"Take a good look around lads, this might as well be your last night in the castle," said Filch, not even bothering to hide his happiness. Bakura, Malik, and Harry followed Filch silently down the corridors of Hogwarts, wondering silently how they were going to get out of trouble.

"Here we are," Filch had led them to Professor McGonagall's office. "Good luck," he whispered, and shut the door. Bakura growled as he heard Filch laughing all the way down the corridor.

Everyone was silent, "Well, at least things can't get worse." said Malik, trying to break the silence.

"I think they did," Harry mumbled. Malik looked up as Professor McGonagall walked in leading Malfoy by the ear. "I told you professor! They are out of bed," Malfoy shouted, as soon as he noticed Harry, Bakura, and Malik were there.

"Silent you!" Malfoy shut his mouth and took a seat in the corner, "Filch says you three were wandering around in the astronomy tower. It's one o' clock in the morning, explain yourselves!"

The boys looked away from each other, trying not to catch McGonagall's eyes. "I think I already know," McGonagall hissed, "You fed Malfoy some cock-and-bull story about a dragon and went up to the tower yourselves to make sure he went up. I suppose you think it's funny?"

"No ma'am," said Bakura, "But it is Malfoy's fault for believing the story in the first place."

"Hold your tongue Mr. Bakura! I am absolutely disgusted! Four students out of bed! I've never heard of such a catastrophe. I thought you had a lot more sense in Mr. Bakura, enough to keep Potter and Ishtal out of trouble."

"Detentions all four of you! And fifty points will be taken from Gryffindor!"

"Fifty?" asked Harry.

"Each."

"Professor—please—"

"You can't—"

"Don't tell me what I can and can't do, Malik! You either Ryou! Get to bed; I've never been more ashamed of Gryffindor."

150 points, gone, wasted, Gryffindors chance at the house cup were gone. Harry knew Bakura and Malik were bummed as well. Harry could hear Ryou shouting at Bakura about what an imbecile he was. Malik said nothing and went straight to bed. Harry sighed and took off his glasses. He might as well get some sleep, tomorrow was going to be hell.

"Professor," said Fred, "What's with the hourglasses?"

George stepped beside his brother, "How can Gryffindor loose 150 points in one night?"

Professor McGonagall looked sadly at the hourglasses. She walked past and took her seat at the end of the hall. "It was Potter, Weasleys." said Malfoy.

The twins glared as he passed, "Potter, Bakura, and Ishtal were caught last night wandering the halls."

"You were caught too," Seto glared at Malfoy, daring him to say anything. Seto would have said more if the twins hadn't pulled him over to the Gryffindors table. "Is it true?" they asked. Seto said nothing.

"Harry," started Fred, "Was it you?"

Harry didn't bother to look at them, "Yes, and I vow never to mess in other people's problems again."

Class wasn't all that fun either. Malik and Ryou were suddenly the school outcasts, only talked to when needed. Most of the teachers ignored them as well. Harry had it worse though, even during quidditch practice he was ignored. He was referred to as The Seeker, even by Fred and George. He tried to resign, but Oliver wouldn't hear of it, "Without you Potter, we won't have a chance to get those points back."

Everyone tried to get Harry back to his old self, but it wasn't working. it was a week before exams when they tried again.

"Don't worry Harry; we'll get those points back. Besides, there's always next year."

"You don't get it Saren. They were all counting on me and now, I've failed them."

"I know how we can get them back!" said Ron, "Harry, you overheard Quirrell and Snape talking last night right? Well if Quirrell gave in and if Snape decides to go after the stone, we can stop him. Just think, if we save the stone we could get loads of points –"

"Stop it Ron!" Harry shouted, "I swore not to meddle in affairs that don't concern me, so drop the whole stone thing!"

"Harry, wait!" Seto yelled as Harry ran across the yard. He went to follow when Bakura stopped him. "Harry needs to deal with his problems on his own."

The next morning an owl arrived with three letters for Harry, Bakura and Malik. They all said to meet Filch in the entrance hall. Harry had nearly forgotten he had detention to serve, you forget things when the whole school hates you.

