A/N: Onwards to Arc2 Revision OTL Still catching typos here and there but hopefully it's not as bad as Arc2. Reminder my tumblr & pixiv still have the most recent chapters, as well as asks and other related posts! Again, as always, any feedback is welcome.

Disclaimer: I do not own Love Live Sunshine! Or Harry Potter franchise.

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Chapter 8 - The Nest

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"Expellariamus!"

Yoshiko twirls her wrist in a fast flicking motion, and grins when a spell fires off from the tip of her wand. The Disarming Charm shoots like a bullet, its signature red light bright in hue, implying the strength behind the caster's magic.

Alas, that means nothing if it doesn't hit the target.

Dia slashes the spell away with her sword, the red light dissipating into thin air as if the blade actually slices the magic in half. Yoshiko scowls, wondering for the umpteenth time that the Kurosawa heirloom should not be allowed in their dueling sessions. Dia is right, however, that their enemies would not be following the etiquettes of dueling and they should practice under unfavorable circumstances.

"Reducto!"

"Yeek!"

Yoshiko dives for the large boulder and hides behind it. She jolts in shock when the powerful Curse reduces it to a pile of fine dust. Gulping, she looks up slowly to find a smiling Dia pointing her wand at her, the saber also firmly gripped in her hand and ready to strike any moment.

A smiling Dia is never good. Yoshiko trembles and is about to surrender when Dia suddenly turns to the right.

"Impendimenta!"

While the Head Girl easily blocks the Jinx, the momentary distraction allows Yoshiko to dash for the nearest brick wall to reconvene with her partner.

"Thanks, Zuramaru, I was almost done for! I refuse to lose again so soon!"

"Dia-san has no weakness zura…" Hanamaru holds her wand close to her body, panting slightly with her cheeks flushed in exertion. She must have been chased around the arena by Kanan just now.

Even with her arm in a sling, the Gryffindor is still quite the force to be reckoned with, her speed not at all diminished by her handicap. Her spells pack a punch, exemplified by all sorts of craters and dents all over the floor. On the other hand, Dia's dual-wielding makes it impossible to get through her defense. The two older witches have experience and knowledge and thus are naturally better, but Yoshiko hasn't expected such a gap between their skills.

Their dueling sessions have long become a game of 'how long can they last before checkmate'.

Groaning, the tired fallen angel takes this chance to catch her breath as well and tries to think of some strategy, knowing that they would be forced to evacuate this hiding spot any moment. The Room of Requirement truly is amazing, for the environment changes accordingly to their needs. One time, it had changed into a Spartan-like coliseum with suits of armors surrounding them like gladiators.

They had lost the match quickly back then, overwhelmed by numbers with only limited spells at their disposal.

Today, the terrain is uneven and covered with rocks and boulders, with erect brick walls here and there that resemble the weathered buildings of a lost civilization. It's creative and picturesque really, but Yoshiko does not have the time to appreciate any of the details, not with Dia and Kanan as their opponents.

Not to mention, Yoshiko has another demon to face - herself. Ever since the incident that day, she's been afraid of pouring too much magic into a spell, worried that the shadow tendrils would materialize and she would lose her mind again. Likewise, Hanamaru's been extra watchful of her, and practically freaks out every time Yoshiko gets a scrape or a bruise.

Like now.

"I'm not a little kid, y'know," Yoshiko's cheeks heat up as the brunette gently dabs at the small scrape on her palm.

"You should be more careful zura…"

"Hnff. Such minor setback is nothing for the great Yohane! Anyway, I still think we should aim for Kanan," she growls, her grip on her wand tightening.

Hanamaru frowns. "I've been wondering, Yoshiko-chan… you don't like her very much do you zura?"

"What! That's not true! I'm serious here! She shouldn't be able to guard her left side, so we need to make use of any advantage we have!"

There may still be teensy bits of jealousy whenever the brunette mentions the Gryffindor, but Yoshiko mostly feels guilt towards Kanan nowadays. Kanan keeps assuring her that it is fine, but the guilt still remains and would probably stay until her arm is fully healed.

Hanamaru appears skeptical but nods. "I will go distract her zura, and when you see the opening…"

"Hell yeah, she won't know what hit her!"

"Bombarda Maxima!"

Yoshiko pulls Hanamaru against her and lunges to the side with all her strength just as the wall is blasted into smithereens. They stare with horrified eyes at the rubble and then at the frowning Dia.

"Maa, that's a bit over the top there." Kanan flicks her wand, dispelling a Shield Charm that must have protected the two younger girls from the rocks that flew from the explosion.

"Indeed, that was too much. Apologies for that." Even then, Dia's emerald green eyes harden as she stares down at her students. "However, I believe they should see it firsthand that the enemies would not hold back. That Charm just now would be useful in obliterating any obstacles, so it would be good to-"

Yoshiko rolls away from Hanamaru and fires another Disarming Charm at Dia, who is forced to hop back to avoid it instead of using her sword. Not giving her a chance to retaliate, Hanamaru also uses the same spell.

They might have succeeded if Kanan isn't here. The Gryffindor counters with a fast Shield Charm and a Stunner. Yoshiko and Hanamaru immediately erect their own Protego but the strong Stupefying Charm demolishes their shield.

