All I could do was look at him in...well, shock, and confusion, and without even thinking about it, I blurted out, "How do you know?"

Rufus chuckled a bit, "You two are polar opposites personality wise, yet, you were made for each other. Has he declared you his mate?"

"I beg your pardon?" I opened my backpack and pulled out the two Magizoology textbooks I had with me, and flipped both open to the dragon section, "I didn't know dragons or dragon slayers, for that matter, did...that."

"You would know if he did that."

"How so?"

Rufus pointed to the sides of his neck as he spoke, "There would be a visible mark on you, usually on the side of your neck." I looked into my reflection in the window as he spoke, "This action causes the two to grow closer, to the point of where they can feel what the other is feeling. It's quite a fascinating read actually."

"How and why did you learn this?"

"I was curious about how Dragon Slayers behaved when Sting and Rogue first joined Sabertooth."

"You would definitely be a Ravenclaw in my world. Those are the students at my school that value wisdom and the quest of learning above all else."

"I would say that fits me well. What exactly is a Ravenclaw, a beast?"

"Not exactly. Hogwarts, and other magical schools in my world have Houses, so the student would have a family while away from their parents. My House, Gryffindor, values bravery. Ravenclaw is wisdom, as stated earlier, but there are two more. Hufflepuff values loyalty, while Slytherin values ambition above all else."

He motioned to my textbooks, which were still open to the page about dragons, "So is this a subject they taught you?"

"Yes and no. Once a student became a Third Year, they could choose some elective classes. The main subjects were Transfiguration, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, History of Magic, Astronomy, and Herbology. My two electives were Care of Magical Creatures, where these books were used, and Divination."

"That sounds much nicer and tamer than most childhoods of the members of Sabertooth. We usually had to worry about ourselves and gaining power."

"Why does your guild seem...erm...so..."

"Uptight? Strict?"

"Exactly! I thought that they're like your family, but a family doesn't make a member fight a newcomer to prove themselves worthy!" I quickly covered my mouth, realizing that I had just bashed Sabertooth's ways of knowing, "Sorry! Please don't tell the Master I said that!"

"It's only natural for a person who is brand new to the guild to do that. I intend to only memorize those thoughts to better explain it to you." I took my hand off of my mouth and nodded at him as he spoke, "Quite honestly, it all stems down from Master Jiemma's belief that Sabertooth is, and always should be the strongest guild. We gain strength and power at all costs, forgetting about friendship and the bonds of love. That is why I was so shocked when Rogue showed you that bit of affection."

"So being a member of this guild means I have to throw away my emotions and become obsessed with strength? I don't think I can do that."

Rufus smirked at me, amusement dancing on his face, "I don't expect you to do that at all. You seem like...what was it, a Gryffindor who would probably give Master Jiemma a taste of your thoughts if you didn't like what he was doing."

"Really?"

"Well, you did it once, so chances are, you'll do it again. Just one piece of advice before you open your mouth."

"Wait, you're encouraging me to speak out?"

"Listen, Celesti. Whatever you say, realize that Rogue will take it to heart as well. I know he cares about you as much as he cares about Frosch. You, and only you can take responsibility for your actions. When you own up to that responsibility, you have to make sure that you come out in one piece."

"Why?"

"Because Rogue would probably do something stupid to make sure you stay safe. That's what a mate does for another. Plus, I really don't want to witness a grumpy Rogue."

I nodded and smiled at Rufus, "Thank you for your advice. I will do my best to remember it, should that time come."

Rufus smiled at me as he took away Fantastic Beasts and When to Find Them from me, "Anytime, Celesti. I would too, along with many other of my guildmates, hate to see you get hurt. While we may act like the opposite sometimes, we don't mean to. Master Jiemma is trying to convince us that is the only way to think. Anyhow, where are trolls at in this book?"

The rest of the train ride was spent discussing trolls and how in both worlds, they're large and not that smart. While they do seem intelligent enough to realize that shiny objects are valuable, along with getting those items from humans, they don't really know how to speak. They fit the Ministry's classification Beast and are rated XXXX due to their anger issues. Seems like the trolls here are similar to the ones in my world.

We made it to Margaret Town and got off of the train. I hoisted my backpack on my back as I walked out of the train car. It felt nice to stretch, and the air here seems so clean! I looked ahead of me and saw mountains, but before that was...a building with a green mermaid-like figure on it. Another guild?

