Chapter 4: BUCKBEAK!

Hadrian had just finished briefing the Serpents on their assignments this year. Hadrian had given them warnings about Professor Lupin and to keep a close eye on him. Hadrian also discussed at the table with Antoninus about Quidditch tryouts and training plans. After the Serpent meeting, Hadrian then attended to the house meeting he organised for the day after the starting school day. He had again emphasised Professor Snape's rules of Slytherin House and explained further what was expected of each Slytherin. Hadrian also passed down a warning to the entire house regarding Professor Lupin. The reaction was pretty divided, 50% believing Hadrian whilst the other 50% ignored the warning.

"Look, Dumbledore, I can understand your curiosity in Julian's brother and… his nephew."

Dumbledore could sense the tremor in Remus' voice when talking about 'his' nephew. The 'his' obviously referred to Sirius Black's nephew, Antoninus.

"They were both placed in Slytherin for a reason Dumbledore. I will do the job that you hired me fore and observe them in class… but I can't persuade them otherwise or get close to them. I don't want to get to know any member of the Black's more than necessary. I can keep an unbiased and professional relationship as a teacher, but nothing more."

"Very Remus, but I ask you to please remain more open-minded."

Remus simpled gave Dumbledore a gruff nod before leaving his office.

"You can come out now Severus."

Snape then shimmered into view near a curtain in the Headmaster's office. He had used a disillusion spell along with another spell that removed his scent. This was done to prevent Lupin from smelling Severus' scent. Werewolves had better sight and smell, as well as stronger bodies.

"What did you think of the two boys?"

"If you are expecting the werewolf to get anything out of them then you are wasting your time. Both of them are incredibly efficient and crafty. They probably have already identified something strange with Professor Lupin. It is only a matter of time they figure out his werewolf nature."

Dumbledore looked slightly alarmed at Severus' high praise of both a Potter and a Black. Those were two family names that Severus would never even say anything nice about. Whilst Dumbledore was impressed that Severus had staved off his grudge with James Potter and Sirius Black and managed to treat Hadrian and Antoninus better, Snape had yet to show that maturity to the 'other Potter', Julian Potter.

"I'm surprised you speak so highly of the two of them."

"Students in Slytherin are not that narrow-minded and incompetent. Potter and Black are also nothing like their previous family members and have a shred of intelligence. You should know by now Headmaster the significance of those who sit at the centre of the Slytherin table."

Dumbledore nodded. He was aware of Hadrian and Antoninus become Serpents in Slytherin… Hadrian now may even be Head Serpent based on how those around him listened to him and looked to him for leadership. Dumbledore still felt a pang of pity. If only he had taken precautions with them earlier on. The qualities that Hadrian has shown in leadership, intellect, and drive to study magic, those were qualities that he wished Julian had. Whilst Julian was without a doubt the chosen one, his upbringing left his attitude and ambition to be quite poor. Hadrian and Antoninus had been well beyond the students in their year and even their peers in terms of magical studies.

"I am well aware Severus… very well then. You may return to your quarters… and please do make sure the next batch of Wolfsbane is ready for Remus."

Severus showed no emotion on his face and simply spun around and marched out of Dumbledore's office. Snape's black cloak billowing behind him.


The next morning, Hadrian and Antoninus got up early and left the Slytherin. The two boys got changed out of their Quidditch robes and put their Firebolt brooms away as they had just finished flying around this morning before classes started.

"Did the two of you go practice in the morning?"

"Yes, we did Tracey."

"Oooh! I have also been meaning to ask. Will you accept girls onto the Quidditch team Quidditch Cap? Cause previous Slytherin captains have never let any girls on…"

Antoninus remained thoughtful for a while. Daphne watched him closely to see his response.

"If you are skilled enough, sure. It will also depend on who is competing for whatever role you are going for."

"I wanted to go for keeper! I don't have the brawling ability to duke it out as a chaser or the strength to slam the bludgers."

Antoninus was pensive about it. He didn't want to hurt Tracey's feelings. She was quite small. Yes… whilst she would be agile and could react and get to each hoop fast enough to block the Quaffle, she may not have the strength and stamina to last multiple powerfully tossed Quaffles at the hoops.

"We'll see, come to tryouts next Thursday. I can't guarentee you a placement, that, you will need to earn it yourself."

Tracey gave a confident nod before the four of them walked out of the Slytherin Common Room and down towards the great hall. They needed to have breakfast and the go towards Hagrid's Hut. They four of them had Care of Magical Creatures first thing in the morning.

"That's it, c'mon now, a little closer! Less talkin if ya don't mind! I got a real treat for you today… a great lesson! So follow me!"

Hagrid started walking to a small clearing at the edge of the forbidden forest. Julian and the Gryiffondors excitely followed after Hagrid whilst all the other house students remained a bit pensive and hesitant. They were going to enter the forbidden forest for their first creatures class? Talk about getting straight into it. We soon entered a clearing in the forest, with a few built fences around the perimeter.

"Right you lot, less chattering! And form a group over there… and open yar books to page forty-nine".

