The surprise Hagrid had prepared wasn't something most people could appreciate.
Even Hermione, who always tried to help him, struggled to accept a crazed book that bit anyone who touched it—let alone figure out how to calm it down.
So when Hagrid eagerly demonstrated how to soothe the book, what he saw wasn't wonder, realization, or delight. Though he found it fascinating, the students' reactions were a mix of confusion and disgust.
The sight left Hagrid disheartened. He'd thought everyone would love these books.
The rough start only made him seem more nervous, and Hermione, worried for him, grew restless. Not knowing how to help, she could only pace in place.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Hagrid bolted without a word, vanishing behind his hut. The bewildered students exchanged uncertain looks.
Was the lesson already over? It had barely begun.
If the Slytherins hadn't known that Draco's relationship with Hagrid was somewhat unusual, they probably would've started their usual round of sneering comments. When it came to sarcasm, they never disappointed.
But when Hagrid returned, the students froze—then shrieked.
...
"Whoa!"
"Look over there!"
"What is that?"
Twelve strange creatures—beings most wizards would never see in their lifetime—were striding toward them under Hagrid's lead.
They were peculiar indeed: the body, hind legs, and tail of a horse, but the front legs, wings, and head of an eagle. Their sharp beaks gleamed like steel, and their bright eyes were sharp and fierce.
The sudden appearance of the creatures made the students recoil several steps. The talons on their forelegs glinted coldly in the sunlight—one wrong move and you could be dead. If not for the long iron chains around their necks, retreating a few steps might not have been enough.
Hagrid, however, seemed completely at ease beside them.
"Hippogriffs," he announced proudly. "The Ministry classifies them as XXXX in danger level, but don't worry—they're gentle creatures and won't hurt you, as long as you follow my instructions."
Though intimidating, their majestic presence was breathtaking. Encouraged by Hagrid's reassurance, a few braver students began to inch forward, curiosity overtaking fear.
Hermione was among them.
Once one student stepped up, others followed. Seeing their classmates unharmed—and the Hippogriffs calmly eating from the wooden tubs Hagrid had prepared—everyone began to relax and return to their spots.
For now, these magical creatures showed no signs of aggression.
Soon, anticipation replaced fear in the students' eyes. They wanted to know more about the Hippogriffs—perhaps even reach out and touch those magnificent wings.
It had to be said: the Hippogriffs' arrival saved Hagrid's lesson. After their appearance, the young wizards' eyes shone with excitement.
And with that, Hagrid's confidence finally returned...
...
Hagrid's understanding of Magical Creatures was truly unlike that of ordinary people.
The next part of his lesson involved having the young wizards ride the Hippogriffs and take a short flight through the sky. The moment he said it, Neville Longbottom looked as though he might burst into tears.
Fortunately, Hagrid didn't insist that everyone participate. Still, even with only a few willing students, one mishap could easily cost him his position as Professor of Care of Magical Creatures.
No one could tell whether Hagrid was being overly confident or if he genuinely believed these creatures were completely tame.
"Draco, aren't you going to try?"
When Pansy saw Harry Potter successfully mount a Hippogriff—and caught his smug look—she took it as a challenge. Her brow arched, and she immediately urged Draco to try as well.
But Draco didn't move. He simply stood where he was, giving the Hippogriffs a disinterested glance.
He shook his head.
While the idea of flying on a Hippogriff might sound thrilling to most wizards, to someone who had once ridden a dragon, the experience held no appeal at all.
Compared to Norberta, who could breathe fire, these creatures were hardly impressive. The difference was too obvious, and with that contrast, it was no wonder Draco couldn't be bothered.
Across the way, Hermione also looked far from enthusiastic.
As for Pansy, her refusal had more to do with her mild aversion to dirt—there was no way she'd sit on a Hippogriff that was still chewing on a fresh mouse. Just thinking about it made her shiver.
"No thanks. Let Goyle and Crabbe try. It's a rare opportunity, after all."
"Goyle and Crabbe? Not a chance. Those Hippogriffs won't even let them near, let alone ride them."
The proud, intelligent Hippogriffs seemed to sense the disdain in the Slytherins' eyes toward Hagrid, and as a result, most of the Slytherin students were outright rejected by them.
Hagrid looked puzzled, while the Gryffindors couldn't hide their smug satisfaction.
"Looks like even these Magical Creatures dislike Slytherins."
"Ha! What would a few beasts know?"
"Just look at Harry—he became friends with the Hippogriff without any trouble."
"You mean Potter? The one who fainted from the Dementors?"
The argument grew louder and more heated, agitating the Hippogriffs that had been calm moments earlier. Hagrid, unprepared and inexperienced as a teacher, began to panic, sweat forming on his brow.
Draco, who might have stepped in to stop the commotion, instead found his gaze drawn toward the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
More precisely—to a large black dog crouched in the shadows of the trees.
Draco noticed that the dog seemed to be staring straight at Harry Potter, still soaring in the sky above...