"Hmm, you two have good teamwork. However, Hanamaru-san, you would need to work on your speed. Yoshiko-san, while your spells are strong and the accuracy is decent, you need to improve your defense." Dia lectures them in a calm tone, as if she didn't just get interrupted.

Yoshiko pouts, and carefully slips her wand beneath her sleeves as she patiently waits for another opportunity to strike. This time, she shall be more mindful of Kanan and trusts Hanamaru to watch her back when she makes her next move.

"Wow, fantastic!"

Mari's purring way of pronouncing certain words distracts Yoshiko, and she finds herself knocked flat on her bums by an especially strong Impediment Hex from Dia. Her rather loud fall inadvertently causes Hanamaru to turn her back on her opponent. Chuckling, Kanan easily disarms her with an Expelliarmus.

"Focus! Had we been actual enemies, the two of you would have been done for."

Yoshiko really wants to stick out her tongue, but Dia's unsheathed saber prompts her to sit up straight and listen. Still, she couldn't help but glance at the lab benches from the corner of her eyes to see how her other friend is doing.

Ruby is good.

Yoshiko has always known that her friend is well-versed in every subject, whether practical or theoretical. In fact, Ruby has contributed a great deal of points towards Hufflepuff, which is now at second place for the House Cup and is only behind Gryffindor due to the latter's achievement at Quidditch.

Whatever Kanan or Mari show Ruby, she would get the hang of it with enough practice. Perhaps that's why Yoshiko could never feel envious towards Ruby's innate talent because the redhead actually does work hard for her achievements. She's driven by her desire to help her friends and older sister, and that makes Yoshiko proud to have a comrade like her.

Ruby feels hesitant about offensive spells but she would explain the concepts to her two Muggleborn friends so they can understand easier. Yoshiko has no problem chucking Stunners left and right while Hanamaru would ensure they are well shielded with her yelps of 'Protego'. They complement their weaknesses and work well to cover one another.

Well, it would be a long way before they could reach the older witches' level, but Yoshiko is quite pleased about their progress and teamwork.

Ruby is fussing over a rabbit that has teacup handle as the tail, but Mari looks very happy. She assures the younger girl that her feat is already quite amazing for a First-Year. Indeed, out of the trio, Ruby is the only who can Transfigure objects into living creatures in spite of minor deforms, such as this case with the teacup that was transformed into a rabbit. And so, instead of practicing dueling, Mari decides to focus on Ruby's strong point since such Transfigurations would be good distraction.

Yoshiko wants to learn about Animagi magic but, expectedly, that is way, way too early for any of them.

"I suppose that is enough for today." Dia says with a sense of finality, sheathing her saber and gesturing at the desks. "Feel free to take down notes about the duel just now, and you are welcome to ask any questions."

Hanamaru's hand shoots up immediately as she hops a little in her excitement. Yoshiko chuckles at the cute gesture, shaking her head as she trudges over to the inviting couch. She flops down on the soft cushion with a loud sigh, careless of how unlady-like she appears. She glances at the bespectacled brunette, noting how happy she looks as Dia and Kanan answer all her queries.

She suddenly misses her tutor sessions with Riko. She gazes thoughtfully at the empty benches, where the Ravenclaw usually sits as she studies their research notes. Nowadays, due to the mock Ordinary Wizarding Level exams coming up for the Third-Years, Riko is occupied in tutoring Chika and You. The weekly visits to the Thestrals have stopped as well, though the weather is too cold for any outings, let alone all the way to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

Many weeks have passed since then and it is almost Christmas, yet memories of that day keep replaying in Yoshiko's mind whenever she closes her eyes. Riko's secret, the research, the mysteries behind those feathers swirl around in her cognizance like a storm. There haven't been any peculiarities in her psyche, and whoever attacked Dia must be laying low for now. Any experiments with the feathers and even Yoshiko's magic have been fruitless.

Therefore, the Fifth-Years have been concentrating their efforts in training the trio of First-Years. The regular classes taught by Hogwarts are still fascinating, most of them anyway, but Yoshiko finds Dia's teachings more practical. She can easily imagine herself using those newly-learned spells against possible enemies.

Be vigilant. Be fast. Be good.

Yoshiko can tell that Hanamaru and Ruby also enjoy these sessions just as much as she does. Hanamaru is determined, troubled by the revelations from that day, while Ruby simply enjoys being able to spend so much time with her older sister. Ruby isn't as clueless as she appears, though she is respectful of their wish to keep something secret and never prods for more.

"You got it, Ruby-chan!"

Yoshiko peers over the couch just in time to see the blonde Ravenclaw smothering the smaller girl against her bosom. The Transfigured bunny, now without the teacup handle as its tail at last, is now safely cradled in a laughing Hanamaru's arms. Dia looks like she's about to blow a fuse as she tugs her precious little sister out of Mari's hug.

"Please stop molesting my little sister."

"Hmm? You want me to do you instead, Di~a?"

Even as she says that, Mari's hands have wandered over to Kanan's chest, not at all hindered by the arm sling blocking most of the area.

Yoshiko grins at the familiar interactions, liking such comfortable atmosphere where they all act like the students they are, rather than those bonded over the Unbreakable Vow. She reminds herself to plan a snowball fight with her friends one of these days. The Christmas break is approaching after all! While she enjoys spending time here in the Room of Requirement, learning and bonding with the older girls, she still longs to explore the Hogwarts grounds.

