The Prince

Chapter 9

The Old Ally

"They have already left, Hagrid. You had better come in," said the Prince.

Hagrid nodded and followed him inside. Harry took him to a private room and explained everything to him. Hagrid stared at him in shock.

"Yeh can' do tha'!"

"I have to."

"Wha' if yeh lose?"

"Then I'll leave."

"An' go where? Back t' yer Aunt?"

"No. The Prince will not live anymore. His purpose would have been served, and the world will no longer require him."

"NO! Yer mad. I won' let yeh do anythin' tha' stupid!"

"Hagrid, think about it seriously. After all, you were with Dumbledore when he decided to shun me. Maybe I should have done this back then."

"Dumbledore was a grea' man, bu' even he made mistakes. He believed Ron. I tried t' tell him tha' yeh wouldn' do somethin' like tha', bu' a Weasley is more credible than a half-gian', righ'?" Hagrid laughed bitterly.

"Aren't you endangering your position at Hogwarts by coming here? The children need you there, Hagrid."

"Codswallop. Yeh need me. Yeh've needed me since ol' Dumbledore went agains' yeh - bu' yer nobility made yeh sen' me back. I don' care who says wha' anymore. I am yer frien', an' I will stand by yeh."

Harry resisted the urge to hug Hagrid. He contented himself by giving him a very grateful smile. Hagrid nodded, understanding Harry's emotions perfectly.

"So," said Harry, changing the subject, "how's Olympe? And Kreena?"

Hagrid happily switched over to the topic of his wife and daughter.

"They're very happy. Kreena got 'er letter las' week. Ne'er bin so proud of 'er."

"Hogwarts?"

"Yeah. Olympe says she will sen' the boy to her school, though."

"You never told me about your son!"

"'E's no' born yet, Harry. Bin six mon's now. Olympe di' some charm an' she says it's a boy."

"Congratulations, Hagrid. I'm happy for you. You must be so proud!"

Hagrid nodded, his face shining with happiness. Harry felt happy for his friend. Just then, Remus came in, looking really cross.

"Did you call Snape here, Harry?"

"No, why?"

"He's standing at the gates demanding to see you."

"What for?"

"'E's on your side, Harry," said Hagrid suddenly. Harry, who had been about to leave the room, whirled around in surprise.

"What?"

"Didn' yeh know? 'E's been tryin' to convince Dumbledore and then McGonagall that yeh were all righ' an' tha' Ron ha' bin lyin'," said Hagrid calmly.

"But...but he hates me, Hagrid!"

"I know. Bu' 'e also does wha' is righ'."

Harry stared at Hagrid for a minute before turning to his Duke.

"Bring him in, Remus."

Remus left. Harry turned to Hagrid.

"Why don't you freshen up and have a nice meal, Hagrid? I'll be back soon."

The Prince looked down from his throne at the man who had been his least favourite professor in school.

"Good evening, Professor Snape. What brings you here?"

Snape glared at him, the look on his face showing that he was doing this against his better judgement.

"We require your help, you highness," he said.

The Prince cocked an eyebrow.

"Perhaps it would be better if I could have a private word with you," Snape continued.

"Very well, Professor," the Prince said loudly, "leave us."

The courtiers looked surprised, but left the hall anyway. Only Remus remained.

"Hogwarts is in danger," said Snape.

Harry stood up abruptly, not believing his ears. He loved Hogwarts more than any other place. After all, it was his alma mater. It was the first home he had ever known. It was the place where he had found his friends. It was the place from where his life had truly begun. He was enraged.

"Who dares to endanger Hogwarts?" he hissed. The palace seemed to shake with his power.