Gabe stared at the Hufflepuff girl, mind (and imagination) running over the possibilities. What were the odds of the hippogriffs feasting on someone's pet? Today was proof against any control Thompson might've had over the creatures...but would they venture closer to the castle?...And if not, what would a pet be doing out this way without its owner?

...but also...

"Hasn't there been more than a few missing pets lately? After the Peebles incident?" Toby had covered that bit of news in The Quill. So, that was really the only reason Gabe was aware. Good journalism stated that all things would be investigated before going to print...."I suppose it's worth a mention."

...and what color feathers were those? Green...Gabriel had to bend down to double check.