[CoMC] T5: Lesson 2: Hippogriffs

[Alice Simmons]

The response from Marcus had been the one that Alice had expected and in typical Alice fashion she would change the story slightly. Every time she told it the facts seemed to double in size, Dax’s injuries got worse and the creature grew bigger and more vicious. With a slight worried look Alice turned to look at Marcus ready to tell the epic story of her brave brother.

“It was terrible, there were twelve Werewolves right and me step-brother Dax was surrounded with only a stick to fend them off. Well Werewolves have sharp teeth ain’t they so they bit the stick in half and so he only had his wits about him and fought these wolves off with his bare hands. He was even bitten by one but as it weren’t a full moon he won’t change.”

In reality Dax had been cornered in the forest by two wolves and quickly climbed tree to get out the way, he came by his injuries by falling out of the tree on his way down after the wolves had got bored and went off to find something else to play with.

The small Hufflepuff’s mouth dropt open as she heard what the Professor had said, they had to go into the forest. The problem was she believed her own stories and the thought going in the dark and spooky looking trees frightened her to death and so it was rather grudgingly did she start to follow the older students knowing that their had to be safety in numbers, and that Professor knew what she was doing.

[Prof Brianna O'Donnell]

Bree walked swiftly, with long strides and a spring in her step. She checked over her shoulder to make sure that the students were keeping up, noting where which students were in the line, every now and then. They were trying, she noted, and so walked a little faster just to make some of them run. Brianna was a little mean that way but it was all in good fun.

The path was well-lit in this part of the forest as the trees were loosely spread around the path, letting some sunshine through the sparse branches. It was much warmer below the tree tops and Bree could feel it. She made no indication of this fact as she rounded a corner and came into a clearing. This was clearly a man-made clearing as there was a weathered fence around the perimeter, except for where the path brought them into the clearing. There were flat-topped rocks, at least two dozen, set in three neat rows near one boundry and along the other was a deep set fence.

Bree went and stood by this fence, leaning against it with one elbow. She shooed the children towards the rocks softly, as not to disturb the beasts behind the fence. Behind it, and behind Bree's back were three large hippogriffs, as different from the other as any three people. The first was much large in stature then the others, golden-brown in colouring and had a white diamond on his back where his feathers turned to fur. His proud, quizzical brow was raised as the children came. The next was of a slighter build, and had a dull colouring, a brown grey that seemed to make her look smaller. The last had a dirty white head and shoulders with speckles all over it, and her hind quarters, the mare part, was dark brown with light grey speckles.

The three ignored the professor completely but focused on the children, their keen eyes following each as they entered the clearing. Bree, after a moment, stepped forwards, away from the paddock, and closed some of the distance between her and the class. "Right, class," she said, and beamed at them, "take your seats and hush up." She turned quickly to check on the creatures behind the fence before turning back. "The first person to tell me what these creatures are and something about them gets ... ten points for their house."

[Erys Grace]

Erys followed, sitting on the rocks with everyone else while maintaining a fair distance from anyone disgusting, and wondered what on earth they would be seeing today. Surprised to see what occupied the space behind the professor, she arched an eyebrow as the Hippogriffs came into view. She always loved creatures, and to see three of the most magnificent standing there was amazing. Simply amazing. As the professor popped the question the Slytherin actually had the decency to raise her hand and say, "Professor, those are Hippogriffs, and besides the fact that they're very proud creatures they are carnivorous and dangerous until tamed." She said, keeping eye contact with them. "What are their names, professor?" Erys asked, curiosity piqued as she swept her eyes over their wings and their talons.

Indeed it was an odd sight for Erys to pay this much attention in class and participate so much--though occasionally she did so to win more points for Slytherin--especially in Care of Magical Creatures. Though no one knew it, she secretly loved creatures and animals, in fact if she wasn't helping with the Dark Arts she'd have asked to be the apprentice for this class.[/color]

[Angelique Juliette]

Angel didn't say anything to Jason about his comment. She wasn't the sort to work out, perfectly content with her voluptuous curvaceous figure, all of it natural. She had other ways or working out her body most which usually involved someone else, but she was digressing. She came to this class for a lesson not to walk around the grounds. Sometimes these professors had odd ideas of what teaching should be. All their time and energy spent on trying to make classes interesting, which from time to time made classes less interesting. Angel was being a pain she knew she had her moments of being a spoiled brat like now. Probably had to do with the fact she wasn't really interested in being in class today. Learning was loosing its appeal for her she just wanted to be done with it all...

