Willow first day of Hogwarts was rather interesting. She decided to go back to her dorm, just before sunrise, when the first of the older students began waking up. Several gave her curious glances but didn't say anything as they went about their way. After getting dressed in her school robes and green tie, she left for breakfast. The California Witch was one of the first ten Slytherins to set down that morning.
After filling a plate with scrambled eggs and sausage Professor Snape approached her. "Good morning Ms. Potter, I'm surprised to see you up so early. Can you hand out the course schedule to your year group as they arrive?"
Snape presented her with several scrolls of parchment. Looking up at her Head of House, Willow realized that he may have phrased it like a request but it was still an order. She smiled at him and placed the scrolls on the table. After finishing her breakfast, she unrolled one to have a look.
She was happy to see that three of her classes would be with Gryffindor. Today in fact she would have Care Of Magical Creatures after lunch with her brother. That would be a nice experience to share with her Godfather as it looked like his very first class.
It wasn't much longer before everyone else showed up eager to start the day. Apparently when your classes involved actual magic even slackers showed some drive. All the Slytherin 3rd year girls came in and sat down with the Wicca.
"You could have woken us up Willow." Tracy said a little defensively. She looked down at her schedule and made a frown. "Looks like we're that oafs first victims along with the Gryffindorks. Oh joy." She said sarcastically.
When Willow had discussed the girls in Slytherin with Pansy over the summer, she had asked about their Pureblood pride. More specifically which ones were flat out racist and which ones weren't. The answer she was given wasn't encouraging to say the least. Apparently, Daphne Greengrass was neutral to everyone. That was it. Most others were just good at acting sweet when it suited them.
"I understand house rivalry but please remember my brother and friends are in Gryffindor." Willow said nicely.
"You need to remember that you're a Slytherin, and there for far better than any of them. In Hogwarts, every house assaults us in various ways because there jealous of our society status or money. That's a fact sense Salazar Himself." Tracy said with absolute certainty.
Willow didn't know whether to laugh or not. The crazy girl genuinely believed what she was saying. What were their families telling them, and how sheltered were there lives that they believed the lies feed to them?
Willow was grateful when it became time to head for her Arithmancy Class. She, Daphne, and Tracey Davis where the only Slytherin girls taking the class along with fellow Slytherin boys Blaise, Draco, and Theodore. Willow sat down at the long table in front between Hermione Granger and Dawn with Ravenclaw Padma Patil taking up the aisle seat. There were a few more students in class besides them. The other five Slytherins sat in back and through Willow unreadable looks. She felt annoyance and anger from them and figured they didn't like her associating with anyone outside of their house.
The classroom's layout was simple with rectangular tables that could set ten, placed in rows from the back to the front facing the teacher's desk. An open section was left in the middle to create an aisle. The walls had moving drawings of numbers and runes that danced wildly. The Professor sat behind her desk in front of a large chalkboard that hung on the wall behind her. She was a Caucasian woman that looked to be around McGonagall's age with long black hair and maroon robes.
"Good morning class. I am Professor Septima Vector. Today you shall begin your education in the field of Arithmancy. Can anyone tell me what that is and what it's used for." Asked the Professor.
Willow, Dawn, Tracey and Hermione raised their hands to answer. Professor Vector pointed to Hermione and said. "You dearie."
"Arithmancy is the study of numbers and how they can affect magic. Two of the most known magical numbers are in fact seven and thirteen. The field itself is used mainly in creating Wards and new Spells and improving already existing Spells." Hermione explained in a somewhat textbook like tone.
"Good job Ms. Granger, isn't it? Ten points to Gryffindor." The Professor said. Willow felt another wave of irritation coming from the back of the room. There was even a strong murderous desire that made her almost turn around in surprise. She tried to focus on the feeling to discover who it was, but they calmed down before she could.
"I would like to give you all a little math quiz to see where you stand in terms of mathematics. You need to have a strong understanding of mathematics to better grasp Arithmancy." Professor Vector said. She then waved her wand and a large stack of papers floated down the middle aisle passing themselves out to the students.
