- Back at Hogwarts after the holidays, Hermione tells Harry that Hagrid is back from his trip and she, Ron, and Harry rush down to his cabin by the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
- Inside the cabin, the three of them can hear Professor Umbridge questioning Hagrid about where he's been.
- Hagrid tells Umbridge that he's been away for his health.
- Umbridge tells Hagrid not to get too comfortable, and then she leaves.
- With Umbridge gone, Hagrid tells Harry, Ron, and Hermione where he's really been—meeting with giants.
- He's trying to convince them to join up with the fight against Voldemort. Of course, there are Death Eaters that are also trying to convince the giants to take Voldemort's side, too.
- Hagrid tells the three kids a storm is coming—a metaphorical one. They all need to prepare for the worst.