The Eyes of Graphorns (Professor Sharp x mc)

The Prophecy

"Ready?"

"Ready."

The cry of an eagle echoed as Elaine released two Hippogriffs from her suitcase. Sharp watched as they soared into the sky and eventually circled over the dark terrain. One of them was snow-white.

Actually, Aesop Sharp was anything but ready for what lay ahead. They had apparated to a forest north of York and planned to continue flying from there. It was too dangerous to apparate directly to Scarborough. The risk of landing right into the hands of the Renegades was too high. Besides, the Floo Network was probably still being monitored, and they wanted to avoid unnecessary interrogations by the Ministry. Initially, they had considered covering the last stretch on brooms, but Elaine insisted on bringing the Hippogriffs. A whistle pierced the cool night air.

"Highwing, Silverbeak!" Elaine called out as the creatures landed, ran towards her, and she patted the head of one of the majestic beings. The other Hippogriff gently nudged her face with its beak.

"I brought company," she explained to the creatures, who immediately turned to Sharp as if they understood Elaine. The Potions Master stood frozen in amazement and a bit of unease, unable to utter a word.

"Bow," she now directed him, "maintain eye contact and don't blink."

Sharp remembered that Hippogriffs were extremely proud creatures, and although it was difficult for him to expose himself so vulnerably to these enormous, albeit graceful beings, he followed Elaine's instructions. For a moment, nothing happened, and Sharp looked up at them with tension. He saw Elaine standing beside the Hippogriffs, ready to intervene and protect him. With a practised eye, she observed every movement of the creatures. Finally, both Hippogriffs bowed almost simultaneously, and Elaine's expression relaxed.

"Wonderful, as I expected," she smiled.

Sharp glanced at Elaine from the side. He watched as she whispered something into Silverbeak's ear. Elaine's presence filled him with a confidence that was otherwise foreign to him, especially considering where they were going. For a moment, he forgot everything around and tried to understand what was happening to him. Before he could find an answer, he felt a beak gently nibbling at his sleeve. Silverbeak had come over to him. Sharp cautiously stroked the creature's neck, whereupon it knelt down and lay on the ground.

"Are you really sure you want to accompany me? You could still turn back and..."

They hadn't talked much since they set out, and Elaine had the impression that Sharp was trying to hide something deep inside himself that he didn't want her to see. Sharp shook his head.

"I'm sure. As I said..."

He walked towards her until she had to look up to meet his gaze. At their first meeting, his height and his dark eyes had frightened her. Today, she only felt safety. She hadn't wanted to admit it to herself and had convinced herself that it was only because Sharp had been there for her after the Battle of Hogwarts. But by now, she longed for his presence. She didn't just want to find a cure for him because she owed him. By now, she realized that she could bear his pain much worse than her own. She yearned for every minute of his company, every look he gave her, every word he spoke to her with his warm, rough voice.

"... you are the only one I would return with."

His words made her tremble. Of course, it was impossible for him to feel similarly for her, so Elaine pushed such thoughts as far back in her mind as possible. She knew it was ridiculous. Even though they were colleagues now, she was still his former student. There was no way that someone as intelligent, sincere, and sharp-witted as Aesop Sharp would get involved with an inexperienced, failed Auror. And so it should remain.