Council

Halloween came all too quickly for the Gryffindors. They will enjoying Quidditch practice but now the pressure of the upcoming game had set in. The newcomers to the team had a bad case of nerves.

Harry and Ron's brothers, Fred and George, were trying to calm everyone down. Ron was the worst of all, knowing he'd have to live up to his brothers' Quidditch legacy.

As they all sat at the Halloween feast, Mora tried to talk to Ron. He seemed to be somewhere else, just staring at a spot on the wall of the Great Hall. She knew that in a few moments she would have to sneak out of the hall and go to Pearl. Pearl was going to lead the way to Council.

Ron, are you going to ignore me all night? Mora tried to get his attention.

I'm not ignoring you, he said, not taking his eyes off the wall.

You have an interesting way of showing attention, then.

I'm fine.

I do not agree. You have not eaten anything, which is not normal for you. Are you that nervous about the game?

Ron responded, harshly.

Ron, I really am worried about you. Please tell me what is wrong.

Ron turned to look at Mora. Look. I am fine and there is nothing to talk about. Leave me alone! His tone was sharp and full of anger.

Mora was taken aback. She looked away and sighed. iI can only imagine what is wrong, Ron. I wish I could help./i

She suddenly noticed it was time to leave to see Pearl. She casually walked out of the hall and towards the bathroom. After making herself invisible, she doubled back and headed outside.

Sorry I'm late, Pearl, she apologized when she arrived at the stable.

Pearl greeted her with the normal bow of the head. Are you ready? Mora nodded. Tonight, you will ride on me, because we do not have time to walk.

Mora gasped. All the stories about unicorns she'd ever heard, no one was allowed to ride a unicorn unless in a dire situation.

Tonight is a special night. Besides, you are a special person. Now, hop on. Pearl turned to Mora so she could mount.

They exited the stable. Pearl began to trot, then run. Mora hugged the unicorn's sides with her knees. They ran faster than the wind for ten minutes before Pearl started to slow down. Mora could see a clearing ahead.

A voice called out, Who goes there?

Pearl responded in an actual voice, Pearl, daughter of Silverfur and Mora, Princess of Mahshi.

The voice responded, When the water and the feather meet....

A verse and rhyme are written sweet, finished Pearl.

Come forward and take your place in the Council!

Pearl trotted on. Mora leaned over and whispered, You can talk in a real voice? Why have you not before?

This is a special time. Mora didn't understand at all.

The clearing was illuminated by the moonlight. All around, she saw unicorns, both black and white, old and young, and all watching their entrance. They were laying on the ground, but with a integrity and pride Mora had never seen before. She knew they were from all over Europe and the British Isles. They had all come here for this, so this was probably extremely serious.

Pearl and Mora proceeded to a very old black unicorn. He had a short gray beard on his chin and looked very wise. Pearl stopped and Mora slipped off. She sank to one knee and gracefully bowed to the unicorn.

he said in a heavy voice, it is good to see you. I am Negran, leader of the Unicorn Council.

Mora raised her head and looked at his face.

We have business to attend to before you are needed, Negran said. Have a seat, please. He nodded over to one side and pointed to a spot with his horn.

Mora and Pearl walked over to the spot. Mora sat on her knees and Pearl laid down next to her.

Negran stepped to the middle of the clearing. Welcome friends! he bellowed. We are meeting under grave circumstances. Voldemort is gaining strength. We all know that everyone is in danger.

Tonight, we have some important decisions to make. We have shied away from humans for generations. Right now, though, we are the ones who can see what is happening. A great killing is coming, we are certain. The humans deserve a fair warning. Do we go to the proper authorities and tell them?

Chattering and talk began between all the unicorns. They seemed divided. Some wanted to tell but others feared humans so much that they dared not go near them.

said a younger, white unicorn. The humans either want us in a freak show or in potions. What do we have to gain by helping them?

Critor, you may not like them but they could protect us in the future when Dark wizards and witches prowl the forest again. Negran's voice remained calm and even.

The unicorns argued a while. A young, golden unicorn piped up over everyone, There's a human here and she knows. Let her go and tell others.

Mora smiled. And what if they don't believe her? asked another unicorn.

Negran stamped his hoof. It will be their own folly if they don't listen. He looked at Mora. If you choose to, you could relay intelligence to your world from us.

Mora said, as I understand, both of our species are in danger. I would not be a good friend if I did not help both. I will warn them. She turned to the others. I am sure of three ears that will listen; Dumbledore and my parents. Dumbledore would offer asylum for you who live nearby. My family could hide those who are from Europe.

A unicorn stepped up to her. It was Critor. And why should we trust you? Just because you were born from an ancient bloodline we should put our life in your hands? He turned to the group. She could have easily betrayed us tonight. And you still allow her in?

Pearl stood and stared down Critor. But she didn't betray us. You are so blind in your hatred, you....

