy some tea. She would be fine just asking the question, too, if Hagrid was busy.

She was pretty curious to know what the creature was, if it could even be defeated, or if they even had to defeat it. She was imagining a legendary battle, like from her mother's book of wizarding fairy tales. She took a drink of pumpkin juice from a bottle in her bag and smiled at Gerald as he knocked on the door.

Oh, perfect. There was time for Tea, Gerald nodded. "I don't think we're in a Hurry, and it was something we were wondering about?"

Glancing over at Fang, he looked surprised. Did that Hellhound get even bigger? At least it listens to Hagrid, since if it was growing bigger, Hagrid was probably the only one that could keep Fang in Line. "Do you know much about the Monsters in and around the School, Hagrid?"

They had to be careful about this. If Hagrid knew about the Scarebear, they could get in trouble for going to places they shouldn't.

Hagrid beckoned them into his hut. He gestured to an armchair near a table. The seat was so big it could comfortably fit both Gerald and Grace.

'Monsters?' Hagrid worked on pouring them each a large cup of fresh tea. 'Now that's a bit harsh, don't yeh think? But of course there's many beasts and creatures at Hogwarts. Yeh gonna have to be more specific than that. What sort of beast are we talking about?' He sat across from them in his own armchair, curious yet a little suspicious.

Fang whined as he settled on the floor near the armchair the first years could share. He eyed Grace, as if able to tell she'd considered patting him. He didn't know her well enough though, so kept out of reach despite giving her puppy eyes.

Grace looked at her cup of tea, taking a sip of it to check if it was too hot, as she usually did. She found that it was a good temperature, not to hot, and obviously not cold either. She didn't really like iced tea as much as hot tea. "And we could make sure we're not hurting it." she added, thinking about how Hagrid had reacted to them calling things monsters. She also wouldn't really want to hurt anything.

Grace looked at Fang, holding her hand out to the dog to allow him to sniff it if he wanted. A few of her mum's friends had dogs and that was how she had always introduced herself to them. Something about dogs liking to know the way people smelled.

Grace listened to Hagrid. She was a little disappointed that he didn't know what the scaly creature was, but she couldn't expect him to know everything. At least Fang was accepting some pats. She gave the dog a few nice and gentle pats. She had expected his fur to have a different texture, and was almost surprised.

"Of course." Grace smiled, "We're not troublemakers, right, Gerald?" she glanced towards him as she took another sip of her tea, thinking of the time they'd gone out into the Forbidden Forest. Hopefully Hagrid wasn't a mind-reader. She decided she'd ask if people could read minds the next time she was in class.

Professor Fairburn, of course! Grace hadn't thought of the Care of Magical Creatures professor. Probably because she didn't take the class, she mused, taking another drink of tea. It would be rude to leave without finishing it, after all, and she did have the whole afternoon for free time. She let out a soft "aw" at Fang as the dog fell asleep. She wished dogs were allowed for students at Hogwarts, but she liked Marcia just as well.

Hagrid was amused by their responses, though had nothing to go by that would either prove or disprove their statements. They seemed like good kids though and he did enjoy having company now and again. It wasn't often that those he didn't know thought to stop by and meet him. He supposed maybe Fang's barking unnerved them a bit?

'I wouldn't say no teh that.' Hagrid chuckled at Gerald's response. He was always keen to meet new creature, if he knew much about them or not. 'Here's hoping yeh don't run into it though. It sounds like a right piece of work, that does. Unless yeh know how to calm it, of course.'

Fang continued to doze, oblivious and unconcerned with their conversation or visitors now he was comfortable.

Hagrid got up to wash off the teacups, and peered out his window as he did so. His gaze was towards the Quidditch pitch, where he'd seen some Slytherins headed there.

'Looks like Seabrook's rallying more players. Shame about Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tryouts being cancelled. Yeh on the team, aren't yeh?' He glanced at Grace. It was no secret Hagrid enjoyed watching the matches and supported the Gryffindor team. 'And what about yeh, Gerald? Thinking of trying out?'

He finished washing up, though was surprised how much time had passed already. Good company had a way of doing that. He remained in the kitchen area, doing a few odd tasks as he listened to their responses. Hagrid was sure they'd be hurrying off to do other things soon, so didn't return to his armchair. That was okay though. He didn't mind if a visit was short or long. Hogwarts students were busy, after all. It was so nice of them to take the time out of their afternoon to come by. 

Standing up, he looked to Grace. She was a Chaser? "I'm thinking of Joining too, but I have no idea what to play." It was strange, having to leave so soon, but they weren't really there for casual meetings, unfortunately. THey still had other places to go while they still had time.

"If I had to choose, though, I'd try the least active member. The GoalKeeper, maybe?" He wasn't sure, but it was worth thinking about, at least. Even if Scare Bear was still a Problem, at least they were confined to that room.