Pegasus and Aquarius

That night, after Ron and Mora got back from the stable, they sat down in the common room.

Okay, I'm ready for a bedtime story, said Hermione. Tell us about Pegasus and Aquarius.

The others perked up and nodded in agreement.

Mora began the story. This is an old Mahshian legend. I do not know how or where this story comes from. However, this story takes place a very long time ago in the forest of the country known as Mahshi.

There was a maiden, Aquarius. She was quite a beautiful woman and many envied her. She was kind and gentle. She was a simple person, living alone and doing everything for herself.

In those days, Pegasus was a winged unicorn, not a winged horse. He was a fierce warrior, but preferred peace over battle. He wandered all over Europe, protecting people from evil enemies.

One day, after a fierce battle, he was alone in the forest and was quite thirsty. He had a few injuries, but did not realize how bad they were. His strength was fleeing him. He came to a well, but could not draw the water himself. He laid down next to the well and waited.

He waited for a long time and still no one came. He fainted from exhaustion and lack of water.

Aquarius went out from her home and to the well to draw her water for the day. As she came to the well, she saw Pegasus, lying on the ground, unconscious. She ran to his side and drew water and poured it into his mouth. She also applied her touch to him, which many say had healing powers.

In any case, when the cold water touched his lips, he woke up. They looked at each other. Pegasus spoke to her, in the voice of men. Dear maiden, what is your name?'

Aquarius, though shocked at hearing the voice of Pegasus, said, Aquarius, sir.'

'Aquarius, water-bearer, you've saved my life, I am in your debt. I shall stay with you till I can repay you.'

And so Pegasus lived with Aquarius. However, Aquarius refused to let him do anything. She asked him only to forget the whole debt issue. Pegasus refused, stating it was a matter of pride that kept him there.

After a few weeks, it was as if they had always been together. Aquarius was glad for the company and Pegasus enjoyed being near her. Though neither admitted it, they did love each other. It was a mutual respect and friendship kind of love, but a love nonetheless.

Times were changing and things were getting bad elsewhere in Europe. Evil forces were rising everywhere. Pegasus, who would normally already be in battle, stayed with Aquarius. Too soon, though, the battle came to them.

Aquarius was captured by one of the evil generals and was taken away. Pegasus had been gathering wild roses for her, as was his new custom. When he returned to the little house she lived in, he realized she had been taken and he took to the air to search for her.

He found Aquarius, on her knees in a field,. In front of her was Crowcur, the equivalent of Voldemort today. Aquarius's eyes were closed in a silent prayer with a small smile upon her face. Crowcur lifted his hands and threw a beam of energy towards her.

Aquarius remained kneeling, though straining against the power. Crowcur's face grew more wicked and his output increased. Pegasus, flying unseen above, grew angry and he dove between Crowcur and Aquarius.

The instant the magic hit him, his wings and horn were ripped from his body. He fell to the earth, bleeding. Aquarius stood up and let out a helpless cry. Then she lifted her hands, under her breath saying something, and energy blasted from her hands to Crowcur.

Crowcur yelled and screamed horribly before disintegrating into a pile of dust.

Mora paused. What happened to Aquarius and Pegasus?! asked Ron, desperately.

Aquarius fell back to her knees by Pegasus's side. Dear Pegasus, are you alive?' A single tear dripped from her cheek onto his face.

'Aquarius,' he said as he stirred, I am alive. I have repaid my debt. But no longer am I a warrior, for my weapons have been destroyed.'

A voice came from above and said, Pegasus, you have proven yourself. I can read your heart and you did a great deed, not out of pride, but of love. Therefore, I will give you one weapon back. Choose either your horn or your wings.'

Pegasus looked at Aquarius. I choose my horn because I never want to fly from the side of the maiden that I love. She is my lifesaver and friend.'

With that, the wounds on his back healed, and his horn re-grew. Aquarius hugged his neck, crying with happiness.

Pegasus is remembered for being a winged horse. He was always seen above a battlefield as a flying horse-like figure. Few ever saw his horn and knew he was a winged unicorn. When he was seen no more in the sky above a battle, people traded stories about a flying horse. However, he should be remembered for what he gave up to be with the one he loved.

He and Aquarius lived on, essentially as neighbors. Aquarius married and had a baby girl. Pegasus was the proud father of a beautiful male unicorn. For generations, Pegasus's and Aquarius's descendants lived near each other. One day, no one knows why, they moved apart from each other.

As for Pegasus and Aquarius themselves, they died on the same day. They were buried next to each other because, being such good friends, they wanted to be together in death as well as in life.

It is said that when the descendants of Aquarius and Pegasus meet again, that they will overpower a great evil. And that is the promise we are left with from these great friends.

They sat in silence, awed by Mora's story. She smiled at them all.

Ron was the first to speak. Do you think the legend is true? That they will come back to get rid of someone evil?

I never said get rid of someone evil.' I said overpower. There is a difference.

Silence fell upon them. Mora's story was racing through their brains. Hermione was the one to break the silence this time. Well, I finally have a question for you. It has nothing to do with your story but about your promise on the train.

I am listening. Mora sat back in her chair, uncomfortably.

Are you, in fact, a princess?

Mora relaxed instantly and chuckled. Well, you have unraveled one mystery, but not my major secret.

Ron and Harry stared at Mora. A princess?

Yes, a princess. She smiled. So how did you find me out, Hermione?

I looked at your parents names and thought I had remembered them from somewhere. It took a long time in the library to find a book of current heads of state. But I did and I found Kara and Nicolas Airs listed, with Mora Airs, their daughter reigning princess.

How come you didn't tell us earlier? asked Ron, sounding a bit surprised and defeated.

I enjoy being just a normal person. You are the only friends that do not treat me differently because you did not know who I was. I would like to keep it that way.

Harry sat in thought. Then you're planning to take Sirius to Mahshi, to the palace? Mora nodded. How? He can't get past those dementors.

I will tell you now, my greater secret will be revealed Saturday. Then you will not doubt me. Mora looked at Harry. As I have said before, I will not let him be harmed.

She turned to the others. But now, it is time to sleep. We have classes tomorrow.

They got up and walked up the stairs. Before Mora went into the girl's dormitory, she looked at the others. Please, tell no one who I am. I am in enough danger as it is, outside the protection of my own country.

So I guess calling you Your Highness' is out of the question, joked Ron.

She smiled and nodded, remembering the words of Pearl. iHe likes me. And it is not because of my title, but who I am. And I think I am beginning to really like him. /iGoodnight and sweet dreams, Harry and Ron.