When it seemed like they were finally stopping Angel felt relieved she had enough of a workout to last her the rest of the week. So what was this mysterious creature they had to take a walk to visit. Angel looked around and saw them. Ah, well now this wasn't so bad. They were odd creatures but she could not deny they were beautiful. The professor asked the class what they were called and before she could open her mouth to answer Erys her normal class rival (the thought made her smile) answered before her.

They were staring at Hippogriffs one of the few magical creatures Angel found worthy of even studying. They weren't very common which made them even more interesting. "Finally something worth learning about" she muttered mostly to herself than to anyone else.

[Alice Simmons]

Professor O’Donnell continued to lead them through the forest and with every step Alice’s heart beat that little bit faster in anticipation of what they were being lead to. She exchanged egger glances with Marcus and by the time they reached the clearing was almost skipping with excitement. Soon the amount of trees around them simply stopped and the Hufflepuff knew they had made it into the clearing, the fence also gave it away slightly and that just exited Alice even more. If there was a fence the creature had to the dangerous, maybe one would break free of its restraints and come and attack them! That would be a fun story to tell.

The Professor ushered them to their seats (the flat rocks) and Alice keenly picked the closed one to get a better look at the creatures. They did not seem that deadly and the little second year could not understand why they would need a fence considering it looked like they were covered in feathers…which would mean wings. Standing up on her rock to get a better look Alice stared open mouthed as one of the class members announced what they were. Suddenly a memory came flooding back to Alice of a summer when Dax was reading to her from one of his text books and the Hippogiffs were mentioned.

“Me step brother Dax said they still dangerous when tamed.” Alice was speaking before she could even stop herself, although she still followed the Professor advice and kept her voice low in fear of being ripped apart with those sharp looking beaks. “I bet they pack a punch too, it ain’t wise to be hit by one, strenf of a dragon Dax said.”

That last bit was a bit of an over exaggeration, but they were still strong creatures and in Alice’s eyes that made them as strong as a Dragon.

[Prof Brianna O'Donnell]

Professor O'Donnell was very proud of the quick way that the children took their seats, and so quietly too. She wasn't all together certain that it wasn't because of the magnificent creatures behind her but no matter. They were quiet and that was good enough for her. It wasn't every day that one of her classes was stunned into silence but still responded to questions. This was going to be a very good day.

It didn't take long for hands to shoot up at her proposition of points for such a simple answer and Bree was glad to see it was one from her own house that gave the answer. "Straight out of the textbook," Bree chimed happily, glad that someone had actually bothered to read it, "well done, Grace. That is absolutely correct. These -" she waved a hand towards the three creatures importantly "- are indeed hippogriffs. Take your ten points."

Bree's green eyes rested on the golden hippogriff a moment longer before she turned back to the class. There was light chattering now and Bree let it be. It was good that this subject interested so many of the students and she wasn't about to discourage them. A little Hufflepuff stood up on her rock and Bree, though still smiling, quickly checked the animals to make sure this didn't disturb them. They didn't and Bree turned back to her as she spoke.

At the mention of the grounds keeper, Bree smiled and rubbed her brow. "I've always said your brother Dax is a wise man, Simmons." Bree smiled broadly at the young Puff before continuing. "It is true that even if tamed hippogriffs can be dangerous and you lot would do well to remember it." She waggled a finger at all of them. "And while they aren't as strong as dragons their bite is definitely worse then their bite."

Bree looked at the shocked faces of the students as three more hippogriffs landed in their large paddock area. Two were roan coloured and the third a dark chestnut colour. It was customary to have at least half a dozen hippogriffs at least for a class, that way the class could examine them and interact with them in a much shorter time. It only made sense.

As the three new comers settled, their wings folding to their sides, Bree turned briskly and bowed so low that she looked like she was nearly bent over double, while maintaining eye contact of course. The three bowed in return, the regal way that hippogriffs do, and Bree stood up with them. Turning back to the class, Bree fixed her eyes on the Slytherin that had spoken before. "And to answer your earlier question, Grace," Bree said smiling, "I've never been one to give creatures silly names, after all they are still wild animals and not pets!" With a warming, stern look at the class, Bree took a few steps towards them.

"Right then," she said, smiling broadly, "who will be the first to be introduced to a hippogriff?"

