Author's note: I have received several reviews that have included comments fearing the end of the story based on the final paragraph or sentence from a chapter. In true JKR fashion this story will conclude with an epilogue (already written) and the epilogue ends with the line "And that my friends is well and truly THE END". So as long as you see a heading that contains 'Part XX' and no final 'THE END' be confident that more will follow.
Harry's Future, Part 36
It was Monday morning and Harry was sitting at his desk, awaiting the arrival of his first class of the new term. He was starting with the fifth years of his new class in Applied Magic. He was feeling in a rather good mood. He was happy to be starting his sabbatical year and his knee was relatively pain free. This was largely due to a rather pleasant surprise he received the previous evening. As the welcome back feast was concluding, Professor McGonagall had informed him that as a result of concerns raised about the issues with his knee and the walk to and from the school it was decided to assign one of the thestral pulled carriages to him.
It was a bit odd to have the driverless carriage outside his door that morning but it made for a quick, painless ride and he was very grateful. So it was that as the students began to arrive they found him smiling and greeting them warmly.
"Good morning, fifth years. Please come in and find yourselves seats and we'll get started."
What they found was a slightly different arrangement than usual for a Hogwarts classroom. Harry recalled the remarks that Eleanor had made regarding the stories about him overawing some impressionable first year and he made a decision about how he was going to conduct all this classes. The students' desks had been pushed back a bit and a tall stool was on the floor directly in front of Harry's desk. After every one had taken their seats Harry stood up and using the cane stepped out from behind his desk and down off the raised platform. He sat on the stool and looked at the faces regarding him.
"Firstly, I'd like to thank you all for taking a risk and signing up for such a new course. As you saw from your list there is no formal textbook for the course. You'll be working from notes and assigned reading. As we need to we will also make reference to texts from other classes. As I said this is a new course and I and some of the other Professors have put in a lot of time this last year pulling it together. But that doesn't mean that we got it all right. So I'm going to be asking for your help this year. If you see things that don't make sense to you or you think might be presented in a better way, please feel free to let me know. You can talk to me after class, drop me a note or since I have a few more free periods then the other Professors there's a good chance I'll be sitting in the Great Hall and you can talk to me there," he said.
He looked out over the class, a group of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. Despite it being a new elective the classes for Applied Magic were fully subscribed so he had two sessions of each level, with two houses in each session. While very gratified at the response Harry privately hoped that he didn't wind up disappointing them. With a deep breath he began,
"So, let's begin."
And they did and by the time his first session was over he had to admit to himself that it went pretty well. He saw the students scribbling furiously as he talked. When he asked a question there were many hands raised and when he asked if anyone had any questions there were usually more than a few. When it came time to dismiss the class he was almost sad in a way, it had been great fun. But he realized there were many more to come over the span of the year so the feeling didn't linger.
That afternoon he had his first session with his first year DADA class. He intended to start it the same as he had when he was a teaching assistant but with the bad knee he wasn't prepared to make that walk so he had requested the assistance of a pair of senior students who had the afternoon free. His volunteers were a Ravenclaw seventh year witch and a Slytherin sixth year wizard.
Harry was using the DADA classroom with all it's strange and scary models and creatures and such so he started from the lower position on the stool. His two assistants were standing off to one side. Harry watched with a small smile as the group of eleven year olds walked into the room, looking about with wide eyes, and for some, not a small amount of anxiety.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Please, come in and find a seat. Don't worry about what you see here. Professor Weasley has assured me that nothing on display at the moment is anything to worry about. My name is Professor Potter and I'll be your instructor for the year. Over to my left," he indicated with his hand, "are my assistants for today. Ms. Evermore of Ravenclaw and Mr. Falmouth of Slytherin. It was my intention to take you on a little field trip to start us off, but I'm afraid if I went along we'd be at it all afternoon. So if you would please leave your books and bags and follow them they'll take you on a little walk and we'll talk about what you see when you return. Everyone ready? Ok, off you go."
