The Forbidden Forest, even in the depths of winter, pulsed with a raw, ancient energy that always called to Echo. But this time, the call was different—deeper, more insistent, like a forgotten melody just out of reach. His black hair, usually a calm canvas for his emotions, now rippled with a restless emerald, mirroring the churning curiosity within him. He had spent the last few weeks in a state of heightened awareness, the Bowtruckle's memory replaying in his mind: "The Dark Lord wishes to observe the full extent of his… potential. Another incident is to be orchestrated… to reveal the nature of the beast within." The threat of Malfoy and his unseen master hung heavy, but instead of dwelling on the danger, Echo felt a strange pull, a need to understand the true depths of the world he was fighting for.
Shimmer, a silver ripple of concern, clung tightly to his shoulder, occasionally chittering softly as if to voice its apprehension. Sniffles, usually eager for any adventure involving shiny objects, remained a nervous lump in his pocket, only occasionally peeking out with wide, fearful eyes. They sensed it too—the shift in the forest's aura, the beckoning mystery that lay beyond familiar paths.
Echo pushed deeper than ever before, past the Centaur clearings, past the ancient, gnarled trees that marked the territories of the Acromantulas. The canopy grew so dense that only slivers of the weak winter sun pierced through, casting the forest floor in perpetual twilight. The air grew heavy, thick with the scent of damp earth, decaying leaves, and something else—something sweet and floral, yet subtly alien.
He navigated by instinct, his heightened senses guiding him, his emerald hair flickering with increasing intensity. The sounds of the familiar forest faded, replaced by a soft, almost musical hum that seemed to emanate from the very ground beneath his feet. The trees here were unlike any he had ever seen, their bark shimmering with faint bioluminescent patterns, their leaves a deep, velvety purple. Strange, glowing fungi pulsed in the shadows, casting an ethereal light on his path.
Finally, he came to a clearing, unlike any other. It was a vast, open space, bathed in a soft, internal luminescence that seemed to have no discernible source. And there, floating in the air, dancing and twirling with an otherworldly grace, were creatures he had never imagined.
They were medium-sized, perhaps half the height of a human man, their forms exquisitely delicate yet undeniably bug-like. Their entire bodies were pure, pristine white, adorned with dozens of translucent wings that shimmered and folded over themselves like intricate, living garments. These wings covered their limbs, torsos, and even their oval-shaped heads, which were poised on long, slender necks. Their faces were starkly simple: beady, black eyes that seemed to absorb all light, and a thin, wide, toothless mouth that curved in an eternal, joyful smile. They had no visible ears or nose, giving them an almost ethereal, mask-like appearance. Their limbs were long and spindly, ending in four delicate fingers, with no discernible toes.
They moved with an impossible lightness, pirouetting and soaring through the air like ballet dancers, their many wings fluttering in a silent, hypnotic rhythm. A chorus of high-pitched, melodious giggles and soft, crystalline singing filled the clearing, a sound both alien and profoundly joyful.
Echo watched, mesmerized, his emerald hair a vibrant beacon of awe. He had encountered countless magical creatures, from the fierce Centaurs to the enigmatic merpeople, but nothing had prepared him for this. These were beings of pure, unadulterated grace and joy.
"Nebuina," he whispered, the name forming unbidden on his lips, a blend of 'nebula' for their ethereal quality and 'buina' for the quiet hum they exuded.
As if sensing his presence, or perhaps merely drawn by the purity of his awe, a few of the Nebuina drifted closer, their beady eyes regarding him with an innocent, unblinking curiosity. Their giggles intensified, and one, smaller than the rest, reached out a spindly, four-fingered hand, touching his emerald hair with a feather-light touch.
Suddenly, the singing shifted, becoming richer, more complex. From a shimmering alcove within the ancient trees, a figure emerged, dwarfing the others. This Nebuina was a striking golden hue, and her form was grander, more majestic. She stood three-quarters the height of a human man, and her body, from head to spindly limb, was adorned with even more wings than her brethren, layered and folded with breathtaking intricacy. Her golden form pulsed with a soft, warm light that seemed to calm the entire clearing. This, Echo knew instinctively, was their queen.
The queen floated towards him, her movements a slow, deliberate dance. Her beady, intelligent eyes fixed on him. For the first time, Echo felt a communication that wasn't sound but pure, resonant feeling—a welcome, a question, a profound, ancient curiosity.
Then, a harsh, grating shriek, like metal tearing on stone, echoed through the clearing. It was an unnatural sound, alien to the forest's symphony. The golden queen flinched, her radiant glow flickering, and the smaller Nebuina scattered instantly, their joyful giggles replaced by whimpers of distress as they vanished into the bioluminescent foliage. The queen lingered for a moment, her beady eyes fixed on Echo, a flicker of warning in their depths, before she, too, gracefully receded into the shadows.
