What should have been an ordinary, boring class of History of Magic was filled with whispers and murmurs. Professor Binns rambled on about the lesson, unaware of his dull words falling on deaf ears. Raven was trying her hardest to stay conscious, the urge to rest her eyes tempting her the longer the class dragged on. But Ominis who sat next to her - his keen hearing allowed him to discreetly listen in on the classmates piquing his interest.

"I wish I'd been there," a girl muttered. "I can only imagine what a show it must've been. And it probably gave those poachers a good scare since the Ministry isn't doing anything about it."

"Leave it to Raven to act so bravely. She's absolutely brilliant." Ominis scowled when he recognized Leander's voice. He didn't like how often that boy talked about Raven. "I'd love to join her, if I'm honest. Imagine how much you could learn from her."

Those kinds of conversations continued throughout class. It made Ominis overly anxious. If those rumors and tall tales were at all true, then it meant Raven was, in fact, going up against poachers and Dark wizards. The very idea put him on edge, making him fear for her safety. After what seemed like an eternity of drowning out Binns and sorting through his rampant thoughts, History of Magic Class was dismissed. The blind boy was quick to find Raven's arm, snatching her wrist as soon as they stood from their seats.

"What is it, Ominis?" she asked, noting the slightly distressed expression he wore.

"I would like to speak with you. Privately."

"Oh, all right." She'd barely gotten the words out before her friend was guiding her out of the classroom. He was moving rather briskly, tugging her along while his wand led him. "Wait, where are we going?"

"You'll see."

Raven watched the North Hall and Transfiguration Courtyard pass by, and before she knew it, they were in the Defense Against the Dark Arts Tower. Ominis took her up a few flights of stairs. She almost thought he was taking her to Professor Hecat's classroom, for they were heading toward it. But the boy stopped suddenly at the bottom of the steps. He seemed to silently listen for any footsteps while his wand scouted the area for him. Classes just finished for the day, so most places were vacant due to many attending dinner in the Great Hall. It was no different there.

"Coast is clear," Ominis uttered, mostly to himself.

He pulled the girl along, instead of going up the stairs, he turned and went down to the dead end corridor underneath. There was a large, odd device hidden just out of sight. It seemed to be some sort of clock with multiple faces. One had the time, but others had lunar cycles and whatnot. With a wave of his wand, the clocks began spinning at high speed until the whole thing clicked. The front of the clock opened like a door, revealing a dark staircase within. Raven was in awe, letting the blind boy lead her down the spiraling stairs until they reached an iron gate that opened at his command. Raven found herself in a large room. Random junk was piled in the corners, but the numerous candles around the pillars and the hanging candelabras gave the place a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It reminded her of the Room of Requirement.

"What is this place?"

Ominis released her wrist, allowing her to take a look around. He could hear her spinning in circles to take in everything. "This is the Undercroft. My older brother told me of it when I got accepted. It's a well kept secret among my family. Not even the professors know of it. Sebastian, his sister and I are the only ones who know of this place, and now you do as well. I trust you'll tell no one else about this."

Raven paused to look at him, smiling. "I won't, I promise. Believe me, I know how to keep things to myself. But what exactly is so important that we had to come here to talk?"

Ominis's lips turned down in a slight frown. "You should know why." He went over to her, the disapproval on his face almost intimidating. "There are rumors going around about your little escapades. People are saying you've been out taking down poachers in your spare time. Is this true? And don't lie to me."

Raven lifted her head to stare up at the taller boy in front of her. "It is. Most of it's true. A few people have…stretched the truth a little."

"Raven, you can't go out seeking trouble like that," he scolded with a sigh. "If our professors learn of this, you could get expelled."

"I know, Ominis, and I don't care."

"You should care!" Ominis's hand found her shoulder, lightly pushing her back against a pillar. "What would your parents think?! You could ruin your entire future! Not to mention the danger of dealing with such individuals!"

"You don't have to lecture me! I know all the risks! But you really expect me to stand by and do nothing while innocent beasts are slaughtered?! That would go against everything I stand for! And by the way, my father would be proud that I'm rescuing all those creatures!"

"But not like this!" The boy sighed again, his hold on her shoulder loosening. "Raven, I just want you to stay out of harm's way. Please."

Raven's expression softened. "I appreciate your concern, but I can't do as you ask." His hand slid from her shoulder to her neck where he caressed her skin. But she lightly swatted his hand away. "And your attempts at courting me won't change my mind. You're better off perishing the thought."

"What have I just walked into?"

The gate slid open and in strolled Sebastian, having overheard bits of their conversation.

Ominis took a step back, turning his head slightly with a frustrated exhale. "It's nothing, Sebastian. We were only talking."

"You wouldn't have brought her to the Undercroft just to talk," the freckled boy pointed out. "You're worried sick about all the rumors about her. I get it. But you can't stop her."

