House-elves Part 2

"It doesn't have anthin' ta do with your magic," Hagrid says confidently after swallowing the bite of hamburger.

'Then why wouldn't it even move?' I ask, thinking that his response is out of comfort and not an actual opinion.

"Because you didn't have any confidence. Riding a broom, 'specially an old one that has built up a personality over the years, is like riding a Hippogriff; you have ta be firm and confident. A broom wouldn' listen ta an unsure rider anymore than a Hippogriff or a class of Slytherin's with a bumbling professor," Hagrid explains, laughing near the end at his analogy.

'You're referring to Professor Quirrell right?' I share a smirk with Hagrid as we both picture what the Slytherin's were like during their first class of DADA.

"How was your first week besides flying lessons?" His question flashes all of the attempts at bullying, conversations behind my back, nightmares, and the conversation I had with Cedric through my head.

'Do you think I'm a good person?' Hagrid's eyebrows seem to be unable to decide if they should be raised or narrow at my question as the rest of his body unanimously decided to squirm.

"I think so," the weight of the conversation seemed to physically affect him, "Are you in the Silver Shield? I figured Filius offered."

'He did but if he didn't this conversation would be going very differently,' I joke, causing a blush to spread on his cheeks as I take a sip from the teacup; now filled with blood. It wasn't my idea, Hagrid suggested I do it even though I told him how hard it can be to clean blood out of a teacup.

"How are you liking them? What are they like?" His questions only confuse me more as I think about them.

'It's good but, weren't you in the Silver Shield? I thought all half-breeds went through there,' My inquiry brings a reminiscent smile to his mouth and a layer of regret in his eyes.

"I was. Not all people who went through the Silver Shield used the dorms. Professor Myriadd, the head of Gryffindor befor' Minerva's time, offered me ta use the dorms but I was too stubborn ta take it," Ancient sorrow lived in his voice as he explained, "Has your Mana problem caused much difficulty in class?"

'I mean, it can be a little hard to hide absorbing the beads but other than that I just need to remember not to overdo it. Although, I bet Blaise, my potions partner, is glad he doesn't have to do most of the work anymore,' As I show Hagrid my words I suddenly become conscious of the time.

Tearing off my last paper and giving it to Hagrid, I quickly write my apology, give it to Hagrid, and rush out of the hut, 'Sorry for rushing out but I have a wordless magic lesson with Professor Snape that I might be late for.'