"Thanks, sweetheart." Nasrin cooed, rubbing a hand over the giant Tentacruel's slick blue skin and earning a gurgling purr that Ariel returned.

Ginger was surprisingly gentle, given her species' reputation for aggressive personalities, and had happily towed their boat across the lake in exchange for a few treats.

"We'll be right back, pretty girl." George promised, tickling between the eyes and getting a bubbly laugh. "You stay in the area, and we'll call you."

With a final wave, Ginger sunk below the water and disappeared while Oliver and Angelina pulled their boat up out of sight.

"Alright, we have about two hours before we'll need to get back." The Gauntlet captain noted, rubbing his hands together in the cold. "Our main goal is to get Harry and Neville each a new Pokemon, but if you see something after that you want to grab, feel free and go after it."

"Can't help but be tempted by the forbidden fruit, can you Ollie?" George teased, his Minun pulling a set of binoculars out of his bag and climbing up a tree with Plusle to survey the area.

"I'd be foolish not to, but my main goal, once again, is Harry and Neville." Oliver agreed as Pongo investigated the underbrush, gaze narrowing and nose twitching. "Don't be greedy, but don't be skittish, either. We don't have a ton of time to wander about, and I don't want to have you two come back empty-handed."

"And don't just go for the biggest and strongest thing you find." Angelina advised, Snow following her fellow's progress with alert ears. "Sometimes the strongest Pokemon is a young one you raise for a long time."

"Besides, it would be horrible to pick out a Pokemon that doesn't respect you as a trainer and refuses to follow you." Katie agreed, and Nasrin felt Robin puff out her feathers on Harry's shoulder as Meeko trembled against her chest.

"You're all ruining the fun of this!" George complained as Ariel went dangerously still. "We're on the Forbidden Bloody Island! This should be an adventure!"

A low, angry moan cut through, and the group turned to see that the tree Plusle and Minun were sitting in was moving.

"Trevenant!" Katie called out as the pair of Electric-types were thrown out by said Elder Tree Pokemon uprooting itself, bark cracking to reveal ectoplasm and a single red eye.

More followed in it's footsteps, a whole army of Ghostly trees rising to devour them-

A gale of Icy-Ominous Winds slammed into the horde like a hammer blow, one or two toppling back end-over-end, and the group turned, dumbstruck.

Snow let out a freezing roar, Robin wheeling back around and almost shrieking in outrage that they dared threaten her persons, and Ariel glared down the threat with obsidian eyes as a flash of pink light revealed a spiral-thorn shield.

"No."

Pulling back, the Trevenant retreated into the forest, and Pongo let out a warning growl at their backs, Meeko peeking out with narrowed eyes to watch them go.

"I'm liking this plan less and less!" Hermione squeaked out, trembling faintly when Nasrin softened again and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"We have to be careful." Oliver snapped at the Weasley Twins, releasing his Talonflame. "No sudden movements and no impulsive actions! The Forbidden Island has a very dense ecosystem. There are Ghost-, Psychic-, Dark- and Electric-types running around here, and that's just what we know of! Pokemon Trackers like to send Hogwarts rare species they find in hopes that their population can increase on this island. There's a reason Professor Dumbledore says this place is forbidden, students aren't supposed to be here! The Pokemon here are willing to attack if needed and will do so violently. This isn't like strolling down Route One or anything, the Pokemon here live in isolation for most of their lives and have no issue with attacking trainers. Stay alert."

"Then we need to pair up." Nasrin decided, already taking hold of Harry's hand. "The path's narrow, so I'll go ahead."

"Good idea." Katie agreed, letting out her Rapidash and swinging up onto the Pokemon's back, lifting Luna to sit in front. "You four will always stick with one of us older students."

"Except for Fred and George." Angelina warned playfully. "If you end up with them, make peace with Merlin."

"We'd be insulted, but you have a point." George admitted, soothing his frightened Minun as the group marched on.

Shield in one hand, Nasrin shared a look with Harry before stepping onto a path amid the densely-packed trees, Robin landing on his shoulder while Snow and Pongo trotted ahead, ears alert and noses twitching.

The branches were woven so tightly overhead that moonlight could not filter through, so Harry released Ludwig, who happily joined his chilly friend and began summoning balls of Will-O-Wisp to light their way, the color changing as everyone passed underneath.

