I do not own Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. Beta'd by LittleOddStar (Lady of Something)
Chapter 13
"I can't believe they did that!" Hermione yelled while trying to get the glitter out of her hair.
The twins had decided to celebrate their birthday in the only way that they knew how; with a giant prank. Breakfast had been a relatively calm affair until the twins came in with the grins that all present knew meant trouble.
Ari had been contemplating running for her life when the explosion happened up near the teachers' table. After the purple smoke cleared, all of the students looked up to see what had happened. The teachers had been turned into animals.
Professor McGonagall was a cat, Professor Flitwick was an owl, Professor Sprout was a rabbit, the Headmaster was a very happy peacock and Professor Snape was a bat.
The Great Hall was silent for all of five seconds before the students burst out laughing. The prefects and Head Boy and Girl had quickly got together and decided that, until the teachers were back to normal, there was no way to hold classes. Therefore, all students were free for the day.
While the announcement was being made, Professor McGonagall was glaring at anybody that was still laughing, Professor Snape flew over to where the twins were sitting and started making very angry clicking noises at them. Ari didn't want to know what he was saying; however, she was certain that it involved at least a month's worth of detention in the form of hard manual labor.
As the students were leaving, another explosion occurred. Being almost at the door, Ari and her friends were only hit by the shower of glitter that had fallen. They were not subjected to the color changing prank that left the majority of their classmates changing skin, hair and eye color for the rest of the day.
"Relax, 'Mione. We get out of all of our double classes for today," Ron stated as they made their way through the corridors.
Hermione sent a heated glare over to Ron. "Do you realize how close we are to finals and how much we still have to learn?! We can't afford to have a day off like this!"
Ari decided to intervene before things got too out of hand.
"Hermione, why don't you and I go to the library and grab some books so that we can start reviewing?"
"Sounds brilliant, actually. At least two of us have some common sense and desire to pass."
Ari chuckled. It was surprisingly easy to stop Hermione if you knew what you were doing. The group changed course and began to head for the library. Draco and Neville decided that they wanted in on the study group too.
The group was in the library gathering materials for their study group when they literally ran into somebody most unexpected.
"Sorry, Ari. I didn' see ya there. Ya haven' been ta see me lately," Hagrid both apologized and admonished.
"Sorry, Hagrid, I have just been really busy," Ari replied sheepishly. Her friends had told her repeatedly that she needed to spend more time relaxing.
"Yeah, so I hear. I heard ya pretty much 'ad extracurriculars every night."
"She does," Neville piped up, "That's why we're doing our study session now."
Ron then noticed the books that Hagrid was carrying.
"Hagrid, why are you getting books about dragons?"
The group as a whole looked at Hagrid as Keina, Caillen, and Faye came over.
"Uh, well, just for somethin' to read," Hagrid answered while looking around nervously.
"Uh huh," Ari responded skeptically. "Well, we need to get going Hagrid. See ya."
The group made their way over to the empty classroom that they had pretty much taken over as their own little study corner.
"How often is Hagrid in the library?" Neville asked once they got settled.
Caillen, Keina, Hermione, and Ari looked at each other.
"Never," they answered as one.
"Well, then, should we go and see why he is studying up on dragons?" Draco recommended.
"And when do you recommend we go? Ari has lessons with Professor Snape in a few hours and still needs to finish her homework for tomorrow," Hermione gently reminded the group.
The group turned as one to Ari who seemed to have become the unofficial leader of the group over the course of the school year. Ari still didn't understand why - but whenever she asked about the cause, they just gave her a look like 'can you really not figure it out?'.
"Why not? We haven't been to see Hagrid in ages. Also, I don't think that I am going to be having lessons tonight thanks to the twins."
Draco smirked, "Yeah, I think that is a safe bet. But, I would still show up just to be on the safe side. Who knows? By then the prank could have worn off."
"Well, then let's go down to the dungeons first and then go see Hagrid."
The group nodded to this idea - it seemed reasonable. Once they were outside of Professor Snape's office, Ari knocked; however, there was no response. Ari looked at Draco with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't know if he is in there. He did give us Slytherins permission to enter so long as we knocked first. You knocked so go in."
Ari opened the door slowly. She looked back at her friends only to notice that they had all taken a seat along the wall opposite the door. Rolling her eyes, Ari entered the office. Upon first glance, nothing seemed abnormal until she looked up and saw a bat hanging from the ceiling.
"Umm...Professor Snape?" Ari spoke up trying to get her professor's attention.
It worked because the bat came down to land in front of Ari on the desk.
"I came here to see if we were still going to have lessons; however, I guess I have my answer."
The bat gave her a 'no duh' look. Ari was at a loss as to what to do now. She then realized that Professor Snape had no way to get dinner.
"Rigby!" Ari called hoping that the elf would come even though he was under no obligation to do so. As luck would have it though, the elf came.
"Miss Potter be summoning Rigby?" The elf questioned.
