Classes with Hagrid are outdoors. I don't mind it. I love the wind blowing my hair away from my face and the sun peppering my skin in warm kisses. My skirt flittered in the breeze, almost giving my legs a chill. Harry's eyes appeared more vibrant in the daylight, and his overall stance seemed more relaxed.
The group seemed to walk together through the field collectively. I spotted Draco and his friends snickering about something. I bet it was about how they thought this class was going to be a total flop. Draco mentioned that Hagrid was a big "oaf" and shouldn't be teaching classes with "wild beasts." I don't believe it for a minute. From the one interaction I've had with Hagrid, he seems like the guy that wouldn't dare hurt a ladybug.
The rest of the class seemed to be quite nervous about this class. Many of the students got some sticky tape to hold down their books. I know I've never tried to open mine since I saw Draco get bitten by his book. You heard me right; the book bit Draco. Everyone seemed to be speculating about what Hagrid had up his sleeves today. Everyone but Ron and Hermione. Apparently, during the 5 minutes we went from Potions to the field, Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, supposedly ate Scabbers. I think Ron just misplaced him as he did with his Potions textbook.
"C'mon, now, get a move on!" Hagrid called as the class approached. "Got a real treat for yeh today! Great lesson comin' up! Everyone here? Right, follow me!"
Hagrid let everyone settle down in front of a patch of trees that seemed too ordinary, even for Hagrid.
"Right now, firs' thing yeh'll want ter do is open yer books."
"How do you expect us to do that?" Draco asked. I didn't even have to turn around to know it was him. "I've almost lost an arm trying to open this book." He nearly spat at Hagrid.
"Yeh've got ter stroke'em, " Hagrid said as he snatched up Hermione's book and demonstrated. That made no sense, but so much sense at the same time.
A mousey-looking boy tried opening and stroking his book but ended up getting attacked. I rushed over to see if he needed help and to glare at Draco, who was trying not to pee himself from laughing.
"Here, I'll help you up, " I said as I gave him my hand to lift himself. "Here, you gotta stroke the book like this, " I demonstrated.
His hazel eyes widened as he saw my face, "Thanks, " he said as he stepped back from me. Oh God, does he know who I am already? How??
"You're a Drayton, aren't you?" he quivered. "Your name was called out during the Sorting, and you're the only one with purple hair."
Damn me and my experiments. "Yeah, it's Christina Drayton. I'm sorry about your parents..."
There was silence between us for a while until he said, "Thanks. I'm sorry about your dad."
He was such a sweet boy. I can see myself being terrific friends with him.
"Thanks, Neville, " I said with a smile.
He gave me a small smile and a look that told me all I needed to be said. We would be okay. I gave him one last smile, dimples and all, and walked back to Ron.
"Did you manage to open up your book Ron? I'll do it for you if you want. I think they like me."
Ron looked at me with a joyed look, "Yes, please, Christina! I couldn't get this book open, and Hermione won't open it for me."
Hermione spoke up, "Well, that's because you blamed Crookshanks for eating the ugly rat you LOST!"
Harry gave the both of them a look, and they stopped for now and turned to face Hagrid.