Rufus nodded at me, as if he could read my mind, "Yes, that is another guild. Lamia Scale."

"How did you know what I was thinking?"

"I've memorized the looks of wonder and awe on your face. Unlike many members of Sabertooth, you still have an air of curiosity and innocence around you."

"Um...thanks? And creepy too!" I laughed a little bit, "So where to next?"

Rufus points behind the guild of Lamia Scale, towards the mountains, "There. It's a few more hours of walking. Do you think you can handle it?"

"Can I see a picture of where we're supposed to be? I might have a faster, more efficient way of getting there."

"Of course." We walk over to the town map and he points to a tiny village, just near the base of the mountains, "Here is our final destination. We're supposed to check in with the leader of the village."

"As creepy as this sounds, hold my hand. We're going to Apparate there."

"Whatever you say, Celesti. I'm fine with saving a bit of energy."

I grabbed his left hand and noticed how it was a mismatch with mine. I had to close my eyes and focus though,trying to sweep away the thoughts of how Rogue's hand fit perfectly. I tuned into myself and focused on seeing a village like that. I grabbed my wand and pivoted on the spot, feeling the familiar sensation of Apparating.

I opened my eyes once more and saw Rufus on the ground, clutching his stomach. I quickly walked over to him and pointed my wand at him, "Episkey. Sorry, I should have warned you that you were going to get nauseous the first time Apparating."

He got up and looked around, amazed that we had made it to the village in only a few seconds. He then looked at me, "Can you teach me how to do that?"

"Maybe? Though, I'm not Certified by the Ministry to teach. It also is only recommended that Apparating is only performed by the highest skilled witches and wizards."

He nodded, "Then consider this a test for me as well. If I help you take out the trolls, and get you back to Rogue in one piece, then you have to teach me Apparition." He then stuck his hand out, "Do we have a deal?"

I shook his hand and smiled, "Deal. But don't call me m'lady or Professor Gryffindor while I teach you. I might even show you the spell that brings the light animal out to you and more."

"Easily, you are the kindest teacher I have, at least, in Sabertooth. I suggest we check in with the people." Rufus then started to walk into the village, and I did the same.

As we walked, I felt the sadness of the people and vowed to myself that this would change. I felt a chill in the air and wrapped Rogue's cloak around me tighter, trying to focus on the warmth that I felt when he hugged me. I can see why he wanted me to wear it though for this mission.

Rufus and I walked into the biggest building, and into a large throne room. Rufus nodded at me to follow, and he announced our presence by saying, "I'm Rufus Lore of Sabertooth. My partner, Celesti Gryffindor, is also here. We accept your request to defeat these trolls."

A stout man stepped onto the floor, from his throne and came over to us, "Thank goodness! My city will take any help that it can get. These trolls have been stealing our people and our gold. I will be able to show you the way to their cave. Many of our strongest soldiers tried to take them down, but alas, they got caught."

I nodded at the leader of the village, "We'll make sure that they return back home. Along with your gold and valuables as well."

"Splendid! Which one of you is the mage, and which one of you is the brawler?"

Rufus pointed to both of us, "Both of us are skill mages, but Celesti is the brawler."

The leader started to laugh as he looked at my petite form, "You will be the one fighting them? I don't believe Master Jiemma would do this to me!"

I spoke up for myself, "Sir, with all due respect, you shouldn't estimate someone by their looks. If anything, please let me prove to you that I am worthy of helping and being a brawler."

He nodded at me and smiled, "I like you. Feisty and isn't afraid to stand up for herself. Anyhow, let me show you where those foul beasts are." He led us outside and pointed to a cave that sat a little ways up on the mountain, "They hide there during the day, but they wreck havoc at night."

"Do they not like sunlight?" I asked.

"No. They turn to stone when they see the sun."

"Excellent. I think I have an idea or two about methods to defeat them."

Rufus nodded at me, "As do I. We'll take care of these trolls right now, to ensure that your community rests peacefully tonight."

The leader looked at us, his eyes wide, "You'll be done by tonight? Why, it's already the afternoon!"

Rufus smirked, "I guarantee it. To prove it to you, we'll be leaving our stuff here. Ready to head out, Celesti?"

