The upper deck buzzed with excitement as a crowd gathered around a duo performing an elaborate display with a magnificent creature. Harry managed to pull Severus through the crowd toward a space in the front, where he could see better, and he smiled at the sight. Miss Trifle caught up to him and stood between his feet, twitching her nose at the sight. A light-haired witch in willow-green robes fluttering gently in the breeze stood at the front, a warm smile on her face. Beside her, a wizard in a black cloak with red trim, his eyes twinkling with amusement, held a sturdy lead attached to the hippogriff's harness.

"Welcome, everyone!" The witch announced, her voice loud and clear as she twirled around on stage smiling at all the guests circling her. "I'm Willowyn Holloway."

"And I'm Caspian Holloway," the wizard said.

"And today," Willowyn continued, "we have the pleasure of introducing you to Cliffwing, a truly remarkable hippogriff."

Cliffwing, a creature of stunning beauty, stood proudly, his eagle head held high, his horse body rippling with power. His golden eyes scanned the crowd, a hint of playful arrogance in their depths before he let out his best majestic screech and reared up on two, striking a pose with his talons out. Harry recalled seeing the hippogriff on day one, right before he had boarded the ship with his father, and he smiled at the way it played along in its own show.

"Hippogriffs," Caspian began, his voice carrying dramatic tones, "are creatures of great pride and intelligence. They originate from the mountain ranges of Greece, and their lineage is a fascinating blend of griffin and mare. Cliffwing here, as you can see, is particularly fond of attention."

He gave a gentle tug on the lead, and Cliffwing, with a flourish, spread his magnificent wings, the feathers catching the sunlight and creating a dazzling display. A collective gasp rose from the crowd.

"He's a bit of a show-off," Willowyn chuckled. "But he's also incredibly gentle and loyal, when treated with respect."

Caspian gave a series of whistled commands, and Cliffwing, with practiced grace, performed a few simple tricks in quick succession—pawing the ground a few times with his taloned foot while ruffling the feathers on his neck, then a quick dip of his head before he pranced in place, almost as if he was performing some kind of dance. Then, Cliffwing trotted in a wide circle around Caspian, pulling at his lead slightly as he gave a couple excited screeches at the crowd, who applauded; their faces filled with wonder.

"Liking the show, Harry?" Carywn asked from where he was leaning against the rail of the ship holding what looked like a few dead pigeons.

"It's pretty brilliant," Harry said before he frowned at the dead birds. "What are those?"

"Cliffwing's snacks," Carwyn answered honestly, then pointed down at Miss Trifle. "I'd keep your rabbit close, if I were you."

Miss Trifle's ears dropped, and she backed up a few hops while Harry reached down and picked her up.

"Want to come say hi?" Carwyn asked. "You can be our special guest."

Harry looked up at his father, who held his arms out for Miss Trifle. Excited, Harry gave Miss Trifle to his father before he stepped over to Carwyn, who reached over and grabbed one of Harry's wrists, then lifted his hand way above his head.

"We have a volunteer!" Carwyn announced almost as dramatically as his parents. Harry smiled as the crowd cheered. He should have known Carwyn would be just as enthusiastic as his parents were. He always had been at summer camp.

"Yes!" Willowyn smiled, gesturing to Carwyn and Harry. "A volunteer. One to challenge the great hippogriff's intensely proud nature."

"Tradition as old as the beast itself," Caspian said as he had Cliffwing trot another lap in front of the crowd, "demands that one bow when they first dwell upon the hippogriff, and pray he is well received."

"Don't mind my parents," Carwyn whispered to Harry as he pulled Harry toward Cliffwing, who suddenly stopped prancing around and turned to face the boys, his tufted ears flattening down, a low growl emitting from his throat, and the audience fell silent. Even Severus seemed to remember that this was still a wild and dangerous animal, and he tensed as he adjusted Miss Trifle in his arms.

Carwyn pulled Harry a step closer, and he demonstrated a deep bow, his head almost touching the ground and he kneeled slightly

"You always bow first," he explained softly, "and then wait for Cliffwing to acknowledge you with a bow of his own."

Harry, mimicking Carwyn, bowed deeply, his heart racing in his chest as he heard the hippogriff inhale loudly as he took a couple steps closer, then huff and flap his wings loudly, and Harry nearly broke formation at that but he forced himself to stay put.

Cliffwing took a few steps closer and regarded him with an unreadable expression, then, to Harry's surprise, dipped his head in a graceful bow. A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd and Severus breathed a sigh of relief.

