A few days later, the Forbidden Forest was bathed in the soft, muted light of a late autumn afternoon. The leaves on the ancient trees, already crimson and gold, rustled gently in the cool breeze. The air was still, save for the chirping of unseen birds and the distant murmur of the Black Lake. Professor Minerva McGonagall, her usually severe features etched with a rare hint of exasperation, strode purposefully through the undergrowth, her tartan robes swishing with every determined step. She held her wand aloft, its tip glowing faintly, illuminating the path ahead.
"Echo!" she called out, her voice, though firm, carrying a note of weary patience. "Mr. Echo, come down from there at once! I know you're up here!"
High above, nestled in a well-hidden nook of an ancient, sprawling oak, Echo remained perfectly still. He was perched comfortably amidst thick branches, obscured by a curtain of vibrant green leaves that had yet to fall. His blue hair, a placid hue, blended almost seamlessly with the foliage. He watched McGonagall below, a faint scowl on his face.
"No!" Echo's voice, surprisingly clear, echoed down through the trees. "I'm not coming down! And I'm not going back to Hogwarts until I'm taken out of the Triwizard Tournament!"
McGonagall sighed, running a hand over her tightly pulled-back hair. She looked up, her gaze pinpointing his general location. "Mr. Echo, as much as I dislike this situation as much as you do, there is nothing that can be done. The magical contract of the Goblet of Fire is absolute. You are bound until the tournament is over."
"Then I'll stay in the forest until then!" Echo retorted, his blue hair flickering with a defiant green. "I'm perfectly fine here! I have my creatures, I have food, and I don't have to deal with anyone trying to kill me!"
"Don't be ridiculous, Echo!" McGonagall snapped, her patience beginning to fray. "The tournament goes on throughout the entire school year! If you remain absent from classes, you will be expelled!"
"Then I'll be expelled!" Echo shouted back, the green in his hair intensifying. "I'll just live in the forest permanently! I like it here more anyway! It's peaceful, and no one tries to force me into dangerous competitions I don't want to be in!"
McGonagall let out a frustrated groan that bordered on a growl. "Honestly, Echo! Headmaster Dumbledore said that if I found you, I was to tell you that—"
"Tell the Headmaster to eat dirt and pass away!" Echo cut her off, his voice laced with a potent mix of anger and resentment.
"Echo!" Minerva McGonagall's voice was sharper now, laced with a very Scottish brand of exasperation and reproach. "That is quite enough of your insolence! You will apologize for that remark to the Headmaster at once!"
Echo scoffed, a bitter sound that carried through the leaves. "Apologize? For what, Professor? For telling him to eat dirt? No, I won't. I'm tired of being sorry. Sorry for having fun, sorry for experimenting, sorry for not being normal. Sorry for being a point of contention when I never asked for it!" His voice cracked with raw emotion, the green in his hair flaring brightly. "I'm tired of being sorry for just being who I am! It's taken me three years to find out who I am and accept myself, and I won't apologize for it a moment longer! I don't want to be normal, hell, I don't even want to be liked by the school! All I want now is to be alone!"
With that, Echo retreated further into the thick canopy, his form becoming invisible amongst the leaves.
"Echo!" McGonagall called out again, her voice softening slightly, a hint of concern replacing her anger. "Echo, we can discuss this, just come down—"
Whizzz.
An arrow, fletched with what looked like raven feathers, sliced through the air just inches from her ear, embedding itself with a thunk into a tree trunk beside her head. McGonagall spun around, her wand snapping up, her eyes narrowed. A group of centaurs, their powerful bows drawn, stood at the edge of a clearing, their equine bodies tense, their eyes fixed on her with unmistakable warning. Their expressions clearly conveyed a silent message: Leave him be.
McGonagall sighed, lowering her wand, a weary resignation settling over her features. She looked back up at the ancient oak where Echo was hidden. "Very well, Mr. Echo," she murmured, more to herself than to him. "I shall return later, when your head has cooled off. But do not think this conversation is over." With a final, frustrated glance at the centaurs, she turned and strode back the way she came, her robes swishing as she disappeared into the deepening shadows of the Forbidden Forest.