"Yeah, Rigby do you think that you could get Professor Snape some fruit. He is currently unable to get downstairs or call on you himself"
The elf looked at the table and noticed his master, the bat. It was with a loud squeak that the elf pushed past Ari to get to his master.
"What bes happening to Master Snape!? Who did this to yous?"
Bat Professor Snape glared at Ari.
"Umm...Rigby it was a prank gone bad. Do you think you can take care of him til he changes back?" Ari asked hesitantly.
The elf's reaction was instantaneous as he snapped around to glare at Ari.
"Rigby bes taking care of Master Snape as Rigby has always done. Miss Potter has done her job; now, Miss Potter needs to bes leaving so that Rigby can do his!"
With that said, Ari was ushered quickly to the door and pushed out. Ari turned to look at the door in confusion before turning back to her friends who sported looks of amusement and obviously wanted an explanation.
"Professor Snape is still a bat, and I called Rigby to take care of him. I guess Rigby took offense to something that I said."
"What did you say?" Draco asked. "I have never seen an elf act like that."
"I just asked him if he would be able to care for Professor Snape until he turned back."
The purebloods flinched.
"That was your mistake, Ari. Never ask an elf if they are capable of their duties. They see that as the highest offense. Just tell them what needs to be done and leave it," Caillen explained.
Ari nodded, "Well, on the bright side, I am free for the night. So, let's go see Hagrid."
The group made their way as quickly as possible to Hagrid's hut. It wasn't often that Ari had no plans for the evening, and they weren't going to risk something coming up because somebody saw that she wasn't in her lessons. As the group neared the hut, Ari immediately noticed that something was off. On any given day, one could look out at Hagrid's hut and see the windows and door thrown wide open. However, it seemed as though Hagrid was going out of his way to keep people from being able to see inside.
Ari led the group up to the hut and knocked loudly. Inside, sounds of crashing pots and something breaking could be heard. When Hagrid finally answered the door, he only opened it enough to look outside.
"Sorry, bu' I'm a bit busy righ' now. Could yeh come back later?"
"Yeah, we would love too, except this is probably the only day that we'll be able to drag Ari down here to see you," Draco drawled out.
Ari blushed. She tried to make time for everybody and everything. It wasn't her fault that Professor Snape wanted lessons everyday that she didn't have Quidditch except Sundays and then she had homework.
"Well, alrigh' get in 'ere," Hagrid answered as he opened the door wide enough for the rather large group to enter.
It was a tight squeeze fitting them all into the hut at once. The inside of the hut was almost unbearably warm.
"Hagrid would it be possible to open a window?" Hermione asked as she headed over to the window.
"Sorry, 'Mione, but it needs teh be kept as hot in 'ere as possible," Hagrid responded as he tried to subtly block their view of the fireplace.
"Hagrid what are you doing? What's with all of the dragon books?" Ari inquired as she pointed out the pile of library books on the table.
"Well, yeh see... the truth is... I-" Hagrid stumbled.
Ron finally managed to see into the fireplace and went wide eyed.
"Hagrid, where did you get that? They're illegal!"
The group turned as one to see what was in the fireplace. The Ravenclaws, except for Ari, and Draco gasped.
"Hagrid, what are you doing with a DRAGON egg?!" Keina all but screamed.
"Well, I'm hatchin' it."
"Hatching it? Hagrid do you know how fast it is going to grow? Not to mention the fact that you live in a wooden house!" Hermione exclaimed.
"He's just going to be a little guy," Hagrid argued.
"Yeah, at first. What type is he?" Ron questioned.
"I got a Norwegian Ridgeback. They's extremely rare, they are," Hagrid stated puffing out his chest as he continued to stoke the fire.
After a few minutes, he prepared some tea for the group and sat down with them.
"Now, what did yeh want?"
The group turned to Ari again.
"We really just wanted to know why you were suddenly interested in dragons; however, it would seem that we got our answer. Hagrid, are you sure that you are going to be able to care for the dragon? That it will be safe?"
"Of course, this isn't the first misunderstood creature that I 'ave cared for. I mean, I raised Fluffy, didn't I? And now, he is guardin' Flamel's stone for him and Dumbledore."
Hagrid didn't seem to realize how much he had just given away. But, the Ravenclaws did.
"I've always wanted a dragon," he sighed happily to himself.
"Hagrid, did you just say Flamel's stone?" Caillen asked as calmly as he could.
Hagrid's eyes went wide as he realized exactly what he had given away.
"Now, don't yeh be worryin' 'bout any eh that. It's between Professor Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel."
This did nothing to calm down the students.
"Oh, hell no!"
"He didn't!"
"It's here!"
"You named a Cerberus Fluffy?!"
It took a good five minutes to get the Ravenclaws calmed down enough to talk.
"Hagrid, what is the Philosopher's Stone doing here at Hogwarts?" Caillen asked. He couldn't believe how stupid the adults were to have brought that here!
"How do yeh know 'bout-"
"Doesn't matter, Hagrid. What is it doing here?" Keina interrupted.
