Moonlight Stroll

Quidditch practice was grueling. Fred and George were co-captians of the team and had set up a regimen to help all of the teams skills. Trials, like those done to choose the new players, were done for all positions before a simulation game was played. Mora was finally forced to let the Quaffle pass a few times, just so the Chasers could get some practice aiming and scoring.

By the time practice was over, everyone was tired, but excited. Already everyone was doing well in preparing for the game.

As they were walking off the field, Ron came up to Mora. You were awesome! Ravenclaw doesn't stand a chance!

This was just practice, Mora said, blushing. A real game may be different, but I will do my best. You did well, too. Your aim is wonderful.

He kept walking beside her in silence. In a quiet voice, he asked, Are you going to see Pearl? Mora nodded. Can I come?

Not tonight, I am afraid. I promised to take her on a walk tonight.

Ron stopped. What? You cant! You'll be seen!

Mora turned to him. We will not be seen. Ron's face contorted in clear confusion. Please do not worry. Ron didn't seem convinced. If you do not trust me, I will walk below the Gryffindor Tower at exactly nine o'clock. Wait by the window in the stairway to the dormitories.



Mora turned and began to walk away. And if you want, wait for me in the common room. I should be back by nine thirty.

She hurried down to the stable. Pearl was waiting inside, just out of sight of the door. Mahshi flew over to Mora and made some soft noises. You can go out to hunt for a while, she told the falcon.

She turned to Pearl as Mahshi took off. She realized how much bigger Pearl had grown in the past week. I assume you are ready.

Yes, I am, replied the unicorn's sweet voice.

Mora shut her eyes for a few seconds and tightened her robe around her before they exited the stable. They began walking around the grounds of the castle, in silence.

You are worried about something, said Pearl. Tell me with your mind.

iI have to get Sirius Black out of danger tomorrow. I think I can do it, but it means I have to tell my friends a major secret of mine./i She sighed. iWill they still like me after they know?/i

Did they change their opinion of you when you admitted you were a princess?

iNo, not that I am aware./i

Then you shouldn't worry. If they are true friends, it won't matter who and what you are. I'm sure they think you're full of surprises.

It was about nine now and they stopped below the Gryffindor Tower. I know for sure Ron wouldn't leave you. He's waiting for you now, desperately wanting to see you.

Ron was indeed standing at the window, with a lamp on the windowsill. He seemed to be doing Divination homework by the different tools he kept picking up and the frustrated look that was on his face. He looked down at them occasionally, but seemed to not see them.

iWe cannot be seen. You know this, right, Pearl? /i Pearl nodded.

Ron looked down again. He looked directly where Mora's eyes were and didn't turn away.

He is a strong wizard. He doesn't know that, though.

Mora nodded. Ron finally looked back to his work. iWe should be going back now./i
They walked quietly back to the stable. Mora gave Pearl more sweet hay and a large hug. They said goodnight to each other.

Mora left the stable. Quickly, she went back to the Portrait Hole. she told the Fat Lady, who slowly swung open.

She went into the common room. Ron was sitting in a chair by the fire. Did you see us walking? she asked. You did look down at us and stared right at me.

I didn't see you, Ron said, shaking his head. Are you sure you were down there?

She nodded. You were doing your Divination homework, by lantern light.

Wow! I did kinda think I saw something. I made eye contact with you?

Yes. I was amazed to see that.

Well, I still didn't see you. He looked around. Where's your Invisibility Cloak?

I do not own one.

Then how did you...?

Mora smiled. I am able to make myself invisible.

Ron sat, mouth open, starring at Mora. She heard Hermione sand Harry coming downstairs to them. I got an owl from Snuffles. He's not convinced, but he's staying put, said Harry. He seemed really worried.

Mora replied.

What are you going to do? asked Hermione. There's no way to get past those dementors.

There is a way. But let us not worry about this right now. We need to either go to bed, or do something constructive.

How about your Divination homework, Harry? said Hermione. Mora seems to be pretty good at it.

Harry went over to a table where papers and charts were spread out. It will keep me from worrying as much, at least. He looked over at Ron, who still seemed to be in shock. Aren't you coming, Ron?

No. I think I'm going to bed, he said. Ron got up and slowly walked up to the dormitory.

I wonder what's got into him, said Harry, as they sat down to do Divination homework.