“What is it you wanted to show me?”
“Quite the weather we’re having, don’t you think?”
Oh, for the love of—, Raven groaned. “Poppy…”
The path was decorated in amber, saffron, and fiery crimson with autumn nearly in full bloom. Poppy led them down the far edge of the castle grounds, her steps nearly bouncing with excitement. Raven followed more cautiously, senses sharp as ever. She wasn’t taking any chances being somewhat far from the castle.
They reached a clearing where sunlight pierced the treetops, casting everything in a warm golden glow.
“Ok, we’re here,” the Hufflepuff announced.
Raven scanned the trees, “here for what?”
“You’ll see!” Poppy lifted two fingers to her lips and whistled sharply. Raven frowned. Before she could ask, a sudden gust swept overhead… wings. Rhythmic and heavy. She looked up to see a majestic creature swooping into view. Their wings catching the light like molten silver. Raven gasped, instinctively stepping back as the hippogriff landed with a thud, scattering leaves around them like confetti.
“Highwing!” Poppy beamed. The creature folded her wings trotting forward nuzzling Poppy’s shoulder affectionately. She laughed and stroked the feathers behind Highwing’s neck. “Good girl, I missed you too.”
Raven stood frozen, heart pounding. She’d read about hippogriffs, but none of it compared to the living, breathing wonder before her. Watching tiny Poppy beside something so colossal was calming and surreal.
Poppy turned, spotting Raven’s wide-eyed awe, “don’t worry, she won’t harm you. She’s quite gentle.”
“She’s… beautiful,” Raven murmured.
“C’mon, introduce yourself. But show proper courtesy; Hippogriffs expect it.”
“I’m going to do what now?” Raven’s breath caught as Highwing turned her piercing amber gaze onto her. The weight of her attention was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Poppy chuckled and nudged her gently. “You heard me, just bow low and hold still. She’ll understand.”
Raven twisted her braid stepping forward. Highwing kicked at the dirt, lifting her head like she knew exactly what was happening. C’mon woman, you’ve faced trolls. Don’t wimp out now. She bent low at the waist and held her breath. The wind rustled overhead. Her heartbeat thudded so loudly she was sure Highwing could hear it.
Then, gracefully, Highwing inclined her head in return, the motion elegant and deliberate. Raven lifted her gaze, “she bowed back,” she whispered, breathless.
“Aha, I knew it! I don’t think I’ve ever seen her take to someone this quickly.” Poppy jumped squealing with excitement.
🔗Traces of Lilacs links in my bio🔗