"Now you can pet him," Carwyn told Harry as he threw a pigeon at Cliffwing, who caught the dead bird and gobbled it down, much to Harry;s disgust, but he couldn't help the laugh as he stood up and approached Cliffwing cautiously. The creature lowered its head, allowing Harry to gently stroke its neck feathers. They were surprisingly soft, like silk. Cliffwing nuzzled Harry's hand with his head, a low rumble of contentment vibrating in his chest. Harry, captivated, continued to stroke the creature's neck, a smile spreading across his face.

"Pretty amazing, isn't it?" Carwyn asked as he stood next to Cliffwing, stroking the feathers just above his beak.

"Yeah," Harry agreed.

"Now," Carwyn suddenly shouted, "to tame the beast!"

The crowd cheered while Willowyn pounded a drum with her wand that she conjured out of the air. Cliffwing screeched with excitement as he pranced around once more, then followed Caspian's whistled commands and began trotting in a circle before the crowd of onlookers, flapping his wings as he did so, going airborne a couple times as he trotted faster and faster, pulling at the lead. Severus bit his lip anxiously as he wondered what part of the show this was while Harry gave Carwyn a confused look.

"What do I do?" Harry asked.

"Just follow my lead," Carwyn whispered, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Cliffwing, now at a full trot, was pulling at the lead, his powerful wings beating the air, creating a mini-whirlwind around them. Caspian's whistles grew sharper, more urgent, and Cliffwing's movements became more erratic, a convincing display of a "wild" creature resisting control.

"Okay," Carwyn yelled over the din, "to break the beast!"

He grabbed a thick rope that had been coiled on the railing, its end already fashioned into a makeshift lasso. He pulled at Harry's wrist until they were face to face with Cliffwing once more, who had stopped trotting to stare them down, the tufted ears flat again.

"Like this," Carwyn said to Harry, and he took a couple steps to the left with the lasso in front of him, and Cliffwing took a few steps in the opposite direction. Harry smiled and took a few steps to the right, and Cliffwing went opposite of him. It really appeared as if they were trying to corner the hippogriff.

Finally, after a minute of that game, when Carwyn was close enough, with a practiced flick of his wrist, he sent the rope spinning through the air. It looped perfectly around Cliffwing's neck, just as the hippogriff reared up, talons flashing.

The crowd gasped, a mix of fear and excitement rippling through them. Severus, clutching Miss Trifle tightly, instinctively took a step forward, his eyes narrowed.

Carwyn, however, seemed unfazed. With a whoop, he used the rope to pull himself up onto Cliffwing's broad back, landing with a practiced thud.

"Come on, Harry!" he shouted, holding out his hand.

Harry, caught up in the thrill of the moment, hesitated only for a second before grabbing Carwyn's outstretched hand. With a boost from Carwyn, he clambered onto Cliffwing's back, settling behind Carwyn.

"Hold on!" Carwyn yelled.

With a series of sharp whistles from Caspian, Cliffwing began to trot around the enclosure, Carwyn guiding him with subtle shifts of his weight and tugs on the rope. The crowd cheered, their faces alight with excitement.

Then, with a powerful beat of his wings, Cliffwing took off, soaring into the sky, Caspian's lead releasing suddenly. A collective gasp rose from the crowd, including Severus, who watched with a mixture of anxiety and hope that this was all still part of the show, and everything was under control.

They circled the ship once, the wind whipping through Harry's hair, the world spread out beneath them like a magical tapestry. Harry laughed, the sound pure and uninhibited as he held his arms out, feeling the wind around him. Carwyn glanced back at him with a grin before leading the hippogriff around.

After a breathtaking circuit, Cliffwing descended gracefully, landing back in the center of the crowd with a soft thud. The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers echoing across the upper deck.

"The beast," Carwyn said, making Cliffwing walk forward a few steps before bowing deeply, making Harry slide into Carwyn from the sudden dip, "is tamed."

The crowd renewed their cheers and applause one last time, dropping sickles and knuts and an occasional galleon into a couple hats Willowyn and Caspian were holding out.

Carwyn slid off Cliffwing's back, grinning triumphantly.

"Not bad, huh?" he asked Harry as he helped his friend slide off.

Harry, his face flushed, nodded enthusiastically.

"That was amazing!"

Willowyn and Caspian bowed to the crowd, their faces beaming.

"Thank you, everyone!" Willowyn announced. "We hope you enjoyed the show!"