Of course, this had Togepi popping out of her Ball, and Eevee, so Harry ended up carrying both baby Pokemon while the Normal-type joined Pongo in scanning the underbrush, bracketing their trainers in from possible danger.

In the light of Rapidash's mane and Talonflame's bursts of flame, the trees were revealed to be almost hybrids, such tight quarters forcing them to fuse into new creations, pines bearing bright red apples or maple trees oozing a rich cherry-tinted syrup.

It all looked…familiar.

"Won't this scare off the Pokemon?" Ginny whispered, eased by the happy chitters coming from Meeko and Togepi.

"Ghost-types will be more interested in the light than frightened and want to investigate." Neville explained. "Electric-types tend to use Flash when moving, so that won't be a problem. Besides, since the flames are Pokemon created, they won't be any worse than if we used flashlights. Might even be better."

"That's right." Oliver agreed, startled. "I learned about how Pokemon flames draw less attention than human ones while I was in Kalos. Gardeners use Pokemon Lamps in gardens to attract Flabebe. How did you know that?"

"Neville's the next Jack Kenway!" Ron boasted, though he faltered after a moment. "Uh, I mean with Tracking…Not the 'grab some crazy sticks and beat people to death with them' way."

"They're called escrima sticks, Ron." Hermione corrected automatically, head turning to take in the shadows nervously.

"And Kenway only killed…thirty people?" Fred voiced, George doing some mental math.

"Yes, thirty people by himself."

"And he didn't beat them to death. Most he electrocuted with those sticks or snapped their necks."

"Add in all the Pokemon he's used, though…"

"You do realize you're talking about what some would call a mass murderer like you'd discuss the weather, right?" Katie pointed out from the rear of their little caravan.

The Weasley Twins just shrugged, and Nasrin shared an amused glance with Harry as Snow iced up bits of her fur to spread Ludwig's light in fractals over the darkness.

"Do you think there are anymore Trevenant around?" Hermione whispered, rubbing her arms as if against a chill.

"Probably." Angelina admitted. "There could be none left, or every tree on this island could be one. Kenway-"

"The mass murderer." Katie muttered.

"-Proved when he discovered them that some trees are in fact Trevenant that have fallen asleep and become more, well, treeish than Pokemon. As long as we don't disturb them like Fred and George did, we should be okay."

Robin twittered in agreement, huddling closer to Harry's neck, Meeko hugging his friend close while eyeing the surrounding trees warily.

"That doesn't do much to ease my worries." Hermione admitted, gaze darting every which way.

"Not a fan?" Nasrin asked, sensing this was about more than the scare they had gotten on the shoreline.

"I don't like Ghost-types period." The bushy-haired girl admitted, smiling weakly as Togepi and Snow whipped around in great offense on Ludwig's behalf. "I like Ludwig a lot, trust me, but other Ghost-types tend to be a bit too mean for my tastes. Same with Dark-types. I understand why they act the way they do, but that doesn't mean I like their tricks."

"What about Bug-types?" Katie shouted from the back.

"Ugh." Hermione and Ginny gagged, shuddering.

Fred hummed thoughtfully, catching Harry's attention as Pongo trotted closer on his other side, murmuring to Eevee on Nasrin's right.

"What?"

"I think our dear Hermione is being projected on."

"Huh?" Boy and half-Gem echoed.

"Psychic are weak against three types." Fred lectured, smirking. "Dark, Ghost, and Bug. Hermione here has a Ralts, a Psychic-"

"Actually, Ralts is a dual-type, Psychic and Fairy." Hermione informed them. "They proved that this summer at the International Trainer Conference-"

"Ralts is a Psychic-type and would naturally be leery of those types." Fred finished without acknowledging the interruption.

"But Ralts isn't just Psychic, she's a Fairy, which means Steel and Poison would be more concerning than Bugs…" Hermione argued.

"So?" Ron voiced, also oblivious to the bushy-haired girl's annoyed huff.

"You've heard of the idea that people influence the behavior of their Pokemon, right?" Oliver elaborated. "The reverse is also true. Pokemon can influence their trainers."

"That makes sense." Nasrin noted, reaching up to rub behind Ariel's ears. "I've spent so much time with Ariel that we almost think the same way."

"And Hermione, you said Psychic-types bond closer with their trainers, so it's not exactly impossible that Ralts really is influencing your preferences." Harry agreed, Meeko and Togepi nodding.

Luna frowned as Pongo went still, ears flicking back sharply.