Critor turned to Pearl. Show some respect to your elders, you colt!

Most the unicorns, that had been laying down, stood. Critor, you have crossed the line, Negran growled.

He hung his head and grumbled something and moved away. Everyone relaxed again and laid down, except Negran.

Our next order of business is the disappearance of Silverfur, Pearl's mother. If any are wondering why Mora, the human, is here tonight, it is because she has been caring for Pearl. Plus, she has come to begin fulfilling a prophecy.

We all know what is possible if Silverfur was captured by Voldemort. No one has heard anything about or from her. We need to begin to watch out for each other. We should go against our lonesome ways and pair up. We cannot afford another of us to be captured.

Groans and stamping of hooves went among the group. Everyone hated the idea, but saw it was necessary. A vote was taken and mast of them agreed.

Those who wish to live alone, you may, at your own risk. The rest, pair up tonight before you leave.

Negran looked up. The time approaches. Mora, Pearl, please come forward.

They obeyed and stood before Negran. In a moment, the stardust storm will begin. Negran looked straight at Mora. And you will find out who you are.

Mora looked from Negran to the sky. She saw what looked like fine glitter falling from the stars. It began to get heavier and rained down on her. It began to soak into her hair and skin. It tingled and felt cool on her face. She looked back down at her upturned hands, where she had collected some dust.

She gasped and dropped the stardust. Her school robe was gone. Instead, she was wearing a white sleeveless dress, very similar to Greek goddess robes she had seen in paintings growing up. Mora looked over at Pearl, who had sprouted wings.

Negran began to walk around them. Mora do you understand your past?

A feeling of easiness and calm swept over her. I am a descendant of Aquarius, Mora replied.

Pearl, who are you? Negran asked.

I am a descendant of Pegasus.

Do you both know and understand the prophesy? Negran continued circling around them.

they both said.

Mora, collect your stardust.

She bent over and scooped up the fine dust that was thick around her feet. She placed it into the pouch she brought. By the time she straightened up, her school robe was back.

The stardust transforms you into your true selves. This will only last as long as the situation that you would need the power, lasts. The magic of the stardust will always be with you when you need it.

Indicating the ground, Negran said, Whatever that has fallen tonight, that has not been saved, will vanish in a few hours. Negran stood in front of Mora and Pearl. Ust the dust wisely. Now, let me initiate you as an honorary unicorn.

Why do I deserve that honor?

Your ancestors did great services to the race of unicorns. I am sure you will continue to further the tradition. Kneel please.

Mora did and Negran took his horn and tapped Mora's left shoulder, then her right, before touching her forehead with the tip of his horn. Rise, Mora, Princess of Mahshi, Descendant of Aquarius, and Maiden of the Unicorns.

She stood and smiled.

hissed a unicorn in the shadows. Someone approaches. His voice turned back to the darkness. Who goes there?

A weak, scared voice called back, I'm...m Ron Weasley!

Mora gasped. iWhat is Ron doing here?!/i

What is your business here? the voice called again.

I... I followed Mora, I think. I... I wanted to make sure she's okay.

Negran looked at Mora. You have a good friend.

Cricor hissed, He's here to kill us. Don't be fooled. When should run him through.

screamed Mora. He has a good heart. He did not know where I was going and feared for my safety. She turned to Negran. I will take him away, right now.

Negran shook his head. Allow him in, he called to the guard. Mora turned pale. She didn't know what was going to happen.

You may proceed.

In a moment, Ron walked into the patch of moonlight. His eyes were large from fear. He saw Mora and seemed to relax a little. Negran stepped in front of him. Ron, you have intruded on a private meeting.

I... I'm s...sorry, s...sir.

Do not fear. I feel you have bravery and loyalty. You have a unicorn hair core wand, do you not?

Ron trembled.

Then you are welcome here as long as your heart is pure. You must have many characteristics of a unicorn to have a unicorn cored wand choose you. He turned to Mora. However, our time here has ended. You must return to Hogwarts.

Thank you, sir. I will pass along information to Dumbledore. I will do my best to keep you safe. Mora bowed, respectfully.

Pearl, Mora, and Ron, whom Mora had to escort by the elbow because he was shaking so bad, walked into the forest. Pearl instructed them both to climb on so they could get back to school faster. Mora got on behind Ron and they set off through the forest, again. Once back at the stable, Mora made sure the unicorn was comfortable before heading back to the castle. Under invisibility and silence, they made it back to Gryffindor Tower.

Ron sat down in a chair when they got into the empty common room, after he reappeared. Why were you out there?

Mora, who had just reached the stairs, dropped her head. She turned around. Ron, I am trying to figure that out for myself. Right now, I am tired, and I am going to bed. I suggest you should, too.

Ron stayed seated. Mora began to go up the steps,. In a small voice, he said, I'm sorry about tonight.

Do not worry. I am sorry, too. I never meant for you to feel threatened. I just wanted to help.

Me, too.