Everyone began in silence and Willow was forced to clamp down on her mental shields as an overwhelming feeling of disbelief filled the room. Apparently, not everyone knew just how difficult Arithmancy was until right know. After the redhead completed her quiz she sat back and waited for the rest of her classmates to finish. She was pleasantly surprised to see Hermione had already finished. Both girls looked at each other and smiled but stayed silent as not to disturb the others still taking their test. Dawn and Daphne finished about the same time.
The test took most students the entire class to complete. Those who finished early were quite board waiting for everyone else to complete the assignment. Finally, the last student, a boy named Ernest Macmillan, flip his parchment over signaling that he was done. Professor Vector, who had been quietly filling out paperwork at her desk, placed her quill in its holder and stood up.
"Thank you everyone for being so patient and showing everyone respect as they finished their quiz. As we are almost out of time, I wish you good day. Please read chapter one and be prepared to discuss it next week. You're dismissed." The older Witch said. There was a flurry of movement as everyone quickly gathered their belongings and left.
In the hallway Willow asked Hermione and Dawn. "So, what class do you two have next?"
"Transfiguration." Dawn said a little upbeat. "What's your next class."
"Charms with Slytherins and Ravenclaws. I'll probably set next to my future hubby and make him pay attention." Willow said with a smile.
"If you could do that Professor Flitwick would probably marry you instead." Draco said walking up. He gave the two Muggleborn girls a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Are you ready to go Willow? I can show you where the Charms classroom is, but we might be late if we don't hurry."
Hermione didn't say anything but knew the boy was lying threw his fake smile. Charms wasn't that far away, and they had plenty of time to get there as they had been released a little early today. However, she had her own pressing time concerns at the moment. She had just sat through two classes but had yet to go to Divination. Muggle Studies had been somewhat of a letdown.
Willow hugged her two friends goodbye and left with the other Slytherins. The group of students then walked down to the third-floor corridor to classroom 2E. Upon entering, Willow realized they were the first ones here besides the three Ravenclaws that had been with them in Arithmancy.
Theodore Nott looked around for Professor Flitwick. After confirming that the little midget half-blood wasn't present, he walked up to Willow and taped her shoulder. When the Wicca turned around, she was greeted by a very ugly scowl. "What do you think you're doing Potter. We don't associate with Gryffindors and especially not Mudbloods." He said in a threatening tone.
Willow looked at him shocked. He had been the one giving off murderous intent earlier. She looked at Daphne and Tracey to see the girls backing of, they radiated anxiety and were looking around presumably for Flitwick. Padma Patil and the two boys from her house stood across the room staying out of it to, but also looking for there Head of House.
Draco walked forward and said. "Back off Nott, it doesn't concern you."
The taller boy turned on Malfoy and said with a low growl. "If you would in courage that idiot Crabb to be more controlling of his future wife then she wouldn't be such an embarrassment."
Blaise walked up and stood beside Malfoy. "Just let it go before the Professor comes in. If you lose Slytherin points on your first day Snape will boil you down for potion ingredients."
"Professor Flitwick! Hello sir." Daphne said relived.
The half Goblin looked at the Slytherins curiously. He had just come out of his office in the back and hadn't really expected anyone so early. Looking at them and not immediately noticed Willow, he did double take. She looked way too much like Lily. Having her brother around to remind the big-hearted man about James was bad enough but he had been closer to the late Mrs. Potter.
He also noticed that Willow was looking at her house mates shocked, and the three boys seemed to be on the verge of blows. Well at least Theodore Nott was as Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini seemed to be trying to reason with him.
"Is there something wrong children?" He inquired.
Thinking fast Tracey said. "No Professor there's nothing wrong. The boys are discussing Arithmancy sense we just came from there. They are quite passionate about their different arguments though."
Professor Flitwick didn't believe a word of the excuse but decided to let it go. "Difference of opinion is all well and good boys but let's keep are wands in are pockets shall we. Why don't you all take your seats."