Raven brushed past Ominis with a satisfied smirk. "Thank you."

She was heading for the exit, at least until Sebastian moved in front of her, stopping her in her tracks. "But you also can't keep pushing away those you care about just because you're scared of your curse."

Ominis spun to face them, raising a brow. "Curse? What curse? What is he talking about, Raven?"

The girl was tempted to dart past Sebastian and leave immediately, but the boy took her by the arms and turned her back around to face his friend. "Tell him. All you're doing is causing more problems if you don't."

Raven took a moment to think, staring straight at Ominis. Upon seeing the confusion and hurt on his face, she knew she couldn't keep running from this. Sebastian was right. In defeat, she went back over to the blond.

"Listen, Ominis, I…I'm truly sorry for not talking to you from the start. It's hard for me to discuss, but…" She could tell he was listening attentively. "I think I'm cursed or something. I don't really know. There's this…Dark magic inside me. Sometimes it's difficult to control. The fewer people know about it, the better, at least until I find some sort of answers." Saying all that felt surprisingly freeing, as if it had been weighing her down.

Ominis's brows were raised in astonishment. "So all this time, I thought I had done something wrong. In truth, you believed it best to remain at a distance. I'll be honest, I'm a bit relieved that you don't hate me."

Raven gasped softly, her hands reaching up to the sides of his face. "No. I could never hate you. I'm so sorry I gave you that impression."

"It's all right. I'm just glad to finally understand." The boy smiled, taking her hands in his own. "You know, this only means I'm even more against your little adventures."

Raven slipped her hands out of his, defiant. "And you should know that I'm going to do what I want."

"Why don't we join you on your next big adventure?" The pair both turned their attention to Sebastian. "You know I don't mind breaking a few rules now and again. And since Ominis is so concerned, he can see for himself that you can handle yourself." She could tell by the twinkle in his eyes that he just wanted an excuse to get out of the castle.

Ominis nodded, although he did look a tad uncomfortable with the entire thing. “I suppose…that would be a start to finding some sort of compromise.”

"Fine by me. We leave in an hour." Raven's response shocked them. "We've got a job tonight."

"So soon?" Ominis asked. "Just how often do you do this?"

"As often as I need to put a stop to these poachers. Listen, I have reason to believe there's a poacher camp in the Forbidden Forest in possession of a Unicorn. A witch in Hogsmeade introduced me to the beautiful beast. But we haven't seen her in a couple of days. The kind woman informed me that poachers were seen around the forest, where Hazel the Unicorn lives."

"So you think they captured this Unicorn friend of yours?" Sebastian questioned.

"I do."

Ominis couldn't help but chuckle. "So this is why you and Poppy have grown so close as friends. Only for you, Raven, am I willing to face poachers. Let's meet outside the castle after curfew.”

