- Buckbeak - Witherwings - Hippogriff -

Buckbeak, also known as Witherwings, is Hagrid's Hippogriff. Hagrid explains that hippogriffs are very calm, powerful giants, but are touchy creatures and demand respect. To touch Buckbeak, Harry bows, waits until Buckbeak agrees, and approaches, bows again and touches him. Draco Malfoy, in an attempt to touch Hagrid's pet, gets hurt and Lucius (Draco's father) condemns the hippogriff to death. He is saved by Harry and Hermione with the time-turner and they rescue Sirius Black who was being held in a tower. In Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, after Sirius' death, Harry gives Buckbeak to Hagrid with the name of Witherwings. In the end of the book, Buckbeak chases away Snape from Harry by slashing his claws. This hippogriff plays an important role in the Battle of Hogwarts by leading the Thestrals against Voldemort's giants.

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