"It's here for safe keepin'. Now, I think you should all be goi-"
Just then, there was a cracking sound in the fireplace. Hagrid ran over and quickly pulled the egg out-setting it on the table. The group gathered around to watch as the dragon hatched from its egg. It took quite a while and the entire time, Hagrid was encouraging it.
"Come on! Yeh can do it."
The group was pretty certain that if they had decided to leave, Hagrid would never have noticed. As it was, watching a dragon hatch was pretty much a once in a lifetime experience.
"Even my brother, Charlie, doesn't get this close to the hatching dragons. The moms are too protective."
When the dragon finally came tumbling out of the egg, head over tail, Ari couldn't help but think that it wasn't the cutest thing that she had ever seen. It looked like an old crumpled, black umbrella. It was completely black and its spiny wings were way too large when put in comparison with the rest of its body. It had a long snout and stubs that Ari guessed would one day be horns. Its orange eyes looked around it with caution before they landed on Ari.
The dragon instantly began trying to make its way over to her, and she quickly backed away. Ari looked over at Ron who was chuckling.
"What's so funny, Ron? Something you want to share?" Ari snapped.
The dragon then jumped off the table in an attempt to follow her. Ari barely spared a minute to wonder how the heck the literally five minute old dragon was able to move around this much. Hagrid was watching with a wide smile upon his face as though he had never seen anything cuter.
"Is anybody going to help me? And why is it chasing me?" Ari yelled as she continued to move around trying to get away from the baby dragon.
"It thinks- it thinks you're-" Ron began to try to explain but was laughing too hard. "It thinks you're its mom, Ari!"
Ari went wide eyed.
"Seriously! Hagrid, do something before it winds up getting hurt!"
Hagrid quickly ran forward and grabbed his baby dragon.
"Now, don' be like that, Ari. He's only a baby. I've decided teh name 'im Norbert."
"Yeah, a baby that just chased me around this small, confined hut for the past ten minutes," Ari muttered.
"Umm….does anybody know what time it is?" Neville asked after everybody was seated again.
"Yeah, Nev, it's….oh, Merlin!" Draco yelled, jumping up, "Guys, we need to go, curfew was twelve minutes ago!"
The group quickly bid their goodbyes and left for their dorms. Ari was just praying to her family that she got back to Ravenclaw tower without getting caught. By some miracle, Ari, Caillen, Keina and Faye made it back to the tower with no issues, and they quickly slipped in.
"Let's go back tomorrow and try to talk some sense into Hagrid. That dragon needs to go," Ari stated before saying goodnight to her friends and heading for bed.
The next morning found the group gathered together trying to find a way to get rid of the dragon.
"Why don't we just release it?" Ron asked.
"It's too young. It wouldn't last a day," Ari pointed out.
"Besides, that could be considered inhumane," Hermione added.
"Well, it's not like we can take it to a dragon reserve!" Ron snapped.
Ari's eyes widened, "Charlie!"
Everybody stared at her as if she was nuts.
"Umm...Ari, I'm Ron. Charlie is in Romania working with… DRAGONS! Of course, but do you think he would?"
"Only one way to find out! Come on, if we hurry we can send a letter with Hedwig before classes start!"
Ari and Ron ran out of the Great Hall, leaving many to wonder what on earth was going on. Professor Snape's eyes narrowed in suspicion. Something was going on, and he didn't like it.
Ari and Ron made their way up to the Owlery, and Ari quickly called down Hedwig. By now, the snowy owl had learned that her mistress could not talk to her if others were around. So, she simply held out her leg and waited for the red-haired boy to tie the parchment on. Once it was done, she gave an affectionate nip to Ari's ear and took off.
The two students in the meantime managed to get to their first classes on time, or, in Ari's case (since she didn't have class), the library. Classes went by as normal with teachers already starting to warn the students about the upcoming finals. Ari wasn't too worried; contrary to what her friends and the majority of the school believed, Professor Snape made sure that Ari got all of her homework done. An hour on Mondays and Wednesdays and three hours on Saturdays were set aside to do homework or ask for assistance if she needed it. Her friends had yet to figure out how she was doing it. It also helped that she had Sundays free though.
Professor Snape had finished going over the basics of all the weapons that they had present: swords, knives, and bow and arrows during the previous week's lessons. While she was still not a pro, that wouldn't happen without years of practice, she was able to hold her own and defend herself. Professor Snape told her that she would learn even more weapons once she arrived at camp. She could expect to have to learn how to wield a trident.
Serra decided to call off Quidditch practice for one night to allow the team the chance to get ahead on their studying. After all, the final game was against Gryffindor and after finals so they would have to keep practices up longer than the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs.
Ari, for her part, was just amazed to have two nights off in a row and made the best of the situation. The group once more found themselves in the spare classroom just down the hall from the library. Ari and Ron informed the group that they had sent off the letter to Charlie with Hedwig.
"Well, that explains why you were almost late," Hermione sniffed. She disapproved that Ron had come running into the history classroom right as Professor Binns was beginning his lecture on the goblins wars of the third century.
