Prologue – The hardest goodbye

The freezing rain was pouring persistently as I stepped out of the castle little after midnight. It made all my clothes dripping from the water just in a second as I quickly released a curse under my breath. On the other hand, I was lucky. At least no one wished to be outside in such weather, less eyes to spot me.

I looked around just in case, but indeed, there was nobody. I swiftly turned into my animal form, silently blessing Dumbledore's name as I run now on four legs to the Forest. An otter probably not much faster than a human, but harder to notice.

Running away was not my style, but there was no way I will let them hurt Tenebrus, not until I'm still breathing!

The Forest was dark and threathening, but I considered it as my second home, always providing a shelter for me. Soon enough I reached the Paddock and the Thestrals excited shrieks filled me with well-known comfortable again as I switch back to human form.

"Sorry guys, no food this time" I murmured as I made my way to Tenebrus's cage. I hated to leave them behind too, but I couldn't stay here.

Tenebrus greeted me happily as I opened the gate carefully. My heart twitched in pain.

"You have no idea what's going on, have you?" I questioned him as I pressed my forehead to his. "You did nothing wrong" I added whispering as a tear was rolling down on my cheek burning my already ice-cold skin.

"Nor did you" I spun around terrified as I've heard a familiar voice behind.

"Professor Kettleburn" I called him probably looking like a deer caught in a spotlight. "I just... I wasn't... I didn't..." I babbled desperately but then I frowned as I noticed a bucket of fresh meat in his hand.

"I thought you might need it before the long ride." He explained catching my gaze but it only made me more confused.

"Why...? How...?"

"I knew you won't abandon Tenebrus" He smirked proudly. "After all, we Hufflepuffs should stick together"

"It's Gryffindor, Professor" I returned his smile tired.

"Tomayto, tomatho" He shrugged not accepting the fact. "Even that damn hat couldn't decide properly" He added handing the bucket to me. I took it gratefully.

I knew he considered me as a a bagder ever since I showed up at his class with great enthusiasm and and talent in taking care of the magical creatures.

"But what will happen..."

"Don't worry a bit" He hushed my concerns about what will he say about my Thestral "I can handle some Ministry people"

"Thank you" I looked into his eyes genuinely then I turned back to Tenebrus, feeding him. "Can you please tell Professor Dumbledore that..." I paused for a moment not being sure how to continue. That I'm sorry for being a huge disappointment? For betraying his trust? For causing so much pain and sadness when he always took care of me and practically raised me? "That I'm sorry" I finished simply eventually sighing. "I truly am" I added quietly as Tenebrus nudged me reminding he's still hungry.

"Why don't you tell him yourself?" He asked me as chill run down on my spine. Is he...

"Clara"

Yes, he is. He's here, right behind me.

I froze in my spot, I couldn't face him! Time seemed dragging as the heavy seconds passed without action, then I've heard footsteps. He was walking up to me.

"Professor" I started as I finally turned around, but words choked upon my throat. His kind and warm expression broke me. I desperately hugged him, like my life's depending on it. Maybe it was in a way.

"You know you don't have to call me like that" He reminded me quietly embracing me tightly as I buried my face into his chest. I was a scared little girl again who lost everything.

"What will happen to me?" I asked horrified. Hogwarts was my home and Albus the father I've never had. Once, I lost my family, I couldn't survive it again!

"I'm going to solve it, no one's gonna hurt you, I promise" He reassured me calmly pressing a kiss on the top of my head. "But now you have to lay low" He added as I nodded silently. "We had a student couple of years ago, Newt Scamander, he's now working as a magizoolist travelling around the world." He continued as I looked up at him surprised. I thought he's going to send me away somewhere countryside to do nothing. "I'm sure he could use a little help" He said smiling.

"But I haven't even done my N.E.W.T. from Caring of Magical Creatures! Or anything else..."

"Nonsense" Kettleburn hushed me again stepping closer too "You'd do that Outstanding even blindfolded." He told me encouraging as I sent him a thankful smile.

"How will I find him?"

"Tenebrus will do it" Kettleburn said as I frowned, but Dumbledore just nodded agreeing.

"Thank you, for everything" I said giving a hug for both of them. "I'm sorry for disappointing you" I whispered to Albus with a failing voice.

"Oh, little one, you can never disappoint me" He said as we parted. "Oh, and before I forget" He murmured searching for something then he handed me my wand they took away the day I got suspended. "Take care of yourself and Newt."

I took it examining not wanting to believe my eyes.

"It went mysteriously missing" He added explaining the cover story as tears of joy gathered in my eyes. Both of them risked a lot helping me, and I wasn't entirely sure, I worth all the trouble, but I was wise enough not to say it out loud.

"I can't tell you enough, but thank you!" I said it one more time before hopping on Tenebrus. I nodded to them then leaned on my Thestral neck. "Alright, let's find Newt Scamander" I told him and he immediately took off.

c

I had no idea for how long we were riding or where were we exactly but when we landed all my muscles were sore. We were in a some kind of desert and in front of us was a single tent standing alone. I slid off of Tenebrus back as the tent unzipped showing us a male figure. He was young and tall and considering his puzzled expression was probably sound asleep just a moment ago.

"Tenebrus?" He asked surprised first not even noticing me as the Thestral stretched his wings excitedly. They obviously knew each other.

"Dumbledore told me he would find you" I said without much thinking as he finally looked at me with pure curiousity. His piercing green eyes searched answers in mine as I tried to release an encouraging smile, but I must've looked horrible.

In the end he probably find what he was looking for since he nodded silently with a half-smile, inviting me in the tent.