Draco's P.O.V

The magical alarm clock sounded once again and I quickly brought my hands up to cover Astoria ears. She had already had a rough night and an uneasy rest. Professor Dumbledore came by last night and took the Boggart away along with giving Parkinson strict discipline. He was also kind enough to give Astoria the day off unfortunately I wasn't that lucky. There is nothing I want more than to lie here and snuggle Astoria all day and night, her warmth was amazing, but alas it was not meant to be. I kissed her head and slid out of bed before covering her back up. She reached her arms out as if looking for her body pillow. It broke my heart to leave but class called.

I walked into the shower and thought back to last night, Astoria's face was priceless. She looked at me with such awe and reverence most people would be freaking out if they found out their friend not only had one nonhuman ancestor but two. After getting dressed I walked out and put my my robes on and closed the door carefully, but not before conjuring a breakfast buffet for her. She didn't need the stress of being left vulnerable by going to the great hall. Blaise was nowhere to be seen of course he didn't know about the incident last night. Every time I think about it my blood burns, jealousy is sickening and petty. Well it's time to get the day started.

I walked to the Great Hall and took a seat next to Blaise, he looked up from his meal and said, "Where's Astoria?" My grip tightened on my eating utensils and I gritted my teeth and growled out, "Parkinson put a Boggart in Astoria's room last night and it shifted into a baskalisk. She couldn't reach her wand so she let out a scream fortunately I heard her and cast ridikkulus. Dumbledore came by and punished Parkinson and gave Astoria the day off." Blaise gained an angry look and said, "Oh that basic..." Snape walked by and said, "Mr. Zabini watch your language even though I must agree with you". He then walked away. My eyes fell on the clock and it was time for our first class, the care of magical creatures. Hagrid was going to teach this class. We exited the dinning hall and gathered our things including our living books that only relaxed if you stroked the spine.

We walked out of the castle and started to make our way down to the forbidden forest it was a quiet walk until Goyle bumped me out of the way. When we finally arrived Crabbe immediately got attacked by his book it was hilarious. Hagrid walked out and his voice boomed and he said, "Gather around I have a real treat for you today follow me." He walked into the forest and we followed him and the sight that was awaiting was majestic. There was a huge hippogriff standing in the middle of the class area. I recognized him it was Buckbeak one of Astoria's favorite animals, whenever she went to the forbidden forest he would always show up to protect her and liked to nuzzle her neck. He was beautiful his gray feathers were perfectly groomed and his eyes were a brilliant orange color and they shone with intelligence and pride. His wings were groomed as well and his back hooves were clipped and shaped and his front talons were cut perfectly. He truly was a magnificent creature.

Hargid cleared his throat and began the lesson and said, "This is Buckbeak and he's a hippogriff. These animals are very proud and intelligent. You should always bow when approached by one. You should never under any circumstances insult it because it will retaliate fiercely. Now who wants to be our first volunteer?" Hagrid looked around and then said, "Harry come on" Potter took a few steps forward and bowed. Buckbeak regarded him carefully before bowing and rubbing against his cheek. Potter then brought his hand up and began to stroke his feathery head and neck and then Hagrid did something unexpected he picked Harry up and plopped him on Buckbeaks back before slapping its hindquarters it then took off for a flight around the area. After they landed and Potter walked back over Buckbeak began to look around and then his eyes fell on me. He started to walk towards me and all the other Slytherins scattered. I simply bowed and smiled though Buckbeak bowed back and rubbed his cheek against mine in an affectionate way.

He then started to nuzzle my chest and Hagrid walked over surprised and said, "Malfoy you seem to know your way around magical creatures and even more surprising Buckbeak seems to adore you. He values a noble heart which no offense but Slytherins aren't exactly known for that." My tone was shy as I said, "I'm trying to be a better person Professor Hagrid and Astoria has helped me a lot she also has a way with magical animals so Buckbeak is probably just used to me."

Hagrid shook his head and said, "No Mr. Malfoy I think he sees that your a brave soul and he values your fierceness. So how about a ride?" I didn't have time to argue because Hagrid immediately picked me up and stuck me on Buckbeaks back and slapped the animals hindquarters and we were off. He flew around the castle and then skimmed the Black Lake it was such an addictive free feeling to be flying like this much more so than on a broom. We finally landed and I got off and patted Buckbeak one more time before walking over to Blaise. He clapped and said, "You tamed that hippogriff like it was nothing!" I smiled and said, "Astoria has spent a lot of time with him so he's kind of used to me. Now excuse me while I wait for my stomach to calm down" I looked up and saw Goyle swaggering over to the animal and all of a sudden he said, "Your nothing special you bloody chicken" Before any one could move Buckbeak started scratching him and trying to peck him.

Hagrid finally got him under control and picked Goyle up with ease. He was mumbling something along the lines of, "Bloody chicken my father will hear about this." Hagrid turned to us and said, "Zabini, Malfoy take Buckbeak back to his enclosure." I put my hand on Buckbeak and slipped his lead over his head and then I began to lead him to his enclosure. After we were beyond earshot of the other students Blaise let out a loud laugh and said, "That was brilliant, Goyle got owned by our fine feathers friend." My tone was serious as I said, "It's not funny Blaise. Wait let me rephrase that it is funny but the consequences won't be. He could petition to have Buckbeak executed and if that happens I will let you explain it to Astoria" I put Buckbeak back in his enclosure and placed a kiss on his neck and said, "It will be alright boy. They will fix this situation"

We returned to the castle I poked Blaise in the shoulder and said, "I'm going swing by the owl post. My mum is supposed to be sending me a letter about our Christmas plans." Blaise said, "Okay I'm heading to the library to study" My tone was full of mock surprise as I said, "You know where the library is I'm honestly surprised. Are you sure your not talking about the dinning hall" He smacked the back of my head and said, "You should go get your owl before I hex you" I walked over to the owlery and called my moms snowy owl Diamond off of her post. There was a letter tied around her leg I gently undid the string and read it.

"Dear Draco I hope your doing well. I was hoping that you would bring Ms. Greengrass with you so your father and I could get to know her better. We have gotten your letters and we are both so proud of you and your quidditch exploits. Love always Mum." Oh this was going to end badly, if my father found out the truth about Astoria it wouldn't end well. The only thing left to do now was ask Astoria how she felt about all of this insanity. I didn't have to go too far though because sure enough here she came with a letter in her hand.

I ducked behind a post and waited for her to glide by, she called her gorgeous white owl down and kissed it before tying her letter to its leg and sending it off. I slipped out from behind the post and put my arms around her waist, she was always so warm and radiant and her hair smelled of jasmine and Lily. She giggled and said, "Draco you can let go of me now" I did so and she turned to face me and said, "So what's up?" I sighed and said, "Well Goyle was attacked by Buckbeak and my mother wants you to come over for the Christmas holiday for a couple of days and tomorrow is the Hogsmead trip and I was hoping we could spend it together."

She then said, "Alright tell your parents I'm coming and of course I will spend tomorrow with you. I have to Blaise just alerted me with his wand he's being attacked by a book" She was gone that very moment off to the library to save our intrepid friend. That worked to my advantage though, I needed time to plan out my romantic attack. I wrote my mother back and now the game was on, the Slytherin princess would be my best friend and my significant other. It was only a matter of time.