At 11 o' clock the three of them walked to the entrance hall. Filch was there already, along with Malfoy. "Follow me" said Filch, lighting a lamp and leading them outside.

"I bet you'll be thinking twice about breaking the school rules again, eh? Oh yes…hard work and pain are the best teachers if you ask me…pity the let the old punishments die. Hang you by your wrist for couple of days, that'll set you right."

It was then they noticed they were heading for Hagrid's hut. Harry felt relief course through his veins. If they were with Hagrid it couldn't be all that bad. Hid relief must of shown on his face because Filch said, "I suppose you think your going to have fun are yeh? Well guess again, the four of yeh are going into the forest tonight."

Malfoy stopped dead in his tracks, "The forest?"

"Stop being such a ninny," said Bakura.

Malfoy didn't move, "But there are werewolves."

"There's a lot more than that in this forest." Filch added nastily.

Hagrid came towards them with his crossbow in hand, "Bout time Argus, bin waitin' for half an hour."

"Where's fang?" questioned Filch, "You know the creatures in the forest won't go near him."

"Hurt his foot this morning, 'pona said she'd help when she's available."

Harry, Bakura, and Malik stiffened and the mention of Epona. If she was with Snape things could go very wrong indeed.

"Alright then, I'll be back at dawn—for what's left of them," Filch headed back towards the castle. When he was out of sight, Malfoy turned to Hagrid, "I'm not going in there."

"You will if yeh want ter stay here; now follow me."

Hagrid took them to the very edge of the forest. "Now listen carefully, cause it's dangerous what we're goin' ta do tonight, an' I don't want any one of yeh getting' hurt. Look here; see that shiny stuff on the ground? That's unicorn blood. There's a unicorn that's been hurt by summat. This is the second on this week, found one dead last Wednesday. We're gonna try an' find the poor thing ter put it outta its misery."

"What if the thing that killed the unicorn attacks us?" said Malfoy, unable to keep the fear from his voice.

"Nuthin' will hurt yeh if yer with me." said Hagrid, "An keep to the path. Soon we'll split up inter two parties, whenever 'pona shows up."

They entered the forest, some ways in Hagrid made them practice shooting up sparks just incase they get into some trouble. Every now and then they'd find a puddle of unicorn in their path. Hagrid seemed deeply trouble by the unicorn's death.

"Could a werewolf kill a unicorn?" asked Malik.

"No, ain't fast enough unicorns are—GET BEHIND THE TREE!"

The four boys ducked as Hagrid aimed his crossbow into the forest. For the first time in his life, Bakura was scared. Suddenly Hagrid put down his crossbow.

"Ah, it's only you 'pona. Told yeh ter make some noise once in a while." Hagrid laughed.

"Sorry, I'm very careful on a full moon."

Hagrid motioned for the boys to come out. "Boys, this here is Epona."

"Off course," exclaimed Malik, "Epona. The Celtic goddess of horses! How could we have been so stupid?"

Before them stood the biggest horse Harry had ever seen. She stood taller than Hagrid at her should and her body was jet black. Her mane and tail were black as well but seemed to move with the lightest of wind. Her eyes were emerald and stood out greatly.

"Pona, this here is Harry Potter, Bakura Ryou, Ishtal Malik, and Draco Malfoy."

Epona walked to them soundlessly and bowed to each of them in turn. "I'm greatly pleased to meet you."

"You mean I'm going to be relying on a horse to keep me safe!" exclaimed Malfoy.

Bakura looked back at Epona, here eyes showed only a hint of hurt. "Mr. Malfoy, if you do not wish my help then I will leave, and let the werewolves attack you."

Malfoy shut his mouth as Harry and Malik laughed. Bakura watched Epona intently; Harry said Epona's voice was full of confidence before we entered the forest. This can't really be her. This Epona's voice is filled with buried sorrow. "Come," Hagrid said.

They walked until they came to a clearing, in which Hagrid took up his crossbow. Epona walked around them and shielded them with her wings. Harry did a double take, in the darkness he didn't even notice the pair of wings that were folded at her sides. Who could blame him; they were the same color as the rest of her body.

