- Hagrid's Lesson Plans for Sphinx

The class whispered to each other as they watched the sub approach them with a long list of parchment.

"Class, your teacher left me specific instructions to what we are going to learn today - gather around please, we are going to go into the forest"

The class shuffled to the substitute as they approach a sunlit clearing in the forest.

"This is Sphinx" The substitute known as Mr. Morti announced, pointing at one that was lying the sun. "A Sphinx is referred as a 'beast' instead of a 'being' even though it can talk since they are quite violent sometimes" as the substitute seem to shudder involuntary at a memory the Sphinx had sat up and stretched

"Foolish human, you think you are intelligence but you really lack the whole concept on what we are" the Sphinx had spoken to the now frozen class

"Wha- you creature." Mr. Morti whirled around to face the class. "Listen everyone, that thing is practically bred by the wizards and is made to guard places like Gringotts like guard dogs - and it is saying WE, human beings are stupid! Who agrees with me that this Sphinx does not know what it's talking about?"

A red-headed student then asked hesitantly "Bu-but my dad said they are really smart and can tell riddles"

"Mr Potte-" before Mr. Morti could get another word in Albus Potter we had spoken up was now addressed by the Sphinx.

"What is something you can catch but cannot give" the Sphinx suddenly asked, its eyes boring down at Albus

"Er..a cold?"

"Correct" the eyes seem to smile a the boy and then the Sphinx turned to the class "We, Sphinx, are native in Egypt. You humans describe us as half lion, and a bit like you humans. We are far from stupid however. My species love puzzles and riddles and my aunt was sent to the Triwizard tournament as a riddle giver to the participants"

With that sentence Albus leaned closer as the sub- Mr. Morti spluttered "Listen, you are interrupting my class. Go away before I-" But he was again interrupted. This time by the glares of the class

"As I was saying," the Sphinx said smoothly "We are quite intelligent and even Muggles know about as - as legends and in stories of course."

----

An hour later, when the ministry came to collect the Sphinx, they found the substitute- Mr. Morti curled up behind a tree muttering about 'stupid animals' under his breath we the words 'kick me' stuck on his back

It seemed like the Sphinx had gain new allies

http://hp-lexicon.org/bestiary/bestiary_s.html
http://hogwarts-experience.heavenforum.org/care-of-magical-creatures-f8/hagrid-s-lesson-plans-t7031.htm#232831

Well done on your essay - it was very interesting to read.

50 points!