Care of Magical Creatures (Gryffindor/Slytherin)

[Professor Rubeus Hagrid]

Hagrid looked around and saw two students raise their hands. He recognized both of them to be Blackfires. Cassandra had always been a favorite student of Hagrids as he had never seen her really complain about the magical creatures they studied in his class. Hagrid could also see that Pyro was a talented student from the way he treated his pheonix. "Cassandra!" Hagrid called. "An' Pyro, you can explain the habits of these here magical creatures." He waited for the two students to answer his questions.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass allowed her hand to fall as she was called upon by the Professor. " I believe those creatures are called Griffins. The griffin originated in Greece and has the front head and legs of a giant eagle, but the body and hind legs of a lion. Like sphynxes, they are normally used to protect treasure or other valuables. Even though the creatures are wild, there are a few wizards who have been able to train them. They mostly feed on raw meat and animals that are smaller than it." She started to blush a little as she noticed many of the eyes in the class turning towards her. She was starting to feel a bit Hermione Grainger-ish. " In muggle theology, the Griffin was said to have pulled the chariots of Pharaoh, Apollo, Nemesis, and Alexander the Great. It is considered a major heraldic animal, and it has been emblazoned on the shields of knights and the coats of arms of royalts. It is known as watchful and loyal, graceful and swift, rapacious and vengeful, monstrous and divine. While the griffin is a mortal enemy of horses, its magic talons have detected poison and its feathers have cured blindness."

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro lowered his hand as the Professor called on them. He fell silent as Cass was the first to be called on. He couldn't help but arc an eyebrow at her large description of the Gryffins and its origins. He smirked to himself. Looks like we've got ourself our new 'animal caretaker' at the manor. He thought to himself. Finally Cass finished her rant. Pyro looked up at Hagrid and shruged. Forcing Miaka to think fast or be thrown off. "Well, I think that you'll agree theres really not much more I can add to Ms. Gran....er, Blackfire's description."

((Sorry, lame post. Its really late and I just had Wrestling practice so im mentaly wiped. I'll do better on the next question ))

[Professor Rubeus Hagrid]

"Thas' a great explanation, Cassandra," Hagrid said approvingly. "But I meant for you to just explain a little bit. Ten points fer Gryffindor, then!" Hagrid turned to Pyro when he heard the Slytherin student say that Cassandra had covered everything. "Actually," Hagrid continued. "there is a bit left ter say, Mr. Blackfire. Why don' you explain ter the class how ter treat the Griffins an' how not ter treat them? Now, you've gotta remember your Hippogriff lessons." Hagrid watched the powerful Griffins march about in the paddock as he waited for Pyro to respond.

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro was caught off guard as Hagrid asked him to explain about the treatment of the animals. He fumbled on his words for a moment. The Gryffins looked extremely like the Hippogriffs. Aside from the fact that the animal pairing was different. "Well..um. I think Gryffins are very much alike with Hippigriffs. So I think its safe to say that these Gryffins are very proud creatures. Insult one to its face and you probably wont live much longer. When approaching one you should always let it make the first move. If it gives you an 'OK' sign, than you can walk to it. If not, you better be able to run fast."

[Professor Rubeus Hagrid]

"All right, ten points for Slytherin," Hagrid said after Pyro finished explaining how one should approach Griffins. He cleared his throat and began addressing the class once more, "Righ'. Everyone gather 'round the paddock an' choose a Griffin. We'll be feedin' them some raw pork meat an' don't start givin' them the food until you've bowed ter them. Wait 'till they bow back before approachin'. They'll think that you're threatenin' them if you don't." After giving the class the instructions for approaching the Griffins, Hagrid stood back to see how the class was handling the assignment. Most were performing admirably, however, many of the younger students were hesitant when it came to approaching the Griffins.

[joanrabbit]

Katrina looked around to see the Griffins, she listened carefully to Pyro and Cassandra's explanations and Professor Hagrid's instructions.
She glanced back to look at the Griffins, not wanting to be the last one she stepped forward, making sure that she would not step on any twigs and disturb the griffins.

