Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 3.6: Buckbeak

As Lyanna made her way to Hagrid's hut for her first Care of Magical Creatures lesson, her mind was preoccupied with the events of the day. She couldn't shake off the weight of her prophecy nor the worry for her brother's reckless behavior. However, as she approached the gathering of students outside Hagrid's hut, a sense of anticipation stirred within her.

Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students clustered around Hagrid, who stood tall and imposing despite his gentle demeanor. With a wide grin, Hagrid welcomed the students, his voice booming over the chatter of the excited crowd.

"Right then, gather round, everyone!" Hagrid exclaimed, gesturing for the students to come closer. "Today, we've got a special lesson planned, so listen up!"

As the students gathered around, Hagrid led them toward a small paddock nestled just this side of the Forbidden Forest. The air was alive with excitement as the students eagerly awaited what lay ahead.

Arriving at the paddock, Lyanna's eyes widened in wonder as she caught sight of the magnificent creature within. It was a majestic hippogriff, its wings outstretched and gleaming in the sunlight. The students murmured in awe, their gazes fixed upon the creature before them.

"This 'ere's Buckbeak," Hagrid announced proudly, patting the hippogriff's side affectionately. "Ain't he a beauty?"

Lyanna couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for the creature, despite the tension that lingered in the air. She knew the Ministry's looming threat of taking Buckbeak away hung over Hagrid like a dark cloud, and she was determined to do whatever she could to help.

She wrote a letter to her father to stop him from letting the Ministry get Buckbeak just because her brother was stupid enough to get himself injured, at least until the school year ended, much to Draco's dismay.

In the paddock, a freestanding iron rack hung with dead ferrets buzzed with flies, casting a morbid atmosphere over the scene. As Hagrid instructed the students to gather around, Lyanna took her copy of the textbook out of her bag and snapped the Spellotape binding it. With a calm demeanor, she ran her forefinger down the book's spine, causing it to shiver and fall quietly open, ready for the lesson ahead.

"Right then," Hagrid began, his booming voice filling the air. "So... so... yeh've got yer books, an' now yeh need the Magical Creatures. Right. So... I'll... I'll go an' get 'em."

With that, Hagrid turned and disappeared into the trees, leaving the students to await the arrival of the creatures. Moments later, a strange beast emerged from the trees, causing the students to step back in fear. It was Buckbeak, the hippogriff, with the torso, hind legs, and tail of a horse, but the front legs, wings, and head of a giant eagle.

"Gee up, there!" Hagrid exclaimed, grinning widely as he shooed the magnificent creature forward. "Beau'iful, isn' he?"

Though there was no consensus on Hagrid's assessment, the students stared in wary wonder nonetheless as Hagrid coaxed the beast to the center of the paddock. Unease rippled through the class as Hagrid explained the nature of hippogriffs, warning them of their pride and easily offended demeanor.

When Hagrid called her name, Lyanna hesitated briefly before reluctantly stepping forward. Despite the apprehension that gnawed at her, she knew she had to face the creature head-on, for she had always been drawn to the mysteries of magical creatures, and this encounter was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

With a mixture of apprehension and determination, Lyanna stepped forward and bowed to Buckbeak, her heart pounding in her chest. As the majestic creature studied her with keen eyes, she held her breath, waiting for a response. Just as she began to retreat, Buckbeak dipped his beak, signaling his acceptance, much to Hagrid's relief.

"Brilliant, Lyanna!" Hagrid exclaimed, his booming voice filled with pride. "Go on, give 'im a pat."

With tentative fingers, Lyanna reached out and gently laid her hand on Buckbeak's fierce beak, feeling the warmth of his feathers beneath her touch. The class erupted into applause as she smiled nervously, overcome with a sense of accomplishment.

"Look at that! I reckon he migh' let yeh ride 'im!" Hagrid suggested enthusiastically.

Lyanna's smile faltered slightly as she processed his words. "Sorry, what?"

Without waiting for a response, Hagrid lifted Lyanna high and placed her onto Buckbeak's back, giving the creature a gentle nudge. As Buckbeak galloped forward, Lyanna felt herself sliding precariously back, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and exhilaration. Suddenly, the giant wings unfolded, and with a powerful whoosh, they soared into the air, rising higher and higher.

Gradually, Lyanna loosened her grip on Buckbeak's neck, allowing herself to be swept away by the sheer joy of flying. She couldn't help but smile as she watched their shadow racing across the grass below, circling over familiar landmarks like the Whomping Willow and Hogwarts Castle. With breathtaking speed, they swooped over the Black Lake, eliciting a brief appearance from the Giant Squid below.

As Hagrid whistled to signal their return, Buckbeak obediently wheeled around and made his way back to the paddock, coming to a graceful halt. With trembling legs, Lyanna slid off the creature's back, her classmates cheering her on as she landed safely on the ground, her heart still soaring from the unforgettable experience.

As Lyanna stood there, basking in the exhilaration of her flight on Buckbeak's back, a curious thought crossed her mind. She couldn't help but wonder if riding a dragon would evoke the same sense of freedom and awe. The idea sparked a glimmer of excitement within her, and she imagined a future where she could soar through the skies on Fyrion's back once he grew large enough. The prospect filled her with anticipation, igniting a newfound determination to nurture and protect her beloved dragon companion.