"Any idea when we can expect a response, Ron?" Ari asked. She honestly had no idea how quickly an owl could do a round trip.
"No quicker than a week, Ari," Draco responded, "Hedwig is going to have to rest a few times, even with being a magical owl."
Things were back to normal - or as normal as they could be - the next day, Friday, as Ari was once more in her evening lesson with Professor Snape. That night's lessons involved more practice with the various weapons and then more history lessons. They had of course already gone over the major myths, but now, Professor Snape was having Ari learn about each of the main demigods and how she can learn from their mistakes.
Lessons ended as per usual at half past nine; the only exception was of course lessons on Thursdays that needed to be cut short due to Astronomy lessons at nine. Ari made her way back up to Ravenclaw Tower and went straight to bed. Her friends were not false in their beliefs that she was extremely busy to the point of exhaustion many days.
Ari's busy schedule continued into the next week. The group, without Ari, had continued to go down to Hagrid's hut to assist with Norbert. Hagrid was not very keen on the idea of getting rid of his "baby;" however, the group was adamant in their arguments that keeping Norbert would only lead to trouble for Hagrid should he be caught. After all, it was against the rules for dragons to be kept by non-dragon tamers and even then it was only legal to keep them at the reservations. Hagrid eventually gave in when Ron mentioned that they had already sent off the letter to Charlie.
At breakfast on April 15th, Ron finally received a message from his brother. Ari smiled at Hedwig, gave her some extra bacon and sent her to get some rest. Ron quickly opened the note and read it; he then passed it to the rest of the group.
Dear Ron,
How are you? You really do need to write more often; mother is worried because she hasn't heard from you. Thanks for the letter, but how the bloody hell did Hagrid obtain a- you know what never mind; it's Hagrid after all. Anyways, anybody involved in this is considered to be breaking the law. Unfortunately, you and about seven others are now caught up in it. To help get rid of the dragon, I will be arriving on the 19th to personally take the dragon to the Romanian reserve. DON'T do anything drastic. I will be arriving for dinner, and then we can get it done before curfew.
Remain safe,
Charlie
The group was instantly all smiles and agreed as they walked that instead of going straight to their group study that would would go and inform Hagrid of the great news first. The good news was that the only thing going on today was studying and Quidditch practice that night.
Hagrid of course was not at all thrilled with the news that he was only going to have his baby for one more day.
"He's only a baby. He needs his mummy," Hagrid all but wailed.
Ari seriously wanted to roll her eyes.
"Hagrid, we aren't having you release him unprotected into the wild. He is going to a dragon reserve where he can be with other dragons and not risk burning down your hut!" Hermione argued for what felt like the hundredth time. She continued to try and get the baby dragon to eat.
"I've always wanted a dragon, an' now he's leavin' meh."
The group was just about to leave when Hermione let out a high pitched screech. Norbert had taken offense to Hermione not giving him her full attention and had decided to bite her.
"Watcha doin' teh Norbert?" Hagrid asked after looking over. "Yeh need teh pay attention teh 'im when yeh are feedin' 'im."
"Hagrid, he bit her. Shouldn't you be more concerned about her? After all, many dragon bites are poisonous," Caillen argued.
"But, he is only a baby. He don' know any better."
It was shortly after that argument that the group decided to leave. Hermione needed to go to the Hospital Wing before the bite got much worse. Upon entering the Hospital Wing, Madame Pomfrey came rushing over.
"And what have you done to land yourself here this time, Miss Potter."
Ari's friends started laughing at the assumption, but Ari just blushed. She wasn't here that often.
"I have done nothing, Madame Pomfrey, but Hermione hurt her hand somehow."
Madame Pomfrey gave Ari a look of pure suspicion before she turned her attention to Hermione.
"Well, get up on the bed and let's see what you have done to yourself."
An hour, and shockingly not too many questions, later, the group, minus Hermione, was leaving the Hospital Wing. Apparently, Madame Pomfrey had a policy about not asking too many questions.
As it turned out, Hermione was going to be stuck in the hospital wing for the rest of the weekend to make sure that the poison was out of her hand. Hermione was of course rather put out by this because it meant that she was going to miss meeting Charlie and seeing off the pain of a dragon.
Sunday night could not come quickly enough for Ari Potter. Saturday morning saw Ari in Professor Snape's office and chambers once more to practice. Unfortunately, it became quickly apparent that her mind was elsewhere. After nearly being stabbed for the fifth time in half an hour Professor Snape called it quits for weapons training. They finished history lessons relatively quickly after that, and she was dismissed in time for dinner. Sunday afternoon's extra Quidditch practice saw her nearly being hit in the head by a bludger. Practice was called due to 'lack of focus.'
Ari walked into the Great Hall for dinner and instantly noticed that there was a new face at the Gryffindor Table. The rest of the group was sitting there even though they were supposed to be sitting at Slytherin table this week. As she sat down at the table, she was introduced to the new stranger.
