The day was already strange when Chiara found herself standing in the middle of an open field, the sky above her heavy with gray clouds that seemed to pulse with an unnatural energy. The light drizzle from earlier had given way to light snow, the tiny snowflakes drifting down like whispers from the heavens. The air was cold, cutting through her maid uniform as if it were no more than a thin curtain, but she didn't mind the chill. Her attention was fixed on the stone tombstone a few meters away, the name Lars Ritchie engraved into it with a clarity that made her heartache.

Beside her stood Lupusregina, with her posture relaxed and hands casually behind her back. She had given Chiara space. Chiara didn't even notice her friend; her entire attention was on the tombstone.

The tree stood tall behind her; its bare branches made it look old. The grass on her feet was humid, and there were a few drops of water from the light drizzle that had happened a few hours before. It was weird, but it was the perfect reflection of what was happening inside Chiara's heart.

Chiara's fingers brushed against the edge of the tombstone, the cold stone grounding her, anchoring her to the present. Her mind wandered back to the pack, to the times she had seen Lars but never truly spoken to him. He had been an enigma to her, his appearance intimidating with sharp features and a gaze that could pierce through the soul, like those bad guys from the Muggles movies with chains, leather jackets, and weird hairstyles. Only now does she know about the whole 'punk' thing, thanks to her friend Lupusregina.

She regretted not reaching out to Lars and not building a friendship that could have been. The attack on the pack had come without warning, leaving destruction in its wake. Now, standing at his grave, she realized how much she had lost by not getting to know him.

In her hand, she clutched a single flower with delicate white petals. She wondered whether it was the right choice and if Lars would have appreciated it.

She knelt down to place the flower at the base of the tombstone. It wasn't the perfect gesture, but it was hers.

The world around her seemed to hold its breath, the gray clouds parting ever so slightly to let in a shaft of sunlight.

With a deep breath, she stood. The cold air bit at her cheeks, but she barely noticed it. The gray clouds above seemed to press down on her, mirroring the weight in her heart. Her fingers still tingled from the cold stone of the tombstone, and the memory of Lars' presence was still fresh in her mind.

Before she could take a step away from the tombstone, she heard the sound of footsteps crunching in the snow. Turning her head slightly, she saw another man approaching. His presence was familiar, yet distant. It was Lupin, the leader of their pack. He walked with a confidence that suggested he belonged here, in this desolate field, just as much as the tombstone did.

Chiara did not acknowledge him. Her eyes remained fixed on the ground, avoiding his gaze. She could feel his presence, though, like a shadow falling over her. He stopped a few feet away, and she could hear the soft creak of his boots in the snow.

"Lars was a good man," Lupin said, his voice calm and measured. There was a sincerity in his tone that Chiara almost believed. Almost.

She nodded once, just enough to acknowledge that she had heard him, but her expression remained impassive. The words hung in the air between them, a fragile peace that Chiara didn't feel.

As Lupin took a step closer, Chiara's heart rate quickened. She shifted her weight slightly, her hand instinctively moving away from him. She wasn't sure if she was ready to confront him, but she knew she couldn't let him get too close.

But Lupin stopped short. Chiara didn't need to look up to know that Lupusregina had arrived.

Lupusregina stood beside Chiara, her relaxed demeanor unchanged, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Lupin. There was a protective energy about her, a silent promise that she would enjoy hurting him if he dared to touch Chiara.

Lupin hesitated for a moment as if sensing the unwelcome presence. Then, with a sigh, he turned and began to walk away, the sound of his boots fading into the distance.

Chiara didn't watch him go. Instead, she turned her attention to Lupusregina, her friend. She didn't say anything, but her expression conveyed the gratitude she felt.

Lupusregina simply nodded with a playful smile.

With Lupin gone, the two turned and began their journey to Hogsmeade.

Chiara and Lupusregina walked through the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade, the winter air biting at their faces. The village was alive with chatter, students darting between shops, and the scent of freshly baked goods wafting from nearby storefronts. Lupusregina's eyes scanned the bustling street with curiosity, her lips curled into a mischievous grin.

"So this is Hogsmeade, huh?" she mused, nudging Chiara with her elbow. "Not bad, I guess. Could use more excitement, though."

Chiara's expression remained calm. "It's peaceful. That's part of its charm."

They made their way to the Three Broomsticks Inn, the wooden sign swaying gently in the cold breeze. The door creaked as they stepped inside, the warmth of the pub wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. The air was thick with the scent of spiced drinks and roasted meat, and the hum of conversations filled the room.

Lupusregina glanced around, her sharp eyes taking in the scene. "Cozy," she said, though there was a playful edge to her tone.