Echo stood alone in the suddenly silent clearing, his emerald hair still vibrant, but now with a touch of bewildered disappointment. The alien shriek had cut through the magic of the moment, leaving him with an aching sense of loss, a profound longing for the ethereal dance he had witnessed. He couldn't shake the image of their graceful forms, the silent flutter of their countless wings, the pure, unadulterated joy that had permeated the air. He felt a strange, undeniable pull to them, a desire to understand their delicate movements, their unique rhythm.
A week later, the memory of the Nebuina still haunted Echo. He found himself in a private, rarely used section of the dungeons, a small, circular room with stone walls and a surprisingly smooth floor. His black hair was a focused blue, a testament to his intense concentration. In his hand, he held a slender, silver stylus, its tip glowing faintly. From it, a delicate, ethereal ballet melody wafted through the damp air, a tune he had painstakingly transcribed from the residual hum of the Nebuina clearing.
Echo took a deep breath, trying to mimic the effortless grace he had witnessed. He extended one leg, then another, attempting a pirouette. His arms, usually so agile with a wand or in a brawl, flailed awkwardly. He spun once, wobbled, and then, with an undignified squawk, tripped over his own feet, landing with a soft thud on the cold stone floor. Shimmer, who had been observing from a perch on a nearby gargoyle, let out a chitter of what sounded suspiciously like amusement. Sniffles, safely tucked into Echo's robes, merely snorted in his sleep. He tried again, and again. Each attempt ended in a stumble, a wobble, or a full-blown collapse. His blue hair flickered with increasing frustration, occasionally sparking with tiny, agitated crimson flares.
Just as he was attempting a particularly ambitious leap, which resulted in him landing unceremoniously on his backside, the heavy dungeon door creaked open. Lily stood there, a basket of freshly laundered robes from the house elves in her arms, as the music drew her, her green eyes wide with surprise.
"Echo?" she asked, her voice laced with bewilderment. She took in his dishevelled appearance, the strange stylus playing its enchanting melody, and his current position sprawled on the floor. "What on earth are you doing? Were you… Were you dancing?" A small, incredulous smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "I didn't know you took up dancing, of all things."
Echo scrambled to his feet, his blue hair darkening with a blush of embarrassment. He quickly pocketed the stylus, cutting off the music. "Dancing?" he scoffed, trying to sound casual, but his voice was a little too high. "Me? No, no, of course not. I was just… engaging in some highly sophisticated, motion-based theoretical magic. You know, experimenting with kinetic enchantments and spatial displacement. It's… a very niche field." He tried to straighten his robes, only to make them crumpler. "And, ironically, I've found a vested interest in the… rhythmic arts. For… research purposes, naturally."
Lily, however, simply raised an eyebrow, her green eyes twinkling with amusement. She knew Echo far too well. "Right," she said, her voice dry. "Kinetic enchantments. And the little jumps and spins are just a byproduct, I suppose? Echo, I can see right through you. What's the real reason you're secretly practicing ballet in the dungeons?"
Echo sighed, a defeated slump to his shoulders. His blue hair, though still faintly embarrassed, softened to a more neutral black. "Alright, alright, you caught me. But you have to promise to keep this a secret, Lily. Swear on your new hair clip."
Lily's eyes widened, a playful glint in their green depths. "A secret? What kind of secret is worth swearing on a magical hair clip? Is this about Lucius again? Did you find something new?"
Echo shook his head, a genuine frown creasing his brow. "No, unfortunately. If it were, I'd be gathering the whole group. This is… something bigger. Something entirely different." He ran a hand through his black hair, which flickered with a curious green. "I was deep within the Forbidden Forest…"
"What else is new?" Lily interjected, a fond exasperation in her tone.
Echo ignored her. "…and I found a new kind of magical beast."
Lily blinked, then slowly shook her head, a small, incredulous smile returning to her lips. "Of course, you did, Echo. Only you could stumble upon an entirely new species of magical creature in the middle of a school year."
Echo's green hair brightened with a touch of pride. "They're a new type of fairy creature. I've called them the Nebuina, but I did some research, and the closest thing I could find that they could be is a creature that's spoken of in myth and legend, even among wizards. Apparently, they're called the Sugarplum Fairies, and they apparently lived around the area where Durmstrang Institute sits, or used to live."
Lily's incredulous smile softened. "Nebuina, I like that better than Sugarplum Fairies. It sounds… more magical, somehow."
