Disclaimer: I still own nothing.
Chapter 12: The Cave and The Centaurs
The sound of drops falling echoed throughout the old chamber, its walls covered with dust and filth, and the floor cracked and broken throughout the many years since its construction. Several broken and tattered columns barely maintained the stability of the room. The only light inside came from the large opening from which the small boy had fallen moments before. Slowly, the boy recovered and attempted to get up, but to no avail - he had injured his ankle during the fall. He managed to lean to the wall and carefully stood up. He started coughing and dust flew everywhere.
His first thought was to climb up back, but the walls had no ledges and his injury wasn't helping. The boy sighed and raised his wand, sending red sparks through the gap, hoping that maybe Harry or Hagrid could see them.
"Lumos" the boy muttered, and a small, white light appeared on the tip of his wand.
The lone light was enough to illuminate most of the room. The floor, once a white, polished marble, had now turned a dull gray along with the walls. Pointing to every end of the room, the boy looked for another way out, but was unsuccessful. With much effort, he took a couple of steps as he continued his search for any escape route.
'Will a Portkey work in Hogwarts grounds?' The boy thought.
He remembered then that Hermione had told them once that a Portkey from Hogwarts could only be created by the headmaster, and disregarded the idea. After sending two burst of sparks through the opening on the ceiling, Robert had to lean to the wall once again. The gap then began closing, and a stone plaque separated the boy from the surface. Sighing, the boy began walking and started searching for another exit. On the farthest part of the room, a doorway led to a long hallway, with several rooms on both sides. In a quick glance he checked and every single one was either empty or completely collapsed. He reached for his ankle trying to massage it but it was still too sore and the pain was bothering him. Remembering one of the spells of the book, he pointed his wand at his ankle, hoping it would work.
"Fendia"
The pain lessened a bit, but he was able to walk without leaning to the wall. He then reached another hall much bigger than the first one. A stairway led to a lower level and the ceiling was more than ten feet high. Several patterns could be seen on the floor and the walls. He approached the center, but the light of his wand wasn't enough to light not even half of the hall. Waving his wand he muttered another spell.
"Lumos Radix"
A ball of light similar to the one of his wand shot to the ceiling and illuminated a portion of the hall. Robert repeated the spell several more times until the whole circular hall was lightened up. In the center, engraved on the ground were two circles and eight triangular marks pointing from the center to every direction. He leaned down and touched the circular mark, but nothing happened. Between the two circles, there were several symbols that were familiar, although unlike anything he had ever seen. Several tiles were broken and big chunks of the ceiling were lying on the ground. Evading the whole disaster, Robert walked towards the wall that had a strange pattern.
On closer inspection, Robert noticed that the walls had engraved many symbols, identical to the ones in the Book of Magic. The boy frowned and reached for the book on his bag. The reaction was instant.
A small trail of light started pouring from the floor and began spreading, forming lines, circles and curves. After a couple of moments, the light formed a pattern and the boy opened his eyes wide when he realized it was the same symbol from the cover of the book, surrounded by the two circles. As if on cue the book produced a low, ringing tone, like the first time he set his hands on it. Taking a deep breath, the boy opened it.
The ground began shaking and a large stone from the middle of the room began rising slowly. He carefully approached the pedestal, which was just high enough for him to see the top. The stone had engraved in the center, the exact same symbols and patterns from the book. Around it, the stone had eight triangular marks pointing in every direction. Nervously, the boy raised the book and hesitantly put it on the corresponding marks. The ringing tone increased and the book emitted a soft blue glow. The boy shielded his eyes from the increasing light and a few moments later, the light subdued and Robert risked a glance.
On each of the eight markings a white and blue shadow figure stood looking intently at him. All of them were hooded and cloaked in a similar white cloak with blue glowing symbols on them. Some of them were clad in marvelous shining armors. Directly in front of him and the pedestal, one of them, a man carried on his right hand a book and in his other hand a staff. Robert looked at the book that he had laid down and the book the man was holding and realized they were the same.
"Rob!" Harry hollered, hoping that his friend was all right.
The three centaurs and the boys had followed the wolf, tracking his companion's smell, only to find a strange looking stone tile where the trail ended. Was there a path under the stone? Was Robert trapped? Not even with the help of the horse-men they were they able to move it, and they decided to continue their search on the surroundings.
"Old place, the Forbidden forest is" had said Barok "It holds many mysteries from ancient times that we shouldn't meddle with."
He glanced sideways, looking at Draco. The pale boy was looking grim, gazing at the ground as he walked and deeply immersed in his thoughts. Half hour ago, the boy had confessed that he didn't trust his father… but Harry knew that kind of look. He had grown used to it… it was the look that Rob always had. It was a look that said that he had seen things that a boy his age should have never seen.
