Rescue

As Mora slept that night, she had nightmare. It was not just any nightmare, it was one of her prophetic dreams, and it was predicting failure for today's mission. When she woke up, it was about four in the morning. She took a deep breath, thinking about it, then got out of her four-poster bed, put on her dressing gown, then went downstairs. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep any longer. She sat down by her knees, beside one of the windows in the common room, lost in thought.

Ma'm? squeaked a small voice. Be you okay?

Mora turned to see a small house-elf. She had heard about them from Ron, Harry, and Hermione on the train to Hogwarts. I am fine, she replied. What is your name?

I is called Winky, ma'm. Is you a friend of Harry Potter?

Yes, I am. My name is Mora Airs.

The house-elf smiled. That be a pretty name. Mora smiled back at Winky. You sure Winky can't get Mora Airs anything? Winky looked worried again.

I just am not able to sleep. She paused. If it is not too much trouble, could I get a cup of chai tea?

The house-elf said nothing else but ran into a small door in the wall. Mora turned back to the window after Winky disappeared. It was only a few minutes later when she felt a small tap on her arm. It was Winky, who had returned with a tray. On it was a silver teapot and cup, a small pitcher of milk, a bowl of sugar cubes, and a plate, mounded with pastries. Here you are, Mora Airs, Winky said.

Mora, who wasn't expecting the house-elf to come back so quickly, was very happy. Would you care to join me? I do not wish to keep you from anything important, but I would enjoy the company.

Winky sniffed and mumbled something about never have been asked to join anyone for tea before. Mora reassured her that it was fine with her and asked Winky to stay. Mora Airs be the first person to ask Winky to tea. Her face then fell. But I is only bringing one cup.

That is not a problem. Mora held out her hand and a cup and saucer appeared in it. Are you able to stay?

The house-elf nodded, wide eyed.

They sat by the window, talking, for about an hour before Winky said she needed to leave to start on breakfast. Take care, Mora Airs. I is coming back later for the tray. Winky slid out through the little door.

Mora continued to sit by the window, staring over the lawns as the sky changed to its pre-dawn hue. The task looming over her for the day was so important, but time was running out. The dream, too, haunted her.

She turned to the stairwell when she heard heavy footsteps coming down. Ron, is that you?

Ron's red head appeared at the bottom of the stairs. Yeah. What are you doing up?

I could not sleep. Would you like some pastries? Winky brought me some delicious ones.

Ron sat down in front of Mora. She noticed the tattered state of his red dressing gown. he said. So why are you up? he asked before biting into a cream cheese danish.

I had a horrible dream.

It was just a dream, though. Ron was trying not to speak with his mouth full.

Mora calmly explained about her ability to see the future in her dreams. Ron listened attentively, chewing slowly.

So, this was one of those dreams?

Mora nodded.

What was it about?

It was about today. We told Snuffles to meet us so we could follow him to his hiding place. But we will not have time to wait. The dementors are descending on Hogsmeade faster than expected. They will be outside the main part of the city by noon. She sighed, but kept silent about the rest of the dream.

Ron went white. Swallowing hard, he forced out, We can still get to his cave. I remember how to get there.

Mora nodded. But that is not the worst news. The dementors will stay in the city only a week. They will say they are still seeking out Sirius Black and leave to search the countryside, again. However, they will not be heard from after they leave. I see a man in a dark shroud talking to them and leading them to a cave. They will be turning to Voldemort.

Ron shuddered. But there are still guards at Azkaban. If they turn, all those Dark Wizards go free!

I cannot see that far. Mora hung her head. I can only see that today, I could fail, she thought.

A few minutes of silence fell on them. Ron wiped his hands and mouth on a napkin. He gently grasped Mora's hands and looked at her. Don't worry. You'll save Sirius. You-Know-Who will be defeated. Everything will be fine.

She smiled, shyly.

If it's any help for today, I have faith in you. Whatever you have planned, I know you can do it.

A tear formed in her eye. Thank you. That means a lot to me.

Ron leaned over and hugged Mora. She really needed this. She felt a thousand times better by the time he let go.

At breakfast, Mora quietly told Hermione and Harry most of the details of her dream and change of plans. Harry became silent but nodded in agreement.

Mora then headed out to see Pearl. The unicorn knew she was in a hurry and only told her to have a good day. After refilling the manger, she left, more apprehensive than when she went in.

It seemed like an eternity before they were in Hogsmeade. Immediately, they went to the edge of town and began their journey out to the mountains where Sirius was hiding.

A shaggy dog jumped in front of them as they reached the stile. Harry recognized it and followed it up the mountain. Everyone scrambled and slipped to keep up on the half hour trek.

Once they reached a cave, the dog transformed into a lean, tall man. Mora also saw a large creature, with the head of an eagle, and the body of a horse. But before Mora could ask about the animal, Sirius said, Harry, I was going to meet you this afternoon. Why are you here now? Then he turned to Mora. And who is your friend?

Sirius, please listen. You know the demenors are coming, said Harry. This is Mora, the girl I said could get you to somewhere safe.

Oh, okay. He stuck out his hand. Nice to meet you, Mora.

Mora shook his hand. Sir, there is not much time to talk. Please allow me to speak freely about some things first. Sirius nodded, a bit shocked by her assertive tone. First of all, the dementors are much closer than the Daily Prophet reports. They will be near this cave in less than two hours. I must get you out of here and to my house in Mahshi. Then, the rest of us must be at the base of the mountain and back in town by the time they arrive so as not to seem suspicious.

How do you plan to get me past the dementors? asked Sirius.

That is my next revelation, said Mora. I am one of the others.'

During the pause, Mora looked at Harry and Hermione, whose mouths were wide open. Ron seemed to be smirking. Sirius just nodded.

I will Disapperate from here and Apperate in my house in Mahshi. You will be coming with me under my magic. My parents will ensure your comfort and will keep you informed of anything that might happen at Hogwarts. Sirius nodded. We have to leave soon, so, please say goodbye.

Sirius shook his head. What about Buckbeak? he asked, pointing to the hippogrif. He has nowhere to go.

Mora thought a moment, and questioned them all about what a hippogrif ate and where they liked to live. They told her and she nodded. Around my house is a nice chunk of protected forest. He could be hidden in there as long as he did not fly above the trees too much. There would be plenty of game for him to eat.

Sirius seemed a bit more comfortable with the arrangement. He instructed her how to approach the hippogrif, and while she did what he said, Sirius turned to the others.

Hermione, Harry, and Ron began telling Sirius goodbye and well wishes. They reassured him he'd be very comfortable at the Palace.

Sirius asked as he was shaking Ron's hand.

Yeah! Mora's a princess! said Ron.

Sirius raised an eyebrow at Mora, who blushed, as she was petting Buckbeak. I do not like to flaunt my royalty, but yes, I am of the Royal Airs family.

Are your parents others,' too?asked Sirius. Mora nodded. Sirius turned back to Harry. Be careful. I've seen some strange figures roaming around here, lately. I don't want you doing anything crazy like going after them, in case they work for You-Know-Who.

Harry nodded and Sirius hugged him. He turned to Mora. I'm ready when you are.

Mora placed a hand on Buckbeak and one on Sirius's arm. She shut her eyes and breathed slowly. Once we are gone, go down to the base of the mountain. I will meet you there. The others nodded, then watched as they both disappeared.