Echo's green hair flickered with a faint blue. "Yeah, me too. Sugarplum Fairies sounds a bit… fluffy. And I'm not exactly known for fluffy, am I?" He winced, a brief moment of self-deprecating humor. "Anyway, I've been observing them from afar for the past week. They're fascinating, Lily. They're structured like a colony of insects, but they don't have a hive or a nest. Instead, they migrate, constantly moving through that section of the forest. And they communicate entirely through their dancing and singing." He gestured to the stylus he had just pocketed. "I've been trying to learn even the basics of their dance, so that I can try and… connect with them."
Lily's eyes lit up. "Dancing, you say?" A genuine smile spread across her face. "Echo, I can help you with that! I actually took ballet for years when I was younger. I still remember most of the steps, and I certainly know how to teach a few basic moves."
Echo's eyes widened with surprise and gratitude, his blue hair brightening. "You would? Really, Lily? That would be… amazing!"
"On one condition," Lily said, her playful glint returning. "You have to show them to me. The Nebuina, I mean. I want to see them."
Echo's smile faltered, and his blue hair darkened to a thoughtful indigo. He looked uncomfortable, shifting his weight. "Lily, it's not that simple. They're not just in a deep part of the Forbidden Forest. They're in the deepest part you can go. It's… well, it's pretty far."
"How deep?" Lily pressed, her curiosity piqued.
With a sigh, Echo reached into his robes and pulled out a battered, leather-bound notebook. He opened it to a detailed, hand-drawn map of the Forbidden Forest, its intricate lines pulsing with faint magical energy. He pointed to a section marked with glowing, purple trees, far beyond any known magical creature territory.
Lily's eyes widened as she took in the location. "That's… that's incredibly deep, Echo," she whispered, a new respect in her voice. Are you sure it's safe?"
Echo's emerald hair, a testament to his confidence, brightened. "It's perfectly safe, Lily. I walk straight there all the time, and I'm totally fine. Never a scratch."
Lily laughed, a bright, melodic sound that filled the small dungeon room. "That's just you, Echo. You're practically a walking, talking magical creature magnet. But for us mere mortals, is there… another way? Perhaps a slightly less 'deep into the Forbidden Forest' way?"
Echo scratched his chin, his green hair flickering with a thoughtful blue. "There is, actually. But there's about a sixty-forty chance you get eaten on the way."
Lily's eyes widened, a nervous laugh escaping her. "Eaten? Why on earth would I get eaten?"
"Because the ride only knows me and not you, and she might try to have you as a snack," Echo explained, as if it were the most mundane thing in the world.
"She?" Lily asked, a puzzled frown creasing her brow. "I thought Gorick was a guy. And I highly doubt he'd try to eat me."
Echo scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I'm not talking about Gorick, Lily. Besides, it's Griffin's mating season, and Gorick is incredibly hormonal and territorial right now. He'd probably try to eat James just for looking at him funny. No, I'm talking about Wick."
Lily gasped, her eyes widening further. "Wick? Your dragon? Echo, you can't be serious!"
Echo shrugged, his blue hair settling into a determined black. "That's why it's a toss-up, isn't it? Wick only really knows Hagrid and me. She's a bit… possessive. But I'll figure it out. I always do."
Lily stared at him for a long moment, then a slow, resigned smile spread across her face. "Alright, Echo," she said, a new resolve in her voice. "I'll trust you. You always have a plan, however insane it seems. Now, about this dancing. Let's start with proper posture. Stand up straight, shoulders back, chin up. Like this."
A week later, true to her word, Lily found herself standing at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, a heavy wooden bucket clutched in each hand. The buckets, courtesy of a surprisingly enthusiastic Hagrid and a slightly bewildered set of House-Elves, were filled to the brim with raw chicken—whole, plucked, and disturbingly bloody. Echo, his black hair a determined blue, also carried two buckets, navigating the uneven terrain with an easy familiarity. Shimmer was a silver streak on his shoulder, and Sniffles, though still nervous, peeked out from his pocket with an air of reluctant adventure.
"Are you sure about this, Echo?" Lily asked, her voice a little strained. The scent of raw chicken was cloying, and the deeper shadows of the forest seemed to stretch endlessly before them. "This feels… less like a peace offering and more like a sacrificial lamb setup."
Echo chuckled, a faint, mischievous glint in his hollow eyes. His blue hair brightened with amusement. "Relax, Lily. It's a peace offering, I promise. Wick just needs to know you're not a threat. And more importantly, not a snack."
They walked for what felt like an hour, the forest growing darker and the air colder. Finally, Echo stopped before a massive, jagged opening in the side of a rocky outcrop, almost entirely obscured by thick ivy. A faint, musky scent, mingled with something undeniably reptilian, wafted from within.