Above, in his leafy sanctuary, Echo watched McGonagall's retreating form. His defiant green hair slowly softened back to a tranquil blue, a reflection of the peace he felt. He wasn't entirely wrong; the Forbidden Forest, with its ancient magic and wild inhabitants, felt more like home than the rigid confines of the castle ever could. He had his creatures – Shimmer, who was forging nuts, and Sniffles, who was curled up in his robes, occasionally twitching as they dreamed of shiny objects and belly rubs. He also knew he could summon Godric, Rowena, Helga, and even Pretty if he needed them, though he preferred not to cause any more chaos than necessary.
He settled deeper into the crook of the branches, pulling his notebook out once more. There was still so much to observe, to document, to understand. The forest was a living textbook, and for now, he was its sole, contented student. He knew Dumbledore and McGonagall would eventually come up with some new tactic to retrieve him, but for now, he had a brief, precious reprieve. He closed his eyes, inhaling the scent of damp earth and ancient magic, a faint smile playing on his lips. This was his sanctuary, his haven from the bewildering, chaotic demands of the wizarding world.
Meanwhile, some distance away, partially obscured by a thicket of ancient silver birches, the younger Veela, with a hint of childish roundness to her features, watched the entire exchange unfold. Her shimmering eyes, usually filled with playful amusement, were now wide with a mixture of concern and a peculiar, almost fierce, protectiveness. She had followed Echo at a discreet distance, drawn by an inexplicable pull, ever since his dramatic exit from the Great Hall.
She saw Professor McGonagall's frustration, heard Echo's defiant shouts, and witnessed the centaurs' silent warning. As McGonagall retreated and the centaurs, after a moment of watchful stillness, melted back into the deeper woods, the young Veela hesitated for only a moment. Then, with a soft rustle of her iridescent gown, she began to move towards the ancient oak where Echo had disappeared.
She stopped at the base of the massive tree, craning her neck, her gaze searching the dense foliage. "Little one?" she called out, her voice a soft, musical whisper, tinged with a delicate French accent. "Are you still here?"
Suddenly, a head of blue hair, flickering with defiant green, shot out from the leaves, his eyes blazing with an angry fire. "I thought I told you, professor—" Echo began, his voice sharp with irritation, but then his eyes landed on her. His anger instantly evaporated, replaced by a look of profound surprise. The green in his hair softened to a tranquil blue, then pulsed with a hint of curious yellow. "Oh," he said, his voice much calmer, almost sheepish. "You're not who I was expecting. You're that young Veela from the French school."
She offered him a small, gentle smile, her eyes sparkling. "Oui, that is me."
Echo's blue hair pulsed. "I'm sorry," he said, a genuine note of regret in his voice. "With all the chaos, I never got your name."
"It is Empusa," she replied, her voice like wind chimes.
"Empusa," Echo repeated softly, a small smile touching his lips. "That's a pretty name."
A faint blush rose on Empusa's cheeks, and she dipped her head slightly. "Merci, little one."
"So, Empusa," Echo began, his blue hair flickering with a curious green as he peered down at her from his leafy perch. "What are you doing out here, anyway? Shouldn't you be with the other Veela, cheering on your champion?"
Empusa's shimmering hair caught the dappled sunlight as she looked up. "Normally, that would be the case, little one. But after yesterday…" She paused, a soft, worried look on her face. "The others… they wanted to check on you. I was merely the one who could most easily sneak away."
Echo's green hair dimmed, and he let out a small, self-conscious sigh, his lower lip protruding in a slight pout. "Oh. Well, I'm sorry you had to see me have… well, that breakdown, yesterday. It was a bit much, wasn't it?"
Empusa's eyes twinkled. "It's fine, little one. I actually found it quite…"
Echo cut her off, a wry smile playing on his lips, his blue hair pulsing with a touch of embarrassment. "Quite what? Scary? Terrifying? Unusual? You probably think I'm some kind of monster, don't you?"
Empusa tilted her head, her smile softening. "Well, I admit, I did feel some of those things, little one. All of them, in fact, except for the last. Monster? No. But I must confess, after the initial shock, I found myself… quite excited. Or perhaps, impressed, afterwards."
