Chapter Twenty One
Harry opened his eyes slowly the next morning; memories of the previous night came flooding into his head. He still couldn't believe it. One hundred points he thought. But Norbert was gone and Hagrid was safe. Hermione and Ron weren't caught or in any sort of trouble. It was at least worth the sacrifice.
He went to roll over in his bed and winced at the shooting pain that went through his side. He pulled up his thin night shirt and saw a dark and blackened bruise on his left side and breast. He heaved a sigh as he fully comprehended how much he would have to deal with today. It was a cool and gray Sunday and Harry knew from the heavy breathing and occasional snore, that the rest of the boys in his dormitory were asleep.
He silently drew back the hangings on his bed and gingerly climbed out so that his bare feet touched the cold stone floor. He slowly got dressed and crept down to the silent common room. He decided to have an early breakfast. On his way to the Great Hall he passed the giant clear hour glasses that depicted the number of points each house had. His heart plummeted as he noticed four early risers from Ravenclaw look bewildered at the points shown.
To Harry his breakfast was like eating cardboard. He couldn't taste it as all he could think about was the reaction of the other students. Especially Gryffindors. He could endure the taunting of Slytherins because he was a Gryffindor but knowing he had now let down his house was agony. The feeling within him brought back the childhood memories of worthlessness. He dropped his knife and fork onto his plate with a loud clatter that echoed throughout the silence of the hall. His elbows resting on the table, he let his head fall into his hands, blocking out the vision of students entering the hall. He didn't know how long he had remained in that position, wallowing in self-pity, but when he removed his head from the palm of hands, the hall was now full of noise and also students. It was then that he noticed the looks of revulsion and loathing he was receiving from his own table. It didn't take them long to find out he thought. If only they knew the truth.
But then another voice entered his thoughts. One that had haunted him for so long before he had come to Hogwarts. Look what you've done. You always mess things up. You insignificant little brat,
Harry quickly shut his eyes trying to rid himself of Uncle Vernon's burrowing voice. He stood up and ignoring the vicious glances made his way out of the Great Hall and up to library. He hadn't intended to go there; his feet had just directed him towards the silent sanctuary. It was a good place to avoid people as not many students visited the library on a Sunday. He went to his and Hermione's table hidden in the back behind the numerous book shelves. He tried looking through some books, but it was pointless trying to concentrate on anything else. He let out a deep sigh and slumped back in his chair. He wanted them all to know why he had been out of bounds after hours but under no circumstances could they know. His head was still reeling about Snape. Ron was right. He was a lunatic. Harry wondered whether Snape was schizophrenic from his behaviour after Malfoy's attack.
The rest of Sunday passed by rather uneventfully as Harry avoided all the other students. Hermione kept telling him it would all die down, that people would forget. Ron insisted on using Fred and George as examples of students who lost points for Gryffindor almost everyday. Harry appreciated their efforts in lessening his burden but was still secretly cursing himself. He could have made a better plan, one that didn't involve the danger of being caught, but to this Hermione quickly reacted saying that no matter what, the chance of capture was always inevitable especially with Malfoy.
Monday was absolutely dreadful. Unable to avoid being seen by other students, Harry was a target for spiteful and cruel insults. Everywhere he went there was always someone to take a stab at him. It was nearly all the students of the houses as Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw had wanted to witness the end of Slytherins domination of the Cup. Even some of the professors were distant with him. Professor McGonagall had hunted him down during lunch and then questioned him thoroughly about what had happened. But again Harry kept his silence. McGonagall was mystified as to why Harry was so quiet and kept berating him to answer the one question she desperately wanted to know the answer to. Why had he done it?
It took all of Harry's willpower not to succumb to her perseverance and in the end she actually let him go with another detention. Harry didn't argue, he knew he deserved it or worse.
Many people throughout the day tried to trip Harry up by furtively sticking out their foot. Harry paid close attention to everything that went on around him, using his `other sense' to try and avoid falling or worse. As long as he focused he'd be fine. It all went well until the end of the day. Harry was hurriedly running down the marble staircase. He was late for tea with Hagrid who had sent him a letter asking him to come down as he had something to tell him. Harry wondered what else life had in store for him.
