Notes: Sorry for the delay, and also sorry for those of you who haven't gotten any replies this week. This was mostly because I've been mostly away from the computer or out of town, so though I've read most of my messages (and I'm really thankful for them), I couldn't really find the right moment to sit down and reply to them. I'll get to that right after this.

Chapter 44: Horsing around

…..

"I can't thank yeh enough." Hagrid said, truly moved as he led Zidane through the dark forest.

The genome on the other hand sighed, asking himself why he ever agreed to this in the first place. He could still hear the sound of trees being uprooted all the way from over here.

They had managed to calm Grawp enough to get away, all because the giant seemed to think he looked funny or amusing while dodging trees. After a while, he stopped ripping off trees from anger and began doing it because he wanted to see his acrobatic maneuvers instead. Needless to say, he was still a little out of breath, though thankfully, injury free.

'Let's just keep it this way.' The blonde thought to himself as he trudged onwards.

His thoughts however, came to an abrupt halt when he heard a rather distinct sound echoing through the forest. It was like the trilling of a bird song, but more peaceful and beautiful than any he had ever heard before.

"Tha's strange. I think tha's Fawkes." Hagrid said, brow furrowed as he listened closely.

"That's Dumbledore's phoenix, right?" Zidane asked with a frown. That would explain why he didn't recognize it. While he had heard Phoenix, the Eidolon before, it was always during battle so it felt encouraging rather than peaceful. It wasn't like the short chirps he'd heard from Fawkes before, either. And yet this brought up another question; what could that bird be doing so deep inside the Forbidden Forest? "Wait, so does that mean that Dumbledore is here as well?"

"Strange, but not all that 'nheard of. Let's 'ave a closer look, it's not too far." Hagrid said gruffly as he proceeded to move towards the sound of the phoenix call, Zidane following hesitantly behind. He still thought that staying inside the forest for any longer wouldn't be the best idea.

Five or so minutes of walking later, and the pair was greeted by a large clearing inside the forest, complete with a small river flowing right through it. Unlike the rest of the forest, there was actually sunlight in this spot, passing unfiltered through the canopy of trees. Birds sang around and small critters seemed to be going about their own business, which at least made the whole place seen less eerie and foreboding than the rest of the forest. In the center of the clearing they saw Fawkes perched on Dumbledore's arm before flying away; said wizard was talking animatedly with a centaur. It wasn't just any centaur though. Zidane quickly recognized him as Firenze, the blonde centaur that took him back to the castle during his last, rather unfortunate, visit to the forest.

"Ah, Hagrid, Zidane, what a pleasant surprise." Dumbledore said as he greeted the pair. "I believe you are all acquainted with Firenze."

"Hey." Zidane greeted the palomino. Hagrid nodded at the centaur as well.

"Zidane Tribal. I must say it's been many moons since our last meeting. Unfortunately, I can't approve on your coming here. The forest is dangerous for one such as yourself." The centaur said sternly.

"I won't stay long, and it's not like I'm bringing any attention to myself either, so it should be fine, right?" The genome countered.

"I suppose." The centaur said, thoughtfully.

"I thought centaurs didn't go hurtin' foals, well kids." Hagrid said, frowning as he looked down at the blonde.

"My tribe would hardly consider him a foal, I'm afraid. To them, he is an abomination with no place on this earth… no offence." The centaur said, having the decency of at least looking apologetic towards the blonde. "Bane did not hesitate to shoot the first arrow the last time, and he will not hesitate again. In fact, he was rather upset that his quarry got away."

"I can imagine. Though I suppose things won't get better now that the Ministry's got your tribe riled up, will they?" Zidane asked, already knowing the answer. Firenze shook his head.

"Professor Dumbledore, sir, isn't it too dangerous ter go alone for you as well? I would've gladly gone with you." The large man said, but the old wizard simply shook his head.

"No need, dear boy. Besides, what kind of headmaster is unable to go around the grounds of his own school?" The old wizard said with a chuckle.

"I didn't see you as the type to go out and do field work." Zidane said with surprise.

"Well, I must say, leaving that office is actually quite exhilarating." The old man said, rubbing his long beard. "The kind of business I had here isn't the type that can easily be brought up to my office in the castle."

