Mr. Patil POV
I sit beside my wife as we hear Dumbledore tell us what he talked about with Grindelwald, and as he goes on, my hopes rise, just for them to shatter instantly.
"What do you mean he'll teach him? He's a murderer, I don't want him doing anything to my child."
"I understand your concern, but you have to understand" he looks me in the eye as he speaks, "He's our last hope. You yourself tried to find some other solution so you know how people's first reaction is to kill it on sight, not heal it."
"And regarding him teaching Ansh, I believe we will just have to trust his character to not turn to wrong ways."
No matter what Dumbledore says, I can't willingly send my child to that man. He has killed hundreds of wizards. Merlin knows what he'll do to my son.
'Merlin, why my son?! Why did it have to happen to him?'
'I am ashamed of myself. My son is suffering so much, and I can't even help him. What use is my position if I have to hand my son's fate in the hands of.... a monster.'
I fell a gentle hand hold me, and i look to see my wife beside me, trying to stay strong for me, for Ansh.
"Dear, I trust in Ansh. He's a good kid. No matter what that man might try, my Ansh won't do anything bad." She says to me.
She looks Dumbledore in the eye, holding back tears, as she says, "But i need your word Headmaster, that nothing will happen to my child. That that man will not hurt him. Promise me that."
"I promise. No matter what, I'll make sure Gellert doesn't harm him in any way. I give you my word."
With that, I have no choice but to agree. Agree to send my son to that man.
And hope, that he comes back safe.
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Ansh POV
'Hmphhhhh'
I fall backward as the plant finally comes out of the ground.
With a huff, i throw it into the basket that carried the day's spoils, and then look over to Hermione's basket and see that i am way ahead of her.
"Are you even trying?"
She grunts with effort as she pulls and answers, "I ammmm!"
"Well it's not amounting to much, but keep trying." and i get back to my work.
After a few minutes i hear a thump and look over to see her sprawled over.
"I am done." she pants, "This herbology is not for me."
"Well, you are the one who was excited to volunteer when Sprout asked for help. I accurately remember your hand flying up so fast it almost hit me in the face."
"Well what do you want to hear? That i was wrong?"
"Yes."
She chuckles, "Keep dreaming. And it's not like i knew that we would have to do it by hand. Who knew these plants were so sensitive that they would wither when spells are used on them."
"Next time, hear the details before agreeing to something. And what i don't understand, is why did you give my name when she asked for another person?" I ask as i make my way to sit beside her, "If you enjoy labour, do it. Why drag me into it?"
"Oh yeah, then why did you agree to it."
"Hmm, just because."
'No way am i telling her she promised me ice-cream from Florean Fortescue's.'
After a few minutes we both get back to work, and we manage to finish it by the time the sun is about to go down.
"Oh dear, you both did a wonderful job." Sprout says as she comes and inspects the harvest.
"Come into my office, i have some fresh juice that is sure to cheer you right up."
I don't know if it was the juice or the hard work, but it tasted extra sweet.
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Hagrid POV
I spot Ansh on at dinner and my way to him, careful not to bump into anyone and hurt them.
"Hey Ansh. How you doin?"
"Hi Hagrid. Come sit." he scoots over.
"Ah no need, i just came by to ask you something." I beckon him to come closer.
"You see, after you told me about those 'meteor showers' last time, i asked Professor Sinistra about them and told her to tell me if any come up. And she just told me that there is one tonight."
"That's great."
"Yeah, so.. uhm, i wan wondering if... if you wanted to see them with me." I ask him. I know he likes them as well, but i was still nervous asking him.
"Sure!" he says with excitement.
"hush, we can't have everyone knowing." i look around and no one's paying attention to us, "I'll ask Professor Flitwick for permission, and meet you outside Ravenclaw tower after curfew."
"Sure" he speaks in low voice, "And I'll also ask the house-elves for some snacks for us."
"Prefect. I'll prepare some tea and we can enjoy it together."
I remind him once more to meet me outside the tower, and go over to talk with Professor Flitwick.
"Sure. This is a good idea. I was worried how to keep him busy since the chess tournament was over."
"Ah.. right, right. That's why I thought of this, to keep his mind of other things." I laugh nervously. No need to tell them I would have invited him either way.
"Well, if he is with you then I have no worries. Take him."
I thank Flitwick and rush back to my hut to prepare things,
'Maybe I'll make some rock cakes for him'
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Dumbledore POV
I watch as Ansh and Hagrid are sitting beside his hut, talking like friends. Yesterday Flitwick told me about their plan and looking at them, I think Hagrid has forgot the original purpose fully and is just enjoying it now.
'Yes, he's nothing like Tom.' I felt my shoulders relax at that thought.
Seeing as the Sun is about to come up, I go near them.
"I hope you two had a great time."
I watch as they both get spooked and frantically turn around, silently laughing to myself.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, I got permission from Flitwick for Ansh to be here after curfew." Hagrid says, frantically trying to explain, "You can ask him. It's also Saturday tomorrow.. or today now, so he won't miss any classes for sleep and -"
"It's alright Hagrid, I know you asked Flitwick and he informed me about it. Don't worry, Ansh is not in trouble for staying up late." I say to calm him.
"Though I am afraid I'll have to take him from you, we have an important appointment with someone."
"Ah, that's fine. We were about to get going."
"Wait, I have an appointment?" He points a finger at himself.
"Yes, you do. With someone very important. Your parents are in my office, so why don't you come along and they'll explain to you about it."
As i say this, i feel him stiffen. So i try to relax him, "Don't worry, you are not in trouble."
I see him lighten a little, but he's still nervous as we walk back to my office.