adored by him | *under editing*

third year × 42

The quartet were making their way down to Hagrid's to comfort him. Today was the day that Buckbeak had to die.

Both Nadia and Harry were still deeply unsettled with what Professor Trelawney had said earlier. This only added to the tension.

Hermione clung onto Nadia as they passed the executioner, smiling sadistically as he sharpened his axe.

"I can't believe they're going to kill Buckbeak! It'a just too horrible." Hermione cried.

Three Slytherins were preparing to watch the event, cackling with laughter. Nadia recognised the platinum-blonde hair and frowned. Ron sneered. "It just got worse."

Upon noticing the group, Draco laughed some more. "Ah! Come to see the show?"

Hermione stormed down to them, her blood boiling. "You! You foul loathsome evil little cockroach!" She screamed as she jabbed her wand on his throat.

Draco stumbled back against the rock, whimpering in fear whilst his friends just looked on. Nadia placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hermione, no."

"He's not worth it." Ron added.

Hermione sighed, lowered her wand then turned to leave. But Draco and his goons erupted with laughter which did it for Hermione. As quick as lightning, she wheeled and connected her fist with his nose making a sickly cracking noise. Nadia gasped.

Draco collapsed in pain but quickly got back up and raced away. Hermione turned with a sheepish smile. "That felt good."

"Not good. Brilliant!" Ron praised.

Nadia tutted and held a face of disappointment. "Violence is never the answer. C'mon. Let's just get to Hagrid's. It's almost time."

The trio exchanged awkward looks as Nadia continued down the slope without another word. "You have to admit, he did deserve it." Ron stated defensively. Nadia only hummed in response.

She watched Buckbeak for a moment. He was munching on some ferrets with idle satisfaction. At least he was happy.

Hagrid stood by the window whilst Hermione made tea. Harry, Ron and Nadia were sat around the large table wearing crest-fallen faces. "Look at 'im. Loves the smell o' the trees when the wind blows through 'em."

"I say we set him free." Harry declared.

Hagrid shook his head sadly. "Nah. They'd know it was me. An' that'd only get Dumbledore in trouble." He turned to the group, a small smile lurking. "Gonna come down, yeh know. Says he wants ter be with me when...it happens. Great man, Dumbledore."

"We'll stay with you too, Hagrid."

His face grew serious. "You'll do no such thing! Think I want yeh seein' a thing like this? No. You'll drink yeh tea an' then be off." He stated solemnly.

"Oh, but before yeh do..." Hagrid grabbed a tin and pulled off the lid. A tiny head and ears emerged. Ron's face lit up. "Scabbers! You're alive!"

"Yeh should keep a closer eye on yer pets, Ron."

Hermione perked up. "I think that means you owe someone an apology."

"Right. Next time I see Crookshanks, I'll let him know."

Hermione scowled. "I meant me."

Nadia buried her head in her hands. "Here we go again." However, her head rocketed as a vase was shattered. She hopped up, noticing a small, jagged rock lying in the rubble. Just as she did so, another rock flew in, hitting the back of Harry's head. "Ow!"