Chapter 36: Tiwaz Rune!
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Hagrid whistles. "Simple work, but clean and even," he says, referring to the bookmark and hoop. Then lightly rubs the medallion. "Looks like you're going to get fancy with that one, though."
"I hope so. These are meant to be little Christmas gifts, but the main gifts are these picture frames," I say, pulling out the one I brought with me.
"Well, along with the pictures themselves. I've got this one pretty much how I want it, but I was hoping you'd have some tips for details on the rest. Maybe you've got examples around here?"
"Not a whole lot too fancy here, but have a look at the table and the wall over there. I'm going to try and do something about my hair."
His best frame, in my opinion, appears to be an old wizarding photo of himself shaking hands with Professor Dumbledore.
There is a roughly etched relief of Hogwarts along the top of the frame, the sides are carved to look like vines, which drape down over the bottom of the frame.
The imperfections in the view of Hogwarts, which looks like the first glimpse students get when they cross the Lake, somehow adds character in a way that I could never replicate.
This is way beyond my skill. "This one with you and the headmaster is incredible, Hagrid!"
"Aye, my finest work, that is. Took me months!" he calls from the other room.
"That would take me years, I think."
"Oh you'll pass me up soon enough, Bud. Your small fingers are much better suited for those tiny things."
I spend some time studying the others, and I pick out a couple details and patterns that I decide to try on Neville's and Harry's frames. The draping vines would be perfect for Neville. Then I remember the other reason I'm here. "Hey Hagrid, have you spoken to Harry, Hermione, and Ron lately?"
He pops his head out in the doorway, and it looks like he's in the process of greasing down his massive tangle of hair. "In class of course, but it's been a while since they came and saw me. Why? You're all good folk, Bud, aren't you friends with them?"
"That's just it, I was getting there, but...well, some things happened and I haven't spoken more than a scant few words with them in a while."
Hagrid came out then, still working on his hair, and sat down on his enormous, faded recliner. "What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"
I sigh. "It's complicated. I know those three have their history, having been together for the first three years here. I get the impression they've been through quite a lot."
"That they have," Hagrid says with a nod.
"I've only been here since the beginning of the year, so they don't really trust me..."
"Well that can't be it, that doesn't sound like them at all!"
"It's not...not usually, anyway. I think I sort of surprised and scared them a little bit with some of the things that I shared, but the reason I had that knowledge is part of my past. And for several reasons I really can't share my past with anybody. Not even with my best friend, or even with Professor Dumbledore. I just can't!"
Hagrid leans back and frowns deeply. Idly I note that he's getting grease on the arms of his recliner. "Well your secrets are yours to tell, but they have more reason than most to be wary." He thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. "I'm sorry, Bud, I'm not very good with stuff like this."
Just then a knock on the door makes Fang jump up and bark excitedly. Suddenly it hits me: Hagrid wearing the suit and slicked down hair, that was in the book!
Before I can do anything Hagrid takes two massive strides to the door and opens it.
I dash over to the table where I had left my partially finished frames and other gifts and hurriedly stuff them back into my robe pockets.
I spin around to find the trio inside near one of the normal-sized chairs, Hermione looking at me very suspiciously.
"Hey guys," I say.
"Alright, William?" Harry says. He and Ron are still friendly toward me, but since I usually leave them alone to follow Hermione's wishes he seems uncertain about addressing me familiarly.
"Whatcha got there?" Ron asks, oblivious to the tension.
"Yes, William, what are you hiding?" Hermione says, eyes narrowed. Not a good start to getting back on her good side.
"Now, Ron, Hermione," Hagrid begins.
"No, it's okay Hagrid..." I dig around, then pull out the lion medallion, then pull it out and show them. "Just something I've been working on."
"What is this?" she asks, turning it over and tracing the tiwaz rune with her finger.
"Well it's not finished yet, but I'm hoping it will be a Christmas present for Neville."
Her eyes widen, and I feel myself blush in embarrassment.
"Do you...think he'll like it? If it comes out okay, I mean."
Ron leans over Hermione's shoulder for a brief glance. "Looks pretty good to me, mate."
Hermione's look of suspicion morphs into something else that I can't identify. "It's brilliant, actually."
"Looked like you had more than that," Ron says after a moment, trying to peek into my pockets.
"Well, you guys aren't allowed to see those yet," I say, still fighting my blush and holding my hands over my pockets.
"Why not?" Ron asks thickly. "If the others are as good as that one..."
"Well I've got yours and one of Hermione's in here, too, Ron."
"Oh," Ron says, turning red. "Well thanks, mate! That thing was pretty brilliant now that I think about it."
"Actually that was only for Neville," I say with a small smile. "You'll just have to wait and see yours."
I chuckle when he begins to look excited.
"You didn't have to do anything..." Hermione says, looking down at the floor.
"No, I didn't. But I wanted to."
Hagrid looks between all of us. "Oh codswallop you four, what are you even on about? You know Bud here came down here asking me how to make friends with you three again."
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