"So we shouldn't point out the two Ghost-types that are floating above Hermione's-?"

The bushy-haired girl shrieked in fright once she spotted the tiny phantoms, who echoed the scream back and darted away, towards Ron, who yelped and leapt into Fred's arms as Hermione bolted into the underbrush.

"Hermione!" Nasrin shouted, whirling around shield-first.

"Find Hermione and keep her safe!" Harry ordered, Snow and Ludwig taking off after the frightened Second Year as he juggled a whimpering Meeko and Togepi.

Pongo snarled, Eevee snapping when the Ghosts got a touch too close, but when Nasrin caught sight of them, a Phantump and a Pumpkaboo hugging each other tight, she did not feel they were a threat.

They felt…frightened.

"Talonflame, use-"

"STOP!" The half-Gem cried out, jerking forward to yank Oliver away as Luna scrambled down from her perch on Rapidash.

"Can't you see they're just as scared as we are?" The half-Veela scolded, crouching a couple feet away and cooing to the shivering Ghosts, beckoning them closer. "Sh, it's okay. I know Hermione can be loud at times, and her hair does look like a happy little bush in a painting, but you get used to her. It's okay."

"Is she actually babying the Ghosts?" Ron asked, bewildered.

"That's Luna." Ginny laughed, not at all surprised.

"Neville, which would you like?"

"Huh?" The Longbottom replied, stepping up to his intended.

"I'd rather have the Pumpkaboo, but if you'd prefer it…"

"No, no, you can have him."

Luna nodded, pulling out a Poke Ball as a bemused Neville copied her.

"Sorry, Harry, I'd offer you one, but Neville's a Grass Trainer and I'd hate to break these two up."

"No problem, Luna."

"How do you know they want to be your partners?"

Oliver's question was answered when the Pumpkaboo happily sprang into the blonde's arms, the Phantump floating over at a more sedate pace to grab onto Neville's hand like a lost child.

"I'd say they're rather happy with the arrangement." Nasrin noted as the pair caught their new Pokemon, amused by Oliver's resigned sigh.

"I'm going to call you Linus." Luna decided happily, skipping back over to Rapidash.

"Why Linus?" Katie wondered, helping the First Year up.

"Because he's a great pumpkin!" Luna and Nasrin answered together, laughing at the joke even though no one else got it.

A soft yip, and the half-Gem broke off her giggles as Snow trotted back up with Ludwig, unruffled as ever.

"You found her?" Harry asked, Meeko and Togepi babbling as if they had not seen their friends in years.

"They did." Hermione answered as she followed, cuddling a tiny gray Pokemon in her arms. "And I wasn't alone! Isn't that right, isn't that right?"

"And now Hermione's using baby talk." Ron stated blandly. "That'll replace the Wailord in my nightmares."

Shield falling apart in fractals of light, Nasrin flipped open her Pokedex one-handed to scan the new Pokemon, curious.

"Espurr, the Restraint Pokemon. The organ that emits its intense Psychic power is sheltered by its ears to keep power from leaking out. Type: Psychic."

"Aren't you the cutest little guy!" Hermione cooed, sharing an Eskimo Kiss with her new Pokemon. "Yes, you are! Yes, you are! You wandered right up to me and knew we were meant to be together, didn't you Crookshanks?"

"Crookshanks?" Harry wondered, noting the amusement of everyone else.

"From a show." Nasrin explained, reaching over for Togepi to grasp a finger. "This woman would use puppets of Pokemon to teach life lessons, like sharing, and one of them was named Crookshanks."

"This is the song that never ends…" George teased, earning a glare from Angelina.

"I thought we were coming out to battle and catch Pokemon, not have them wander into our hands." Fred voiced, laughing.

"Works for Harry and Nazz." Ron figured, shrugging. Harry blushed under the scrutiny, but Nasrin just smiled.

"It's not my fault all my Pokemon were either given to me or found!" He defended.

"I prefer my way, actually." She told them, shrugging.

"Well, if things continue like this, you two will remain battle virgins for another year." George teased.

Crookshanks turned out to be the last Pokemon to 'wander into their hands', as the Weasley Twins so accurately put it.

Pongo spotted a Heracross next, which Harry passed on and Katie happily captured, and then Eevee rooted out a Pachirisu that Ginny spent ten minutes battling before capturing it with some quick thinking.

Robin drove a Golduck out of hiding after that, and Harry turned down capturing it, citing a lack of connection, so Angelina caught the Water-type instead.