Harry watched as the two older students herded the twenty or so first years out the door and down the corridor. While he waited for them to return he spent some time doing last minute checks of the displays he intended to use for the next few weeks. Then he checked his notes and skimmed through a volume on magic that he had come across in the school library the week before. The sound of a number of footsteps told him that his class was returning but there was no chatter of any kind. The first years looked very subdued. The two senior students wore serious expressions and hovered at the back of the class. Harry looked at them and said,
"Thank you for taking care of that for me. You're free to go."
"Um, sir, if you don't mind," Falmouth began, "I'd like to stay."
"So would I, sir," Evermore added.
"By all means, please be seated."
The two older students took seats at the back of the room. The first years were all seated by now and were looking at Harry. He took a breath and began.
"By show of hands, who saw names of family members in the memorial park?"
Five hands were raised.
"And who saw names of someone known to you or your family?"
This time a full dozen hands were raised.
"I have friends and family there myself. What you saw was the final resting place of the last fifty victims of a man who most know as Lord Voldemort, but whose real name was Tom Riddle. You're probably too young to really remember anything about him, but my two assistants are all too familiar with his name and exploits. The important thing for you to remember is that as powerful and notorious as Tom Riddle was to become, his life started very simply and tragically. Your first assignment is to talk to the seventh year prefect of your house and have them tell you what they know about Tom Riddle. Write it down and be prepared to talk to me about when we next meet."
He looked back at Evermore and Falmouth and said,
"Would you like to tell the class anything?"
"I would, sir," Evermore said.
She then stood up and began to tell what she knew of those dark days. As a witch in a fully magical family she was all too familiar with the name and the fear that it brought. She calmly discussed what she knew and what she had come to learn. She also spoke of Harry's part in the conflict. When she was done Harry looked to the Slytherin sixth year.
"Anything you'd like to add, Mr. Falmouth?"
"I don't think so, sir. I think she covered it very well."
"I thought so, too," he said with a smile. "Alright everyone, that will be all for today. But before you leave I know what you saw may have been a bit upsetting. But you should know that thanks to their sacrifice you all have a bright future ahead of you and that is cause for a few smiles, ok?"
He saw them brighten a bit and then waved them on. He then gestured for the two older students to come forward. When they were standing before them, Harry asked,
"So how were they?"
"Once we got outside they were very talkative and curious about what was going on. Once they got to the entrance to the park they got very quiet. I think a few of them had been there before, probably visiting with family. By the time we came out they all looked pretty much as you saw when they came back into the room," Evermore said.
"I remember what it was like when you took us through as first years. It made a real impression on all of us," Falmouth said quietly.
"Well, thank you for helping me out. I appreciate it," Harry replied.
"You're welcome," came the joint reply.
Harry had another interesting episode during one of his free periods on Wednesday afternoon. He had finished lunch and had taken a seat at the first year end of the Gryffindor table. There was a scattering of students at the tables but since it was still late summer, most with free time were outside. As he sat reading he felt eyes on him and he looked up to make eye contact with a young wizard in Hufflepuff colors sitting at the near end. Harry recognized him from his class and searched for name.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Rhys-Jones. How are you getting on?" he asked.
The boy, whose expression looked somber, just gave a shrug. Harry looked at him with a slight tilt to his head and then waved him over. The young wizard gave another little shrug and slid off the bench and came over and took a seat across the table from Harry.
"What seems to the problem? You look rather unhappy," Harry said.
"I dunno, sir. I guess I'm just having a hard time getting used to being here, I suppose."
"How so?" Harry prompted.
"Well, sir, I'm muggle born, so it's all so strange," the boy said.
"I know what you mean. I was raised in a muggle family. My parents were a witch and wizard but they died when I was very young. I didn't know what to make of all this when I first got here. It helped that I made a couple of good friends right off, how about you?"
