A/N: Here's chapter 7! Won't keep you waiting too long...hope you enjoy!

Chapter 7: Centaurs, Contemplations and the Beast

"Mr Malfoy! Pay attention, this is important; it could save your life," said Professor Kettleburn, waving his nine fingers around.

"Centaurs may live in harmony with us, however they do not take trespass lightly. They will free minors but adults are lucky if they escape with their lives. Heed my warning: centaurs rarely forget and only one warning is issued to those you trespass in their domain," Malfoy smirked.

Eagerly the class looked forward, staring at the two strange creatures before their very eyes. "Bain and Firenze have graciously acquiesced to answer any of your questions. Enquire at your caution, centaurs will offend on certain matters," said Professor Kettleburn warning the class and stepping to the side. For a minute no one dared speak. An uncomfortable silence settled over them, constricting at will. The two half men, half horses advanced on the students nodding slightly at the teacher. The marauders could tell that they had very different personalities. The smaller, shimmering grey one exuded warmth and kindness. Eyes glittered with knowledge and it felt like a privilege to have his presence among them. The other was broader and dusty brown. He looked unkempt and filthy; his eyes were cold and dark. Boredom and annoyance shown from every pour of his body.

A petite Slytherin boldly spoke up, "Who's who?"

"I am Bain and this is Firenze," declared the brown one. "And who might you be?"

"Tilly Feint Sir!"

Turning and giggling to her friends she said turned her back to the two creatures before whispering "Kinda funny looking aren't they? Think they're mutation was painful?

Of course the Slytherins snickered and remained huddled together even when a brown haired blue eyed boy spoke up. "Take that back! They have feelings too ya know! All creatures deserve respect, no matter how different they are, or do you only respect those who can stomp on you like a bug?"

Before the greasy haired git could reply on of the centaurs spoke, "Thank you young fellow, you have earned our respect. Not many would defend us just as you have,"

Bain slowly faced Firenze and silenced him with a glare. How dare he? What makes him think he can decide for an entire clan! They will not be pleased. Making judgements when they should not be made, let alone voiced. Their business is not our own! Let them think what they want of us!

While the Professor yelled and told Tilly her punishment Bain and Firenze decided that this was enough. They came to help with the lesson had they not? They did not come to spectate on human matters. Quietly they slipped away to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

"Please Bain. Firenze. I apologize for Tilly's rude behaviour and request that you remain here. Be assured missing lessons that will that contain exam information will not be the only punishment! Some are genuinely interested in what you have to say."

A gasp rippled around the students. Standing on the grass – from out of nowhere- was Professor Dumbledore; headmaster of Hogwarts.

"No Dumbledore. We are disinclined to acquiesce your request. Though we shall say this. Centaurs like isolation – peace , silence, under the shade of the trees- without being trouble with the worries of men. It would do well for you not to bother us again. We look to the stars and observe. We see chaos and terror ahead. We MUST monitor any change.

And with that, they were gone.

Peter, James and Sirius walked ahead while Remus lagged behind. He felt light headed and disappointed the centaurs had not decided to stay. I was looking forward to that lesson all week, thought Remus.

The unforgiving sun bet down upon them while the strolled along to the castle. Up head you could just make out Hagrid's cabin by the Forbidden Forest. Wolves, centaurs and Unicorns dwelled among the trees. Along with other things.

"Why do they always have to spoil lessons? That would have been really interesting, and this is me saying this. Me!" exclaimed James.

"Oh what is the world coming to? Apocalypse now," said Peter sarcastically. Sirius smiled. Peter always came said the most clever of things when you least expected it.

He should not doubt his own ability. He's better than he perceives himself to be. Thought Sirius.

"Siri? You here mate?"

Sirius turned and smiled. "Yah, I'm fine darling. Neva betta," he said while curtseying. Out of the corner of his eye he say Remus stop and close his eyes. Raising a hand to his head he sighed. Sirius quickly turned around to avoid being seen watching him.

"He looks sick again guys. He was like this last year too. I know that was first year and this is only second year, but never truly looks healthy. You think he's dying or something?" Sirius said in a hushed whispers.

James' heart stopped. That was not something anyone wanted to hear.

He's not dying. I won't let you Remus…

"James!" said Sirius.

"Hey guys,"

"Hey Remus," they said in unison. Eyes shifted and everyone prayed he had not heard them.

"I'm alright guys. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine when I've had some sleep," He gave them a reassuring smile – at least it was meant to be. Somehow worry lines creased their foreheads and frowns appeared.

"Ok," they said. But they didn't believe him. Not this time. It had gone on long enough. He wasn't going to lie to them anymore. They will find out the truth.

"Lily!" Cried a male voice. Bouncing bright red curls stopped and whirled around. Those bright green eyes did not like what they saw.

Potter.

Black.

What do they want now? Lily stormed towards them. Oh how she hated those two. Bag swinging at her side, arms folded, she snapped at them.

"What!"

"…well we just wanted to talk to you…" they started

"Well forget it! It's bad enough I have to put up with you in classes and being in the same house but I will not stop and chat!" Before they could even blink she had disappeared before their eyes. Quickly-not caring who they pushed-they tore after her. A single hand, with a very tight grip, stopped Lily in her tracks. Temper mounting and eyes flaring she turned to face them. Eyes as hard as stone met panicked desperation. "Let me go!"

Black ignored her demand. She was not getting away that easily. She tugged and tugged but his grip remained. The buzzing of conversation stopped. Eyes. Million of them were now glued to the scene playing out before them.

"So, who do you think will win?" whispered Frank.

" Sirius. Without a doubt," stated Henry.

Frank smirked. "Care to put your money where your mouth is?"

" One galleon, my final offer,"

"Right!"

Meanwhile Potter and Black were pleading with Lily. "Please just talk to us! We won't keep you long! Come on hunny, do it for us!"

"Hunny?" Questioned Lily. He's done it now. Potter will pay. Ripping her arm from his grasp she lunged for James, who had little warning.

"Em, well maybe Lils will win," stated Henry.

"Oh no you don't!" replied a grinning Frank. "You're not getting out of this one,"

While Lily tried to knock lumps out of James, Sirius tried to hold her back. He needn't have bothered. She was unstoppable now. Ripping, scratching gnawing, biting. None of their friends dared move to help. Not when she was like this.

Not ever actually. They just watched on with amusement.

Finally when lily had James in a headlock and Sirius had succumbed to fits of giggles, Potter managed to whisper something in her ear.

"It's about… Remus… we're worried… about him…"

And the beast stopped.