Chiara led them to a table near the window. "We'll wait for Harry here," she said softly.

Lupusregina plopped down onto the bench, stretching her arms behind her head. "Fine by me. Let's see what kind of drinks this place has."

Madam Rosmerta approached with a warm smile. "Welcome to the Three Broomsticks. What can I get you, ladies? Butterbeer or Firewhiskey?"

Lupusregina's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Do you have Pulque?"

Rosmerta's smile faltered. "Pulque? I'm afraid I've never heard of it."

"No worries. How about mezcal?"

Rosmerta blinked. "Uh, no."

"Sake? Shōchū?"

Rosmerta looked bewildered. "I'm sorry, but no."

Lupusregina leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Alright, beer, then. Got Corona? Miller? Heineken? Kirin, maybe?"

Rosmerta's brows knitted together. "No... we don't have those either. Just Butterbeer and Firewhiskey."

Lupusregina sighed dramatically. "Fine. Water, then. Sparkling, if possible."

Rosmerta's expression shifted to one of bemused exasperation. "Water it is." She turned to Chiara. "And for you?"

"Buttered beer, please," Chiara said politely.

With a nod, Rosmerta walked away, shaking her head slightly.

Lupusregina grinned. "Not exactly a diverse menu, huh?"

Chiara shook her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "You do like to make things difficult."

The pub door creaked open, a gust of cold air sweeping in. A figure stepped inside, their bubble-pink hair catching the light even beneath a wide-brimmed detective-style hat. The long trench coat and confident stride made the newcomer stand out from the crowd.

Chiara's eyes widened slightly. "Tonks?"

The pink-haired woman spotted Chiara and broke into a grin. "Chiara? Blimey, it's been ages!" She made her way over, her boots clicking against the wooden floor. "How've you been?"

"I'm well," Chiara said warmly. "Lupusregina, this is Tonks, an old friend from school."

Tonks extended a hand to Lupusregina. "Nice to meet you. Love the hair."

Lupusregina smirked. "Thanks. You've got quite the look yourself, Detective Pink."

Tonks laughed. "Fair enough. So, how have you been? I didn't expect to run into you here, of all places. What are you doing dressed like…?" Tonks trailed off as she was not sure what Chiara was dressed like.

Chiara grinned sheepishly, "A maid?"

Tonks smiled playfully, scratching her cheek, "Yeah, that."

Chiara shrugged, "I am working with Lupusregina here. I'm one of Suzuki's maids now."

Tonks tilted her head, not knowing the right words, "Suzuki? Uh… right. Sounds... fancy?" She then decided not to dig too much into it, but she couldn't stop making a small remark about Chiara's new job. "Never thought I'd see you like this. What happened? Did you turn into a house-elf or something?"

Being compared to a house elf really hurt Chiara, and her smile faltered as she crossed her arms. "Things happen, Tonks."

The Pleiade then decided to step in with a playful smile, "At least she's not dressed as a detective from the 50s in the 90s, in a town stuck in medieval times."

Tonks glanced down at her trench coat, visibly amused despite the jab. She sighed, "Fair point. Can't say I blend in much around here, huh?" She scratched the back of her head before turning to Chiara again.

"Sorry about that, Chiara. I didn't mean anything by it." She apologized with a lower voice. "Just... I remember you saying you were going to become a healer. What happened?"

Now, it was the turn for Chiara to sigh. "Yeah, I did say that. I became one, but… life took a few… unexpected turns. I'm happy where I am now, though."

The auror in training smiled and put a hand on Chiara's shoulder, "That's what matters, right? You look good, Chiara. And hey, at least you're not in some obscure Ministry cubicle."

Chiara chuckled slightly, and Tonks was relieved that her ex-classmate was better.

"So, what are you two doing here?" Tonks asked, sitting next to them.

"We're waiting for someone, and you?" Chiara said.

Tonks nodded, her expression turning serious. "I'm here on assignment, actually. Auror-in-training business. We're keeping an eye on the village because of the recent werewolf attacks."

She glanced at Chiara, her tone softening. "Not you, of course. I know you'd never hurt anyone."

Chiara smiled, "I appreciate that, Tonks."

Tonks shrugged. "Just being honest. Anyway, it's good to see you. Feels like forever since Hogwarts, yeah?"

Chiara nodded. "It does."

Their conversation was interrupted as Rosmerta returned with their drinks. "Here you go—one Butterbeer and... sparkling water." She set the mugs down with a wry smile.

"Thanks," Lupusregina said, lifting her glass dramatically. "To thrilling drink options and unexpected reunions."