Well, Mari has promised her something exciting is coming up, and even Kanan agrees to take them out on one of her patrols once she recovers. Due to her injury, the Keeper was unable to attend this year's first Quidditch match, though Gryffindor won against Slytherin by a landslide due to Seeker You's lightning-fast capture of the Snitch. Ravenclaw also owned Hufflepuff in their match, so at least the Gryffindor-Ravenclaw match will still take place. By then, Kanan's arm should be fully healed under Riko's potions.

"Alright, break time is over," Dia claps her hands. "Now, have you finished your assignments?"

When Hanamaru and Ruby reply the affirmative, Yoshiko sinks down against the cushion and debates if she should flee while she can. She's been too focused on these 'extracurricular lessons' that she hasn't been doing any of her homework.

And unlike Riko, who is already scary, Dia is downright terrifying when it comes to such things.

"Yoshiko-san, please come over here."

Yoshiko suppresses the urge to squeal and reluctantly heads over to the table, knowing it futile to argue otherwise. "Dia-san, what's the point of writing these stupid essays? I like learning all you guys' practical spells and admit it, I'm a good student!"

Alright, she can't help but whine. Just thinking about writing the report on Goblin Rebellion for the History class makes her head spin.

Kanan laughs. "It's true, Dia. They've improved so much since their first session."

Mar is still cuddling the bewildered Ruby, much to Dia's annoyance, while Hanamaru is seated very close to the Gryffindor with her books open and eyes sparkling behind those glasses.

"Marks are still important to your career here at Hogwarts. It is part of the standard procedure to determine if you qualify for certain paths for your future."

Dia's somber tone reminds Yoshiko that the three Fifth-Years would graduate next year. She tries not to think about what would happen to their research group. "What do you want to become then, Dia-san?"

The Head Girl appears taken aback that she would ask this. "Well, it is too early to take on the full responsibilities of the Kurosawa heiress. I will continue to study Ancient Runes and Alchemy, perhaps here in Hogwarts as a Professor's assistant."

Ruby looks quite happy at the prospect of spending more time with her sister. Hanamaru tilts her head and peers up at the ponytailed witch. "And you, Kanan-chan?"

"Hmm, I'd like to travel-"

"And I'll go with you, Ka~nan!"

Kanan chuckles at Mari's interjection and elaborates for the trio. "You see, I want to explore the aquatic realms, learn more about magical creatures that live there and even at common tourist spots in the Muggle world. Eventually, I'd like to publish journals about it."

"While I'm interested in the creatures of the sky," Mari adds with twinkle in her eyes. "There are rumors of a large wild herd of Granians over in Norway - ah they are winged horses. And I'd like to visit the Griffins in Greece too~ Wouldn't that be a shiny adventure?"

Yoshiko blinks. "Oh, neither of you are interested in Quidditch?"

"Well, not professionally. Chika and You are more passionate about it than we are." Kanan replies.

"Ara ara, speaking of Flying, didn't you say you want to become a Seeker?" Mari grins at Yoshiko, who blushes when several pairs of eyes focus on her.

"Seeker? Perhaps I can help you on that. I was Slytherin's Seeker for two years," Dia smiles gently at Ruby's inquisitive glance, as if promising her to explain more later. The Kurosawa sisters' interactions have become more natural nowadays, as the two try their best to catch up on the missing gaps. Their time together is limited in the Room of Requirement, as they need to keep up their distant facade in public.

"Awesome! Ku ku ku, once I'm fully trained, even You-san won't be able to defeat me!"

The Lions' Captain merely grins at that, evidently confident of her Seeker's abilities.

"Now now. I will train you if and after we resolve those issues," Dia's voice drops to a severe tenor again. Ruby looks confused while Hanamaru and Yoshiko share a knowing glance. Right, they should not think too far ahead of themselves just yet, not with unknown enemies with equally unknown agenda lurking who knows where.

"But first, just as I was saying, Yoshiko-san, about your homework-"

The fallen angel groans loudly.


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'Meet me at the field behind the Aviary, Yo•ha•ne-sama~ Ciao~'

Yoshiko folds the piece of parchment into her pocket and looks around suspiciously. Mari had delivered it in her cat form and ran off before she could even react. Perhaps, this is the 'something exciting' the older witch had promised a week ago? The snow has melted a little, making it easier to travel across the school ground without traversing through the pile of snow that reaches her knees.

She is due to meet up with Hanamaru and Ruby at the library an hour before dinner, while Dia and Riko are in the Room of Requirement at the moment with Kanan, treating the latter's arm. Mari is usually present during such therapy sessions, so Yoshiko can't help but be intrigued by what the mysterious Ravenclaw has in store for her.

Deciding she's been cooped up in the castle for too long, she briskly heads for the Aviary with a bounce in each step. There are more students outdoors today in spite of the frigid temperature, perhaps they are enticed by the bright sun that basks the snow in an ethereal glow. In the distance, Yoshiko can even spot a few figures flying on their brooms. She misses flying herself, though she has resigned to the fact that would not be happening until Dia's approval.

Lucifer the bat must be snugly curled up in some cave, safe from the cold world. She misses her minion and hopes it is doing well.

"Hey hey, have you seen Watanabe-san?"

Yoshiko tenses, though she sighs in relief a moment later when she realizes the older witch is just chatting with her friend, over there in the garden.

