Star Crossed Witch: Book Three

Oh...Hippogriffs

“Ready for our first class with Hagrid?” I asked as we trudged down to Hagrid’s hut. We were hopeful that Hagrid would do a good job, but judging on the fact that we have all had to seal our books shut for fear of losing a limb we were doubt full.

                “If we were paired with another house I think it would be better, but I know Malfoy is going to do something. Remember our first year when we had detention with him and had to go into the Forbidden forest? He hasn’t cared for Hagrid since.” Harry said as he looked back at the Slytherin students who followed a few feet behind.

                “I hope not, this means so much to Hagrid after his past…Ron I think you might get a chance to retry that slug curse if he tries anything.” I said looking over to Ron.

                “No problem. Just let him try and muck things up for Hagrid.” Ron said as we reached Hagrid’s hut.

                Hagrid came outside, “There ya’ are. Come wit’ me.” He motioned for us to follow him. We headed towards the Forbidden Forest, and I became worried. There are things in there that I am sure would ruin his chances of being a teacher and he has a thing for weird and dangerous creatures. Just before entering, Hagrid stopped at a crudely erected paddock, “Now, everyone have their textbooks?”

                “How exactly are we supposed to open them Professor?” I asked holding it from the end of the belt I had tied around it.

                “Yea how are we supposed to open the thing without losing a hand?” Malfoy hollered from the back of the group.

                “Ya mean no one has been able to open their books?” He looked around as everyone shook their heads or held out their books to show how they had sealed them shut. Some had used a belt, some had used string, tape, anything they could to keep the cover closed. Hagrid took Hermione’s book and ripped off the tape, “Ya stroke the spine!” He demonstrated, gently running his finger along the spine of the book. It gave a shudder and then fell open lifelessly.

                “How silly of us to not stroke the spine.” Malfoy said disgustedly as he stroked his. The others were following suit.

                Hagrid whispered to us, “I thought they were funny.” Then to the class, “All righ’ now ya have your books, now ya need the magical creatures. I’ll go get them.” He opened a gate and clambered over a small hill, until we could only see the back of his head. He came back with three heavy chains in his hands, leading three magnificent creatures.

                They each had a head, neck and forelegs of an eagle, but the body, hind legs and tail of a horse. There was a beautiful spotted grey, inky black and a chestnut. There feathers ran seamlessly into a hind coat so well one could not tell where the feathers began and the hide ended. “These are Hippogriffs, beautiful aren’t they? The first thing ya gotta know about Hippogriffs is they are a proud creature. Very proud, ya don’t wanna offend them. Now who wants to try petting one?” Hagrid asked and everyone backed away except for me and Harry.

                Harry looked at me and just as I stepped forward, Harry said “I’ll do it.” Whispers went all around about our morning class and Professor Trelawney’s prediction of his death.

                “Very good Harry. Come forward, right there. Now try not to blink too much, Buckbeak here won’t trust ya if ya do. Now bow and hold.” Hagrid instructed Harry, and the grey hippogriff just stood there looking at him. Hagrid started to have Harry back down but then Buckbeack bowed back, “That’s good Harry. Ya can now pet him, go nice and slow.