The staircase was full of anxious students and as Harry neared the end of the long line of steps he felt a tug at his feet and was sent rolling down the last seven or eight steps. He crashed painfully onto the flagged stone floor, his glasses smashed as they went skidding across the hard ground. He could hear a few laughs coming from above him, the students obviously finding his pain amusing. His side now felt as if he was caught between an anvil and a hammer. He dragged himself up agonizingly onto his feet, leaning against the decorated banister for support. He then saw Malfoy finish his ascension up the staircase and rightly guessed that it was he who had tripped him up. His breathing now coming in gasps, every breath now tightening his side, he picked up his bag and his now broken glasses and made his way down to Hagrid's hut. On his way down Harry repaired his broken glasses and put them back on.
When Hagrid opened the door to see Harry, pale and clutching his side, he quickly ushered him in to take a seat. "What's wrong with ye Harry," he said pointing to his side. "Oh nothing," replied Harry "…I…fell when I was on my way down here," he said, forcing a laugh to make it sound a bit comical. Hagrid stood up solemnly and started rooting through a wooden press situated over his large quilted bed. He removed a bottle and set it on the table. "Ere, helps relieve pain," he said.
Harry leaned forward and took the bottle in one hand, unscrewing the cap with his other. As he took a gulp of the liquid it contained, Hagrid explained about the function of it. "Ye rarely get roughed up while in the forest but every now and then ye'll meet a hostile creature. That stuff gets rid o pain from bruises and scratches and so fort."
Harry thanked him as he felt the pain ease in his side. They talked for awhile about Norbert and wondered where he was now. Hagrid thanked Harry for helping him and told him that he was sorry and that he blamed himself for Harry getting a detention. Harry told him not to be stupid and that he didn't blame him in the slightest. Harry drained his mug of tea that was now cold and left a dry taste in his mouth.
"So what did you want to talk about Hagrid?' he asked curiously. "Bout yer detention. Professor McGonagall came to tell me yer to come into the forest with me, tomorrow night. That Malfoy boy is ter come as well," said Hagrid gruffly as if disproving.
"Oh alright," replied Harry. He felt apprehensive but then felt an odd inquisitiveness grow within him. He couldn't lie to himself that he hadn't wondered why it was called the Forbidden Forest.
Hagrid eyed him suspiciously. "Hmm. Yer not frightened. I'd be if I wer you. They say der's werewolves livin there." His eyes were wide and he spoke very dramatically. Harry knew that Hagrid was only having a laugh trying to spook him. He gave him a slightly amused look. "Werewolves are people, Hagrid. So unless you're keeping some in the castle and letting them out at the full moon then I won't be too frightened." Hagrid chuckled to himself. "You'd best be off Harry."
Harry felt himself dreading walking back into the school. The few minutes spent with Hagrid had taken his mind off his situation slightly but his morbid feelings came rushing back as he stepped into the Entrance Hall. Believing the common room would be too full of students he made his way to the library and got started on his homework. It was the only thing he could do. It grew dark outside. The light waning in the dusty library was releasing shadows around him but he continued to let himself be drawn to the black text of each line on the page. His tiredness overtook him and soon his vision blurred and he let his head drop onto the pages of the leather bound book. The flame of his candle vanished and all was left quiet.
He was running hurriedly through a dense patch of trees. Sunlight streamed in a bright beam above him guiding his way through the ever pressing darkness. He felt something snatch and grab his feet but every time he crashed into the thick undergrowth he picked himself back up. He had to follow the beam of light. It was the only hope in a world of darkness and despair. His clothes were torn, scratches imprinted on his skin. His heart was beating hard in his chest as he felt his journey was ending. And suddenly without warning, the line of trees ended and he was looking into a small valley filled with a brilliant white light that dazzled his eyes. Suddenly he spotted figures making their way out of the light. And there on the edge, the border between light and dark stood a crowd of well dressed people, who seemed to shine from within. Harry took a sharp intake of breath as he recognized his mother and father. They still wore those agonizing smiles of sadness. Then another figure stepped forward wearing a gown of white silk, her hair set in light curls about her radiating face. She reached out to him, her small hand waiting to be joined by his.