"That's been a little difficult. You see, I'm the youngest of four brothers and none of them are magical. People thought I was a little strange because odd things would happen around me sometimes. I guess it was the magic. I have an uncle no one talks about so I think it might be the same with him. Anyways, it was tough making friends because I was different. Even my brothers didn't want to have me around. My oldest would stick up for me if I was getting bullied but they didn't want to play with me or anything. When I got my letter it kind of made sense and I thought that I was going to be around people like me," he said and then got quiet.
"And?"
"It's been kind of tough because I'm muggle born and it seems most of the rest are either from magical families or at least half-and-half. It's like I don't fit again but from the other side if you see what I mean."
"All your dorm mates are from magical families, then?" Harry asked.
"Three are and the other is half-and-half."
"What about the girls?"
"The girls, sir?" the boy said with that all too familiar eleven year old look where girls are concerned.
"Mr. Rhys-Jones, one of my very best friends is, or I should say, was a girl from my class. She was muggle born and it took a little while but we became and remain very close. In fact, she's married to my brother-in-law, who is also my best friend. Are there any muggleborns among the girls?"
"There might be one, I think, but I'm not sure, sir."
"Well, that's a place to start. You might also want to consider some of the clubs here at the school. The thing to remember, Rhys-Jones, is that you can't expect things to come to you. You might have to go out and look for the answers yourself. Give it some thought and see what you can come up with. If you have any more questions or anything else that's bothering you, come look for me, alright?"
"Yes, sir," the boy said, getting up and walking away, looking thoughtful.
That night he was home for dinner and was telling Ginny about what went on. Ginny looked at him and said,
"That poor little fellow. He's having a tough time finding a place for himself."
"I have an idea though that might help him specifically and maybe make a statement about the whole magical vs. muggle born thing," he said and he laid out what he had in mind.
By the time he was finished she was smiling broadly.
"That sounds like a great idea, Harry. You might also consider introducing him to Abagail. She could give him a pretty unique perspective on what it's like to feeling different."
Harry nodded and thought it was a good idea and he made a note to discuss things like this with his wife. He was pretty sure it would make his job a lot easier. At the next session of DADA for the first years he sat on his stool and looked at the faces of his students. He saw Rhys-Jones sitting a few rows back, not looking much happier than the last time he talked to him.
"Ok, ladies and gentlemen. I have a new assignment for you. We'll take some time to get you started and then you can spend the rest of the class working on it. First, who here comes from a non-magical family?"
Rhys-Jones, one Hufflepuff girl and three Ravenclaws raised their hands.
"Alright, you and you," he said pointing at the two Hufflepuffs, "will work together, as will you three. You're to write an essay about what it was like growing up in your family, finding out you had magic abilities and then coming to Hogwarts. Use today as the end point. I'd like to see about nine inches of parchment," he said and then he looked at the two Hufflepuffs.
The young witch was looking over at Rhys-Jones with a shy smile and a little wave. The boy gave her a nod and crooked grin.
"Ok, next. How many of you come from mixed families, one parent of each?"
One Hufflepuff and two Ravenclaws raised hands.
"Good. Your assignment is similar. Tell me what it was like having one magical and one non-magical parent. Remember I'm not looking for anything specific here, just your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You," he said pointing to the singular Hufflepuff, "can limit your essay to six inches of parchment since you're working alone.
"Now that should mean," Harry continued, "that the rest of you come from fully magical families; in one way or another. Your assignment will be a bit different. From you I want a full nine inches on what it was like growing up in a magical family in a mostly non-magical world. You can pair off as you'd like. Everyone understand what I want?"
A Ravenclaw witch raised her hand.
"Yes?"
"Pardon me, sir, but what does this have to do with Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
"That's a good question, but I'm not going to answer it right now. In fact, after this assignment is done, I might just ask you for the answer," he said with a smile.
The girl looked a little confused but nodded.