Although he didn't really like the idea, Ominis wasn't backing down when his friends would be facing poachers. It was through Raven that he grew a bit of a soft spot for animals, after all, so in a way, he did understand her desire to rescue the defenseless creatures. And so the trio split up for the time being. Raven was unsure whether bringing them was a good idea, but it was the only way to get Ominis off her back about the beast rescues. She knew what she was doing. She wasn't an inexperienced child. And she was willing to prove it.

~~~~~

Ominis's ears were on high alert. Other than the occasional rustle of leaves from Sebastian's pacing, the Forbidden Forest was eerily quiet. He was starting to regret agreeing to this. Those woods were off limits for a reason. There was no telling what dangers might be lurking about. Dangerous people, vicious beasts, deadly plants, there were even warnings about forest trolls.

"I'm starting to think this was a bad idea," he muttered.

Sebastian stopped his pacing, able to clearly hear his friend in the silence. "Don't be such a worrywart, Ominis. Raven will be back any second now."

"That's not what concerns me. We could be walking headlong into danger. What if these poachers know we're coming for them? Raven has been setting their quarry free for weeks now. Won't they be expecting us?"

The brunet hummed. "I'd normally be the one to argue with you, but you could be right about that."

A croaking caw sounded from one of the trees above them. Sebastian looked up to spot the black bird. She flew down to transform in front of the boys. Raven crossed her arms and gave a disapproving frown.

"You boys take me for a fool. You think I didn't plan for the possibility of a trap?"

"No, that's not what we meant," Ominis explained. "We're just apprehensive. Sebastian and I haven't gone out of our way to take down poachers like you have." He shook his head, deciding it best to change the subject. "Did you find them?"

"Their camp is just past the hill up ahead," Raven told them. "And I was correct. They have Hazel."

"I presume you have a plan," Sebastian said.

"I do indeed. We're going for a stealthy approach. This group doesn't have any guard mongrels, so if we stay quiet and out of sight, we should be fine. We just need to grab the key and free Hazel. Then we need only fight our way out. Any questions?"

"I'm guessing the lock on the cage has an Anti-Alohomora charm on it?" Ominis guessed.

"We can assume so. The past few camps I raided started using charms to keep me from freeing the beasts. I don't doubt these ones have taken the same precautions."

"And how will we get the key exactly?" Sebastian asked. "Need me to cause a distraction for you?"

"No, I've got someone else in mind for handling the key situation. Let's not waste any more time."

With Raven leading the way, they traversed the dark forest, ducking down once they heard voices. Casting Disillusionment, the trio crept closer and stayed behind bushes and rocks to keep from being noticed. Once they were tucked behind some boxes, they peeked out at the wizards. There were four of them and two small tents where they kept their belongings. A large cage housed the pristine white horse. Hazel was laying inside, trembling with fear with her head hanging low. The poor Unicorn was terrified. The poachers were occupied with a conversation around a dimly lit fire. Raven wrinkled her nose in disgust upon hearing them discuss all the valuable parts of Hazel that could be sold.

"What's your brilliant plan for nabbing the key?" Sebastian whispered, pointing to one of the men. The key was dangling from his pocket.

Raven's nab-sack appeared in her hands. She opened it and reached inside. When she felt the fingers grab onto her hand, she pulled the little critter from the bag. Sebastian was left gawking at the furry blue beast.

"You've got to be kidding me. A Niffler is your plan?"

"Don't underestimate my way with creatures. Sticky here has been training for this." The beast chittered in agreement.

Ominis cracked a smile despite how anxious that plan of hers made him. "Sticky? Because he has sticky fingers? Brilliant. Well then, let's see what your Niffler can do."

Raven smiled. "All right, Sticky, get that bright, shiny key for us."

She faced him in the direction of the poachers. She knew he had his sights on the target when his dark eyes seemingly lit up. Letting the Niffler go, he discreetly scurried closer. Sticky went completely unseen as he skulked up behind the poacher. He nabbed the key and tucked it into his pouch. Raven was a little concerned when he didn't come right back to her, but instead poked his curious head into the nearest pocket.

"Sticky, no!" Raven called in a hushed voice. "Come here! Sticky!"

Sticky looked at her, then back at the man's pocket. The temptation was too great, and the Niffler dug his hand right in to find a galleon. He went in for more, but that's when the poacher finally felt the gold sliding out of his pocket.

"What the-" He jumped up, causing Sticky to tumble back. "Pilfering little rat!"

Sticky made a run for it, dodging a couple of spells sent his way. Raven leapt out of her hiding spot, casting Bombarda to scatter the wizards. Sebastian and Ominis joined her, their wands at the ready.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the thieving little girl that's been freeing all our beasts," one man said. "Brought some friends, have you?"

Another one laughed. "Doesn't matter. You stepped right into our trap."

One of the poachers appeared to be skilled in the Dark Arts, for he uttered an incantation that summoned Inferi from the earth around him. Raven was taken aback by the ghastly creatures.

"Inferi… Only wicked people would create such abominations! You're all monsters!"

Sebastian remained firm where he stood, hiding his own horror. "Focus, Raven. I've read about these things. They're only vulnerable to fire."

"Good thing we've been practicing such spells," Ominis added. "Raven, free the Unicorn. We'll keep them busy."

"I owe you two."

With that, she retreated to find Sticky. The Niffler was hiding in one of the tents. Raven scooped him up and dug into his pouch, fishing out the key before putting the little beast safely back in her nab-sack. Key in hand, she started heading for Hazel, who was now on her feet and stomping her hooves in fright. Raven did take a moment to watch her friends. They were both more talented than she gave them credit for. Ominis, despite his lack of vision, blocked and dodged attacks while firing back. He used Confringo to burn the Inferi, as did Sebastian. They worked almost in unison like a perfect duo. She had to force her focus away from the brave and dashing blond in order to rush to her Unicorn friend's aid.

