Alright. Orli sighed inwardly, forcing herself to admire these creatures. Their skin was truly extraordinary, transitioning seamlessly from feathers to fur, each boasting a unique color: dark gray, bronze, a pinkish red-and-white blend, gleaming chestnut, and jet black. She couldn't tell which one was Buckbeak.
#Hagrid: "Alright then,"
Hagrid said, rubbing his hands together and flashing the students a slightly sheepish smile,
#Hagrid: "If you'd like to step a bit closer..."
No one seemed particularly inclined to do so. Orli exchanged a glance with Ron and the others before reluctantly inching cautiously toward the fence.
#Hagrid: "Now, the first thing you need to know about Hippogriffs is—they're proud creatures,"
Hagrid began,
#Hagrid: "Never insult a Hippogriff. That's the last thing you'd ever want to do."
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle weren't listening; they were whispering among themselves. Orli cast them an irritated glance. She couldn't afford to let Malfoy disrupt Hagrid's first lesson—or worse, give Lucius Malfoy an excuse to have Buckbeak executed. That would utterly crush Hagrid.
#Hagrid: "You must always let the Hippogriff make the first move,"
Hagrid continued,
#Hagrid: "Walk toward it, bow, and wait. If it bows back, you can touch it. If it doesn't, back away immediately—those claws can do some real damage. —Who's brave enough to give it a go?"
In response, the entire class collectively took a step back. This left the group of four, who had only been slightly ahead, standing awkwardly at the front.
Under Hagrid's hopeful gaze, the four exchanged uneasy looks. Finally, Harry broke the silence:
#Harry: "I'll do it."
#Hagrid: "Good on you, Harry!"
Hagrid cheered,
#Hagrid: "Alright—let's see how you and Buckbeak get along."
He unfastened a chain, leading Buckbeak away from the other creatures, and removed the leather collar from its neck.
#Hagrid: "Stay calm, Harry. Keep eye contact with it—don't blink too much; that'll make it think you're untrustworthy..."
Hagrid murmured.
Harry was practically glaring at Buckbeak with all his strength, his eyes starting to water as if he might burst into tears. Then, following Hagrid's instructions, he bowed deeply to Buckbeak.
At last, Buckbeak lowered its scaly front legs and returned the bow to Harry.
#Hagrid: "Well done, Harry!"
Hagrid exclaimed with delight,
#Hagrid: "Right—now you can touch it! Pat its beak, go on!"
Harry tentatively reached out and stroked Buckbeak's sharp beak. Buckbeak lazily closed its eyes, seemingly enjoying the gesture. The entire class broke into applause, except for Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, who looked thoroughly disappointed.
#Hagrid: "Alright, Harry,"
Hagrid said,
#Hagrid: "I reckon it might even let you ride it."
Harry climbed onto Buckbeak's back with some difficulty. As soon as he managed to grip its neck, Buckbeak spread its wings. With a single powerful flap, it soared into the air with a grace that belied its appearance. Buckbeak carried Harry over the edge of the Forbidden Forest, gliding above the Black Lake before landing smoothly back on the ground.
Harry was grinning from ear to ear, his joy unmistakable. Orli felt that such happiness was something she could never truly experience.
#Hagrid: "Well done, Harry!"
Hagrid shouted, as all the Gryffindor students cheered for him.
#Hagrid: "Alright, who wants to give it a try next?"
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