All of a sudden the ground beneath him started to tremor and gradually split. The two worlds of light and dark became undone and Harry felt his heart being torn as he watched those he loved being carried away. His panic overtook him and he thought he heard a voice, faint as a whisper, but it slowly grew louder and he realized it was he, himself, shouting. "Hermione"
He felt himself being shaken abruptly by two hands grasping his arms. His eyes were kept shut, sweat graced his forehead and his body itself was shaking from some unknown force. He heard someone call his name close at hand, and a voice in his head kept telling him to open his eyes. He let in and opened them slightly against a light that was shining from somewhere. Hermione stood over him, a worried expression on her face. "Are you alright? You seemed to be having a bad dream. You don't look too well either," she expressed. Her eyes seemed to bore into his. Harry suddenly got a flashback of his dream and immediately stood up, pushing her hands away. "Er…I'm fine," he lied. Then seeing the hurt look on her face he continued "sorry I…you just startled me." Hermione nodded in understanding.
"Well why didn't you go to bed last night. You spent the whole night in the library on your own. You're lucky Madam Pince didn't see you. She would have flayed you alive," she said bossily. She then went to give a long list of things that might have happened which included Filch, Snape and even a ghost. Harry felt a tight stiffness in his neck from the position he had slept in. He was also wondering about the dream he had been having. He tuned back in to hear Hermione's irritated voice "not to mention the amount of trouble you could have landed yourself in. Harry, are you even listening to me?!" she added astonished.
Harry looked taken aback. "Of course. You were telling me how much trouble I could have gotten in," he said innocently trying to sound upset at such an accusation. Hermione seemed to see right through his lie. She drew herself up to her fullest height, which was still slightly smaller than Harry. She inhaled a deep breath. "Harry Potter, I see through your silly little act. If you weren't listening to me then you could have just said so. I wouldn't have expected this from you. Maybe Ron or…another boy…but not you." When she had started speaking her voice was sharp but as she ended it had become shaky. Harry thought frantically.
"I'm sorry Hermione. I really am. I'm just feeling a bit off lately. What with Norbert and losing a hundred points for Gryffindor and the whole school practically hating me."
Hermione seemed to calm down slightly. "Well, you'd better hurry up. There's only thirty minutes left until our first class," she said before leaving the library. Harry gathered up his things quickly and went to Gryffindor Tower. He showered and by the time he was ready hadn't eaten breakfast. Ron suggested missing his first class so he could get some food and was astounded when Harry refused.
So Harry sat through four classes without having anything to eat. His stomach growled in protest. His concentration levels were at their lowest ever. He also felt slightly weak from tiredness. The worst aspect of this was one hour of History of Magic in which he was constantly elbowed by Hermione for falling asleep.
He bolted down to the Great Hall for lunch and was rewarded with cheesy and very tasty lasagna. Hermione joined him after he had just finished eating. "Are you alright Hermione? You seemed a bit on edge, earlier on," Harry asked cautiously. She gave him a piercing look but it relaxed and she looked at her feet before answering. "It's nothing. Just…when you didn't come back last night, I…thought something bad had happened to you," she said quickly, a pink tinge appearing on her cheeks. "Oh," started Harry, he hadn't expected that answer "well…I'm sorry. I meant to go back but I fell asleep," he said apologetically.
"It's alright. So did you hear what your detention would be?' she asked anxiously. "Yeah, I'm to go into the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid tonight," he immediately regretted saying this as Hermione eyes went wide and a look of shock was plastered on her face. "WHAT! You can't go there, its way too dangerous. How can a school send students into a forest that inhabits all sorts of dangerous creatures?
"I'll be with Hagrid and he knows the forest pretty well. And don't worry, I'll have my wand with me," he said reassuringly in an attempt to calm her down. She stopped fretting even though Harry knew she was still extremely worried. Harry was actually quite excited about going into the forest. He would have preferred to go in the day when there would've been more light and he might have been less nervous but he was excited about encountering magical creatures. "I wonder why you have to go into the forest with Hagrid," said Hermione thoughtfully. Harry turned to look at her. She was just finishing her shepherd's pie, her fork poised in mid-air. When she had asked her question she returned to scooping up the remains of her food. Harry's mind immediately flashed back to his dream before he answered. "I don't know what business he has with the forest. But I don't think it's anything good. I've seen him come back from the forest a few times, always looking grim," he replied.
The rest of the day passed by uneventfully. Harry was still treated horribly by some of the students yet some of them had nearly forgotten what had happened already. It was a cold day with strong winds often rattling windows and tangling people's cloaks about them. By six o'clock that evening when the sky turned to a deep creamy blue, drizzles of rain were tapping gently on the grounds. Pale distant stars could be spotted when looked for but no moon was seen. When Harry was leaving for Hagrid's, he took his long black cloak that had a deep hood attached to it. He placed his wand up his sleeve, using his watch as a holster. He was to meet Filch in the Entrance Hall at nine o'clock. Hermione accompanied him down to end of the Fat Lady's corridor as she wasn't supposed to leave the common room.
