Hagrid stands proudly in the clearing, his massive frame practically radiating excitement. “Alright, everyone, gather 'round!” he calls, motioning for the students to form a loose semicircle around him. His hands gesture enthusiastically toward the proud creature standing nearby. “Today, we’re learnin’ about Hippogriffs. Now, these magical creatures are noble and proud beasts, and yeh’ve got to show them the proper respect if yeh want to keep all yer fingers.”

As Hagrid speaks, Buckbeak preens himself quietly behind him, the silver sheen of his feathers glinting in the soft sunlight filtering through the trees. His sharp, amber eyes flick toward the students every so often, as if assessing them.

Hagrid’s lecture flows easily, his love for magical creatures evident in every word. He describes the natural habitats of Hippogriffs—the highlands, forests, and mountainous regions where they roam free. Some form small herds, bound by familial bonds, while others lead solitary lives, preferring isolation over companionship.

“They’re very particular about manners,” Hagrid says, his tone growing serious. “If yeh don’t greet ‘em properly, they might get offended. And trust me, yeh don’t want that. A Hippogriff’s talons are sharp enough to do real damage if yeh step outta line.” He gives Buckbeak a fond pat on the side.

The class hangs onto Hagrid’s every word, although many look uneasily at Buckbeak’s imposing figure. His talons dig into the ground, his sharp beak snapping shut with a sound that makes several Slytherins flinch.

After a long explanation on the nuances of bowing and maintaining eye contact, Hagrid finally steps back and spreads his arms wide. “Now then,” he says with a broad smile. “Who’d like to come up first and give Buckbeak a proper greetin’?”

As if by silent agreement, the entire class takes a step backward. A faint rustling of feet and nervous coughs fill the air, leaving a comically large gap between Hagrid and the students.

Except for two figures.

Adam and Harry remain rooted in place, standing shoulder to shoulder at the front of the group. Harry’s brow furrows in confusion as he glances around, realizing everyone else has retreated. Adam, on the other hand, stands relaxed, arms crossed, with a faint grin tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Well done, Adam and Harry!” Hagrid beams, clearly delighted by their apparent bravery. “You’ll be our volunteers today!”

Harry blinks, his head whipping around to see the sea of faces behind him. His look of betrayal is almost comical.

Adam’s grin deepens. “Hagrid, you know I’ve got a Hippogriff back home. This is no challenge for me. I think Harry should go first,” he says with an air of innocence that doesn’t fool Harry for a second.

“Adam!” Harry hisses under his breath, leaning closer.

Adam chuckles softly, nudging him forward with his elbow. “Come on, Harry. Be brave. You’re the Boy Who Lived, after all. Buckbeak will love you.”

A ripple of laughter spreads through the gathered students, soft but unmistakable. Even Ron smirks from somewhere in the crowd.

Harry exhales sharply but steps forward, rolling his shoulders as if preparing for battle. Fortunately, having met Eclipse at Morgan Castle, he feels somewhat reassured. The experience helps take the edge off his nerves.

Following Hagrid’s instructions, Harry approaches Buckbeak slowly, his gaze locked with the Hippogriff’s. He bows deeply, keeping his posture steady and unwavering as he waits.

A tense silence follows.

Adam watches intently as Buckbeak scrutinizes Harry for several heartbeats, his gaze piercing and unreadable. Then, at last, Buckbeak lowers his head in return, completing the bow.

“Well done, Harry!” Hagrid cheers loudly, startling half the class. “Go on, give him a nice pat. Let him know yeh appreciate him.”

Harry swallows but carefully steps closer. His hand hovers briefly before touching Buckbeak’s feathers. He runs his fingers gently down the sleek plumage, surprised by how soft it feels. “He’s… nice,” Harry says, stroking Buckbeak’s neck more confidently.

Adam, leaning casually against a nearby tree, grins mischievously. “Hey, Hagrid,” he calls. “Why not let Harry have a ride on Buckbeak? It’s great experience, right?”

Harry’s head snaps up. “What?!” His voice rises in disbelief, eyes wide as he turns to Adam.

Hagrid’s face lights up as if Adam has just suggested the best idea in the world. “Tha’s a brilliant idea, Adam! Harry, up yeh go!”