She was one large Griffin, looking incredibly proud and examining the class scarily. She, bravely, went over, making sure she looked at the ground at not into his eyes. She bowed and waited for the Griffin to respond, she was terrified if the Griffin was not impressed and did not bow back. It felt like hours waiting for the Griffin to bow but finally it did after what felt like it examining her all the parts of her body.

She lifted her head to look at the Griffin, she smiled gently and lifted her body and stretched slightly as the amount of time she had spent bowing made her back feel uncomfortable. She slowly bent down and picked up the bloody, raw piece of meat she had been given, she lifted her arm out and approached carefully. The Griffin kept his eyes moving from Katrina to the meat. When she was in range, she indicated to the Griffin what she was going to do then threw the raw meat. Her hand was covered in blood and without hesitation of what might happen to it after wards, she smeared it over her skirt.

[sammy]

Cathy smiled at Giselle, who replied with a mumble just as the Professor said he had a real treat for the class today. Cathy stifled a smile as Giselle moaned loudly, loud enough for a few people to turn around and stare at the twins. She elbowed Giselle in the stomach, who rubbed her stomach ruefully and walked away, following Hagrid. Cathy jogged beside Giselle, who walked almost as slow as slow could be. "What's the matter with you, Giselle? Can't you see we'll be last?" Indeed, there was barely anyone behind them.
"I don't plan on jogging just to keep up with an oaf of a Professor who will show us something completely unneeded." Giselle replied with a smirk and she slowed her pace even more. Cathy shrugged and jogged faster forward, leaving Giselle behind.

Professor Hagrid had led them to a pasture looking place near the forest. Inside of the pasture were animals that were actually quite amazing and terrifying. Cathy bit her lip as she got closer to the fence to see better. The animals inside had strong beaks and clawed feet that made Cathy wince inwardly. The lion-like legs were identically frightening. Cathy didn't edge any closer to the fence then needed to see the animals. She forgot all about Giselle as she watched them. Cass Blackfire answered Hagrid's question with a little more information then required. Cathy didn't mind though; more points for Gryffindor. She gave a warm smile at Cassandra, who was a year younger then herself but undoubtedly knew more about griffins then Cathy did. A Slytherin then answered the next question and got tens points as well.

Professor Hagrid then told the class what to do and Cathy nearly trembled in her clothes. She had done the hippogriff project already, and still she had been frightened. Cathy looked around at the group of griffins and found a golden-brown one near the rear. She walked around to where it stood and went inside the fence after taking deep, soothing breaths. Cathy couldn't stop a gasp from escaping her lips as the griffins' large eyes looked up as she stepped on a twig. Cathy had decided early on she would bow first and get the meat later. After all, she didn't want the griffin to attack her in order to grab the meat. She trembled slightly as she bent her neck toward the griffin. She felt it unwise to show the back of her neck to the griffin, but she did so anyway. She trusted the Professor's judgment, no matter what Giselle said.

The griffin seemed to cock it's head to the side as it surveyed Cathy. She lifted her head just a tad to see if the griffin would bow or not. After a minute of nothing, Cathy began to back away slowly in case the griffin had not taken to her. She stopped the retreat as the griffin bent a knee and bowed to her. Cathy took a deep breath and lifted her upper body back into the normal position, glad it was over. She then walked out of the paddock slowly, thinking that if she went too fast, she would get attacked. She walked back to where the class had stood and got some bloody meant, feeling disgusted as it slid around on her fingertips. Reaching the golden-brown griffin once more, Cathy went in and bowed again, just in case. It didn't take as long as before, thank god, and Cathy approached the griffin until they were nearly ten feet away. She then tossed the griffin the meat. It ate loudly enough for Cathy to feel unwelcome. Cass had said it ate smaller animals. Did humans fall in this category? Cathy took a deep breath, once again, and approached the griffin all the way to give it a pat on the neck.