"No I haven't seen her, why?"

"Oh, I saw her at the Quidditch Pit earlier, with - you won't believe it - Sakurauchi-san!"

"So? That's nothing unusual, she's usually with Sakurauchi-san and Takami-san…"

"That's the thing! The three of them are usually together but I only saw her and Sakurauchi-san!"

The speaker's hushed but excited tone piques Yoshiko's curiosity as she purposefully slows down to listen to the two witches.

"And? What happened?"

"Well, it was too far away, but I think Watanabe-san was confessing to Sakurauchi-san!"

Yoshiko slips on an icy patch of ground. Ow.

"Really!? No way! The MVP and the Campus beauty?!"

"I know right?!"

Yoshiko struggles to get up, her eyes wide in disbelief. This is just idle gossip, she tells herself. She's aware there are always such rumors going around school, like the time when a Hufflepuff Prefect was caught making out with her boyfriend near the broom closet. Except, this is the first time she's heard a rumor involving her friends.

A third witch then joins their conversation with an equally fervent tone. "Impossible, I thought Takami-san confessed to Sakurauchi-san first!"

Yoshiko stumbles again, this time faceplanting a particularly hard pile of snow. Ow, her beautiful nose!

"Eh? You mean, they both like Sakurauchi-san? Two Quidditch stars, that's just-"

Their collective dreamy sigh makes Yoshiko shiver and it's not from the cold. She's pretty certain all three of them belong to that frightening Watanabe You Fanclub, so why do they sound so happy about a possible love triangle that involves their subject of affection? Fangirls are crazy!

Yoshiko shakes her head, chuckling huskily as she tries to regain composure. Rumors are mere rumors. She cannot imagine those two dunderhead Gryffindors crushing on someone, let alone their close friend Riko.

Her smile drops as she recalls what she learned about the three Third-Years. How would Riko feel if she were to hear about such gossip? Perhaps she should tell Dia about it. Surely, the Head Girl knows how to handle this kind of situation.

Yoshiko continues her way towards the Aviary, becoming more unsettled when she keeps overhearing similar rumors amongst witches and wizards of various grades. Some even calls out to her, recognizing her as a friend of the three Third-Years, but she ignores them and hurries away. She is practically running by the time she is close to her destination. She decides to go hide in the Aviary for a bit until the commotion dies down, and ascends the spiraling stairway in an impressive speed.

Alas, her fallen angel misfortune strikes at the last step and she skids forward with a scream.

"Whoops, careful there!" "Gotcha!"

A strong arm pulls her upright before she kisses the ground while another steadies her. Yoshiko blinks up at You and Chika, disorientated from her run and the disconcerting rumors earlier.

"What're you two doing here-"

Before she even finishes her question, several owls flock around You in a whirl of feathers. If it weren't for the Gryffindors' laughter and the owls' happy hoots, Yoshiko would have thought she's getting attacked!

"You-chan's always been very popular with owls," Chika explains with a giggle. "Oh, we're here cuz I'm Owling my older sister."

You looks ridiculous with an owl perched on her head, two on her shoulder and three nestled in her arms. "Kanan-chan and I usually return to Chika-chan's place during Christmas holidays, but this year we've decided to stay at Hogwarts."

"Huh? How come?" Yoshiko asks carefully. She knows Kanan is staying this year to help out with the research with Dia, Riko and Mari. Ruby isn't going back to the Kurosawa estate, fearing her family's reaction as she has yet to face them since her Sorting into Hufflepuff. Hanamaru is also staying for her friends, even though Yoshiko knows she misses her grandparents.

"Oh, well, Riko-chan is staying," You scratches the back of her head, seemingly embarrassed for some reason. Chika has a similar expression as well. "Yeah, she's going to continue helping us with our studies."

"But aren't the mock O.W.L. exams over by then?" Yoshiko tries not to think about the rumors.

"Yup, but Riko-chan says my grades aren't high enough heh… she's going to, and I quote her, 'make sure I pass the exams with flying stars!' Y-You-chan, I'm scared~~~" Chika whimpers and glomps her friend, making the owls hoot angrily at her disturbance.

"Ahaha, I understand, Riko-chan can be scary sometimes," You placates the mikan girl by patting her head, an impressive feat considering an owl is stubbornly attached to her arm. "So, I heard from Riko-chan you're staying during the break too, Yoshiko-chan?"

"Yohane. And yeah, I ain't going back to the orphanage. Hogwarts is so much more fun anyway." While she is staying due to the unresolved issues, she would have stayed even without that reason.

"Really? I heard Dia-san is tutoring you, along with Hanamaru-chan and Ruby-chan," Chika's ahoge swishes from side to side as she tilts her head. "Welp, Dia-san is a good teacher like Riko-chan, so the three of you will be fine!"

"Agreed, Riko-chan did say she'd like to become a teacher… huh, or is it Healer?"

"Yeah, she used to say she wants to be a teacher but I think her goal changed to Healer after last year."

Yoshiko winces. "Erm, what happened last year?"

The two Gryffindor blink. "We don't know? Something must have happened over the summer break I guess?"

The Slytherin connects the dots, her heart sinking in empathy for Riko. Perhaps she wants to become a Healer eventually due to the Memory Charm she casted on her friends, and to see if there were any horrible aftermaths from the torture they suffered.

