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”You can’t be a hawk animagus and still be afraid of heights,” said Talbott, who was smirking slightly as you flushed red with embarrassment. Talbott had found out about your true fear after the latest Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson on boggarts. Everyone else but him had disregarded your fear of heights, as it was a common fear, but only he knew better. After class, he had taken you to the Artefact Room to confront you about it, which is where you were sitting now. ”It’s not like I can’t fly. I can still fly as a hawk,” you said. “And I’m great on a broom. Hell, I’m on the quidditch team!“ You threw up your hands in exasperation. Talbott stared with a piercing gaze. ”It’s just, well, I don’t know, being up that high as a human is terrifying. At least if I’m a bird I can fly. And in flying class and quidditch there’s always someone there. What if I fall off and I can’t transform in time? What if I can’t cast a spell fast enough? It’s so vulnerable up there.” You brought your knees to your chest and wrapped your arms around them. Talbott stared at you for a minute then looked up at the door. You glanced up to catch the gears in his head turning and a smile growing on his face. “Follow me.” He stood and grabbed your hands, helping you to your feet. You tilted your head curiously as he led you through winding halls and staircases until you finally realized where you were - the Owlery.
After flying quickly up the stairs, you and Talbott shifted back inside the spacious, hay filled, and empty room. You rolled your eyes, smirking. ”Talbott I know you like hanging out here but you don’t have to come here everyd-“ “I’m going to push you off the ledge.”
Talbott stared at you with an unexpected note of excitement in his eyes. Your eyes were filled with shock. “I’m sorry, what?” Talbott started to smile, which was a new record for him to smile this much in one day, you noted. “My mum used to do it with me. She taught me how to fly this way. She’d already taught me the basics, but I always struggled with automatic transformation. She told me I needed to trust my instincts and pushed me off the roof. Dad almost had a heart attack when he saw us. But it really does work. If you want to try it, that is.” Talbott’s smile held a tinge of forgotten nostalgia, and it was hard to resist. Your heart was pounding at the thought of jumping off and plummeting onto the hard, unforgiving ground. Your palms were warm with sweat. You couldn’t stop imagining how many things could go wrong, what if someone saw, what if you couldn’t do it, what if you-“ “MC?” You gulped and nodded, feeling your hands start to tremble. “If you really think it will help, I’ll do it.” Talbott’s small smile grew a bit more. “Alright. Come over here.“ Merlin, he was already standing at the ledge. This was going too fast. You took in a deep breath. Tightening your fists, you walked slowly towards Talbott. He took your hand to help you up onto the ledge and gave it a short squeeze of reassurance. You squeezed back with death grip, making Talbott wince slightly. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Talbott’s look of concern only made your heart beat so much faster. You had to do this. You remembered those breathing exercises Ben had taught you. In for 4. Hold for 7. Out for 8. In for 4. Hold for 7. Out for 8. You closed your eyes. ”Yes.” “Okay then. I need you to let go of my hand.“ You reluctantly opened your hand as he pried your fingers off of him. He placed his hands on your shoulders. ”Remember your instincts. You’re going to be fine.“ His soft voice tickled your ear. Your breathing was getting faster. You couldn’t do this. Who were you kidding? “3” This was crazy. You need to get down. Your heart pounded in your head. “2” No, you could do this. No, you couldn’t. “I- ” “1.” Talbott shoved you off the ledge of the Owlery and you screamed.
The wind screeches around you. Your eyes squeezed shut. Your instincts. What did he say? Something about- and, suddenly, you were sprouting wings. Your feathers furl out into the wind and everything is so much clearer now. You twirled through the air, gliding on the wind with glee and deep relief. You soared through the trees for a little bit until catching a current up back to the once terrifying ledge. You flew back in the middle of the room to a proud Talbott who was grinning at you. All you felt was pure excitement, full of thrill from conquering one of your biggest fears. Before you knew it, you collided into the Ravenclaw boy, shifting back midair. You both toppled over as you crashed onto his chest and the both of you collapsed into the haypile behind him. Groaning, Talbott began to sit up but before he could, you pinned him back down into the tightest hug you’d ever given. “Thank you!” you exclaimed. He reeled back, even flinching a bit, before he hugged you back. Warmth flowed through the both of you, before red hot waves of embarrassment hit you both as you simultaneously realized what a compromising position you were in. The two of you scrambled off the soft haypile as you blushed profusely. Talbott was still staring at the floor as he cleared his throat. “Of course. What are friends for?” You looked up at him with a smile. “You’re a good friend, Talbott.” He looked surprised, and you could have sworn you saw a pink blush. “Let’s head back. I have a feeling people are getting suspicious now.“ You grinned at him teasingly. “Race you.“ you said, before shifting and shooting out the window. A moment later, Talbott caught up with you and the two of you flew in sync until you reached the castle.