[alexandra]

Alexandra smiled a bit shyly at Pyro when he called her 'Alex', the nickname he had given her the day they had met. She didn't respond, only fell silent when Hagrid decided to address the class. She didn't really listen, seeing as she knew what the creatures were and didn't really care about what the oaf had to say. It was when the professor called on Cassandra and Pyro, she perked up and listened. This may be interesting... After Cassandra's undoubtedly 'teacher's pet' answer, it was Pyro's turn. He noted that there wasn't much left to say, Alexandra nodded silently. The Gryffindor pest had already covered everything. Although, Hagrid didn't seem to like Pyro's tone... Funny... Alexandra was amused by it. Pyro won Slytherin house ten points and Hagrid was free to call class around the paddock.

Alexandra walked over to stand next to a gray and black Griffin. She slowly bowed, keeping constant eye contact with the creature's green eyes. The Griffin seemed reluctant to bow, eying the girl with curiosity. The animal's curiosity must have become too much, because it bent its front knees and sunk down in a bow. Alexandra smirked, proud of herself. The smirk fell instantly, as all her smiles did. She took hold of a raw piece of meat, feeling disgusted by its bloody texture and yet awestruck by the red drops that fell onto the ground. She walked forward in slow, easy steps toward the Griffin. As she neared, the creature stared hungrily at the meat in Alexandra's hand.

When she was close enough, Alexandra threw the piece of pork high into the air. It started to fly over the Griffin's head, but just as Alexandra expected, the great animal arched it's back, lifted itself onto it's hind legs, rose up into the air and caught the meat just before the meat soared over it's head. Alexandra smiled at it... It wasn't such a horrible creature after all. After the Griffin was done eating, Alexandra walked up to it, making sure it saw her every move so that it wasn't spooked by something it didn't expect, and stroked the great beast's beak. The Griffin's eyes slid closed as it enjoyed every stroke of Alexandra's hand. She smiled at the creature again and stepped aside, letting a first year Slytherin have a try.

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro smirked as Hagrid awarded him 10 points. Smart enough answer for ya oaf? he thought to himself. Hagrid than went to explain what it was the class would be doing with the Gryffins. Pyro nearly fell when he heard Hagrids lesson. Was the oaf really that stupid? This was almost exactly the same thing as when Malfoy got hurt. Only this time Hagrid was adding food into the mix. Pyro shook his head in wonder. Than slowly sighed as he noticed other students begin their approach, although rather timidly.

"You might want to get off Miaka. These things might take you as threat." he said to Miaka. With a slight flap of her wings she took off and landed on the paddock fence. With one last look at her he grabbed a piece of meat and entered the paddock. He spotted a Gryffin standing a bit off to the side and decided to approach it slowly. Once he reached a certain point the Gryffins head whipped up and it hissed at him.

Pyro stopped in his tracks and slowly fell into a bow. Keeping his head up so he could watch the creature. Come on you stupid thing....Bow back. He thought silently. Finally the creatures head slowly dipped into a bow. Pyro straightened up with a grin of victory on his face. He stepped foreword and tossed the piece of meat at it. The Gryffin caught the meat and began to eat it. With a smirk on his face Pyro stepped up beside the creature and slowly placed a hand upon its back.

[giselle]

Giselle smirked as Cathy jogged ahead of her. She was always so excited about these lessons; Giselle just didn't understand it. An oaf, that's right OAF, taught the class and told them to treat horrible monsters like fluffy kittens. Wasn't that a wonderful lesson! Giselle shook her head and continued to walk to the lesson. When she got there, she heard the Gryffindors' reply to the question, which was terribly long and boring. Cathy was lost in the crowd, so Giselle sulked on the side. She didn't even approach the paddock, since she didn't feel like it. Plus, who needed to get a closer look at the ugly things? Giselle kept her thoughts inside her head however, since if she let out some of those things, the oaf might get a tad upset and take away points. Giselle wouldn't want that.

The oaf then called on another kid who she recognized as a Slytherin fourth year. His name she didn't catch, nor did she care what it was. She was so bored that she barely heard the Professor's instructions when he gave it out. She was one of the few who remained standing in the same spot after the instructions had been given. Coming together, Giselle gazed around at the paddock, realized what was going on, and walked over to pick up a raw piece of meat. The lesson had been fine until this part. Giselle nearly puked when she picked up the bloody raw meat with a look of pure disgust and hate for the oaf. With a groan, she picked up the meat and walked around the paddock, searching for Cathy.

