The Kind Hufflepuff

Chapter 70: Hippogriffs

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The Kind Hufflepuff - Year Three

Chapter Seventy: Hippogriffs

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Cali's second favorite place in the world, other than the Forbidden Forest, was absolutely the Care of Magical Creatures class that stood in the corner of the Hogwarts ground just at the entrance of the Forbidden Forest where there were twenty tree stumps that allowed for seats and the sun beat into their backs as it began to heat up now that summer was quickly approaching. Which is why today was so disappointing for her as it was the last Care of Magical Creatures class of the year until exams began.

The various Hippogriffs that were being fed large slabs of meat as Cali approached the classroom, her eyes wide as she stood at a distance from the majestic creature. There were about 6 of them in the large enclosure, their talons ranging in colors from black, grey, and golden. They were, in essence, a horse but their front legs and head were the shape and appearance of an eagle. "Ah, Miss. Higgs," Professor Kettleburn greeted. "I am assuming I don't have to ask you whether you will be joining me again next year."

"No sir," Cali giggled. 

"That's good to hear," Kettleburn nodded. "I'm going to use you as a demonstration for todays class, just so you know," Kettleburn warned the girl and Cali shrugged.

"That's fine with me."

Kettleburn laughed lightly as he nodded, "Glad to hear it."

The rest of the class began to trickle into the makeshift classroom, their eyes wide and confused as they stared at the majestic creatures. "Sit down," Kettleburn ordered the class as they seemed to stand near the Hippogriffs to get a better look. "We will have time to see these beasts closer, but for now you need to understand them before you get closer. Safety is of the upmost importance."

The class followed suit and Cali grabbed her regular spot at the front of the classroom.

"Now, does anyone know what this creature is?" 

James Potter raised his hand briefly before calling out, "It's a Hippogriff."

"Correct," Kettleburn cleared his throat. "Though please let me call on you next time. 5 points to Gryffindor."

"Mr. Potter was correct, this creature is a Hippogriff. They are pretty easy to identify considering they are not creatures that you see on the regular. They have the bodies, hind legs, and tails of a horse but does anyone know what their heads and front legs resemble?"

Lily Evans answered this time, "An Eagle, sir."

"Correct. 10 points to Gryffindor."

"Now, these are creatures are classified by the Ministry of Magic as a XXX. This means that they should not be dangerous to a competent wizard but that does not mean that you should not approach these creatures lightly. They are proud beings, and there is a proper protocol about approaching such creatures. Miss. Higgs, may you please stand?" Cali's cheeks reddened as she stood rather nervously. 

"Miss. Higgs is going to show an example of the proper way to approach a Hippogriff. Now, please note that we have had this herd of Hippogriffs on campus for quite some time. They live just on the edge of the Forbidden Forest and are primarily cared for by the Groundskeeper, Rubeus Hagrid. It is because of their socialization with humans and how they have been tamed that we are allowing this. However, if you see a Hippogriff out in the wild then please use the upmost caution before you even consider approaching them in their natural habitat."

Cali nodded along with this absentmindedly, keeping a particular eye on a smaller grey Hippogriff that had been keeping a watchful eye on the class. "Now, Miss. Higgs, can you please share the proper etiquette about handling a Hippogriff."

"Yes sir," Cali shook her head, taking her eyes off the Hippogriff as she addressed the class. "Due to their prideful natures, a proper etiquette has to be followed when handling Hippogriffs regardless of how tamed they are. If you do not follow this protocol, there is always a chance that you may be attacked," Cali explained quietly. 

"Now as for what the protocol is," Cali giggled when she realized she didn't actually answer Kettleburn's question. "Try to maintain eye contact at all times and then bow," Cali explained providing an example away from the Hippogriffs. "If they bow back to you then feel free to walk closer. Keep bowing if they do not."

"Excellent, Miss. Higgs. Now, please do so with one of the Hippogriffs," Kettleburn instructed. Cali nodded slowly as she cautiously entered the Hippogriff enclosure, noticing that some of the Hippogriffs had made way for the Grey Hippogriff that she had been watching earlier. 

The Hippogriff walked closer to her as she maintained eye contact and once the Hippogriff stopped walking about five feet from the Hufflepuff, Cali kept eye contact as she bowed low. The Hippogriff paused for a moment as though it was considering whether to bow back before it eventually bowed as well. "Great job, Miss. Higgs. Feel free to walk up to her now."

She held out her hand, allowing the Hippogriff to sniff her hand before she slowly began to pet the creatures mane. "Hello, I'm Cali," she whispered quietly to the creature. "Nice to meet you." The Hippogriff craned her neck into her neck further, wanting to get scratched in a specific spot that caused the girl to laugh.