The Buckbeak Subplot: Trial and Rescue

The story of Hagrid's Hippogriff, from its attack on Malfoy to its near-execution and eventual rescue by Harry and Hermione.

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Hippogriff attack on Malfoy

The First Lesson Hagrid's Ambition Hagrid, newly appointed Care of Magical Creatures teacher, introduces the class to Hippogriffs. He explains they are proud creatures and must be approached with respect. Harry successfully bows to Buckbeak and even rides him. But Malfoy deliberately insults Buckbeak, calling him an ugly brute. The Attack Buckbeak slashes Malfoy's arm with his talons. Malfoy screams and exaggerates the injury, claiming he is dying. Hagrid is devastated. The class is in chaos, and Malfoy is taken to the hospital wing. The Slytherins demand Hagrid's dismissal. The Aftermath Malfoy's father, Lucius Malfoy, files a complaint with the school governors. Hagrid is informed that Buckbeak's case will be reviewed by the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. Hagrid's confidence is shattered, and he starts teaching flobberworms, much to everyone's boredom.

Buckbeak's hearing and death sentence

The Verdict The Committee's Decision Hagrid receives a letter from the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, stating that an appeal will be held. Despite Hermione's research, the Committee, influenced by Lucius Malfoy, rules against Buckbeak. The execution is scheduled for sunset on the day of the Quidditch final. Hagrid's Despair Hagrid is heartbroken. He tells Harry, Ron, and Hermione that he cannot bear to lose Buckbeak. He also fears returning to Azkaban, having been there before. The trio promises to help, but they are distracted by the Quidditch Cup and Sirius Black. The Final Hour On the day of the execution, Harry, Ron, and Hermione visit Hagrid. They find Buckbeak tethered in the pumpkin patch. The execution party arrives, including the executioner Walden Macnair. Hagrid is forced to say goodbye. The trio leaves under the Invisibility Cloak, but they hear the axe fall, believing Buckbeak is dead.

Rescue using the Time-Turner

The Secret Rescue Dumbledore's Instructions After the confrontation in the Shrieking Shack, Dumbledore gives Harry and Hermione the Time-Turner. He tells them to go back three hours and save Sirius and Buckbeak. They must not be seen by their past selves. Freeing Buckbeak Harry and Hermione hide in the forest and watch the execution party enter Hagrid's hut. As the reading of the sentence begins, Harry sneaks out and unties Buckbeak. The Hippogriff is reluctant, but Harry leads him into the forest. The executioners find the rope empty and assume the beast escaped. The Flight to the Tower After the past events unfold, Harry and Hermione bring Buckbeak to the lake. They then fly Buckbeak up to the window of Flitwick's office, where Sirius is imprisoned. Sirius climbs onto Buckbeak, and they escape into the night. The rescue is a success, and Buckbeak is free at last.

First Care of Magical Creatures lesson, September

Spring, before Easter

Same evening, when the execution takes place