The Charms classroom was set up a much like the Arithmancy classroom. The tables had the same layout, but the walls were different. They were decorated with little dancing bronze ballerinas. There were also little bronze butterflies fluttering on the ceiling. With the flickering magical candlelight, the effect was quite lovely.
Willow sat down once again in front leaving the seat by the aisle open for Pansy. Draco sat one chair down from the Wicca and Padma and the two Ravenclaw boys sat down at the second table in front across the aisle. Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini sat in the back of the room with Daphne and Tracey. It appeared that Slytherin house would set on the right side of the classroom and Ravenclaw would set on the left.
Willow looked across the aisle and asked Padma. "Is this normal?" While indicting the magical decor.
Patil had a confused and scared look on her face until she realized Willow was asking about the classroom decorations, and not the confrontation only a moment ago. She really didn't want the Slytherins hunting for her if the wrong thing got said. Straightening up in her seat, the ever curious and intelligent girl replied. "Yes, Professor Flitwick likes to give fun examples of Charms for each class. I doubt will go over anything this advanced this year though."
Willow simply sat back and relaxed. She pulled out her class book and began reading the first chapter, which was on Cheering Charms. Other students began to come in for class. Vincent Crabbe sat down next to his betrothed and Gregory Goyle sat down on the other side of Draco. Millicent Bulstrode sat with Greengrass, Davis, Nott and Zabini. Pansy sat down by Willow in the aisle seat and the other students filled the remaining empty seats wherever they could. It was still Slytherin on one side and Ravenclaw on the other. Willow halfheartedly wondered if that was a rule or something.
The young California Witch sighed and turned to Vincent. "So, what did you do this morning?" She asked bored.
The large boy was startled for a second as he wasn't used to Willow talking to him. "Went and took Divination. The Professor predicted Longbottom's Grandmother was ill and that he might die soon." He seemed happy at the prospect.
Willow didn't put much stock in Professor Trelawney. The sight was there but different than Drusilla. She wasn't sure how her gift of sight worked. It was possible she only had the gift of Prophecy. She wasn't happy about her scaring Neville though. The horrible lady was probably trying to get everyone interested in her subject and used a horrible prediction about Willow's friend to do it. The redhead was also mad that Vincent seemed happy by the notion of death to the Longbottom family.
Draco sensing the Wicca's anger asked Vincent. "Were Potter and Weasley in class with you?" He was curious about that as he figured they would want the easy grade.
"No, why?" Crabbe asked confused.
"Oh no reason, simply curious. Do you know what classes your brother took Willow?" The little heir asked.
Willow was a little confused about Draco's curiosity regarding her brother. The boy didn't like him at all, so why did he care. It was possible he was just trying to be nice and change the subject.
"He and Ronald were going to take it, but I talked them out of doing so. Divination may seem like a fascinating subject but unless you're born with the talent, there's no real point in trying. So there both taking Muggle Studies, Ancient Runes, and Care Of Magical Creatures. Ron was the last holdout for Divination, but his mom told him if he wasted his time in that worthless class, she would make him eat a Crystal Ball." Willow said in an upbeat manor without taking one breath. She actually wondered if Vincent would get the fact she was insulting him.
"If your brother was raised by Muggles then why is he taking Muggle Studies? Shouldn't he already know everything about them?" Pansy asked in a somewhat rude and nasally manor.
Willow ignored the tone and answered. "True, but Ron and Hermione are taking it and Harry decided to go along with them for fun. The class should be a free period for him, and he can help Ron pass it to make his dad, Arthur Weasley, happy."
"Your friend Summers didn't take it though?" Draco inquired.
"No." Willow said offhandedly "She decided to take Arithmancy, Ancient Ruins, and Magical Creatures like me."
It was then the small Professor got everyone's attention. "All right class let's begin. As you all know I'm Professor Flitwick and this is third year Charms Class. We will start with a simple review of last year's class work. I'll pass out a small quiz fallowed by a one charm Practical Quiz as it were." After the explanation, the written Quiz materialized on everyone's table.