Chiara's lips quirked into a smile as she raised her Butterbeer. "Cheers."

The doors of the Three Broomsticks Inn creaked open when Harry entered wearing a heavy coat to protect himself from the cold. He was followed by Pansy, her posture straight as always, but her eyes hollow and cheeks sunken. Her usually immaculate appearance was marred by her pale skin, almost ghostly.

Harry spotted Chiara and Lupusregina at the table and made his way over, Pansy trailing behind him with some reluctance.

"Hi, Lupusregina, Chiara," Harry said with a smile.

"Harry!" Lupusregina exclaimed with a bright smile as she gestured for him to sit. She pulled out the other chair. "You're looking well for someone who was in a pool of blood not long ago."

Chiara couldn't help but ask. "Harry. How are you feeling?"

Harry smiled awkwardly. "I'm okay." His face showed confidence enough to make people believe that nothing really happened.

"Your uncle Demiurge was worried about you," Chiara continued. "He mentioned he'd like to check in on you."

Harry's smile faltered, his mind racing to the implications. The thought of being subjected to Demiurge's experiments filled him with dread. But he said nothing, merely nodding and forcing a smile.

Lupusregina turned her attention to Pansy, who was sitting stiffly across from them. "Well, Pansy-wansy," she chirped, "you look absolutely radiant. Clearly, you're not eating."

Pansy's eyes narrowed at Lupusregina's comment, but she said nothing. Instead, she looked down at her hands, her fingers nervously picking at the hem of her cloak.

Harry watched the exchange before letting out a sigh. He turned to Lupusregina, lowering his voice slightly. "She's not doing well," he said quietly. "I've tried to get her to tell me what's wrong, but she just... she's not herself."

Lupusregina nodded, her gaze still fixed on Pansy. "I'll speak to Yuri-onee about it," she said. "Maybe she can help."

As Lupusregina stood to approach Pansy, the door to the pub burst open with a loud creak. Hermione Granger hurried inside, her face flushed with anger. Her eyes immediately locked onto Pansy, and she rushed to her side, wrapping her arms around her in a tight embrace.

Pansy's expression was one of shock, but she didn't pull away. "What are you doing?" she muttered, her voice muffled against Hermione's shoulder.

Hermione tightened her grip. "I just heard about the lawsuit. I'm so angry, Pansy. I can't believe the Malfoys are doing this."

Pansy pushed Hermione away, her face a mask of frustration. "Of course you are," she spat, rolling her eyes. "And what lawsuit are you talking about?"

"Buckbeak," replied Hermione. Harry was blank about what she was talking about and turned to search for Pansy's face to get an answer.

Pansy sighed with exasperation, "Buckbeak is the hippogriff that attacked Draco in our class for Care for Magical Creatures." Harry nodded in understanding.

Hermione's expression darkened. "At least he's alive. But they want to execute Buckbeak only because Draco did not follow Hagrid's instructions!" she said, raising her voice. "It's so unfair!"

Pansy crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair. "Well, if you're so upset, why don't you just fight them? That's what friends do, right?"

Hermione opened her mouth to argue but then closed it, realizing that Pansy had made a valid point. After that, a strange vision happened. Harry and Pansy were unable to understand if Hermione's eyes glinted because of the tears or if it was for something else. But neither of them understood the way of thinking of their Gryffindor friend.

"That's it!" Hermione said brightly. She suddenly hugged Pansy again, saying, "I knew I could count on you!"

Pansy did not move, unable to comprehend what happened inside Hermione's mind.

Hermione pulled away from the hug, still holding her hands, looked into Pansy's eyes and finally said what her mind had understood from their exchange. "I know that if both of us fight them on the court, we can win! We can help Hagrid and save Buckbeak."

Lupusregina saw the scene and smirked mischievously. As Hermione was still holding Pansy's hands, she couldn't resist making a comment.

"Looks like someone's got a little crush on our Pansy here," Lupusregina said with a wink, her voice dripping with mock seriousness.

Pansy's cheeks immediately flushed a deep shade of pink. She quickly pulled her hand away from Hermione's. "What are you talking about?" she said, her voice high-pitched.

Hermione, equally flustered, stammered. "No! I just… we're friends! Tha-that's it!" She then turned to Pansy, "Not that there is anything wrong with you because there is nothing wrong. You are very beautiful..."

Pansy flushed even more when Hermione was babbling and complimenting her.

"I mean..." Hermione continued babbling, trying to explain herself, "I do think that you're really nice and..."

Lupusregina started to laugh, holding her stomach. Chiara was also giggling, and it was Harry, who was still trying to keep his laughter, the one that interrupted Hermione.

