Chapter 101: Flying (1/2)
Monday morning, Hermione informed them that Harry was making progress on his summoning spell.
Chris first had Transfiguration, then Potion that morning. At potions, Snape gave many nasty glares at Chris and though Jason was working on the near by table, he really didn't look at her much. Chris completely ignored them and brewed her potion with Ginny as fast as possible. Jason was always the first one to complete his potions, this time there was no exception but this time Chris managed to get the second place. Snape checked her potion very carefully; at last he gave five points to her. Chris had another reason to finish her potion correctly as she was going steal some of the ingredients in front of her. And if she's finished then Snape will not come to check their table. So slowly she put few ingredients in her bag.
”Now what're you up to?” Ginny asked as they left the dungeons.
”Nothing much. Just I was thinking to brew some useful potions. And this ingredients weren't in the students' supply quarter so had to steal it.” Chris said casually. ”But I was thinking where to brew this?”
”Myrtle's bathroom. Obviously.” Ginny replied. ”The quietest place if you ignore Myrtle.”
”Good idea. This way I don't have to answer everyone what am I doing.” Chris grinned.
”By the way what're you doing?” Colin asked.
”You'll know soon.” Chris replied.
After lunch they went Care of Magical Creatures class. Finally Hagrid showed them the infamous Hippogriffs; each of them a different colour: stormy grey, bronze, a pinkish roan, gleaming chestnut and inky black.
”So,” said Hagrid, rubbing his hands together and beaming around, ”if yeh wan' ter come a bit nearer …”
As usual without waiting, Chris, Ginny and Colin stepped forward. But the Hippogriffs were tossing their fierce heads and flexing their powerful wings; they didn't seem to like being tethered like this. So Ginny and Colin stopped.
But as soon as Chris came close to the Hippogriffs, the grey Hippogriff tried to break free his chain. Chris instantly understood who it was...
”Buckbeak.” Chris smiled.
Buckbeak was the Hippogriff, who attacked Draco Malfoy last year but it was clearly Malfoy's fault. Chris saved him and threatened him to apologise; he did it and also didn't complain about it to his father.
”Yeh can ha'dle it, Chris?” Hagrid asked as Buckbeak became more and more impatient.
Chris nodded and Hagrid freed Buckbeak. Without waiting, Buckbeak came in front of Chris and suddenly bent his scaly front knees, and sank into what was an unmistakeable bow.
Everyone was surprised even Hagrid.
”But didn't Hagrid said we've to bow first?” A Slytherin girl said.
Chris just smiled and patted his head.
”I missed you too buddy.”
Buckbeak was happy, he lifted his head up and rubbed it on Chris's head. Chris laughed. The class broke into applause, even the Slytherins laughed.
”Can I touch it?” Ginny asked Hagrid.
”Go on.” Hagrid said, watching Chris and Buckbeak.
Then one by one Chris approached all the Hippogriffs and after few moments they all bowed to her. She patted all of them but Buckbeak didn't left her side. As the students got busy to touch other Hippogriffs, Ginny and Colin patted Buckbeak standing beside Chris.
”I reckon yeh migh' wan' ter ride him?” Hagrid suddenly whispered to Chris.
Chris looked surprised then nodded excitedly.
”Go on, then.” Hagrid grinned. ”Yeh climb up there, jus' behind the wing joint, an' mind yeh don' pull any of his feathers out, he won' like that …”
Chris put his foot on the top of Buckbeak's wing and hoisted herself onto his back and hold him by his neck. Buckbeak stood up excitedly. Chris felt Buckbeak was more excited than her.
”Go on, then!” repeated Hagrid.
But before Hagrid could slap him, he ran in front of the other Hippogriffs like he was showing off Chris to them. Chris laughed loudly. Then twelve-foot wings flapped open on either side of Chris. It was nothing like a broomstick, and Chris knew which one she preferred; ”Woooooooaaaaahhhhh” Chris shouted as Buckbeak flew higher.