Learning to Fly

Hagrid walked alone down the shops in Hogsmeade, his coat pulled tight against the rain. He mused on how it was yet another dark, gloomy day; fitting for the times they were living in and the depressing events unfolding around them — what with wizards turning on one another, the bravest and noblest of them dying left and right, and He Who Must Not Be Named spreading his power throughout all the wizarding world. His dark purposes were threatening the delicate quiet that kept wizards from being noticed by muggles, even threatening the muggle world itself. So wrapped up was Hagrid in his own thoughts that he didn’t notice the small woman keeping pace with him, quietly trying to gain his attention until in desperation she kicked him.

“You are Hagrid, yes? You work at Hogwarts?” The questions darted at him like arrows, and her eyes carried a nervous energy. She was watching for something, as if in constant fear that some monstrous wave was about to sweep her away.

At the sight of her slight, trembling figure, all of Hagrid’s indignation melted away. “Yes, that’s me. Dumbledore himself hired me on to care for the place. What can I do for you?”

She suddenly shoved a bundle into Hagrid’s massive hands. “His name is Eric. I need you to keep him for a while. I need to leave, and I can’t risk taking him with me.”

Having grown up in the corridors and shadows of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Eric has become somewhat of a wizarding prodigy. Yet, when he comes of age, Albus Dumbledore decides that it is necessary for Eric to learn how to fit in before leaving school. In the meantime, the Boy Who Lived begins his studies at the famous wizarding school, his adoptive father gains new responsibilities, and he finds that fitting in where you belong can be harder than it sounds.

Harry Potter stories are written by J.K. Rowling. Learning to Fly takes place during the same period of time as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.