Caspian gave Cliffwing a pat on the flank as he reconnected the lead, whispering something in his ear. Cliffwing let out a soft snort, his golden eyes twinkling. The crowd slowly began to disperse now that the show was over. Severus, still clutching Miss Trifle, approached Harry.

"That was . . . quite a display," he said, his voice carefully neutral.

"Wasn't it brilliant, Dad?" Harry asked.

"Thanks for letting your son partake in the show," Willowyn said to Severus. "You know, every bit we earn goes to the sanctuary. This will help us pay for potions and food for quite a few of our residents."

"I'll gladly donate," Severus said, reaching into his robe and pulling out a few sickles to add to the hat Willowyn was carrying. "I was under the impression that your wildlife sanctuary released their animals after they have been rehabilitated?"

"We do," Willowyn said, "the ones we can, anyway."

"And the ones we can't release," Caspian added, leading Cliffwing, "we keep. It's not easy to note at first glance, but Cliffwing is blind."

Caspian waved his hands carefully in front of the hippogriff's face, and the big animal did not react to the movement at all. Severus and Harry were both surprised at the news.

"Cliffwing relies on subtle cues," Caspian continued to explain, "from this lead and my whistling to guide him around the stage and even through the air. He's very sensitive to those cues and has learned to respond very well and accurately. He's also trained to accept a rider, as you saw, and he's learned basic equestrian cues as well."

"How did he end up blind?" Harry asked as he accepted Miss Trifle back from his father.

"Born that way, we're guessing," Willowyn said. "He has no injuries. We found him abandoned in a nest half starved. Perhaps his parents knew something was wrong with him and left him, knowing he wouldn't last long in the wild. We were very lucky to have chanced upon him. He's been a loyal member of our family ever since."

"He's really amazing," Harry said, stepping closer to Cliffwing to give one last goodbye scratch, only to be pushed away by Carwyn, and in good time too as Cliffwing lunged forward, snapping his beak inches from Harry's arm.

"Careful of your rabbit," Carwyn said. "He can't see but he's got a really good nose. And he can't tell if what you have is for him as a treat or not."

"Oh, right, sorry," Harry said, adjusting Miss Trifle in his arms. "And thanks."

"No problem," Carwyn said, offering Cliffwing another dead pigeon.

Just as Harry and Severus said goodbye to Carwyn and his parents, a booming voice echoed across the upper deck.

"Attention, passengers! We have arrived at the Mermaid Lagoon! Those wishing to swim with the merfolk, please proceed to the lower decks. Enchanted snorkeling gear will be provided."

Harry's eyes lit up and he jumped up and down as he stared up hopefully at his father.

"Mermaid Lagoon! Can we go, Dad? Please?"

"This isn't exactly one of the destinations I was most excited for," Severus said with a sigh, but he nodded reluctantly. "But, yes, let's take Miss Trifle back to our rooms so she can rest while we go for a swim."

They made their way back to their room, where Harry quickly changed into his swimming trunks, a bright blue pair with golden snitches printed on them. Severus donned a pair of simple black trunks. They left Miss Trifle comfortably settled in her cage and then headed down to the lower decks.

The lower decks were a flurry of activity. Witches and wizards, in a variety of colorful swimwear, were queuing up to collect their enchanted snorkeling gear. The gear consisted of sleek, form-fitting masks that allowed for underwater breathing and enhanced vision, and fins that propelled the wearer through the water with minimal effort.

They collected their gear and joined the group of passengers heading towards the lagoon's entrance, a large, magically reinforced opening in the ship's hull. The water was a vibrant turquoise, shimmering invitingly in the afternoon sun.

With a deep breath, Harry plunged into the water, followed closely by Severus. The underwater world was breathtaking. Coral reefs, bursting with color, stretched out as far as the eye could see. Schools of iridescent fish darted through the water, their scales flashing like jewels.

And then, they saw them. Mermaids.

They were even more beautiful than Harry had imagined. Their long, flowing hair, in shades of emerald green and sapphire blue, swayed gently in the currents. Their tails, covered in shimmering scales, propelled them through the water with effortless grace.

Harry, his eyes wide with wonder, swam closer, mimicking their movements. The mermaids, curious but friendly, approached him, their voices a haunting melody that echoed through the water in a language Harry nor Severus understood. Despite that, the mermaids gestured for Harry to follow, and they showed him playful dolphins with glowing fins.

One mermaid grabbed the fin of a dolphin and she was propelled through the water by the playful animal. Harry grinned and managed to snag a fin of another dolphin, and he laughed as he was propelled forward, and he lost grip after a few minutes. Severus watched him fondly.

