Elara had faced poachers before, but never like this. Her heart pounded, each frantic breath searing her lungs as she tore through the dense forest. Moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting jagged shadows across the path. The loud booms of her pursuers' footsteps grew louder, a sinister reminder of the danger closing in. She dared not glance back; the terror of what she thought of propelled her.
The forest seemed to conspire against her escape. Gnarled roots jutted from the ground, and low-hanging branches clawed at her skin. Her usual calm composure was gone as the cold, crisp air clenched her lungs, her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing the urgency of her flight. A sudden rustling to her left sent a jolt of fear through her, bloody hell she thought to herself.
Without warning, her foot caught on a hidden root. She stumbled, screaming out, before crashing to the ground. Pain shot through her body, and the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. Disoriented, she tried to push herself up, but her limbs refused to cooperate and she stumbled backward into the tree that despised her. Laughter echoed around her as four tall figures emerged from the shadows, their faces obscured but their malicious intent clear.
Gasping breaths escaped her lips, merging with quiet, scared cries. Her vision blurred, darkness encroaching at the edges as despair threatened to consume her. Her body refused to move—until a commanding voice pierced the gloom.
"Get away from her!"
A brilliant flash of light illuminated the scene, bursting across her vision like shooting stars. The sound of bodies hitting the ground barely registered as footsteps pounded toward her.
"Elara!" The voice was familiar, urgent. A gentle touch on her shoulder. "Elara, can you hear me?" Varian felt a sense of panic come over him seeing her limply lying there.
She felt herself being pulled into someone's lap, strong arms supporting her. Her head lolled slightly, her mind adrift, floating somewhere distant. The world around her faded—muffled voices, distant figures. The weight of exhaustion and fear pressed down on her, locking her in place.
"Elara, please…"
The voice wavered now, tinged with something softer.
Fingers brushed against her cheek, pushing damp strands of hair away. Slowly, like surfacing from deep water, the world came back into focus. She blinked sluggishly, her breath hitching as awareness returned.
"Varian?" Her voice was barely a whisper.
His relief was immediate. "It's me," he murmured, offering a reassuring smile. He exaggerated his breathing. "In and out, okay?"
She hesitated before copying him, taking slow, measured breaths. The shaking in her hands lessened slightly.
"What... what happened?" she managed, rubbing her forehead as a dull ache settled in.
"You were being chased," Varian explained, his voice gentler now. "Elara… why in Merlin's name were you out here alone without your wand?"
He wanted to scold her—she could hear it in his voice—but instead, he squeezed her hand, grounding her. "Either way, you are safe now."
Safe.
The word made her exhale shakily, the tension in her chest loosening—but only slightly.
For a while, neither of them moved. They just sat there in the quiet, their breathing slowly syncing, the night pressing in around them like a fragile cocoon. She could still feel the remnants of fear clawing at the edges of her mind, but it wasn't as suffocating as before.
Then reality settled in.
Her muscles tensed as the weight of what had happened crashed into her. She had needed saving. She had been helpless, completely at someone else's mercy.
She hated it.
Elara stiffened in his arms, shifting slightly as if the realization of who she was with burned her. Her hands pressed against the ground, trying to push herself upright.
Varian's grip tightened just enough to stop her. "Woah—hold on."
"I'm fine," she insisted, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her.
He didn't argue, but he didn't let go either, his fingers still lightly gripping her arms as she tried again. The moment she put weight on her legs, they buckled.
A sharp gasp escaped her as her body tilted, but Varian caught her before she could hit the ground again.
"Elara." His voice was softer this time, not scolding, just knowing.
She squeezed her eyes shut, frustration burning in her chest. She was exhausted and sore, and the last thing she wanted was to need help.
"I just—" She swallowed hard, voice quieter now. "I just need a second."
Varian sighed but nodded, adjusting his hold so she could sit properly. "Take all the time you need."
They sat there again in silence, her hands curled into fists against the dirt as she tried to breathe past the humiliation.
After a few moments, he spoke again. "You scared the hell out of me."
Something in his voice—so raw, so honest—made her throat tighten. She glanced at him, taking in the worry still etched on his face, the way his hand remained close, as if ready to catch her again.
She swallowed hard, looking away. "I thought I could handle it."
A quiet scoff. "Yeah, well, you didn't."
His bluntness made her lips twitch slightly, the tiniest hint of amusement breaking through the tension.
She exhaled slowly. "No. I didn't."
That admission felt heavier than it should have.
