Aragog's funeral (1) (Bonus)

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Bonus at 400 stones.

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In the Gryffindor lounge, Ron complained to Harry about the psychological trauma caused by Mrs. Weasley's actions in the Great Hall. He vented his inner anguish, mirroring Harry's frustration. Harry, sympathizing with Ron, pondered how to console him. The idea of bowing to Malfoy and apologizing to the entire school seemed impossible to Harry.

While Harry contemplated comforting Ron, he noticed Hermione struggling into the Gryffindor lounge with a tall stack of books. "What's wrong? Do we have a surprise exam?" Ron inquired, observing Hermione's nervous expression. Hermione often displayed this behavior during her final reviews. Ron suspected Hermione had obtained some "inside information" from Professor Ethan's office.

"I'm behind on my study!" Hermione exclaimed, dropping the books on the lounge sofa with difficulty.

"Penelope can already cast signs, and I haven't learned anything yet!" she anxiously scratched her head.

Harry and Ron exchanged glances, feeling a bit ashamed for not understanding the signs. "It's normal, Hermione. Penelope is three years older than you," Ron tried to comfort her, but his words seemed to have the opposite effect. Hermione glared at Ron, causing him to nervously retract.

"I can't waste time," Hermione stomped her feet, raised the books again, and waved her hands as she bid farewell to Ron, heading back to her bedroom. Suddenly, she turned and informed Harry and Ron, "Hagrid invited us to Aragog's funeral tonight. Be prepared."

Without looking back, she walked into the bedroom.

"A Spider's Funeral," Ron thought it was a bit eerie. Ron, who had cherished a teddy bear in his childhood, had it transformed into a giant spider by mischievous twins George and Fred. The incident left Ron with a lasting fear of spiders. He would have never imagined attending a spider's funeral someday.

As evening approached, the three young wizards trod on the snowy ground towards Hagrid's cabin, all dressed in black, even their scarves and ties matching the somber color. A minor incident occurred when Ron couldn't find his black tie, but Hermione improvised by creating a duplicate of Harry's tie to resolve the issue temporarily.

Upon arriving near Hagrid's cabin, Harry, Ron, and Hermione witnessed a somewhat alarming sight. A massive lifeless spider lay sprawled across the ground, its legs contorted and entangled, causing Ron to involuntarily shudder. "I've decided—I'm going back to the castle. Sending a letter to Hagrid would be a good way to express my condolences," Ron declared.

"Ron!" Hermione nudged Ron's lower back in disapproval. "Hagrid is our friend, and besides, that spider is already dead. There's nothing to be afraid of"

Ron attempted to say more, but Hermione and Harry swiftly countered him, half-forcibly leading Ron to the door of Hagrid's hut.

With no way out, Ron reluctantly promised Hermione and Harry that he would sincerely attend Aragog's funeral, and they finally let him go.

Harry knocked on Hagrid's cabin door. "You're here," Hagrid hoarsely greeted, opening the door to find Harry, Ron, and Hermione before him.

"Yeah, we're here to bid farewell to Aragog," Harry explained.

Hagrid sobbed audibly, wearing a makeshift black coat resembling a rag dipped in shoe polish. His eyes were red and swollen. Harry reassured him by patting his elbow, the highest point he could reach with minimal effort.

Hagrid stepped aside, allowing Harry, Ron, and Hermione into his hut. Inside, the three young wizards discovered Dumbledore, also dressed in a solemn black robe. Seeing them, Dumbledore nodded in acknowledgment.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione quickly greeted Dumbledore, feeling embarrassed due to their earlier mistake. The trio took seats on the sofa in Hagrid's cabin, gazing down at their toes in silence.

The only sound in the cabin was Hagrid's low sobs. "When will the funeral begin?" Hermione broke the silence.

"We are still waiting for a guest. I believe he will arrive soon, Miss Granger," Dumbledore responded.

As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. Harry promptly rose to open it, finding Professor Ethan standing outside, much to his surprise.

Earlier in the afternoon, Dumbledore's Patronus, the silver Phoenix had come to Ethan's office, inviting him to attend Aragog's funeral that night.

"Ethan, I just arrived, I've been waiting for you," Dumbledore warmly greeted Ethan, intending to mediate the conflict between Hagrid and Ethan.

Ethan placed two bottles of red wine on the table, realizing that the red wine from another world made for a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

"Ethan, what's this? You're too polite," Dumbledore smiled, to which Ethan replied, "Just a little token."

Ethan continued, "You're too kind; it's all thanks to your staff."

Dumbledore took the opportunity to introduce Hagrid to Ethan, patting Hagrid's broad shoulder. "Ethan, meet Hagrid, the Hogwarts Grounds Keeper."

"Hello, I'm Ethan, the Close Combat Arts Professor from Toussaint," Ethan greeted, extending his hand to Hagrid.

Initially hesitant, Hagrid seemed to have been influenced by Dumbledore's efforts, extending his broad palm to shake hands with Ethan.

"Ethan, I've been into magic longer than you. I've heard a bit about your skills, Ethan. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione observed nervously as Hagrid and Ethan interacted. They were aware of the tensions between the two. Now, with Ethan attending Aragog's funeral, they felt uneasy, unsure of whom to support in case of a conflict.

"Ethan, Hagrid, I understand there's been some... misunderstanding between you two. You're both valuable assets to Hogwarts. I genuinely hope you can resolve the misunderstanding and reconcile," Dumbledore earnestly expressed.

"Hagrid, I'm genuinely sorry about Aragog. I truly had no prior knowledge that Aragog was your friend," Ethan apologized sincerely. (Sure you were)