"Harry, before you go, I need you to sign these papers," Caius said, now holding out a stack of papers to the wizard.
Harry grabbed them and then noticed that Caius held a fountain pen out to him, which he gladly took. Signing the papers, he looked at the pen.
'We should get a few of these when we go back,' he thought to himself.
When he handed the stack back to Caius, the death angel flipped through them checking to make sure everything was signed properly. Once he was done, he nodded, licked his thumb and pressed it into the top page's right bottom corner. The stack glowed gold, folded itself and disappeared.
"Now. These hourglasses on my desk belong to each of you. They're going to flip over as you're sent back. Once you seal the bonds, all of them, I will know since they will right themselves," he said bringing their attention to the hourglasses.
"I will keep an eye on them and I expect them to be righted within 12 hours after the Yule ball," he said looking at Harry pointedly, "So you have at least a year."
"With that all done, I'm going to need you ladies, and Harry, to go back through that door and you'll wake up in your bodies with all of your memories. Don't worry you won't feel like it was a dream since you'll know. I figure about five minutes of disorientation, just enough time for him to get patched up. After that you'll remember and be up to speed. Luna Lovegood, you will take Hermione's advice, and Hermione Granger you will take Luna Lovegood's advice."
Both witches nodded.
"Hopefully I don't see you lot for at least 110 years," Caius said, "But I've informed Harry Potter here that if need be, I will make a personal visit on Earth. That is the only time I should see you before then. Got it?"
"Yes, sir," they replied.
"Good," he said firmly.
With that Luna and Hermione got up and opened the door. Harry was able to notice that Hermione was the shortest of the three of them. He also wasn't sure why he just realized that.
"See you soon, Harry," Luna said, "Hermione, I'll meet you as soon as possible."
Hermione blushed but smiled, "Yes, Luv."
Harry blushed at the pair, but smiled knowing he was going to be part of it soon, "I'll see you guys soon."
With a nod at the messy haired wizard they walked through the door followed by their fellow soulmate, future bondmate, Harry James Potter.
After they left, Reaper Yui let herself into Caius's office.
"Go well?" she asked, leaning against the door.
Yui was roughly 6' 2" tall, long black hair, ambiguous tan skin, bright lavender eyes, and well endowed. She had an Eye of Ra marking where he had an Eye of Horus marking. She was wearing a black Greek chiton, with a gold rope tied around her waist.
Caius put his head into his hands, "As well as expected."
She nodded, "Hermione wasn't told who her father was, but was given a nudge to find out."
"Harry was firmly spoken to. Thankfully his death wasn't because he's completely incompetent but because of Albus fucking Dumbledore. With those girls he should be on the right track this time," he finished softly.
"If it weren't for him Hermione would have known who her father was. I did tell her that it wasn't his fault or that he didn't want her. Albus obliviated him and set her mother up with the closest well-to-do single man he could find. An imperious on a regular human? Technically legal, even if it's illegal to cast magic on one in general. If he was caught it would be a slap on the wrist because he's 'muggle'," she spat.
"Her father is prepped to recover the memories and the knowledge of what Albus did?" he asked.
"As soon as the goblins owl him it'll all come back," she confirmed.
"Luna will probably initiate the bond as soon as within the week," he laughed weakly.
"I bet you it'll be Hermione first," Yui threw him a shark like grin.
"The girl is more brain than emotion, you're on. What's the bet?"
"Soothing her father's ruffled feathers and bringing him on board," she quipped.
Caius made a face, that was a really steep bet, and a lot of work.
"Deal," he crossed his arms across his chest petulantly.
It was always 50/50 with Yui, and Hermione's father was a stubborn bastard.
As Caius had predicted it took the trio five minutes to become fully orientated. Hermione and Luna were ecstatic to know that it was real as they ate their chocolate in their separate carts. Harry however wasn't sure how to feel. He remembered everything he learned up until sixth year before being on the run. It was disorientating 'waking up' with a pounding headache and a smaller body.
He decided to do away with Ron, knowing his 'friend' would be furious this year with Crookshanks and the broom incident. It would be hard though because he knew Pettigrew was close, but the sorry excuse for a wizard didn't know that he knew he was anything other than Ron's pet rat.