"Here we are," Echo whispered, his blue hair settling into a serious black. "This is her cave." He placed his buckets down, then turned to Lily. "Just remember, no sudden movements, speak softly, and whatever you do, don't try to touch her without my say-so."
He then pulled out his wand, held it to his lips, and whistled. It wasn't a human whistle but a sharp, high-pitched, almost metallic sound that seemed to cut through the forest's silence. The tip of his wand glowed faintly, amplifying the call. A low rumble echoed from deep within the cave, a sound that vibrated through the very ground. The ivy covering the entrance rustled violently, and then, with a shower of loose rocks and dust, a massive, scaly head emerged from the darkness. Wick. Her eyes, the color of molten gold, fixed on Echo, then slowly, deliberately, swept over Lily. A guttural growl rumbled in her chest, a sound that made the air itself tremble.
"Wick!" Echo exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine affection. His black hair brightened to a vibrant green. He rushed forward, completely unafraid, wrapping his arms around her massive snout. "Merry belated Christmas, girl! I missed you!"
Wick let out a surprisingly soft rumble, nudging Echo with her head. He then moved back and grabbed one of his buckets. "Look what I brought you! Your favorite!" He emptied the raw chicken into her cavernous mouth.
Wick took the chicken, her massive jaws closing with a soft thump. Then, with a casual flick of her head, she tossed all the contents into the air. Before it could fall, a burst of orange flame erupted from her nostrils, engulfing the chicken. It sizzled and blackened in an instant, then Wick opened her mouth and swallowed it whole, a faint wisp of smoke curling from her lips.
Her golden eyes then swiveled back to Lily, and the low growl returned, deeper this time.
"Alright, easy there, girl," Echo said, placing a reassuring hand on Wick's snout. He looked at Lily, his green hair flickering with a serious blue. "Lily, don't make any sudden movements. Just stay behind me. She just needs to get a good sniff of you first."
Lily, frozen to the spot, nodded imperceptibly. Wick's head lowered slowly, her large nostrils flaring as she took a deep, investigative sniff of Lily. The growl continued, a low, continuous rumble, but it seemed to lessen slightly in intensity. After a long moment, Wick pulled her head away.
"Okay, Lily," Echo said, a note of triumph in his voice, his blue hair brightening to a relieved yellow. "Now, start throwing the chicken."
Lily, still a little shaky, reached into her bucket and, with a surprisingly strong throw, sent a whole chicken arcing through the air towards Wick. The dragon caught it with practiced ease, set it ablaze, and swallowed. Lily continued to throw, and Wick continued her fiery feast, the growl now entirely absent, replaced by satisfied rumbles.
Once the buckets were empty, Echo turned to Lily. "Alright, now the tricky part. Give me your hand."
Lily hesitated, but seeing the calm confidence in Echo's yellow eyes, she extended her hand. Echo gently took it, then, with a soft coaxing word to Wick, led her closer. The enormous dragon lowered her head, her golden eyes blinking slowly. Echo carefully placed Lily's hand on Wick's scaly snout. Wick let out a deep, rumbling grumble, a sound that vibrated through Lily's entire arm.
"What was that?" Lily whispered, her eyes wide, but surprisingly, not afraid. The scales felt surprisingly smooth, almost warm.
Echo grinned, his yellow hair blazing with satisfaction. "She likes you, Lily. That's a good sign. It means she'll allow you on her back." He swiftly climbed onto Wick's broad, powerful back, settling himself just behind her neck. "Come on, Lily! Up you go!"
Lily moved towards Wick's shoulder, attempting to climb. But as she reached, Wick suddenly arched her back, raising her body higher, preventing Lily from getting a foothold.
"Wick! Stop being mean!" Echo chided, giving the dragon a gentle but firm pat on her neck.
Wick lowered herself with a reluctant huff. Lily, taking the opportunity, carefully clambered onto the dragon's back, settling herself behind Echo, her hands gripping his robes tightly. The scales beneath her felt firm and surprisingly comfortable.
"Wow," Lily breathed, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns of the scales. "They're so… soft. I always heard dragon scales were incredibly tough, like armor."
Echo chuckled, his yellow hair flickering with playful amusement. "They are, Lily. But they also have a unique property. Dragon scales harden and soften depending on the kinetic energy applied to them." He leaned forward, knocking his knuckles lightly against Wick's scales. The sound was surprisingly dull, almost muted. Then, with a more forceful rap, the scale beneath his hand gave a sharp thwack, like striking a rock with a bare knuckle. "See?"
Lily's eyes widened. "That's incredible! So, if she's flying, they're soft for flexibility, but if something hits her, they harden instantly?"
"Exactly," Echo confirmed, a proud glint in his eyes. He then pulled out his wand, his yellow hair flaring with anticipation. "Alright, Wick, time to fly! Ascendio!"