"Come on out!" shouted Hagrid. Epona stepped closer to the boys as something moved in the forest. Hagrid once again dropped his bow as something horse like came out of the forest. "Ah Ronan, it's only you."

Ronan wasn't exactly human. From the hips down he was a muscular chestnut horse. "Good day to you Hagrid were you going to shoot me?"

Hagrid was interrupted by a deep growl. Epona lifted her wings and walked away to the edge of the clearing.

The centaur snorted, "Still alive are you Epona, oh wondrous goddess?"

"I'm surprised you haven't been speared yet," Epona's voice was soft anymore; instead it seemed to be more like a growl. Ronan's voice was filled with hate. Hagrid looked between the two uncomfortably. "Now, now Pona, Ronan." Ronan looked away and face Hagrid.

"It is a pleasure to meet the young foals as well." Ronan bowed.

Hagrid cleared his throat, "Ronan have you seen anythin' unusual?"

Ronan gazed up at the sky, "Mars is unusually bright tonight."

"He means other than the stars!" Epona hissed, "Of course that's all centaurs think about."

Ronan stomped his hoof impatiently but remained fixed upon the stars. Bakura walked over to Epona and gently stroked her neck. Harry and Malik joined him. Epona seemed to calm down greatly.

"Well if that's all I guess we should be splitting up now." Hagrid walked to the other side of the clearing were to trails could be seen. "Malik, Malfoy, go with 'pona on the left trail. Bakura, Harry, follow me."

The group split and went their own directions into the forest. Malfoy huddled close to Epona's front leg. Malik walked in front, "Epona, may I ask you something?"

"Any thing you wish child."

"How come you and Ronan don't like each other?"

Epona sighed, "We've never gotten along, me and the centaurs. Only Firenze understands me."

"What don't they understand?" this time it was Malfoy who asked the question. "Centaurs believe they can for tell the future by using astronomy." she paused, "They think my way of seeing the future is unorthodox. No matter how many times I tell them they disagree. Besides they can't take the fact that their not the only intelligent ones in this forest."

"How do you tell the future?" Malik asked again.

"Look at the past and how it shaped the future. The past always influences the future so by using it you can tell the future. Look at past lives; if you were speared to death then, that means that in the future when you are reborn, it is only logical you are afraid of spears."

Malik nodded, I don't get it.

"Malik, stop in your tracks."

OOOooOOooOOooOOo

"Harry, was that Epona the same one that was with Snape?" whispered Bakura.

Harry shook his head, "No. I think something strange is going on here."

Bakura flung his head back, "They were right, Mars is unusually bright." Harry looked up, but instead of seeing Mars he saw red sparks. "Hagrid! Red sparks!"

"Stay here you two, don' move!" Hagrid ran off into the forest towards the sparks. Harry sat on a tree stump while Bakura took out his wand. "I hope they're alright," Harry said at last.

A few moments later Epona, Hagrid, Malik, and Malfoy appeared. "What happened?" demanded Bakura.

"A werewolf." Epona said simply.

Bakura noticed a cut on Epona's chest and front left leg. He was going to question when Hagrid interrupted, "We're switchin' groups. Harry, you an' Bakura go with 'pona, you'll be less of a hassle."

"Me? A hassle? I take that as an insult," said Malfoy.

Hagrid ignored him, "You alrigh' there 'pona?"

She nodded and walked in a different direction with Harry and Bakura at her heels. The walk was in silence until Harry broke it, "Are you alright Epona? The gash looks painful."

"Of course I am child, I knew it would happen, after all it's a full moon."

Bakura gasped as he noticed a particularly large pool of silver blood. Epona and Harry took notice, "We're getting closer," said Harry. Epona nodded, "Keep your guard up."

Up ahead there was a glimmer of light. They inched closer for a better look. It was the unicorn alright, but it was dead. Epona whimpered, "Its Lightfoot, the unicorn whose tail resides in your wand Ryou."

It was a sad sight. The unicorn's long slender legs at odd angles and its silver mane lay strewn on the group beside it. Harry's eyes wondered down its body until it landed on something sucking at the unicorn's neck. He immediately clutched his scar for it burned as if he had been branded. "Harry!" shouted Epona.

