Serpentine Hearts

5-Harry

For years, Harry had been able to see Thestrals—mysterious, skeletal beings with wings like bats, visible only to those who had witnessed death and understood its significance. It was a gift—or perhaps a curse—that Harry had inherited after the tragic loss of his parents and the countless battles he had fought in the war against Voldemort.

To most, Thestrals were creatures of darkness and death, their skeletal forms and haunting appearance instilling fear and unease. But to Harry, there was a beauty in their otherworldly presence—a beauty that spoke of the mysteries of life and death, of the cycle of renewal and rebirth that echoed through the ages.

Beside him, Hermione watched with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, her eyes wide with awe. She had never had never seen the majestic creatures before, "They're... beautiful," she murmured, her voice tinged with wonder.

Harry nodded in agreement, his gaze never wavering from the graceful creatures before him. "Yeah," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. "They are."

He watched as, Hermione stepped forward, taking a deep breath her gaze fixed on the creature before her. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for reminding me that I'm not alone."
As he watched the Thestrals glide effortlessly through the forest canopy, their wings beating against the night sky, Harry felt a sense of peace wash over him—a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was beauty to be found in the world around him. It was a beauty that transcended the boundaries of fear and uncertainty, a beauty that spoke of the resilience of life and the enduring power of hope.

And yet, amidst the sadness and the pain, there was a glimmer of hope—a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was light to be found. As Harry watched the Thestrals take flight, their wings beating against the night sky, he found solace in the knowledge that he was not alone—that he had friends who stood by his side, ready to offer comfort and support in the face of adversity.

With Hermione's hand clasped firmly in his own they began to make their way towards Hagrid, ready to begin their first lesson since coming back.

"Now, listen up, class!" Hagrid boomed, his voice echoing through the forest. "Today, we're goin' to be learnin' about Thestrals—creatures o' great mystery and wisdom."

The students watched with rapt attention as Hagrid approached one of the Thestrals, his massive frame dwarfed by the creature's imposing presence. With a gentle touch, he stroked the Thestral's flank, his expression one of reverence and respect.

"These 'ere are Thestrals," Hagrid explained, his voice softer now, almost reverent. "Invisible to most, they are. Only those who've witnessed death and truly understand its meanin' can see 'em."

The students exchanged curious glances, their interest piqued by Hagrid's words. Neville raised his hand, his expression eager with curiosity.

"Yes, Neville?" Hagrid prompted a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"What do Thestrals eat?" Neville asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Hagrid chuckled, his beard twitching with amusement. "Ah, good question, Neville! Thestrals are carnivorous creatures, they are. They feed on small animals and carrion, though they're not above catchin' a fish or two if they're feelin' peckish."

As Hagrid continued his lesson, the students listened intently, absorbing every word with eager enthusiasm, Harry's gaze wondered

Standing amidst the towering trees, his attention was once again wholly captivated by the figure of Draco Malfoy.

As Draco confidently approached one of the magical creatures—an elusive Thestral—Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of awe wash over him. There was a gracefulness to Draco's movements, a quiet confidence that seemed to resonate with the creatures around him. It was as if Draco possessed a natural affinity for magical creatures, a connection that transcended the boundaries of Hogwarts and the confines of their tumultuous past.