"Hey, Ari, this is my older brother, Charlie. Charlie, this is Ari Potter."
"Oh, pleasure to meet you, Charlie," Ari greeted as she shook the older Weasley's hand.
Dinner was a lively affair with the Headmaster announcing the arrival of Mr. Weasley for dinner. Many of the seventh and sixth years came over to say hi to him because he had only just graduated the previous year. Oliver, Serra and surprisingly Marcus Flint came over to ask him if he was going to come to the final game of the year. Charlie was surprised to learn that a first year had been allowed on a house team.
"Well, she has the talent, so the teachers made an exception. Of course, after her first game all of the players came to understand the reasoning behind it. However, after that same game all of the players have become rather protective of their 'little sister'," Serra explained to Charlie.
Charlie just shook his head, "I might have to sit in on the last game of the year then."
Charlie's expression then turned serious as he lowered his voice and looked sternly at the group of students involved in an illegal dragon.
"I don't know how you came to be involved in this, and I don't want to know. The point is that you are involved. Ron-" he turned towards his younger brother. "I won't tell mom about this just because I know for a fact that I will never hear the end of it. As for the rest of you, four of you may come down with me, but the rest need to return to their dormitories. Too many people will only aggravate the situation."
"Well, out of all of us, this was Ari's idea so she should definitely go," Neville pointed out.
"Ok, but what about the other three people?" Keina asked.
"How about one from each house? That way, it is fair, and if we get caught, no house will take too big of a hit in the points," Caillen reasoned.
"Sounds good."
"It might work."
"It's fair."
"That pretty much picks the last three people right there. Draco is our only Slytherin, Neville is our only Hufflepuff and since Hermione is in the Hospital Wing until tomorrow, Ron is the only Gryffindor. Ari is of course the Ravenclaw."
"Since you have decided, let's go. I hope to get this done before your curfew."
"Wait!" Neville near-on shouted, realizing something. "Ari, don't you have lessons tonight with Professor Snape?"
The group as one turned towards the ever busy Ravenclaw.
Ari rolled her eyes, "Lessons are on Saturdays guys. Sundays are free days except when Serra decides we need an extra practice."
The group looked sheepish at this reminder. They knew Ari's schedule but sometimes it was easy to get the days mixed up.
"Extra lessons?" Charlie asked looking at his brother.
"Yeah, Ari is an elemental, and Professor Snape is helping her learn control."
Charlie's eyes went wide at that revelation. Elementals were extremely rare. Ari blushed at the look that Charlie was sending her. It really wasn't anything special. Draco seemed to realize that the extra attention was making Ari uncomfortable.
"Are we going or not? Just standing here is gaining us unwanted attention."
Sure enough, Pansy and her followers were glaring at the group, and Professor Snape was looking at the group through narrowed eyes as though expecting them to do something against the rules.
The group made a quick exit and hurried over to Hagrid's hut. They really just wanted this over and done with so that they could go back to being normal students; well, as normal as magic wielding teenage students could be.
They reached Hagrid's hut, and Charlie gave the door a firm knock.
"Hagrid, can we come in?"
The door was opened by a sobbing Hagrid, and the group of five entered the hut. Charlie immediately made his way over to the baby dragon that was cuddled up on Hagrid's giant bed. Ari was just happy that Norbert was asleep. She really didn't want to play tag in the hut today.
"Well, you have done a great job of taking care of him, Hagrid."
"Thank yeh. But do yeh have teh take 'im?" Hagrid cried.
Charlie shook his head, "Yes, Hagrid, I have to take him. You are already in enough trouble."
Charlie reached into his pocket as he finished his statement and pulled out what looked to be a very small crate. Ari watched with fascination as Charlie pulled out his wand and with a simple tap, the crate was regular sized again.
"Neville, hold the crate. Ari, Draco, assist me in getting Norbert into the crate."
The boys started laughing as Ari glared at Norbert.
"Umm...did I miss something?" Charlie asked as he watched the scene before him.
Draco managed to get control of himself first and explained the situation to Charlie.
"Norbert has taken a ….liking to Ari ever since he hatched. Every time Norbert sees Ari, he tries to cling to her and not let go."
Charlie began to chuckle, "He sees her as his mother. I am guessing that Ari was the first person that he saw?"
Ari nodded, still grumbling to herself about idiotic baby dragons that needed to learn the difference between human and beast. She sighed and walked towards the bed. Norbert, who seemed to sense her presence, was instantly awake. Deciding to make the situation easier on them all, Ari allowed Norbert to jump on her and then carried the baby dragon over to the crate. As she placed the baby dragon into the crate, Ari noticed that Charlie had lined it with a comfortable blanket.
As soon as the dragon was in, Charlie walked over and sealed the crate.
"Well, that was easier than I expected."
The boys began to chuckle; however, one look from Ari stopped them. Draco and Ron still remembered what happened the last time that they had severely pissed off Ari. Of course, Neville had heard the story and knew better than to piss her off. Plus, all knew what had happened to Pansy.