Almost on cue Hermione was retelling what Remus had said before he left. They let Ron and Neville talk while they gathered themselves. Harry also took the time to sit where Remus had been and eat the chocolate.
If it weren't for just being told by his reaper, death angel, whatever, he would have probably had more to say. As it was, he was extremely uncomfortable being near Ron.
Thankfully the rest of the trip to Hogwarts was the same as it was the last go round. All the way down to Malfoy elbowing Hermione to begin trying to tease him about fainting. This time however Hermione elbowed the blond back before Remus showed up.
They both felt that they could breathe easier though once their Head of House pulled them to the side. Harry to be checked over for his adverse reaction to the dementor and Hermione to gather her time turner.
"Are you sure you're alright, Potter?" Minerva asked.
"Yes, Ma'am. While I'm here however would it be possible to change my elective? I only chose Divination 'cause Ron said it would be easy and Dumbledore insisted. I just wanted to appease them but realized my mistake over the summer while I had time to think. I'd rather take Runes and order all the materials through owl order," Harry said.
Minerva made a face due to her own feeling on the wooly subject that she felt shouldn't be an elective to any without the gift and the fact that she asked him specifically while he was choosing if he was certain. Then again, she knew that Dumbledore also insisted and it was hard to refuse when one of the staff insisted.
"Before I make my decision, Mr. Potter, I feel I must ask if you have the Gift or the Sight as some call it," she replied in her typical no-nonsense manner.
"I don't, Professor," he replied easily.
"Very well. I will make changes to your schedule after I'm finished speaking with Miss Granger about hers," she gave him a tight smile, pleased with his choice, "You may leave now."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry said before standing up and doing as she said. He decided to wait for his witch like he did last time.
As soon as the brunette left the room they made their way down to the Great Hall.
"Well, let's go make nice," Hermione said under her breath, "I also… dropped Divination. I plan on taking notes and correcting all the errors in Muggle Studies. I can also help you with Runes if you'd like."
"I'd like that a lot. Divination was rubbish to begin with. I'd rather do a few new things than not. Maybe we can ask McGonagall to teach us to be animagi," Harry replied humorously mumbling the first part so the portraits couldn't overhear.
"As long as I can prove that I can handle it, I think we can manage," she answered mischievously.
Thankfully it was the first night back and it was expected of them to be tired and sleep early. They did congratulate Hagrid again and Hermione made plans to try to prevent Buckbeak from being put on trial.
Hermione woke up the following morning very happy with her old memories as well as the new ones with Harry yesterday. She quickly took care of her teeth, she noticed they were back to being large and decided to fix that now rather than wait a year for Malfoy to accidentally hit her with a jinx. After that she took a long shower, appreciating what had become a luxury. She then took good care of her hair appreciating it not being a knotted, matted, mess. Then managed to tame it into curls instead of the bushy mass it normally was. She was grateful Luna actually knew a few tricks for her hair type.
Being up much earlier than her roommates, per usual, she was able to finish just as Lavender and Parvati were waking up. Maybe she could ask them to teach her their makeup and nail charms this go 'round. It would give her something else to learn while she went through what would be revision. She always loved when Luna had her nails charmed and wanted to look just as good for her witch. Besides a few seconds charming her nails would take nothing away from her revision time, especially with it being a different version of colovira (Which was a Fifth year spell).
Hermione had asked them if they would take away her knowledge of classes since they were sending her back so far. They had told her 'no' as it would work out to her advantage, especially since she wouldn't burn herself out like she had the previous time. She quickly did take advantage of it and spelled her bag almost the same she did her beaded bag. Hermione noticed she felt a bit weird without it, but not to the point that it bothered her so much, more like taking off a bracelet she wore all the time, just weird.
As the two got ready, her roommate Fay Dunbar started waking up, she took that as her cue to go meet with Harry to get their schedules.
Luna was able to make a huge decision and use her knowledge of her previous life to avoid most of the discomfort that came with being in Ravenclaw tower. She felt that she was lucky to have been able to wake up in her bed knowing later that week the door would become confused. Luna took care in her shower, even as she was quick about it, before getting ready for the rest of the day. With some silent casting she was ready with all of the things she needed for the day before leaving the Raven's nest. It would be much different this time around. She even made sure to spell her belongings before leaving the train so they couldn't be 'misplaced'. Even though Luna was sorted into Ravenclaw the Sorting Hat had mentioned Slytherin as a house that would help her to grow if it weren't for her Sight.