Another mermaid showed Harry a school of small, furry water-Puffskeins that floated amongst the coral. Harry tried to catch one, but the shy creatures swam away from him, and he pouted, only for the mermaids to giggle at his expression, which only made him blush.

Severus, surprisingly, seemed to be enjoying himself, despite his earlier statements of not looking forward to this part. He observed the mermaids with detached curiosity while he took in the beautiful home they lived at, the coral reefs forming a castle-like structure underwater. He even pointed out a particularly large cluster of luminescent anemones to Harry.

There were more wonders under the sea, including the hippocampus Harry had seen on his first day on the boat, and he was happy to pull some seaweed to feed them. There were also beautiful stingrays flying above him, graceful sea serpents weaving through the coral, and even a glimpse of a giant squid with eyes that glowed with an otherworldly light in the deep blue far below. A merman even swam by holding on to the fin of a blue shark, startling almost everyone he passed, but he stroked the shark carefully, as if to show that his shark meant no harm to anyone.

With the aid of their magical equipment, Harry and Severus spent a couple hours in the water exploring the lagoon before they grew tired enough to head back inside. Harry collapsed on the bed as soon as they arrived back at their cabin while Severus decided to take a shower. Once he was finished, he made Harry get off the bed to shower as well, then they both decided to rest for the hour before dinner, with Harry taking a nap and Severus reading his book.

Severus decided to switch up their usual eating place. Instead of the formal dining hall, he took Harry to a place on the upper deck that had more bar food style dining, and they ran into Carwyn and his parents once more, and they shared a table for dinner that night, Willowyn and Caspian asking Severus about his field of study and his job as a Potions Brewer for St Mungo's while Carwyn and Harry talked about all the adventures and fun they were having on the ship.

"Did you see that giant squid?" Harry asked, his eyes wide. "It was huge!"

"Yeah, but those dolphins were cooler," Carwyn countered, grinning. "I almost rode one!"

"I did!" Harry exclaimed, then lowered his voice. "And those mermaids? They were singing. It was so beautiful."

Carwyn nodded, his eyes gleaming.

"I wish I could understand them. Maybe they're telling stories about sunken treasure on a haunted ship."

"Why's it gotta be haunted?" Harry asked.

"Because," Carwyn said, leaning in conspiratorially, his eyes wide with mock seriousness, "everything worth finding is haunted. It's like a rule. Especially sunken treasure. You think a bunch of grumpy ghosts are just gonna let you waltz in and take their gold? Please. They've had centuries to perfect their poltergeist pranks. Plus," he added with a dramatic flourish, "think of the magical sea-beasts that could be guarding it! Imagine a kelpie, all tangled in chains, or a merrow riding a kraken! That's adventure!"

"You're so weird," Harry said playfully, shaking his head at Carwyn.

"I get it from my parents," Carwyn said, gesturing to said individuals, who happened to catch the last bit of their conversation, and they gave Carwyn mock glares.

After everyone's food was delivered, Carwyn and Harry each with fish and chips, they dug in hungrily, all the day's excitement having left them famished. The adults shared a bottle of some kind of dark red wine while the boys enjoyed a tall glass of fizzing firefly juice, a vibrant, glowing drink with a citrus flavor that had several tiny, edible "fireflies," which were really magically luminescent sugar crystals that swirled within the liquid. As everyone was filling up on the food, the stars began to appear above them, and Carwyn grinned at the darkening sky before he grinned at Harry.

"Have you been to the Starlight Alcove?" he asked Harry. "It's not far from here, just up the stairs and in that room over there. It had binoculars and telescopes so you can see the stars really close."

"No, I haven't been there yet," Harry said.

"Want to check it out?" Carwyn asked.

"Err, I'll have to ask my dad."

"Hey, mum, can I take Harry to the observatory room?" Carwyn asked quickly.

"Oh, well that's alright with me," Willowyn said. "Of course, we need to ask Harry's father. Severus, would it be alright if Carwyn showed Harry the Starlight Alcove? It's a lovely spot on the upper deck, perfect for stargazing. Carwyn's been raving about it."

"It's not far," Carwyn added.

"And well managed and guarded," Caspian added, sensing Severus's unease. "we've trusted Carwyn to wander up there many nights so long as we've been out on the upper decks somewhere as well."

"Please, Dad?" Harry asked. "It sounds fun!"

"Very well," Severus conceded. "But stay together, and return before the evening's entertainment begins."

"We will!" Harry and Carwyn chorused, their faces alight with excitement.