[[ points updated ]]

[Polaris Stormwrath]

Polaris had let Erys answer the question and didn't interject afterwards to add any extra information, thinking that what she said would do. She wasn't going to fight for the spotlight, but had hoped the Professor had some sort of sense of it.

Her eyes had been constantly moving around at everything once they entered the forest, but they finally stopped once she settled her gaze on that one chestnut coloured one. Something was different about it, and she was drawn to it immediately. Of course, being an animal herself had it's ups and downs, luckily in this class she was able to use her ability towards her advantage.

"Right then," she said, smiling broadly, "who will be the first to be introduced to a hippogriff?"

Polaris waited for the multitude of hands to spring up at the chance to be introduced first. She expected a lot of 'me first's or 'no, pick me's, but was only met by silence. Furrowing her brow before returning her gaze to the Professor, the Ravenclaw then raised her hand as her smile grew ever larger.

"I would love to go first, Professor." She exlaimed, which brought many an eye to her, some shooting glares, the others looked as if she was crazy. Not that she minded, of course. Her smile remained as she awaited the professors response.

[Erys Grace]

"I would love to go first, Professor."

Damned Polaris, she spoke too fast for her own good. Erys shook her head with a sigh and stepped forward. "Professor, I think the smell of mutt--er, wolf, might bring alarm to the Hippogriffs. Could I go first instead?" She asked, her tone a little higher with the request. Her own scent was more housecat, that couldn't possibly frighten them. Stepping forward only a little to discern herself from the crowd, the Slytherin knew the professor wouldn't let a Claw go first instead of someone from her own house. She was the Head of Slytherin, after all, and why give it to that smirking Stormwrath? Besides, Erys had found a suitable reason to get herself touching them first instead of the Claw, and the Professor was probably grateful, or at least she should be. Despite the disastrous lesson with Mrs. Hubbles and her Erys actually didn't mind O'Donnell much, at least no Hubbles got the rank of Head of House.

Waiting for the professor's answer with a neutral look on her face Erys crossed her arms over her chest and waited, eyes locked between her and Stormwrath as if it were some heated competition.[/color]

[Polaris Stormwrath]

Polaris simply smiled at Erys' attempt at competition with her and broke her heated gaze. It didn't bother her much anyways, Slytherins always played dirty and she knew that.

Attempting to reason with the Professor, not that she was afraid that Erys would have gotten to take her spot as the first to be introduce, but for the sake of being fair. "Miss O'Donnell, I don't believe that our animagus forms has anything to do with being introduce to these magnificant creatures. In our human forms, our scents are barely, if not impossible to pick up on. Besides, I would think that Hippogriffs would judge on the feelings they got from a persons demeanor and actions, rather than a form they rarely use in public. And since I don't wish to cause a confrontation or arguement with this, instead of letting just one get introduced, why not two?"

Polaris had remained sitting, as to not alarm the wonderous creatures or the Professor. She wasn't going to be riled up to Erys' level. Then again, cats always were excitable under the right condition. This, being one.

Besides, I'm sure a Hippogriff would associate more with a wolf than a meager house cat. Atleast the wolf is proud, intelligent, brave and shares a connection of wilderness with the Hippogriff than with a tame, lazy, sleepy cat that spends its time indoors. The Ravenclaw thought to herself as her pride began to well up inside of her.

[Prof Brianna O'Donnell]

Bree had hardly finished her sentence when nearly all the hands in the class went high up into the air, some students, the older ones it seemed, even stood up to get their hands higher then the rest. Bree was very pleased with this as it showed an enthusiasm that she had not seen since ... well, since she had given this class earlier that morning. Beaming widely, Bree looked over at all the hands, trying to decide who to pick (this is where the fun in her job came in).

To Bree's surprise it was a Claw that volunteered first. Bree smiled at the Ravenclaw but when Grace opened her mouth and put forth an argument Bree smiled. One thing she had always enjoyed was debating, not angry words flung around willy nilly (though that was fun too), but proper-facts debating. Bree linked her fingers together, touching her palms together, dangling her arms in front of her. Bree looked back to Stormwrath and waited for her rebuttal.

Her argument was a good one, Bree thought at first but when the Claw tried to be smart and give an ultimatum Bree's smile faded. If there was one thing Bree didn't like it was being told how she should do things. Bree's arms were at her side now and she took half a step towards the class. "Because I am teaching the lesson, Stormwrath," Prof O'Donnell said sternly, "and since you don't want to cause a fuss, Grace." Bree waved a hand for her to step forward.