"Hermione, Hermione!" Harry called until he had her attention. "She was only joking. No need to get so worked up."

Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the display while Tonks tried to suppress a laugh behind her cup. Finally, Hermione took a deep breath and calmed down, though she still blushed furiously.

Pansy, for her part, shot Lupusregina a withering look before turning her attention back to Harry. "Can we just drop this?"

"Absolutely," Harry said with a grin. "Lupu's just teasin' you."

The group lingered in the Three Broomsticks for a while. Chiara's energy returned, and the sadness she felt while visiting the tombstone was behind, replaced by her calm personality. After a moment, Tonks left as she was called by an older wizard with too many scars on his face and a prosthetic eye to keep her watch.

Pansy, on the other hand, appeared withdrawn. Her eyes were dull and looking to nowhere. Hermione kept glancing at her from time to time. She wanted to say something, but she wasn't sure what.

Harry, seated beside Lupusregina, observed the pub's details with a critical eye. "Should we check out the rest of the village?" Harry suggested after a while. "It's our first time here, and I'd like to see what Hogsmeade has to offer."

Lupusregina's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Great idea! Chiara will be our guide since she's the only one who's been here before." Chiara smiled and nodded.

"I suppose it's better than sitting here all day," Pansy muttered, her voice laced with fatigue.

Hermione nodded eagerly, hoping the fresh air might lift Pansy's spirits. "Yes, let's explore!"

The group left the warmth of the pub and stepped into the brisk winter air. A tiny snow layer blanketed the cobblestone streets, and their breath formed clouds in the chilly atmosphere. The village bustled with students darting between shops, their laughter echoing through the air.

Chiara led the way with her calm demeanor but with enthusiasm. "There's so much to see in Hogsmeade!"

"The floor is too wet, careful to not fall," said Harry to both of his classmates.

Their first stop was Dominic Maestro's Music Shop, a charming establishment filled with both magical and non-magical instruments. The group entered, and a gentle melody from an enchanted harp greeted them.

Harry's gaze swept across the shop, noting the assortment of violins, flutes, and strange magical contraptions that produced music without being touched. In one corner, he spotted a part of a drum set, a bass drum with the logo of a band he knew really well. He knew that the drummer had said that his drumset was stolen back in 1983 or 84. 'But,' Harry thought, 'it was stolen in the US, then what is that drum bass doing here?' He looked around and realized that the rest of the set was scattered around as if they were different instruments.

The shopkeeper, an elderly wizard with wiry spectacles, noticed Harry's interest. "Ah, the muggle drums," he said with a sheepish smile. "I don't understand why muggles have too many drums in different sizes."

Harry raised his eyebrow, "any special discount if I buy them all together?"

The elderly wizard chuckled, "Of course not."

"Then it won't ever be sold," Harry said with confidence. "Those drums," said Harry, pointing at the different parts, "are part of a set. They are not sold separately unless they are replacements. And the prices are not good enough to be a replacement, especially for that brand." Harry pushed, trying to work with the mind of the shopkeeper, who was oblivious that the name on the bass drum was not the name of the brand but the name of the band.

The elder wizard laughs even more at Harry's answer. "No, no. Those drums are made for muggles, not for wizards, so they are not enchanted, and obviously, muggles can't play all those drums at the same time."

Suzuki thought for a moment before replying, "What if I prove you wrong? Would you give me a discount?"

The man smirked, "Oh, I know about muggle music. If I am wrong, you can take them with you."

Harry smiled and shook his hand with the elder wizard. Then, he approached the pieces; his mind was already remembering the photos of the drummer playing this particular drum set and trying to piece together the correct configuration. He called Lupusregina to help him adjust everything correctly.

Chiara looked at them with curiosity while Pansy and Hermione browsed the shop. Hermione was curious about the magical instruments. Pansy only walked around lazily, looking at the different instruments without a particular interest in them.

The shopkeeper looked at Harry, not so sure of himself anymore. Harry finished putting all the pieces together while the others were looking at him, then he turned to the man, "The seat is missing. Can you transfigure something?"

The shopkeeper nodded and changed an empty box into a chair.

"Well," started the elder wizard. "It does look impressive, but it still does not prove that a muggle could use all the drums at the same time."

Harry smirked, grabbed the drumsticks, and gave them to Lupusregina. "Lupu, these drums deserve to play something that has already been performed on them. Can you play 'Motorbreath'?"

Lupu smiled widely, sat in the chair, and started to try all the different drums and their configurations. Then, suddenly, she began to play the intro to the song.

The shopkeeper ended up with his eyes wide open, and the sound of the drums attracted some curious eyes from the street who came to see Lupu playing.

