Chapter 536: Bagman and Krum
In addition to the latest Daily Prophet article, Sirius carried a thick stack of letters, which he explained were from Dumbledore.
"These are from former students," Sirius said, placing the stack on a nearby table. "Dumbledore asked me to bring them over. He's got loads more, but he hasn't had time to go through them all yet."
Rita Skeeter's article had clearly made an impact. Many alumni had written to express their belief that Dumbledore would never expel Hagrid.
Between the letters and the article, Hagrid's confidence seemed to be returning.
"Thank you... thank you all," he said, patting Sirius on the shoulder with enough force to make the man wince. "I'd better head back. The first Care of Magical Creatures lesson this afternoon is for fourth years, and I haven't prepared anything yet."
"Aren't you staying for lunch?" Kyle asked.
"No, there's no time..." Hagrid said as he strode purposefully out of the foyer.
Sirius rubbed his shoulder, muttering under his breath, "Hagrid really ought to realize how strong he is..."
Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Do you need to go to the Hospital Wing?"
"No, I'll live," Sirius replied with a dismissive wave. "I'm not that fragile."
He turned to Kyle with a curious look. "How's the second task coming along?"