"It's all right, Hazel," she cooed, unlocking the cage in a hurry. "I'm here. Easy, girl."

Gently, she touched the horse's nose, calming the nervous animal. Taking her nab-sack, she pulled Hazel in for safekeeping. She couldn't help but smile out of pure relief. The Unicorn was safe.

"Raven, look out!"

The girl spun around upon hearing Sebastian's warning. An Inferius was shambling toward her. Upon the boy's earlier information, she used Incendio to burn the horrid creature. But it almost immediately retaliated, rushing toward her with its claws raised. She was about to conjure a shield, but Ominis darted in front of her and made one before she could. Unfortunately, Protego was unable to protect him. The charm was shattered and the Inferius swiped its nails at him. They raked across his face, causing him to reel back.

"Depulso!" Raven knocked the monster away before looking at her friend. "Are you all right?!"

"I'm fine, don't worry!" he replied through clenched teeth.

He wasn't fine. He had cuts running diagonally across his face. Blood was dribbling from them. It had Raven seething. She moved past him to help Sebastian burn away the remaining Inferi. And then a couple of Diffindo slashes had the poachers wounded and unconscious on the ground.

Sebastian rushed to his friend. "Ominis, you look awful!"

"I'm all right, really. Nothing a Wiggenweld Potion won't fix."

"I don't have any on me," Raven told him upon realizing that she'd used her last one on the previous raid. "But we can brew one. Come on, let's get you back. We're done here."

For obvious reasons, they didn't go to the Hospital Wing for fear of their late night adventures being discovered. Instead, they went to the Undercroft. Raven conjured a sofa, a potion station, and a washbasin. Sebastian took care of the brewing while Raven decided to tend to her friend's wounds. She had him seated on the sofa, and she was almost on top of him straddling one of his legs. With a wet rag in hand, she was cleaning the cuts on his face. Her other hand rested on his shoulder.

"I don't know why you had to go and be a hero," she quietly complained. "I didn't need you to protect me."

"I'm aware. My body moved before my brain could think of a better plan. Out of pure instinct, I will always try and protect you, Raven, even if you don't need it."

The girl blushed when she felt his breath hit her face, and she was leaning closer than necessary. Combine that with his bold statement and she couldn't help being bashful. "W-well…thank you." His hand fell upon her leg, further embarrassing her. She ignored the urge to hold him tight, focusing solely on cleaning his face. "I hope this helped you to…understand my side of things. You witnessed how horrible those poachers were. They committed the most horrendous acts just to get what they wanted. That's why I have to stop them."

"This was an eye-opening adventure, that's for sure. As much as I'd prefer you to avoid trouble, I understand your reasons. I hope that you'll at least allow me or Sebastian or someone to join you more often, though. I can't keep you from a cause that's so important to you, but I'll always worry if you go it alone." He quieted his voice to barely above a whisper. "I know this curse of yours has you thinking you can't trust anyone. You can trust me, Raven, of that I assure you."

He gave a kind smile. Where his hand was on her leg, he could feel the fabric of her skirt, but more importantly, the warmth from her skin underneath. He wished more than anything that he could stay right there - to feel her presence with him everywhere he went. He felt so alone when they were apart. Ominis wanted nothing more than to pull her in so that he could hold her. His heart yearned to express his feelings to her, but he knew it was futile while she kept that wall up around her.

"I'll be more careful, I promise." Raven washed away the last smudge of blood on his cheek only to get lost in his crystal blue eyes. "I…I'll rely on you more often, Ominis. You and the rest of my…friends."

"One Wiggenweld Potion ready to go." Raven was quick to move off the blind boy to turn toward Sebastian. The brunet was holding a vial of the familiar green liquid. "Here. This should heal up those nasty cuts." He went over to hand the potion to his friend.

"Thank you, both of you," Ominis said. He was quick to down the potion, and before their eyes, the cuts mended and disappeared. He touched his face, feeling only smooth skin in place of where he'd been injured. "Much better. We won't have to worry about anyone discovering what happened tonight."

"Speaking of which, I'm glad we could help out," Sebastian admitted, setting his gaze on the girl. "Putting those poachers in their place felt…pretty good, actually."

"Confronting them wasn't my favorite thing in the world," Ominis added. "But saving the life of a Unicorn does warm my heart. Where will you take her?"

Raven smiled. "Somewhere safe. Same place I take all the beasts I rescue."

"And where would that be?" the freckled boy inquired.

Raven winked at him. "It's a secret. But I think I can trust the two of you. Maybe I'll take you there sometime, you know, since Ominis was so generous to share this secret place with me."

The blond chuckled, a small smile on his face. "I would very much like to meet all your beasts. I daresay you could probably teach us as much as Professor Howin can."

They laughed at his joking comment, at least until Raven started to leave. "Anyway, I should go take Hazel to her new home. Have a good night."

"You too, Raven."

Sebastian smirked at his friend as soon as the girl was gone. "Oh, she definitely likes you."

"I'm aware. I could tell by the way she treated my wounds. She conveys a lot of her feelings through touch. I'm certain she picked that up from our time together as children."

"And you haven't made a move despite knowing that?"

"She's still holding herself back. Whatever strange curse she apparently has is making her hesitate. But that's all well and good. Just knowing she still feels the same way I do…is enough."

"For now, you mean." Ominis pursed his lips when Sebastian seemed to read his expression. "I sincerely hope that changes soon. Watching you two is downright painful."

Ominis stood with a sigh. "It's time we get to bed, Sebastian."

He cut the conversation short to avoid the embarrassment of having his best friend talk about the poor state of his love life. But he did agree. He really hoped it would change, and soon.