"Ok, get your heads together and see what you can do. You'll have a full week to complete this assignment so give it some thought."
Harry sat back and watched as the class broke up into little groups. He paid particular attention to the pairing of Rhys-Jones and the muggle born witch. Her initial shy smile quickly evolved into a great deal of talking as she began to scribble on some parchment, and eventually the boy began to add comments of his own. The other students were also warming up and a great deal of low level talking was going on. There was a lot of note taking and by the time Harry called the class to an end it appeared that a fair amount of headway was made.
"Alright, everyone. That's it for today. Remember, you have a week to complete your assignment. Make sure the name of each member of your team is written on the parchment. See you next time."
Harry watched them leave, with Rhys-Jones and the young witch having an animated conversation. Actually, the young witch was animatedly conversing while the young wizard listened. It didn't appear that he minded in the least. Harry smiled and followed them out of the room and towards the Great Hall for lunch. He made his way to the side entrance that was close to the Head table and climbed the short staircase of the dais. Hagrid was already there and waved to him.
"Hullo there, Harry, or should I say Professor Potter?" he said with a big grin. "Got word from the Centaurs for ya. If'n ya think ya can make the trip they'd likes ya to come see 'em on Sat'rday."
"I think I can handle it, Hagrid. Just warn them it will be a slower walk then last," he said with a grin.
"Cheers, Harry. I figger they'd be patient with ya."
Bill walked up to his chair and said,
"Hello there gentlemen, how is everyone?"
"Doing well, thanks, Bill. How are Fleur and Victoire?" Harry asked.
"Doing well, Harry. Fleur says I am to give you a good looking over and let her know if you don't look well. Little Victoire is starting to talk a bit. We think she's saying 'mama' but we can't tell if it's with a French accent or not," Bill said with a chuckle. "How's my sister doing?"
"Good. She said the morning sickness is easing up so she's happy. The owls are getting a work out taking messages back and forth with the builders. Mum is helping keep an eye on them."
Harry noticed Hagrid was hanging on every word about how Ginny was feeling. Anything to do with his soon to arrive godchild got his immediate attention. Harry had the feeling that his first born was going to be a very well looked after child, much to his or her probable dismay. After lunch was over Abagail hurried up to the dais as Harry was coming down the staircase.
"Hiya, Professor," she said with a big grin.
"Miss Westwood, how very nice to see you this afternoon," Harry said formally and very seriously.
Abagail looked back at him with surprise. Then she saw the little smirk start and she started to laugh. Harry then leaned down and said,
"Hello, there little one. Ginny told me to tell you that she'd really like it if you could have dinner with us on Saturday. Kreacher is looking forward to cooking for more then just two of us."
"Sure, Harry, that would be great. But with you around doesn't Kreacher have to cook for three anyway?" she said with a perfectly straight face.
Harry started to laugh and just waved her on her way. By the time Saturday morning arrived Harry was anxious to have his meeting with the Centaurs. Ginny was going to accompany him as far as Hagrid's hut where she was going to spend some time working on the text for the Magical Creatures book. One of the reasons she invited Abagail for dinner was to have a discussion about the book. Now that she had made a commitment to the project she was approaching it with her typical dogged determination.
As they strolled slowly along the path down to Hagrid's hut the quiet took them by surprise. They had expected to be met by the booming bark of Norbie. They presumed that Abagail was down there already and they were right. Nearing the hut they could see that she was sitting on a stool near the back of the stone house sketching something that was inside one of Hagrid's hutches. Norbie was sitting close by and he acknowledged their presence with some tail wags. Abagail was oblivious and Harry was glad the dog at least was alert. Hagrid came outside with his massive tea mug in hand and said,
"Morning, ya two. Good ta see yas. Harry, Bane told me for ya ta just start in and they'd meet ya on the trail. Cuppa, Ginny?" Hagrid asked.