Varian watched her for a moment longer before gently reaching out a hand. "Come on," he said, softer now. "Let's get you back."
—-
As they started making their way back, a soft rustling in the underbrush made Elara stop mid-step, her breath catching.
There, just beyond the twisted roots of an ancient oak, stood the unicorn.
Moonlight bathed its silver-and-white coat, making it shimmer like it had been woven from stardust. Its golden-orange mane rippled gently in the night breeze, catching the light in a way that made it look almost aflame. The creature's wide, intelligent eyes met Elara's, and for the first time since the chase began, she felt something other than fear.
Awe. Relief. Purpose.
"That's why I came," she whispered, her voice tinged with something softer now.
Varian followed her gaze and despite everything—his frustration, his worry—his expression softened. "It's beautiful," he murmured.
Elara took a slow step forward, ignoring the dull ache in her limbs. The unicorn flinched but didn't bolt, its delicate hooves pawing at the ground.
"Shhh, it's okay," she soothed, barely above a whisper. She raised a trembling hand, fingers outstretched. Varian watched intently, slowly staying behind her but keeping enough distance so he wouldn't spook the unicorn.
The unicorn eyed her warily but stayed put.
Elara's heart pounded, but this time, it wasn't from fear—it was the thrill of connection, of trust being built in a moment so delicate it could shatter with a single misstep.
"Easy," she murmured, her voice calm, steady. "I know you're scared, but I won't hurt you."
The unicorn hesitated before leaning in slightly, its warm breath ghosting over her fingers. That simple gesture—acceptance, trust—made something tighten in Elara's chest.
Varian, ever prepared, slowly retrieved her nab-sack from his satchel. "Ready?" he whispered.
Elara nodded, but as she reached for the nab-sack, the unicorn suddenly tossed its head, its spiraled horn glowing faintly in the moonlight.
A burst of energy rippled through the air, and for a split second, Elara felt it—magic. Ancient, powerful, pulsing beneath the unicorn's skin. Something she hadn't felt in nearly two years.
Her eyes widened. "Wait…"
Varian frowned. "What is it?"
But she didn't have time to explain. The unicorn let out a sharp snort and took off, its hooves barely touching the forest floor.
Elara didn't think—she just moved.
Ignoring every ache in her body, she darted forward, her focus razor-sharp. The unicorn weaved through the trees, but she knew how to track its movements, how to anticipate its turns. The chase sent a rush through her veins, a spark of energy she hadn't felt in hours.
Varian was right behind her, but she barely registered his presence. The forest blurred, and the wind rushed past her ears—nothing else mattered except the unicorn and the promise that she would save it.
With a final burst of speed, she angled herself just ahead of the unicorn's path. "Now, Varian!"
A flick of his wand sent a gentle barrier into place—not a trap, just a guide. The unicorn skidded to a halt, momentarily confused. That was all Elara needed.
She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and whispered, "It's okay. You're safe." The words rang a little in her head.
This time, when she extended the nab-sack, the unicorn didn't resist. In a soft shimmer of light, it was safely secured.
Elara stood there for a moment, her breath coming in quiet gasps, staring at the glowing bag in her hands.
Then, finally, she smiled.
Varian let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"
She turned to him, chest still heaving, but her eyes were bright—really bright—for the first time since they'd escaped. "Yeah," she admitted, grinning. "But I got it, didn't I?"
Varian huffed a laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah. Yeah, you did."
And for the first time that night, the weight of everything—her fear, her exhaustion—felt just a little bit lighter.
—-
As they emerged from the forest, the quiet night was interrupted by Professor Weasley running out from the school to help. Thankfully another schoolmate had seen Varian emerging from the forest and ran to get help.
As exhaustion weighed heavily on Elara, she felt a surge of relief upon seeing Professor Weasley arrive to assist them. Two nurses approached with a wheelchair, ready to transport her to the hospital wing. As she settled into the chair, Varian took position behind to guide it, while Professor Weasley employed a gentle levitation spell to ease their ascent up the stairs, the nurses following closely.
Upon reaching the hospital wing, Varian carefully helped Elara into a bed, ensuring the crisp, white sheets were snug around her. The linens rustled softly as she adjusted herself, wincing slightly—a telltale sign of her expressive nature, despite her efforts to conceal discomfort. Noticing this, Varian offered a reassuring smile before settling into the chair beside her.
"Professor Weasley," Varian acknowledged, rising to meet him as he approached. With Elara now resting and the nurse monitoring her condition, he began, "I'm truly sorry—"
Professor Weasley interrupted with a kind smile. "No need for apologies. I've arranged for your absence from classes tomorrow so you can stay with her." He handed Varian a slip, clasping his hands together as he talked.
