HHBPBO: Rubeus Hagrid

Rubeus Hagrid

*This Post Contains Spoilers*

When there is a society at war there are few constants. Life is fleeting and loyalties divide. That's what makes the gamekeeper of Hogwarts a lasting and important character.  After all when you're an eleven foot tall half giant and the first words your friends use to describe you are loyal, kindhearted and good what else can you be?

On the Surface

On December 6th 1928 Rubeus Hagrid was born to a wizard and a giantess.  In 1940, at the age of eleven Hagrid began to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and became a proud Gryffindor. Hagrid has always loved large, strange and dangerous creatures. His father died during his first year at Hogwarts.  In his third year this proved to be his downfall when he was framed for opening the chamber of Secrets. His caring for the Acromantula Aragog made him an easy target for the teenage Tom Riddle and he was expelled for his believed involvement in the death of Moaning Myrtle. His wand was snapped.

Dumbledore, believing in Hagrid's innocence, let him continue to live on the grounds and train as gamekeepers, a position he still holds today. He is now also the instructor for Care of Magical Creatures. The remains of his oak wand are hidden in a pink umbrella. He lives with his dog Fang and calls many different creatures friends.

Diving Deeper

Hagrid's importance to the Harry Potter series cannot be underestimated. He's loyal to a fault. When the Potter's are killed and Dumbledore needs someone to bring Harry to the Dursley's he doesn't ask McGonagall or the Minister of Magic. He asks the half giant who would jump on a grenade for him. When Harry isn't getting his Hogwarts letters it is again Hagrid who is sent to retrieve him.

Throughout seven books Harry has many father figures but Hagrid is the first we see. Hagrid is our first source of magically exposition. No only does he tell Harry about his wizarding fate, but he explains to the reader too. Harry, and by extension we, learn about Diagon Ally, Hogwarts Houses, Qudditch, Owls...it's hard to think of a basic part of the wizarding world that Hagrid doesn't cover within those first few hours with eleven year old Harry. He's the differences between knowledgeable and intelligent. Hagrid might not be able to cast a satisfactory cheering charm but he can tell you the basic history of the wizarding world.

The Bottom of the Lake

Rubeus Hagrid is safety. He brings Harry to Privet drive and is his guardian when he leaves that muggle house for the last time. He is someone to confide in. As a member of the Order of the Phoenix he forgoes his own safety to deal with Giants. He may not be able to do Magic but he is always ready to fight for the things he believes in.

Hagrid is an overlooked hero. He saves Harry from the Dursley's and Knockturn Alley. He shepherds him to Hogwarts and carries his lifeless body out of the forbidden forest. Hagrid is always there when Harry needs him. In his worst moment's he's there, believing in Harry and promising the reader that everything is going to be okay.

 

Sorry this week's post is a little late. April has been kind of crazy.