Ian was now as close to the murderous beast as he was comfortable. His breathing was a little shallower and faster, but he was doing his best to show no fear. He stared the steely-eyed beasty down. NO BLINKING, he kept reminding himself.

As he stood there, he decided it was time. Slowly lowering his upper torso, much in the form of a martial artist, facing off against his foe, Ian bent at the waist, eyes remaining on the hippogryff and bowed. He didn't bow too low. He didn't want to start looking at the ground and taking his eyes off the creature. He just bowed. He waited...he paused and he watched for the slightest flinch from hoof or beak, prepared to run like a schoolgirl after her favorite wizarding boy-band. No death for Ian today. So far, so good.