Seeing Luna waiting around the corner of one of the secret passage ways Hermione grinned and increased her speed.
"Luna!" she shouted in excitement.
"Hermione," Luna said just as happy in her normal whimsical voice.
As soon as Hermione was a few feet from the blonde she dropped her school bag, tossing her arms over the blonde's shoulders and leaned up for a kiss. Luna, also excited to see her petite witch met her kiss with equal enthusiasm. Despite her being older, Hermione had always been small. Both were filled with a happy warmth that made their patroni pale in comparison. Unbeknownst to them for that moment they softly glowed gold and pale green.
"Hermione, will you eventually be my wife?" Luna asked, her hands on the other witch's waist.
"Yes!" Hermione said loudly, happier than she had been in a long time.
Luna held her arm out to the older witch, making her blush, but happily tucked her arm into Luna's letting the other witch escort her.
Harry watched with amusement behind them as he picked up the brunette's discarded bag, appreciating that it wasn't as heavy as he thought it would be. It seemed they forgot how old they were as soon as they saw each other. He quickly caught up with them though.
The first time around Hermione had been uncomfortable around the blonde not because she didn't like her, but because of the complete opposite. She had been attracted to the younger witch as soon as they were introduced. It wasn't until Fifth year of course, but at some point Luna had cornered her and asked her to be her girlfriend. She even added that they didn't have to be seen in public together, hoping the older witch would say yes.
Hermione had jumped at the chance and would privately admit to herself that she abused her prefect privileges to see her girlfriend in secret. It was hard and Hermione was uncomfortable being seen in public around her girlfriend at all, afraid that someone would see their love for one another. Which was why she fidgeted, looked away, to anybody else it merely looked like she was uncomfortable being in the blonde's presence at all. It didn't help that she wanted to do all the cute things in public that she saw and read about. She wanted to play footsies while they did their homework or read for fun. She wanted to lean on her for comfort. She wanted to hug her close and kiss her in the corridor. She wanted to lay on her lap and cuddle while they read.
Hermione had admittedly been selfish. The curly haired witch didn't want to share her love with the world who scorned them. They were made fun of enough for separate things. They wouldn't give anyone a chance to destroy something as pure as their affections for one another. Their one bright spot in a bleak world. Homophobia was rare in the wizarding world, but it still cropped up.
Leaving her for the hunt was extremely hard, even when her spacey girlfriend said she understood and kissed her for hope. Not for luck, but hope for her mission being done as soon as possible so she could return to her blonde once more. Being sold out by her girlfriend's father and then finding out that the enemy had her, she wanted to be upset with the blonde's father but couldn't. She would sell out Ron in a heartbeat for her precious moon.
"Are you going to eat breakfast with us?" Hermione asked.
"I think we should keep a low profile again. I can't say it'll be pleasant, but it will be smarter. Besides all we have to do is wait until Christmas before we can be seen in the library," Luna said as she led her soulmate to the Great Hall.
Hermione made a face, clearly angry at how they treated Luna in Ravenclaw and upset about having to sneak around before seeing her in public. She knew last time, but this time they were going to be open about their relationship and she could do something about it.
"Or we can just 'meet' in the library over a book. Let me know and I'll be glad to take care of them for you," Hermione said, a threat clear in her tone.
"Maybe later," Luna replied as they parted before opening the door.
They sat in a way where they could still see each other, with Hermione and Harry's backs to the Slytherins. The rest of the castle seemed to rouse itself from sleep as the students trickled in for the morning meal. Surprisingly they arrived before Slytherin and Hermione didn't even have to say anything to Harry about ignoring the blond prat. Roughly 15 minutes later Neville and Ron made their way to the table. Harry was sitting next to Hermione, who scooted over a bit so their thighs touched when she saw the red head.
Neville and Ron took their own seats, Ron sitting across from Harry with a clear view of the Slytherin table.
