Hagrid’s Tale

Under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry, Ron, and Hermione sneak through the snow to Hagrid’s hut and find him badly bruised and bloodied. After initial deflection, Hagrid admits he and Madame Maxime sought the giants on Dumbledore’s orders, traveling cautiously to avoid Ministry surveillance.

They locate a giant colony and, following Dumbledore’s instructions, present gifts to the Gurg, Karkus, establishing tentative goodwill. Overnight, giant infighting topples Karkus; Golgomath takes power. When Hagrid approaches with another gift, Golgomath’s followers seize him until Maxime’s quick spellwork frees them, forcing a retreat.

Hiding in mountain caves, Hagrid and Maxime observe Death Eaters, including Macnair, visiting Golgomath with gifts. Hoping to sway dissenters, they secretly contact wounded giants in nearby caves and win a few to Dumbledore’s message, but Golgomath’s raiders destroy that effort. Hagrid learns his mother died years ago and ultimately returns, injured and empty-handed.

A knock interrupts: Umbridge enters to inspect and interrogate Hagrid. The trio hide under the Cloak while she searches the hut, questions his injuries and absence, and pointedly notes footprints in the snow. Hagrid claims a health trip but fails to convince her; she warns of forthcoming inspections and leaves suspicious.

After she departs, Hermione urges Hagrid to plan safe, O.W.L.-relevant lessons to pass Umbridge’s inspection, but Hagrid insists on showcasing his “special” creatures. As they return to the castle, Hermione vows to help structure his classes to protect his job.