3. Buckbeack

                                    

                                          
We had our very first lesson Care of Magical Creatures. Hagrid led us deep into the forest. "Today, you are learning about Hippogriffs. Open your books on page 46."
The books were quite funny. Firstly, you had to stroke their back because otherwise, they tried to bite off the reader's finger. "Wait until my father hears about these useless lessons!" Draco mumbled from behind.
I turned around. "Oh, come on. It's not that bad."
"Not bad for me but I bet Potter's dead in an hour," he sneered and grinned at Harry. But then his face became anxious. He pointed behind us and yelled, "Dementor, dementor."
We turned around, but there wasn't anything. I rolled my eyes. "That's not funny Draco. Wait until there's a real dementor next to you. I bet then are the one who won't laugh anymore." He took a step towards me. Because he was taller, I had to look up.
"Gracie, don't tell me you are defending the Gryffindors now? What about me... and your crush?" The other Slytherins laughed at me and made kissing noises.
"I don't have a crush!" I shouted angrily. It was so embarrassing that he mentioned that.
"Sure, sweetheart," he winked and leaned a bit down. His lips were only inches apart from mine and his grey eyes locked with mine. I could feel his hot breath on my face and my heart started racing. I knew that I had blushed even more and that everybody could see it.
"Definitely no crush," he joked whispering and backed off.
Then he turned around and grinned triumphantly. "See, guys. She doesn't have a crush."
I was very happy that Hagrid interrupted us. "This is Buckbeak," he introduced the Hippogriff. Every student backed away, only I remained standing. "Grace, why don't you try to approach him."
I hesitated but then I made my way to him. I liked all kinds of animals and Buckbeak was very cute. Slowly, I stroked his head.
"He's gorgeous," I said admiring.
Hagrid smiled. "Yes, he is. And it is impressive that you are that good with animals. Hippogriffs are dangerous but now it seems like they were the nicest animals alive."
I giggled, but then Draco pushed me to the side. "I'm sure he isn't that dangerous," he laughed and tried to stroke him, but then the Hippogriff got up on his hind legs and gave him a kick. He fell on the ground, his arm bleeding. I knelt down beside him. "Are you okay?" "No, what does it look like. He almost killed me." I sighed. He always had to exaggerate everything, though. It was just a scratch. Hagrid picked him up and said, "The lesson is over for today." Then, he walked away.
"I hope he doesn't get fired," I mumbled to my friends.
"Well, it was Malfoys fault," Hermoine replied.
"But not in Malfoys story. In his version, he is the poor victim," Harry laughed and Ron grinned.
"Is it true that you have a crush on him?" Harry wanted to know.
"I... I wouldn't say it's a crush."
"But there is something," Hermoine insisted.
"I admit it," I gave in. "He's quite good looking."
"Just good looking?"
"Okay, he's handsome. Really handsome. But it doesn't matter anyway. He is annoying and rude. So it's definitely not a crush."
"Okay, good. Because I don't want to imagine you and Malfoy together. That would be...," Ron wrinkled his nose, "disgusting."
"Absolutely," Harry agreed. "He's not the right one for you."
"Then who is?"
"We'll see," Harry grinned.
I grabbed my book and waved goodbye to my friends. "See you later, guys. I have to study."
I went into my room, when I suddenly heard a noise. It was Draco again, holding a green apple in his hand. "Draco, damn. You scared me," I exclaimed.
"Sorry, Gracie." "Stop calling me that!"
"So, you like Potter better? Or mudblood?"
"No, I don't." I looked at his arm, which was wrapped in a bandage. "How's your arm?"
"It's alright, but I can't do my homework now. Such a shame," he joked.
Draco came closer to me but I receded. "Why are you always making fun of me and my non-existent crush? Last year, you were so nice when I told you Hermoine was petrified. But now you are being... different."
"Well, my father wouldn't want me to be your friend," he replied.
"But what about you? Would you like that?"
He thought about that for a moment. "Doesn't matter."
"It does. You opinion is important. You don't have to do what your father wants. You have to do what you want."
"Maybe," he shrugged. "But I don't want to disappoint him." He turned around and left me. Now I realized, that I forgot to ask him something. "Draco, wait. Have you told your father yet about the accident?" I really hoped he did not.
"Yes. Unfortunately, he can't let Hagrid get fired. But he requested that this Hippogriff creature should be killed. The execution is next week."
"That's not fair," I whispered. "It was your fault, not his. Buckbeak is innocent. Please, don't allow this to happen. I'm begging you." He raised his eyebrows. "What do I get in return?"
"Everything you want."