"Alright class," O'Donnell began, walking towards Erys and putting a hand on her shoulder, making sure she kept walking. "Grace is going to do this under my supervision, so, Simmons, no worrying." Bree pointed at the young Puff and smiled at her. "First of all, the main thing to remember about Hippogriffs is, what, Grace?" Bree stopped walking, raising one eyebrow at the Slytherin. She was thinking about how one introduces ones self to a Hiffogriff and why all the bowing.

[Marcus Conway]

Marcus didn't want to go into the forest but as Alice and the other Hufflepuff went with the rest of the class, Marcus heaved a heavy sigh before following them in. "Wait for me, Al," Marcus called as he ran to keep up with her. It constantly surprised Marcus how quick on her feet Alice was and that he always seemed to need to jog to keep up with her. Marcus was hardly surprised as Alice always seemed to be very busy doing things, many times all at once. She was bound to always be on the go.

The clearing was a bit of a surprise and it warranted Marcus pushed his glasses further up his nose. He did not know that there were such places in the forest that it would be safe for them to be in. Amara had always told her younger brother about the dangers of the Forest, how there were creatures so strong and ravenous that they would rip your face off before looking at you twice. Marcus always felt faint at that though so he quickly followed Alice to a rock and sat down.

The creatures that were in front of them were enormous and Marcus wasn't sure he would be able to go up and touch one. He wasn't sure he would remember how to bow when the time came and he had heard how proud the Hippogriffs where and that they would also take your face off if given half a chance. He didn't want to do it so when the professor asked for a volunteer Marcus kept his hands firmly on his lap, fingers locked together. There was no way she could make him.

The two older students were going at each other a little bit but the second year wasn't surprised. There always seemed to be arguments in classes that didn't help anything. Marcus stared at the ground for a moment, as the students and the teacher talked, before he pushed his glasses up his button nose and looked at the professor as she addressed the class.

[Erys Grace]

As O'Donnell chose her Erys resisted the smug look and cast it away from her face. That wasn't the proper tone when dealing with these magnificent creatures, no, they were to be respected. "Hippogriffs are very proud, and noble. It is considered rude, disrespectful, and impolite if you don't bow to them." She replied to the Professor's question while following her direction. Remember what you know. The Slytherin reminded herself. Don't blink, bow low, then wait for them to make the first move. You must show them you are respectful but don't cower before them. They aren't warlords to be feared, they're just polite. She reminded herself calmly, her face neutral as she followed where the Professor was leading her. Looking at her questioningly, silently asking 'Now?' with her eyes, Erys waited for the yes before stepping forward towards the nearest Hippogriff, holding its eyes with a calm, unblinking gaze. It came naturally to her, cats rarely blinked as it is. Stopping slowly she bowed low and straight, waiting for the acceptance or denial from the beautiful creature.

Thankfully Hippogriffs weren't house-biased like a few unmentionable Professors at Hogwarts, so they would treat her like she was anyone else bowing at them, and not trash. She heard the crowd hush, and the waiting was starting to stiff her back up, but Erys continued the bow, waiting, hoping she was accepted by them and not clawed.[/color]

[Prof Brianna O'Donnell]

Erys got the correct answer straight off the bat, Brianna was very pleased, but she continued and Bree listened. Nodding her head, excitedly, Bree beamed a wide smile at the young Slytherin. "Yes, yes, yes," Bree said, excitedly, "but getting a bit ahead of yourself there, Grace." Bree released Erys's shoulder and took a few steps towards the class.

"The most important thing to remember about Hippogriffs is their pride. There is nothing more important to them then that. If you remember that, the rest is easy." Bree turned around and smiled at the back of Erys's head. A determined young woman if ever Bree saw one. Bree pulled out her wand and gave it a little wave. "Now, I have heard that Grace here knows exactly what to do so watch carefully and take notes if you must." As she spoke, there was a loud click that echoed around the large clearing and a section of the fence swung open, creaking as it went.

The largest of the Hippogriff's, the golden-brown one from the first group that had remained quizzical about the children ever since they had entered the clearing, stepped forward, his large wings out stretched wide. He was still a fair few feet away from Erys so Bree took the chance and whispered, "their wing span can reach up to twenty four feet long. Let's watch the fun."

