Chapter 106
When Draco realized he had fallen into Albert's trap, the very same kind of trap he had intended to use on Harry to humiliate him in front of everyone, his anger boiled over.
Furious, Draco snatched his wand and aimed it directly at Albert.
The surrounding students gasped and quickly stepped back, frightened of what might happen.
With a shout, Draco cast Rictusempra, a simple charm taught as early as second year. Its purpose was to knock the opponent off balance and send them flying backward.
Albert was genuinely surprised at Draco's audacity. Using magic to attack another student during a class was strictly forbidden at Hogwarts. Duels were permitted only in the school's designated dueling grounds, where rivals could settle scores fairly. Breaking this rule could result in severe punishment from the school's administration.
Still, Albert didn't hesitate. He drew his wand swiftly and cast Protego, the Shield Charm, to deflect Draco's spell.
Against such a basic offensive spell, Protego worked flawlessly. The hex rebounded, hurling Draco himself backwards nearly fifty meters before slamming him into the trunk of a tree. He crumpled to the ground in an undignified heap.
The students erupted in laughter. For years, Draco had strutted around, mocking and belittling others. To see him now tossed aside and ridiculed was a rare sight, and those who had once been his victims enjoyed the moment all the more.
Albert, however, wasn't the type to bully the weak. He had only defended himself. His earlier prank with "Dumbledore" had been meant to protect Harry, because Draco had been scheming to embarrass Harry by pretending there were Dementors nearby.
As the laughter died down, Hagrid stepped in, smiling warmly.
Hagrid: "Alright then, enough o' that. I've got a surprise fer yeh all today!"
He gestured proudly toward the paddock, where a majestic creature stood.
Hagrid: "Say hello to our guest, Buckbeak! Ain't he a beauty?"
Hagrid tossed a roasted chicken to Buckbeak, who devoured it swiftly.
At the sight of the enormous hippogriff, most students instinctively stepped back. Its fierce talons and piercing orange eyes gave it an intimidating presence, even though its noble bearing revealed it wasn't a mindless predator. Still, none of the students had ever seen such a creature before, and their nerves were clear.
Ron: "Er, Hagrid, what exactly is that?"
Hagrid stepped closer to Buckbeak, his chest swelling with pride.
Hagrid: "This here, Ron, is a hippogriff. First thing yeh need ter know, they're proud creatures, dead proud."
"They're easily offended, so mind yeh don't insult 'em. That could be the last mistake yeh ever make. Now then, who'll be first ter say hello?"
Everyone immediately backed away, even Draco, who had been so full of bravado minutes ago. He ducked behind one of his friends.
Unaware that he had been left alone at the front, Harry suddenly found himself chosen.
Hagrid: "Good lad, Harry! Step forward now."
Harry's eyes widened in shock, realizing too late that he was the only one who hadn't retreated.
Still, he moved hesitantly toward Hagrid.
Hagrid instructed calmly:
Hagrid: "Bow nice an' respectful. Hold yer ground, easy now."
Nervous, Harry shuffled back slightly, his foot crunching a piece of wood. The sharp sound startled the group. Hermione, startled as well, instinctively clutched Albert's chest.
Albert blinked, surprised, then subtly shifted away to spare her embarrassment. Both he and Hermione blushed, and she quickly muttered an apology.
Meanwhile, Buckbeak studied Harry carefully. Then, to everyone's astonishment, the hippogriff bowed its feathered head in return, a sign of respect and acceptance.
Hagrid beamed.
Hagrid: "Well done, Harry! That's grand. Good boy, Buckbeak!"
He rewarded the creature with another large chicken, which Buckbeak devoured eagerly.
Hagrid: "Now, Harry, yeh can go ahead and stroke him."
Harry moved slowly, doing exactly as Hagrid instructed.
Hagrid: "That's it, stop there. Hold out yer hand, like yeh mean ter touch his head, but let Buckbeak come to you."
Sure enough, Buckbeak stepped forward, lowering his beak until Harry's hand rested against his feathered head.
Hagrid clapped loudly, his face shining with pride.
Hagrid: "Well done, Harry! Well done indeed!"
The students erupted into applause, cheering Harry's courage.
Harry, cheeks flushed, smiled in relief.
To be continue ...