115 Buckbeak

In the end, the hippogriffs called Buckbeak reigned supreme and held Arth in its mouth with undeniable arrogance in its eyes. It then did something that resembled the nesting that bird would do to their eggs.

From underneath the hippogriff, a somewhat excited and suffocating voice of Arth was barely heard.

"It seems at though these hippogriffs have just ended their mating season as they seem to have very strong parental instincts currently. Ahhh... it's pretty comfortable here... so... warm..."

Hagrid seemed to be very confused on what to do.

"Er... Buckbeak. Get off him."

Buckbeak let out a reluctant squawk before begrudgingly standing up.

Arth slowly got out from underneath the hippogriff with a dreamy expression.

"That was amazing... wow."

Hagrid gave a satisfied grunt.

"Told yer that they were amazing creatures."

Hermione scowled.

"Why the hell did you even run into the crowd of hippogriffs like that? Do you know how dangerous that was?"

Arth just shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, I was just listening to Hagrid by getting closer. I just didn't expect them to swarm me the moment I got close though."

Arth leant in clasper so only Hermione, Harry, and Ron could hear.

"Plus, I'm a Nature Animagus, I won't be killed by animals for sure."

Harry nodded.

"That's true... we all remember what happened at the dueling club last year."

Arth shuddered.

"That was a bit too much."

"Right, now that we've seen what hippogriffs do, who wants ter go second?"

Most of the class backed farther away in answer. Even Harry, Ron, and Hermione had misgivings. Although Arth didn't get hurt from the fierce battle for Arth, it portrayed the hippogriffs as fierce and powerful.

"No one?" said Hagrid, with a pleading look.

"They won't kill you, at least, if you don't insult them." Said Arth trying his best to sound helpful.

"I'll do it," said Harry.

There was an intake of breath from behind him, and both Lavender and Parvati whispered, "Oooh, no, Harry, remember your tea leaves!"

"Oh my god, shut up. We already established that Harry isn't going to die." Said Arth in an exasperated voice.

However, he was ignored.

Harry climbed over the paddock fence.

"Good man, Harry!" roared Hagrid. "Right then — let's see how yeh get on with Buckbeak."

It was the alpha male hippogriff. Also the most violent.

"Easy, now, Harry," said Hagrid quietly. "Yeh've got eye contact, now try not ter blink... Hippogriffs don' trust yeh if yeh blink too much..."

Harry went sort of rigid as the hippogriff stared into Harry's eye.

"Tha's it," said Hagrid. "Tha's it, Harry... now, bow..."

Harry bowed, however, the hippogriff didn't.

"Ah," said Hagrid, sounding worried. "Right — back away, now, Harry, easy does it —"

But then the hippogriff suddenly bent its scaly front knees and sank into what was an unmistakable bow.

"Well done, Harry!" said Hagrid, ecstatic. "Right — yeh can touch him! Pat his beak, go on!"

Harry moved slowly toward the hippogriff and reached out toward it. He patted the beak several times and the hippogriff closed its eyes lazily, as though enjoying it.

The class broke into applause, all except for Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, who were looking deeply disappointed.

"Righ' then, Harry," said Hagrid. "I reckon he might' let yeh ride him!"

"Errr... What?"

"Yeh climb up there, jus' behind the wing joint," said Hagrid, "an' mind yeh don' pull any of his feathers out, he won' like that..."

"Wait abut Hagrid. Wait a moment-"

"Go on, then!" roared Hagrid, slapping the hippogriff's hindquarters.

Without warning, Harry and Buckbeak flew off into the sky. Arth watched on jealously.

"...I want to do that too..."