While the detailed Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts canons do not explicitly document a specific meeting, the converging timelines and locations of Rubeus Hagrid and Newt Scamander make it altogether possible for them to have met at Hogwarts during the 1940s. Although not definitively confirmed, their shared passion for magical creatures and Newt's post-travel associations with the school create a compelling scenario for an encounter.
A Closer Look at Their Intersecting Timelines
The lives of these two beloved characters, separated by several decades, found a potential point of convergence at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Understanding their individual histories helps illuminate this intriguing possibility.
Newt Scamander's Presence at Hogwarts
Newt Scamander, born in 1897, became a renowned Magizoologist. After his extensive travels across five continents to study, collect, and protect fantastic beasts—adventures that formed the basis of his famous textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them—Scamander eventually ended up at Hogwarts. His continued association with the magical world, and potentially the school itself, means he could have been present on the grounds during various periods. By the 1940s, Newt would have been a middle-aged man in his early to mid-40s, having already established his reputation.
Hagrid's Years as a Hogwarts Student
Rubeus Hagrid, born in 1928, began his education at Hogwarts in 1940, sorting into Gryffindor. He was unfortunately expelled in his third year, around 1943, after being framed by Tom Riddle for opening the Chamber of Secrets. Despite his expulsion, Professor Dumbledore allowed him to remain on the school grounds as the Keeper of Keys and Grounds. This means that a younger Hagrid was present at Hogwarts throughout the early to mid-1940s.
The Overlap: Hogwarts in the 1940s
The critical overlap occurs in the 1940s. During this decade, a younger Hagrid was either a student or serving as groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Simultaneously, a middle-aged Newt Scamander, having completed his globe-trotting research, was associated with the school. This specific period and shared location are why it is altogether possible that a younger Hagrid met a middle-aged Scamander at Hogwarts in the '40s.
Why a Meeting is Plausible
Several factors bolster the likelihood of an interaction between Hagrid and Newt, even without explicit canonical confirmation.
- Newt's Continued Influence and Visits: As a respected author of a Hogwarts textbook and a prominent figure in magizoology, Newt likely maintained ties with the Ministry of Magic and potentially Hogwarts itself. His visits could have been for lectures, research, or advising on creature-related matters.
- Hagrid's Affinity for Beasts: From a very young age, Hagrid displayed an extraordinary love and understanding of magical creatures, a passion that often put him at odds with school rules but deeply connected him to the animal kingdom. If Newt Scamander was at Hogwarts for reasons pertaining to fantastic beasts, it is highly conceivable that Hagrid, with his keen interest, would have sought him out or been present during any creature-related activities.
Key Timeline Comparison
To visualize their potential overlap, consider this timeline:
| Character | Birth Year | Hogwarts Tenure/Association | Age in 1940s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newt Scamander | 1897 | Visited/Associated after travels | 43-49 years old |
| Rubeus Hagrid | 1928 | Student (1940-1943), Groundskeeper (from 1943) | 12-18 years old |
This table clearly illustrates the period when both individuals were present at Hogwarts, making a meeting a distinct possibility.
Conclusion: A Realm of Possibility
While the wizarding world's history doesn't explicitly record a handshake between Rubeus Hagrid and Newt Scamander, the evidence from their respective timelines and Newt's connection to Hogwarts strongly supports the notion that such an encounter was altogether possible. Their shared profound love for magical creatures certainly provided common ground, making a meeting at Hogwarts in the 1940s a compelling, albeit unconfirmed, chapter in their legendary lives.