"And what is this business?" The blonde asked.

"Would you care to walk with me for a bit?" Dumbledore asked the genome. Clearly, this was going to take some time.

"I'm not getting any answers unless I do." Zidane responded with a shrug.

"Well Firenze, it's been a pleasure as always. Hagrid as well. But if you two gentlemen would now excuse us." The old wizard said before leading the blonde genome into the woods once more.

They walked for a bit, the scent of decaying leaves in the air around them. Other than the sound of an occasional bird or small animal, there was nothing but silence. Then, after what felt like an eternity, Dumbledore spoke.

"Do you remember when we first met?" The old man asked and Zidane tried to think back. It felt like such a long time had passed since then, though it was really just a few months ago.

"You mean when I woke up, blind-folded and immobilized on that chair?" Zidane replied with a hint of sarcasm, and surprisingly enough, a bit of humor.

Dumbledore chuckled. "I suppose we were quite harsh on you, and I really do apologize. Thrown into a world different from your own and then being caught up in such a conflict; it must have been difficult for you."

"Well, it hasn't exactly changed much." The blonde deadpanned. "I believe I told you, I don't like being interrogated, especially when it's done by the side I'm on. You spoke of taking a leap of faith; the same faith I placed on all of you when I decided to sit down on that chair instead of running away. What happened to that faith, huh?"

"I have no excuse, not me and not the Order. We were all blinded by fear, and as a result, fell victims to the same manner of thinking that birthed evils like Grindelwald and Tom Riddle; a deep sense of distrust and fear of those different from us. Your brother has delved in the Dark Arts, am I correct?" Dumbledore asked.

Zidane gave a dry laugh. "Well we don't really have 'Dark Arts' per say, though I can't say he fit your definition of 'good', either. But…he's changed. There's good inside of him, and I know it. He knows it too, though he doesn't admit it."

"So my assumptions were correct." The old man said, closing his eyes.

"And yet you still allow him to stay?" Zidane asked in surprise.

"I am a firm believer of second chances Mr. Tribal. I would be a hypocrite if I said otherwise considering myself, and well, Severus… but, I believe that's a story for another day." The wizard said, eyes twinkling behind half-moon glasses, before acquiring a more serious look. "Suspicious attitude aside, there was no reason for such an intervention on behalf of the Order, and for that, I apologize. The others apologize as well, not as allies, but as friends, at least they hope to still be friends after that incident."

"Why now though? Why not right after the holidays were over?" The thief asked with a hint of irritation.

"Why indeed? I guess it's as the saying goes; 'we do not truly know what we have until we lose them." Dumbledore answered, receiving only questioning looks from the genome. "My dear boy, news may not easily leave Hogwarts now because of Dolores Umbridge, but the Wizarding community is a curious thing. Trust me when I say that when a Quidditch player gets his head nearly split open by a bludger during a game, suddenly just about every parent or guardian will know, and as you may have noticed, word travels surprisingly fast."

Zidane groaned as he recalled the match.

"Molly was beside herself. I believe she even wanted to force young Ronald and Ginevra off the team, had it not been for some persuasion from the other adults. I'm afraid the lack of get-well-soon gifts were due to Dolores's interference and because it would have been a cause of suspicion. They all do send their regards however, and hope that you stay safe and out of unnecessary trouble." The old man said with a small smile.

The blonde raked a hand through his head, his other hand on his hip. "Geez, that's kinda embarrassing. Though, I can't really say I'm mad with them. I mean, I was disappointed, and maybe felt a bit betrayed, but I can't really say that I hate any of them."

"A wise man knows when to forgive." Dumbledore said with a warm smile.

"Well I'm not too sure about the wise part." The teen replied, then shaking his head as he recalled what brought on this conversation in the first place. "You never did tell me what you were doing here."

The wizard before him gave a sad smile. "It was my wish to hire Firenze as our new Divination Professor. After all, centaurs are experts on the subject."

"Wait, you're hiring a new Professor? What about Trelawney then? I mean, I don't particularly like her or anything, but why look for a replacement so soon. It's not like she's gotten sacked yet." Zidane began, but then fell silent as realization hit him.

