Love in the Darkest Times

Chapter 2: Care of Magical Creatures gets Interesting

Mira's POV

My first class the next day was Care of Magical Creatures, so I woke bright and early and headed down to Hagrid's hut after breakfast.

I got there and discovered that I had this class with the Gryffindors in my year. So I put my things down and sat on a rock to wait for everyone else. As I waited, I chatted with Hagrid, who was an old friend of mine. I helped him out with a few creatures over the years and he was a great friend.

Just then, I heard a voice say, "Look mate! There she is!"

I turned my head to see the Marauders. They considered themselves to be the kings of Hogwarts but they'd never payed me any attention before now. I stared at them for a moment and all five of them stared back at me. After a while, I shrugged and went back to my conversation with Hagrid, although I could still feel at least one pair of eyes on me.

~~~~~

A while later, class began and Hagrid showed us a Hippogriff. I smiled at the familiar creature. Featherwing was the first creature Hagrid had ever showed me and she, Featherwing, considered me a friend. So when Hagrid asked for volunteers to pet her, my hand immediately went straight up.

Hagrid called me forward and winked at me.

"Now put out your hand and let her come to you." He reminded me gently

I nodded. "Thanks Professor." I teased with a small smile and held out my hand.

Featherwing immediately came to her and I stroked her beak.

"Hi girl. Miss me?" I asked, smiling at her.

Hagrid smiled and walked over to me. "Wanna show off?" He whispered.

I laughed. "Let's do it."

He lifted me up and put me on Featherwing's Back and the class gasped. I sent a smug smile in the direction of the Marauders as Featherwing took off.

I whooped and cheered as she took me on a flight around the grounds. When we landed again near Hagrid's hut, everyone stared at me in amazement, except for my friend, Lily. She just started slow clapping for me.

I slid off Featherwing's back with ease and she nuzzled me again. I pet her beak again and she plucked out one of her feathers and stuck it in my braid. After I helped her for a moment, the feather was braided into my hair and looked quite pretty if I do say so myself.

Hagrid clapped for me again and gave me a small hug as class ended. I waved goodbye to Hagrid and Featherwing as I ran to grab my stuff. As I walked past the Marauders, I saw the amazed looks on their faces. I smiled a bit bigger and kept walking up to the castle.

As I walked, I heard a low whistle from behind me.

"Mate?" I heard one of the boys say. "You're done for."