"Fascinating!" said the elderly wizard.

Chiara clapped her hands together. "That's amazing, Lupu!"

Pansy leaned against a display case, her expression bored. "This place is getting overcrowded."

Hermione shot her a worried glance but said nothing.

They left the music shop after Lupusregina ended the song with a round of applause from everyone. Harry told Lupusregina that the drum set should be sent back to the mansion and guarded as it can cost millions.

After a few more words with the shopkeeper to keep his word and let him know that Lupusregina would be the one taking the drum set later another day, they finally left the shop.

They made their way to Honeydukes. The vibrant storefront was packed with students clamoring for sweets. The windows displayed an array of colorful candies, from Fizzing Whizzbees to Chocolate Frogs.

"Looks crowded," Hermione remarked while looking at Pansy, who did not look enthusiastic about getting inside the candy shop. "Do we really need sweets?"

Chiara nodded slowly. "It's famous. But yeah, maybe we'll come back when it's quieter."

They continued their exploration and soon arrived at Stitches and Draughts, a quirky shop that sold various kinds of items. Harry compared it to a pawn shop, with the variety of things in the shop and especially because close to the entry there was a small sign that said that they would be willing to also buy something, but with a strange wording which said, "Buyer of Unusual Artifacts."

The shelves of the store were crammed with oddities, from enchanted quills to mysterious vials of shimmering liquid.

A worn wooden sign near the entrance read, "Curiosities for the Curious."

Lupusregina picked up a peculiar-looking hat with feathers that changed color. "This looks like something your friend would use," she said with a smirk at Chiara.

Chiara giggled, nodding.

Harry examined a shelf of books with his fingers, tracing the spines of each of them. Most were obscure titles on magical theory, but one caught his attention, 'Secrets of the Darkest Art.' He made a mental note of its existence and maybe bought it on another occasion when he was not with other schoolmates.

Hermione browsed through a collection of enchanted knitting needles while Pansy lingered near a display of shimmering scarves, her fingers brushing against the fabric absentmindedly.

After a while, they decided to leave the shop and continue their stroll through the village. The streets were lively, filled with the chatter of students and the occasional burst of magic from playful spells.

Chiara, still happy to be back in Hogsmeade in a better situation than the last time, said, "Isn't this place wonderful?"

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "It has its charm."

"I'm glad you think so!" Chiara said, drawing a smile.

Pansy walked along, her steps heavy. Hermione walked beside her, casting concerned glances. "Are you okay, Pansy?" she asked gently.

"I'm fine," Pansy replied curtly.

Hermione bit her lip, sensing that something was wrong but unsure how to approach the topic.

As they walked through the winding streets, a sudden scream pierced the air.

At the end of the street, some children ran for their lives, chased by savage men. One boy tripped, and his friends were already too far to help. A man raised his wand.

"Protego!" an Auror shouted, deflecting the spell the man did. The shield charm flickered, barely holding against the unknown spell. More men stormed into the square, overwhelming the outnumbered Aurors.

Lupusregina's eyes gleamed. "Ooh, the trip is becoming interesting," she said with a grin, cracking her knuckles.

Chiara's voice was sharp. "We need to get Harry out of here."

"Figures," Lupusregina muttered. "Fine. You go. I'll have some fun with these mutts."

Chiara grabbed Harry by the arm. "Move!"

Harry turned, pulling Hermione and Pansy along as Chiara guided them toward the alleyways. Behind them, Lupusregina stood her ground with a wild smile drawing across her face.

A thug charged at her with a wand in his hand. Without moving from her spot, Lupusregina kicked into the face of the attacker, making him flip backward and land face first.

"Next?" she taunted, looking at the men around her.

Two more rushed her. Lupusregina exhaled lazily and stepped forward in the middle of the men. She elbowed one in the head while and right away punched the other with the same arm.

Meanwhile, Chiara led Harry and the others through narrow alleys, dodging debris and panicked villagers. "Keep up!" she urged.

"Where are we going?" Hermione panted.

"Anywhere away from them."

Pansy stumbled but caught herself, her expression grim. Harry kept his wand drawn, scanning for threats.

Suddenly, Chiara halted. Her keen senses picked up heavy footsteps and snarls ahead. "Damn it."

From around the corner, Greyback appeared with a dozen of his men. His eyes gleamed with cruel delight. "Found you."

Chiara gritted her teeth. "Stay behind me," she ordered, her voice cold.

Greyback's lips curled into a sneer. "Out of my way, girl. The boy comes with us."

Chiara's response was swift. She drew her wand, but Greyback lunged before she could cast a spell. Harry shouted, "[Magic Arrow," but Greyback moved away before the spell hit him, leaving another man behind him injured by the spell.

