Harry Potter and the Children of the Clan

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Harry was sitting on the bench in front of Hagrid's hut as the sun was dropping toward the horizon. He was waiting for his son, James, to emerge from the forest. Harry wasn't alone, however. Wully was sitting with his head in Harry's lap. Fortunately, the big 'puppy' wasn't a drooler but he was a hugger of sorts. When they had first taken up their vigil at the bench the dog had tried to crawl up onto Harry's lap or at least get his front half up there. But as much as Harry liked dogs and he was coming to like this one greatly, he wasn't about to be that friendly. So after some shoving and firm words, Wully took up his present position.

"You know, big fella, I think I am going to have one very tired young man to bring home," he said looking down at the one big brown eye that was visible. "Maybe you could give him a ride into Hogsmeade."

The response he got back was neither a woof nor a whine. It was a low pitched verbalization that suggested a positive attitude. After a few more minutes a mismatched pair of figures emerged from the trail, the smaller one looking weary and footsore but his head held high and shoulders back.

"Hail, Serpent King. As promised, your offspring is here, whole and hale, if tired."

"Hail, Friend Ronin. Yes, he does appear a bit worse for wear, but I don't see anything that should upset his mother, which is the important thing," Harry replied with a grin.

"Truly. The young one has his instructions. Until next time, fare thee well."

"Farewell," Harry said.

During the exchange Wully had remained uncharacteristically subdued. Harry figured he was somewhat cowed by the large Centaur. After Ronin disappeared back under the trees the dog perked up and began frisking around James, who was happy to give him some attention, albeit slowly.

"How are you doing, James?" Harry asked.

"I'm in serious need of a good long kip, Da. We didn't stop once to rest all day. We even ate lunch while we walked."

"Your Uncle Rubeus offered to make you something to eat before you go home. What do you say?"

"I say why are we standing out here, I'm starving," James replied with some genuine enthusiasm.

"Come on, Wully. Let's get the boy inside before his stomach starts growling louder than you do."

"Woof."

By the time Harry was ready to begin the trip home, James had fallen into a deep sleep, tucked up against Norbie by the fireplace, with Wully stretched out alongside. Harry was looking down at his son while sipping from an after dinner cuppa.

"I hate to wake him up, but I'm not going to carry him down to the little house."

"Why not levitate 'em, Harry?" Hagrid said with a grin behind that bushy beard.

"Come on, Hagrid. The boy would die of embarrassment if he ever found out. Especially if any of the students saw us."

"Why not leave 'em here with me? I'll feed 'em up in the mornin' and then walk 'em ta yer house and send 'em home by the network," Hagrid offered.

"Sounds like a good idea, Hagrid. It's too bad he didn't hear about it before he dropped off. He would have tried to stay up for a while. Alright, Hagrid. Try and have him home by lunchtime."

"Sure thing, Harry."

Harry had some fast taking to do when he arrived home alone. Ginny was waiting and when she didn't see her son she jumped to the most horrible conclusion possible and she barraged Harry with questions. When he finally was able to get a word in he explained about how tired the boy was and Hagrid's offer and Ginny settled down.