Echo blinked, genuinely surprised. His blue hair pulsed with curious yellow. "Excited? Impressed? Why? Because I threw a tantrum and tried to destroy an ancient magical artifact with my magical creatures? Most people would just call that 'reckless' or 'insane'."
Empusa giggled, a sound like tiny silver bells. "Perhaps. But it was also… passionate. And brave. To defy such an old magic, to fight against something so binding… it showed a fire that many people lack, little one." She paused, then added, her voice a soft murmur, "And besides, my people… we understand passion. We understand the wildness that can live in a person's heart. It is… appealing."
Echo looked at her, truly seeing her for the first time beyond her ethereal beauty. Her eyes held a depth he hadn't noticed before, a hint of ancient wisdom mixed with her youthful innocence. His yellow hair settled into a thoughtful, deep blue. "Appealing, huh?" he mumbled, a faint, uncharacteristic blush rising on his cheeks. He shifted awkwardly on his branch. "Well, I guess… thanks."
"You are welcome, little one," Empusa said, her smile widening. "And you are not alone in this forest. Your friends are worried about you, too. And… and the others from Beauxbatons. They truly did want to check on you, but Madame Maxime forbade it."
Echo's blue hair pulsed with a soft, appreciative green. "They did?" he asked, a hint of genuine warmth entering his voice. "That's… actually really nice to hear. Even if I did make a complete fool of myself."
"Never a fool, little one," Empusa corrected gently. "Just… expressive. And perhaps a little bit misunderstood." She took a step closer to the base of the tree, looking up at him with earnest eyes. "Will you not come down? Even for a little while? It is getting cold, and the sun will soon set."
Echo hesitated, then sighed. His green hair softened to a tranquil blue, then, with a hint of resignation, finally settled into a calm, deep black. "Alright," he said, and with a sudden, reckless jump, he launched himself from the branch. Before he could hit the forest floor, a powerful, equine body moved with surprising speed, and a centaur, with the upper torso of a man and the lower body of a horse, caught him effortlessly. At the same time, Shimmer also descended from the tree, fully visible, sitting on Echo's shoulder while Sniffler poked his head out from his robes, roused by the sudden movement.
Empusa's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the centaur, who quickly gapploed back into the forest, and of the familiar ghostly, furry companions. "You really do have… unique friends, little one," she commented, a note of wonder in her voice.
Echo shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "They're alright. They keep things interesting." He then looked at her, his dark hair a calm black. "So, what now? Do you…Do you still want to talk? Or are you just going to drag me back to the castle?"
Empusa shook her head, her shimmering hair catching the fading light. "I would not drag you anywhere, little one. And yes, I would very much like to talk. Perhaps… perhaps you could show me more of your interesting friends? And tell me more about this… 'chaos' you attract?"
Echo looked at her for a long moment, a flicker of something new in his eyes – a spark of genuine curiosity, and perhaps, a hint of hope. His black hair softened, a subtle, almost imperceptible silver appearing in its depths. "Alright," he said, a small, genuine smile gracing his lips. "I suppose I could do that. But only if you tell me more about yourself."
Empusa laughed, a truly beautiful, uninhibited sound that echoed softly through the ancient trees of the Forbidden Forest. "C'est un marché, little one," she said, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "It is a deal, little one."
Echo chuckled softly, almost embarrassed. His silver hair, still with that subtle, thoughtful shimmer, flickered with a faint, playful blue. "You know, Empusa," he began, then hesitated, running a hand through his hair. You don't have to call me 'little one'."
Empusa tilted her head, her shimmering hair catching the last rays of sunlight filtering through the trees. "Oh?" she asked, her musical voice tinged with genuine curiosity. But the others call you 'little one'. And you are… well, you are smaller than I am, no?" She gestured with a graceful hand, indicating the difference in their heights, an undeniably true fact; she was almost a whole head taller than he.
Echo sighed, a faint blush rising on his cheeks. "Yeah, I know. And it's fine when the older Veela do it. But you and I… we're the same age, you know? It just feels a bit… odd, coming from you."
Empusa's eyes sparkled with amusement, and a soft, melodic giggle escaped her. "Ah, I see," she said, the sound like tiny bells. "So, if not 'little one', then what would you prefer I call you?"