The quiz was straight forward an easy. It simply asked what was the Charm that preformed this action and what was the incantation. After she was done, Willow once again set back and waited for everyone else to get done. Taking a quick glance at Crabbe's paper she figured she would be in for a long wait.
Twenty minutes after the quiz began Professor Flitwick stood back up and said. "That's enough everyone. We need to go ahead and get to the Practical. Please take out your wands."
As everyone began to pull out their wands from convenient carrying spots or wand holsters, Willow had to dig through her bag to find the thing. She finally pulled it out of the bottom still in its case. Pansy was giving her a funny look.
"You should really keep that in a more secure and easy to reach place Willow. You never know when you might need it." She said.
Willow just looked at her and shrugged. She still remembers when she got it. Ollivander had been so excited about matching her to the perfect wand, until the Wicca held her hand out and it simply came to her from the back of the store. The peace of magical wood was a ten-inch Oak with a Griffin Feather core.
Flitwick began going around the room and asking various students to perform certain Charms. He had the two Ravenclaw boys up front preform the Slowing Charm and the Engorgement Charm. He had Padma preform the Severing Charm. Moving down the front he had Pansy preform the Freezing Charm. Then he came to Willow.
The young Witch knew that any Celestial Magic she performed out of the wand would be amplified. That's why Willow held back most of her magic. Flitwick conjured a small block of wood and asked her to demonstrate the Severing Charm like he did for Padma. The redhead pointed her Oak wand at the block and said. "Diffindo."
To say she performed the Charm well was an understatement. Willow had only wanted to cut the block in two pieces. She actually managed to split both the block and Professor Flitwick' desk down the middle. There was also a deep long gouge in the ground and wall behind the desk leading back up to Willow's feet.
"Well ah... that's good work Willow. Perhaps a little less enthusiasm next time dear." Flitwick said as he moved on to Crabbe. A very red-faced Witch sat back down in her desk and refused to look at anyone. Pansy was struggling not to laugh at her friend's embarrassment. Willow shoot her a dirty look and stuck out her tongue. This caused the black-haired girl to coil up in her chair with silent laughter.
Crabbe failed to perform the Levitating Charm and Draco nailed the Freezing Charm. The class went on in pretty much that same manor all the way until the end. As everyone began to gather their belongings, Professor Flitwick called out to Willow. "Just a moment Mrs. Potter, I would like a word please."
Several Slytherins tried to hang back, but one polite smile from the small man, that was anything but, and they all left. Vincent at least had enough sense to tell Willow. "I'll wait for you in the hallway so we can walk to lunch together."
After the class was empty the student walked up to her Professor and asked in a panicked voice? "Did you need something Professor? You are not giving me detention because I broke your desk are you, because I can fix it if you want. If there were special items I'm not sure I can repair those but I can try or pay for them."
"Willow!" Flitwick shouted to get her attention. "I'm not giving you detention. I just wanted a quick word is all."
The old Professor couldn't help but be reminded of another little redhead that had the same habit of babbling when nervous. Lily had accidentally cursed James bald in second year once during a Charms class and thought she would get detention. Flitwick had acted like nothing happened because he kind of figured the little boy had it coming.
The tiny man led Willow into his office and had her set down in front of the desk. He then walked over to a closet and went inside. He returned and placed an old small one-foot by one-foot wooden box on the desk. There was nothing on the box except the hinges.
Flitwick cleared his throat and began. "Your mother was trying to get a full Mistress Of Charms Certificate when she went into hiding. She created this box in hast and left it with me and explained that should anything happen to her, it was mine. I never felt right about that as this box contains her life's work on Charms. She was on the verge of some wonderful breakthroughs, so I decided to save it for Harry."
"After I met Harry it became apparent that he would never have Lily's talent in Charms, especially sense he took more after your father in terms of magical capabilities. Transfiguration, Difference Against The Dark Arts, and Quidditch to be exact. I decided to hold on to the box until after he graduated so it wouldn't distract him from his natural talents." He said as he slid the box to Willow.