One of Greyback's men ran after the maid. Chiara twisted, dodging his claws. "Stupefy!" she intoned, hitting the man and making him fall unconscious.

Greyback roared in frustration, preparing to attack

Chiara, without turning to the kids, said urgently. "Go now! I'll hold them off."

Hermione hesitated. "We can't leave you—"

"You'll only slow me down," Chiara snapped. "Run!"

Harry nodded and grabbed Pansy and Hermione. "She's right. Let's go!"

Hermione nodded, and Pansy and the three sprinted down another alley that led out of the village, leaving Chiara to face the group alone.

In another part of the village, Ron Weasley was running in terror while the glasses of some buildings were flying around as the attack was still happening. Ahead, he spotted Lavender Brown, trapped against a stone wall by a maniacal wizard.

"Help!" Lavender cried.

Ron's heart sank. He didn't need to see what was happening, and without hesitation, he raised his wand. "Stupify!" he shouted, aiming at the man.

The man flew from where he was, landing on the cobblestones. Ron felt a surge of relief, thanking his older brother Bill in his mind for teaching him the spell, but the relief was short-lived as the man raised again, wand in hand.

"You're going to pay for this," he threatened.

Ron knew he had to do more. Without thinking, he ran and placed himself in front of Lavender, extending his arms to cover her.

"Depulso!" someone shouted. The man then flew away, landing hard against a wall.

Lavender scrambled to her feet, still with fear. "Thank you," she managed to say to Ron.

Ron, still not processing what just happened, just shook his head.

"Kids!" called the man who cast the pulse spell. "This way!"

"Professor!" replied Lavender.

"What's going on?" Ron asked his Defence teacher.

Professor Pomona Sprout looked at them with a grim face. "They've attacked the village," she said. "Go to the carriages now! I'll be there shortly"

Ron nodded, grabbed Lavender's hand, and started to run for his life. He saw chaos around, but he knew he could not do anything with Lavender with him, so he decided to run where the carriages were.

In his way, two men spotted them, and Ron stopped abruptly, making Lavender bump her face on the back of his head. With trembling hands, Ron raised his wand, but when the men were about to get closer, a giant black dog appeared, running above one of the men and biting the wand hand. Ron was as surprised as the other man, but he reacted faster than him and cast the same spell as his professor.

"Depulso!" he yelled, and although the effect was not as strong as the one his professor had, it helped him put distance between the two.

"Let's go!" said Lavender, tugging Ron's shoulder. The red-haired was still grinning that he was able to cast a spell on his first try, and before leaving, he called for the dog.

"Hey, big boy! Come here, buddy!"

The dog turned and followed him. As they ran, Ron kept a close eye on the dog with a grin on his face. They reached the carriages, and Ron was relieved to see them. He looked at Lavender, who was breathing heavily.

Some students were already there. He helped Lavender get inside, but he didn't enter. He had decided to help protect the place so other students could go back safely.

"Ron!" called Lavender.

"You stay inside! I can still fight," said Ron without looking at her. He looked around, ready for any attack.

From the village then, another student appears. A Hufflepuff boy, tall with hair that was a mess for the whole situation, appeared. "The carriages are this way!" said the boy to a group of students behind him.

"Over here!" yelled Ron. And a few students appeared running in his direction.

The tall Hufflepuff arrived, "Where is the professor?" he asked.

"Don't know. Professor Sprout helped me escape, but don't know if any other Professor was here."

The tall Hufflepuff nodded, "We need them to make the carriages move." After that, the tall boy stood next to Ron, guarding the carriages.

Suddenly, an explosion happened.

In another part of the village, a cloud of smoke was beginning to dissipate. Flames flickered where the explosion had originated, illuminating the scene of chaos and confusion.

Among the thick smoke and scattering students, two teenage boys stood with wild expressions on their faces. Gregory glanced nervously at his best friend.

"Whoa, Vince, that was totally twisted!" Gregory exclaimed, his wand still crackling faintly from the spell he'd just cast.

Vincent laughed nervously. "Dude, I think we might've overdone it a little."

"Yeah, I think so too," Gregory admitted. "But hey, at least we made a bang, right?"

Their grins faded when Draco appeared from the smoke, coughing and glaring at them with cold, stormy eyes and with one arm still in a sling.

"What in Merlin's name were you two thinking?" Draco demanded, his voice sharp with irritation. "This isn't a game! You almost kill everyone!"

Gregory scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Uh, sorry. We were just experimenting—" Vince elbowed him, "trying to help, I mean."