As they made their way outside, Charlie realized how late it was getting.
"Let's hurry up and get to the gate before you guys are caught past curfew. Once I am past the gate, I can portkey me and Norbert to the reserve."
His face seemed to scrunch up at the idea of an international portkey trip. Even with Neville and Ron helping Charlie carry the crate, the going was slow because Norbert did not enjoy being caged up. Hagrid had decided to stay in his hut; he couldn't bare to say goodbye to his baby.
They eventually made it to the gate; however, the sun was already set, and they all knew that if it was not already past curfew it was pretty close to it.
"Now, try not to get caught up in anymore illegal activity. I won't be able to bail you out everytime. And Ron remember, write mom."
The group agreed to try. Ron grudgingly agreed to write his mom. Ari knew that she was going to have to force Ron to do that. However, she also knew that at least five other people would assist her in that endeavor.
Charlie stepped beyond the gate and therefore beyond the wards of Hogwarts and activated the portkey that would rid them of Norbert. Within seconds, they were gone and the group was making their way back up to the castle. Ari felt that they should have known everything was going far too smoothly when they met up with a furious Professor Snape and a smug Pansy Parkinson on the step of Hogwarts.
"Follow."
That one word told them that they were in a lot of trouble. Professor Snape led them down to his office, and for once Ari was not pleased to be heading there. They entered the office and all five students stood in a line.
"Sit," Professor Snape ordered as he summoned five chairs for the students.
The group sat as they were bid. They knew that they were in trouble.
"Now, what are five students doing out past curfew on a Sunday? Miss Potter, I am guessing that whatever you were doing is the reason for your distraction during yesterday's lessons."
Ari nodded. Professor Snape's eyes narrowed at this.
"Explain."
The group just stared at their feet; there was really nothing that they could say without getting themselves or Hagrid into some serious trouble. Not to mention that they had dragged Charlie into it.
Professor Snape sighed internally, he was going to have to talk to Ari about keeping secrets during their next meeting.
"Well, seeing as how all five of you are up past curfew all five of you will lose fifteen points; each and receive a detention."
Pansy's eyes went wide, "But Professor, I am only up because I was telling you that they were up past curfew!"
"Be that as it may, Miss Parkinson. You are still up past curfew, and therefore you will receive the same punishment as your classmates. Now, to bed."
The five students solemnly made their way towards their common rooms. They stopped in front of the Slytherin common room, said good night and departed from Draco and Neville. Ari and Ron made their way up the main staircase and departed at the seventh floor.
The next morning, Ari was met in the common room by Trenton and Gwen.
"Ari, a word please," Gwen called.
"Yes, of course."
"Professor Flitwick informed us this morning that you were caught past curfew with some of your friends from the other houses. He has added onto Professor Snape's punishment. Until further notice, you are to eat at the Ravenclaw table. The three caught with you cannot join you."
Ari was surprised. She had thought that the punishment from Professor Snape was the end of it. Apparently, it wasn't. It was a visibly upset Ari that made her way towards the Great Hall for breakfast. As she entered, she noticed, Hermione beckoning her over from the Gryffindor table. Unfortunately, all that Ari could do was shake her head and make her way over to the Ravenclaw table. Emily and Alex seemed to realize that Ari was upset and joined her.
"Don't worry Ari. It won't last long," Alex tried to comfort her.
Ari sighed, "I know."
Breakfast was a slow affair in which Ari came to realize just how used to she had come to be with the constant conversation of her friends at breakfast. The arguing between Hermione and Ron or Ron and Draco. She really missed her friends.
Despite having Potions with Hermione and Ron, Ari kept mostly to herself and just did her work. She felt that she had somehow let everybody down; it was her fault that they had got caught last night. She should have realized that they were past curfew. She didn't even want to think about what her parents would think of her.
Professor Snape noticed Ari withdrawing and sighed to himself. He was going to have to talk to her tomorrow. More than likely she was remembering the words of her 'relatives.' For now, all he could do was keep an eye on her.
Professor McGonagall also noticed that Ari was quieter than normal during class; however, she believed that the child was just feeling properly chastised.
Lunch and dinner both saw Ari once more eating separately from her friends. They had of course been told by Caillen and Keina, who had been told by Alex, what was going on. Whenever they tried to talk to Ari, she just made an excuse to leave.
That evening during lessons, Professor Snape tried to talk to Ari about what had occurred; however, all that Ari would say was they were helping a friend, and it had been an accident that they were past curfew.
"The punishments were justified," Ari stated while working on her Transfiguration essay. "We were past curfew."
That is all that she would say on the matter. Professor Snape decided to give it some time before he confronted her again.
The rest of the week would see Ari staying away from everybody unless it was absolutely necessary. She didn't talk more than necessary, and she didn't attend the group studies. Ari continued to stay away from her friends until all five of the punished students received notification at breakfast a week after the departure of Norbert.