"What, you didn't think she can become a Healer?" Chika misinterprets her grimace. "Riko-chan is amazing! She's scary for sure but she's super smart!"

You nods, the owl on top of her head bobbing along with the movement. "She's already invented some potions! I do wonder why she hasn't told any of the Professors? I'm sure Professor Sonoda would love to discuss in great details about that."

"Haha, our Head of the House is just as scary as her, so they'll definitely get along! Man, I wish I could be smart like Riko-chan~"

"She always excels at whatever she does-"

"So do you, You-chan~"

"Nah, you praise me too much, Chika-chan~"

Yoshiko observes the two Gryffindors' interactions, trying to make sense of the three Third-Years' relationship. They're obviously close to each other and equally fond of Riko with the way they compliment her. Troubled by the rumors earlier, she blurts out. "Do you both like Lily? And I don't mean as friends either."

You and Chika both open their mouth and close it a moment later, their movement syncing perfectly. Did I break them? Am I too frank? Yoshiko shuffles awkwardly under the heavy silence, wondering how to switch to a safer topic.

"Yeah, we do."

"I knew it, of course you don't- wait, what did you say?" Yoshiko tries not to let her jaw drop. Those rumors are true?!

The Gryffindor duo appears uncharacteristically flustered. They explain that while they both do crush on Riko, neither has confessed to her yet due to their friendship. The two of them agree to let things continue as they are, and whoever Riko chooses in the end, they promise each other not to be upset over it.

Yoshiko folds her arms as the revelation sinks in. Does Riko know about this? Perhaps the situation isn't as bad as she thinks. Even though You and Chika were Obliviated, the two still like her so her Memory Charm did not affect them completely. They are still close, and Riko has the Fifth-Years to help with her research now. Subconscious feelings do stay even after the conscious mind has been affected by magic, it seems.

She decides not to prod this sensitive issue anymore. It's not her place to intervene after all. "Anyway, the great Yohane-sama has an appointment with one of her legions. Fear not, no word of this secret shall escape my lips! Oh, there are silly rumors about the three of you going around, so just beware!"

"Really-?! Oomf!" You is about to stop her from leaving, but an owl that just returned from its flight greets her with a loving face tackle.

"Ehehe, You-chan you chick magnet~"

"Achoo! Chika-chan, a little help here-?"

Yoshiko hastily leaves the Aviary, pushing the matter to the back of her mind. When she reaches the meeting spot, she notices footprints in the snow that has unnatural glitter. Only that shiny Ravenclaw could have possibly charmed her shoes to have such special effects. Deadpanning, she follows the trail towards the edge of the Forbidden Forest, subconsciously tugging her scarf close in case her mind goes blank again.

Fortunately, nothing happens as she arrives at a fenced area within the forest. Mari is standing beside a white creature that reminds Yoshiko of a Griffin, except this one has the body, hindlegs and tail of a horse instead of a lion.

"Here you are~ I was starting to think Dia caught you or something," Mari grins amiably as she scratches the creature's beak. It paws at the ground warningly at Yoshiko's approach, prompting her to stay still in case it attacks.

"Shhh, Starbright, it's okay, she's a friend, capisce?" The creature lowers its head towards her hand, crooning with its eyes closed as she caresses its head. There is a star-like mark on its feathered forehead, which is probably its namesake. "Starbright is my Hippogriff, Yoshiko-chan. You need to bow to her as a gesture of respect."

Rather than respect, Yoshiko is fearful of its gleaming talons. She then recalls the Thestrals and instantly, her fear vanishes. Curiosity fills her mind as she does as instructed, grinning when the Hippogriff returns the gesture. Awed, she carefully touches Starbright's beak just as Mari has done, marveling at how majestic its feathers gleam with the residue of snow crystals.

"Beautiful, isn't she? I'm allowed to keep Starbright on the school grounds as long as Professor Hoshizora can use her in one of her lessons."

"She's yours?"

"Yup! Papa got me Starbright when I was ten," Mari winks. "I bet you're thinking about owning a Thestral in the future?"

"How did you-"

"Ah, we'll get to that soon enough. Dia's been talking about it. You do need to learn how to defend yourself against passive attacks eventually."

Yoshiko blinks in bewilderment. Is she talking about mind-reading? Is that even real?

"Mhmm~ it's very much real. Don't worry, it's only your surface thoughts I glimpsed. I was only assessing how your defenses are and, Dia is right, it's indeed quite poor."

"What! I have a strong mind, I'll show you!"

Mari waves it off, or rather, she pats Yoshiko's bun as if she's placating a child. "Oh hush, we're not here for that. We're on a time limit here. If Dia were to find out where I'm taking you, even Kanan won't be able to save me!"

Yoshiko swallows her growls of protest. "Yeah, why are we here? I don't think you called me all the way out here just to show me your Hippogriff."

"Hmm, call it a field trip if you will. Come on, get on."

Without waiting for her response, Mari levitates her onto Starbright's back. Instinctively, she wraps her arms around the Hippogriff's neck as Mari also mounts behind her. A simple nudge of her legs is all it takes for the majestic creature to take flight.

Yoshiko's eyes bulge like saucers as she clings for dear life. She so does not enjoy this method of flying! This is in no way close to flying on the broom at all! The broom is stable and listens to her command, while the Hippogriff has its own will and would unexpectedly swerve to the side or plummet to a speedy dive.