Fred and George had been excited to find an Illumise and Volbeat pair, which they happily split between them, and the Gloom that popped up afterwards ended up in Oliver's possession, though Meeko and Togepi were happy not to have the rather smelly Pokemon on either of their teams.

"You do realize you have to catch something, Harry?" Oliver worried as the group continued along the game trail. "That's the whole point of all this."

"I know, but I don't want to rush it." Harry explained. "Last thing I want to do is pick a Pokemon that doesn't feel right. That would only guarantee a loss. Worse comes to worse, I'll grab whatever we spot on the way back and see if I can work a trade with someone in the common room."

"If you say so, Harry." Oliver agreed, clearly unhappy with the plan.

"If I'd jumped at the first Pokemon I saw, I wouldn't have ended up with Ariel." Nasrin pointed out, said Popplio bwarking proudly. "And my first Egg wouldn't have been Meeko, either. If it feels right, you'll know."

A tingle rushed over her skin just then, rooting the rosy-haired girl in place as every facet of her Gem shimmered like an agitated wave.

There was…confusion, and terror, and something sharp, like-

Harry yelped when she suddenly disappeared, a streak of pink blurring down the trail, Pongo and Snow almost howling as they gave chase, Eevee rushing to catch up while Ludwig squeaked, holding on tight.

"Nazz!"

Their shouts fell on deaf ears, drowned out by waves of what's going on where am I where's mom mom mom mom I need you please it hurts MOM-

A tree split in her path, gaze locking on the slit purple eyes and ashy-gray face of a Salazzle, delicate claws digging into the fragile shell of a pale blue and black Egg, and Nasrin lost her temper.

Roaring loud enough to make the entire island tremble, she crashed into the Toxic Lizard Pokemon with the force of a speeding freight train, both tumbling through a rush of trees before rolling apart in a sudden clearing.

Twisting onto her feet, Salazzle fired off a bluish flame of Dragon Rage that Nasrin swiftly dodged, shield arcing through the air to THWACK against the Pokemon's flank, sending her sprawling.

Before Salazzle could scramble back up, she was encased in Psychic energy and thrown sideways into a nearby pond, shrieking as this assault was followed by twin Shadow Balls, an Ominous Wind, a Rock Tomb, and a Bubble Beam that resembled more a roaring river than a stream.

By the time Harry caught up, Meeko and Togepi fussing in his arms, Salazzle was retreating with great speed into the underbrush, Pongo dishing out one last Rock Throw to discourage her from coming back.

"Nazz!" He shouted, not immediately spotting the riot of bright-pink curls and feeling his heart twist anxiously. "NAZZ!"

A soft whine, and he turned to find her kneeling amid the remains of torn-open trees, resting a hand on an acid-scarred Egg as crystalline tears spilled from her eyes like falling stars, splashing in flashes of pink light against the pockmarked shell.

"I'm so sorry…" She whispered, only half-aware as the group caught up, her Pokemon and Harry's watching quietly. "I know that you're scared, and want to go home, but…"

Harry closed his eyes, realizing with sickening clarity what had happened, and reached out to squeeze the pink-haired girl's shoulder, a solid support.

"I'm going to take care of you." Nasrin promised, a pulse of surprise tingling up her fingers. "You're never going to be alone again."

The Egg thrummed, pressing close, and she nestled it against her Gem, rubbing away tears as Snow hopped into her lap, curling around their newest addition with Ludwig.

Crouching, Harry smiled when Meeko and Togepi immediately scrambled to join the pile, cooing and whispering comfort, Pongo and Eevee circling like watchful sentries as Robin finally resettled on his shoulder.

In that one moment, when Nasrin tilted her head back and smiled, cheeks wet and eyes shining with stars, Harry felt that deep-burning warmth and knew.

There was a CRACK, and Ginny gasped as the blue-and-black Egg rattled hard, breaking apart in the light of a glowing Gem.

A soft THWUMP followed, and Nasrin twisted around, wide-eyed, to see her other Egg rocking in the incubator, cracking open just a sliver.

They were both hatching.

"That's impossible." Hermione voiced, wide-eyed, as Ariel popped the incubator open with a hiss. "You've only had that Egg a few weeks. Even with five Pokemon, there's no way…"

Impossible or not, it was happening, and everyone gathered around to watch as Nasrin cradled both in her arms, pink light pushing the shadows back.