With a powerful beat of her massive wings, Wick surged upwards, launching them into the cold winter air.
The rush of cold air against Lily's face was exhilarating, a stark contrast to the stifling warmth of the dungeon. Below them, the Forbidden Forest stretched out like a dark, intricate tapestry, its ancient trees mere specks under the vast, star-dusted sky. Hogwarts Castle, a beacon of light in the distance, quickly shrank to the size of a toy. Lily let out a whoop of pure joy, her hands tightening on Echo's robes, her green hair streaming behind her like a banner.
"This is amazing, Echo!" she shouted over the wind, her voice filled with a childlike wonder. "I've never flown like this before! It's so… free!"
Echo, his yellow hair blazing with an equally joyful intensity, laughed. "Told you she was a good ride! And we're not even at her top speed yet!" He leaned forward, murmuring something to Wick that Lily couldn't quite catch. The dragon responded with a powerful surge, her wings beating with renewed force, sending them higher and faster into the night.
The cold became more intense, stinging Lily's cheeks, but she barely noticed. Her gaze was fixed on the world below, a patchwork of dark forests, glittering lakes, and the distant, twinkling lights of the wizarding world. She felt a profound connection to the moment, a sense of boundless possibility that only Echo seemed capable of conjuring.
Wick soared higher and higher, then executed a breathtaking dive, bringing them thrillingly close to the canopy before sweeping upwards again. Lily screamed with joy, her laughter carried away by the wind.
"Want to see something really cool, Lily?" Echo shouted over the roar of the wind.
"Yeah!" she shrieked back, her eyes alight with exhilaration.
"Bombarda!" Echo bellowed, and Wick, with a powerful roar, unleashed a volley of fireballs into the inky blackness of the night. They streaked upwards like fiery arrows, then exploded in a dazzling display of light and color, illuminating the clouds in brilliant hues of orange, red, and gold, before fading into the vast expanse above.
After the spectacular display, Wick finally settled into a calming glide, her massive wings catching the currents of the night air. Below them, the Forbidden Forest stretched out, once again a familiar sea of dark green and ancient shadows. With a gentle descent, Wick landed softly near a small, secluded clearing, the impact barely a tremor.
Lily dismounted, her legs still trembling slightly from the exhilarating flight, but her face was alight with a radiant smile. Her green hair was wild, a testament to the wind, and her eyes sparkled with unadulterated joy. "Echo, that was… that was absolutely incredible!" she exclaimed, her voice still a little breathless. "I've never felt anything like it! Truly, truly awesome!"
Echo, his yellow hair glowing with shared triumph, grinned. "Right? I told you! Riding a dragon is almost impossible to beat. And it never, ever gets boring." He patted Wick's scaly flank affectionately.
Lily looked around the clearing, a hint of expectation in her gaze. "So, this is the spot? The Nebuina's clearing?"
Echo shook his head, his yellow hair settling into a thoughtful black. "Nah, not yet. We still have about a mile to walk from here. I don't want to spook the Nebuina with Wick's presence. They're incredibly delicate, and a dragon, even a friendly one, might be a bit much for them." He turned to Wick, giving her another pat. "Alright, girl, you stay here. Get some rest. We'll be back for you."
Wick let out a low, contented rumble, her golden eyes blinking slowly as she settled her massive body onto the forest floor, already preparing for a nap.
As they began their walk, Lily glanced at Echo, a question forming on her lips. "Echo, how do you… How do you control her? I mean, she just does exactly what you want. It's amazing, but how?"
Echo chuckled, his black hair flickering with a brief, almost dismissive blue. "Oh, that? I just invented this thing I call 'Dragon Spells.' In essence, I project my emotions and desires onto the creature, much like I do with other magical beasts, and then I give her a command in the form of a spell, and she does it."
Lily frowned thoughtfully. "That almost sounds like the Imperio Curse, but with a lot of extra steps."
Echo immediately shook his head, his blue hair darkening with a hint of indignation. "No, no, it's not like Imperio at all! That's forcing a creature against its will. This is different. Wick has full control over her actions. She wants to do what I say. She could easily go against me, but she doesn't. If I didn't do this, Wick would just do whatever she wanted to do, like any other dragon. This just gives me a way to express my desires without actually communicating in a way she understands."
Lily looked at him skeptically. "So, it's… mind control, but consensual mind control?"
Echo sighed, running a hand through his blue hair. "It's a bond, Lily. A connection. We understand each other on a level that goes beyond words. And yes, sometimes, it involves me 'suggesting' a course of action with a bit of magic, but it's always her choice in the end. Trust me, if Wick didn't want to fly, no amount of 'Dragon Spells' would get her off the ground."
