The luminous full moon worked its way across the sky, it and the million other celestial bodies reflected in the great lake. Hogwarts was silent except for the slow tramp, tramp of a figure working its way to the Forbidden Forest. The figure was great in stature, its muscles rippling in the breeze, aching to be released from the tight winter coat. As the figure entered the forest, a low moan seemed to emanate outwards, as if the roots were sighing with delight from his presence.
As he penetrated deep into the trees, his beetle black eyes twinkled with light: a light which suggested hidden secrets and deeper desires. He paused at a fork in the woods, enjoying the clear sky and the light bathing him. Pure white light, covering his entire body. He thought of Aragog, his spider and closest friend. He quivered with joy at the memory of his breath on his back, his legs, his…
"Mars is bright tonight. Exceptionally bright. Wouldn't you say so Hagrid?"
Hagrid started, all thoughts leaving his mind. "Oh, oh, Mr Firenze! I didn' expect to see you 'ere!" Hagrid hurriedly straightened his trousers to hide his shame, however the centaur's eyes were quick to pick up on it. Hagrid fumbled "Oh, er, 's nothin'… Jus' a hinkypunk or two. Keepin' em safe, y'see, they need to be released in a safe place…"
Firenze's usually stony expression crumbled into a half smile. "Oh why, Hagrid… Hinkypunks are my favourite creatures actually…" Tailing off, he admired the half-giant's proud stature. It was pushing. Pushing high like the tallest pine reaching for the sky. Punching through the air with all its might. Firenze lowered his mighty body and tore off Hagrid's clothes with one swoop. Hagrid, proud, stood strong, though his legs began to shake. Firenze supped at the fountain of life, feeling in this one moment to have attained immortality. And just like others seeking this immortality, thick, white unicorn blood gushed out, seemingly forcing itself down Firenze's throat. The joy was so great, but fleeting. For as many have said: those who drink unicorn blood live a cursed life. A life full of shame for the actions that he has done. Firenze lowered his head and galloped off into the forest, leaving Hagrid's solitary figure to stand alone, a snapshot of misery.
Firenze remained alone from this point, aiming to help any humans who may wander into the forest. For now, he could never return to the centaurs, never again…