"Take care of yourself. Don't do anything stupid," she said with an intense stare. "I'll try not to," joked Harry but added an "I won't" when he saw her glare. She squeezed his hand tightly; making Harry's heart race for a moment, then ran back up the corridor to the awaiting portrait. Harry stood still for a minute wondering what had just happened and once again his dream invaded his thoughts. When he realized what time it was he left in a hurry, not wanting to be given out to by the malicious and waiting Filch.
When Harry arrived down in the dimly lit Entrance Hall he found to his displeasure an impatient Filch and a sullen Malfoy. "Nice of you to join us Mr. Potter," said Filch, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He led them out across the now dark grounds with a kerosene lamp lighting up the wet grass. Harry could barely spot the stars through the present clouds. What had started as a light drizzle was now becoming a downpour. He pulled his cloak about him and lifted his hood over his head, shadowing his face. When they reached Hagrid's cabin, Filch banged at the door making Hagrid open it abruptly. "Got something for ye Hagrid," Filch said motioning towards Harry and Malfoy. Hagrid moved back into the cabin to fetch something and Filch turned to Harry and Malfoy. "Wouldn't fancy being you tonight," he cackled as he started moving back towards the castle. Hagrid appeared carrying a crossbow and a lamp similar to Filch's. Fang was at his heels. They moved into the cover of the trees that lay on the border of the forest. Harry saw the terrified look on Malfoy's face and the frown on Hagrid's. "Now listen carefully cause its dangerous what we're gonna do tonight an' u don' want no one takin' risks." He moved deeper into the forest. Harry could make out the thick black trunks of enormous trees.
"Look there," said Hagrid pointing towards a narrow, winding earth track. "see that stuff shinin' on the ground? The silvery stuff? That's unicorn blood. There's a unicorn in there bin hurt badly by summat. This is the second time in a week. I found one dead last month. We're gonna try an' find the poor creature. We might have to put it out of its misery."
"We're going in there to look for something that is probably already dead and all the while there is a killer somewhere in there," exclaimed Malfoy, now clearly panicking. Hagrid was trying to explain to Malfoy that as long as Fang or himself was with him, he had nothing to fear from the forest. But Harry didn't hear this. He was looking down the long forest trail. He thought or rather felt a calling within him to enter the forest or a faint whisper of his name coming from inside the depths of the forest. He removed his hood letting it drop to his shoulders. The rain which was yielded slightly by the branches above him was making its way down his face. "You alright Harry," asked Hagrid startling Harry. "Fine," he answered.
They made their way now, in single file, down the forest path. Hagrid was in the lead, Malfoy walking very closely behind him beside Fang and then Harry at the back. To Harry the noise of the heavy droplets of rain pounding the forest was like a thunderstorm against the silence. On either side of the path there was thick undergrowth. Thorny bushes and ancient tangled branches gave the appearance of nothing but black. It was the trees that most interested Harry. As he gazed at them he realized that they were not all enormous. From where he stood all he could see was tree-trunks of innumerable sizes and shape: straight or bent, slender or squat, gnarled and twisted forms leaning over the path as if spying on the newcomers into the forest. "Keep to the path, no matter what happens," said Hagrid.
Harry looked at the worn path they were now treading. It was strewn with leaves and was becoming muddy as small pools of water formed on it. After a few minutes of walking, Hagrid stopped them. It was then that Harry noticed there was a fork in the path. Silvery blue blood could be seen on either side of the path. "Poor thing must've bin staggerin'," said Hagrid. Harry looked down the path leading right. "I'll take Fang and head this way," said Harry nodding his head in the direction. "You sure?" asked Hagrid uncertainly. "Yeah. I'll be fine."
