The Curse of Time (Harry Potter Fanfic)

We went down this little road that I always find pleasant when heading to Hagrid's hut.

When I arrived at the cabin, I saw that the trio and Hagrid were outside in the garden with a hippogriff.

"So that was the surprise you mentioned?"

Hagrid turned his head towards us and smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"Yes, but I shouldn't have started with this. Because of me, Malfoy got hurt, and I might lose my job."

After some explanation, it turned out that Hagrid had brought several hippogriffs for the first lesson. For his demonstration, he had chosen Harry, who did very well—even managing to climb onto the animal's back for a short flight.

Then, each group had to do the same exercise with a hippogriff. Malfoy was paired with the same hippogriff Harry had ridden, named Buckbeak.

At first, he seemed to be managing just fine, but then he did the worst possible thing one could do to a hippogriff—he insulted it. The animal didn't take kindly to the offense and slashed Malfoy's arm in retaliation.

"I shouldn't have started with that. I should have begun with a harmless animal."

"It's true that it wasn't the smartest choice. Though I admit a hippogriff is a fantastic creature to introduce in your first lesson, you shouldn't have let them handle the animal directly. Instead, you could have simply presented what they would study in the coming years. If you wanted something just as impressive but safer for practice, you should have chosen a unicorn—they are just as beautiful as a hippogriff."

As I said that, I bowed before Buckbeak, allowing me to stroke him once he returned the gesture.

"Creatures like hippogriffs should be reserved for students taking their N.E.W.T.s in this subject. Those students are truly passionate about the field and wouldn't provoke a hippogriff out of sheer arrogance just because their rival succeeded without any trouble."

The situation was easy to assess, and it felt like an accident could happen at any moment.

"But it's still unfortunate that your first class turned out like this. The good news is that you didn't get fired."

Dumbledore dismissed the incident as a rookie mistake, and since there were no casualties, everything was fine.

I stepped away from Buckbeak to make room for Marie, who was staring at the hippogriff without bowing.

"You have to bow, Marie," Hermione reminded her.

However, I quickly understood Marie's true intention.

"Hagrid, be ready to intervene at the slightest aggressive movement from Buckbeak. Marie has just challenged him to a duel of pride."

It is possible to approach a hippogriff without bowing, but it is extremely risky—the slightest sign of weakness could lead to death. The goal is the opposite of the usual procedure; instead of showing respect to the hippogriff, we force him to show us his own.

"I would only bow to someone I love or respect—no one else."

She spoke her inner thoughts while the hippogriff glared at her dangerously but made no move.

It spread its wings in an intimidating display, much like a peacock trying to ward off predators.

As I was about to tell Hagrid to intervene, knowing that Buckbeak could attack at any second, my girlfriend opened her mouth.

"I think you're underestimating me."

I didn't understand anything at first, but when I realized what was happening, I was already on one knee with my head lowered.

The others were in the same position—Marie had just demonstrated her noble upbringing and released her noble aura. No, I would even say a royal aura, or perhaps something even greater.

The pressure was suffocating, yet at the same time, we were captivated by it, as if I would do anything she asked, no matter how extreme.

"See? That wasn't so hard."

She approached Buckbeak, who had also bowed out of respect and fear, before gently stroking him.