In the Shadow of Seventh year

Chapter 18: Fear for Family

"What!?" You exclaimed in shock. "Where are they holding her? Did they send you a note?" 
   Your eyes were on Poppy, but she didn't seem in any state to answer, clasping Ominis' left hand tightly.
   "They did. It arrived just now." Natty answered this time and passed you the note. 

If you want to see your grandmother ever again, you and your friends can pick her up at the old Keeper's tower. Bring the golden Diricawl too.

Below the elegantly written words was a drawn sketch of a tower that looked eerily familiar to you.
   "That's San Bakar's tower. One of the former Keepers." You told them as you pointed at the sketch.
   You looked at your best friend. "I'll come with you of course. We'll save your gran, though I'm not going to bring Driri." 

Poppy looked at you and aside from the underlying fear in her eyes, the determination and anger in them were telling you that she wouldn't back down from a fight.

"We're all coming." Anne spoke up. "We're a team and we won't let any of those poachers, nor your parents harm your grandmother."
   The others all agreed. 
"But we can't go storm off without some preparation." Ominis reasoned, turning his head towards Poppy. "I know you want to go off right away darling, but we should hurry and change into clothes fitting for the weather and the terrain we'll be going to." He had a point. "Going into our schoolrobes will only give us a disadvantage. It's too cold outside and our robes could easily get snagged or twisted, limiting our mobility. Besides, I know Garreth and Nerida have their potions in their trunks, so they should definitely bring those along."

"I agree with Ominis, we won't let them get the upper hand if we can help it and taking a few minutes to prepare ourselves is necessary." Sebastian said.
   "Alright, I'd say we go now and change, get what we need and meet as soon as we're able at the school gates." Natty suggested then turned towards you. "Is there a way to get there faster?"
   You nodded. "There's a Floo Flame right outside."
"Good." Then she turned to Poppy. She had finally let go of Ominis' hand, who was now flexing it to get the circulation going again.
   "If we hurry, we'll be there in less than half an hour. I'm certain they are counting on a couple of hours since they used an owl to send the message."

That information visibly calmed Poppy down and she nodded. "You all are right, thank you guys for standing by me. Now let's go."
   Without any further prompting, everyone split up to go to their respective dorms. 

Twenty minutes later, all of you had gathered at the school gates.
   You and Poppy had quickly but silently changed in your room. She had traded her skirt for a pair of tight black trousers and her shirt and blazer were replaced by a black shirt and a brown sweater, with a sturdy looking black jacket on top. She had put on her dragonhide gloves that her gran once gave her for Christmas and some simple brown boots.
   You yourself had dressed in the leather outfit you had always worn when you were out exploring the Highlands. Thanks to Deek and the Beasts in the Vivarium, you had been able to weave some magical properties into them using the Loom. It was fire resistant and even though the material was thin and light, kept you warm even in winter. 
   Putting on some fingerless gloves and a pair of sturdy boots, the both of you had bolted out of the dorms to get to the school gates.

Everyone was clearly ready for battle and it was a strange concept for you. Though not at all unwelcome. 
   It actually felt kind of nice knowing you were off to danger and a possible big fight with them by your side instead of alone. You were concerned about Poppy though. It would be the first time she'd encounter her parents again after they tortured her and you could only hope she would have the strength to fight them this time. Sadly there was only one way to find out.