"Alright if you find summat send up green sparks. Anything goes wrong send up red sparks," ordered Hagrid. Harry watched them go before making his way down the path which was becoming impossible to follow because of the amount of puddles that were forming on it. The gnarled branches of trees were now in the way of the path so that Harry had to push them out of his way or climb over them. He reckoned he must have been walking for at least twenty minutes before he had a strange feeling he was being watched. He quickly spun around peering down the lonely forest path he had just walked down. He couldn't make anything out in the darkness but he knew there was something there. He quickened his pace wondering would anything follow. The track was slowly sloping downwards and the forest was more pressing than ever. As Harry climbed over a great tree root that had thrown itself out in front of his path he realized that Fang wasn't with him. On either side of the path, the ground was now a steep slope into pitch black darkness. Harry wondered whether Fang, through his fear, had fallen down into the tangled bushes. He was about to turn back when an arrow sailed past his head. He immediately ducked and crawled off the path. He slid down the slope and then crouched behind a large tree bole. His breathing was sharp as he heard the sound of slow hooves. The hooves stopped and Harry slowly and cautiously peered out from behind the large mossy tree trunk he was leaning against.
There on the path stood a centaur. To the waist he was a man, with black hair and beard, but below there was horses' body, with a shiny black coat that gleamed even in the darkness. From the way he was standing he was obviously looking for something. A quiver of arrows was fastened to his back and in his right hand he held a thick black bow with strange symbols carved into it. Harry could feel the centaur's eyes move steadily towards where he was hiding. He pulled his cloak closer to him so as to blend in with the darkness surrounding him. After a few tense seconds Harry heard the sound of hooves retreating back up the path.
He scurried back up the slope and noticed the arrow that had been fired caught in a tall oak tree. Stepping over to it Harry released it from the tough bark. It was a black feathered arrow, thin with a deadly point. Harry wondered whether Fang had been caught by the centaur. He was pondering sending up red sparks when he heard another sound coming from further up the path. But Harry knew that it wasn't a centaur from the moment he heard it. It sent a chill down his spine and Harry felt his inside freeze. His heart didn't race, in fact Harry felt as if it had stopped beating altogether.
The sound of something slithering over dead leaves reached his ears, it sounded like a cloak trailing the forest floor. Harry moved closer into the shadows of a dark overhanging tree. He then heard murmuring like the hiss of a snake and the noise moved farther away. Harry knew instantly that if he followed he would find what he was looking for. His knowledge of the forest wasn't great but he knew that whatever it was that he had heard, didn't belong to the forest and was more likely a trespasser. Harry guessed it was this that was killing the unicorns. Taking a deep breath Harry started to follow the trespasser. He went quietly, making his footfalls as silent as possible so that from afar he resembled a hunter.
After a minute walking he recognized footprints on the ground. "Lumos," he whispered so that his wand lit dimly. He bent down and examined the footprints. They seemed to have been made by heavy boots; the rain was now filling the hole that was created by the heel. It was then Harry realized that whatever he was chasing was in fact human. Standing up Harry decided to follow at a quicker pace. He put out his wand and started out again, this time he was nearly jogging but he was on alert for any movement coming from up ahead. He still found drops of silver blood lying desolate on the leaves of trees or on the wet ground. Harry thought the blood seemed to get thicker. The rain had slowly turned back into a drizzle that was barely making it through the roof of the forest. He felt the forest become darker and it seemed more voluminous. Harry reckoned he must have been near the heart of it.
Suddenly Harry saw a blast of green light coming from up ahead of him. He stopped momentarily and then he started hearing noises issuing from within the forest itself. He thought he heard whispers, angry whispers. The sound of the creaking of heavy branches moving intensified. Harry gazed at the trees in wonder as he spotted branches swaying and groping without the force of the wind. And Harry guessed what had happened. The trespasser he had heard must have been hunting the unicorn and had just killed it. It seemed the forest was fuming and Harry wished that at the moment he wasn't in the middle of it.
Suddenly a horrible noise reached Harry's ears. It was the sound of flesh being ripped from a carcass. A fury built up inside of Harry at the idea of something as beautiful as a unicorn being besmirched in such horrific circumstances. Drawing his wand Harry ran down the path and arrived on the edge of a clearing. A solid wall of trees with thick leaves encircled the clearing. In the centre Harry found the unicorn. Its gleaming silver coat was tarnished with dirt and muck that lay on the ground. Its slender legs were stuck out at odd angles where it had fallen and its mane was spread pearly white on the dark leaves. A deep sorrowful silence seemed to emanate from its still lifeless body. An endless silent music that once originated from its soul was now gone.