"Are you ok, Draco?" asked Harry "you are awfully quiet for being and insufferable Slytherin"
Malfoy chuckled softly and shook his head.
"It just…" he said apprehensively "There are some… things that I don't want to discuss just yet. Don't worry I will help you. I'm tired of following my dad's steps."
"Why?" asked Harry truly concerned.
"Let's just say that he is not a nice man" said Draco he said while kicking a stone on the ground, "I don't want to talk about it really."
"That's okay" said Harry looking at the three centaurs, "These guys look… you know, kind of scary"
"I once heard my father say that the ministry couldn't manage to 'evacuate the filthy half-breeds'," Draco said mimicking the quotation marks.
"What did you say, boy?" snarled Olen "Have I heard correctly?"
Draco looked petrified.
"No… I didn't mean…" the boy stuttered "It was something my dad said" he added staring at the ground, "Don't hurt me, please"
The centaur was taken aback. He had personally met Lucius Malfoy once, when Ministry wizards attempted to drive their clan away from the Forest. Many of their clan had lost their lives, but with the help of Dumbledore, they had pushed the wizards' force back. But this boy looked different… scarred perhaps?
"I won't hurt you boy…" said Olen grabbing the boys shoulders "Our people isn't fond of the names your kind give us. I'd suggest not using it in front of others. They might not be as understanding as I have been"
Harry approached and started walking next to Draco, not saying a single word. The Slytherin and The Gryffindor had reached a mutual, silent agreement when they stared at each other's eyes. They wouldn't pry in each other's matters unless they wanted to speak about them.
"Come, children" called Firenze from a few yards ahead "Looks like the wolf-guardian has found something come quick!"
The two boys ran up a small hill, where the two other centaurs were waiting for them. A few feet ahead, Khelek was sniffing the ground, walking in circles. Harry looked behind. They were already too far from the spot where they had last seen the red sparkles. Was Robert kidnapped by Voldemort?
"It seems that your friend was here" said Barok "But the trail leads to another dead end"
"Is there a chance that Voldemort got to him?" asked Draco
"I am uncertain young Malfoy" answered Barok.
Harry then felt the sensation of being watched, and looked back. Only darkness and trees surrounded them, He breathed deeply, but couldn't shrug off the feeling, and continued looking around. It was like time had stopped.
In a split second, Olen had jumped in front of him to protect him from a dark violet curse that was sent from the darkness of the forest. The spell impaled the centaur and he started convulsing on the ground. A high pitched laugh echoed throughout the forest. Harry leaned down to attend to the centaur, but it was too late. Draco and the other Centaurs approached. While the Slytherin boy looked even paler, the two horse-men looked furious.
"Step forth monster and fight us!" bellowed Firenze
Harry didn't waste any more time and raised his wand at the precise moment another curse was sent towards them.
"Tinechor"
The violet spell was ricocheted into the sky, and the attacker finally came forward. It was the same cloaked woman who had been with Voldemort before. Harry felt a shiver course through his spine and his only reaction was to jump left when a gray looking spell threatened to shatter his shield. Two arrows flew towards the woman who quickly disregarded them. But she wasn't expecting a red bolt that Malfoy had sent, and she was launched back, disappearing into the darkness. The two boys and the centaurs finally breathed when the attacks ceased. Barok slowly walked to the fallen Centaur body and leaned down. Whispering a few words, he closed his eyes and prayed to the skies.
"Until we meet again, old friend"
Harry was frozen. How many more would have to die to protect him? It was enough; he would find a way so no more lives would be lost because of him. Draco patted his shoulder and approached Olen. He took his bow and his sword and bowing down, he offered them to the Centaurs comrades. The horse-men bowed and accepted the weapons. Suddenly the ground began shaking and a gap formed right below Harry. Draco tried to catch him but it was too late.
"Welcome Val'Istar" the man spoke in a deep voice "I see you have found your way to the Men'Annon. Centuries has it awaited for the heirs' arrival"
"Hmm…" said a woman, her voice echoing throughout the hall "The two of you were supposed arrive together, along with the other nost'Au Ainur."
"What do you mean by nos... nosto… whatever?" the boy asked.
"The chosen" bellowed another man "Together they are one"
"Er… right…" said Rob confused "what about Harry… why can he read the book too?"
"He must be one of the Ainur, thus, he was given the gift of sight" said another man, who had crossed his arms,
"The other boy is close" said a man clad in a marvelous armor "We should bring him"
The others nodded and muttered something to themselves. Robert had to lean to the stone pedestal when the whole room began shaking and a gap opened in the ceiling. A figure then fell through it and Robert had a split second to react.
"Wingardium Leviosa"
The figure stopped in mid air, and he immediately recognized the boy's voice, as he put him down softly.
"Harry?" Robert asked "Is that you?"
"Rob!" his friend yelled "We have been looking for you!"