Echo looked at her, his blue hair settling into a calm, resolute hue. A small, genuine smile touched his lips. "Just Echo," he said simply. "My name is fine."
Empusa smiled, a gentle, knowing curve of her lips. "Just Echo it is, then." She took a step, then another, falling into an easy rhythm beside him as they began to stroll deeper into the less-dense parts of the Forbidden Forest. The centaur, who had deposited Echo and then retreated, was nowhere to be seen, but the rustle of leaves and the faint scent of horse indicated their continued presence nearby, a silent, watchful escort. Shimmer, now a visible silver blur, darted between their feet, occasionally sniffing at interesting moss or a particularly shiny pebble. At the same time, Sniffles, still nestled in Echo's robes, let out contented little snores.
As they walked, the forest slowly came alive around them. Sunlight, now dappled and long, painted stripes of gold across the forest floor. Echo, his initial defensiveness having completely melted away, began to point out various plants and creatures, his voice filled with a familiar, almost childlike enthusiasm.
"See those berries?" he asked, gesturing to a cluster of dark, gleaming fruit. "Those are Moonberries. They glow faintly at night and are a favorite snack of Bowtruckles. And over there, that's a Sneaky Snapper Vine. Looks harmless, but it'll try to trip you if you're not paying attention."
Empusa listened intently, her eyes wide with genuine interest. "Your forest is very… alive, Echo," she mused, her French accent adding a lyrical quality to her words. "Ours, at Beauxbatons, it is beautiful, yes, but not so… untamed."
"Untamed is good," Echo replied, a thoughtful look on his face. "Untamed means it hasn't been messed with too much. It means it's still… real." His blue hair pulsed with a soft, natural green as he spoke.
They talked about the differences between their magical schools, the quirks of their respective headmasters, and the various odd creatures that populated their worlds. Echo, usually so guarded, found himself opening up to Empusa in a way he hadn't with many others. Her calm, accepting presence and the way her shimmering eyes seemed to truly listen made it easy. He even found himself recounting the tale of the Abraxan and Wick, his voice a mix of exasperation and reluctant amusement. Empusa giggled at the image of the terrified winged horse and the enraged dragon. After a while, as the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, their conversation lulled. Empusa, emboldened by the easy camaraderie that had settled between them, took a deep breath. Her hand, hesitant at first, slowly reached out. Her fingers brushed against Echo's, then, with a soft, determined pressure, intertwined with his.
Echo stiffened for a fleeting moment, a flicker of surprise in his blue hair. But then, a warmth, gentle and unfamiliar, spread through him. He didn't pull away. Instead, his fingers unconsciously tightened around hers, his blue hair settling into a peaceful, soft silver. A small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. They walked on in comfortable silence, their joined hands swinging gently between them. The forest grew quieter as dusk approached, the air cooler, the shadows longer. Eventually, they found a large, moss-covered fallen log near the very edge of the forest, offering a clear view of Hogwarts Castle in the distance.
They sat down, their shoulders brushing. The castle, illuminated by the fading light, stood majestic and imposing against the twilight sky. Its many windows twinkled like distant stars, and a soft, golden glow emanated from the Great Hall, a beacon of warmth and activity. Echo looked at it, and he saw a complex mix of longing and apprehension in his heart. A long, weary sigh escaped him, laden with stress and a familiar weariness. His silver hair, which had been so serene, darkened to a troubled, despondent grey.
"Are you going back, Echo?" Empusa asked softly, her gaze still fixed on the distant castle, its golden lights now more prominent against the deepening gloom.
Echo sighed again, the sound heavier this time. His grey hair remained troubled, reflecting the turmoil within him. "I don't know, Empusa," he admitted, his voice a low murmur. "For once, I just wanted one normal, but magical year at Hogwarts. No monster hunting, no secret chambers, no prophecies. Just… classes, maybe a bit of mischief, and some quiet time with my friends." He let out a bitter, humorless laugh. "I suppose that was just wishful thinking. So much for 'normal'." He shifted on the log, pulling his knees closer to his chest. "I guess I'll just stay here in the forest until the competition is over."