Draco waved dismissively. "Just go—wait." His words trailed as his eyes caught movement in the chaos. A girl was struggling against a burly man who had a cruel smile plastered on his face. The girl was slender and had long black hair, and her long black eyes looked weirdly calm. Her silk clothes looked like they had been removed by her own hands, revealing her underwear. The man had his wand pointing at her head, but the girl looked calm, way too calm while the chaos was around.

'The Imperio curse,' Draco thought while he clenched his jaw.

Draco saw the girl again, but he didn't recognize her, and that unsettled him. He had no idea who she was or her blood status. A part of him hesitated, conflicted if he should help her, as she may be a half-blood, or worse, a mudblood, but he had no time to find out that and needed to make a decision right away. Then he saw the man raise his hand to touch the girl.

"Expelliarmus!" Draco shouted, and the attacker's wand flew from his hand. The man broke his concentration on the girl and looked at Draco.

Draco again launched another spell, "Serpensortia." A snake as large as Draco's body appeared and launched itself right away against the man.

The man was surprised and screaming in agony while the snake bit his neck while pressing its body against the man's arm, making him unable to grab his wand again.

Draco didn't waste a second. He ran, grabbed the girl by the wrist, and pulled her away. "Come on!"

"Thank you," she managed to gasp, her voice shaky, and her eyes started to show some tears as her mind registered what was happening.

Draco didn't respond, his heart pounding as they dodged fallen debris and panicked students. Behind them, Crabbe and Goyle exchanged wide-eyed glances.

"Dude, we can't just let that guy get away with it," Crabbe said.

"Totally not excellent," Goyle agreed.

They pointed their wands at the rubbery man, their minds racing with chaotic energy. "Let's try that spell from Charms class," Vincent suggested.

"Radical idea, bro," Gregory agreed.

Together, they cast different spells; Gregory cast "Ventus," while Vincent cast "Incendio." Their incantations blended together, resulting in yet another explosion that sent the man flying into a heap of barrels.

Draco, still leading the girl, glanced over his shoulder with disbelief. "Those idiots..."

Crabbe and Goyle jogged up to him, grinning. "Dude, did you see that?" Vincent beamed. "Totally worked!"

"You nearly got us killed," Draco snapped. "Now move it—Professor Lupin!" said Draco when he saw the thin professor who was guiding other students.

"Good—good. Did Professor Sprout send you this way? No—no, no time for that. Go to the carriages, now!"

The professor then point them to where the carriages were. In their run, some spells went flying in their direction. Fortunately, some Aurors were there helping them and protecting them while they kept running to safety.

Draco ducked when a spell went too close to him. He also pulled the girl, and when he did that, his eyes landed on her clothes, making him blush. When they started to run again, Draco took his cloak and put it on her in one swift motion.

As they neared the carriages, they say Professor Sprout there already, together with some students already guarding, Ron Weasley being one of them.

"Quickly, get inside the carriages!" The professor ordered. Draco, unlike Weasley, who was still outside working as a guard, climbed the carriage together with the girl and Crabbe and Goyle.

As they settled inside, Professor Sprout flicked her wand toward the Thestrals, fortunately still invisible to the students.

The carriages lurched into motion, gliding smoothly away from the chaos of the village. Draco glanced back through the window, watching the smoke and fire recede into the distance.

"That was intense," Crabbe said, leaning back with a grin.

"Totally," Goyle agreed.

Draco rolled his eyes. "You two are going to get yourselves killed one day."

The girl, still afraid of what happened, clung to Draco's cloak.

At the skirts of the village, Harry sprinted together with Hermione and Pansy. They heard distant echoes of explosions, and screams filled the air. Hermione's breaths were ragged, but she kept pace beside him, her wand clutched tightly in her hand.

Behind them, Pansy's steps grew heavier and slower with every stride. Her typically composed self was replaced by pale exhaustion, her face ghostly and hollow.

"Harry," Hermione gasped, glancing back at their struggling companion, "she can't keep going like this!"

Harry turned his head just in time to see Pansy's knees buckle. Her body swayed before collapsing to the cobblestone ground.

"Pansy!" Hermione exclaimed, rushing to her side.

Harry knelt, panic gripping him. "She's out cold." He lifted her wrist, checking for a pulse. It was faint but steady. "We need to move, Hermione. We can't stay here."

Hermione nodded frantically. "But how—?"

Without waiting, Harry slipped his arms beneath Pansy's limp form and tried to hoist her up. The weight, combined with his own fatigue, made it awkward, but he gritted his teeth and managed to stand.

Suddenly, a deep, guttural growl echoed from the shadows ahead. Harry's blood ran cold as Fenrir Greyback stepped into view with a sadistic smile.