Vividly reminded of that Solstice night so many months ago, Harry held his breath when each Egg jerked, cracking against each other and falling apart to reveal two baby Pokemon, blinking up at them with big red eyes and yawns.

Ginny's Pokedex beeped in the silence, and she read the first entry, staring at the round, pink little Pokemon that grabbed onto one of Snow's tails, giggling.

"Igglybuff, the Balloon Pokemon. It's always practicing its singing because it wants to improve. Even when it's asleep, it keeps singing in it's dreams. Type: Normal/Fairy. Attacks: Heal Pulse, Sing, Charm."

But Nasrin was focused on the blue-and-black Pokemon sitting up on her thigh, nose twitching and metal-backed paws rubbing at deep red eyes, so similar to…

"Riolu, the Emanation Pokemon." Harry read, reaching out and smiling when said baby grasped his fingers, curious. "It's body is little yet powerful. It can crest three mountains and cross two canyons in one night. Type: Fighting. Attacks: Bullet Punch, Foresight, Quick Attack, Endure."

"I've never heard of a Riolu in Avalon." Hermione voiced, shuffling closer. "They evolve into Steel-types, which aren't native to our region."

"Like I said, Trackers from all over the world bring Pokemon to see if they'll thrive." Oliver reminded them. "Lucario are extremely rare, even in regions where they're found in the wild. Someone probably hoped their numbers would rise here."

"And look how that went." Ron grumbled, rubbing at his eye stubbornly.

"Are they okay?" Neville worried, Flora waddling closer to get a better look at the pair of freshly-hatched Pokemon.

"Yeah…" Nasrin choked out, fingers curling into baby-soft fur. "Yeah, they're okay. Right, Melody? Mulan?"

The Igglybuff nodded, rolling over onto stubby little feet with help from Togepi, and the Riolu hummed, ear-like extensions flicking as Meeko grabbed onto her paw, chirping away.

Pulling out two Love Balls, Nasrin 'captured' her two newest babies and released them immediately, Snow fanning her tails to catch Melody before she rolled away as Pongo and Eevee trotted in, sniffing the new arrivals under Ludwig's watchful eye.

The whole scene was so adorable that Harry could hardly blame Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Katie and Angelina for audibly melting, though he ruefully noted that none of them would be helping corral all these little bundles of energy for the next few months.

Mulan chuffed, ear-sensors lifting, and he turned to see Ron peering into the nearby pond, an aqua-blue Dive Ball raised overhead.

"What are you up to, mate?" The Potter asked, Nasrin standing as Togepi, Melody, Meeko and Mulan fully settled in her arms.

"Sh…I have to time this just right."

Eevee and Pongo watched, heads tilted curiously, as Ron stood statue-still on the water's edge.

"Almost…Almost…"

Quick as a flash, the Ball was thrown, splashing up to soak poor Angelina before flying back into Ron's hand with a satisfying SHWAP.

"Yes!"

"What did you get, Ron?" Hermione wondered, shifting Crookshanks in her arms.

"Check it out!"

A flash of red light, and-

Robin face-planted off Harry's shoulder as a Magikarp materialized, flopping in the dirt despite Ron's attempts to release it over water, and Ariel hissed sympathetically through her teeth while Pongo and Eevee let out soft grunts as if to say 'what'.

"A Magikarp?" Fred sighed, matching Snow and Ludwig's unimpressed expressions with just his tone. "Ron, are you trying to embarrass the family?"

"Hey, I did my homework for once!" The youngest male Weasley defended. "A Magikarp might be weak-"

"Pathetic." Katie noted.

"Sad." Fred stated.

"Useless." George said.

"Unfortunate souls." Nasrin commented, Meeko giggling.

"For once, I have nothing." Luna admitted.

"I think it's trying to kill itself." Neville voiced, watching the Fish Pokemon hop further away from his old pond.

"-But I have plans for him!" Ron continued with conviction. "I just need to spend time with him, toughen him up, and he'll evolve into the mighty Gyarados! Imagine that! Mister Ron Weasley, with that mighty Flying dragon-"

"Gyarados aren't Dragons." Hermione corrected.

"Yeah, definitely trying to kill itself." Neville decided, Pongo trotting over to drag the Magikarp away from the large rock it was bashing its own head against. "And failing, too. That must be depressing."

"Besides, look at how cool he is!" Ron praised, lifting his new Pokemon for everyone to see the shimmering crystals embedded in each scale. "See all those cool shiny sparkles on his scales? Imagine that, but on a giant blue dragon!"