Your detention is to be served tomorrow night at 11. Meet Filch in the Main Entrance at 10:30. Professor Snape has been notified of the cancellation of your lessons.
Professor McGonagall
Ari looked over to her friends and noticed that they had received the same notification. She let out a sigh; she knew that tomorrow night she would have no way to escape from her friends that she had been avoiding.
Classes on Monday dragged on for Ari as she grew more nervous about the detention that was to be served that night. She was still on, for lack of a better term, 'grounding' by Professor Flitwick. However, she considered herself lucky that she did not have to miss Quidditch. Practices and her extra lessons were her only way of letting off some of her frustration. Professor Snape seemed to have realized this and was focusing more on weapons practice and less on history lessons.
Ari arrived on time in the Main Entrance and found that the others were already there.
"Let's go," Filch ordered as he led them outside.
Filch continued to mutter about hanging by thumbs in the dungeons as he led them across the grounds of Hogwarts. Pansy herself was grumbling the entire time about how this was beneath her, and she didn't even do anything wrong. The group grew more nervous as Filch led them closer to the Forbidden Forest. As they neared the forest, they were greeted by Hagrid.
"Sorry, you lot - I'll be leaving you here. This is Hagrid. I will be back at sunrise to pick up what's left of them," Filch stated as he left with a very unfriendly smirk on his face.
"Well, come on," Hagrid directed as he led them on into the forest.
"Umm... Hagrid, why are we going into the forest? It's forbidden," Ari questioned quietly.
"Over here."
The group followed Hagrid's beckoning and soon came upon a very disturbing site; a puddle of silver blood.
"What is that?" Neville asked nervously.
"That, Neville, is unicorn blood. Found one dead a couple of weeks ago and now there is another one. Our job is teh find the poor creature and either help it or put it outta its misery."
"We're students. We aren't supposed to do servant's work," Pansy sneered.
Draco rolled his eyes.
"Yeh will do as yeh are told or yeh can be gettin' back teh the castle and begin packin' yer bags."
It was no surprise to anybody when Pansy made no move to head back towards the castle. Ari just wanted to get the detention over and done with. Though she felt that she deserved the detention, she did wish to get some sleep tonight.
"Now, let's go. We are goin' teh split up inteh two groups teh try and find the poor beast. Ari, Ron yeh will come with me. Draco, Neville, yeh two will go with Pansy. Send up red sparks should yeh get inteh trouble. Stay on the path."
With that said, the group split up and went into the forest. The deeper they went, the creeper the forest seemed. Every shadow seemed to move as though to snatch them. Time seemed to creep and they moved slowly through the forest looking for any sign of the poor injured unicorn. It must have been about an hour or so later that red sparks were seen being shot into the air.
"Stay 'ere and don't move!" Hagrid ordered as he rushed in the direction of the sparks.
"I hope that they're ok," Ron muttered.
Ari nodded in agreement, "I don't really care what happens to Pansy, but I am worried about Neville and Draco."
Ron looked at Ari with an expression that could only be described as worry. However, Ari looked away from him and avoided eye contact. As time crept by, Ari thought that she heard the sound of somebody passing behind them in the trees. However, when she looked, nobody was there.
A few moments later, the sounds of footstep could be heard coming down the path. Ari and Ron both drew their wands as the footsteps came closer. Ari subtly made sure that her knife was within reach; just in case a fight came.
Luckily, a fight was not necessary; the footsteps belonged to Hagrid, Pansy, Neville, and Draco. By the sounds of it, Hagrid was unhappy.
"Of all of the-" Hagrid could be heard muttering as the other group drew near.
"What happened?" Ron inquired looking at Draco.
"Parkinson thought it would be a bright idea to sneak up and scare Neville witless. Of course, Neville, sent up red sparks."
"I did nothing to the cry baby. He is complaining over nothing," Pansy sneered.
"Yeah, right Parkinson," Draco snapped.
"Alright, enough, yeh lot. We're goin' teh divide inteh different groups. Neville, yer with me an' Ron. Ari, yer with Draco and Pansy."
Ari nodded and headed off with the two Slytherins. She began to wonder as they continued deeper into the forest how they had not alerted every creature in the forest to their presence with the way that Pansy and Draco were arguing.
"Honestly, Draco, how can you turn your back on your upbringing?! You are turning into a blood traitor," Pansy all but screeched.
"I don't agree with my parents, Parkinson. That's all there is to it," Draco responded.
"No, it all started when you befriended Potter. Before you met her, you were a perfect, model pureblood," Pansy retorted.
"If you two don't shut up, we are going to be out here all night. Honestly, I am surprised that we haven't had every beast in the forest after us yet with the way that you two are going on," Ari snapped.
"Oh, look, she talks," Pansy sneered.
Ari just rolled her eyes and continued on. Draco followed after her, leaving Pansy to decide what she wanted to do. Keeping an ear out for any sound such as the one she heard earlier, the group continued on further into the forest. Eventually, Ari began to see a trail of blood leading even deeper into the forest.
