Author's Note: Time for another update of the story. I warn you, it's a bit of a cliffhanger. And yes, I know I'm evil.

Admissions: HP chars belong to J. K. Rowling, Leiko to me, and Ravindra to my soul-sister Rave.

Section 13: Cryptic Letters

Leiko was released the next day just in time for breakfast. She was ravenous, and ignored the many stares students and staff alike gave her as she attacked her food. She wasn't in the mood to eat 'properly'. Rave was amused by the scene, chuckling softly as she watched the various reactions of the humans. When the meal ended Leiko took Rave to her room, where the red gryffin helped her sister pick out something to wear to class. Rave, remembering what the wizards considered normal, convinced the woman to wear a cloak over her clothing, if you could call knee-high boots, a tube top, and skintight leather pants with holes cut in the thigh clothing. Leiko certainly did have odd tastes.

Draco Malfoy stared in shock as the purple-clad professor approached the class. He'd never seen anyone wear an outfit like that. It was indecent! His hatred of the gryffin increased, but he still couldn't take his eyes off her. Neither could the rest of the students.

"Today I intend to convince you that my words are truth. You are fools to think that any human could know more about beasts than a beast itself. For today I shall turn the class over to my sister, Ravindra, who will answer any questions you might have about gryffins. Rave, they're all yours."

Leiko stepped to the side as a large red and purple gryffin took her place. Ron and Hermione recognized Rave, and exchanged worried looks with Harry, who wasn't in the least concerned. Draco, on the other hand, felt like he was going to be sick. Now there were two of them.

"First off, gryffins really can speak. The varieties you wizards have knowledge of are the stupid ones. Too dumb to keep hidden, which is true of most of the magical creatures you're aware of. Now, any questions concerning gryffins? Or any other beasts for that matter?"

A few hands went up and Leiko watched as Rave gave detailed replies to each query. She smiled as she noticed her sister was neglecting certain truths, and exaggerating others. Typical Rave tactics. Inform the kids, but don't let them know too much. Leiko was getting warm, so she took off the cloak her sister had insisted she wear.

"I want every face staring at my feathery self, not Leiko's bad fashion sense. She's not here to entertain you, and you're supposed to be listening to me at the moment. Eyes forward, now."

Leiko giggled. She couldn't help herself, not with all the boys in the class suddenly sneaking glances at her. No wonder Snape had had a fit when he first saw her in her new clothing. She hadn't realized that her human form would be that distracting. Perhaps she should wear something a bit less revealing to her classes.

Rave took over the Care for Magical Creatures classes while Leiko went to find something less distracting to wear. She hated having to change, but she also couldn't have the male students ogling her all day. The gryffin was about to give in and wear one of the horrid robes when something caught her attention. There was an owl at her window. She remembered seeing owls bringing letters during breakfast, and quickly opened the glass. The bird dropped an envelope into her hand and flew away. Strange. Who would be sending her letters? She broke the seal and read the parchment inside carefully.

'I've been watching you and am quite interested to learn more of your special talents. I also know details concerning the attack you suffered recently. Meet me at the edge of the Forbidden Forest at midnight and all shall be revealed. Do not bring anyone with you. I'm sure you can take care of yourself if need be.'

Leiko reread the letter, not sure of what to make of it. Bait, obviously, but from whom? And why? Well, she wanted to go, reckless as it might be, but she wouldn't be alone. Leiko considered taking Rave. Sure, the red gryffin was a worthy match for any danger that might arise, but she did tend to be impulsive. And there was no way a bright red ten foot gryffin was going to sneak about, even at night. No, she couldn't tell Rave. It would have to be Snape then. The Potion's Master was the only other individual Leiko felt comfortable with, and, from what she knew of the man, he knew when to act and when to blend into the background.

Leiko forgot about changing clothes and rushed to find Snape. Maybe he'd even know who sent the letter, if it was someone associated with the Dark Lord. She'd have to be careful, and not let Snape talk her out of going. He was bound to try. That's why she preferred talking with Snape. She could dominate him, whereas she could not intimidate Rave into backing down. And right then Leiko wanted to dominate.