Harry and Rob ran to each other and hugged quickly. That was when Harry noticed the eight figures around them and frowned. Taking a look at his surroundings only made him more confused.
"What is this place?" he asked Robert
"I don't know…" he replied truthfully "They called it the Menennon"
"Men'Annon" corrected one of the women "Welcome young Ainu"
If anything, Harry was even more confused. Robert then explained him the little that the eight figures had told him and assured him that they could be trusted.
"You mean that we were…chosen?" asked Harry apprehensively.
"That's what they say" he answered.
Harry then turned around looking at the eight figures. If their eyes could be seen, they would surely be piercing right through him. The eight stood solemnly around the stone pedestal, over the symbol of the book. Everything felt like a dream to him. Somehow, he expected to wake up under the cupboard at Privet Drive with the screech of his aunt Petunia. Then, Harry got a feeling on his mind, much like a headache but still different.
"I'm afraid you are not dreaming, young one" said a woman calmly.
"It was you, wasn't it?" said Harry pointing at her "I felt you reading my mind"
"Impressive" said another one "He has already learnt the basics of Occlumency"
"I apologize for the intrusion" said the woman.
Robert looked at Harry and then at the man with the book. He had many questions, and he assumed that the man was the leader of the group, since he was the one who always talked to him.
"Who are you people?" he asked suspiciously "What do you want of us?"
"All in…" the man started but was interrupted by another who had a sword on his hands, resting on the ground.
"Old man, isn't it time we told the boys something?"
"I suppose he's right, old friend" said another one.
"Do I look that old… or are you both mocking me?" the man asked.
"Concentrate" said one of the women "We should at least introduce ourselves"
The rest of the figures nodded and began taking off their hoods. Harry and Rob gasped when they saw the faces of the figures. They looked like statues, but their eyes shone brightly, devoid of any shape. They felt what could only be explained as raw power emanating from them. The first man indeed looked old, similar to Dumbledore, he had a long white beard and his hair fell down to his shoulder. He wore no glasses and he held firmly to his staff and the book.
"I am know by many names through the world" explained the old man in a deep and strong voice "The white one as a legend of the old folk, Myrddin Emrys, in many countries, Merlinus Ambrosius in latin legend… but I usually go by Merlin"
Harry and Rob gaped. They had actually thought about it… but to actually hear it was a completely different thing. He was supposed to be the most powerful wizard from all times. The highest rewards were given in the name of this old man. And here he was, in front of them, in some kind of projection of a memory, centuries after his disappearance.
"How do we know it's true?" asked Rob.
"I wrote the book" the man answered "You have read its title, and the book has presented me to you and your friend. I don't have further proof than this."
"Don't worry about him" said the man to his left. His voice was rather juvenile, but still held the same power behind it, "He always gets ticked off when someone doesn't acknowledge him"
The two boys watched him closely. He was wearing a white armor and his sword shone brightly in the room. When he wielded it, it produced a soft metallic echo and it had the book's symbol engraved on its blade. The man's hair was almost as long as Merlin's and his face held the youth of a young man, but his voice was strong and full of knowledge.
"You may have heard of me before" he began "My name is Arthur, Lord of Camelot"
"Always must you address your title, don't you, young Arthur" said the man to Merlin's right His voice wasn't as jovial as Arthur, but still couldn't match Merlin's age. This man looked like a strong, smart leader as well. Harry and Rob frowned when the man took off his hood. He was too clad in armor, not as strong looking as Arthur's. It appeared to be lighter, and it didn't cover his entire body. On his left hand he had a metallic glove with Merlin's symbol and a blue diamond the middle. On his right hand he had a white wand. But what called their attention the most was the slightly short messy hair – it somehow looked very familiar…
"My name is Edric Wyatt Potter" he stated clearly "It's an honor to finally meet my own kin"
Harry felt dizzy, it surely must be a joke… but the man looked a lot like him, he couldn't deny it. The same facial features, messy hair and a bit scrawny. He couldn't bear it, he wanted to laugh, cry, and scream. In front of him stood one of his ancestors, smiling like it was the most natural thing in the world. Robert had his eyes open wide.
"My my…" said Merlin "You surely made an impression in your great-great-great-great-great….hmm I can't remember how many generations it was, Edric, care to remind an old man?"
"Thirteen" stated his ancestor clearly "It is a curse, this hair, don't you think? It looks better to have it long like your friend Dumbledore here."
Harry tried to smile but he was still to shaken up. He slowly approached the man and in return, Edric kneeled to reach Harry's height. His chest contracted, holding the air inside it as if time itself had frozen. He could practically feel his heartbeat echoing in his ears. Harry stretched his hand and reached for the man's face but it was hollow.
"I'm sorry, I'm not really here, son" said Edric "And I'm sorry about your family. I'm sure your mom and dad are proud of you. "
"But… what are you doing here?" asked Harry confused "I… why haven't you looked for me… are you even alive?"