Once he was sure Ron would be fine, even though he had no reason to not be, he returned to eating. It was easy to ignore the jeers and harsh laughter of the Slytherins when they saw him. Although he noticed that it was only Malfoy's friends, which was peculiar. How he didn't notice it last time he wasn't sure. Then he looked up and noticed Ron before the metaphorical lightbulb flashed over his head.
He paid attention when Fred and George tried to cheer him up assuming it was the Slytherins that were getting to him. He couldn't help but smile at them. The twins had always treated him like another brother and did their best to protect him and share whatever information they thought was important at the time.
Professor McGonagall was soon there to pass out that year's schedule to all of her lions. Hermione took it happily, glad for some normalcy after her previous last year. Harry also took it with small smile. He was glad that attached to his was also a list of the required text and materials needed for runes and the owl post orders with it. While he hadn't done excellent last time, this time he would have better understanding and be able to improve on his grades and even learn something new. Plus, he wouldn't have to sit and listen to Trelawney 'predict' his death every week and already knew about the real short prophecy that she would make later that year.
Harry had to hide a smirk though. While he couldn't do anything about Pettigrew just yet, no one said anything about not encouraging Crookshanks.
It was after the schedules were handed out that the parliament of owls swooped down. An official looking eagle owl landed in front of Hermione and peeking over at the Ravenclaw table he could see that Luna also had received a letter.
The witch took the letter and gave the owl a rasher of bacon before it quickly took off again. Hermione blushed deeply as she read the letter and then stuffed it into her bag.
"What was that about, Hermione?" Ron asked, his food only half chewed.
Hermione closed her eyes and made a scrunched-up face at his disgusting eating habits.
"Don't talk with your mouth full!" she snapped, the rage over him abandoning them still burned within her despite the dull detachment. Thankfully it was a simmer instead of a boil.
Ron quickly swallowed, not at all phased by the witch's ire at his table manners, or lack thereof.
"Alright, alright. What was with the owl though? I've never seen it before," he said.
"It's none of your business, Ron," she hissed, her face quickly turning red from embarrassment to red from anger.
"I would tell you! What kind of friend are you?" he snapped at her, "First you get that monster you call a cat without thinking about Scabbers and now you won't share who sent you the letter?"
Harry watched as she sighed through her nose.
"It's a letter from Flourish and Blotts about a book that was out of stock. Happy?" she glared at him.
"Oh," the redheaded wizard replied, looking away from her.
"What's your schedule look like, Neville?" Hermione asked, determined to ignore Ron as much as possible.
While she already knew she decided to start to cultivate the friendship she had with the young boy who she knew would grow into a kind young man. Maybe if she spent enough time with him now they would be able to get him his wand sooner. It would definitely help with his grades and confidence. Ronald however ignored them since he had been reassured last year that Harry was taking the same classes as him.
"We've got Care of Magical Creatures later," Harry said with twinkling eyes.
"With that stupid book that bites," Ron grumbled.
"I found out that if you stroke the spine it stops," Hermione announced, "I was reaching around in my trunk last night and my hand accidentally stroked it. I tried it again earlier and it worked."
Of course Hermione was lying, but she wanted to see how class would go with the Gryffindors all knowing how to open the book. Knowing her classmates as she did, she was sure they would rub it in Slytherin's face.
This excited the rest of the house who had the Monster Book of Monsters and did as she said. Once their books were calm or purring, they were all excited and actually flipped through the pages. Fred and George thought they were great. It wasn't often that they would get excited over books and she would take what she could get. Especially if there were a way to help Hagrid.
"Looks like we've got Divination first, mate," Ron said after flipping through the book.
Harry chose that moment to take a bite of toast and made a noncommittal noise around it. He decided he was going to donate his Divination book to the library.
He actually didn't have a class until after that and was going to use that time to order things that he would need for his new class. Not that he was really looking forward to Transfiguration either. He knew he would have to mess up a few times though, Hermione though would have it easier since she usually got spells right on the first try. The only one that he was aware of that she didn't was the patronus, but it was considered a NEWT level spell that even aurors failed or could only make the shield.
That was something he wanted to 'learn' again with Remus. He had the time now, but would have to pretend to not get it for a few months. It would be frustrating, if only a little since he knew he could perform it. Although now he had the problem of trying to make his boggart be a dementor again… he'd… think of something. Maybe. Hopefully.