I nodded as I put my backpack down and grabbed my wand and bow and arrow, feeling slightly unnerved at Rufus' confidence, "Yes! Let's get going so we make it back before nightfall!" The two of us took off, running towards the mountain.

We ran until we met the base of the mountains, yet the run did not help my jitters at all. Panting, I turned to Rufus and gave him a piece of my mind, "What were you thinking with a statement like that? Are you crazy?"

"No, not at all. The sunset will face the cave, so if we lure them out as it sets-"

"Then they turn to stone, and all will be right! Smart, but how will we lure them out?"

"You can probably take down one or two of the trolls, or start a conversation between trolls. If worse comes to worse, bolt in and out of the cave, and I'll strike them with a spell."

"Alright, I'll try my best." We then started to walk up the mountain, making footprints in the freshly fallen snow. I could tell that as we got closer to the cave, the trolls were out and about recently, seeing that there were giant footprints. I signaled this to Rufus as we trekked and he nodded. Why do I have a feeling he's getting more confidence as we get closer?

We made it to the mouth of the cave just as the sun was halfway between its apex and the horizon. Behind us was a crevice that was full of snow, and more land on the other side. Rufus motioned me over and start to whisper, "Okay, so we know trolls are stupid and have anger issues, right?"

"Right."

"What if you try to lure them out?"

"What are you implying?" I had a feeling I knew what he was going to say.

"Take Rogue's cloak off, and go skipping in there. I'm sure they'll be intrigued by you. Play dumb and innocent, and run out here as fast as you can. I'll recall a Sun Magic Spell to magnify the power of the Sun."

I handed him Rogue's cloak and my bow and quiver, smiling at him, "Got it. Need it be, I can also cast Lumos and Expecto Patronum to chase them out too."

"Sounds good. Be careful in there."

I started to walk in there, taking my hair out of my ponytail. I wasn't trying to look like a fighter, but a girl. An alluring one at that. Why is it that all the pretty girls get used as bait? I have a feeling if I failed at this job, then Rogue would probably kill Rufus.

I stopped when I saw a large gray humanoid three times my size! I peeked around and saw two more like it. Three trolls, one me. One magic wand, and Rufus is in position outside. I like these odds. I stepped out to where they could see me and started to skip around, "Excuse me, but can one of you lovely gents help me? I'm lost."

Oh yeah, they were lovely alright. They didn't even hide their sudden crush on me! The first one I saw jumped up, smirking, "I'll help you out, Miss."

The second one grunted out, "You'll break her neck in five minutes. I'll help her out."

"Says who? I haven't seriously hurt any of these humans yet!"

"Yet you've snapped the neck of any other female living thing out there!"

The third troll started to laugh, "Casey, he's right. I'll help you out, m'lady."

Casey, the first troll, grabbed its club and started to march over to the third one, "Devon, since when were you so polite! You're just trying to get our newest toy to yourself!"

The second troll got up and marched to where the first and second one were confronting each other, grabbing a club. The third troll noticed and laughed, "Oh, so of all trolls, Gerald, you decided to finally speak up?"

Gerald nodded as he pointed its club at me, "You promised me that I would get a hold of the first human that walked in here!" He then started to reach his hand towards me, as if to grab me, "Come here, cutie."

I jumped over and kicked his hand away, "Not happening!" I then started to run towards the exit of the cave, shouting, "Come and catch me if you can, boys!" I had just made an enemy out of three trolls. They started to chase after me, so I ran as fast as my legs could carry me out of the cave. Rufus, it's all you now.

I saw the light from the cave entrance and decided to entice them coming out in the light even more. I pulled out my wand, pointed it behind the three angry trolls, and whispered, "Lumos Maxima." A bright wall of light shined from behind the trolls, and they closed their eyes to avoid seeing it. I cried out, "You boys don't like my light?"

Casey tried to grab at me, but I kicked his hand back, "Get back here, you tramp!"

I ran out of the cave and dashed past Rufus, shouting, "All you!" I never even heard his response because of my heart racing from this adrenaline. This wasn't a hard mission at all!

I had also forgotten about the crevice in front of the cave until I ran off the edge of it. Frantically, I tried to cast the only spell that could come to mind, Wingardium Levosia, on myself, but it didn't work. I yelled as I tossed my wand up, out of fear that I was falling to my doom and I would break the lone weapon I had on me. Rogue was for sure going to kill Rufus now!