"Your turn, Natty."

Raven watched her friend pick up a Bewildering Can of Mystery. As soon as she popped it open, a tiny firework flew right past her face to burst into a tiny explosion of color above her head. The two girls laughed with glee. Raven hadn't expected to have so much fun on an evening out with Natty, but chatting and looking around Zonko's Joke Shop turned out to be more enjoyable than she thought. It helped that Natty was one of the few people she trusted, Poppy too.

"How exciting!" Natty said with a big smile. "I was almost afraid I would get a blast of smoke in my face as well. By the way, you still have a smudge of blue on your cheek."

She pointed to where it was on herself, allowing Raven to mirror her and clean it away with her sleeve. "Still better than getting hit with a Dungbomb." She giggled.

Unbeknownst to the girls, a pair of Slytherin boys just entered the floor below. Sebastian wanted to have fun in Hogsmeade, and as he often did, he insisted his best friend go with him. The brunet took notice of one of the advertisements on the walls that pointed upstairs.

"Look at that. They're selling love potions now." He playfully nudged Ominis. "They're probably expensive, but I'm sure a prestigious Gaunt could afford one."

"You know I'm not interested in temporary infatuation," the blind boy answered. "I want Raven's feelings to be real. I would also never force her into anything."

It actually drove Sebastian crazy to hold his tongue after what he'd learned from Raven, but he promised not to tell. "I don't know how she's not falling all over you with how much of a gentleman you've been."

Ominis chuckled at his friend's humor, at least until a voice among the noisy atmosphere caught his ear. "Is that...?"

With his wand in hand, he went straight for the stairs, moving quickly enough to force Sebastian to hurry after him. He definitely heard her more clearly now. It almost felt pathetic how fast he moved just to find her, but he couldn't help himself. All Ominis wanted was to be in her company as much as possible.

Natty suddenly noticed the Slytherins heading their way, smiling and waving at the friendly Sebastian. "What a surprise seeing you two here."

Raven's smile faltered a little when she saw Ominis. "Good evening, gentlemen. I didn't think Zonko's was your thing, Ominis."

"It normally isn't. However, Sebastian all but dragged me out here to look around." His smile was a bit forced. "And you? What brings you ladies here?"

"We were just having a bit of fun away from the castle," Natty explained. "Raven and I enjoy the occasional trips to Hogsmeade, whether we are buying anything or not."

Raven stifled a small laugh. "We do go to Gladrags a bit too often, though. We won't have a galleon left if we keep it up."

"I prefer Honeydukes myself," Sebastian added with a smile. "There's an idea. All of us should visit Honeydukes sometime."

Ominis desperately wanted to shoot the boy a glare for still trying to push him and Raven together, but a sudden clap of thunder made them all jump with fright. From the stairs a dark cloud spread, rising higher until it covered the ceiling. Violent wind swirled around it, rain poured, and crackles of lightning flashed within it. It rapidly spread, heading for the group. Sebastian and Natty preemptively cast Protego around themselves to deflect the storm. Just before Raven could snatch her wand, Ominis's arm went around her waist, pulling her against him. He used the Shield Charm as well, protecting the two of them. The blind boy knew Raven was capable of shielding herself, but he acted purely on instinct.

"Seems someone opened a Tempest in a Bottle!" he shouted above the howling wind and boom of thunder.

Raven was too flustered to even comprehend what was happening. Her body was pressed against his with her hands resting on his chest. His arm held her firmly yet gently by the waist. And despite the situation, she couldn't stop staring at his handsome face. She was relieved that he couldn't see her blush.

"Let's get out of here!" Sebastian yelled to them.

Raven was finally snapped out of her trance. With Ominis keeping the shield up, his other hand stayed planted around her as he ushered her down and out of the shop behind the others. Only once they were out did they lower their shields, and Raven swiftly peeled herself away from Ominis's hold.

"Oh, forgive me, Raven," he suddenly apologized when he felt her warmth leave him. "I acted without thinking. You didn't need me to protect you."

"It's all right," she told him, unable to find fault with his actions. He'd been respectful of the distance she put between them, so she knew he wasn't purposefully compromising that. "Thank you for shielding me. You really are just too kind a person sometimes."

"And that will be the last time you get your grubby hands on my wares!" The group turned their attention to the owner of Zonko's, completely drenched, tossing a Gryffindor boy out the door. "There are certain products that are set out to try! If it's in a package or a sealed up bottle, do not open it!" The student scurried off and the man angrily slammed the door shut.

"That was quite the eventful evening," Natty laughed, lightening the mood. "Perhaps we should call it a night."

Raven hurriedly nodded. "Agreed."

Ominis started to reach toward the girl again, barely brushing her arm before she stepped back away from him. "If you'd like, we could go and-"

"No," she interrupted. "No, thank you. Natty and I should be going. Have a good evening."

Taking the Gryffindor by the arm, Raven pulled her along, leaving the boys behind. "I will never understand why you do that." Natty said once they were out of earshot.

