The Orphan

Wake up, said Ron, softly as he lightly shook Mora's shoulder.

Mora opened one eye. She saw Harry waking Hermione.

Don't you want breakfast?

Mora stood and stretched, then went upstairs to change. Hermione came up about a minute later. They went back down together to the Great Hall.

I want to go see Hagrid today, said Harry. I want to ask why he chose mysors for us. You know him; he likes dangerous animals.

Maybe Dumbledore talked to him about having creatures that could burn or bite students, said Ron.

Burn? Bite? asked Mora.

He had a dragon for a while, said Harry. Since they're illegal as pets, he was forced to get rid of it.

Probably people complained that they didn't want us playing with Blast-Ended Skrewts again, said Hermione.

Mora smiled. The name spoke for itself. Even though people had eluded to his love of such creatures, hearing firsthand stories made it more real to her. Hagrid definitely had a history for unusual creatures. It sounds like a great conversation. May I come along?

The other three looked at Mora, slightly shocked. I just assumed you were coming, said Ron. Why do you think you'd have to ask?

Mora shrugged. I guess I wanted to make sure I was welcome. You three are so close to one another and Hagrid that I did not want to intrude on anything that was special between you.

Hermione said, I don't have any reason to exclude you and you're welcome to hang out with us anytime. Isn't that right?

replied Harry and Ron, in unison.

Mora blushed. Thank you, she said quietly.

The finished their breakfast and went to Hagrid's hut. Harry knocked on the oversized wooden door. Hagrid came to the door, wearing an apron. Glad you're here. He invited them in. I noticed last night that I have a visitor and you might come in handy.

Hagrid took them to the back window. Look out there, at the edge of the forest. Do you see her?

The children looked out the dusty window. In the distance, they could barely make out a small, white shape, moving near the edge of the trees. It was a pure white that almost seemed to give off its own light. Still the children couldn't make out a complete form.

Wait. Is that a horse? asked Hermione.

said Hagrid. Look again.

They all stared out the window. Soon they could see a horn at the top of the animal's head.

A unicorn, they whispered.

That's right. Hagrid told them that she came around last night and he hadn't seen another unicorn with it. It's too small to be without a mother. It's probably no more than ten or twelve months, which is young for them. It must be orphaned, which means something has killed a unicorn. And that's not good news.

Hagrid explained to Mora about he powers of unicorn blood and at what price. And besides all that, it needs a mom. It's too young to survive alone. It normally wouldn't come so close to humans, but it knows it has no choice.

What's the problem? Can't you get a bottle and go feed it? asked Ron.

It's not that simple. Unicorns are finicky. Especially this species. This is the one that is native to southern Europe, but I can't figure why she's here. These don't like humans that much. Remember, they will look at you, judge you, and decide if they like your or not. If they don't, they'll avoid you, which is what she's doing, indicating the unicorn outside. If they like you, they will approach you and will forever be attached to you. And they only choose those with pure hearts, but beyond that, they have their own likes and dislikes of personality.

Won't she come to you, Hagrid? asked Harry.

I've tried. She doesn't like me. Hagrid sounded sad, but then seemed to perk up. But she might like one of you. I have a bottle ready in case she does. We've got to try.

I guess we should go out one at a time and see if she'll come, said Hermione.

Exactly. Remember, if she looks at you and doesn't come immediately, she won't come at all, said Hagrid.

I'll go first, said Ron.

Ron took the bottle, walked out of the cabin and around behind the building. He walked half the distance to the woods. The others inside saw him stop. The unicorn stuck her head out of the trees. Her eyes and Ron's eyes locked. Inside everyone held their breath.

The unicorn turned away and went back into the forest. Ron turned around, shrugged at his friends, and went back inside.

Hermione went next. However, the unicorn did the same thing. Harry went after Hermione, but was also rejected.

Your turn, Mora, said Hagrid.

I doubt she will like me, Mora said quietly, as she picked up the bottle.

Mora walked around the hut and stopped. She heard a tiny voice say, Kneel if you can hear my voice. She dropped to her knees and waited for the unicorn to appear.

It looked out at Mora, blinked, and kept staring. Mora dropped her head and looked away. The unicorn turned away.

Inside everyone sighed. I guess she wasn't the one, either,said Hermione.

They shook their heads but Harry looked back outside.

The unicorn had gone to another opening in the trees and was walking out. She strode over to Mora and began rubbing her horn over her gently.

The four inside cheered as Mora offered the bottle and the unicorn began to drink from it hungrily. Outside, Mora was still in a state of shock that she had been chosen. Too soon the bottle was empty. She wants more! Mora yelled to the window.

The unicorn looked frail and weak. Her sky blue eyes stared at Mora, as if trying to say something. She seemed tired. Her coat wasn't as shiny as Mora thought it would be. Even her horn appeared dull.

Hagrid opened the window and handed out another bottle. The unicorn laid down next to Mora, and started to drink again. Hagrid, where will she stay? Mora looked to the window. She cannot go back into the forest.

Well, we have an empty stable here, but that's almost an insult to this fine creature. But it's also the best we can do.

Then, it will have to do.

You know that you're her mom now. You're the only one she'll take food from for a while. She'll probably have to eat at least four times a day for a week or two. Hagrid eyed the unicorn for a second. But once she's healthy again, she'll probably wean easily.

What will you call her? asked Ron.

Mora sat in thought, still holding the bottle. The voice called again,

Mora turned back to her friends. I think it suits her.

Yes, it does, said Hagrid.