Harry opens his mouth to protest, but Hagrid is already fetching a bucket of dead ferrets. He hands a few to Harry, who holds them gingerly.

“Feed ‘im first. That’ll seal the bond,” Hagrid instructs.

Harry sighs in resignation, tossing the ferrets one by one. Buckbeak devours them eagerly, and to Harry’s growing dread, the Hippogriff nudges him closer afterward, allowing him to climb onto his back.

Adam’s smirk never wavers.

With a powerful lurch, Buckbeak gallops forward, spreading his vast wings as he launches into the sky. Harry clings tightly to the Hippogriff’s neck as they soar higher, wind whipping through his hair.

Adam watches from below, arms folded as he observes Harry’s initial panic melt into exhilaration. A rare, wide grin stretches across Harry’s face as Buckbeak soars high into the sky.

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As Harry soars above the clearing on Buckbeak’s back, Adam turns to Hagrid, his gaze scanning the sky. “By the way, Hagrid, have you seen Thor? I thought he might be hanging around with Buckbeak.”

Hagrid scratches his beard thoughtfully. “Oh, aye. He was here earlier. Left him with Buckbeak fer a bit before yeh lot came down. Must’ve gone flyin’ off somewhere. Yeh know how he is—gets bored easy, that one.”

Adam nods, though he keeps glancing upward, half-expecting Thor to make an appearance.

Suddenly, a piercing, high-pitched chirp echoes across the clearing, loud enough to send a ripple of unease through the assembled students. Heads snap toward the sky as gasps of awe—and a tinge of fear—spread through the group.

A massive bird descends from above, its vast wings cutting through the air effortlessly. Sunlight glints off feathers that shimmer with a brilliant mix of gold and silver, casting a glow over the clearing as it lands with a grace that belies its size.

“Blimey!” Hagrid’s eyes widen as Thor settles near the edge of the clearing, his talons sinking slightly into the earth. “There he is!”

The students instinctively take a few cautious steps back, their eyes fixed warily on the majestic creature. Even Malfoy’s usual sneer is replaced by thinly veiled apprehension.

Adam, however, approaches without hesitation, his movements calm and steady. “Hey, Thor,” he greets softly, reaching out to brush his hand along the Thunderbird’s shimmering feathers. Thor trills contentedly, tilting his head as he leans into Adam’s touch, his eyes half-lidding with unmistakable affection.

Hermione and Ron exchange glances before stepping forward carefully, curiosity overcoming their initial hesitation.

“That’s... Thor?” Hermione’s voice is laced with disbelief as she studies the enormous bird. Her eyes trace every intricate detail of his feathers, which spark faintly as if holding a charge of latent energy.

“Yep,” Adam replies, turning to face them with a smile. “This is the one I’ve been telling you about. Met him during the summer.”

Ron’s mouth hangs slightly open as he stares up at Thor. “Blimey, Adam. He’s... incredible.”

Thor’s sharp gaze shifts toward the pair, his intelligent eyes locking onto them. For a brief moment, he seems to be sizing them up, the intensity of his stare enough to make Ron shuffle nervously. After a few heartbeats, Thor gives a short, approving nod, as if acknowledging their presence.

Hagrid, clearly delighted by the attention Thor is receiving, rummages around in a nearby bucket and pulls out a dead ferret. He extends it toward the Thunderbird with a broad smile. “Here yeh go, lad. I know yeh love these.”

Thor accepts the offering gracefully, his beak snapping shut with surprising gentleness as he takes the ferret from Hagrid’s hand.

Sensing the lingering wariness among the students, Hagrid claps his hands together, drawing their attention back to him. “Don’t worry, everyone. Thor’s not dangerous as long as yeh treat him with respect. This here’s Thor, Adam’s Thunderbird. Magnificent creatures, they are.”

As murmurs of curiosity replace the earlier fear, Hagrid seizes the opportunity to launch into a passionate explanation.

“Thunderbirds come from North America, see,” he begins, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “They’re rare, powerful magical creatures with a connection to storms. They can sense danger, too—sometimes even before it happens. If Thor’s ever around, yeh can bet there’s somethin’ important going on.”