"I passed on a long time ago, child" the old Potter said "But I assure you we have looked out for you"
"Sorry to cut your time short Edric" said a woman next to him "But our time is short and we have many issues to attend"
The woman wore a white linen cloak and dark long hair. Her face was young and radiant and she held her hands with her fingers intertwined.
"I am Verona Ravenclaw" she said bowing lightly at the two children "And I foresaw your arrival centuries ago. That is why we were expecting both of you"
"Ravenclaw?" Rob asked "As in Hogwarts' Ravenclaw?"
"I am afraid not, it was actually my niece Rowena who was inclined for teaching" the woman said "I was more inclined to other matters…"
"That we will speak of when the other Ainur arrive, Verona" said the other man "But where are my matters? My name is Allanon"
Allanon was seven feet tall, with shaggy eyebrows, long flat nose, and a penetrating stare. Harry felt a bit intimidated by him, as he had a darker cloak and a skull necklace. Still, the man wore a reassuring smile. Surely if the man was among them he wasn't going to hurt him or Rob. Although he didn't quite understand who were those people and what did they want.
"You are scaring the children Allanon" said another woman. She was clad in a white vest, carved with the symbols of the book. The armor covered only one of her shoulders and the other was bare. She had long beautiful blonde hair pulled in a tail, with several strands falling in front, and was not as tall as neither of the men to her sides. In her back she carried a silver bow and a quiver and on her waist several long daggers were attached to her belt. When Rob and Harry looked at her, they blushed and had to look down. The woman giggled softly, and her voice echoed through the room.
"I am Nimueh, young ones" she said.
"The lady of the lake?" asked Rob
"Well, the legends are not that accurate, but yes, you could say I am" she stated
"She always get the stares of men, even the ones as young as you, children" said the man next to her. Like Merlin, he wore a white beard and a linen cloak. But instead of wielding powerful weapons, the man had only a book.
"I'm known as Dallben, guardian of the Book of Three" the man said. "But that will be a story for another time"
"You and your stories, Dallbie" said the last woman mockingly "Fortunately we don't have the time for them. My name is Aer"
If anything, the woman looked more like a supermodel warrior rather than a witch. As Arthur, she wore a heavy armor in white and silver. Symbols of the book marked on the hem of the powerful vest, and she wielded a long, powerful blade and a wand. She had long unruly and untamed hair but she was by far the most beautiful of the three women, with a slender and curvy figure. Merlin then spoke, calling their attention once again.
"This is a secret society that was formed a millennia ago to maintain peace in the muggle and wizard world. We were known as the Nim'Vahka, 'The White guardians", in the old times. The main objective of this society was to stop an enemy so dreadful that its name was concealed from the rest of the humankind. It was an age of terror… when war raged throughout the entire planet. Too many lost their lives... When the foe was defeated, its followers rose and took its place. These supporters took the name then of Snake Lords, and for the past centuries they have been searching for the meanings of reviving their old master. They are the ones after you Ainur."
"Why?" bellowed Harry "We have nothing to do with that war!"
"On the contrary, my son" said Eldric "You are the last of my lineage. Since the fall from the monster we have fought to defeat the Snakes, thus, we are sworn enemies from their faction"
"And what about me?" asked Rob "And the other Ainur or whatever you call them… what do we have to do with the war? Why were we chosen?"
Merlin sighed and looked apologetically at the boy.
"It was not a coincidence that Dumbledore adopted you, child" he said "Nor was a coincidence that my book arrived at your hands. You both have a power hidden within that could either bring peace in earth for an age or doom it for eternity. That power you share with your brother, it's the only thing that can stop them."
"What are you talking about" asked Rob. This was getting more and more confusing and he felt rage build inside him. "What do you want of us, why do these things happen to us? Who is my brother?!"
"Your destiny was written long before you were born, I'm afraid" said Ravenclaw "We merely took precaution for you to be ready when the time comes"
"What is that supposed to mean?" asked Harry in confusion "Rob has a brother? Why don't you tell him who he is? How can we even fight an enemy so terrible? We are just kids!"
"Robert Dumbledore has to find out who he is first" said Allanon in a powerful, deep voice. "Only then, will his brother be revealed. In time you will understand the reason behind all our decisions. You were separated because the enemy would have found you, should you have been together; that much I can say."
"There is something you need to do before you return, child" said Eldric "Only when you free yourself from the burden you carry will you be able to seize all the potential within"
"I see…" said Robert thoughtful "So I must free the Ifrit before I come here, again?"
"Indeed" said the eight at the same time.
"Easier said than done, mates" said Rob taking a deep breath "Great, what else?"
"The other requirement for you to return is to bring the Ainur."
"Hmm… how many of them are they?" asked Harry confused.
