Hagrid as "giant"

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 84117

As so many posts here begin, I'll begin this one:  It's probably 
been discussed before, but....

Sometimes I can be so dense...or at least it can take so long before 
I notice something blatant that JKR says.  I mean, on the 4th re-
read of SS, I finally am struck by something.  In GoF when it is 
discovered *for certain* that Hagrid is half-giant, I don't think 
I'm wrong in saying that there was an element of surprise in this 
news for at least Harry & Ron, possibly Hermione?  (*Am* I wrong in 
this?)  Yet, clearly, JKR has let *us readers* in on the likelihood 
of this from the very beginning.  Page 47 of the US hardback edition 
of SS includes JKR referring to Hagrid as "the giant" FIVE TIMES.  
Why did this never register, I wonder, as an "admission" from JKR as 
to Hagrid's heritage?  

I realize this isn't earth-shattering, but it certainly does give 
support to the idea that there are probably quite a lot of "right 
out there" statements that...well...SOME of us are missing anyway!

Siriusly Snapey Susan
(and if you're rolling your eyes, saying, "Well, duh!" please don't 
share that with me just now)