"A very complex transfiguration spell," Dumbledore explained gently. "It allows you to transform a Magical Creature into your own likeness. Of course, the prerequisite is that you must be able to connect with the creature on a spiritual level, so that the version of you it becomes can actually communicate with others. Fortunately, I have some skill in transfiguration—and I also happen to have a phoenix with whom I can communicate soul to soul."
As he spoke, the distant Dumbledore suddenly winked in Jon's direction.
"So, Professor—you're controlling two bodies at once?" Jon asked in astonishment.
He suddenly realized that when he'd been in Dumbledore's office earlier, Fawkes had been nowhere in sight.
"Yes. The body Fawkes takes on is only temporary," Dumbledore said calmly. "A skilled wizard could easily spot the flaws in such a body... but sadly, Cornelius isn't nearly that perceptive."
In Hagrid's pumpkin patch ahead of them, Buckbeak the Hippogriff, still tied up, let out a loud cry.
At the same time, Dumbledore stooped to pick up a stone.
"We need to warn the three little ones inside."
Before Jon could stop him, Dumbledore lobbed the stone at Hagrid's hut. The sharp sound of shattering porcelain followed.
Jon froze, watching as four Ministry officials and the other Dumbledore arrived at Hagrid's front door—just as Harry, Ron, and Hermione slipped out the back.
The three third-years hurried toward Jon's position. He quickly stepped back to avoid colliding with them, but in doing so, snapped a twig underfoot. Hermione glanced back several times in suspicion, but thanks to the Disillusionment Charm, she saw nothing.
"Now, Jon... this is where I need your help," Dumbledore said. "Help me rescue this Hippogriff. Buckbeak is without question an innocent life. Sadly, Mrs. Greengrass does not see it that way—or perhaps she's simply bowing to Lucius's pressure. Either way, this is the only method left to save him."
"What?" Jon couldn't help blurting.
"Cornelius and his men saw Buckbeak tied up in Hagrid's yard with their own eyes, while Hagrid and I remained beside him the whole time. That gives us more than enough proof... so this will look like a perfectly reasonable escape."
Jon's thoughts spun. Wait—wasn't Buckbeak supposed to be rescued by Harry and Hermione with the Time-Turner? If he stepped in now, wouldn't that change the plot entirely?
But he'd been keeping a sharp eye on his surroundings all along, and there had been no sign of Harry or Hermione.
According to the original story, they should already be here by now!
Had the timeline shifted? Perhaps Harry and Hermione hadn't traveled back to this moment at all, but to a few hours later... leaving Sirius to be rescued by them, while Buckbeak's salvation fell to Dumbledore—and him.
"...Newt once told me that Hippogriffs don't much care for strange old men like me. They prefer the company of lively young people like you," Dumbledore added with a smile. "And besides, I'll need nearly all my focus to hold off Cornelius and his men. So the task of freeing Buckbeak falls to you."
"Hurry, Jon!" Dumbledore urged as Jon hesitated. "Cornelius and the others will be coming out any moment!"
Jon took a deep breath. There was no way he could refuse Dumbledore's request.
Stepping forward, he felt the Disillusionment Charm fade, revealing his true form.
The Hippogriff lifted its head, eyeing him warily.
Jon quickly recalled what he'd read in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
"Hippogriffs are proud creatures. To approach one, you must first bow politely."
He stopped less than five yards from Buckbeak and gave a deep bow. Buckbeak reared slightly and swiped the air with its talons.
"If the Hippogriff returns your bow, that means you may approach."
Jon exhaled in relief and edged closer. Buckbeak showed no hostility.
"To show goodwill, you should gently stroke its beak—that's their favorite greeting."
Jon slowly extended his hand and patted the creature's beak a few times. The Hippogriff closed its eyes lazily, seeming to enjoy it.
"That means you've earned its favor. As long as you don't attack it, it won't attack you."
Jon drew his wand and pointed it at the lock binding Buckbeak's chain.
"Alohomora!"
With a crisp click, the lock sprang open. Buckbeak stretched its wings, finally free, and looked around curiously.
"It's five o'clock. We may begin the execution!" Cornelius Fudge's voice rang from inside the hut.
"Wait, Cornelius!" came Dumbledore's voice from within. "I believe Macnair and I must also sign the execution order."
Jon quickly grabbed a pickled herring from a nearby shelf and waved it temptingly at Buckbeak.
The Hippogriff eagerly followed, gnawing at the fish as Jon led it into the Forbidden Forest.
Jon was sure they made enough noise along the way for those in the hut to hear them. But Fudge and his men gave no reaction. Clearly, Dumbledore had cast some enchantment to cover for him.
At last, they reached the forest's edge, far enough that the hut's voices were lost.
Jon tied Buckbeak to a sturdy oak, then hurried back toward Hagrid's hut.
...
"Professor!" Jon whispered as he reached Dumbledore's side, once again feeling the Disillusionment Charm veil him.
"Is it done?" Dumbledore asked quietly.
"Yes..." Jon nodded quickly.
In the pumpkin patch, Fudge and Macnair were visibly quarreling—no doubt over Buckbeak's disappearance.
Jon pressed his lips shut, waiting until the Ministry officials and the other Dumbledore made their way back toward the castle. Hagrid, meanwhile, hummed cheerfully as he returned to his hut.
"Shall we go back now, Professor?" Jon asked softly.
"No," Dumbledore said, tilting his head with interest. "Just now, beneath the trunk of the Whomping Willow in the distance, something strange happened. A large black dog dragged Mr. Weasley down into it, and Harry and Miss Granger followed close behind."
"It was too far for Cornelius, Macnair—or even myself—to notice. But Fawkes noticed."