Malfoy then retorted at Hagrid rudely.

"And how exactly do we do that?"

Hagrid turned around and rolled his eyes at Malfoy's remark, not even slightly bothered by his rude tone.

"Well just stroke the spine of course. Goodness me…"

Hadrian and Antoninus didn't know Hagrid was joking or not with his advice. Both boyshighly doubt stroking the spine and opening the book wouldn't cause it to not bite their heads off. But I would like to see Malfoy open it...

Hadrian then saw with the corner of his eye that Neville was about to open his book after stroking the spine.

"ARRGGGGHHH!"

The book opened and started to bite at Neville. Neville lost grip of his book and the book began to chew on his robe. Malfoy and his crew all laughed as Neville was helpless on the ground with his own creatures book trying to eat him. Hadrian sighed, he had told Neville last year in the DADA classroom after the pixies incident, with Lockhart's failed attempt to contain them, he should be more confident and that he was a smart kid. Unfortunately, it seems that he hasn't overcome that block yet. It wasn't something they could help him with, he would have to get over that block himself. Hagrid quickly ran over and picked up the book with his large meaty hands. Hagrid easily clamped the book together and locked it up.

"Gosh, is there anything this oaf can get right? Wait till my father hears about how abysmal his classes are."

"Shut your mouth, Malfoy."

Weasley, Seamus, and Granger cleared out of the way and Julian walked out towards Malfoy. The atmosphere then became tense. Everyone moved out of the way. They could sense how irrational and bull-headed both boys were about to be. Just when both boys were about to draw their wands a loud screech came from behind and dissolved the build-up to the confrontation. Daphne and Tracey turned around with everyone to see a giant hippogriff walk by next to Hagrid as Hagrid lured her over with a piece of meat. Hadrian and Antoninus hadn't been paying attention to Malfoy or Julian. The two of them had been looking at the hippogriff the entire time, analyzing and admiring the formidable looking creature.

"Isn't he beautiful! Say hello everyone to Buckbeak!" exclaimed Hagrid.

Buckbeak then roared and flapped his wings slightly.

"Hagrid… exactly… what is that?" said Ron shakily.

Tracey and a few other Slytherin sniggered slightly as it seemed like Weasley was about to wet his pants. Daphne looked over to find Weasley's face drained of color as he worriedly asked the professor.

"That Ron is a hippogriff. Tha first thing you wanna know about a hippogriff is that they're very proud creatures. VERY easily offended… You do not want to insult a hippogriff, it just may be tha last thing ya ever do…"

Hagrid then clapped his hands together.

"Now who would like to come say hello?"

Everyone took a step back. Not a single person dared to go forth towards the strong and proud looking hippogriff. Hadrian stood near the front, unlike everyone else, he and Antoninus remained still and didn't move.

"Erghmmm… Hadrian! Since yer up front, why don't yer come give it a try?"

Hadrian nodded and calmly walked over towards the hippogriff.

"Now be careful now… yer got to-"

Without even listening to Hagrid, once the hippogriff sensed Hadrian's approach, Hadrian instantly gave a low bow. The bow he did was almost 90 degrees sharp. Buckbeak let our a screech before flapping his wings slightly and settled down.

"Erghm, wow… well done Hadrian… you can go pat him now."

Hagrid watched as Hadrian fearlessly walked forward. Hadrian looked completely relaxed and composed as he walked over, it was as if he was a natural with animals. Hagrid was about to say for Hadrian to stop and not get too close when Buckbeak rose forward himself and placed his head near Hadrian. Hadrian then calmly raised his hand and softly patted his beak before have his hand rustle through the feathers on Buckbeak's head. Hagrid was amazed that Hadrian had accomplished this far without him saying much at all.

"Well done Hadrian! Well done!"

Hagrid began to loudly clap. Many Slytherins clapped their hands as well, impressed that their Head Serpent easily tamed such a menacing creature. After petting him Hadrian began walking back towards the crowd of students, their applause welcoming him. Julian gritted his teeth, not at all happy that all the attention was on Hadrian. Julian stomped forwards and out towards Hagrid.

"Ah! Julian! Why don't yer give it a go as well?"

Julian ignored Hermione's had which held onto the helm of his robes and sauntered forward towards Buckbeak.

"Ya have to let him make tha first move, it's only polite. So… step up! Give him a nice bow! Then ya wait and see if he bows back and if he does, you can go touch him. If not… well… we will get to that later…"

Julian got a little bit of cold feat when Buckbeak suddenly raised its head to stare at him.

Hagrid then whispered to Julian as he got relatively close to Buckbeak.

"Make your bow… nice and low".

"Yeah! Maybe you should get on the floor and beg the big brute!"

