Lions, Magic, and Snakes

Chapter 5:

After lunch we head down to Care of Magical Creatures. "We have this class with the Slytherins, the teacher is Hagrid, you'll like him." Hermione says as we head down to find the Slytherin's already waiting for us. Malfoy looks me over a confident smirk on his face. I feel Harry and Ron step up on either side of me scowls on their faces. I meet his grey eyes unsure if I want to actually greet him or roll my eyes.

I choose to just ignore him. I lift my head up proudly and walk right past him, my three friends following in my wake. Harry and Ron give a now less confident Malfoy shitty smirks. Zabini leans in to whisper to his blond friend a scowl on his face as well.

We stand with the rest of the Gryffindors talking quietly together. "I wonder what we're going to learn about today!" I say excitedly looking around hoping to see some sign of what class would center around. Harry chuckles softly.

"Hagrid is definitely going to like you." He says smiling warmly down at me.

"Like there was any doubt?" I ask jokingly still looking around.

"She got you there mate." Ron whispers softly to Harry making them both grin. "Oh, look here he comes!" Ron speaks up louder this time drawing my attention to the left side of the group. A mountain of a man wearing a very wooly coat is marching out of the woods.

"Oh..." I gasp softly, surprised by his size. Hermione gives me a nervous glance but relaxes as soon as she sees my excited face. Harry notices as well and stares at me for a moment lost in his own little world.

"Ello class! T'day we'll be learnin 'bout Bowtruckles!" Hagrid booms and asks a few questions as well as explains what they are and what we'll be doing with them. Once he is satisfied, he releases us to get to work. The four of us head up to Hagrid, I keep to the back of the group respectfully.

"Hagrid, we'd like you to meet our new friend." Harry motions for me to step up beside him and I do, smiling sweetly up at the massive wild man. "This is Kaitlyn Moon, she just moved here from America. She's hanging out with the Gryffindors until Dumbledor gets back to sort her."

I look up into Hagrid's black eyes, "It's nice to meet you sir." Hagrid looks startled before he lets out a booming belly laugh. I blink confused and look to Harry then Ron and Hermione to find them all wearing pleased expressions.

"No need ter call me sir!" Hagrid finally manages beaming down at me. With that we get to actual work caring for and drawing Bowtruckles. I really enjoy the class and get into it letting a few of the stick like creatures crawl on me. I giggle and squirm when one tickles my neck.

I don't see it but several of the guys turn to look at me with glazed expressions on their faces. Hermione rolls her eyes her lips lifted at the corners before finishing her drawing. I carefully put the small animals back in their container when Hagrid dismisses us. Harry Ron and Hermione hang back, "We just want to set up a time when we can visit Hagrid next, we'll be along soon." Hermione says quickly waving me on. I shrug and trail behind the rest of the Gryffindors.

As we get out of hearing range of Hagrid, Malfoy slips up on my right. "Hey Moon." I give him the side eye thoughtfully thinking about what Fred and George had told me.

"Hello Malfoy." I say coolly looking back ahead of me.

"Oh? What happened to calling me Draco?" He says his voice even if not slightly teasing.

"You always use my last name. It's not as nice as a first name basis, is it?" I ask sarcastically turning my head to look at him fully. I raise my eyebrows daring him to say otherwise.

His grin grows, "I didn't think you cared enough for it to bother you." He says softly his grey eyes catching mine. My heart quickens slightly as he searches my gaze. 'What are you expecting to see?' I can't help but wonder as we gaze at each other. We stand not saying a word until someone interrupts us.