"Eight we always are" said Aer holding her sword in both hands.
"We're sorry, child. Their identity is for you to discover…" said Dallben.
"Once your immediate tasks are complete and you bring the heirs to this room"
"But…" said Robert anxiously "how are we going to find it again?"
"You have awoken one of the beacons, and only the Ainur can see them. Even if blind, it will show you the way back to this chamber."
Merlin then sighed and Robert raised an eyebrow. Harry just couldn't get hold of what this people were saying.
"You have been forced to undertake a burden of a colossal magnitude at such an early age… and all because of a war that should have been ended ages ago…" the old man announced.
"You remind me of pops old man" said Robert, and sighed "Don't worry, we'll our best and I'm sure my brother will too, if I ever find him that is. Of course it will be easier if you people weren't so cryptic"
The group of eight laughed.
"Well you still have the humor of a young child, in spite of having seen the horrors of the war" one of them said.
"That means that there is still hope for everyone. Now you have taken the first step towards your journey. It will be a harsh, difficult path the one you are taking. I am aware you have innumerable questions, children" another continued.
"But this is not the time for answers. The book that was given to you will become your guide throughout your journey. Your destiny lies ahead. Danger awaits the heirs… for the Snakes have awakened. Be prepared, and help the others as they will help you. Now, leave boys… your companions are looking for you."
The man with the book then struck his staff and the eight of them vanished and the book's blue light disappeared with them. The ground shook again and a spiral stairway rose from the rock, slowly making its way through the gap in the ceiling. Harry and Robert looked at each other, at loss of words, and glanced upwards to the ceiling, wondering what the words of the old fellows meant.
"Radix Nox"
The lights that he had created returned to the wand and disappeared.
"Cool" said Harry "Looks like you got Hermione's spell right mate! Let's leave this place is giving me the creeps."
After they climbed up and exit the hidden room, and by the time they looked back, the gap had been sealed with a stone plate engraved with the symbol of the book. Harry leaned down and tried to open it, but the plate became heavier and heavier.
"Oh well… I guess it will have to wait" said Robert, raising his wand to send another burst of red sparks. A howl was heard from the distance and the boys chuckled softly.
But instead of the wolf and his friends, they heard hooves coming rapidly. Not sure if they wanted to know what was approaching, an idea popped in Rob's mind. Putting the wand on his forehead he muttered a spell, followed then by Harry.
"Ledrith"
Not a minute later, two heavily armed centaurs appeared, clad in strong looking iron vests. One of them had long blonde hair and hazel eyes, his horse-half a palomino light brown hair. His companion had dark skin and his head shaved, his mustang body covered in black hair. When they were a mere two feet away from the now invisible boys, they began sniffing. Nodding to one another they swiftly grabbed they bows and launched an arrow at Harry and Rob.
"Tinechor" said Harry hastily, skillfully blocking both projectiles.
"Show yourself, intruder!" bellowed the dark skinned centaur aiming at the disillusioned boy. Robert raised an eyebrow and both boys canceled the spell. The pair of centaurs huffed and kicked the ground, taken by surprise by the sight in front of them. The small boys had been able to cast in a split second, a shield enough to cover both of them. A blue energy disk hummed in front of Robert, as Harry shielded himself in a behind a red one.
"Don't shoot please" said Harry canceling the shield and bowing humbly. "We're students from the school. We were looking for my friend here who was thrown by a curse and fell to a pit hole. I managed to fall in the same cave where he was. We apologize for having startled you; we were just trying to hide"
"Students, you say?" asked the blond one, and bowed to the young child "Few wizards could be able to cast such a powerful spell without any advice beforehand. My name is Benon."
"And my name is Kemar" said the dark centaur "I'm impressed young ones… we would not have been able to find you, had it not been because you have been with a Khaal'An. We can smell you from ten feet away."
"Khaal'An?" asked Robert confused "I haven't met someone with that name"
"Oh... but you certainly have" replied the mighty looking centaur "Have you not encountered the wolf-guardians of the forest?"
"Now that you mention it… yes we have" said Harry chuckling. "Oh by the way… I forgot… My name is Harry Potter, and this is Robert Dumbledore… pleasure to meet you"
"Dumbledore and Potter you say?" said Benon surprised "You are the ones that Barok is looking for… it's imperative you come with us Robert Dumbledore and Harry Potter"
The two centaurs looked at each other and nodded. Before Robert could understand what was happening, Benon had grabbed his hand and put him on his back, and Kemar followed suit with Harry. The two centaurs then took off into the forest. Robert barely managed to hold himself from the armor of the blonde centaur, but he didn't fail to notice both horse-men were at the ready, having unsheathed their swords. He frowned when he saw this and felt the evil presence once again.
"The night has yet to end, young ones" said Kemar, with a smile on his face, eager to enter in battle.