He seemed to need a moment to continue. After blinking back tears, he began again. "I see more of your mother in you than I do Harry. That is no means a slight on Harry, just that everyone is different. I believe you would have more use for this than he would. So, it's with great honor that I give you Lily Potter's legacy."
Willow looked at the box that had once been her mother's. It almost looked disappointing in a way as there literally was no decorations of any kind on the surface. She looked at the teary-eyed Professor and hugged him.
"Thank you so much for this sir. I'll do all in my power to see it put to good use." She told him.
As Willow shrunk the box down and made to leave, she was stopped again by Filius Flitwick. She turned to look at him and saw he had a much more serious look on his face.
"If you ever have trouble with your family, or anything at all, please remember my door is always open. I'm a good listener and Master Dueler." He said proudly.
Willow only smiled at the man and left for lunch. Upon arriving at the Great Hall with an irritated Crabbe, she sat down with the other Slytherin third years. Her betrothed hadn't liked being kept waiting in the hallway. It wasn't like Willow had asked him to stay though.
After a light lunch she made her way down to Hagrid's hut with her fellow Slytherins and Gryffindors. She ran up to Harry and hugged him happily. He smiled and returned the hug. She then looked at Hermione, Ron, and Dawn and said hello.
As the group of four began talking about their day so far, the Slytherins were looking on with disgust. The future heiress of the Crabbe family was carrying on with Blood Traitors and Mudbloods like it was no big deal. She was an embarrassment to the whole house.
"So, Hermione, how are you going to take Muggle Studies if it's at the same time and day as Arithmancy?" Willow asked her bush hair friend.
The girl in question looked shocked at being put on the spot like that and had to scramble for a response. It was Ron who answered though. "What you mean? She was in Muggle Studies with me and Harry this morning.
Willow just stared back at her fellow ginger like he just turned green for no reason. She was about to respond when they all heard a booming voice. "Ello ev'ryone. I hope yeh're ready for a treat. Follow me please." Hagrid called from the front of his cabin.
He led the group of students away from the castle and closer to the Dark Forest. Willow was curious if they would go in, but they instead came to a paddock with nothing inside. "Ok, yeh will need to open yer books..."
"How?" Draco interrupted.
Hagrid looked on confused as everyone began pulling out books wrapped in belts, rope, or spello tape. The only two without a wrapped book were Willow and Hermione, who also looked confused at their classmates.
"There are two ways to open it Malfoy. Ether you stroke the spine or simply ask it nicely. The book was intended to be a learning experience regarding Magical Creatures because those two methods, being gentle or showing respect, will usually carry you far with them. If you can't work with a fake creature then how will you work with a real one." Hermione explained. Willow was the one that gave her the hint about working nicely with Magical Creatures during the Summer and she worked out the rest after she bought her copy.
The redhead studied her Godfather's reaction and realized, by the sheepish look on his face, he had no practical lesson planned at all with the enchanted books. He probably just thought they were funny when he picked them out. Hermione was able to shut Malfoy up at least. Hagrid seemed to remember something and walked off into the woods.
"God, this place is going to the dogs." Draco said talking once again. "Can you believe Dumbledore has this fool teaching classes? Just wait until my father hears about this."
Harry was about to say something, but Willow beat him to it and asked in an aggravated voice. "Just what can your father do Malfoy? Last time he went against Dumbledore he lost his seat on the Hogwarts Board Of Education."
Everyone got quiet as they assessed the situation. The Slytherins knew Draco was under strict orders from his father to keep the redhead happy, and the Gryffindors had never seen a Snake talk back to the little Pureblood prince before. The select few that knew the truth about Willow's family relationship with Hagrid where very worried, Pansy most of all as she hadn't mentioned it to anyone in Slytherin.
Willow walked up to Draco and got in his face. Dawn was wondering if her wand would give her enough power to subdue her friend if necessary. She had been meaning to talk with Willow about her apparent back sliding with excessive use of Dark Magic. Malfoy, on the other hand, squared his shoulders as he got ready to put the little pampered princess in her place. Orders or not, no one talked to him like that.
