A Riddle's Weakness | D.M

Buckbeak and the Hospital Wing

Amethyst

We walked down the stone stairs, where Pansy took me that morning. The bell rolling in the background. I could see the trio in front of us. I heard Malfoy make a snarky comment, but I ignored it.

"So how was Divinations?"
"Not bad, Trewlaney is a real nut job though. Acts like it."
"Really? That bad?" I laughed and hit him on his shoulder.

We reached the bottom and there stood a rather large man, tall too. But he looked kind. He had a strong accent, I assumed he was Hagrid. Considering we were the hut Pansy named 'Hagird's Hut'.

"That's it. Come on, now. Come closer." Everyone was talking and whispering to one another. "Less talking if you don't mind." Everyone started shushing each other. "I got a real treat for you today. A great lesson, so follow me."

He sounded like a really cheerful man. Kinda like the Santa Clause every child grew up hearing about. We followed him into the forest, into an open area. All types of birds could be heard here, it was kind of calming. Everyone was talking and moving through the jagged walkway.

"Right, you lot, less chattering. Form a group over there. And open your books to page fourty-nine." He pointed to a spot in one of the corners.

He started to walk away, but of course, Malfoy had to open his mouth. "Exactly how do we do that?" I rolled my eyes and muttered, "Stroke the spine." Hagrid beat me to it though.

"Well, just stroke the spine, of course." His voice filled with an 'obviously' tone. "Goodness me." He muttered while walking away.

Malfoy looked at the book and started stroking the spine. We all walked over to the spot Hagrid said, then a boy started screaming, it was the same boy from Divinations. He must've not heard what Hagrid said, because he was getting attacked by the book.

"Don't be such a wimp, Longbottom." The boy managed to get up again, breathing. "I'm okay. Okay." Then the book attacked him again. Few started laughing at him.

We reached the spot and I walked with my brother to the back. I sat on the corner and opened my book to the page instructed.

Malfoy spoke up. "Oh yeah, terribly funny. Really witty. God this place has gone to the dog. Wait until my father hears that Dumbledore's got this oaf teaching classes." He looked at the two standing behind him. Crabbe and Goyle started chuckling behind him, until I shot them a glare, they shut up immediately.

Harry started to walk forward. "Shut up, Malfoy." He threatened. Everyone started to sound like bloody owls. Malfoy dropped his bag in Crabbe's hands and walked forward. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the book.

I heard Malfoy yell, "Dementor, Dementor." I looked up and saw nothing. Him and his friends started laughing. My brother along with him. All putting up their hood and making 'ghost noises. I slapped my brother's arm and gave him a glare.

His friend came and turned him away, giving them a look. "Just turn away, Harry."

I heard the boy from earlier. "You're supposed to stroke it."
"Yeah."

I heard someone clear their throat. We all looked at the front of the class, there stood Hagrid. "Da-da-da-da!" He made a fan fire like sound. When I looked at what he was gesturing too, I was instantly filled with happiness. The creature started bleating like a goat, but slightly different. "Isn't he beautiful? Say hello to Buckbeak." He threw it a dead ferret.

"Hagrid, exactly what is that?"
"A Hippogriff." I smiled.

"Well, right you are." Hagrid looked at me with a smile. "First thing you want to know about hippogriffs, is that their very proud creatures, very easily offended. You do not want to insult a hippogriff. It may just be the last thing you ever do."