Chapter Five

Harry was aware of Myrina's eyes boring into his back as he regained his balance, but that was quickly put out of his mind by the stern – and at this moment, slightly disappointed – gaze of Headmistress McGonagall. "I trust you are well Potter?" her voice was pitched with annoyance at his sudden behavior and it was obvious she found it less than convincing of further investigation. But even so, there was something else weighing on her voice, could it have been worry? The young man didn't have time to wonder about this because at that moment, his professor once again started to speak. "You three know why I have called you here I'm sure. These recent attacks have given me reason to suspect a greater force leading these rebel witches and wizards than I had previously expected. Now, I have done some discussing with the previous headmasters," she gave a flourish of her hand, motioning to the many portraits that hung on the walls around them, "and we have all decided that it might be best to send some of the more risk inclined students home." Her voice ebbed, leaving the room less than noisy and more than silent, the only thing truly complete being the piercing gaze of her green eyes.

Surprisingly, Hermione was the first to object; her outburst completely cutting off those of Harry and Ron. "What? But Professor that's crazy! Hogwarts is the safest place in the world for any untaught witch or wizard! If they can't come here then where else can they go?" Hermione's voice was shrill with disbelief and outrage, emotions that Harry and Ron shared alike. Even Myrina, an outsider to their world, could see the lack of reason in McGonagall's proposal, but unlike the rest she had the sense to keep her mouth shut and wait to see what would happen. Harry on the other hand wasn't so sensible. "Yea, she's right Professor. A lot of students count on this place as a sort of home. To some, it's all they have…" He let the sentence drop, old pain surfacing once again with the thoughts of never truly belonging until he came to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had made this his home, but now, his mentor and friend was gone. So why did he still fight to stay?

"Perhaps," a woman's voice spoke, the tones quiet yet firm: Myrina, "I could help with finding them a temporary place to stay. And I stress temporary."

Every one was startled at her offer, even McGonagall's eyes widened for a moment. The female shape shifter's eyes darted between each of the humans, never settling on one for too long. Harry could tell she was uncomfortable about making such a proposition, but she seemed cemented on her decision to help. However, McGonagall only nodded her head and replied as if this was completely reasonable. "Alright then, a week at the most. Maybe sooner if these raids slow down at all here. You may prepare your men for travel, I'll have the students gather their things and you'll be able to start on your way by evening."

Myrina gave a curt nod of the head then spun on her heal and briskly walked out of the room. Shortly after, McGonagall dismissed Harry, Ron, and Hermione and they all went back to their dorms to pack a few days of clothes and whatever else they may need away from Hogwarts.

The cold winter air tried and tried to cut through her new jeans and T-shirt, but even though her arms and face were bare to the weather she still felt perfectly warm. Myrina took in a deep breath, closing her silver eyes. When they opened again, they were amber orbs of flame. The young shapeshifter's body was no longer relatively human, instead it was completely lupine. Just as before, jet-black fur rippled out across her body and a subtle cracking noise coming from her bones as they rearranged themselves into more wolf-friendly positions. Within a second, the transformation was complete and she was bounding across the snow; wind whipping in her charcoal fur as her powerful legs carried her faster and faster over the grounds. It wasn't long before the familiar mind of her brother brushed against her thoughts, his way of asking permission before crossing her mental boundaries. When she made no move to stop him, he spoke. 'So I suppose we're going back now?' He asked though the feeling in the question let Myrina know he was merely asking out of etiquette. In reality, he knew what she would do before she did herself; that was one of his gifts and his flaws.

'You already know the answer to that, but since you insist on playing the idiot I will gift you with an answer. Yes, we are going back to Kyradoth, and were taking three students with us.' The sister replied, her mental voice playfully sarcastic. 'Round up the men, we need to be out of here by dusk.'

'Alright, but if I am correct, you are closer to one than you think…'

Myrina would have questioned him, but there was a sudden sense of solitude that made her realize he had severed their connection. However, her moment of solitude didn't last long. As the large she-wolf slowed her sprint to a steady trot, another huge figure loomed in the shadows. The female kept one eye constantly trained on the shadowy bulk but she soon relaxed when she realized it was just Julian, her comrade and – once – personal guard. If she hadn't been in the form of a wolf, then a smile would have briefly graced her face, as it was her teeth bared for a moment in an attempted canine grin.

'You called m'lady?' As always, the lean male came out of now where and was heartily welcomed. Out of all the men and women she had served with – besides Assyrian of course – Julian was by far her favorite and most trusted.

A mental laugh crossed their bond: a token of Myrina's happiness in which Julian readily shared. He was always up for a laugh, no matter the reason. 'To you, my friend, I always call. But, this time it was not for a leisurely run; we are returning to Kyradoth. And we are bringing three humans with us.' She replied to him, her happiness and affection crossing through their connection and returned by her friend.

'Ahaah! With you the surprises never seem to end Myrina! Three humans you say? Well, I suppose that can't be helped. When will we leave?'

'Dusk. Be ready.'

A laugh echoed through Myrina's thoughts sounding an awful lot like that of Julian's. 'M'lady, I was born ready.' Their link was severed when Julian, being on the right side of Myrina and on her far side of the school, briefly dug his paws in to whip himself to the left and take off as fast as he could to retrieve the students from the castle-like school.

The young female watched him go, still trotting, then chuckled to herself and leaped forward. She ran toward Assyrian and the rest of her men. When she reached them, the siblings would tell them what was happening and then they would be on their way. The young woman only hoped things would go according to plan…