Just then Lavender Brown squealed in excitement. Everyone looked out into the paddock as Hagrid walked out twelve of the most beautiful creatures anyone of them had ever seen. From the tops of their waists all the way to their tails was all horse, but the front legs, shoulders, and head was eagle. Their beaks and front claws looked steal like.
"Hippogriffs!" Hagrid said as way of explanation.
Everyone quickly came up to the fence to get a better look. Dawn, however, grabbed Draco's shoulder. The little creep turned to look at her shocked. "How dare you touch me you filthy Mudblood!" He snarled.
Dawn let it go for now as she said. "If I were you, I'd watch what I say around Willow regarding her Godfather." She nodded her head in the Professor's direction.
Draco looked from the half giant, then Willow, and back to Dawn searching for answers. It finally dawned on him what Summers was saying. The great Oaf was Willow's Godfather, who in their right mind would have made that choice.
Both teens walked up to the fence to hear the lesson. Hagrid was in the process of feeding the giant creatures dead Ferrets. He turned back to the class and said. "The firs' thing yeh need ter know abou' Hippogriffs is there proud creatures. Easily offended Hippogriffs are. Never insult one 'cause it may be the last thing yeh do."
"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 get away quick as yeh can. Those talons hurt."
"So how wants ter go first?" He asked eagerly.
Both Harry and Dawn walked forward to volunteer. The Muggleborn Witch looked back at Willow and said. "Come on really! We've seen much scarier things than this back home."
"Yeah we have." Willow said. "They all wanted to eat us as well. I'm pretty sure those guys don't want to eat us but I'm not taking the chance."
Dawn just shook her head and bowed low to an all-black Hippogriff. The big guy looked bored but bowed low anyways. Dawn needed no one to tell her she could rub his nose. Harry soon followed her example and was rubbing the nose of a grayish white one with black wings.
"Oh well don' both of yeh, well don'. That be Buckbeak and Cloud. I thin' yeh can ride'm know." The Professor said happily. Harry looked scared but Dawn was excited by the prospect. She quickly climbed on to Cloud's back and secured herself. Hagrid helped Harry on to Buckbeak then slapped both Hippogriffs backsides to spur them forward.
Willow watched her brother and best friend fly around on the large creatures. She smiled at their whoops and screams of delight as the Hippogriffs went through there aerial maneuvers. Finally, they touched back down to loud cheers and claps from their classmates.
Willow tried her best to ignore how disappointed the Slytherins looked that no one got hurt. She still wanted her confrontation with Malfoy but decided to put it off until after class. The boy in question was talking to Crabbe and Goyle and not paying attention.
Everyone began to try and pet the Hippogriffs. Willow was petting Cloud with Dawn and Hermione when she heard Draco talking. He and his two friends had clambered up to Buckbeak and were petting his nose. "Look how easy this is. I knew if Potter could do it then there would be nothing to it. I bet you're not dangerous at all are you, you big stupid bird."
It happened quickly. Hagrid heard Malfoy talking and tried to intervene but was too late. The angry Hippogriff's left front talons flashed out faster than most eyes could fallow and planted themselves right in Willow's back. She had thrown herself in front of the idiot just in the nick of time.
Everyone began to panic. Buckbeak realized he missed his target and removed his talons. He then tried to go around Willow to get at Malfoy but a lightning bolt from the redhead's hand, that struck the ground in front of him, stopped his charge. Everyone backed off to the fence except for the three Slytherin boys, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dawn, and Hagrid were still in the paddock with Willow. No one knew what to do as the injured girl was just standing there. Blood began to pool on the back of her robes and flow to the ground, her hands crackled with lightning.
"Willow?" Harry tried talking to her as he approached. She looked at him with unseeing eyes as rage slowly began to build along with Dark Magic. Sensing the only reason anyone wasn't dead yet was because Willow hadn't decided who to strike down, Dawn ran forward.
"Obligare magica nigrum album tenere." She said while waving her wand in a tight circle pattern.