Cathy was near the back with a golden-brown griffin. Giselle sat down the meat on the ground and entered the paddock with a glare at everyone in the surrounds. "I was looking everywhere for you, sister dear!" Giselle whined, not approaching more then three yards from Cathy. She nearly had to yell to her twin, who was patting the bloody beast. Who the hell would actually...pet....that-that thing? Giselle stifled a giggle and bowed slowly to the monster, only moving her head toward the ground. It took a bit, but the griffin finally bent in a bow. Giselle smirked at Cathy, who had stepped back to watch the performance, and walked up to the beast, after getting back the meat, and tossed it to him. The griffin caught it and snapped, making horrible sound effects. "Please, safe me." Giselle moaned under her breath but approached the griffin none the less. With an apprehensive jittery movement, she placed a hand on it's beak. It didn't protest, so Giselle kept her hand there. "See Catherine," Giselle gloated, "it likes me better then you."

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona watched as Pyro approached the Griffin. He did know what he was doing. Fiona didn't care though. She hated this class and wished more than anything that it was over, but there wasn't much she could do about it now. She was the one that had decided to go instead of ditching it like she normally did. Hagrid gave Slytherin points and Fiona was happy. She had only come for that very reason. She had been stupid enough to lose some house points and was trying to get them back. Hagrid told them each in turn to approach their respected Griffins and feed them. Fiona nodded with anger. Of all the things she had to do she had to risk getting killed by an ugly creature. She kept the thought to herself as she slowly grabbed a piece of meat and approached the paddock.

Fiona bowed low to a huge gray and black Griffin. She kept her head up watching the Griffin with determination. If she was forced to touch this beast she would do it right. The Griffin didn't bow right away and Fiona was contemplating running away, but it then bowed low. She carefully shuffled toward it as she held out a hand cautiously. The Griffin looked unsure at a moment, but then pushed it's head against her hand. Fiona smiled, maybe the creatures weren't so awful. She took the meat in her hands and held it out in front of the Griffin. The blood from the meat ran down her arms and she choked back disgust. She hadn't realized how bloody it was earlier. Now she was regretting touching the thing. She looked up at the Griffin as it took the meat quickly. It seemed to trust Fiona, but at the same time it held distrust in it's eyes. Fiona dropped her right hand at her side as she petted the Griffin with her left. She didn't mind the beast so much, however, she would not let anyone know that.

[Professor Rubeus Hagrid]

"Excellent!" Hagrid said after everyone had successfully approached their Griffins. "That's ten points fer everyone who's got their Griffin under control!" Although it took some time for all the students to get used to the Griffins, they had all eventually succeeded in completing their task. The next step was for them to mount their Griffins because, unlike Hippogriffs, Griffins were much smoother in flight and were much easier to handle; they rarely ever needed to flap their wings to maintain flight because their wings were so much bigger. He continued to instruct the class, "All righty, then. Since almost all of you have successfully approached your Griffins, the next step is ter' mount them an' they might just allow you to fly them 'round the grounds an' back! Now, yeh don' have ter worry about getting lost, 'cause these magnificent creatures know the exact flight path." Hagrid stepped back once more to watch the progress of his students.

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro ran a hand along the muscled neck of the Griffin as it ate its meat. Just than the giant oaf began to talk once more. Pyro lazily turned his head to listen. What he heard nearly made his jaw drop to the ground. What was this oaf trying to do? Kill them? Not only did he make them approach the violent animals, but now he expected them to mount them. Pyro sighed and shook his head, turning back to the Griffin who was just finishing up his meat. "If you don't kill me and work with me. I might just do something for you." Pyro muttered to the Griffin. Although it didn't seem like it heard him.

With that he turned so that he was squared up to the Griffins side. He placed a hand on its back and than quickly hoped up and landed on its back. As soon as Pyro made contact he froze and flinched. Preparing to be thrown clear of the Griffin and being attacked savagely. He was frozen for a moment and nothing happened. He blew a sigh of relief. "Alright. I owe you one." He muttered into the Griffin's ear. "Call me up anytime and I'll see what I can do."

