Hogwarts at Last

two

The next class was Care of Magical Creatures. I had the class with the golden trio, and walked outside to the Dark Forest with Hermione. 

"I'm so excited for this class!" I shrieked. 

"I think that it doesn't really take much of a thought process. But it's still a fun class." Hermione smiled.

One of my main reasons for my excitement of the class was meeting Hagrid. 

We got to the meeting spot and stood along with the crowd of students.

"Hello everyone." Hagrid stomped over.

"Hi." The class and I spoke in sync. 

Before us were Hippogriffs.

"These intelligent creatures are named Hippogriffs. Easily offended, Hippogriffs are. Don't never insult one, because it might just be the last thing yeh do." 

My classmates looked at one another in fear.

"Now, who would like to come and say hello to Buckbeak?"

"I will." I automatically declared and stepped forward. 

There were many whispers conducted by my classmates behind me.

"Alright Nova. Let him make the first move. It's only polite. Give him a nice bow. See if he bows back. If he does, you can go and touch him. If not, we.. we'll get to that."

I cautiously took a step closer to the Hippogriff, bowed, and then paused to wait for his reaction. The Hippogriff stared at me, but moments later took a bow. I began to breathe again. 

Hagrid giggled, "Wow. Well done Nova, well done!" Then threw the birded creature a strange unknown slab of meat. "Right. I think you can go and pet him now." Hagrid added.

I nodded and smiled. I heard someone say 'ouch' behind me and I turned around. Standing there, taking a bite from a green apple was Draco Malfoy. He had pushed a student from Hufflepuff to the side so Crabbe, Goyle, and him could have a clear view. Draco than winked at me and I felt my cheeks turn hot. I turned back around before he could notice and inched closer to the Hippogriff. 

"Nice and slow now Nova. Let him come to you." 

I held up my hand and waited for the Hippogriff to come closer to me. He made some chirping noises, and it looked as if he was debating with himself on whether or not he should trust me. Moments later, the personal debate concluded and he placed his head under my hand for me to pet him. I stroked his fur, feeling proud of my bravery and success. 

"Well done! Oh well done Nova, well done!" Hagrid began to clap and so did my classmates.

Draco was licking his lips and looking me up and down. Hermione, Ron, and Harry were smiling deeply at me. 

"Do I get to ride him?" I exclaimed. If only I could accurately describe the faces that everyone made in shock. Hagrid appeared to be very thrilled.

"Yes, I was just going to suggest that." Hagrid lifted me up and placed me on the Hippogriffs back, "Don't pull out any of his feathers, because he won't thank you for that!" Then he slapped the Hippogriffs behind and the bird jumped on his hind legs and screeched loudly. 

The bird started to run to gain force and I held on tight, my adrenaline kicked in. The bird leaped off the ground and into the sky. He flyed over the tree tops, and then over the castle giving me a great view of it; my hair was blowing swiftly in the breeze. Eventually, we got to the lake and the Hippogriff lowered closer to the water, and I could nearly dip my hand in it. I watched our reflections as we advanced. I then thought of the scene where Harry rode him, and decided to copy, and put my arms up almost like I was on a rollar coaster. I felt so alive. So free. I was flying on a Hippogriff beside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I induced a laugh; a strong and completely joyous laugh that I haven't produced in years. 

I heard a whistle from the trees below and Buckbeak flew back down. As we were landing my classmates were saying, "Well done Nova!"

Buckbeaks feet touched the ground and ran into a hault. 

"Well done Nova," Hagrid added on, "Takes a lot of bravery for what yeh did." He lifted me off of the Hippogriff and I stood back beside the trio. 

I felt a hand on my back and a breath in my ear, "Well done Nova." Draco whispered. My entire body shivered, "Meet me at the Astronomy Tower tonight after dinner." 

I responded with a nod and a huge smile. I probably looked like an idiot. 

I'm the luckiest muggle alive. Or am I a muggle?