"Thank you, yes, Hagrid. Harry? You'll be careful won't you?" Ginny said.
"Of course, love. Besides, I doubt the Centaurs would let anything happen to me," he said with a grin.
He gave a little wave and began his walk into the forest. It was a little cooler under the trees but the late summer humidity lingered. He had gone perhaps a hundred feet when he was hailed from further into the shadows.
"Hail, Serpent King."
"Hello, Bane, it's very good to see you again," Harry said.
"Friend Harry Potter, the elders have asked that you attend the circle this day. There are things about the herd that would be proper for you to know."
"I'd be honored," Harry replied solemnly.
Harried began moving down the trail and Bane fell in beside him. With just the one Centaur it was easy for them to both walk the path. Bane looked down as he paced slowly at Harry's side.
"The injury causes you trouble, Harry Potter?"
"Some days are better than others, Bane. Fortunately today is a good day but I still have to be careful, especially on uneven ground."
The Centaur simply nodded his acknowledgement. They walked in silence for a few moments and then Bane spoke again.
"One had observed that your mate was not entirely pleased when your broomstick was returned to you. Did she find something amiss with its care, Serpent King?"
"No, Bane. My mate's issue was not with the care, but the caregiver. I am afraid that she can take offense far too easily where another female is involved, particularly if she thinks too much attention is being paid. It is an issue that has arisen from time to time," Harry replied with a smile.
"Ah, yes. It is much the same amongst we Centaurs. It is well to have someone so devoted but sometimes the strength of emotion can cloud judgment. It is true in many things," Bane said with a touch of sadness.
"I'm afraid you're right."
They continued on in silence until they reached the ring of large trees and Bane stepped ahead of Harry to lead him through to the dimly lit clearing. As before a large number of Centaurs were standing around the perimeter of the clearing. Unlike before a section of a tree trunk had been placed in front of where Harry was standing about half way between the edge of the clearing and the center, where the elder Centaur from the before was standing.
"Welcome, Serpent King. We are pleased to have you among us once more. The extent of you injury is known to us and we have provided as we could for your comfort," he said while gesturing to the tree trunk.
Harry made his way forward, being careful not to let the cane push too far into the soft loamy soil of the clearing. It was about a yard across and somewhat less tall, the visible cut end had been smoothed.
"It is much more than adequate, sir, and your consideration for my condition is much appreciated," Harry said with a slight bow.
"It is but a small thing in recompense for the service you provided to all on that dark night. It is known that Bane and Ronin informed you of our observations of your conflict with the abased creature and the outcome. Friend Hagrid told us of your chastisement of those responsible. These are deeds worthy of our profoundest respect. We are also aware that you are a rarity among the wizard folk, a humble human," the elder said with a touch of humor in his tone. "As such we will not dwell on expressions of admiration but to simply give our thanks for your actions. We also know that you are a scholar of magic, not for the power it brings, but for the joy of the knowing and the desire to share and spread such knowledge. After much discussion, it was decided that as a demonstration of our thanks and admiration we would share with you the story of the herd. Much of what you will hear has never been heard by one of your kind. We ask that you hold such things to yourself, Serpent King."
"This is a magnificent gift and I hope I prove worthy of your trust. Perhaps at some time in the future we might discuss making more about the Centaurs known to the rest of the magical world. Perhaps that could be a path to better relations between us," Harry replied.
"Perhaps, Serpent King and something to consider. But for now, please make yourself at ease and we shall begin."
Harry found that he could sit at the edge of the 'chair' and take all the weight off his left leg. He settled in and gave his attention to the elder. What unfolded for Harry was a fascinating tale of a people who freely roamed the land. While never great in numbers they held sway over large swaths of land by virtue of their swift and tireless bodies. The telling of the tale was almost as absorbing as the story itself. The cadence of his speech held Harry's attention without dulling the senses, regardless of how long he listened. Then another Centaur took up the story. This one was not as old as the first for he showed only a few signs of gray in his mane and tail. He told the story of the first coming of men to their land.
