After lunch, it was time for electives.
Many students scattered toward different classrooms across Hogwarts, but Alexander and Cho headed toward the open field near the Forbidden Forest.
Cho had chosen Care of Magical Creatures as her elective.
Alexander had chosen it as well.
When they arrived, they noticed the class was surprisingly small.
Only ten students stood waiting in the grassy field.
After a moment, their professor approached.
The man walking toward them was missing much of his body.
One arm.
Half a leg.
The rest were prosthetics.
Despite that, he walked with excitement and energy.
This was Silvanus Kettleburn.
Alexander admired him greatly.
Professor Kettleburn's passion for magical creatures was legendary.
He had lost most of his limbs over the years due to dangerous encounters with magical beasts.
Yet he still taught with enthusiasm.
Kettleburn clapped his remaining hand together.
"Welcome, students!"
"This class will focus on understanding magical beasts and learning basic handling techniques."
He gestured behind him.
A large creature stood in the field.
It had the head and wings of a giant eagle.
Its body was that of a powerful horse.
"A Hippogriff," Professor Kettleburn announced proudly.
Some students stepped back nervously.
"These creatures are extremely proud."
"They only respond to proper etiquette and respect."
He walked forward slowly.
Facing the Hippogriff, he bowed deeply.
The Hippogriff stared for a long moment.
Then bowed back.
"Once respect is acknowledged," Kettleburn explained, "you may approach."
He walked forward and gently stroked the creature's head.
The class watched in fascination.
Kettleburn stepped aside.
"Now."
"Who would like to try?"
Silence.
No one moved.
Students looked nervous.
Some stepped further back.
Then Alexander walked forward.
Cho blinked.
"Alex?"
Alexander approached the Hippogriff calmly.
He bowed respectfully.
The Hippogriff studied him carefully.
For several seconds, neither moved.
Then—
The Hippogriff bowed back.
Alexander smiled.
He stepped forward slowly and gently stroked its feathered head.
The creature allowed it without resistance.
Inside his mind, Alexander was thinking excitedly.
I really want one.
But it's hard to find and legally acquire a Hippogriff.
Maybe Nick's family could get a pair so I could breed them.
He continued petting the majestic creature.
Professor Kettleburn suddenly clapped loudly.
"Amazing!"
"See students!"
"Just do as Mr. Chen did, and they will allow you to approach!"
"Ten points to Ravenclaw!"
Alexander stepped back to allow others a chance.
One by one, students tried.
Most succeeded after nervously bowing.
But one Slytherin student walked forward arrogantly.
He barely bowed.
The Hippogriff immediately flared its wings.
It screeched angrily and raised its claws.
Several students gasped.
Professor Kettleburn quickly stepped in.
"Back!"
The Hippogriff calmed down after a moment.
Kettleburn turned to the student.
"You are too arrogant!"
"These creatures demand respect!"
The student shrugged and walked away carelessly.
Alexander frowned slightly but said nothing.
Cho, meanwhile, looked thrilled.
"This class is amazing!"
She grabbed Alexander's sleeve.
"You should get a Hippogriff."
"We could fly together!"
Alexander imagined it.
He and Cho are soaring through the sky.
Wind is rushing past them.
He smiled at the thought.
"I'll try."
"But no promises."
Then he looked at her curiously.
"You really love flying, huh?"
Cho nodded immediately.
"Of course."
"When I fly, I feel free."
"No worries."
"No stress."
She paused.
"Except during Quidditch matches."
They both laughed.
The rest of the class continued learning basic creature etiquette.
Soon, the lesson ended.
Students began heading back toward the castle.
But Professor Kettleburn called out.
"Mr. Chen, could you wait a moment?"
Cho walked ahead a little before stopping to wait.
Alexander approached the professor.
"Is something wrong, Professor?"
Kettleburn shook his head.
"Not at all."
"I've heard you're a talented student."
He leaned slightly on his prosthetic leg.
"In certain magical creature circles, I've heard your name mentioned."
Alexander blinked.
"Really?"
Kettleburn nodded.
"Yes."
"From Newt Scamander."
"He speaks highly of you."
Alexander smiled politely.
"I've only met Mr. Scamander a few times."
"But I really enjoyed learning from him."
Kettleburn chuckled.
"Well, I'm glad you're taking my class."
"Now off you go."
"I hope my teaching will be helpful."
Alexander nodded respectfully.
"Of course, Professor."
"I'm learning a lot already."
He waved goodbye and walked back toward Cho.
She immediately asked,
"Are you in trouble?"
Alexander laughed.
"No."
"The professor just praised me and said he's glad I'm in his class."
Cho rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Of course he did."
They both laughed.
Then the two walked back toward the castle together, chatting excitedly about the class and the Hippogriffs as the afternoon sun dipped lower behind the towers of Hogwarts.