Buckbeak

Buckbeak (renamed Witherwings in 1996) is a Hippogriff. He lived with Rubeus Hagrid and many other Hippogriffs, but was later sentenced to death. After escaping execution in 1994, he came under the care of Sirius Black. After Sirius's death, Buckbeak came to be owned by Rubeus Hagrid. He participated in two battles of the Second Wizarding War. He showed great affection and loyalty to Harry, defending him whenever he is near and in danger.

1993-1994
In 1993, Rubeus Hagrid brought his first Care of Magical Creatures class to see Buckbeak, as well as other Hippogriffs. An intensely proud creature, Buckbeak was offended when Draco Malfoy insulted him, and injured the boy's arm. Malfoy's father insisted that the Hippogriff be put to death, and with his influence in the Ministry of Magic, managed to ensure that ruling. Walden Macnair came to the Hogwarts grounds to carry out the execution. However, using a Time-Turner, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger rescued Buckbeak just before he was going to be executed. They then flew on Buckbeak to save Sirius Black from Dementors. It is assumed that Buckbeak trusts Harry, Hermione, and Sirius enough that they no longer need to bow to get close to him.

Under Sirius' Ownership
Sirius then took possession of Buckbeak while both were on the run from the Ministry of Magic. Buckbeak stayed in Sirius's late mother's room at 12 Grimmauld Place.

Buckbeak appears with Sirius when he comes to talk to Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley about the Crouch family in 1994.

In 1996, Kreacher injured Buckbeak with the encouragement of Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy so that Sirius would be occupied with taking care of him when Harry tried to contact him. This ensured that Harry would believe a false vision Lord Voldemort gave to him about Sirius being tortured in the Department of Mysteries so as to lure him there, setting the stage for a battle.

Battles
After Sirius's death in battle, Albus Dumbledore told Harry that he was now the legal owner of Buckbeak, although Harry told Dumbledore that he could continue living with Hagrid. In order to protect the hippogriff's identity, Buckbeak was renamed Witherwings at this time. He joined Harry's duel with Severus Snape across the grounds in 1997 after Dumbledore's death, attacking Snape and driving him off, protecting Harry. Buckbeak survived the battle and was still in good health.

During the Battle of Hogwarts, Thestrals were seen attacking Lord Voldemort's giant soldiers from the air along with Buckbeak the hippogriff.

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
 * Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
 * Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
 * Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
 * Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
 * Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
 * Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
 * Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows