"Build a suitable house?"
Everyone exchanged glances, confusion written all over their faces.
Why did Hagrid need to build a house? His hut wasn't big, but it was more than enough for one person. And as Hogwarts' gamekeeper, when had he ever needed an extra house?
"Ah... well," Hagrid scratched his tangled hair and beard a little sheepishly, offering them a good-natured smile. "You'll see in a bit."
Will sat quietly to one side. He knew exactly what Hagrid's problem was.
Half an hour later, Hagrid led them into the Forbidden Forest. Harry rubbed his cheek, looking relieved. Thank goodness they hadn't stayed any longer, or Hagrid's "little snacks" might have chipped a few of his teeth.
The Forbidden Forest was much as usual. The dense canopy blocked out almost all the afternoon sunlight, and the air smelled of damp earth and rotting leaves.
"Hagrid," Harry couldn't help asking as they walked, "if you want to build a house, why come into the Forbidden Forest? There's hardly any level ground here."
"Well... I can't really explain until we're deeper in the forest," Hagrid answered evasively. His enormous frame cleared the way ahead, and he kept glancing back to make sure everyone was keeping up.
Though they were full of questions, they were his friends, so they didn't press him as they walked.
The Forbidden Forest was terribly dark. Lights appeared at the tips of several wands, illuminating the path ahead.
After walking for an indeterminate length of time, Hagrid stopped before a clearing. The others came forward, only to freeze at the sight before them.
This hardly looked like somewhere that belonged in the Forbidden Forest. The trees ahead had been uprooted, leaving a large stretch of bare earth. Thick trunks and branches surrounded the mounds of soil, forming a