Luna happily ate while she watched her witch and wizard. It was easy knowing she wasn't alone. She had friends this time. She had her soulmates, her and Hermione were bonded. While she couldn't wait for Christmas to come, she knew her father wouldn't be at the Rookery this year. She even got her letter from Gringotts and would keep it safe. She had already spelled it to be impervious to fire along with a few others. She knew Gringotts had their own spells on their documents but she wasn't taking chances. When the time came she would be able to show her Head of House the document and reap the benefits.
As everyone was getting up to leave for their first class, Harry gathered his things and started to walk with Hermione. He knew she would have to turn back later, but knew he would be able to walk her to her first chosen class.
"Hey mate, where are you going?" Ron asked, "We have Divination. It's at the top of the North Tower," he explained waving his schedule.
"I don't have Divination, Ron," Harry said calmly.
"What? Yes, you do. You said you signed up for it before summer," Ron called, his ears getting red.
"I did, but I changed my mind and McGonagall allowed it," Harry replied, not mentioning when he changed it.
"But –"
"Ron, you have to go or you'll be late," Hermione said as she turned and walked away, "we'll see you in Transfiguration."
With a quiet sigh she remembered she couldn't completely shake him until Christmas.
It was a lot easier than she thought it would be. However, she chalked it up to her used to doing what needed to be done rather than what she wanted to do. She learned a lot of things during her punishments. She would do what must be done, just as she always had. Thankfully while class would be boring, she wouldn't have to worry about not knowing the spells or such since she knew them all the first time around anyways.
Harry was surprised that he actually enjoyed his Transfigurations class and was amused that this time it was Ron who had the grim in his tea leaves. He would have guessed Neville, but seeing the redhead quiet was nice and didn't bother to say anything. He knew Hermione would have to bite her tongue to keep from laughing at him. She wasn't the type to poke at open wounds unprovoked, but he also knew they had just got back from fighting a war. He was glad the memories weren't as sharp so they weren't hair triggered to point their wands at everything that moved. He wouldn't have lasted the day without shoving his wand into the face of at least half of his classmates. Pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind he raised his hand.
"Yes, Mr. Potter?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Will you be teaching us how to be animagi?" he asked.
"Being an animagus is not for everyone and it takes a great deal of time and dedication, could even take years without the proper guidance," she replied.
He noticed she hadn't said no, but hadn't agreed either.
"Would you be willing to teach some of us?" he asked.
"Oh! Yes please, Professor. I would love to learn the craft as well," Hermione jumped on it, "Even if it's afterhours."
Minerva had to hide a smile but her eyes twinkled, "If you are sure you would be able to dedicate the time and attention as it won't be for a grade, I would be willing to teach a few of you after dinner in two weeks once you've become accustomed to your new schedules. Provided of course you haven't earned a detention that night."
"Yes, Ma'am," they both beamed at her.
It got most of the class to talk about that instead of focusing on Ron having the grim in his tea leaves, even though their professor had said that their Divination professor did not actually predict any of her students dying and was merely teasing them.
Ronald of course ignored her and couldn't focus for the rest of the lesson even as Harry and Hermione took notes not paying him any mind. Hermione didn't even seem the least bit guilty at ignoring Ron's predicament.
As they were heading towards the Great Hall for lunch Harry admitted that he needed to go to the owlery since he forgot something while shopping. Hermione offered to go with him while Ron waved them off saying he would save them a place at the table.
After lunch they walked down to their first class with Hagrid, Hermione and Harry were excited as were most of the other Gryffindors. The duo had almost forgot that Ron was also excited as he had been considered their friend and was friends with the half giant. Neither of them said anything since they knew Hagrid would need all the support he could get.
Thankfully through lunch those who had Care of Magical Creatures were now amused by the books and found them hilarious, especially Fred and George. The brunette couldn't help but wonder if they got the idea for their biting tea cups from The Monster Book of Monsters.
Harry watched at the Slytherins laughed in front of them, much like last time he didn't know what they were laughing about, but this time he wasn't as curious or put out that he didn't know. For some reason the Gryffindors were following Harry and Hermione's lead as they walked down to where the class was being held even as Hagrid called for them.