A large cord of light shot out of Dawns wand and split into five strands. They roped Willow ankles, wrests, and neck. The Sorceress looked at her best friend and asked in a calm voice. "This is quite the powerful binding spell. I'm guessing Ms. Calendar help you create it just for me?" She said as her Dark Magic began to dissipate.
Dawn took a deep breath to center herself. "Yeah she did. Look Willow, I know you could heal yourself, but maybe you're not in the right frame of mind to do so. Why don't we let Professor Hagrid carry you to Madam Promfrey so she can take care of you, ok?"
Willow seemed to calm down further. "That would probably be best Dawn, thank you. I'm ok now so you can let go of me."
Dawn broke her binding and Willow began to fall to the ground. Hagrid quickly ran forward and grabbed her before she could hit. "Class dismissed! E'ry one get back ter the castle!"
Hagrid tore across the law and up the stone steps. Willow was getting paler from blood loss and was starting to get dizzy. They finally reached the Hospital Wing. "Promfrey, come quick. One o' me students bin hurt bad by a Hippogriff."
Madam Promfrey came hustling out of her office to see Willow bleeding in Hagrid's arms. She quickly had him lay the injured Witch on her stomach on a nearby bed. "What happened?"
"Buckbeak tried to scratch Malfoy an' Willow pushed 'im out o' the way." Hagrid said scared. His first class and he almost got his Goddaughter killed by a Hippogriff. Lily should never had named him Godfather. He sniffled a little bit as his eyes teared up a little.
"No, none of that." Came Willow's surprisingly strong voice from the bed. "This was not your fault Hagrid."
Promfrey agreed with Willow but she had to see the girl's back. "Rubeus, I need privacy." She said urgently.
The large man got up and told Willow. "I'll be right outside if you need anything, ok?"
"No." Willow said forcibly. "You need to go and be a Professor. I know you want everyone to like you and you're worried about their opinions, but Malfoy didn't listen to your instructions because he doesn't see you as an authority figure. Draco Malfoy didn't pay attention in class and almost got a fellow student killed. In your days at school, what would your Professors have done. You need to do that. I'm fine with Promfrey so go be a Professor."
"She's right Rubeus. These wounds are serious and if you hadn't gotten her here when you did, she could have died. I'll be making that clear in my report to the Headmaster. You need to go and be a Professor and let me worry about healing her body." Madam Promfrey said.
Hagrid looked at Willow and Promfrey nodding his head. As he got up to leave, Poppy held out her wand and produced a piece of paper that she handed to her college. On top was written. 'First assessment of Willow Potter's injuries.'
As Rubeus Hagrid left the Hospital Wing, he read the paper. He wasn't the smartest man in the world, but he knew enough to know what a Spinal Column was. As he walked down the hall the sounds of arguing reached his ears.
Upon rounding a corner, he saw Professor Snape, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle standing opposite of Professor McGonagall, Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Standing in the back were Parkinson, Greengrass, and Summers. Draco Malfoy was yelling at Harry.
"That monster should be put down for what it did! It could have killed your sister and your defending it! What's wrong with you?" The pale boy demanded angrily.
"It's your fault Malfoy for provoking Buckbeak. Had you not insulted him, then he wouldn't have attacked you and my sister wouldn't have been hurt protecting you." Harry said with a low angry growl.
Hagrid noticed that Dawn Summers was paler than normal and looking faint. He had seen a few students pass out from magical exhaustion over the years, but it usually took several spells cast in quick sequence, one after the other, to do it. Just how powerful was that spell she used on Willow and why did she need to.
The Grounds Keeper/Professor decided to make his presence known. "Quite both o' yeh. Ms. Parkinson and Ms. Greengrass, please help Ms. Summers ter the Hospital Wing. She's abou' ter pass out."
Both girls looked at Dawn along with everyone else. "Good heavens, what happened to you Mrs. Summers." McGonagall exclaimed.
Hermione answered. "She performed an extremely powerful binding spell on Willow after she sent a lightning bolt at Buckbeak. She strained her core I think."
