The snow thinned out under their feet as they reached squelching mud. Harry was constantly checking over his shoulder, letting Ron and Hermione run on ahead of him. Just as Harry spotted a hole in the wall of trees, an arrow whistled by his head and a deep resonant voice commanded them to halt.
They obeyed, knowing they were surrounded. Harry's wiry hand had a tight potential grip on the hilt of his sword. Ron's hand went for his wand but Harry warned him not to use magic until it was absolutely necessary. Also the fact that his wand was not fully repaired and would probably cause self-harm.
A group of aggressive centaurs appeared around them, some even coming out of the gnarled trees. Harry's eyes darted around the circle trying to discover a means of escape. Nothing seemed possible. One centaur, black bodied with a dark chest stepped forward. His steely grey eyes appeared malevolent and Harry knew that whatever his thoughts were, they were not pleasant. He carried a long carved wooden bow in his hands, a quiver of arrows strapped to his muscled back.
"How do you come to be in our forest?" the centaur asked dangerously.
Ron immediately began a weak explanation. His main argument was that they were searching for something and they would be much obliged if they were allowed to leave freely. His feeble words were met with a strong silence. The centaurs did not move a muscle, they hardly seemed to be breathing at all. "Look, we just want to…" Ron had started, advancing towards the leader of the troop before being struck with the end of the leader's bow.
Harry caught Ron as he stumbled backwards. Blood gushed from his nose, splaying his clothes in lines of scarlet. Hermione growled in anger. "How dare you?!" she screamed. "Since when do centaurs attack students? We came here looking for help and all we find is more violence."
The chief centaur's brow furrowed in thought. "Violence has always been abundant in humans. But never has a human come seeking help in the forest. What violence brings you here? I can see from your eyes it troubles you greatly and that you fear it. You fear for others among your kind. That this battle may bring about the end of their humanity."
The ferocity in Hermione's eyes dissipated, her resolute façade fading. Ron was clutching his nose with both of his hands and awkwardly being held by Harry.
"There are attacks. In the school. We need to find out who did it so we're brewing…"
"Hermione," Harry cautioned seeing the far-away look she was sporting. Letting go of Ron, he took hold of her forearm and pulled her further away from the centaur. Harry then realized that the centaur must have some sort of truth revealing stare. Hermione returned to her usual self and gave the centaur another vicious look. "So, centaurs do mind tricks, do they?" she asked rhetorically.
"It is not a trick. It is a gift against mindless humans. But you are intelligent and would have resisted at some point. Now why were you here? Tell us or we will be authorized to use force."
Harry unsheathed the narrow sword with a steely ring and ushered Hermione behind him in a protective move. "I do not wish anymore violence tonight. But our business is our own. Now let us go free," he said decisively so the centaurs would know there was no compromise.
"You are brave. But I warn you now, young female," he said, his gaze turned to Hermione who was shielded behind Harry. "Your worries have some truth. If there is one person who you should place your trust in, then trust yourself. You must be vigilant around…Slither Tongue," he hissed, his eyes now piercing Harry's. Hermione gave him a bewildered glimpse before turning back to the centaur.
"Just let us go," she demanded distraughtly. Behind them, Ron stumbled to his feet and glared angrily at a tall centaur who had his bow arched and ready. As the leader was about to resume speaking, he was interrupted by a sharp clicking noise, emitting from somewhere in the forest. The centaurs grew even more tense and before Harry could ask they leaped stealthily, in an organized manner, into the now snapping forest.
"What the hell is that?" Ron asked fearfully, wiping the blood now trickling from his nose.
"I have no idea. It isn't the forest," Harry's head snapped around to Ron. "Let's get out of here." Checking Ron could walk and think properly, they rushed down the remaining of the path. As soon as they had cleared the trees, Harry shrouded them in the Invisibility Cloak.
Harry was puzzled to see so many lights still illuminating the castle. They made a quick stop at the shady library to return the sword before continuing up through the castle. When they entered the Fat Lady's corridor, Hermione gasped. The portrait hole was open and it seemed that most of the students were congregated inside.
"There must have been another attack," whispered Ron, wide-eyed, his hand still pinching his nose. Hermione dragged both boys into a dark alcove and removed the Cloak.
"This is worse than we thought, because if Harry just walks in there, people will be even more suspicious," she groaned with a shake of her head.
"I don't give a damn if people are suspicious Hermione," Harry retorted, knowing fully that it was a complete lie. He stepped angrily out of the alcove before being ripped off his feet and thrown to the floor. He felt a weight on top of him before a fist connected with his face.
"I told you I wasn't afraid, Potter! How dare you attack my friends? Justin is a good guy…he didn't do anything wrong!"
Harry recognized the voice as Ernie McMillan's and immediately attempted to capture his flailing fists. Ron grabbed a handful of Ernie's robes and viciously dragged him off Harry, sending him into the stone wall. Hauling himself to his feet, Ernie spat on Harry before storming off, down to his own common room.
"Are you okay?"
"Yep. No injuries," Harry responded with a sardonic grin. Ron shook his head mournfully in Ernie's direction. "Can't believe that little wretch. Frightened the life out of me."
"He was just protecting his friends," answered Harry, trying to force respect into his voice. If he suspected anybody of hurting his friends he would have done the same.
"Justin Finch-Fletchley. He must be the latest victim," muttered Hermione to herself.
The Gryffindor Common Room was alive with energy. Worry, fear and terror were apparent on every students face. Even the Weasley twins appeared bleak and gloomy. Eyes watched them enter the room and Harry excused himself instantly, making his way straight up to his empty dormitory. Hermione, now holding the rucksack containing the Fluxweed, informed him quietly, that tomorrow morning she would add it to the potion.
He pulled off his trousers, jumper and shirt and sat on edge of his bed in his boxers, a vacant expression on his face.
He was so absolutely mystified to all the events of the year. His intense training was now taking effect on his sleeping patterns. Insomnia was slowly setting into his routine and the hours of sleeplessness left him feeling drained when the day started. He caught Hermione's furtive glances of troubled concern. He knew she cared and he was entirely grateful. His mind reverted back to what the centaur had told Hermione. His caution…was it a warning against Harry himself. Why had he called him Slither-Tongue? What did it mean? Why did Hermione have to be vigilant around him?
Then there was the recent attack on Justin. Ernie's attack had unmistakably been out of fury and fear for a victim who was undoubtedly a good friend. Even though Harry sympathized with him, he still felt a great resentment towards him. He dreaded how the rest of the school would react the next day.
He sighed resignedly before climbing into the centre of the bed, drawing the curtains and dropped his head onto his pillow. He snatched his glasses off his face and threw them off the side of the bed. Turning he pummeled the pillow with his fist and buried his face into it, trying to gain some sleep.
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This is really just a follow-up to the last chapter. So short!!
Next chapter may be a bit late. Life is totally hectic at the moment. Hopefully you liked this follow on. Sorry about the shortness.
Take Care
Radagast
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