Immortal Magic (Book 1)

Chapter Eight

Allison's Point of View.

"Look at that!" Hagrid beamed proudly. "I reckon he'll let yeh ride him now!" Before Harry could properly object, Hagrid grabbed him around the waist and hoisted him onto Buckbeak's back.

"Hagrid!" Laughing, I willingly let Hagrid lift me behind Harry. The moment I settled onto Buckbeak's back, I instinctively wrapped my arms around Harry's waist to steady myself.

"Don't pull out any feathers," Hagrid warned. "He won't forgive yeh fer that." Then, before either Harry or I could prepare ourselves, Hagrid smacked Buckbeak lightly on the flank.

Buckbeak reared powerfully before suddenly taking off across the paddock. I laughed breathlessly as Harry tensed in front of me. Then Buckbeak spread his enormous wings. And we flew.

The ground disappeared beneath us as Buckbeak soared upward into the cold autumn air. Wind whipped through my hair while Hogwarts stretched out below us in breathtaking beauty.

"This is incredible!" I shouted over the rushing wind. Harry's nervous grip slowly loosened the higher we flew. Then suddenly he laughed. A real, carefree laugh.

Moments later, he let go completely and spread his arms wide while Buckbeak soared over the Black Lake. I burst into laughter immediately before copying him, letting the cold wind rush around us.

For a few perfect moments, everything else disappeared. No Sirius Black. No Dementors. No strange family crests. Just freedom. Eventually, Buckbeak circled back toward the class and landed heavily in the paddock.

The students erupted into applause while Hagrid hurried over, grinning from ear to ear. Harry slid off awkwardly while I jumped down beside him. "That was amazing," I breathed, still exhilarated.

Hagrid looked impossibly proud. "Well done, both of yeh." Then he leaned closer and lowered his voice slightly. "So?" he asked nervously. "How'd I do fer a first lesson?" Harry and I exchanged smiles.

"Brilliant," I answered honestly. "Professor," Harry added with a grin. Hagrid looked deeply touched. Unfortunately, the moment was ruined by Draco Malfoy shoving his way through the crowd.

"Move," he snapped arrogantly. My smile instantly vanished. "Draco, don't," I warned sharply. But Malfoy ignored me completely as he swaggered toward Buckbeak.

"If Potter can do it," he sneered loudly, "it can't be that difficult." Buckbeak immediately stiffened. "You're not dangerous at all, are you?" Malfoy continued mockingly. "You ugly brute."

Buckbeak screeched furiously. "Malfoy!" I shouted. Too late. In a blur of claws and feathers, Buckbeak lashed out. Malfoy screamed as the Hippogriff's talons slashed across his arm. Several students yelled in panic.

Without thinking, I immediately stepped between Buckbeak and Malfoy. Buckbeak reared again, agitated and defensive. "It's alright," I soothed gently while keeping my movements calm. "Easy, Beaky."

Hagrid quickly threw Buckbeak a ferret to distract him while rushing toward Malfoy. "It's killed me!" Malfoy wailed dramatically while clutching his arm. Hermione rushed forward immediately.

"Hagrid, he needs to go to the hospital wing!" Hagrid looked pale as he scooped Malfoy up carefully. "Class dismissed!" he shouted over the chaos. Then he turned toward me urgently.

"Allison, can yeh take Buckbeak back ter the herd? I'll come get him soon." I nodded immediately. "Come on, Beaky." Buckbeak huffed softly before following beside me.

As we walked, I shook my head. "Honestly, Beaky, Malfoy's just an idiot." Buckbeak nudged my shoulder with his beak as if agreeing. I smiled faintly. "Exactly."