Draco's Hufflepuff | Unfolding

Thirty: Unfolding

"Of course, Professor, what is it?" I said, standing up a little straighter, trying to conceal my nerves,

"Could you be so kind, to go down to Hagrid's Hut and just tend to Fang for a few hours? He doesn't need much, just company more than anything, and letting in and out of the door. The volunteer who has been coming to care for Fang has been taken ill unfortunately, and rushed to St. Mungo's," Professor McGonagall looked between the two of us,

"Oh, Merlin! Are they okay? I hope they're not too poorly," I said to the Professor, genuinely concerned,

"Oh, yes, they'll be okay. We have someone coming in over the weekend, it's just for today. If you can't, then I'm sure we'll manage to find someone to see to Fang," the Professor pulled her lips into a tight line,

"I'd love to sit with Fang for a little while, I'm happy to help," I said to Professor McGonagall honestly,

"Excellent, and what say you, Malfoy? Will you help Miss. Parsons with Fang?" Professor McGonagall looked to Draco,

"I suppose so, okay," Draco said in a clipped tone,

"Thank you both so much. You're being a massive help. Ten points to Slytherin and ten points to Hufflepuff! You'll just have to cast Alohomora on the front door, and everything you'll want is there. See you both later, should you need anything, come to my classroom!" McGonagall called out as she walked off in the direction of her workroom,

"I'm sorry, Draco, you're not upset with me, are you? I know we made plans, but I hate to think of poor Fang sat there all on his own," I said to him once we were out of earshot,

"Of course, not, Parsons. I guess that settles our plans, maybe we can walk into Hogsmeade tomorrow instead," Draco shrugged slightly.

**

Draco took hold of my hand once we were halfway between the castle and Hagrid's Hut. Slowly making our way to where Hagrid lived, we were talking about all sorts, and it felt really nice.

Outside of Hagrid's Hut were so many kinds of magical plants and flowers. Rocks of all shapes and sizes, and a large pumpkin patch. Along with the pumpkins, there were cabbages, carrots, potatoes... so many vegetables, which I assumed went to the kitchens for the elves and fed his creatures. I smiled to myself, now knowing why Harry, Ron, and Hermione liked it here so much.

Arriving at the wooden front door, Draco retrieved his wand from his coat pocket and cast the Alohomora charm, unlocking the rusted and creaky door handle.

As we walked into Hagrid's Hut, there was a certain smell to the air. I couldn't quite work out what it was, but it was almost like a mixture of soil, wood, and fresh meat. It wasn't the most pleasant of scents, but definitely not the worst either. The atmosphere was inviting and comforting, however, with warm tones of red, gold, and amber.

There was a big cauldron sat on top of the fire, an armchair twice the size of an ordinary one, a wooden dining table with four mismatched chairs, a basket of blankets, a bookcase with around ten books on the shelves, all about magical creatures, all sporadically spread out, and plants everywhere. There was two wooden doors, which I could only assume were to the bathroom and his bedroom.

Down on the floor, on a pile of blankets and pillows, was a sleepy Fang. He looked up in curiosity as I shut the door behind myself, and he whined as we stepped inside.

I walked over to him straight away and petted his head, to let him know we weren't there for any trouble, that he didn't need to be afraid of us.

"There's a good boy," I said to him.