Chapter 10 - Take Flight
Loki soared on the horizon with the magnificent hippogriff. The feathers were soft but the body was strong. He imagined that this was how the Valkyries had flown on their winged horses, which seemed like a silly notion at the time. Given the far perspective from the flight, Loki could better see the tall spires of Hogwarts and the vastness of its structure. It was not nearly as large as Asgard, but it might be just as tall. The brisk air brought life to Loki's skin and hair. Suddenly, Buckbeak decided to make his own decision and fly closer to the lake, letting a single claw splash against the water. This ride would give Mobius' jet ski a run for its money. What if he just escaped on this great creature? Freedom was not so far from his grasp. Loki took back some control with the reins and landed the creature on the other side of the body of water away from the castle. With a wave of his hand, he removed the saddle and harness. Buckbeak made a cooing, bird noise, gently nuzzling Loki with his beak. The Trickster smiled, grazing the hippogriff's cheek with the side of his hand. A portal noise came from behind him.
"Having fun are me?" said a familiar voice from behind. Loki turned.
"Mobius!" he gasped. Mobius' face was kind but not pleased. The Trickster dropped his smile.
"What are you doing Loki?" he asked.
"Well … " he began but Buckbeak pushed him with his beak. Loki summoned another fish and threw it for the hippogriff to catch. Mobius pinched the bridge of his broken nose.
"Have you ever ridden one of these? I think you would give up your precious jet skis after riding one," remarked Loki.
"Loki! … you are getting distracted. We are here for one reason and one reason only: to catch your variant," said Mobius. Loki watched Buckbeak prance around.
"Do you understand?" he said more sternly.
"Mobius have you seen how big this place is?" he said gesturing to the school, "not to mention that it's not exactly your run of the mill castle." Mobius sighed remembering Dumbledore's office. The agent exhaled deeply.
"Alright, alright, but no more diverging off the main path. You've already caused a scene in a classroom in front of kids nonetheless-"
"Ok, that was not my fault."
"-and now you've stolen … " said Mobius pointing to Buckbeak not entirely sure what to make of the beast.
"A hippogriff … oh come on! It's cool! And they were going to kill him anyway!" argued Loki.
"Loki!" said Mobius losing his patience, "anymore incidents like this and I have to take you back!" Loki's heart sank. Buckbeak came close enough to nudge him again.
"Alright, Mobius … alright, I understand," said Loki. He stroked the beast's feathers again. Mobius let out a long breath gazing at the creature.
"He's impressive," said Mobius referring to Buckbeak, "but I think I would still prefer a jet ski."