"Everyone gather 'round the fence here!" he called. "That's it — make sure yeh can see — now, firs' thing yeh'll want ter do is open yer books —"
"How?" Malfoy sneered.
"Eh?"
"How do we open our books?" he repeated.
"Simple. You stroke the spine," Hermione said with a grin as all the Gryffindors had them open.
"That's exactly right! 10 points to Gryffindor," Hagrid said jovially.
"Of course. The bookworm would know how to stroke the spine. Why didn't I guess?" he snarled at her.
"I – I thought they were funny," Hagrid said.
"They are," Harry assured his friend before anyone else could say anything, "Some people just don't have a sense of humor."
He was grateful that a few of the other lions laughed behind him. He didn't even get on Ron for sniping at Malfoy since it kept Malfoy from talking.
Now that he was aware, he knew the blond prat had come to class hoping to get the half-giant in trouble.
"So, what are we learning today, Professor?" Hermione asked, encouraging their friend.
Last time she watched her friend get discouraged by their reactions, but knew that they weren't the first class he taught for the day. He was new at this and was gentle with the creatures and his students.
"Lemme go get 'im and you'll see what treat I have in store for you lot," Hagrid said happily.
They listened to Malfoy try to heckle Harry before Lavender squealed in excitement.
A dozen hippogriffs were trotting towards them with Hagrid behind them holding the chains as though they were simple leashes.
"Hippogriffs! Beau'iful, aren' they?" he gushed, "So if you want to come near –"
Harry and Hermione stepped forwards while the rest of the class stepped back. Seeing his friends charge forward Ron also cautiously stepped up behind them not wanting to be left behind.
"Now, firs' thing yeh gotta know abou' hippogriffs is, they're proud," said Hagrid. "Easily offended, hippogriffs are. Don't never insult one, 'cause it might be the last thing yeh do."
Harry noticed that once again Malfoy and his bookends weren't paying attention and raised his hand startling Hagrid.
"Yes, Harry?"
"I'm sorry, Professor, but I was hoping you could repeat that since it seems a few of my classmates aren't listening," he said.
"Of course! Thanks for pointing that out to me, 5 points to Gryffindor," Hagrid said loudly as his eyes scanned the young students.
"Malfoy!" he yelled, startling the blond before he put on his mask of superiority, "What did I just tell the class?"
Malfoy blushed deeply before he struggled to come up with some sort of excuse, "I don't know, I could barely understand you," he snarked.
"Hermione?" Hagrid asked gently.
"Hippogriffs are proud and easily offended. Don't ever insult one because it might be the last thing we do," she said loudly before looking Malfoy dead in the eye, pinning him there with a look he hadn't seen on her before.
It was unnerving and Harry knew it was the face of an actual warrior who killed. While McGonagall had looks that could cut a student's conversation, Snape had one that scared even grown wizards, Hermione Granger had somehow combined the two, startling the young boy.
"They are an XXX creature, meaning any competent witch or wizard should be able to handle them," she continued, the barb hit where it was aimed, his pride. Her backup plan was to pull Malfoy away from the hippogriff if he continued with his stupidity.
"Right," Hagrid said, only somewhat aware that something important was happening between the two. "Yeh always wait fer the hippogriff ter make the firs' move," Hagrid continued. "It's polite, see? Yeh walk toward him, and yeh bow, an' yeh wait. If he bows back, yeh're allowed ter touch him. If he doesn' bow, then get away from him sharpish, 'cause those talons hurt. Right — who wants ter go first?"
Once again most of the class backed away leaving Harry and Hermione where they were.
"I will," Harry said with a grin before climbing over the paddock fence. Hermione hated flying, but she knew she would trust Buckbeak with her life as he had saved her once before. That and she didn't have to worry about enchantments failing like she did on a broom. She watched at Harry once again bowed with Hagrid's instructions to the magnificent creature and kept an eye on Malfoy.
She had to hide a smile as Hagrid picked up her soulmate and placed him on the winged creature before sending him off. It wasn't long before she heard him screaming 'Woo!' and giggled to herself.
She moved close up to Hagrid before she asked if she could ride Buckbeak next if he allowed it only for Hagrid to be excited about it.