"Well, well," Greyback sneered, licking his lips. "I finally got you, kid, and with two little snacks."

Harry tightened his grip on Pansy, stepping backward. Hermione raised her wand, but everyone could see that her hand was shaking in fear.

"Stupefy!" Hermione shouted, but Greyback deflected the spell with a lazy swipe of his clawed hand.

Greyback bared his teeth, taking a menacing step forward. "You lot are so predictable," he growled. "Maybe I'll take the girl first."

Before Greyback could advance further, a bolt of magic shot past Harry.

"Depulso!"

The blasting curse tore through the space between them, but Greyback dodged it with annoying speed. Chiara appeared from a side alley, her expression fierce and filled with rage. She looked exhausted and had some minor wounds, but her maid uniform was strangely still perfect.

"Stay away from them!" she commanded, her wand crackling with raw energy.

Greyback chuckled darkly. "Look at this, another little pup wanting to play hero." He tilted his head, "I think I do remember you."

Chiara's eyes narrowed. "Confringo!" she bellowed, sending a fiery explosion toward him.

Greyback leaped aside, the blast charring the ground where he had stood. He darted closer, his movements unnervingly agile.

"Reducto! Stupefy! Expulso!" Chiara's voice was relentless as she hurled spell after spell, showing her fury.

Each time Greyback dodged, he closed the distance between him and Chiara. His grin widened with every step, feeding off her desperation.

Chiara's breathing grew frantic, her frustration mounting as Greyback neared.

"You're mine now," he snarled, lunging at her.

Just as Greyback's claws were about to reach Chiara, a blur of motion intercepted him.

"Get away from her, mutt!" Lupusregina's voice rang out cheerfully and wild.

Greyback barely had time to react before Lupusregina's fist connected with his jaw, sending him sprawling backward.

"Nice entrance, right?" Lupusregina grinned, cracking her knuckles. "You okay, Chiara?"

Chiara nodded, though her chest bumped with acceleration. "Thanks."

Greyback growled, baring his fangs. But then his ears perked up, catching the sound of distant footsteps, heavy and fast, growing louder with each passing second.

He glared at them, calculating his odds. Without a word, he turned and bolted into the shadows, his silhouette disappearing into the night.

Lupusregina cursed under her breath. "Barking dogs never bite."

Chiara's legs wobbled, but she steadied herself and hurried to Pansy's side. She knelt down, her hands glowing faintly as she checked the unconscious girl's pulse and breathing.

"She's okay," Chiara confirmed, her voice softer now. "Just exhausted."

The footsteps grew louder until a group of Aurors rounded the corner, wands drawn and faces hardened. Among them were Tonks; her pink hair was too bright not to recognize it.

"Drop your wands!" one of the Aurors commanded, pointing directly at Lupusregina and Chiara.

Lupusregina raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Seriously?"

"We saw you fighting alongside Greyback!" another Auror accused.

Chiara stood up, her face had an expression of calm but with a frown. "You're mistaken. We were protecting them."

Hermione stepped forward. "They're telling the truth! Chiara and Lupusregina saved us. Greyback was the attacker, not them."

Tonks narrowed her eyes, scanning the scene before her gaze softened. "I know Chiara," she said to her fellow Aurors. "She's not with the werewolves. Lower your wands."

The other Aurors hesitated, and Harry, already annoyed, turned to them. "She already fucking stopped Greyback back in Diagon Alley." He looked at the man who looked to be in charge, a tall black wizard with broad shoulders. "Something that you lot can't do no matter what, it seems." He sneered, "It seems that the only thing you can do is be in the way and be incompetent enough to let him escape over and over again."

The Auror leader frowned at Harry's accusation but said nothing. Tonks had to step up to try to calm the situation. "Let's all calm down. We need to check the injured first." The Auror leader nodded slowly and put down his wand, and that was followed by the other Aurors.

Harry, still holding Pansy, adjusted his grip. Sweat beaded on his forehead from the effort.

"She needs the hospital wing," Chiara said gently.

Hermione's face was etched with worry as she looked at Pansy's pale form. "Oh, Pansy... I knew something was wrong. She hasn't been herself lately."

Harry's voice was strained but determined. "I'll carry her. Let's get out of here."

Tonks nodded. "I'll escort you back to Hogwarts. Stick close."

As they began their trek back, Hermione couldn't tear her eyes away from Pansy. "I should have done more," she whispered.

"You did what you could," Chiara reassured her.

Hermione bit her lip and nodded. "I just hope she'll be okay."

Harry's jaw clenched as he carried Pansy, his resolve unwavering. "She will be."