The Centaurs considered them creatures to be pitied for their small size and lack of sufficient legs. They covered the distances at a crawl it seemed to them. But they were clever and persistent and their numbers grew at an alarming rate. It soon became evident that in their quest for ever more living space men would soon destroy the Centaurs if something was not done.
So the Centaurs faded to the high country or lands where forests were deep and dark. They would emerge only on moonless nights and for those men foolish or unfortunate enough to come into those places, they were rarely ever seen again. And since they were no longer free to roam the lands they looked for other things to occupy their time and so they turned their attention to the skies and the stars therein. In the passing of eons they discerned patterns and those that were gifted enough could decipher those patterns into signs and so they became the skywatchers who linked the stars to the events around them.
A third Centaur took up the telling and her voice, although not so deep as a male, still carried easily to Harry and it carried more than a touch of sadness. She told how over time they discovered among men those who likewise sought signs in the night sky and it was thought that perhaps this would provide a link that might make for some form of coexistence and in the early days it was so. But then there arose among the humans wielders of magic who sought to hold sway over their own kind and other creatures as well and there was great conflict but as the non magic users were vastly greater in numbers, they prevailed and many among the witches and wizards were destroyed and the creatures associated with them were pushed back into the hinterlands.
"And so we come to this time, Serpent King. Small scattered herds known to those of wizardom but separate and proud to be so. Where the Goblinkind would often engage in open revolt we have remained to ourselves for often has any attempt to treat with those on two legs resulted in treachery and hardship," at this last she nodded to him once and stepped back.
Harry had sat as if spellbound. As he came back to himself he felt the stiffness that had settled in to his body. He took his cane and levered himself up from the trunk section. He looked at the eldest and with a half smile said,
"I beg your pardon, sir, but I need to walk out a bit of the stiffness."
The Centaurs watched silently as Harry paced back and forth a bit, loosening up his legs, particularly the left, as best he could. After a few moments he stopped and faced the assembled elders.
"You have shared with me a gift that has no measure. More than the sum total of the knowledge itself was the sense of kinship that lay under the words," he said as he looked at the solemn faces. "For an orphan that has more meaning then you may realize. I can now more fully understand your concerns about sharing such knowledge. I, as I am sure most of my kind, had always thought that the Centaurs were somehow related to humans. Perhaps some crossing with horses somehow in the past. I don't think that that is the way of it now. It would seem that you are creatures of your own lineage and we simply share certain features in common. I will respect your wishes and hold what I've learned to myself."
The eldest Centaur walked towards Harry and came to stand directly before him. He reached out and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. His brown eyes locked with Harry's green.
"For one so young you show great wisdom and understanding, friend Harry Potter."
The use of his name surprised Harry but he tried not to let it show.
"It would appear we have judged rightly in more fully revealing ourselves to you and it is hoped that in the years to come such revelation will bear fruit for us all. We are done here now, Serpent King, for the time being. I will take it upon myself to bear you company to the forest edge. I would speak privately to you."
"I would be honored and pleased," Harry said.
He gestured for Harry to walk ahead of him until they cleared the ring of trees and stood on the trail. Then they proceeded to walk slowly side by side.
"I am known among the herd as 'eldest', friend Harry Potter. You may choose to call me that or you may use my true name, Zentese. I would like to ask of you a question."
"Certainly."
"Friend Hagrid has told Bane and Ronin that your time here among us is intended to be only a passing of a few seasons. Is that so?"
"Yes, friend Zentese, it is. The Ministry has granted me leave to teach for a full term here at Hogwarts and then I'm to return to my duties as Chief of Magical Law Enforcement."
"Yet this causes you much concern, does it not?" Zentese asked.
"Yes, it does," Harry said. "Is it that obvious?"
"We watch, we listen, we learn."
Harry just looked up and over at his companion and nodded.