Before Pyro realized it though the Griffin had begun to trot. "Hey!" Was all he managed to blurt out before the Griffin took off into the air. Pyro nearly lost his seat and was forced to lean foreword and grab the Griffin around the neck. After the moment of fear and surprise passed the feeling was replaced with absolute joy. This almost beat flying on a broom! The Griffin took him around the castle for a little while. Out of the corner of his eye Pyro could spot others taking off. Sooner than Pyro expected the Griffin landed back in the paddock and Pyro Leapt off of it with a huge grin on his face. "That was awesome!" He turned to the Griffin. "Lets do this again some time."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

He wants us to do what? Cass raised an eyebrow at the teacher as he told them their assignment. Remember the hippogriff lesson, she could only really sit back and stare at the creature. One of he griffin's caught Cass' eye. Tilting its head to one side, it eyed her suspiciously and then cawed at her. Jumping back, she looked back in just in time to see Pyro win his Griffin's permission to approach. Well, if that don't just beat all... Cass looked back at her friends who had seemed to disappear. Damn it, Liam Angelus. You always disappear at the most in opportune moments. Summoning all her courage, she bent low in front of the animal. Staying bent over, she looked up hesitantly through her dark hair, trying to see if the creature had responded to her advance.

It moved it's head around in a very bird like manner, and then began to beet its foot against the ground. After a few long moments, the bird bowed to Cass. Standing back up, she slowly walked over. The bird cooed as she petted his mane.

When Hagrid announced that he wanted the students to fly the animals, Cass gasped in horror. He wants me to do what? Cass watched as several Slytherins began to mount the animals, some albeit hesitantly. " I bet your ready to spread your wings a bit, huh?" The griffin nuzzled her a bit. Being careful not to pull out any feathers, she mounted the beast. Taking a few moments to get settled, she soon locked her arms around the animal's muscled neck. Whispering into what she thought was his ear, " So...umm...where do you feel like going today?"

The bird cocked his head as it made another loud crowing sound. The griffin began to walk forward slowly, and before Cass new it, began to pick up speed. Cass' stomach began to churn as she saw its wings extend. " OH no. NO NO NO!" Cass' voice trailed off and soon erupted into a scream as the griffin took off. Shutting her eyes tightly, as she began to feel the wind rush through her hair. It took several long moments before she could open her eyes, and look down at the ground. They weren't up very high, but it was enough to scare her. The two of them made a couple of loops around the class. Cass started to giggle a little, exuberant over her current circumstances.

Cass was thrown forward on the animal as it suddenly put on a burst of speed. The bird climbed higher in the sky, and Cass soon found herself looking at the dark tree tops of the Forbidden Forest. Even from what she knew was relative safety, the forest still looked ominous. After what seemed like hours, the griffin circled back around and began to descend. Cass lerched forward as the animal's feet hit the ground. Smiling broadly, she jumped off the beast's back. Waiting for the other students to finish, she stood nearby and continued to stroke the animal's head.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona continued to pet the creature as it ate the meat she had given to it. She was happy that she had managed to get this far. Fiona only hoped that class would be over soon and she wouldn't have to worry about getting hurt by the griffin. However, her worry soon became panic as the oaf Hagrid told them that they could ride the griffins then. Fiona's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. She was going to sit on that creature. 'No way,' Fiona thought to herself as she looked back at the griffin. Why she would even want to ride the creature was beyond her. She looked back at the other students who seemed to be trying to get on. She sighed. She was going to have to get on the back of the griffin. She continued to pet it as she started to talk to it. "Now I'm going to have to get on your back. I know you probably won't like it, but I have to. Just a quick little ride around and back here. Is that all right with you?" Fiona asked the griffin.

The griffin in response bent low so Fiona could get situated on it's back. Fiona was surprised. Griffin's were smarter than she thought. She patted it's shoulder as she pulled herself up onto the griffin. She felt so high and mighty on the back of the griffin. It started to walk and Fiona nearly fell off. She grabbed a hold of it's neck and sighed. "Okay, take it easy. I've never flow on anything except a broom," Fiona said into the griffin's ear. Fiona held on tight as to it's neck as the creature started to pick up speed on the ground. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths. She didn't want to die here and like this. She felt the wings of the beast spread and then she felt the wind on her face.