"Relax, Yoshiko-chan! Feel the wind!"

She dares to glance back and almost loses her balance at the sight of Mari spreading her arms wide, eyes closed and lips curved in a blissful smile.

"Idiot! Hold onto something! Don't fall off! Aaaarrrrrggghhhh!"

After a while, the Hippogriff finally descends at a ragged clearing full of gnarly roots and fallen tree trunks. The landing is definitely not smooth at all as Starbright has to navigate around the jutting rocks and branches, her clattering hooves muffled against the shrubs. There isn't as much snow compared to the Hogwarts school grounds, though her shoes still make crunchy sounds when she steps onto the thin layer of snow.

"I'm never doing that again," Yoshiko furiously rubs at her eyes, blaming the gale for making her eyes dry. She isn't crying dammit!

"Well, you'll have to ride Starbright again if you want to get back to the castle," Mari is grinning from ear to ear, her wavy hair somehow unaffected by the wind and looking perfectly stylish as ever.

"Ugh, are you kidding me?"

"I don't kid around~"

Yoshiko snorts and surveys her surroundings as unease slowly creeps up her limbs. "So, why did you bring me here, and why would Dia-san be upset?"

"Think of everything we've taught you, Yoshiko-chan. The Room of Requirement is a good place to simulate an actual battle, but I feel that it is not enough."

"… seriously? Did you not see how Dia-san sent me flying with just a Disarming Charm?"

"Of course! It'll be years before you can defeat her in a duel! What I mean is, that is still a controlled environment, and the bottom line is that you would still be mostly unharmed at the end of each session. That gives a sense of security, doesn't it? It doesn't matter how badly you do, you can always just brush it off and get up again. Here, at the Nest, you'll be able to see how you'd fare in a real fight."

Yoshiko doesn't like the dangerous lilt in Mari's voice. "I sorta understand what you're saying. So, you've brought me here in the middle of nowhere to duel me?"

"Nope, I'm not your opponent," the blonde smirks, her arms held akimbo. "They are."

Collective clicking sound begins to echo eerily around them, the leaves rustling and the roots snapping under unknown weight. Starbright tosses her head agitatedly before she stretches her wings and flies up high above the surrounding trees. Yoshiko soon understands why because a massive black shape lunges out from the undergrowth a moment later.

The spider is the size of a wolf, perhaps even bigger. Yoshiko could clearly see the thick black hair covering its eight legs, as well as the ravenous gleam in those eight eyes.

"It's you again, golden-haired human. Where's your wolf friend?"

It speaks!

"Kanan won't be able to come for a while."

The spider clicks its pincers ominously. "Oh? Then you dare to show up here, empty-handed?"

Yoshiko almost shrieks when Mari pats her shoulder. "I didn't come here alone."

The clicking intensifies all around them, implying that even more of these nightmarish spiders have joined them. Mari whispers against her ear. "Kanan discovered this colony of Acromantulas during one of her patrols. They've agreed to help us look out for cloaked enemies like those who had attacked Dia. In exchange, Kanan would hunt and bring them game. But, they haven't kept up with their end of the bargain. In my cat form, I've found black feathers around their territory last month. Yet, they did not breath a word of it to us."

"A-And? We're here because-?"

Mari grins, like they're talking about the weather instead of being encircled by countless monstrous spiders. "Well~ They need to be punished, don't you think? I despise those who don't keep their words~ Anyways, you've done well practicing with us, Yoshiko-chan, but nothing teaches you more than an actual fight."

The Slytherin swallows hard, for the first time hoping to hear 'it's a joke' from the blonde but it doesn't come.

"You're crazy!" She hisses, cold sweat already making her wand slippery in her hand.

"Maybe," Mari giggles, the humorous gesture belying the ruthless intent. "Show me how it's done, Yoshiko-chan~"

"I'm so Cursing you into oblivion when we get out of here!"

"We haven't had human flesh for so long," another Acromantula says behind them. Out of reflex, Yoshiko fires off a Stunner and successfully overturns the monstrous spider onto its back.

Mari whistles. "I knew it! You're definitely more powerful than you look, Yoshiko-chan! Your potential is surfacing now that you're in a desperate situation!"

Yoshiko feels like crying, both from exasperation and terror. "Get us out of here already!"

"I've instructed Starbright to wait for us by the river over there," Mari points at one direction, her wand held steadily in her hand. "Shall we go?"

The younger witch answers her with an angry shriek. All those weekly sessions of being chased around by Kanan are proving their worth, for she's able to run and leap over roots and rocks with agility she doesn't know she possessed!

She doesn't dare to look back, hearing Mari's cheerful spells here and there amongst the sinister clicking of the chasing Acromantulas. Her heart is pounding thunderously in her ears, her senses hyper-aware and magic gathering at the tip of her wand.

An Acromantula suddenly drops down from a nearby tree and, without thinking, she fires an Impediment Jinx and successfully freezes the creature.

Mari twirls her wand and Transfigures the fallen branches into steel bars, further trapping the spider and creating roadblocks for their pursuers.

"Give it a try, Yoshiko-chan."

It is the same encouraging tone she uses during her one-on-one lessons with Ruby. Yoshiko tries to mimic her movement and manages to erect a few more steel bars from the ground. Before she could pump her fist for her success, several Acromantulas crawl over their confined brethren with their pincers tense in deadly intent.