The two centaurs increased their speed, as if charging against an unseen enemy. That was when Robert saw it…. A figure in the darkness, moving rapidly; almost like if it was floating. Both boys reached for their own wands and before the two centaurs could notice what happened a dark green jolt was being blocked by Harry's shield.
The figure flew backwards and unsheathed its own sword on the distance and charged against the centaurs. The sound of blades echoed in the forest, as Benon charged against the cloaked figure, which was indeed floating in front of the horse-man, charging its dark sword as well. The force was so intense that the blonde centaur had to slow down. An arrow then flew, impaling the attacker on its back and a high pitched scream was heard throughout the forest. That's when Rob saw a portion the woman's face, but he couldn't make out anything aside her mouth. And he opened his eyes in shock.
The woman then vanished only to reappear several feet farther, taking out the arrow from her back.
"Leave the forest, creature of the night!" hollered Kemar as he pointed his bow once again to the cloaked woman "There is no place in here for your kind"
Harry watched as the woman slowly took out her wand. That's when he noticed that everything had slowed down. Ignoring the fact that time had almost stopped the boy didn't hesitate and sent one of the slowing curses he had heard his grandfather do months ago.
"Impedimenta" the boy hollered, striking the woman by surprise. She was then sent flying a few feet backwards, but quickly recovered. The woman then sent a couple of spells that were blocked by Harry's shield. But then a purple jolt in the form of a dart managed to scratch the dark skinned centaur, who in returned sent a couple of arrows. The attacker disappeared once again and returned just behind Harry. He saw as the dark sword was swung against him and closed his eyes, but a metallic clang told him that Benon had managed to cover them from the fatal blow. With the rest of the strength he had, Kemar launched a well aimed arrow, but was blocked by the cloaked woman who had to back down several feet.
It was then that Robert felt his eyes change and power flow through his veins. The attacker cocked her heard and it appeared that she was smirking. But it was quickly wiped off when the attack from the boy came.
"Naur: Daenor Anmegil"
A torrent of fire came out Robert's wand and struck the woman directly. Benon took advantage of the moment and sent a few arrows before taking off at full speed carrying Kemar on his arms and the two boys in his back. Robert then noticed that the other centaur had fainted and was starting to convulse. Another high pitched scream was heard in the forest.
"We'll help you" said Robert while pointing his wand at the fallen centaur. With the combined strength of the two children, they were able to levitate Kemar.
"Mobilicorpus"
Harry risked a glance back but the presence was completely gone. Sighing, he felt the adrenaline rushing out his body. After fifteen minutes of riding with the centaur and taking Kemar floating, the group of four arrived at a clearing. When the horse-man came to halt, Robert noticed that they were not alone. At least five dozens of centaurs were gathered around a group of people, but when the centaurs noticed the arrival of Benon and Kemar, everyone felt silent.
"What is the meaning of this" bellowed a black haired and bodied centaur, with a long dark mane. "Your son is behaving like a common mule as well, Barok!"
"Kemar is heavily injured Father" hollered Benon "He is been struck with some kind of poison"
A centaur approached and tried a few herbs and remedies but they weren't of any use. Kemar began gasping for air, his lungs closing because of the venom. Several other centaurs tried many other remedies but nothing seemed to help the agonizing Centaur.
Robert and Harry finally looked behind the centaur called Barok and saw Hagrid along with all his companions. At least no one had been badly injured, apart from some scratches. When they caught Ron's stare, both boys nodded, earning a confused stare from Draco. Hermione and Neville were quite nervous, being surrounded by a dozen centaurs themselves. Ignoring the stare of the whole Centaur clan, Hermione took a step and raised her voice.
"I can help him"
A few centaurs looked at each other and laughed it off. But after a couple moments that their doctor's efforts were in vain, they looked at the girl and opened way for her to approach their fallen brother. She quickly approached him and took a small object from her cloak.
"Open his mouth" she asked one of the Centaurs "He must swallow this"
After the horse-man obliged and Hermione forced Kemar to take her remedy, the Centaur stopped convulsing and started breathing normally. He looked at Hermione and nodded and with a simple spell, Hermione closed his wound.
"What was that Hermione" asked Ron when the girl returned to her friends
"Remember Snape's first class?" she replied smirking.
"Of course!" said Neville "A bezoar Hermione! pretty smart of you! Where did you get it?"
"Room of Requirement" she stated simply.
Whisperings began between the rest of the centaur Clan and an argument erupted. But not before Kemar whispered his thanks to the young witch.
"We have discussed this Bane, This time is different" replied calmly the leader of the Centaurs.
"If I may have a word father" said Benon, who had become the target of the centaurs piercing stares, as well as another centaur a couple of feet away, namely the one that they met before: Firenze.
