Disappearance

Quidditch practice was getting more challenging as the date of the Gryffindor's first game grew nearer. They all studied the style of Ravenclaw's team, their challenger.

Mora studied the techniques of professional Keepers to help her own performance. Harry admitted that, through Hermione, he had asked for instruction from Victor Krum, a very young Seeker that played for the Bulgarian team. (Hermione had visited Krum at his house in Bulgaria during the summer, after they had met during the Tri-Wizard Tournament last year.)

But beyond that, the O.W.L.'s were coming faster than ever. Some students, including Hermione, had already become deep in their studying and preperation. One day in October, during breakfast, Hermione slammed her book shut and exclaimed, O. W. L.'s are right around the corner and I feel like I don't know anything!

Ron rolled his eyes. Hermione, you have nothing to worry about. Besides, they are still six months away!

Well, how much are you studying for them? demanded Hermione.

Harry shrugged. I'm going to study some a few month before they tests, but I'm not going to kill myself over it.

Same here, said Ron.

Hermione looked at Mora. How about you?

Mora sighed. Hermione, please do not take this wrong, but you need to relax. You will stress yourself out before Christmas at the pace you are going. You will spend your whole time here at Hogwarts studying and not enjoy any of it.

But I have to study! I don't know anything!

That's crazy and you know it! Ron exclaimed.

Hermione began.

No, Hermione. You are ahead of everyone else in the class. You have nothing to worry about. Mora's voice seemed to soothe Hermione, who put away her book.

Suddenly, the air filled with the sound of rustling feathers as the owls flew into the Great Hall. A Daily Prophet and a letter bearing the royal seal landed in front of Mora.

A silence went up through the Great Hall as everyone read the Daily Prophet headline; Azkaban Guards Disappear- Where Are They?

The story said that, after arriving early in Hogsmeade, they patrolled the streets for a week. Yesterday, they had suddenly left. Few guards were left at Azkaban and the didn't know where the others were.

Mora put down the newspaper and opened the letter from her parents.

iDearest Daughter,
Snuffles is doing well here. We had to bring in a doctor to help him recover from his exhaustion of traveling. Buckbeak is also fine, and is loving the forest nearby. He's gaining back some weight he seemed to have lost.
We hope you are well. We have seen the Azkaban guards disappearing in our visions, too. Be cautious in Hogsmeade, though, for they are still in the area.
Another vision we have seen is one that calls for you to collect stardust from the stardust storm that will fall on Halloween night. We do not know why, but you need the stardust for later. Keep a satchel of it with you at all times.
Finally, ask your friends if they would like to spend the last half of Christmas vacation in Mahshi. If they would like, they may invite their families, too.
Well wishes till we next communicate.
Kara and Nicolas Airs
P.S. We are using Snuffles owl to write you. Please have Harry write him because we think Snuffles is beginning to worry about him./i

Hermione looked to Mora. You were right.

So they've gone to Voldemort, Harry sighed.

They looked at their breakfast. None of them were hungry, anymore. That same feeling had spread over the whole hall, except the Slytherin table. Mora caught Malfoy in the corner of her eye, smirking at the Gryffindor table.

In class that afternoon, Dumbledore discussed the dementor disappearances and how to protect oneself from them. He covered the theory of a Patronus. I do not expect many of you to be able to do a Patronus, he said, winking at Harry, but it would be good for you to learn. Dumbledore calmed many nerves by trying to show the students that there was a way to avoid being attacked by a dementor.

After classes, Mora went out to see Pearl. Her falcon was sitting on the low wall and waiting for Mora to arrive. Mahshi seemed content with her job of guarding the mysors. She had a proud stance over the mysors and constantly chatted to Mora, who seemed to understand her. Every time Mora came to visit, Mahshi would show affection to her before flying off to hunt for dinner.

Pearl was about twice as big as when she adopted Mora. Her horn was brilliant opalescent. Her coat was snow white and shiny. Mora combed her mane and tail daily to keep it beautiful.

Today, though, Pearl sensed Mora's tenseness. Don't worry too much. The dementors are not going to attack anyone for a while.

I know. However, I know that they will, but I cannot prevent it, Mora said.
Your best idea would be to train Harry, Ron, and anyone else who is powerful and trustworthy in your magic. They would be good allies.

Mora nodded. I would train them, but they need guidance from older and wiser wizards of my world, like my parents, to begin the lessons.

You might not have time for that. Pearl sighed. Unless things fall right into place, Voldemort will win within a year.

How do you know this? asked Mora, shocked.

Unicorns have powers to communicate with each other. We keep our distance from each other, but we always know what is going on. And rumors have it that Voldemort is gathering ingredients for a powerful potion. And he's now got control over the Azkaban guards, as you know.

What else?

Some plan to attack a small village is in the works. But no one wants to get close enough to find out all the details.

Mora sat on her knees, looking down at the floor. She heard Mahshi return from hunting for the day.

Pearl perked up her ears, as if she heard something. A Council has been called.

A Council?

Pearl nodded. With all these developments, the unicorns of the world have decided to meet to discuss this in person. She looked at Mora. And you have to come.

Why do I need to come?

You will see when you get there. I'll just hint that you don't have a unicorn hair core wand for no reason. You are supposed to be allied with us.

Mora looked hard at Pearl. When is the Council?

Halloween night, in the heart of the Dark Forest.

Mora sat up. I am not sure I can. I am supposed to collect stardust that night.

That is why the Council is meeting that night. Pearl started to pace. You will be able to get your stardust. Just come. You are a guest of honor and you have to be there.

Mora nodded. She realized how dark it was outside and knew it was time for Quidditch practice. She stood and stroked Mahshi. I will be there. I promise.

Pearl smiled a unicorn smile. Goodnight. Have fun at Quidditch practice.