Whimpering, Yoshiko resumes running, mustering all of her willpower to keep her fear at bay as she shouts 'Reducto' every few steps to clear the path in front of her.

"How far?"

There's no answer. In fact, the surrounding is too quiet for her liking. She skids to a stop and searches for any sight of the blonde witch, which should be easy to spot amidst earthly hues. She calls out in a trembling voice, wincing at how her voice reverberates among the trees.

"Where are you!"

She tries to remember the direction Mari pointed earlier, hesitant whether to just go ahead and rendezvous there or retrace her steps to look for the older witch. Suddenly, a strand of spider web shots out and sticks onto her legs, dragging her down hard. She claws at the forest floor, panic sinking in and making her incantations incoherent. Her spells keep missing as she stares at the eight black orbs, her own reflection flickering on its fathomless surface.

The Acromantula clicks sporadically, as if it were chuckling. "Aren't you a sorry sight."

Incensed, Yoshiko points her wand straight at the hungry spider and closes her eyes simultaneously. "Lumos Maxima!"

Even behind her tightly clenched eyelids, she could feel the intensity of the burst of light and knows her tactic has worked. However, she has not taken the aftermaths into consideration as the Acromantula thrashes in frenzy, momentarily blinded and confused. With her legs still tied by its tenacious strings, Yoshiko finds herself flung up high and jerked down painfully.

Disorientated, she tries to severe the strings but she's unable to aim properly. More clicking informs her that the rest of the pursuers have arrived.

No, I refuse to meet my end like this… I need to find Mari, make sure she's safe, and then practice all the Curses, Jinxes and Hexes I've learned on her for bringing me here!

Growling, Yoshiko fires off a few more Stunners, the bravado intimidating the approaching Acromantulas into keeping their distance for now. In spite of her determination, she could feel her strength waning, for she has never used so many spells consecutively and she's been running for who knows how long.

The stalemate breaks when several Acromantulas leap at her with their chelicerae spread and ready to tear into prey.

"Protego Maxima!" "Repello Iminicum!"

Suddenly, a translucent veil encompasses her, and the Acromantulas disintegrate the moment they come in contact with the magical shield. She isn't given the chance to marvel at the powerful spells when something swoops down and lifts her into the air.

She blinks up at familiar blue eyes, the charismatic humor still evident in them though the hue has darkened in seriousness as well. "You okay, Yoshiko-chan?"

She nods slowly, noting that she is safely held in You's arms as they climb high into the air on her broom. Chika is flying alongside them, her wand ready and her expression similar to the one seen during Quidditch practices. "I…I think I'm a bit bruised but… okay? Tired I guess? How did you know I was here-?"

"Oh, we went after you after you left the Aviary, though it took a while to get the owls off of You-chan~" Chika gives her a thumbs-up. "We caught a glimpse of Mari-chan and her Hippogriff so, we decided to follow you!"

"We were curious but, haha, we didn't expect… this," You's expression is unreadable, her eyebrows furrowed in deep contemplation.

"Either way, just leave everything to us now, Yoshiko-chan!" Chika grins as she holds out a broom that was clasped to her back. "Rest up here for a while - don't fly anywhere okay?"

"Yeah, we don't think you can stay on the broom for long in your current state," You glances over her dirty cloak, frowning at the few rips here and there. "We'll be right back."

Under the two Gryffindors' watchful eyes, Yoshiko gingerly mounts the given broom, her breaths still shallow from the deadly situation she just escaped from. You and Chika exchange a fist bump before diving back down into the furious clicking mass of Acromantulas below.

Dazed, Yoshiko tries to make sense of what she's witnessing, only to acknowledge a moment later that she wouldn't have understood even without the fatigue clouding her senses. The duo's teamwork is flawless, one backing the other as they switch between offense and defense. They fly around the monstrous spiders like it's a game, like it's a modified version of Quidditch. From Yoshiko's vantage point, the Acromantulas no longer look scary, for they are reduced to hairy dots scuttling around in pandemonium as they try to keep up with the flyers' movements.

You and Chika are formidable.

"They are amazing, aren't they?"

"M-Mari?!"

The Ravenclaw is safely mounted on her Hippogriff as she nears the shaken Slytherin. Her gaze is apologetic as she flicks her wand over Yoshiko, cleaning the dirt and repairing the tears in her clothes. "We'll get Rikocchi to look at your wounds later."

"Where did you go! I t-thought I was done for!" Yoshiko tries to sound angry but all that comes out is a choked sob.

"I got separated from you, but I located you not long after. I'm sorry, I was observing you instead of intervening," Mari points at the younger witch's pocket. "The parchment I gave you earlier is actually a portkey - in case of emergency, it would have transported you to a room I rented at Hogsmeade. That is the failsafe, but rather than activating it, I chose to wait and watch."

Yoshiko glares. "Watch what? Those spiders tearing me into pieces?"

Mari still looks sorry, but her lips curve into a small smile. "Well, you can now conjure the Lumos charm just fine now, and you've refined many of the spells - or, rather, you're able to tap into your powers without worrying anymore."

Indeed, she's always had trouble with the simple lighting Charm, or any of the Maxima variations. She was too concentrated on getting out of the chaos alive, so thoughts of the black tendrils never crossed her mind and she was able to use her magic fully. Even though the adrenaline is wearing off, she is certain that she can successfully cast any of those spells from now on. "… still, I could have died!"