Fiona slowly opened one eye and looked out. She was flying above the trees and the castle was near. She opened her other eye and sat up on the griffin, still holding on as best as she could. A smile came to her face. It was awesome! There was only one thing that bugged her and that was the up and down motion of the griffin's wings. She felt like she was a teeter totter, up and down, up and down. She ignored the feeling as she looked in the windows of the castle as the griffin flew by them. She could see students whose faces were unrecognizable, but the fact was that she probably looked magnificent on the back of such a grand creature.

The griffin circled the school and Fiona smiled happily. She liked the feeling of the wind blowing through her hair. She felt the griffin slow down and she looked to see that they were descending. She lowered her torso and held on tightly to the griffins neck. She didn't want to get hurt during the landing. Fiona held her breath as they reached the ground. Her whole body jumped as it's paw came in contact with the ground. The jerking of the next few minutes was almost unbearable for Fiona. However, it stopped and she quickly dismounted. She smiled as she patted and petted the griffin. "Thank you for a wonderful ride," she whispered into it's hear. It seemed to hear her and it lowered it's head in respect. She smiled and nodded as she looked back up at the oaf Hagrid, waiting to see what he was going to say.

[sammy]

They were going to what? Ride a Griffin? She looked back at the animal with a raised eyebrow. Impossible! She looked at Giselle, who lazily backed away. Nice answer. "I guess I'll go first." Cathy told Giselle, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice. Settle down. Hagrid knows what he's doing.... most of the time. No, don't think like that. It only ends up bad. She patted the Griffin on the neck for a starter. She had to warm up to the animal in order to have it quiet when she got on. She was afraid it would reject her and buck her off, or maybe drop her off in the middle of the air? Would someone catch her? Giselle smirked, probably noticing her twins' face become pale. Her movements were jerky but she couldn't give up. Gryffindor needed far more points, and she needed to try to make things right. Gryffindor deserved the House Cup. "For Gryffindor." She chanted under her breath. "For Gryffindor." She looked at the Griffin and took a deep breath.

"Hey there," she whispered quietly to the Griffin while she pat its nose. "Good... Griffin. Good. I'm going to take a little...erm...ride so...uh..." She made a jerky movement with her hand and Giselle snorted. She shot a look of pure hatred behind her and watched with amazement as the Griffin bent just a bit so she could jump on it. Maybe this would be okay. Cathy began her chant again, except in her head. It's okay. It's okay. For Gryffindor. For me. For...for.... "Oh!" She cried as a sudden wind gust flew her hair up in a wild whirlwind. She looked around for a handle or something but couldn't find anything to hold on to. "Oh my god!" She screamed as the Griffin began to rise. The ground slowly began to fall farther and farther away. Cathy ended up clutching the Griffins neck. She held on for dear life.

After a few moments, everything fell silent except for the Griffin's wings. It was almost rhythmic. A melody. She opened her eyes slowly and found that the ground was swirling far below. She held on tighter to the Griffin and looked around, bent so low on the creature she looked part of its back. The castle could be seen in the distance, but she was more by the forest then Hogwarts. All she could see was a vastness of green and only green. She was surprised to see how large it spread but sooner then she would have liked, the Griffin began to steer back toward the ground. It landed fast and hard. Cathy's lunch nearly came up as it jolted to a heavy stop near Giselle, who was looking astonished and impressed at the same time. She then pouted and watched Cathy's strange dismount.

"How was it?" She asked, not keeping the curiosity out of her voice. She would have to fly next. Cathy smiled. "You'll see when you try it out." She replied coyly and Giselle glared. She always had to know about things before she tried it. She was, in a way, like a Raven at some times. An analyzer. Cathy was the same as well, but more so. "It was fine," she relented upon seeing Giselle's face. Her twin gave her a thin smile, so stretched out that it looked like a rubber band. Ready to snap at any moment.

