The Cursed

Chapter Fourteen

 Ella had transformed before she even realized what she was doing. All she could think of was Pandora's safety. That idiot Malfoy was always throwing herself in harm's way to protect others. Pandora couldn't see that was one of the best parts of herself. She was always there. Selflessly protecting Ella from danger at every turn. It was time for Ella to return the favor.

Ella seized the werewolf by its neck, pulling it away from her friends. She was locked in on him, jaws catching on his, desperately clawing at each other with hate. Her white scales were stained crimson, and Ella knew she couldn't last much longer. Lupin's werewolf was much stronger than anything they had faced in their training.

A howl resounded from the forest just as the opaleye dragon was knocked to the ground. Ella felt herself transform back, awestruck at the werewolf that was now galloping away.

"Ella!" Pandora shrieked. She tried to run to her friend, but she wasn't strong enough. She crumpled to the ground. The wound was deep, and Pan had lost so much blood already.

"Oh, Pan. I'm so sorry I let this happen." Ella let the tears flow freely down her face. Then she noticed a pale faced Snape was beginning to stir, "Don't worry. The Professor is going to get you some help!"

Ella's pain was numb now. Her fear was replaced by something far more powerful: fury. She knew her friends would be safe in Snape's hands, but that werewolf could easily make its way into Hogsmeade. Ella transformed again, finding her anger was producing a new power to fuel her magic. Red and black swirled in the air around her, and she quickly flew off after the monster, careful to not let Snape see her. She chased the beast to the pasture close to Hagrid's cabin.

If only I could breathe fire! Ella cursed. She needed to be stronger. It's her fault Pandora was hurt. If only she could have protected her. She let out another ear-splitting roar, drawing the werewolf's attention. She didn't want to kill him, but she couldn't just let him loose in the forest.

The wolf was stronger than her dragon. She still had so much to learn. A quick slash of his claws sent her flying into a tree. She felt herself transform back into a human. She was weak. She deserved to die at the hands of a werewolf.

A memory of her parent's smiling faces flashed before her eyes just as the werewolf lunged. Ella's entire mind went black. Something strange surged through her entire body. A sensation so powerful, all of the emotions that had built up inside of her broke free, blasting from her fingertips. The next thing Ella knew, she was looking up at the familiar ceiling of the infirmary.

"You're awake!" Harry cheered. He was sitting at the edge of his own cot, and was being force fed chocolate by Hermione. Madam Pomfrey's shrill voice could be heard from the hall. Ella felt sorry for whoever she was yelling at.

"How's Pandora?"

"She'll live." Harry answered grimly, "Madam Pomfrey thinks it was a tree branch that impaled her."

Ella got up. Fiery pain shot through every inch of her body. Whatever happened out there had hurt her good. Pandora was in the bed beside Ron, who was still out cold. She waved at her friend weakly.

"Speaking of that," Hermione lowered her voice and hissed, "Are you two crazy! Illegally becoming an animagus is a surefire way to land yourself in Azkaban!"

Ella and Pandora shared a look. They knew the consequences well enough. Pan was the first to speak, her icy gaze now focused on Hermione, "You can't tell anyone. If Ella's grandfather were to ever find out -"

"Please. I know it's selfish to ask this, but please, keep our secret to yourselves." Ella interrupted, "We can't explain our reasoning, but what's done is done."

Hermione and Harry thought for a moment, before nodding to the girls, "Okay. It's a deal."

"That's not good enough." Pandora snapped. There wasn't a chance in hell that she was going to allow this to get out. As much as she didn't want to admit it, but she knew Ella's grandfather was harsh. He threw his own son into Azkaban without even a trail for a crime there wasn't very much evidence for! She didn't stop glaring at the two gryffindors, "I want an unbreakable vow."

Hermione stiffened at the mention of such a complicated spell, but Harry answered for her, "Okay! If it'll keep you two safe. We will do it."

They would have to take turns, as an unbreakable vow requires a witness. Pan did her vows first. It took some help, but she stood and joined arms with the bushy haired Granger, "Will you, Hermione, swear to never reveal the truth of both Ella and I's illegal animagus status to anyone under any circumstance?"

"I will."

The kids repeated this act until Harry and Hermione were both sworn to never reveal the truth of their friend's secrets. The atmosphere in the room was tense.

"Well, now that that's over with." Hermione said with a suspicious grin. She pulled out an odd looking necklace, "We need to borrow some of your time."

Ella's jaw dropped at the sight of a real time turner. She asked, "And just what did you have in mind?"

"We're going to save Sirius Black."