They walked in silence for a few more minutes, the path growing wilder, the trees taller and more ancient. The air grew thick with that sweet, floral scent, and the faint, musical hum began to permeate the stillness.
"We're close," Echo whispered, his blue hair settling into a vibrant emerald. We stay here and observe from afar; we don't want to spook them."
They moved carefully, each step measured, until they reached the edge of the clearing. Echo raised a hand, and they both peered through a curtain of bioluminescent leaves. The sight that greeted Lily stole her breath. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Nebuina danced and soared through the air, their translucent wings a blur of motion. Their pure white forms glowed softly in the ethereal light, pirouetting and twirling with an almost unbelievable grace. Their high-pitched giggles and crystalline singing filled the air, a melody of pure joy. Some moved along the ground, their spindly limbs performing intricate, silent steps, while others performed aerial ballets, weaving intricate patterns against the clearing's luminous backdrop.
"Echo," Lily whispered, her voice filled with profound awe, her green eyes wide. "They're… they're beautiful. Like giant dancing snowflakes."
Her gaze was utterly captivated, lost in the mesmerizing spectacle. After a long moment, she turned to Echo, a hint of childlike wonder in her eyes. "Why can't we get closer? They seem so delicate, so… friendly."
Echo's emerald hair flickered with a serious blue. "They may look delicate, Lily, and they are, in a way. But I've made several discoveries through my observations this past week. They are still incredibly dangerous. They can dodge spells with ease, moving faster than the eye can process information for a short moment. And they can turn their fingers and feet into blades so sharp they can cut through stone like butter and slice spells clean in half." He paused, a thoughtful frown on his face. "Not to mention how flighty they are. They might attack out of fear without realizing we mean no harm, so it's better to observe and give them space."
Lily nodded, her initial awe tempered with a newfound respect. She then pointed to a particularly magnificent Nebuina, its form radiating a warm, golden light, dancing majestically near the center of the clearing. "Which one is that? The golden one?"
"That's the queen," Echo replied, his blue hair settling into an informative black. "She's responsible not only for guiding the colony but also for finding new places to find food and laying eggs. The white ones you see are the workers. They're all infertile females whose purpose is to collect food, feed the colony and the queen, and act as a defense if needed."
As he spoke, Lily noticed tiny, almost imperceptible specks floating through the air around the larger Nebuina, like shimmering dust motes. "But Echo," she said, pointing, "what are those? It wasn't even snowing today."
Echo chuckled, his black hair flickering with a faint, mischievous yellow. "Those are the male drones, Lily. They're about one-sixteenth the size of the females, and their only purpose is to be lookouts, scouts, and mate with the queen. The queen will lay an egg sac, and a week later, thousands of snowflake-sized babies will emerge. The only way to tell whether they're male or female is to wait until they grow up. If they exceed one inch in a few days, it's a female."
Lily watched the delicate dance of the Nebuina, a new understanding dawning on her. "It's incredible," she murmured. "But if they're so powerful and unique, why haven't they been seen in wizarding society? I've never read about them in any of our creature books."
Echo's yellow hair softened to a somber indigo. "It's a mix of things. The climate has been warming, and they're adapted to the cold. And then there's the fact that their homeland, the area around where they used to live, became Durmstrang Institute. They're likely the last colony left."
Lily gasped, her eyes wide with a sudden, profound sadness. "So, they're… endangered?" she whispered.
Echo nodded, his indigo hair darkening further. "More than that, Lily. They're on the brink of extinction. This colony is likely the last one left. Their numbers are dwindling, and the changing climate, combined with the loss of their natural habitat, makes their survival incredibly precarious." He paused, a fierce, protective glint entering his eyes. "That's why I need to connect with them. To understand them. To find a way to help them. I suspect this is something even Dumbledore doesn't know about. And if I can't find a way, they might just… disappear forever."
Lily looked from the breathtaking dance of the Nebuina to Echo's determined face. Her initial curiosity had morphed into a deep sense of responsibility. "Then we will, Echo," she said, her voice firm with resolve. "We'll find a way to help them. Together."
Echo gave her a grateful, almost unburdened smile. His indigo hair brightened to a hopeful, serene emerald. "Thank you, Lily," he whispered. "That means more than you know."
Lily then noticed a smaller Nebuina, shimmering with a soft, ethereal silver, dancing with slightly less precision than the others, yet still captivating. "And that one, Echo?" she asked, pointing. "The little silver one? Which one is that?"
Echo followed her gaze, his emerald hair softening to a fond blue. "Ah, that's the juvenile queen," he explained. "She's being groomed to take over when the current golden queen passes on. All queen Nebuina are born silver, and their color intensifies to gold as they mature and assume their role."
