Re:HP-A New Life

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter Twenty-Six: Tea with Hagrid

The crisp autumn air was invigorating as Harry and Rose made their way down the sloping grounds toward Hagrid's hut. The afternoon sun bathed the landscape in warm golden hues, and the sounds of laughter and chatter echoed from the castle behind them. Rose, practically skipping with excitement, glanced over her shoulder to see Ron and Hermione trailing slightly behind.

"Come on, you two!" Rose called. "Hagrid's expecting us!"

Ron quickened his pace, though his face showed a mix of enthusiasm and apprehension. "I dunno why you dragged me along," he muttered. "Last time I visited Hagrid, his rock cakes nearly broke my teeth."

Hermione, on the other hand, looked determined. Her gaze kept darting toward Harry, who walked calmly beside his sister, exuding his usual quiet confidence.

When they reached the hut, Hagrid flung the door open before they could even knock. His broad grin and wild beard were as welcoming as ever.

"Ah, there yeh are! Been lookin' forward ter this all week," Hagrid boomed, his voice full of warmth.

"Hello, Hagrid!" Rose chirped as she ran to give the half-giant a hug.

"Good ter see yeh, Rose. An' you too, Harry," Hagrid said, ruffling her hair before giving Harry a hearty pat on the shoulder. "Come on in, all o' yeh."

Inside, the hut was cozy but cluttered, as usual. A large cauldron bubbled gently over the fire, and the unmistakable sound of Fang's tail thumping against the floor greeted them.

"Down, Fang!" Hagrid commanded as the massive boarhound leapt up, slobbering all over Ron and Hermione in greeting.

"Eugh—get off, Fang!" Ron exclaimed, trying to fend off the enthusiastic dog.

Hermione giggled, wiping Fang's slobber off her robes. "He's just friendly, Ron."

Hagrid set out mismatched mugs and poured them each a steaming cup of tea. "Made a fresh batch o' rock cakes, if yer hungry," he said, gesturing to a plate of lumpy, grayish blobs.

Harry, Rose, and the others exchanged quick looks before politely declining.

"So," Hagrid began, settling into his oversized chair, "how's yer first week been? Feels right strange not seein' yeh in Gryffindor, Harry, but I reckon Slytherin'll treat yeh well enough."

"It's been... different," Harry admitted with a small smile.

Rose grinned. "Hogwarts is even better than I imagined. And I've made so many friends already!"

"Yeah," Ron added, "but your brother's already got half the school talking about him. Can't go anywhere without hearing, 'Did you see Potter do this? Did you hear Potter did that?'"

"Speaking of which," Hermione said, crossing her arms and fixing her gaze on Harry, "why do you keep doing things like casting spells without incantations or wand movements? It's not exactly normal for a first-year."

Harry raised an eyebrow and turned to his sister. "Rose, why does your friend Hermione keep glaring at me like I've personally insulted her?"

Rose giggled. "Because she's declared herself your rival. She's made it her mission to beat you at everything."

Harry laughed, a rich, genuine sound that made Hermione's cheeks flush. "A rival, huh? Good luck with that."

"I'm serious!" Hermione huffed. "It's not fair. You're... you're different."

"Different how?" Harry asked, smirking.

"You know how," Hermione snapped. "How can you cast spells without incantations or wand movements? We've barely started learning basic charms, and you're leagues ahead of everyone else!"

Harry's smirk softened into a more thoughtful expression. "Alright, I'll explain."

Hermione leaned forward eagerly, her quill already poised over her notebook.

"At your age," Harry began, "your magic is still raw and untrained. That means your control over it is more subconscious than conscious. When you try to cast a spell, your magic doesn't automatically understand what you want it to do. That's where incantations and wand movements come in—they're tools for visualization. They help you focus your intent and direct your magic. Over time, as you practice, you'll develop a more conscious relationship with your magic, and eventually, you won't need those tools as much."

He paused to let that sink in.

"You'll learn all about this in your fifth year when you start practicing non-verbal spells. For now, though, it's all about building that foundation."

Hermione scribbled furiously, nodding along. But then she looked up with a furrowed brow. "But why are you so different? Why can you do it now, when the rest of us can't?"

Harry gave her a cheeky grin. "Because I'm the chosen one."

Hermione's jaw dropped, and Ron nearly choked on his tea.

"Seriously, mate?" Ron said, laughing.

Rose burst into giggles. "You're impossible, Harry."

"I aim to please," Harry said with a wink.

Hermione pouted, clearly unsatisfied with his answer, but before she could press further, Hagrid changed the subject.

"So, Harry," Hagrid said, "I've heard yeh've been keepin' yer head down in Slytherin. How's it treatin' yeh?"

"It's... fine," Harry said carefully. "Different from Gryffindor, obviously, but not bad."

"Good ter hear," Hagrid said, nodding. "Yer mum an' dad would be proud, yeh know. No matter where yeh're sorted."

Harry's smile grew faint, but he nodded. "Thanks, Hagrid."

As the afternoon wore on, the group chatted about classes, Hogwarts life, and Hagrid's latest fascination with magical creatures. Fang eventually dozed off, his massive head resting on Ron's foot, much to the redhead's dismay.

When it was time to leave, Hagrid walked them to the door, waving them off with his usual enthusiasm.

"Don't be strangers, yeh hear? Always happy ter have yeh over!"

"Thanks, Hagrid!" Rose called as they headed back toward the castle.

As they walked, Hermione couldn't help but glance at Harry again. There was something about him she couldn't quite figure out. Rival or not, she was determined to uncover his secrets—no matter how long it took.