"Again, it isn't a Dragon." Hermione reminded him.

"It's a good idea." Nasrin conceded as Robin fluttered back up onto Harry's shoulder. "I mean, these four aren't much better than a Magikarp when it comes to battling, but with a little love, they'll evolve and be much stronger."

Harry nodded absently, something about those crystals nagging at his memory…

"Trust me, guys! This is a brilliant plan!" Ron cheered, holding Magikarp by the tail like a fisherman's trophy. "I'm a genius!"

A sharp cry, and everyone blinked as a black-white-yellow form flew past, snatching Magikarp and swooping up into the trees again in moments.

"Emolga Emolga Emolga!" Ron chanted, almost vibrating with glee as he recognized the Pokemon. "That's-That's my favorite Pokemon! It's just so awesome!"

Before he could grab a Poke Ball, the Weasley Twins intercepted, forcing their younger brother still.

"Fred? Let me-"

"Rules are rules, Ronnie. Only one Pokemon per person on this trip."

"No!" Ron almost wailed. "Please, you have to-"

"Sorry, dear little brother, but rules are rules. George and I got our Volbeat and Illumise, Ollie, Katie and Angelina have theirs, Mister and Missus Longbottom have their phantoms, Nazz has her new babies…The only person left who could capture it is-"

"HARRY!" Ron screamed, startling Robin into flight as he grabbed said boy by the shoulders and shook him for emphasis. "Please! Please capture it! I'd love to have one, but at least if you had it I could be around one! I'll even help you care for it and-"

"Okay, okay!" Harry answered, letting out a relieved breath when Robin and Ludwig grabbed onto Ron's jacket and peeled him off.

With a glance at Eevee, the Potter turned to take in the Emolga as it shocked an unresponsive Magikarp.

"I guess a Flying Electric-type that's immune to Ground moves would be a good Pokemon to have around. Eevee, use Shadow Ball!"

Pongo howled encouragement as his friend leaped into the lower branches, using them as a springboard to reach the Sky Squirrel Pokemon and nail it with the ectoplasmic sphere of energy.

Crashing into the trunk, Emolga released its prey, which flopped to the ground below without complaint, and Harry lobbed out a Poke Ball that was shocked away midair before the Electric-type dove and forced Eevee to leap to another tree.

A second Shadow Ball had Emolga dodge right into a second Poke Ball, but it escaped within seconds, much to Pongo's growling frustration.

"He's strong." Nasrin noted, Ariel nodding in agreement as the Electric-type stuck out his tongue from a new perch, bouncing mockingly.

A low moan echoed through the clearing, and everyone's blood turned to ice.

"Bloody hell!" Oliver yelped as Talonflame took flight. "Not more of them!"

The entire opposite tree-line began to shake, bark splitting to reveal shadows, and Snow outright snarled as she joined Ludwig, Pongo, Flora and Mickey in front of the Second Years, intent on protecting the younger Pokemon from danger.

"Harry!" Nasrin shouted, pulling him back into the group as Ariel roared a challenge. "We need to go!"

Katie retook her seat on Rapidash, only to cry out as a bolt of electricity struck them out of nowhere from across the pond, where a herd of Electrike had gathered.

"Ginny, send out your Pachirisu!" Fred ordered. "We need to block those Thunderbolts!"

"You need to get in your Balls." Nasrin decided, recalling Melody, Mulan and-

Meeko leapt out of her arms before the half-Gem could grab his Ball, darting away, and Nasrin whipped around at the sharp cry he released as the first Thunderbolt arced midair to strike him.

"MEEKO!"

"Mickey!" Luna shouted, eyes snapping into focus. "Bulldozer!"

The Trapinch slammed his little legs into the ground, eyes shining, and it rose in a rolling wave that toppled the Electrike like bowling pins, Meeko folding in pain as the shocks passed.

"Ariel, take Robin and Snow, focus on the Trevenant!" Nasrin ordered, curling an arm tight around Togepi as Eevee joined the fray under Harry's orders. "Pongo, with me."

In response, the Popplio, Vulpix and Rowlet released a gale of Ominous Icy Winds that made the Trevenant falter where Snorunt and Sam the Snover had not, giving them breathing room on that front as Pongo released a Rock Tomb that kept the Electrike off-balance.