"I managed to get intel from a reliable source. It appears Umbridge's request to dismiss Sybill has finally been approved." The old wizard said. "I came to this forest today to find an appropriate substitute, and I can only be grateful that Firenze is willing to help us. Otherwise, by law, the Ministry would be the one tasked with finding a suitable replacement."

"And slowly begin to increase their influence inside the school." Zidane surmised and the old wizard nodded. "I can't even imagine what the school would look like with two Umbridges."

"Nor can I. That's why these precautions must be placed. While Umbridge can dismiss our staff, she cannot banish them from the grounds so at least I can still provide a roof over dear Sybill's head. A seer is a hard career to choose, I'm afraid. While I believe she has had visions of the future, true prophecies as you might call them, the inner eye is a rather fickle thing." Dumbledore said with a sigh.

"I figured as much, though I'm not a big fan of prophecies anyways." Zidane said, remembering his own supposed reason for existing. It wasn't really that he hated the prophecies themselves, he just really disliked the idea of something else pulling the strings; that his actions weren't something of his own volition, but rather, predetermined by something else.

"The will to forge your own path, despite the uncertainty of the future and the chains of the past; I believe it's a very admirable trait." The wizard said, inspecting the blonde with those blue eyes of him that seemed to look right into his soul. "There is another reason I wanted to talk to you personally though. I'm afraid we got a bit sidetracked."

"Is this about what you were going on earlier?" Zidane asked. "About when we first met?"

"Back then, I recall telling you that the Ministry would be interfering in Hogwarts. I also believe I told you that there would be a time when I would no longer be able to protect this school from the Ministry's interference; a day I would be eventually forced to flee." Dumbledore said, looking at him, eyes completely serious.

"You mean you're leaving? But why?!" The blonde asked in surprise, his tone becoming harsher.

"Do not misunderstand me. I do not wish to leave the school willingly, but I fear I was right when I spoke to you all those months ago. It had just been an inkling of an idea back then, a possibility that seemed so far away. But now I fear that the more time passes, the more probable that idea becomes. The Ministry will now stop at nothing to see me leave Hogwarts behind. Rather, I believe it's been Cornelius' intentions from the start; to begin with the teachers and slowly move his way towards the headmaster." Dumbledore explained, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Back then I asked you if you would become my trump card, and today I wanted to ask again whether or not that deal still stands. Will you stand by our side in these following days of strife? Will you watch over Harry while I am gone, and ensure that Voldemort does not reach him?"

"I've gotta admit it, lately I haven't really paid Harry much mind since he's been relatively safe in the school. But if what you say is true, then things are gonna get a lot more hectic around here. But when it comes to it, I'll make sure to keep a close watch on him when that happens. They're my friends too, you know." Zidane said, a smile working its way to his face.

A melodic trilling filled the air, making both look into the air above. With a graceful turn, Fawkes descended over them before landing on Dumbledore's shoulder. With a chime-like croon, the phoenix extended his leg to expose the piece of parchment tied to it.

"Ah, I believe I must return now. There's still business to take care of and I have been gone for far too long." Dumbledore said as he pocketed the piece of parchment. "Though before I forget, I've managed to find a possible way to take you back to your world. Your brother's notes on the subject were most fascinating. I believe that if we can somehow specify the location of a reverse summoning then it would all work out."

"A reverse summoning? You mean like summoning an Eidolon?" Zidane asked with a frown.

"I am not quite keen on the details of Eidolon summoning, but yes, I believe it would be quite similar to that." The old wizard said as he took hold of Fawkes. "For now, however, I bid you adieu."

There was a flash of fire and the old wizard was gone, leaving the genome standing there, thought of finally returning home running through his mind.

'Home.' The cyan-eyed teen thought with a smile. He had been so busy thinking about Harry, the war, the Order, and well, Hogwarts that he had forgotten about his own home. 'I wonder what everyone is up to.'

"Oh there ya are!" Hagrid's voice boomed from over some trees. "I was wonderin' where ye got to. Firenze already left, 'an I figure we should head back." Hagrid said, making the teen realized that they had indeed been in the forest for quite some time. He hoped that Neville didn't start a search party or something.

"Yeah, we should go." The genome replied in a hurry as he asked half-Giant to lead the way.