"No pain no gain, that's my philosophy," Mari has a distant look in her eyes. "There's another reason that I didn't intervene - I want to see their skills firsthand."

"You mean You-san and Chika-san?"

"Yes. I knew they were following. I have to say, I'm very impressed - they sure know a lot of advanced spells."

Yoshiko purses her lips. "That's because that quill taught them many things, right? Wait, you're saying, they shouldn't have known because they're not supposed to remember-?"

"Bingo. I've always thought it odd that they're able to become close to Rikocchi so easily, even after being Oblivated. Perhaps the Memory Charm didn't completely work, or You-chan and Chikacchi's subconscious retains certain things and they are still drawn to their friend. The human mind is quite the enigma, no?"

"Mari-chan!"

During their brief conversation in the sky, the Gryffindor duo has already finished their business with the Acromantula. Yoshiko looks down and notes that many spiders have retreated, while some remain trapped under Transfigured roots.

To her surprise, the two witches force their way between her and Mari. "Why did you bring Yoshiko here, Mari-chan?"

Even the normally easygoing Chika sounds severe and protective.

"A field trip. It's a self-defense extracurricular lesson… maa, I agree it's a tad overboard~"

"Please don't do that again, Mari-chan. It's too dangerous," You utters gravely.

"I'm more curious about you two. Didn't know you're so skilled~ Thinking about becoming an Auror?" Mari is unfazed by the heavy atmosphere, her tone airy as ever.

You and Chika exchange puzzled looks. "Not really. I guess… we've always known?"

"Yeah, Riko-chan must have taught us!"

"It's not like we have to use this kind of spells in everyday life."

Yoshiko coughs and wearily flies towards Mari. "Can we have this discussion elsewhere, preferably some place warm? I feel like I'm about to pass out any moment…"

The three older witches carefully transfer her over onto Starbright, and a sticking Charm ensures that she would not fall off. At this point, Yoshiko is too exhausted to worry about any bout of nausea that the Hippogriff might incur in her flight.

As they make their way back towards the castle, Yoshiko glances behind her to make sure You and Chika are out of hearing range before whispering to Mari. "Aren't you telling them too much? I mean, isn't this breaking the terms or something? Would Lily be okay?"

"Yes. Chikacchi and You-chan were originally part of the group after all. Like Ruby-chan, I won't be telling them much, just the basics. Rikocchi is against involving them, understandably so, but they have every right to know, to an extent at least. They've actually confided in Kanan, that Rikocchi isn't telling them something and they're getting worried."

"Right… and, it seems like, they still retain some memories?"

"Exactly. Plus, you saw them just now - they'll be a good help. Their teamwork is impeccable - almost as good as Kanan, Dia and myself~"

Yoshiko rolls her eyes, though the tension eases from her body at the expected humor. "Whatever. It's not like I have any say in this anyway. I'm too tired and irritated. I'll tell Dia-san to properly take care of you."

Mari chuckles, though it sounds forced. "Oh right, she's going to be… well, I'm sure, at the end, she'll see my point."

"She will, after she's through punishing you."

"Kya~ Yoshiko-chan is a closet S? Then why haven't you made a move on Hanamaru-chan already, you silly hetare?"

Yoshiko contemplates on Cursing the annoying senior off the Hippogriff but decides against it. She simply has no energy. She definitely won't have energy once Zuramaru's done fussing over her. Well, she does enjoy the attention but still, she doesn't like being treated like a child.

No, she's more worried about Riko's reaction, if they bring You and Chika to the Room of Requirement.

"Say, Mari… I overheard some stuff earlier…"

She quietly explains the rumors and the duo's confirmation. Instead of making a joke about crushes like she expects, Mari's tone is uncharacteristically grim. "They… said that? They both like Rikocchi?"

"Yeah. Isn't that good though? Like their subconscious knowledge about spells, their feelings also remain-?"

"No no no. That's not…" Mari lowers her voice so much that Yoshiko has to strain her ear to hear her words. "Don't ever tell that to Rikocchi. She's been at the Room the whole day, so she shouldn't have heard anything yet. Those rumours, we'll try our best to stop it. Dia can even abuse her Head Girl position if she has to."

"Huh? What's the big deal?"

"I knew the Memory Charm wasn't casted correctly, not completely anyway. Like I said before, the human mind is full of enigma, and any spells associated with the mind is tricky business. Even with the quill's help back then, there is no way Rikocchi would have mastered it to erase the memories she wanted. But to think, it also implanted… extra things…"

Yoshiko dares to look over her shoulder and is surprised by Mari's sorrowful expression. "What do you mean?"

"Before they were Obliviated, You-chan and Chikacchi were a couple, a secret couple that only Rikocchi knew. But now… they are not. She's already felt guilty enough. She doesn't need this extra stress."

Yoshiko swallows dryly, understanding the severity of her words. She looks over Mari's to see the two red and gold silhouettes dutifully following them, determined to be their escorts. Chika innocently waves at her while You gives her an encouraging salute, as if saying 'just hang in there'.

Chika, You and Riko, they're all just victims in this mess, aren't they?

This field trip to the Nest has been extreme and practically traumatic, but Yoshiko feels like she's learned a lot and has become stronger because of it.