Empusa turned to him, her fingers gently squeezing his. "But if you do that, Echo," she reminded him, her voice tinged with concern, "then you will be expelled. Professor McGonagall said so."
Echo shrugged, a resigned slump to his shoulders. His grey hair flickered with a dark, accepting blue. "I know," he said, his voice flat. "I feel like that's been a long time coming, anyway. It's time to pay the piper, as the saying goes."
Empusa leaned her head against his shoulder, her shimmering hair brushing his. "But if you do that," she murmured, her voice soft, "won't your other friends get sad and lonely without you?"
Echo's chest tightened, a sudden, sharp pain clenching his heart. His own anger and despair had so consumed him, focused on escaping the tournament, that he had utterly forgotten about them. The friends he had thought he lost, only to find them again, and now he was taking steps to actually lose them for real this time. The realization hit him with the force of a physical blow. His breath hitched, and his grey hair exploded into a chaotic swirl of green, red, and despairing black. He almost began to cry.
"Oh, Merlin," Echo whispered, his voice thick with sudden, overwhelming emotion. "I've been so dumb. So incredibly dumb."
Empusa gently squeezed his hand, her touch comforting. "No, Echo," she said softly, lifting her head to look at him, her eyes full of understanding. "You're not dumb. You just reacted, perhaps a bit too much, to a situation you weren't prepared for. It's okay to be angry and to be scared. But it's also okay to remember the people who care about you."
Echo took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to compose himself. His frantic hair slowly began to calm, settling into a subdued, thoughtful blue. He wiped a tear from his eye. "Thank you, Empusa," he said, his voice still a little shaky. "For your words. And for… for staying with me. I really needed it."
Empusa smiled with a gentle, radiant expression. "You are welcome, Echo. You are someone special to me."
Echo looked at her, a faint, genuine smile touching his lips. His blue hair pulsed with a soft, appreciative green. "Empusa," he began, his voice a little clearer now, "would you… Walk back with me to Hogwarts? I think… I think I'm ready to go back."
"Oui, Echo," Empusa replied, her smile widening. "I will." She stood up, then, with a natural grace, took his hand again. Shimmer, who had been resting quietly on Echo's shoulder, suddenly jumped down. He jumped between Echo and Empusa, holding each of their free hands, and they walked with their arms slightly apart. He effectively separated their joined hands with his translucent form. Empusa giggled, and even Echo let out a soft chuckle.
They walked back towards the castle, Shimmer proudly holding their hands separately, occasionally nudging one or the other with their translucent face as if demanding attention. Sniffles, still tucked into Echo's robes, remained blissfully asleep, dreaming of treasure.
Once they were back at the castle's massive oak doors, Empusa turned to Echo, her expression thoughtful. "Echo," she asked, her voice soft, "are you… Are you actually going to participate in the competition now?"
Echo's green hair flickered, then settled into a determined, almost defiant blue. He shook his head. "No," he said, his gaze fixed on the glowing Goblet of Fire visible through the Great Hall doors. "I still won't. But I'll try to find a loophole somehow. I have connections." A sly, knowing glint entered his eyes.
Empusa smiled, her lips gently curving. "I wish you luck with your plan, Echo. Whatever it is, I have no doubt you will find a way." She paused, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Will I see you at the Halloween feast tomorrow, then?"
Echo's eyes, which had been fixed on the Goblet with a determined glint, suddenly went wide. His blue hair flared with a chaotic mix of red and yellow. "Halloween feast?!" he practically shrieked, the realization hitting him like a rogue Bludger. "Tomorrow?! Oh, Merlin's beard, I completely forgot! I have nothing to wear!"
With a frantic scramble, he scooped up Shimmer, who had been attempting to untie his shoelaces. The demiguise, startled, let out an indignant squeak as he was unceremoniously tucked under Echo's arm.
"I have to go! I have to make something!" Echo yelled, already sprinting towards the castle doors, leaving Empusa standing alone. "Thanks, Empusa! You're the best!"
He vanished into the castle, leaving a bewildered Empusa behind. She watched the spot where he had disappeared, a soft, melodic laugh escaping her lips. "He truly is… something else," she murmured, her eyes still sparkling with amusement. A genuine, warm smile spread across her face. "Such a strange, but wonderful boy."