But Harry barely registered this as he lifted his eyes to see a hooded and cloaked figure lower its head over a deep gash in the side of the unicorn and began to drink its blood. Harry feeling such a deep hatred and revulsion took two steps into the clearing. With each step the sound of cracking branches and broken leaves resounded around the clearing. The figure quickly stood up to see Harry's stern face, his green eyes burning deeply in the darkness of the night. Stars that were once pale now shone brightly into the clearing casting a small light in which to see. The figure acted first sending a blast which Harry ducked. The spell hit a tree creating a large gaping hole in the side of it. Harry then sent a stunning spell in the direction of the figure. "Protego," it hissed in reply, blocking the spell.
Then the figure, which Harry guessed was a man from the way it moved, sent another spell. Harry nearly avoided it, but at the last moment he felt a deep cut form across his scalp. He grabbed his head with his left hand and felt warm blood through his fingers. The man then shot a stunner at Harry. Deciding to use his own spell against him Harry shouted "Protego," and blocked the red light coming towards him. Perspiration was dripping from Harry's face; his breath was coming in gasps. Then the figure took a step towards Harry and all Harry felt was excruciating pain burst through his scar. He dropped his wand and staggered backwards falling to the ground. Then Harry heard the twang of bowstrings and the whistling of many arrows. The hooded figure bolted, the arrows had only pierced his cloak and nothing more. The searing pain left Harry's old scar so that he could stand up. The deep cut on his scalp was stinging but it was bearable.
Harry sighed deeply as he watched four centaurs make their way into the clearing. They each had an arrow fitted to the bow, pointing at him. Harry had expected them to speak first and was surprised when they each fired an arrow at him. With a wave of his hand the four black-feathered arrows stopped mid-air, and then fell uselessly to the ground. It was common knowledge, at least to Harry, that it was easier to use magic against objects that weren't entirely composed of magic.
The four centaurs stared at Harry in amazement. Harry recognized the one standing closest to him as the one he had seen while on the forest path. There was a hint of fear in his eyes, something which he immediately tried to hide. "Who are you who trespasses in our land?" he asked fiercely. Harry, who was exhausted at this point, not to mention in some pain, decided to remain polite. He knew they didn't favor magic, especially when used against him.
"I am a student from the castle. I was sent here to look for a unicorn, one whom might already be dead. I entered the forest with two others. One you might know. Hagrid, he is Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts," said Harry. The centaur at the front did not take his eyes off Harry. He seemed to be thinking of his next movements.
"Hagrid is known to us. Long has he been entering our forest, taming beasts and hunting for food for some new creature he has discovered. We take no heed of those who wander around the borders of our forest, but you have moved deeply now into the heart of it," the centaur paused for a moment before continuing "Under any other circumstances we would exact punishment on you. We do not allow strangers to roam our lands. But I take it that this" he motioned towards the dead body of the unicorn "is not your doing. And that whatever your business in our forest was, was not against beast or animal. You are also a youngling and I would find it a sin to punish one so young."
Harry didn't know what to say. He didn't believe for one moment that the centaurs ruled the forest. He was relieved he wouldn't be punished but whatever was attacking the unicorns was still moving freely within the forest. He started speaking again, this time a bit more cautiously as well as courteously.
"Forgive me. I wasn't aware the forest was under your domain. You are precisely right in assuming it was not I who was attacking the unicorns. I am no murderer. But I warn you that whoever it is, still roves unchecked through your realm. Also I would like to add that if you do find the person responsible for this crime to approach with great caution."
Harry finished as another centaur entered the clearing. Immediately Harry guessed that this one was friendlier than the others. For one, it wasn't holding a weapon. The centaur was younger than any other that Harry had met. He had white blond hair and a palomino body. He had a kind face with astonishingly blue eyes. But a slightly shocked look crossed his face when he saw Harry. The centaur that was talking to Harry and seemed to be the leader looked to the centaur that had just entered. "Firenze, will you please escort the Potter boy from the forest," he commanded. Then the four centaurs left the clearing and all was silent.
Harry retrieved his wand and then went to examine the unicorn. `We should leave now. It is not safe for anyone to linger here in the forest, especially you," the centaur said in a fair voice. Taking one last sad look at the beautiful tragedy of the unicorn Harry turned and left the clearing, Firenze following. "What do you mean when you say it isn't safe for me?" asked Harry suspiciously.