"Do what?"

"Push Ominis away like that. He has been trying to court you for weeks now."

Raven sighed. "I don't want to talk about this. Believe me, it's better this way."

Natty pursed her lips in frustration, deciding it was best not to press the issue. She had seen how Ominis treated Raven, and she always gazed at him so affectionately in return. But she simply couldn't wrap her head around Raven's motive for shutting him out. Natty wasn't able to dwell on it though, for on their way, they passed a couple of wizards in an alley. Their voices were quiet, but still loud enough for the girls to overhear.

"Can't wait to skin those Hippogriffs."

Raven pulled Natty aside where they could eavesdrop around the corner.

"Don't forget why we're here. We still need to dig up where that Unicorn is hiding. Imagine the horn on that beast. It'll be worth every galleon."

"Let's get to work, then. As soon as we get back to Falbarton Castle, I'm going to pluck every feather off that white Hippogriff. That thing nearly took my arm off."

Raven placed a hand over her mouth to stifle the gasp that left her. The two men left in the opposite direction.

"More of those treacherous poachers," Natty uttered. "Hippogriffs and Unicorns are not easy targets. But still these awful people go out of their way to hunt them."

"Were they talking about Highwing?" Raven said aloud, earning a confused look from her friend. "Highwing's a white Hippogriff Poppy introduced me to. If poachers have caught her, then..." She clenched her fists. "No. I can't let that happen. I have to save Highwing and all the innocent beasts that have fallen victim to them."

Natty couldn't help but smile. "You sound like Poppy, and that is not a bad thing. I want these poachers stopped as much as anyone else. So if you want to free your Hippogriff friend, then I am coming with you."

Raven was a little surprised by her willingness to help. "Are you certain, Natty? We might have to fight."

"All the more reason I join you. If those two are to be believed, then we have no time to lose. They will soon return to kill the captive beasts. Falbarton is an old place off to the east. We can ambush them. They will not expect students to find them."

"Then lead the way."

The two girls left Hogsmeade in a hurry. Only once the village was far from sight did they assume their animal forms. Natty galloped gracefully through the fields and forests, swift and agile in the form of a gazelle. Raven flew overhead, following her friend from the air. She was a great flier, easily able to watch Natty's movements while avoiding tree limbs. It wasn't an especially long trip to get there, not for a pair of Animagi. They changed back and hid behind bushes once they arrived. Silver light of the moon lit up the dark, foreboding castle. It was old and worn. If it weren't for the visible silhouettes of humans patrolling the walls, Raven would've believed it abandoned.

"So that's it?" she asked. "Looks ghastly enough."

"We should figure out a plan."

"There's no time. I can fly up and open the gate for you, but after that, you'd better be ready to fight."

Natty looked shocked. "That is crazy! You mean to fight all of those poachers and Dark wizards at once?"

"I do. Call me reckless, but I can handle myself. I will do anything to protect those helpless beasts." Raven raised a brow at her. "Are you with me or not?"

Natty saw the determination in her eyes, slowly nodding. "I am with you. Let us go."

Raven transformed and flew up around the gate, scoping out the area before swooping inside. There was a wizard watching over the gate's controls. Being stealthy, the girl changed and caught him off guard.

"Petrificus Totalus."

In an instant, he was frozen stiff on the floor. It took Raven a moment to figure out exactly how the gate worked, but once she understood it, a spell had it open in no time. A commotion outside and below had her changing long enough to fly out, meeting with Natty in the middle of the courtyard where witches and wizards in masks surrounded them.

"Two little students decided to break into our keep, eh? That takes guts."

"But unfortunately for you two, this old castle is the last thing you'll see."

Raven cast Confringo on the witch that last spoke, blasting her back and setting her clothes ablaze. "Enough talking! You're about to see what these students can do!"

A fight broke out. Natty stayed close to Raven, shooting off spells while covering for her friend's blind spots. She had to admit, Raven was skilled. She consistently blocked and countered attacks, using all manner of charms to her advantage. Those poachers couldn't even touch her. It was almost unreal. But as amazing as she was, she wasn't perfect.

"Petrificus Totalus!" a Dark witch shouted.

Raven used Protego in hopes of blocking the spell, but the basic Shield Charm wasn't enough. The spell shattered her shield and hit the girl. She went stiff, frozen in place before she fell back on the ground. Natty sent the culprit flying with Depulso before running to her aid.

"Raven!"

An all too familiar burning sensation rose up within Raven. She would normally try to suppress it, but this time, she let it take over. Her whole body was coursing with magic, and breaking out of her petrification, she screamed in agony as red swirls of magic crackled and flowed around her.

"Natty...stay...back!" she warned, her eyes giving off a crimson glow.