"Thank you," Varian replied, squeezing the slip and bowing his head in gratitude.
"Unfortunately," Professor Weasely continued clearing his throat, his face changing from gentle to concerned. "The ingredients for a Wiggenweld Potion are unavailable tonight, so Elara may experience discomfort a bit longer. However, they are expected to arrive tomorrow morning, and the nurse assures me she'll make a full recovery." She placed a reassuring hand on Varian's shoulder before departing, leaving Varian to his thoughts.
The nurse kindly provided Varian with an extra blanket, pillow, and a small snack. After a brief attempt at eating, he settled into the chair, his gaze fixed on Elara. Her chest rose and fell rhythmically, her long brown hair cascading in a messy low ponytail. Still dressed in her white undershirt and black leggings, her black jacket, belt, and boots were neatly stored in a bag beside her bed.
As the weight of the day's events pressed upon him, Varian felt the pull of sleep. He drew the blanket closer, his eyes growing heavy, yet his thoughts remained tethered to Elara's well-being as he welcomed the whispers of slumber.
The next morning
It was springtime, the season of quiet rebirth. The leaves, now a tender pale green, whispered against one another in a gentle chorus, while clusters of blossoms edged the landscape with soft hints of pink and white. A slight wind danced playfully, sweeping strands of her long brown hair across her face as if nature itself was caressing her. The sun hung low yet comforting in the sky—warm enough to kindle hope without scorching the earth below.
Varian emerged from the old stone doorway, his hands buried casually in his pockets. The early light played across his features, softening the usual lines of concern and frustration, revealing instead a glimpse of something like an unspoken promise. As he stepped into the embrace of the day, the world around him shimmered with a dreamlike quality—where every detail was vivid, every sound a gentle reminder of moments both past and yet to come.
At that precise moment, she turned her head. The simple act was like a well-rehearsed greeting in a long-forgotten song. Her eyes met his, and for an eternity compressed into a heartbeat, the world seemed to stand still. "Varian…" she breathed, the sound a tender echo of memories and possibilities.
"Varian.." he shot up hearing his name, gently shaking Elaras shoulder.
"Elara..Elara what's wrong"
Elara sprung awake, a slight jolting gasp, wincing slightly at her head.
"Hey I didn't mean to scare you"
Elara blinked a few times letting her eyes adjust, the fall sun showed through the tinted glass, and she gently set her head back with a small sigh. "My dream…was just getting good" she murmured.
Varian lifted his eye brown in slight confusion, tapping the bed handles gently.
"You have a visitor if it's okay"
Elara nodded slightly as Varian stepped behind the curtain, and Professor Sharp stepped out.
"Good morning Miss. Willowbrook, I wanted to personally deliver the wiggenweld potion as well as a natural ointment for any cuts/infections that may have happened. I do apologize for the delay in the material." He turned, handing the bottles to the nurse, "I shall look forward to seeing you back in class, you have an excused absence until Thursday to clear your mind." He gave a reassuring smile, giving Varian a slight shake on the shoulder as well before leaving.
"If it's alright with you I'd like to give it to her" Varian held out his hands as if his question was more a statement. Luckily the nurse agreed with a smile, gently closing the curtain to provide more privacy.
"Varian-"
"Stop," he said, opening the bottle and getting a pillow to help prop her up.
"Varian, I…I don't need help I can do it," as confidently as she tried to say it, her voice came out shaky and she felt like she could cry at any moment.
"I want to help you," he said, pushing the pillow behind her as she was now sitting up". He handed her the potion as he watched her drink it slowly. After a few minutes, Elara was seemingly back to normal, at least physically.
"Better?"
"I think so," Elara said, moving her foot a little, no pain from where she tripped anymore. "Well you can go now I'm fine"
Varian sighed crossing his arms, "I'm not leaving and you definitely can't get rid of me that quickly"
Elara gave a sarcastic chuckle, she carefully slipped out of bed. After getting her balance and feeling good she gave Varian a slight smile, Thank you again"
"Of course" he gave a sarcastic scoff as he folded his hands into his pockets. "So, good news the unicorn is safe…"
"But?"
"But I suppose you will need the historian's help in researching that electric magic you felt last night"
"And I suppose you to be right," she said with a gleaming smile.
"I have an excused absence for the rest of today" he gave a smile, handing her her folded clothes that had now been put into a bag.
"Then I guess we have plans for the day don't we?"