"Meeko!" Nasrin worried, falling to one knee beside the overwhelmed Pichu. "What are you doing? Your Ability is Lightning Rod!"

Shaking off the lingering static, Meeko looked up at her with such determination and calm conviction that Nasrin hesitated in activating his Ball.

I can do this.

After a moment, she nodded.

I trust you.

A cry from Emolga galvanized Ron into action as a Trevenant grabbed said Sky Squirrel Pokemon, scooping Magikarp up by the tail while releasing Cubchoo.

"Powder Snow!"

The attack was enough for Emolga to escape, gliding to safety amid the group where Ron helpfully caught it for a distracted Harry, as Nasrin pulled out her shield and threw it at the regrouping Electrike, unflinching as another stray Thunderbolt was absorbed by Meeko's Ability.

"DUCK!"

Swinging Magikarp like a club, Ron smacked a Spearow right out of the air, and Nasrin whipped around as a whole flock of the aggressive Flying-types surrounded them.

"Bloody hell, I think they were nesting in the Trevenant!"

With a deep pull, she materialized a massive pink shield over everyone that stopped the diving Spearow in their tracks, every muscle tensing as she swung it around in a heavy arc, gaze flickering-

The Trevenant cried out, tumbling over the torn ground, as Meeko took another round of Thunderbolts with a low grunt, cheek-sacs overflowing with sparks that seared his skin with starburst burns.

"NOW!"

Harry took in a sharp breath as Meeko began to glow, the sky darkening with rumbling storm clouds around a fallen star, and rose as a Pikachu, glare fixed on the Pokemon threatening his friends.

"Pi…Ka…"

The whole sky seemed to tremble overhead, static electricity making Ariel's ears twitch.

"CHU!"

Thunder fell from the sky with blinding intensity, clearing a huge swath of forest for roughly a mile all around, and Snow lowered her head in exhaustion, almost sweating from exertion with Snorunt, Sam and Cubchoo, Ludwig dropping onto her back with a flickering flame.

All their Pokemon were exhausted, Robin nearly missing Harry's shoulder as she finally landed, and Nasrin scooped up a limp Meeko, kissing his pain away as their enemy regrouped.

"I hate this." Hermione complained. "I hate Ghost-types and I hate being shocked and I just want to leave!"

"I can hold them off long enough for you guys to make a run for the boat." Nasrin voiced, healing Rapidash's paralysis.

"We're not leaving you." Harry insisted fiercely, Eevee and Pongo growling in agreement.

"It's the only chance we have." The half-Gem retorted, just as stubborn.

"Well, unless Hermione's Ralts or Espurr knows Teleport-" Katie began, trembles easing at a quick kiss.

"That's it!" The Potter realized. "DOBBY!"

With a strange POP, a Kadabra appeared before them, focusing spoon tucked over one ear.

The poor Pokemon was malnourished and scarred from old injuries, anxious and twitchy, and Nasrin wondered with a sinking heart what-

And then they were at Hogwarts' main gate, safe and sound.

"We're alive?" Ginny asked, disbelieving.

"It can't be heaven." Luna decided, frowning. "There are Segway scooters in heaven, and the Backstreet Boys."

Nasrin collapsed to her knees on an exhaled breath, face buried in Meeko's fur and Togepi's hands twisting in her hair, muscles starting to shake as the adrenaline faded.

Too close.

Climbing back up to her shoulder, Ariel hummed in comfort as Snow collapsed against her side, Ludwig practically melting across the Vulpix's back, and Pongo flopped over her feet with a grunt, barely twitching when Eevee collapsed across his back.

Harry released Emolga as he plopped down next to her, unable to begrudge the Sky Squirrel Pokemon for going to Ron and thanking him for the save as Mulan and Melody escaped their Balls, whimpering and fussing from the scare.

"It's okay, it's okay…" Nasrin whispered, rocking back and forth as Meeko gathered the younger Pokemon into a hug, mumbling sleepily when Togepi wiggled her way in.

Dobby do good?

The voice was nothing like Slowking's, uncertain and wavering and child-like, and the rosy-haired girl lifted her head as Harry nodded, once again mentally communicating said Kadabra.

With a happy nod and a cheer, the Psychic-type Teleported away, and she nodded when a questioning look got a shake of the head from Harry in response.

Not yet.

"Well, it seems I wasn't the only one awakened by the storm."

All twelve turned to find a smiling Albus Dumbledore in the castle's doorway, speechless.

"Crud."