Lily cooed at the sight of her, her green eyes sparkling with delight. "Oh, she's no bigger than a House-Elf! How absolutely cute!"
As Lily cooed, a sudden, powerful gust of wind erupted from directly behind them, catching them both off guard. With startled cries, they were propelled forward, tumoring into the center of the clearing. Echo, mid-flight, twisted his head, his blue hair flaring with a flash of curious yellow. He quickly made a mental note: Nebuina can generate strong gusts of wind with their wings.
They landed softly on the luminous forest floor, a tangle of limbs and robes. Lily looked up, her green eyes wide with alarm, and gasped. They were surrounded. Dozens of Nebuina, their translucent wings a blur, hovered and danced around them, their beady black eyes fixed on the intruders. Their high-pitched giggles filled the air, a sound that now held a hint of playful mischief rather than pure joy.
"Echo," Lily whispered, her voice barely audible, "what do we do? They're everywhere!"
Echo, already regaining his composure, pushed himself up and helped Lily to her feet. His yellow hair softened to a calm, serious black. "Don't make any sudden movements, Lily," he whispered back, his voice low and steady. "And no loud sounds. Just… stay still."
The Nebuina, however, didn't seem content with them standing still. They began to jump and twirl, their intricate dances weaving patterns in the air and on the ground around Echo and Lily. Their crystalline singing intensified, becoming a rapid, almost insistent melody.
"What are they doing?" Lily asked, her voice bewildered as she watched the swirling, dancing forms.
Echo frowned, his black hair flickering with a thoughtful indigo. "I'm not entirely sure," he admitted. "It's not a hostile dance, but it's… demanding, somehow."
Lily watched the hypnotic movements for another moment, then a new idea sparked in her eyes. "Maybe," she began, a small, tentative smile touching her lips, "maybe they want us to dance with them." She looked at Echo.
Echo blinked, then considered it. His indigo hair brightened to a mischievous green. "You know what, Lily? You might be onto something," he said, giving her a gentle nudge forward. "Go ahead. You're better at this than I am, and they might take more kindly to a girl."
Lily turned to Echo, a hint of nervousness in her green eyes. "What kind of dance, Echo? Do I try to copy them?"
Echo immediately shook his head, his green hair darkening to a serious black. "No, don't mimic them, Lily. Remember, they communicate through dance. If you just copy them, it might be like you're repeating what they say in a disrespectful tone. Just do… do ballet. They'll understand."
Lily took a deep breath, nodded, and then, with a grace that surprised even Echo, she began to move. Her steps were light, her arms curved elegantly, and her body flowed with the music of the Nebuina, yet her movements were distinctly her own. She performed a series of pirouettes, arabesques, and leaps, her red hair swaying with each turn. The Nebuina seemed to watch with rapt attention, their own movements slowing, their giggles softening to a quiet, melodious hum. When Lily finally finished, settling into a delicate curtsy, a chorus of high-pitched, crystalline claps erupted from the surrounding creatures.
Echo's black hair brightened with a proud yellow. "Well, I'd say they liked that, Lily! You were brilliant!"
But as he spoke, the Nebuina's attention shifted, their beady black eyes turning in unison towards Echo. Their dancing resumed, but now it was a playful, beckoning sort of movement, clearly inviting him to join.
Lily giggled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Looks like they're expecting a performance from you now, Echo."
Echo swallowed, his yellow hair flickering with apprehension. He took a deep breath. "Alright, here goes nothing," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Hope I don't mess it up too badly."
He stepped forward, remembering Lily's earlier lessons. He tried to mimic a grand plié, but his week of practice and lack of flexibility turned it into a wobbly squat. He attempted a pirouette, but his arms flailed wildly, and he spun off-kilter, resembling a jumping peacock more than a graceful dancer. He ended his frantic, awkward routine with an ambitious leap that landed him face-first in a pile of luminous snow.
Echo pushed himself up, spitting out a mouthful of frosty flakes. The Nebuina stood in absolute silence, their beady eyes unblinking, their ethereal giggles conspicuously absent.
"Oh, boy," Echo mumbled, his black hair darkening with mortified resignation. He turned to Lily, his voice low and defeated. "If I die here, Lily, promise me you won't let James anywhere near my funeral."
A beat of profound, almost suffocating silence hung in the air. Echo braced himself for the onslaught, for the sharp blades he'd warned Lily about, for the wrath of the delicate but deadly creatures. Instead, a single, crystalline giggle broke the stillness, followed by another, and then a chorus of high-pitched, melodious laughter that filled the clearing. The Nebuina began to clap their spindly, four-fingered hands, their beady eyes sparkling with what could only be amusement. Then, to Echo's utter astonishment, several of them began to mimic his clumsy movements—wobbling squatted plies, flailing arm-pirouettes, and even enthusiastic, face-first leaps into the luminous snow. They landed with soft poofs, their translucent wings fluttering with glee as they picked themselves up, dusting off their pristine white forms.
