The Fox In A Snake Pit! Story 3

Draco did what?

Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle were completely oblivious; whispers flowed between them as they conspired, their hushed tones revealing a plan to disrupt the class. 

Jade rolled her eyes in exasperation, certain that this reckless scheme could spell trouble for himself rather than Hagrid. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for the inevitable chaos that would unfold if they weren't careful. 

Hagrid pressed on, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and caution. "Yeh always wait fer the Hippogriff ter make the firs' move," he explained. "It's polite, see? Yeh walk toward him, and yeh bow, an' yeh wait. If he bows back, yeh're allowed ter touch him. If he doesn' bow, then get away from him sharpish, 'cause those talons hurt." He took a moment to let the weight of his words sink in before asking, "Right... who wants ter go firs'?" 

A wave of hesitation swept through the classroom, causing most of the students to step back instinctively. Even Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged uncertain glances, their confidence wavering. The hippogriffs, with their majestic heads held high and wings beating powerfully, clearly resented their confinement. 

"No one?" said Hagrid with a pleading look. 

"I'll do it," Harry said. 

Not long after, Jade discerned the whispers of Lavender and Parvati drifting through the air, exclaiming, "Oh no, Harry, your tea leaves!" 

Although Harry caught their murmurs, he chose to disregard them. 

With a hint of sarcasm, Jade couldn't help but wonder aloud to the girls, "If he's always glancing over his shoulder in fear of death, can that really be considered living?" Her words carried a surprising weight, causing the whispers around her to cease. She watched intently as Harry scaled the paddock fence. 

"Goodman, Harry!" Hagrid bellowed, his voice brimming with excitement. "Right then... let's see how yeh get on with Buckbeak." With a swift motion, he unfastened one of the chains, gently leading the majestic gray hippogriff away from its companions before removing its leather collar. 

The students across the field appeared to be frozen in anticipation, their eyes glued to the unfolding scene. Draco's gaze was sharp and filled with malice as it fixated on Harry. 

"Easy now, Harry," Hagrid murmured, his voice steadying. "Yeh've got eye contact, now try not ter blink... Hippogriffs don' trust yeh if yeh blink too much..." Buckbeak, the magnificent creature, turned its imposing head, fixing Harry with a single, piercing orange eye that seemed to challenge him. "Tha's it," Hagrid encouraged, his tone a mix of reassurance and urgency. "Tha's it, Harry...now bow." 

Harry dipped his head slightly, then cautiously lifted one eye to meet the gaze of the Hippogriff, which remained imperiously fixed on him. The creature stood proud, its demeanor unyielding. The silence grew tense, the only sound the distant rustle of leaves and the soft thud of the creature's feet against the earth beneath them. 

"Ah," Hagrid murmured, a mix of disappointment and concern creeping into his voice. "Right... back away now, Harry, easy does it..." 

Much to everyone's astonishment, the Hippogriff suddenly lowered its scaly front legs, performing a dignified bow. The students gasped collectively, and a ripple of relief spread through the taut atmosphere. 

"Well done, Harry!" Hagrid exclaimed with uncontainable joy. "Right... yeh can touch him! Pat his beak, go on!" 

With a measured pace, Harry approached the magnificent Hippogriff, extending his hand cautiously. As his fingers brushed against the creature's beak, he gave it a gentle pat, eliciting a soft, contented sigh from the Hippogriff, which closed its eyes in bliss. The classroom erupted with cheers and claps, a wave of excitement washing over the students, save for Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle, who wore expressions of utter dismay. Jade, caught off guard by the turn of events, did not join in the celebration; her astonishment held her in silent awe.