"Would you choose to do otherwise?" Zentese asked.
"My heart tells me to remain to do what I love in a place that I love. My head tells me that I have a duty to the magical world to continue my task of protecting that world and helping set things right at the Ministry. There are those that think I could do more here to make that happen than by going back to the Ministry," Harry replied.
"It is a terrible thing to be in conflict with oneself. Others may think they know the right path but you alone must be convinced for you must walk it. I can offer you no more wisdom than that which you already posses. But know that the herd would be pleased if you were close at hand," the eldest concluded.
"Thank you, eldest. I would ask you a question if I may."
"Of course, friend Harry Potter."
"It was mentioned when my broomstick was found that it was sticking upright in the ground in the very center of the circle. Apparently some within the herd thought it had some meaning. Do you believe there is anything to that?"
The eldest made a sound that appeared to be a cross between a human laugh and the whinny of a horse. He looked down at Harry and said,
"It is true that Centaurs seek many answers from nature. The signs in the stars, the sounds in the forest, the behavior of the woodland creatures. Unfortunately far too many of us see that anything out of the usual is a sign. It may be that you, like other humans, have come to see the Centaurs as all wise, all seeing beings. I'm afraid that is far from the truth."
He looked down at Harry and continued,
"Have you ever wondered, Serpent King, why it is that Bane and Ronin are always the ones who have met with you?"
"No, but now that you mention it I suppose I thought it had to do with the unease Centaurs have about being at the edge of the forest and that those two didn't mind it so much," Harry replied.
"There may be some merit in that thought. But it is not the reason. Bane and Ronin, will most likely in the fullness of time, take their place in the center of the meeting circle. They are two of the most wise, intelligent and capable of their generation. We hold no greater claim on wisdom then do humans or Goblins or any other creature. We are simply more selective of what we reveal to the wider world," Zentese said, his lip curling in the first grin he had seen on any Centaur other then Firenze.
"The truth as I see it this, friend Harry Potter. Your broom fell where it fell because when you released it, it tumbled to the tree tops and the circular formation and sloping branches of the trees guided it there. The ground is soft and the tip easily buried itself. And there you have it. I could be wrong but I think not. Just as the stars fail to tell all, so it is with nature. Sometimes a falling leaf lands on your head simply because your head was in the way of a falling leaf."
Harry looked at the ground as he slowly paced along the trail. He looked up at the Centaur who was regarding him in silence.
"I'll make sure I keep that in mind, eldest."
"We have come as far as I will go with you, friend Harry Potter. We will speak anon. Fare the well."
"Farewell, Zentese. And thank you for a very interesting and enjoyable day," Harry replied.
The elder Centaur nodded his head once in acknowledgment and then turned and headed back into the shadows at a trot. Harry watched till he couldn't see him anymore and then turned and walked the last hundred feet or so out into what he could tell was the afternoon sun. He saw Ginny hurrying over to meet him with Hagrid and Abagail watching from the door of the hut.
"My goodness, Harry, we were starting to get worried. You were gone for over six hours."
"That long? I know it took some time to walk in and out but I hadn't realized the story had taken that long to tell," Harry said thoughtfully.
"What story is that?" she asked as she took Harry's arm and led him over to the hut.
"Their story. Of Centaurs in general and this herd in particular. It was fascinating and the way it was told was spellbinding. I can imagine that that was what it was like for our ancestors sitting around a fire listening to a village or tribal elder telling a story or relating their shared history before they learned to write it all down. It was an amazing experience," he finished quietly.
"Is it something that we should put in the book?" she asked.
"No. They specifically told me they don't want it shared openly and I understand why. In fact, I don't think it would be appropriate to put the Centaurs in that book. I think the same applies for the goblins and house elves. They are more than just magical creatures. Unless you decide to put in witches and wizards," he replied looking at her seriously.
She looked back at him for a moment and then nodded her agreement.