At noon, Hagrid's Hut.
The already spacious room had been expanded, its ceiling raised over ten meters high. Smoked chickens and an entire black bear hide hung from above, while a pink umbrella, a Moleskin Coat, and a gigantic crossbow were displayed along the walls. The old hardwood floor remained, but the copper kettle that had always sat on the stove was gone. In its place stood an enormous crucible, billowing steam.
A huge bed stood in the corner, covered with a patchwork quilt made of rags. At first glance, it looked somewhat shabby, but fluffy white down and several Unicorn tail hairs peeked through the gap in its unzipped seam. Combined with the various precious materials casually scattered throughout the house, the hut gained an air of mystery.
A huge wooden table and chairs stood before the fire. Five young wizards, two Giants, and a hunting dog were currently gathered around it. Lunch was the result of Hagrid and Grawp working hard all morning: a steaming pot of meat stew, accompanied by a basket of pie for each person.
"Happy birthday, Hagrid!"
"Happy birthday!"
"Tsk, who would have thought Hagrid was already sixty-nine?"
"There's currently no research on giant lifespans."
"Don't talk about studying at a time like this."
"Thank you, thank you..."
Hagrid was so moved that he could barely speak, only repeating his thanks. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away his snot and tears. The sixty-nine-year-old Half-Giant cried like a child. Perhaps feeling that this did not suit a school professor, he hurriedly grabbed several Pies to hide his embarrassment.
The Pies were rather choking, so he lifted a porcelain bowl the size of his head and gulped down the scalding meat stew.
The stew's main ingredients were beef—brisket, ribs, and knee bones—mixed with recently