Chapter 9: The Hippogriff's Feather
The Care of Magical Creatures class was thick with damp earth and hay, the air sharp with the scent of pine and animal musk. Majestic hippogriffs strode with dignified grace, their feathers shimmering iridescent in the weak sunlight, their talons leaving faint marks in the soft ground. A chipped wooden fence creaked in the breeze, a mundane anchor to the scene. Leo felt a nervous flutter, but inspiration surged. I can do this. For Pixel. His boots sank into the dew-soaked grass, the cold seeping through, grounding his resolve. The scene was a storybook, but its title screamed danger: How to Not Get Eaten by a Giant Bird-Horse.
Hagrid's voice boomed like a landslide, his coat's frayed hem flapping.
"Now, remember, yeh lot! A hippogriff is a proud beast. Don't be makin' any sudden moves or shoutin'. Show 'em respect, and they'll show it back. Today, we're workin' on trusts. Anyone brave enough to try?"
Leo stepped forward, Hermione steady beside him, her quill tucked behind her ear, ink smudging her cheek. Whispers from the Gryffindors—rumors of petrification—stung, but he focused on a silver-plumed hippogriff, its obsidian eyes sharp. Magic's about connection, not power. Doubt gnawed, but he bowed deeply, eyes locked on the creature's, his heart pounding.
The hippogriff lowered its head, a golden feather detaching, drifting to the grass, its glow warm and vibrant. Leo picked it up, its hum resonating with the scorched hydra scale in his pocket, a strange connection sparking. Nature and curse, tied together. His hands trembled, the feather's warmth a promise. Hagrid's smile was wide, joyous.
"Bloody brilliant, Leo! A hippogriff's feather, freely given. That's a powerful thing, that is."
He clapped Leo's back, nearly toppling him.
"A cure for petrification? That's grand! A right powerful bit of magic, a symbol of trust from nature itself."
Leo held the feather, confidence settling. This is it. The last piece. He gave a playful bow to the hippogriff.
"Respect, feathered friend."
Hermione giggled, her eyes bright.
"Leo, they don't understand you."
"Doesn't matter."
He grinned.
"They get the sentiment."
The Potions classroom hissed with steam, the metallic scent of cauldrons thick. Their cauldron, large and imposing, bubbled dark green, turning ominous black. A chipped pestle rolled on the table, clinking softly. Leo clutched the feather, his hands trembling, Hermione's diagram of measurements precise beside him. We're a weird duo, but it works. Pride swelled at their teamwork, the air heavy with anticipation.
"Ready?"
Hermione whispered, her voice steady. Leo nodded, dipping the feather into the liquid. The reaction was spectacular, the black giving way to a golden glow, the cauldron humming peacefully, its light warming his hands. We did it. A frayed parchment scrap, caught in a draft, fluttered nearby.
[STABILITY: 100%. CONGRATS, YOU DIDN'T BLOW ANYTHING UP. YET.]
"Yet?"
He quipped, a tense laugh escaping.
"Optimist."
Hermione sighed, relief softening her face.
"It works… it works. We'll just need to give it one last, careful test."
"No boom? Boring."
Seamus Finnigan smirked from behind a bookshelf, his wand sparking faintly.
"Go away, Seamus."
Hermione's smile was small, playful.
"A little explosion never hurt anyone."
Seamus grumbled, and Leo bit back a laugh. In the infirmary, the cool stone floor was cold against Leo's palms as he knelt beside Pixel's stone form, its frozen fear a gut punch. Hermione uncorked the golden potion, its herbal scent hopeful.
"Ready?"
Her voice was soft. Leo nodded, his throat tight, dripping a drop onto Pixel. Magic radiated, the stone cracking, revealing soft gray fur. Pixel's nose twitched, a squeak echoing. You're back. Leo's heart swelled, a giddy laugh escaping as he picked up his friend, the fur warm and soft.
[ONE DOWN, A THOUSAND TO GO. TRY NOT TO GET COCKY, KID.]
"Cocky? Me?"
He grinned.
"Never."
Enid's whoop echoed, her arms wrapping him in a warm hug, her scarf brushing his cheek.
"You did it, Leo! You're a hero!"
"Now we just have to cure the rest of the school!"
She teased, her eyes shining. Hero. That's new. Agnes conjured a star illusion with Leo's face.
"Our hero."
Her voice was proud. Leo blushed, the weight of responsibility settling, a chipped vial on a nearby table glinting faintly. [THE MINISTRY WON'T BE HAPPY ABOUT THIS. BUCKLE UP.] The red message pulsed, menacing. The real fight's coming. Confidence met fear, the potion's success a spark for the battle ahead.