"Well, at least we know that we are on the right path," Draco quipped.
The next half hour was spent fighting a path that was becoming thicker and thicker. However, while the path seemed to be harder to follow, Ari thought that the blood trail seemed to be becoming thicker. The blood was splattered not only on the ground but also on the trees and surrounding bushes.
"Poor thing must be in so much pain," Ari muttered.
Of course, Draco heard her.
"Don't worry, we'll help it."
Ari spotted a clearing up ahead and motioned the group forward. However, before Draco could step out of the tree, Ari stopped him. Pansy dragged behind not wanting to walk closely to the two friends.
"Look-"
In the clearing was a grotesque sight that would definitely be in Ari's nightmares for months to come. A figure in a dark cloak was hunched over a dead unicorn. It looked as though it was drinking its blood. Ari turned to Draco as she rubbed her forehead; her scar was picking a bad time to start hurting.
"Vampire?"
Draco shook his head.
"Vampires drink human blood, not animal. Plus, even if a vampire were to drink animal blood, he would know not to touch a unicorn."
Pansy finally came upon the clearing, and Ari had to stop her from walking into it. Pansy took one look into the clearing and screamed.
"WHAT IS THAT THING?!"
"Pansy, be quiet," Ari hissed as the creature turned towards them.
"I WILL NOT, POTTER! I WANT OUT OF THIS FOREST!" Pansy continued to screech.
"Pansy, be silent. It will hear us," Draco snapped. However it was too late.
The creature had heard Pansy's screeching and screaming and was heading in their direction. Pansy finally seemed to realize the situation at hand and decided to act in a Slytherin fashion; self-preservation. Ari and Draco watched as Pansy took off down the path. However, their attention was soon drawn back to the creature that was heading towards them. Ari's scar was beginning to hurt more and more the closer that the figure got.
When the creature was only a few yards from them, the pain became unbelievable. It felt as though her scar was on fire. Ari fell to her knees half-blinded by the pain. She didn't even hear Draco calling her name.
"Run, Draco," Ari managed to get out through gritted teeth. She really just wanted the pain to stop.
Of course, Draco refused to leave his friend behind. The creature was only a few feet away when the sound of hooves drew near behind them. Draco just hoped that it was an ally and not a friend of the creature.
Draco watched as the new creature drew near only to fall backwards next to Ari when the centaur leaped over him and Ari. Draco got up and continued to stand beside Ari as the centaur scared the creature away.
"Thank you," came the cracked voice of Ari.
Draco quickly turned towards his friend.
"Ari, are you ok?"
"Yeah, fine," she muttered as she got up.
"Ari Potter," came the voice of the centaur.
Ari and Draco turned towards their rescuer. Ari was not ashamed to say that the centaur was indeed attractive. He had blond hair and bright blue eyes. His horse part was that of palomino.
"Are you alright?"
Ari just rolled her eyes, "Yes, thank you."
"Come you and your friends must leave the forest at once. It is not safe here for you. Follow."
With that said, Ari and Draco followed the centaur through the woods. As they drew closer to where they left their friends Ari decided to speak up.
"Excuse me, but who are you?"
"I'm sorry; my name is Firenze."
"What was that creature that you saved us from?" Draco questioned.
Firenze stopped walking and turned towards the two students.
"Mars is bright tonight. I can only hope that the stars have been read wrong this time as they have before."
Ari and Draco looked at each other in confusion.
"Do you want to explain that in English?" Ari inquired.
"My apologies. Tell me, do you know the uses of unicorn blood?"
"No, we only use the horn and hair in potions," Draco answered.
Firenze nodded. "That is because it is a terrible thing to kill a unicorn. Its blood is a blessing when given willingly; however, it is a terrible curse when taken forcefully. The blood has the ability to keep you alive even if you are an inch from death, but the moment that it touches your lips, you will live nothing but a cursed life."
"Who would want such a life?" Ari questioned. "Is it not better to die than to live the life of a cursed?"
"Indeed, but can you think of nobody that would want such a thing?" Firenze returned looking intently at Ari's forehead.
"You-Know-Who," Draco muttered, "Many of the pureblood families wish him to return and believe that he will return."
"Do you know what is being kept in the school right now?"
"The Philosopher's Stone," Ari answered. She then went wide eyed. "The elixir of life! The blood is just a temporary fix until he gets it."
Ari didn't need to see the slight nod of Firenze's head to know that she was right. The group of three continued down the path until they came across Hagrid, Ron and Neville.
"Ari! Draco! Thank goodness," Neville yelled as he spotted them.
"Are yeh two alright?" Hagrid asked as the group drew nearer.
"They are as safe as they can be in this forest, Hagrid. Now, get them back to the castle where they belong," Firenze responded to his friend.
"Thank you, Firenze."
The group said goodbye to the friendly centaur and made their way back to Hogwarts. Pansy had, of course, already left when she went screaming through the forest about monsters. The group departed from each other at the main staircase and headed to bed for the night.