Both Snape and McGonagall looked bewildered at this statement. Dawn decided to explain. "Willow was hurt and her power was going out of control, so I helped her contain it to prevent her from causing further injury." She left out who she figured her friend would have injured.
Hagrid found he was somewhat frustrated, which didn't happen often. "Mrs. Parkinson and Mrs. Greengrass, I don' want ter repeat meself." He said sternly. Both girls grabbed an arm and led Dawn down the hall towards the Hospital.
Everyone was looking at the Care Of Magical Creatures Professor a little differently now. Hagrid looked down at the group and spoke to the little Slytherin ponce. "Mr. Malfoy, please explain ter me the proper way ter approach a Hippogriff?"
Draco looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"Ten points from Slytherin fer failin' ter show proper respect ter a Professor." Hagrid said harshly.
Draco paled. "You can't do that. You're just the Grounds Keeper."
"That's another ten points Mr. Malfoy. Have you forgotten your addressing the Head Of Hogwarts Magical Creatures Department for?" McGonagall said calmly. Draco wisely kept his mouth shut.
"Hagrid, my students tell me that Willow Potter was attacked and almost killed by one of your Hippogriffs. Is this true." Snape asked forcibly, trying to get a handle on the situation.
"That's not true Professor Snape. Yes, Buckbeak attacked but only after Malfoy provoked him." Hermione said.
"I didn't ask you Ms. Granger, I asked Hagrid." Snape said harshly. The man tried to be as intimidating as possible.
"Professor Hagrid." The half giant corrected his college putting emphasis on the word 'professor'. The Potions Master looked at him confused until he realized his error. He deflated a little under the glare of McGonagall as well when he looked back at her.
"Firs', ten points from Misters Malfoy, Goyle, and Crabbe for talkin' durin' me Class. Fifty points from Malfoy for blatin' disregard for me instructions on how ter approach Hippogriffs. Hundred points ter Willow Potter fer protectin' a student durin' a life er death situa'ion. Hundred points to Dawn Summers fer the same. Clear?" Professor Hagrid said.
Everyone was speechless. Never had Rubeus Hagrid seemed this adult about a situation before. After confirming that no one had anything to say so far, the half giant continued.
"Misters Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle will serve detention fer one-week with Mr. Filch fer talkin' durin' class." He turned his full attention on Snape and said. "If yer students can' conduct 'emselves in me class properly, 'n they need to fin' another class. Hardly anythin' in me class is cuddly. Even a Unicorn can be lethal if no' handled with proper care."
"I assure you Professor Hagrid, I'll be ensuring my students conduct themselves in a proper manor when attending your class or any other. I apologized on behalf of my students; they will serve the detentions. I will also not protest the points to the Headmaster." Severus said to Hagrid. He looked down at his shocked students and said. "Return to your dormitories. I'll have the House Elves bring you something for dinner. You're not to leave your dormitory for any reason tonight. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Professor Snape." The three said as they headed of dejectedly.
Snape then turned back to Hagrid and asked. "How is Ms. Potter doing?" The Magical Creatures Professor just handed him the injury assessment. The Potions Master looked it over and his face grew sour.
"Has Madam Promfrey said how long it will take until she can move around properly?" He growled.
McGonagall took the assessment from Snape and glanced it over. She had a look of pure horror on her face. "Her Spinal Column was pierced by a talon! She's lucky not to be paralyzed."
The three Gryffindors still in the hall looked at one another and took of down the hall towards the Hospital. The Professors said nothing as they left. Snape looked at Hagrid and said. "I understand the Hippogriff was provoked, but I want it isolated until we can determine whether or not it's too dangerous to be around the students."
"I'm sorry Rubeus but I must agree with Severus on this matter. If we determine that he isn't a danger than he can be allowed for lessons again." McGonagall said stern but kindly. She knew how much the man loved his charges.
The half giant thought it over before nodding his head yes. "Alrigh', I'll keep 'm locked in the fence fer know."
Hagrid made his way back to his hut while Snape and McGonagall went to check on Willow.