A Different Meal

Over the next few days, Mora spent her days in class and nights on the Quidditch field, but she never failed to get to the stable and feed Pearl. Pearl was growing and the shine was coming back to her coat and horn.

On Wednesday, while Mora was feeding Pearl, Hermione, Ron, and Harry came into the stables, quietly, but excited.

There's a Hogsmeade trip this weekend! said Ron, trying to keep his voice low.

There is? Mora smiled, then her face fell.

What's the matter? asked Hermione.

Pearl is not weaned yet. I cannot go. She still needs her bottle every four hours.

There must be a way. You've got to come. There's so many things to see, like Honeydukes with all their candies, Ron said, almost pleading.

Mora shook her head. Not this time, I am afraid. She stroked Pearl's back as she drank from the bottle.

The others looked at her and sighed. We're going back to lunch. We'll see you there, said Hermione, sensing Mora wanted to be alone.

When the others left, Mora looked at Pearl and shed a tear. She really did want to go to Hogsmeade, but knew she couldn't.

I'll try some sweet clover hay, now, said a small voice, in her head.

Mora looked at Pearl. Did you say that? she whispered.

Pearl nodded and the voice said, I did.

Mora saw that Pearl's mouth didn't move. She got a handful of the clover hay, and offered it to her. She gently took a few bites. Mora kept watching her. So how is it that I can hear you? she whispered.

Pearl chewed and looked at Mora. Haven't you figured it out?

iNo,/i Mora thought. i I haven't had time to think about it./i

Well, here's your answer, Pearl said.

Mora blinked. iYou can hear what I think. You can read minds.i



iThen, please, tell me why you choose me to take care of you?/i

You can talk with me. Few people can. You already posses a very strong indication that you are meant to be allied with a unicorn.

Mora thought a minute about what Pearl meant. iMy wand?/i was the only thought she could come up with. Her wand was eight and a half inches, made from mahogany with a unicorn hair core.

That is only a reflection of the power that I am referring to. Pearl paused. But you do not realize your destiny yet. You will know in time.

How is it that you know so much at such a young age? Mora began whispering again, just to fill the silence of the stable. What Pearl was saying was too much of a shock to hear without sound.

We are born this way, with the knowledge of magic in our brains. We just have to learn how to use it and to grow strong enough to live on our own.

Mora nodded, understanding. Suddendly, she could get the answer that had been bothering her since she had first seen Pearl. iOh! Please tell me what happened to your mother./i

She was kidnapped. A very dark force hung in the area where we were walking. Suddenly, a voice said, Don't kill the young one. Take only the mother.' Then my mother was bound and I was shoved away. Then my mother disappeared.

Mora's blood went cold. This was her worst fear.

That is when I searched for you. I am meant to help you as a repayment for your help to me. It's been set for many thousands of years. I knew who I was searching for but didn't realize it was you till I saw you.

What are you talking about? Mora was very confused.

You will see. As for me, I will be weaned by Saturday so you can go to Hogsmeade. Be open minded and quick of wit there. You will need it.

iWill you need another bottle tonight?/i

I think two bottles a day and sweet clover hay till Friday. Then I will eat only solid food. If you don't mind.

Not at all. Mora hugged Pearl. She then grabbed her bag and went to leave for lunch. Goodbye, Pearl. Goodbye, Mahshi. They both nodded at Mora as she walked out.

When she got to the Great Hall, she smiled at her friends and sat next to Ron. I am able to go to Hogsmeade after all. Pearl is beginning to wean.

Already? That's great! said Hermione.

Yay! Now you can see Honeydukes, said Ron. They have the best Sugar Quills. Oh, but you might like the Pepper Imps.... Mora smiled as he continued to name several different candies. She was really looking forward to the trip that Saturday.