Natty backed off, alarmed by what she was seeing. Raven slowly got up, struggling to stand. She looked downright terrifying. Even some of the enemies looked frightened. Raising her wand and gripping it tight, Raven tried her best to breathe and focus through her pain enough to release the magic inside her. All at once, the red swirls became a wave that pushed out around her. Every enemy it touched was petrified and fell to the ground. Natty ran, just barely avoiding the magic by ducking behind some boxes. Once it stopped, everything went quiet. Natty took a peek to see Raven standing there, panting. The strange magic no longer emanated from her. She did, however, look exhausted.

"What in the world was that?!" the Gryffindor cried, emerging from her hiding spot. She looked at the fallen foes around them. "What did you do to them?!"

"Just whatever they tried to do to me," Raven answered, managing to straighten her posture. She went over to the very witch that cast the spell on her, finding her as paralyzed as the rest. "They got what they deserved." She lightly nudged the woman with her foot. "Vile vermin, all of them." When she looked at Natty, her anger faded upon seeing her friend looking almost fearful of her. "I'm sorry, Natty. I...I went too far, I know. It's this cursed magic. It's difficult to control. But please, you mustn't speak of this to anyone."

Slowly, Natty reached out to rest her hand on the Slytherin's shoulder. "It is all right, my friend. This strange magic you possess will remain safe with me. And you are right. These horrible people got what they deserved."

A cloud of purple smoke flew through the air and into view, signaling that reinforcements were on the way. "There's no time to discuss this further," Raven said. "Let's hurry. The beasts must be held inside the keep."

The two girls made a run for it, already hearing the arrival of more poachers and Dark Wizards behind them. "What is all this?!" one wizard yelled.

"The whole gang's been petrified!"

"After those kids! Don't let them into the keep!"

They were already inside before the poachers could stop them. Raven paused long enough to cast Bombarda on the ceiling above the entrance, causing rubble to fall and block the door.

"Quick thinking," Natty complimented. "That gives us time to get a head start." They began their ascent, climbing stairs and walking the halls. "By the way, I really am impressed by that magic you used. It was unlike anything I had ever seen."

"Yeah, well, it's not usually so helpful," Raven replied, hiding her discomfort. "This stupid curse or whatever it is has done more harm than good." Raven slowed to stop at a prison cell door. Inside were small critters scrambling about. "Captive beasts. Mooncalves and a Niffler. They look terrified, poor things. Alohomora."

She unlocked the door and went inside. Using her nab-sack, she captured all the beasts, tucking them safely away for the time being. Then, she continued her trek with Natty toward the top of the castle. It wasn't until they reached the roof that they found Highwing, her legs in chains. There was another Hippogriff laying next to her, solid black with piercing blue eyes. Highwing perked up upon seeing Raven, giving a delighted chirp. Several shouts and loud footsteps sounded behind them, alerting them to their pursuers catching up.

"Hurry, Natty!" Both beasts got up, and Raven wasted no time in climbing on Highwing's back. "Alohomora!"

Natty was hesitant, and the black Hippogriff was already sprinting for the edge of the roof with his wings spread. Poachers appeared in the doorway, prompting Highwing to run, too. Spells were cast at them, but luckily they all missed their marks. Natty found her shoulders firmly in Highwing's talons, and her feet left the ground when they took off. Highwing caught up to her fellow Hippogriff, dropping the girl onto his back. He didn't seem to care, for freedom was at the forefront of his mind. Once they were out of range and leaving Falbarton behind, the girls started laughing.

"That was brilliant!" Natty said. "And look at us! We are riding Hippogriffs!"

"If only Poppy could see us!" Raven called over the wind rushing past her. "Be sure to send her an owl to let her know Highwing is with me! I'll keep her safe!"

"I will! She will be so relieved!"

They took in the night scenery, watching the train pass below them on their way back toward the castle. Finally, they landed in a clearing not far from Hogwarts. Climbing off the beasts, Raven pulled them into her nab-sack with the other rescued creatures. They'd all be safe in her vivariums and far from the poachers' reach.

"Raven, I have been wondering since we escaped...with that cursed magic of yours, do you not fear the poachers may come to recognize and target you?"

There was a fire in Raven's eyes. "Maybe a little. But I don't care. I've never seen an area with so many poachers running amok. I can't...no, I won't sit idly by while they torture these beasts."

"I am with you all the way, of course. I am certain Poppy will be, too. But I guess I am just a bit worried. We did a good thing tonight, but at the price of placing a target on your back. With such a powerful curse, Dark wizards might come after you."

"Wouldn't be the first time," the Slytherin muttered under her breath, clearing her throat when Natty raised an inquisitive brow. "I'll be fine. I can handle myself. And I'll let you know if I ever need help."

Natty smiled and nodded. "That is all I am asking for." She turned her gaze to the school. "It has been a long night. We deserve a good night's rest."

Raven started to follow her but paused to look down at her hands. She doubted her own words, for she did fear what could happen should she make her presence there known. But rescuing beasts was more important to her, so she would bury those misgivings in order to help. She followed her friend with the lingering reminder that she had to be careful with her curse going forward.