Firenze stopped walking and Harry followed his lead. He then looked at the forest warily before bending down to Harry and whispering. "Are you aware, Harry Potter, of the uses of unicorn blood?" he asked.
Harry looked at him, knowing the answer. It then struck him how foolish he had been going into that clearing and facing the murderer. Whoever it was he had opposed was hardly capable of being called a man after the desecration of one of the earth's most wonderful creatures. Firenze seeing the realization in Harry's eyes, nodded as if agreeing. "From what I have seen you fought the beast capable of such terror. It was certainly foolish but also extremely brave. A cursed life the bearer of such an act shall now have. But I do not think you realize the full consequences of what has occurred tonight?" he said quietly.
Harry looked at him questioningly. Firenze continued "My kind are known `star-gazers'. We look to the heavens for the answer to tomorrow's problems, Harry Potter. Long has it been taught that we should not share our knowledge of the future. But I, myself, believe that certain situations call on us to break certain rules if it can help save the lives of those in question." He paused and Harry wondered whether he had finished speaking. "The consequences of drinking the blood of a unicorn are horrific. Would you agree?" he asked.
Harry was slightly taken aback by the question after the long silence. "Er…yes,' he replied. Firenze looked deeply into Harry's eyes. "It is a wonder why anyone would want to even live a cursed life. Do you agree?" he said this to Harry in such a way that Harry knew Firenze was trying to get him to some kind of conclusion. Harry couldn't get his head around it. So much had happened that night. He decided to take a stab at it. "I agree. Death seems to be a better choice than a cursed life. Only someone who had nothing to lose and everything to gain would slay a unicorn. It byes time, tainted and spoiled, but time nonetheless. Who would want such time? Unless…." The answer came to Harry in a matter of seconds. The thing he had been trying to protect against what he believed a cunning thief. The Philosophers Stone would bring anyone back to full strength and power and grant you eternal life. A full one.
"You see now of what I speak," Firenze said and started to walk once again. Harry's feet started treading the path also, his mind elsewhere. "You are right in assuming that all the murderer wants is time. But more than that he wants to stay alive long enough to drink something else. The Elixir of Life is one of the most powerful and dangerous objects ever created. And the hope of it remaining in the right hands stands upon the edge of a knife. Time is now of the utmost importance."
"Who is it? Who's trying to steal it?" Harry asked already fearing the answer. Firenze looked at him sadly. "You already know who it is. The person who is trying to gain life is the same one who tried to take away yours," he finished looking at Harry's scar.
They walked to edge of the forest. The rain had now completely stopped. The wind seemed to have calmed down and only a light breeze remained. The overhanging branches seemed to create an arch as they walked the last few steps of the path. Harry felt small drops of blood slowly make their way down his face. He had nearly forgotten about the deep cut on his scalp. Blood had dried into his hair and congealed around the cut. He also felt quite light headed but he didn't know whether that was from the cut or the events of the night.
Hagrid was waiting on the edge of the forest with a pale faced Malfoy. As soon as Malfoy spotted Harry he stalked off towards the castle. Harry was relieved to see Fang sitting down at Hagrid's feet. Apparently he was so terrified he ran back up the path and Hagrid had found him on his way back. Harry told Hagrid about the unicorn but nothing else. He didn't think Hagrid would believe him if he told him Lord Voldemort was killing unicorns. He told him he had fell while on the path and hit his head against a rock.
Hagrid quickly examined the cut and told Harry that he wouldn't have to go to the Hospital Wing but he would have to bathe it in water incase of infection. As Hagrid was gathering his things together getting ready to bring Harry back up to the castle, Firenze took Harry aside for a moment. "You must keep the Stone in safe hands. The headmaster, Dumbledore, he is a great wizard and I am sure he is using all his power to protect the Stone but I ask it of you also to take great caution when it comes to the Stone and also to be aware of its movements. The planets have been read wrongly now, even by my kind. I hope this is one of those times." He shook Harry's hand and then at the edge of the forest he turned and smiled at Harry.
"You are wise beyond your years, Harry Potter."
A longer chapter, the longest yet I think.
Alas we come nearer to the end of the story. I might add some more trials for the trio in order to reach the Stone than in PS. Make it a bit more interesting. Not that it wasn't interesting before.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year if such a thing exists.
Just a question, should I introduce a new character in the second fic.
Thanks for reading and hoped you liked the chapter. Tell me if you did or didn't.
Take care,
Radagast
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