Echo stared, his black hair slowly brightening with a mixture of bewildered surprise and dawning relief. "They… they like it?" he whispered, an incredulous grin spreading across his face. "They actually like my awful dancing?" His hair flared with a triumphant, if still slightly mortified, yellow.
Lily, who had been watching with wide eyes, let out a soft laugh of her own. "It seems so, Echo!" she exclaimed, her green eyes sparkling. "I think they find it charmingly… unique." She paused, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. "You know, it reminds me of the merpeople. They can't truly sense a person's intentions, only their outward actions and emotions. Perhaps the Nebuina are similar. They saw your effort, your… enthusiastic clumsiness, and they interpreted it as a form of genuine, if unconventional, engagement."
Echo sighed, a profound wave of relief washing over him, making his yellow hair soften to a peaceful blue. "Thank Merlin for that," he muttered, his voice still a little shaky. "For a second there, I really thought I was about to be turned into chopped meat."
The juvenile queen, shimmering silver, drifted forward, her tiny, four-fingered hand reaching out and gently taking Echo's. With surprising strength, she tugged him towards the center of the clearing, her beady black eyes sparkling with invitation.
"I think they want us to dance a bit more," Echo said to Lily, a grin spreading across his face. His blue hair brightened with renewed enthusiasm.
"Why not?" Lily laughed, already stepping forward, her green eyes sparkling. "I'm having tons of fun!"
And so they danced. Echo, still a whirl of awkward enthusiasm, threw himself into the performance, his limbs flailing with joyful abandon. Lily, graceful and fluid, moved with the effortless elegance of a true ballerina, weaving intricate patterns around the Nebuina. The creatures, in turn, spun and soared around them, their crystalline giggles a constant, melodious accompaniment. They danced until their feet ached and their lungs burned, the sheer joy of the moment eclipsing all weariness. Finally, both breathless and laughing, they collapsed onto the luminous forest floor, surrounded by a swirling kaleidoscope of dancing Nebuina.
"I think," Lily panted, her green hair disheveled but her eyes shining, "my feet are officially protesting."
"Mine too," Echo agreed, his blue hair settling into a contented black. "I think that means it's time to go."
Just as they were about to rise, Lily's expression turned thoughtful. "Echo," she began, her voice a little softer, "is it… is it really safe for them here? Living in the Forbidden Forest? Do they actually want to stay?"
Echo nodded, his black hair flickering with resolve. "I'll check." He pushed himself to his feet and approached the golden queen, who had paused her majestic dance to observe them. Raising his wand, he gently touched the tip to his forehead and closed his eyes. His black hair pulsed with a deep, serene blue as he projected his emotions—a query, a profound respect, a silent offer of understanding.
The golden queen remained perfectly still, her intelligent eyes fixed on him. Then, a wave of pure, resonant feeling washed over Echo, a cascade of images and sensations. He saw ancient, frigid landscapes, stark and unwelcoming. He felt the constant struggle against the unforgiving cold, the endless search for sustenance, the ever-present threat of larger, more aggressive creatures that had once shared their northern homeland. Then the scene shifted, and he saw the Forbidden Forest through the queen's eyes: milder winters, an abundance of glowing fungi and bioluminescent flora, a relative peace. He felt a deep, abiding sense of contentment, a quiet joy in the rhythmic dance of life that now surrounded them.
Echo opened his eyes, his blue hair softening to a relieved emerald. He turned to Lily, a gentle smile on his face. "They're fine here, Lily. More than fine. They like it." He paused, then relayed the queen's unspoken message. "While there are still dangers, it's nothing like their old homeland. Plus, the winters here are far milder by comparison. They may be hardwired for the cold, but that doesn't mean they like it. Spring and summer are when they primarily eat, and fall and winter are when they mate and dance to keep warm."
Lily let out a soft sigh of relief, her green eyes warm. "That's wonderful, Echo. Truly a relief."
His emerald hair brightened with a touch of playful mischief. "But speaking of keeping warm… I think it's time we headed back to Wick. I'm starving, and I'm pretty sure she is too, after all that flying."
Lily laughed, a bright, melodic sound. "Lead the way, Dragon Rider. Just try not to get us eaten on the way back."
They waved goodbye to the Nebuina, who returned their farewell with a chorus of melodious giggles and a flurry of their shimmering wings. The little silver juvenile queen even blew them a tiny, ethereal kiss before they turned and made their way back through the bioluminescent trees, the magical hum of the clearing slowly fading behind them.