The whole centaur clan became silent, but before the leader's son could speak, a howl was heard from behind the centaurs and Khelek came running towards Rob, who had barely managed to dismount Benon. Rob and Harry suddenly felt the stare of sixty centaurs on him and shuddered. Nevertheless they bowed before the leader of the Centaur clan without hesitation.
"My name is Robert Dumbledore and this is my friend Harry, Harry Potter" said the boy "And you shouldn't punish Benon or Kemar, we were attacked and forced to flee…"
"The Dumbledore boy you say?" asked Barok in a deep voice "We have been searching for you, young one, it is an honor to meet you. I already had the honor of meeting Harry Potter during our search for you" he said bowing.
Both boys then walked and stood with the other five students and thanked Barok for helping them.
"What is the difference!?" said Bane "They look at us as mere donkeys that serve under their command."
"Do you not see that unicorn?" Firenze bellowed at Bane. "Do you not understand why it was killed? Or have the planets not let you in on that secret? I set myself against what is lurking in this for est, Bane, yes, with humans alongside me if I must."
"Do not question my word young one" Bane replied angrily "Remember that I'm second to Barok and not because you are in my sister's house will you be tolerated for such inappropriate behavior. The same goes for Benon"
"As I remind you, Bane" said Barok calmly "I'm aware of the actions of both Firenze and Olen. I ordered them to carry the children. As for Benon, I'm certain that he had a good reason for breaking our rules"
"What could be a reason of such importance that they had to break a hundred years of traditions?" hollered a centaur behind them, and many other followed. Gathering all the courage she could muster, Hermione raised her wand and waved it complexly, and Harry and Rob smirked.
"Silencio Defero" she muttered and the whole centaur clan became quiet, but only in words. The tumult created made the ground shook, but the leader managed to calm them down and allowed the girl to cancel the spell.
"Finite Incantatem"
"Who are these Children?" hollered Bane "Long has been the time since a witch was able to put a curse on all of us at once. I believe Dumbledore was the last one who managed to achieve it. How dare you silence us girl?"
"If I may speak, father" interrupted Benon once again "There are more pressing matters than me and Firenze carrying children on our backs"
"Speak then, young one" said Bane "what could possibly be so troubling"
"There was a second evil" replied Benon "One of the enemies of old. I believe the skies have been misread. They didn't announce the coming of the second war, but the return of…them"
The whole clan backed down a few steps, centaur children and women gasped and some even cried. Several centaur warriors kicked the ground in anger and some elder ones huffed or crossed their arms and looked into the night sky.
"I have seen it as well, Bane" said Barok "but I didn't believe that it was the old enemy, how can you be certain"
"Because she was a vampire" said Robert, raising his voice "Am I right?"
The whole clan went silent.
"Is that true?" said Barok "A vampire in the forest without our knowing?"
Benon and Kemar nodded and began telling how they had found the two missing boys and how they had helped them escape the creature of the night. When they finished, Barok sent several groups of warriors to every point of the Forest, ordering to follow the trail of dead unicorns or the surviving Unicorn herds. A bark from the wolf called his attention. Robert and Harry approached the beast, and Harry was the first to speak.
"He looked sad when we couldn't find you" Draco said.
"Have they befriended the wolf guardians? Only when they sense danger is near, the Khaal'An approaches a human" hollered Bane "Troubling times these are indeed, if vampires lurk in the forbidden forest. We will need all the help we can get. Children you must send word to Dumbledore that we have been advised already."
"We shall then escort the children to the castle" said Barok. A centaur then approached his leader and whispered something before taking off once again. "It seems that the Headmaster is already waiting for you on the edge…"
"This is bigger than we thought" whispered Ron to everyone else.
"I have never heard my father of Centaurs or Vampires entering in the wizarding wars…" said Malfoy "And I don't think it is a good idea to ask… he could get suspicious"
"I can't believe it, though" said Neville "In one night you two managed to make friends with the Centaurs and some magic wolf I had never heard of. That was wicked!"
Several Centaurs offered to take them on their backs, but the six children refused, and not even with three centaurs they would be able to carry Hagrid. The latter, had been quiet during the whole event and was beyond shocked. Not in his wildest dreams had he imagined that he would face the entire Centaur clan.
"Hagrid are you ok?" asked Harry
"Yea, I am" said the giant man "I can't believe those wretched things are in the forest yeh know?"
After that, a dozen centaurs escorted them, brandishing powerful swords, spears, bows and arrows. The centaur medic helped cure Robert's ankle fully with a bit of the Centaurs own magical powers, and he began walking again in no time.
On the way back, few words were exchanged, most from Hermione who questioned the Centaur leader about their ways and their traditions. Oddly enough, the centaur was honored that such a young Witch was interested in their affairs and he assured she would be welcomed into the forest anytime. The Centaur leader told them that they had already sent heralds to the clans on other parts of the country and the continent to pass on the news.
