A Troubled Time / Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 14

Lucy ran her hand down Highwing's back as they landed. The sun had just started to rise, signifying her and Natty had been out the entire night.

"I can't believe Harlow cast the killing curse at us. Without any hesitation.." Natty breathed heavily, holding onto the hippogriff before her.

"I feel like I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. I'm glad we made it out. We'll have to be even more careful from here on out." Lucy wiped the sweat that began to form on her forehead, "Seems like we owe our lives to Highwing and her friend."

"It was a shame they got captured, but I'm afraid we may not have made it out alive if they weren't." Natty flashed a smile her way.

"It was quite the rush, I will say. But, I know you and I can keep these guys safe." Lucy founder herself resting her head against Highwing.

"And that we shall. How are you faring as of late? Ominis told me about what happened during your detention." Natty asked as she turned to face her more.

Lucy let a sigh escape her lips, "I try to push that day in the back of my mind to be honest. The pain was truly excruciating." Lucy felt a shiver go down her spine, "Physically, I feel fine. But I never want to experience that again."

"I am sorry I brought it up. I can't imagine the pain you felt." Natty reassured the girl.

"No, please. Don't apologize. I'm grateful for your concern, truly." Lucy shook her head, not wanting to make Natty feel guilty.

"Either way, I'm glad you are better. I must go now. If my mother finds out I was outside the castle the entire night, she will be furious." Natty adjusted herself on her hippogriff.

"Make sure you get some rest as well!" Lucy shouted after her, watching her fly off into the distance. Lucy smiled as she heard Highwing let out a loud screech before taking off into the air as well. Lucy giggled, feeling the breeze rush past her skin, blowing her hair behind her.

"This is incredible Highwing!" Lucy squealed as they flew towards the castle. Despite the early morning, there were still students in the quad as she landed. She hopped off Highwing, going towards the front of her, petting her beak softly. She pulled out the beast feed she had, giving her some food.

"Those mean poachers probably didn't feed you did they?" Lucy watched as she ate the food before her.

"What in Merlin's name is that!?" A sheer voice broke Lucy's eyes from Highwing. Her eyes locked with Allura, a disgusted look on her face.

"Great, just who I wanted to see first thing in the morning. What type of pure blood doesn't know what a hippogriff is?" Lucy scoffed, running a hand through her disheveled hair.

"Oh please, any moron could spot a hippogriff." Lydia scoffed. Her and Allura were the only two there at the moment, standing just a few feet away.

"Ah, but not everyone can gain their trust." Lucy crossed her arms as Highwing let out a screech towards the girls.

Both of them jumped back slightly. Allura sent a glare her way, quickly approaching the girl, "You think you're so funny you little wench."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Lucy warned. Allura's fast approaching form was being glared down by both her and Highwing. Highwing screeched again, raising her two front claws into the air, ready to attack the girl.

"Depulso!" Lucy pointed her wand at Allura, sending her body flying backwards into Lydia. Highwing's claws simply went back onto the ground instead of across Allura's chest.

Both girls flew into the ground with a loud scream. Grunts of pain sounded from them. Lydia pushed Allura off, quickly standing up, "What the hell!?"

"Would you rather have claws sunk into your friend? After all you've done, I should've let it happen." Lucy gently stroked Highwing's neck. She giggled as Highwing gently nudged her.