"Ah, Hagrid, even though you let your students know about the dangers you should keep a close eye out for troublemakers. It's your first year so make sure you do your best to keep students safe. It sounds easy, but keeping an idiot safe from himself is a lot more difficult than you'd think," she muttered to her tall friend, "There are a few in this class who want to see you muck up. You said this was a treat, one which I like," she assured, "But don't be discouraged if you have to take them away to disciple your students."
A light shined in his eye before he nodded sagely, "Thanks for the advice, 'ermione. I'll keep extra watch."
Normally he would have brushed her off, but he noticed with that Harry and Hermione were trying to help and pointed out Malfoy for him. A brat that could get him in trouble with the board. He kept the students back still as he walked Hermione through bowing to the beautiful hippogriff once Harry landed and was sent back with the rest of his class.
The young witch was emboldened with her future knowledge and having dealt with Buckbeak before on many occasions. She was elated when the hippogriff bowed back before her eyes started to water.
"It's nice to see you, Buckbeak," She said lowly with familiarity as she pet him before Hagrid lifted her up, reminding her not to pull any feathers and slapping the creature's horse rear end.
She held on closely to the hippogriff that she had once lost hours of sleep over trying to keep him alive and then breaking a number of laws when she failed the legal way.
Once she was above Hogwarts knowing that she wasn't in danger or doing anything illegal she eased up and sat up a bit straight.
"It's magnificent, Buckbeak," she said, petting his neck, "Thank you."
She was surprised when the hippogriff made cute eagle squeaks at her, causing her to smile and giving her hope. This time things would go better, she would make them better, with Harry and Luna at her side.
When Buckbeak and her had landed she thanked him again and slid off, leaning against him and petting him.
"That's not so hard. If a mudblood and Potty can do it, you're probably not as dangerous as the professor said," Malfoy laughed nastily, as he was leaning against the fence, "You're just a great ugly brute."
Buckbeak's eyes went wild and he stood protectively between Hermione and Malfoy. Unlucky for them, Buckbeak had landed close to Hagrid so his charge would be able to go back with the other human cubs. He stood on his hind legs and brought his claws down to where the blond prat's head was.
Harry had grabbed the boy from the back of his cloak and yanked him back. At the same time Hagrid had stood in front of Buckbeak and tried to calm him down. Hermione slid from behind him.
"Buckbeak?" she asked softly, almost warily.
With a shake of his head Buckbeak stopped, tossed his head and nuzzled the young witch, who automatically started to pet him.
"Looks like he's takin' a liking to yeh," Hagrid said happily, despite what had just happened.
"Malfoy, 10 points deduction and detention wi' Mr. Filch fer not followin' directions, saying that word, and almost gettin' yerself mangled," Hagrid said bluntly.
"Now – because of young Malfoy, I don' think I can trust most of yeh to follow directions. I always believed that yeh could learn more fr'm hands on work th'n books. Year 3 get Care o' Magical Creatures 'cause by now yer should be compete't," he said remembering Hermione's words, "Until I feel yeh can listen ter directions, yeh'll be doin' readin' and drawin' only. Th' hippogriffs were meant as a treat, so it'll be a while 'fore yeh get one again."
"My father will hear of this!" Malfoy yelled.
"An' yeh'll tell 'im what? 'I didn' listen to m' Professor and almost got hurt even though I was warned not to'? Yeh ain' different from any of m' other students Malfoy an' I'll be havin' words with yer Head o' House."
Malfoy blushed deeply in embarrassment and anger.
Hagrid dismissed class after that and made sure the rest of the hippogriffs were tied up while Hermione let herself out of the paddock.
"What a big baby," Lavender huffed, "Hippogriff didn't even touch him. Now I'll never get to ride a hippogriff!"
Hermione rolled her eyes as she walked with Harry and Ron to dinner. After a while she was glad to note that Hagrid had gone to dinner and was sitting next to Snape and talking to him. Looks like Hagrid made good on his word. She never doubted him, but she thought he might not talk to Snape if he could avoid it. Hermione was also pleasantly surprised that Snape was rubbing the bridge between his nose and nodding in agreement. This was a definitely a great improvement compared to last time she thought.