They hurried off, their footsteps echoing down the corridor. Carwyn's parents exchanged a reassuring glance with Severus, who watched Harry disappear up the stairs with a bit of apprehension.

Harry and Carwyn made their way to the upper decks, laughing as they raced each other up the stairs. As they approached a less populated section, Carwyn pointed to a narrow, winding staircase.

"This leads to the Starlight Alcove," he said, pointing up the stairs to a circular room looking over the swimming pool Harry had swum in several times since beginning his vacation. Harry nodded and followed Carwyn.

They ascended the stairs a bit slower, having tired themselves out from the initial race. As they rounded a corner, a section of the wall slid silently open, revealing a darkened passage. Before they could react, a figure emerged.

Harry gasped, startled. Before he could say anything, the figure grabbed him, their grip surprisingly strong. Harry tried to struggle, but he was dragged towards the open passage.

"Harry!" Carwyn cried, his voice filled with alarm. He lunged forward, trying to pull Harry away from the figure.

But the figure tightened their hold on Harry's upper arm then grabbed Carwyn as well. He struggled, kicking and yelling, but he was pulled into the darkened passage alongside Harry before anyone could register the struggle.

The wall slid shut, leaving no trace of their presence, sealing Harry and Carwyn in the darkness. They were shoved roughly forward, stumbling into a small, dimly lit chamber. A single flickering lantern cast long, distorted shadows, revealing their captor.

It was Mortagus Alarie.

Harry's eyes widened in shock.

"Mr. Alarie?" he stammered.

Alarie sneered, his thin lips curling into a cruel smile.

"Surprised to see me, Potter?"

Carwyn, his eyes darting between Harry and Alarie, asked, "Who are you? What do you want?"

Alarie ignored Carwyn, his gaze fixed on Harry.

"I only wanted you, Potter," he hissed, his voice laced with venom. "Your so-called father ruined everything. He humiliated me. Scared me off. Now, I have a chance to repay him."

He gestured to a small, ornate chest in the corner of the chamber.

"My employer has a . . . particular interest in you, Potter. And he's willing to pay handsomely for your delivery."

"Your employer?" Harry asked, making a face at that. "Who is he?"

Alarie chuckled, a dry, humorless sound.

"That's none of your concern. Suffice to say, he's a powerful wizard, and he's been watching you for some time."

He glared at Carwyn, his eyes filled with annoyance.

"And you," he spat, "are an unwelcome complication. But seeing that you are pureblood, perhaps you'll be worth a little something as well."

Carwyn stood his ground, glaring back as if he was challenging yet another wild beast.

"You're making a mistake," he said. "My parents won't let you get away with this."

"Your parents are oblivious fools, boy," Alarie scoffed. "By the time they realize you're gone, we'll be long gone."

He turned back to Harry, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction.

"Now, Potter, let's not waste any more time. We have a rendezvous to keep."

He grabbed Harry's arm, pulling him towards the chest. Harry, his heart pounding, tried to wrench his arm free, kicking out at Alarie's shins.

"Let go of me!" Harry yelled.

Carwyn lunged forward, trying to tackle Alarie. He grabbed Alarie's arm, attempting to pull him away from Harry.

"Get off him!" Carwyn shouted, his small fists flailing.

Alarie, surprised by their combined resistance, stumbled slightly. He shoved Carwyn roughly aside, sending him crashing against the wall. Then, with a surge of strength, he grabbed both boys, his grip like iron.

"Enough!" Alarie snarled, his face twisted in anger. He shoved Harry towards the chest, but Harry dug his heels in, trying to resist.

"No!" Harry cried as Alarie forced him closer to the chest's opening.

Carwyn, recovering from the shove, scrambled to his feet. He grabbed Alarie's leg, trying to pull him away from Harry.

"Let him go!" Carwyn yelled.

With a grunt, Alarie kicked Carwyn away, sending him sprawling once more. He then shoved Harry fully into the chest, and as Carwyn tried to get up again, Alarie grabbed him too and threw him in the chest as well. The lid slammed shut with a resounding thud, plunging them into absolute darkness.

Harry and Carwyn's muffled cries echoed from within the locked chest, their struggles continuing even in the confined space.

Alarie, his face flushed with exertion but twisted in cruel triumph, turned to the now closed chest. He reached into his coat and produced a small, silver object. With a malicious grin, he pressed a button. A sharp click, and the chest's locking mechanism engaged, sealing the boys inside, the only sounds to be heard were their smothered screams from within.