[alexandra]

Alexandra looked up at Hagrid while he gave the next instruction. She was slightly nervous at riding a griffin. It was rather big. but she never showed her nervous indecision. Instead she nodded and turned to the griffin she was petting. The griffin tilted its head and stared at her with large eyes. She started to walk around the side of the griffin, making sure her finger tips still touched the animal. Somewhere she had learned that large animals got jumpy if they didn't know where you were, so Alexandra made it a habit whenever she was near a large animal to keep touching the creature so it always knew where she was.

When she got to the side of the Griffin, she slowly pulled herself up so that she could swing her leg gracefully over the side of the Griffin. When she had successfully seated herself on the animal's large back. The Griffin instantly tensed. She patted it's neck, trying to calm it. Suddenly, without warning it took off, almost knocking Alexandra off. She screamed in fright as she grabbed the Griffin's neck, closing her eyes desperately. All reserve and pride that had befallen her earlier, was gone. She was terrified and her lungs seemed to want to show it. Her screams were high pitched and almost as if they would never cease. The Griffin was spooked by her screams so it landed almost instantly back in the paddock. Alexandra stumbled off the Griffin's back, falling on the ground. She was still shaky when she stood again glaring at the Griffin.

"Never... again... will I ride... that... that... thing!" she wanted to cry, but held her head high and walked to the back of the paddock and leaned her head against a tree, glad the bark was cool.

[giselle]

Giselle stared at the beast with a raised eyebrow. Cathy had just given a piece of paper entitled 'challenge' to Giselle, and she planned on completing it. If Catherine could ride that thing without falling off or worse, Giselle could most certainly do it. She would do it better, in fact, Cathy would be the envious one by the end of the year upon watching her twin turn into some smart aleck like Cathy was. Giselle smirked and went toward the Griffin, who's breathing was slightly labored from the flight. Giselle was going to pat its neck and say something like 'good boy,' but what if it wasn't a boy? Wouldn't it take that as an insult? Giselle wasn't particularly in the mood to be ripped open, so she instead said nothing until Cathy was out of ear-shot.

"Okay," she muttered, low enough so Cathy couldn't hear. "Could you..just...bend down a little...? Ah... that's it." You ugly brute. Why the hell am I talking to you? She smiled sweetly at it before clambering on to its back. Good thing she had worn jeans; she wasn't sure if the thing knew what side-saddle was. Giselle patted its neck, sending a smirk at Cathy, who was watching from afar, looking amused. Giselle rolled her eyes and held on to the beast like Cathy had. Around its neck. She wasn't prepared for it to move forward; she hadn't even said 'move' or 'forward.' It was thinking on its own accord! What a pleasantly disastrous surprise! Giselle closed her eyes as the thing ran forward, gaining speed so it could make it in the air... whoosh! It flew upward and Giselle let out a small cry of fear that was muffled as she found she was jolted forward into the things neck. The beat of its wings was not at all steady; she bounced around uncontrollably and it made her stomach clench into a ball of steel. This time, instead of going toward the forest like Cathy had, the thing steered toward the castle. Wonderful. Everyone can see Giselle flying like an imbecile on some monsters back. She sighed and opened her eyes, trying to look at ease as they flew past a window in the castle. If anyone was looking out... Her hair wasn't even styled. It probably looked horrible and no doubt was her eyeliner smeared.

The thing circled two times before feeling as if it should land. Giselle was clearly agitated; it should be listening to her, since she WAS the superior here. Instead, it had a mind of its own, and the worst part about it was, she was in the custody of the thing until it landed on ground. Giselle closed her eyes as the air rushed around her and its feet hit the ground with two huge thuds that almost unseated her. Giselle hung on until it went to a complete stop a few yards away from Cathy. She jumped off its back slowly, finding as soon as she hit the ground that her legs were shaky. "Bloody hell!" She said to herself. After a few steps forward, she felt like a landlubber again and was walking confidently to her twin. "Cathy, darling!" Giselle cried as she threw her arm around Cathy's shoulder. "What a wonderful creature," she pointed to the Griffin, which was now itching its flank. The hint of sarcasm made Cathy perk up an eyebrow but nothing more. "I'm glad you liked it," she said with a smile.

[Professor Rubeus Hagrid]

((This class has officially ended.))