Bakura look at Harry who had fallen to the ground, Epona as trying to get him up. The thing that was on Lightfoot, as Epona called the unicorn, slithered on the round towards the trio.

It went for Bakura first; its arms grabbed his throat pushing him down. He could hear his own breath getting shallower when he heard a terrible screech, like the one he heard months ago. The thing flew off Bakura and was replaced with Epona leaning over him protectively, teeth bared.

When he came back around, Bakura noticed a centaur was fighting off the creature. It flew off into the night sky and the centaur snorted. "Are you alright Epona?"

"Yes thank you Firenze."

Harry stood up groggily, "What happened?"

"You're the Potter boy," exclaimed Firenze, "This forest isn't safe for you here. Please climb upon my back."

Harry looked around; Bakura was already climbing onto Epona. Harry nodded and got onto the centaur. The centaur wasn't like Ronan. This one was palomino with white hair and sapphire eyes.

"Epona, I must speak with all of you, somewhere safe."

After a moment of thought Epona nodded. Firenze galloped into the forest, Harry barely managing to stay on. He looked behind him and saw Bakura riding expertly. He couldn't help but feel a little jealous. After a few moments of silence, Firenze slowed to a stop.

Bakura hopped off Epona and walked around the little clearing. Epona lay on the ground with her feet tucked beneath her. Her wings stretched so she could sit properly. Harry got off with little difficulty and sat next to Bakura.

Firenze wandered back and forth for a moment. "Do you know what unicorn blood is used for?"

Harry and Bakura were startled and the strange question. "We only use the horn and tail." Bakura answered.

"That is because it is a monstrous thing to slay a unicorn." said Firenze, "Only one who has nothing to lose, and everything to gain, would commit such a crime. Unicorn blood will keep you alive even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible price." Firenze stopped to let it sink in.

"If you have slain something so pure, you will have a curses life from the moment that blood touches your lips." he finished.

"But who would want to live a cursed life?" asked Bakura, "Death would be better right?"

"Yes child," Epona whispered, "But someone who finds something better, something that will make them live forever, or get their own body will—"Epona trailed off.

"What could do that?" asked Bakura.

"Do you know what is in the school right now?"

"The Philosopher's stone." said Harry, "It has the Elixir of life, but I don't understand who would—"

"Can you think of nobody who has waited years to return to power, clung to life, awaiting their chance?"

Suddenly it hit Harry, "It's Voldemort?"

Firenze nodded. "That's not all is it Firenze?" asked Epona, "It's her isn't it."

"Indeed Epona, I believe she has already infiltrated the school."

Epona stood up silently, "I thought she was dead. But no matter, as long as the stone is kept secret she can't get it."

"Harry, Bakura, that you?" Hagrid entered the clearing with Malik and Malfoy at his heels.

"The Unicorn is dead Hagrid," said Epona.

"Thought it would be dead by now." said Hagrid.

Harry looked back to Firenze to find he wasn't there. Epona motioned with her head to follow her out of the forest. At Hagrid's hut she bowed to each of them in turn again, "I trust that you, my children, will take care."

Malik, Harry, and Bakura watched as Epona galloped back into the forest. Hagrid lead them to the school steps and said goodnight. When Malfoy departed from them, Harry and Bakura told Malik that it was Voldemort Snape wanted the stone for.

Ron, Seto, Hermione, Saren, and Yugi were in the common room sleeping when Harry woke them up. Before anyone could talk, Harry told them everything that happened in the forest.

"So let me get this straight. Epona is good because Hagrid and Dumbledore trust her, and she saved Malik's life?" said Seto.

"It wasn't Epona Harry overheard," said Bakura, "Another person that Epona knows, some who is working with Voldemort. Some she hates."

"My head hurts, can we talk about it in the morning?" asked Yugi.

Everyone agreed silently and went up to their dorms. Harry was exhausted so he quickly pulled on his PJ's and pulled back his sheets. To his surprise his invisibility cloak was folded neatly on his pillow. on top of it was a note: use it well