Robert was still curious as to why Draco was getting along with them, and by the suspicious look of the three other Gryffindors, apart from Harry, he assumed they didn't know was well. Harry explained what had happened, and Draco confessed how he felt about his father.
"There's more to it, isn't it?" asked Ron raising and eyebrow, but Draco just nodded.
"Well Draco" said Ron smirking "I never thought you felt like that. Now we have a spy in Slytherin"
"What?!" hollered Draco "I didn't say anything about that!"
"Did you see what those people can do?" asked Harry "What if the Valari are with them? Don't you want to be different from your father? You don't have to do anything you don't want, but it will be really helpful if someone could tell us beforehand of an attack on the other houses"
The Slytherin boy sighed and after several minutes of being immersed in his own thoughts he answered.
"I can tell you that the Valari's influence doesn't end with the Slytherin. They have many spies in the other houses as well. I don't know personally anyone from Gryffindor, but somehow they manage to know some of your house's moves. So be careful in whom you do trust"
"You can't be serious" said Hermione "Why would someone from Hufflepuff betray their own house, they are supposed to be loyal, and Ravenclaw are supposed to be smart."
It was the first time that Hermione spoke directly to Draco, and he lowered his head. He had called her several nasty names before but he was truly sorry and his eyes told it.
"Its okay" Hermione told him "I suppose that you were trying to keep that image right?"
"Yes…" said Draco sadly "I am sorry Hermione"
"See?" said Neville patting his shoulder "that's a first Draco, not calling people by their last name. You will be just fine"
Khelel barked announcing the arrival at the forest's edge. The tall, blue cloaked headmaster was waiting patiently and smiling brightly he greeted the Centaur leader and the wolf companion. The horse-man began recounting the events on the night and both of them arrived at an agreement of cooperation.
"Shall this alliance be the seed to grow into a great friendship between our kinds, Master Centaur" said Dumbledore shaking the centaur hands.
"We should meet soon, Headmaster" said Barok deeply, turning around and leading the escort back into the forest shadows.
Harry and the other students approached Khelel and scratched his ears before joining Dumbledore and Hagrid on their way back to the Castle.
"An interesting Night, don't you think kiddo?" asked Dumbledore with the spark on his eyes.
"Yes it was pops" Rob said, confused at the Headmaster cryptic statement.
"Everything all right Harry?" the elder asked with an unusual sparkle on his eyes.
"Yes, Professor, we're all right" he answered nervously.
"The centaurs were quite startled…" the headmaster said absent minded.
"It was Voldemort…" said Harry "He's the one killing the unicorns"
Dumbledore was quiet for a couple of moments as they walked back, but then stopped abruptly and turned to see his six students.
"I must ask you, Harry, not to go searching for him" he said in a whisper "We are not sure who how many allies he have and you're not ready. Do not return to the forbidden forest. I will see to this matter personally."
Harry and his companions nodded softly. Before they split up, Harry approached Draco.
"Meet us on Saturday, on the seventh floor in front of the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy" the boy whispered, and Draco nodded in return before taking his leave to the dungeons.
Dumbledore escorted them to the Gryffindor common room, wishing them a good night's sleep before disappearing into the castle. Robert turned quickly and stopped them before they could go to their roommates.
"Come on, mate!" said Ron anxiously "It's already late, I need my sleep"
"We all know you need it" said Hermione rolling his eyes "But Rob says this is important so we should listen"
"Remember when we fell?" asked the headmaster's grandson.
"Yea, mate" said Ron "Harry here thought you were a goner; they couldn't find you anywhere."
"Well that's because when I was sent flying by the curse…"
When Robert and Harry finished telling their story, the faces of the rest of the Gryffindors would be hilarious if it hadn't been such a serious matter. Rob told them how he had opened the book and suddenly the room had come to life. He said that the eight people had said something about other heirs, and that Harry and he were two of them.
"By the way Hermione" said Robert smirking "Remember the charm you created? The multiple lights one? It worked…"
"Really?!" said Hermione ecstatic "That is two for two… did you see the multiple silencing one?"
"Yes Hermione" said Harry, rolling his eyes "It was pretty cool, the centaurs didn't know what hit them. So about that chamber…"
"I think we all should go in" said Robert "Just in case something happens to either one of us" he added pointing Harry "Who knows; perhaps you will learn a thing or two"
"And do you remember where that chamber was?" asked Hermione hopeful
"One of them said something about a beacon and something about the Ainur or whatever seeing it even when blind…." replied Robert "But the man also said that I needed to release the Ifrit… and I don't have any clue of how to do it…"
A/N: I really hope you are enjoying the story. Please, feel free to leave any comments or critics of the fanfic! I want to thank everyone who has left reviews, Anyways chapter 13 is coming up soon!