Erys moved well, confidently but not overtly arrogant (though Bree was certain that everyone else knew she was arrogant). "Ok, so she is bowing but maintaining eye contact," Bree informed the class, "this is vital for the Hippogriff to judge if you are worthy of its time. Alright, now the Hippogriff is taking a few steps forward to just suss out what this girl is about. He is studying her very closely now, but see how still Erys is, eyes always on the griff. Vital, simply vital. Well, would you look at that - there we go. He's bowing now, lovely, simply lovely."

Bree began clapping loudly as the hippogriff rose. She gave him a small nod and he did her. "Everyone, round of applause for Grace here." Bree turned and walked towards the Slytherin. "Ten points. Well done." Bree waved her wand again and a large ferret went flying through the air. The hippogriff caught it in his beck and threw it down quickly. "Ok, Grace, you up to touching him?" Bree raised her eyebrow questioningly at the student as she turned and walked back to the class.

"Right, class, here's the plan: there are six hippogriffs and there are ..." Bree did a quick head count "twenty four of you so that is four to a Hippogriff. Younger ones make sure that you have older students with you and you older ones don't shunt the ickles around. Not here." She gave a few of the older students a stern look before continuing. "Alright, once you're in your groups you can go to a Hippogriff but remember what you have seen Miss Grace do here this afternoon before you."

Bree gave her wand a wide wave and smiled at the students as they mulled around the clearing. All the fences within the clearing disappeared and the hippogriffs were then free to move around as they liked.

---

[[ there will be no need to actually wait to form groups so go ahead and write for yourself how your hippogriff reacted. remember to specify which on it is. there is the leader of the pack, the golden-brown; the small brown-grey; the speckled dark-brown; the roan two; and finally the dark chestnut.
points for creativity and posting ]]
[[ points updated ]]

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[Erys Grace]

The moment stretched on and for a moment Erys wondered if she'd done something that displeased him, but the leader then matched her bow, and as they both slowly straightened themselves she smiled. She'd done it! This was truly something to experiance before she left student-dom and joined the dreaded faculty. As the Professor congradulated her and awarded her with ten more points the Slytherin felt a wave of pride roll through her--she had won possibly more than twenty points alone for her house!--but she swallowed back the smug look and kept her face calm and polite. Just because it accepted her didn't mean she was out of the woods yet, and right around the time when she remembered that O'Donnell said:

"Ok, Grace, you up to touching him?"

"Yes!" The Slytherin grinned back at her, turning slowly and politely back to the Hippogriff and slowly stretching her hand out. Cautiously but not waveringly did she approach it, keeping their eyes locked until the moment where her palm met the soft flesh of the creature's neck, and her face broke into a smile as it gave a soft murmur (or squawk?) at the touch. "You're amazing." She coo'd to it.[/color]

[Polaris Stormwrath]

Once the demonstration was over and Erys was petting the leader, Polaris couldn't help but smile faintly. That's the one. The Ravenclaw herself was a leader in the animalistic sense as well as personality-wise, so choosing the leader of the pack was a natural for her.

She slowly stood and approached the edge of the fence next to Erys, but ignoring her, making sure not to get too close as to startle the other creatures. Luckily, she didn't as they were too preoccupied with the other students. Catching the gaze of the leader, Polaris kept heavy eye contact with the giant hippogriff before bowing deeply. I'm not going to hurt you, wonderous leader. I acknowledge your position of strength and find myself graced in your presence. She spoke softly in her mind while maintaining her eye contact.

Animagi and animals both had a common understanding of one another, and this is where it came into play. The fiery orange orbs of the leader bore into her own before it accepted her and bowed in return. This had caused Polaris to smile while she rose and the magnificant Hippogriff approached her.

Careful not to thrust her hand out too fast, but just right, the Ravenclaw held her hand out to the beast as to let it get familiar with her scent. It's powerful beak came down close to her hand and sniffed it for a moment before nudging her hand. Must be this.. Polaris remained smiling and knew what the beast was after.

She had recently killed a snake in her potions class to attain it's fangs, but kept the snake for other reasons. Finding this a wonderful time to take it out, she did so and offered it to the Hippogriff. The leader bowed forward just as Polaris did when offering it, and his beak soon closed around it, devouring it wholly. Lifting her hand once he was done, she had kept eye contact with the beast the whole time. There you go. She cooed softly in her mind while ruffling the crest upon it's head lightly.

She had achieved the task given to her with flying colours.