Malfoy yelled out an insult as Julian hesitated for a moment. The rest of Malfoy's gang then burst out with laughter, many of them adding more insults to demean the boy-who-lived. Julian gave a low bow whilst scrunching his fists into a ball, absolutely enraged at the Slytherin's trash talk, however, he was preoccupied with gaining the hippogriff's respect. Julian at least had the sensibility to know to not anger the animal and take the slimy snake insults for now. Buckbeak seemed to sense Julian's anger, and seemingly mistaken it as anger towards him. Buckbeak then shot up off the floor and reared up, flashing his two front claws and flapping his wildly. Hagrid hurriedly called out at Julian.

"Back off Julian! Back off!"

Julian quickly took a few steps back but in his hurry to move away and out of Buckbeak's talon range, Julian then tripped over a branch and fell on his butt. This caused all of the Slytherins present to holler out with laughter, with Malfoy leading the way. This however only made the situation worse. Buckbeak thought the demeaning and appalling laughter was directed at him and screeched at the crowd of Slytherin and Gryffindors. Buckbeak completly ignored Julian and the Gryffindors that stood near the other side and lunged forward towards the Slytherins who had been laughing the loudest. The Slytherin's screamed a few diving and running out of the way instantly. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle froze whilst Parkinson, Zabini, and Nott fled. When Malfoy looked around, only he and his two goons were left. Malfoy wanted to run, but his legs betrayed him at that moment and he tripped. Malfoy tried to gain balance by grabbing onto Crabbe and Goyle's robes but they both also had jelly legs and the three of them all fell down onto the floor.

"Buckbeak! BUCKBEAK!"

Hagrid tried to get Buckbeak's attention but it wasn't working. Buckbeak was now on top of Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle and swung his claws down at the boys. J

CLINK!

Buckbeak's claws were jammed into a large wooden log that was suspended in the air and held in place. Daphne and Tracey had been the first to escape, as they weren't that close to Malfoy and his gang, both girls turned to see Hadrian and Antoninus pointing their wands at the wooden log. Hadrian was concentrating very hard, whilst Antoninus seemed relaxed. Daphne instantly deduced that it must be Hadrian keeping the log in place, not letting Buckbeak swing the log around like crazy. Antoninus then quickly ushered out a giant tidal wave of water from his wand. Many students watched in awe as the flood of water split into two sides and went around the three Slytherin boys on the floor. The waves then converged and swept Buckbeak away.

"Why didn't he just banish the hippogriff?"

Daphne also found it strange, surely, someone like Antoninus, who could summon and banish things wandlessly could also easily banish a hippogriff? Daphne pondered over Tracey's question when an idea clicked in her head.

"Its wings. If Antoninus had just banished the hippogriff, it would have opened up its wings and would have easily slowed down and charged back again! The tides of water he used kept the hippogriff's wings clogged in the water! The hippogriff then couldn't use its wings to stop and charge again! Antoninus has completely negated the hippogriff from making a second charge!"

Tracey's mouth hung wide open at Daphne's explanation. Granger, who wasn't far away also heard Daphne's theory and was also equally surprised. She had recognized the difficult spell that Antoninus had cast, Aqua Eructo. The only known counter to Fiendfyre flames. However, the spell was incredibly difficult and hard to control. Many wizards have drowned themselves when attempting to practice it. Both Tracey and Granger wondered how on earth did Antoninus come to the conclusion to use that spell, instead of banishing the hippogriff at that moment so quickly? That was very precise and astute judgment. Buckbeak was now swept quite far away. Buckbeak rolled around in the dirt before getting back and shaking off the water and leaves that stuck to him. He was about to charge again at the dispersed Slytherins when he noticed all the meat on the floor around him. All of a sudden, the Slytherin boys that laughed at him and the rude bow he got was completely forgotten, Buckbeak quickly went to go gobble up the meat on the floor.

Malfoy watched as the water surrounded him and swept the big brute away. He was slightly amazed that not a single drop of water touched him… in fact, not a single drop touched all three of them. The water had been skillfully manipulated without flaw and only hit the hippogriff. After the water cleared, Malfoy instantly got up and ran away, not even bothering to help Crabbe and Goyle up. Both big goons stumbled onto their feet and slowly chased after Malfoy. Hadrian and Antoninus meanwhile calmly went to approach to hippogriff. The rest of the Slytherins that remained watched in awe as the two of them easily walked up to the fearsome hippogriff.


Doran's Ring-

Hi Everyone! Hope you all enjoyed the recent chapters. Due to Sirius Black not breaking out of prision, as he is dead, the third year took a bit of a twist. Obviously, there won't be dementors that check the train at the start of the year… but… the title of this book is Dawn of the Demented, I'll leave the question hanging for now :P Another bit of news that I need to tell all of you is that I just started my internship this week and will be working full-time for the entire summer. The only time I have will be on the weekends. The place I am working is quite far away, I have to leave at 6:30 in the morning and won't be back until 7:30 at night. I honestly need the 3-5 hours of downtime for myself at the end of an exhausting day. That means that unfortunately… I can only update weekly :( I will be sticking to an upload schedule around Saturday. I will keep uploading so I hope you all stay tuned for more. Thank you all so so much for reading and all the support you guys have shown! New chapters will be out soon!


UPDATE*

Chapter 5: The Heart of the Forestis out →