The students hang onto Hagrid’s every word, their gazes drifting between him and the impressive bird standing calmly beside Adam. Even the most skeptical among them seem intrigued, the usual tension between Gryffindors and Slytherins forgotten in the face of such a rare sight.

Adam crosses his arms, listening with quiet satisfaction as Thor preens under the attention, clearly enjoying his moment in the spotlight.

A short while later, Buckbeak returns gracefully to the clearing, his wings stirring the air as he lands. Harry slides off the Hippogriff’s back, breathless and grinning from ear to ear.

“That was brilliant!” Harry exclaims, his earlier nerves forgotten. His hands are still trembling slightly, but the exhilaration in his eyes is unmistakable.

As he brushes some stray feathers from his robes, Harry’s excitement settles into quiet admiration when his gaze lands on Thor standing nearby. The Thunderbird’s majestic form is impossible to miss, his feathers shimmering faintly with crackling energy.

Harry smiles knowingly, stepping a little closer. “Thor looks as impressive as ever,” he says, tilting his head to get a better look. “I was wondering when he’d show up.”

Adam chuckles softly. “He likes to make an entrance on his own time.” Thor ruffles his feathers at the comment, his golden eyes watching Harry with keen interest.

Suddenly, Harry asks if Adam will make him ride Thor too. Adam shakes his head. “No, even I’m not confident riding Thor.”

Harry visibly relaxes, letting out an exaggerated sigh of relief. “Good. I don’t think my nerves could take it.”

Thor lets out a soft, knowing chirp, as if amused by the exchange.

The atmosphere remains lighthearted as the class gradually winds down, most students now more at ease around Buckbeak and Thor. Conversations bubble up around the clearing, with some Gryffindors daring to inch closer to Buckbeak under Hagrid’s supervision.

However, the mood shifts the moment Malfoy approaches. His usual sneer is firmly in place as he saunters toward Buckbeak. “What’s so great about riding a Hippogriff anyway?” he mutters loud enough for everyone to hear.

Malfoy takes a step forward, making no effort to bow or show any sign of respect.

“Malfoy, wait—” Hagrid begins sharply, his instincts prickling, but the warning comes too late.

Buckbeak’s eyes narrow, and with a sudden screech of displeasure, the Hippogriff rears back on his hind legs, flaring his wings. Malfoy stumbles back with a yelp, his smug expression replaced by fear as he scrambles to the ground, robes tangling around his legs.

Adam’s attention flicks immediately to Thor, who has tensed at the commotion. Adam places a calming hand on the Thunderbird’s chest, murmuring softly. Thor ruffles his feathers but stays composed, his gaze briefly locking onto Buckbeak before softening again.

Hagrid rushes over, his large hands raised to calm the agitated Hippogriff. “Easy, now. Easy.” He strokes Buckbeak’s neck, gently guiding him back to a calm stance.

Still seated in the dirt, Malfoy’s face flushes with humiliation. He scrambles to his feet, brushing himself off with sharp, jerky movements. His pale features twist into anger as he glares daggers at Hagrid and Buckbeak.

“You’ll regret this!” Malfoy spits venomously. “I’ll tell my father!”

Adam’s eyes narrow slightly, though he keeps quiet, knowing how pivotal this moment could be.

Hagrid, sighing deeply, places a hand on Malfoy’s shoulder and begins guiding him toward the path leading back to the castle. “Come on, let’s get yeh up to the hospital wing. Just a scratch, but better safe than sorry.” His voice holds a hint of frustration. “Should’ve listened, Malfoy.”

Malfoy shoots one last glare at Harry and Buckbeak before disappearing down the path with Hagrid.

As the clearing settles once more, Buckbeak shakes his feathers with a low huff, pacing near the treeline while Thor perches calmly beside Adam.

The lesson concludes shortly after, with Hagrid’s absence leaving little else to cover. The students gather their things, murmuring in hushed tones about the spectacle they have just witnessed.

Adam lingers for a moment longer, watching as Thor and Buckbeak take to the skies together, their powerful forms cutting through the clouds, disappearing in the golden afternoon light.

As he follows the rest of the class back to the castle, Adam’s mind replays the encounter with Malfoy. Despite his usual inclination to meddle, he resists the urge to interfere further, knowing that some events are best left to unfold naturally.

A faint smile tugs at his lips.