They were about to get a move on, when they were interrupted by the sudden sound of several hoofs stamping on the ground. It seemed to be coming from pretty closeby, making the hair on the genome's tail stand on end. Something told him that it wasn't the Thestrals out for a stroll.

"Centaurs." The half-giant said, confirming his fears. It seemed like it was finally time to high-tail it out of here or risk getting into another mess.

The two were about to make a break for it, when another sound made them both instantly freeze. It was a cry, rather someone was crying out in pain. Zidane furrowed his brow in anger, he recognized the voice.

"Come on!" The blonde said as he ran towards the source of the sound, centaurs be damned. "Firenze is in trouble!"

Zidane ran, feeling the cold air enter his lungs, his steps seeming weightless over the foliage compared to the thunderous stomps of his half-giant companion. The cries continued, making both males quicken their pace.

'Please be alright.' Zidane pleaded as they neared the source of the sound. Behind him, Hagrid struggled to keep the blonde genome in his sight.

After breaking through the thick woods and into a clearing, the cyan-eyed teen felt anger bubble in his veins at the sight. There were at least a dozen centaurs, all of them surrounding the fallen form of Firenze. Kicks and stomps were directed towards the palomino, leaving harsh red hoof imprints on his skin.

"STOP IT!" Zidane yelled, his sudden cry making the centaurs stop in their tracks. There was a resulting silence in the clearing as the centaurs turned to stare at him; the intruder. And then, another familiar centaur stepped forth, this one dark haired and overall wild looking.

"You! You dare trespass our territory again, you abomination." The centaur shouted, riling up the centaurs behind him as well. "My arrow missed the last time we met, but it will not fail this time."

"Do not harm him Bane, he is but a foal." Firenze called out weakly as he attempted to get up.

"Stay out of it! You have shamed our tribe enough!" Bane cried out.

"Bane stand down! He's a Hogwarts student, for Merlin's sake!" Hagrid shouted, still panting and out of breath as he entered the clearing.

"That thing is not natural!" Bane retorted, his long bow already in his hands, arrow ready to be strung. Hagrid looked surprised, but quickly stepped protectively in front of the blonde.

Zidane however, was not having any of that.

"Hagrid, take Firenze back to the castle. I'll draw them away so you two can escape." Zidane said quietly so as to not be overheard, his eyes not straying from the dark centaur's.

"I ain't leavin'ye behind." Hagrid said, crossbow held in his massive hands.

"Now is not the time, man. Firenze needs you, so just do it. You're the only one that can get him out of here." Zidane said quietly as he moved forwards, his hand silently moving under his cloak to reach for his wand.

Noticing the slight movement, Bane quickly shot the arrow towards the genome's head, but Zidane was already on the move. Ducking low to the ground the arrow sailed right over his head before burrowing itself deep into the bark of a tree behind. Not wasting a moment, the blonde drew his wand, putting to use the several hours he had spent practicing in the DA.

"Reducto!" Zidane called out, a ray of blue light shooting out of his wand.

The centaur reared up, dodging the curse, but Zidane had been expecting that. The ground exploded upwards when the light hit the ground, creating a curtain of dirt that gave him cover from the rain of arrows that was sent his way by the other centaurs.

"GET HIM!" Bane roared, all semblance of composure lost as he called the others to attack, only to find out that their target was gone.

"Looking for me?" Zidane taunted from up one of the thick forest trees, wand in his right hand and dagger now in the left, his very-visible tail wrapped around the branch he stood on from up on his hazardous perch.

Angry cries rose from the crowd below as the centaurs caught sight of their quarry. Sparing Hagrid a quick look, the genome quickly turned tail and ran, or rather, began to jump from branch to branch before the centaurs could properly aim their bows again. He knew there was no way he could outrun a centaur on the ground. He could run fast, but he didn't have nearly the endurance necessary for the trip to the castle, especially on this type of ground. He was in their turf now and he knew it.

Arrows sailed past his form, just barely missing his left arm. They were gaining on him now, but amongst the sound of thunderous hooves pounding the earth, he was glad to hear the sound a certain half-giant urging the injured centaur on.

Zidane quickened his pace.

The last time he was chased by centaurs, he'd been exhausted and on the verge of passing out. This time however, things were different.

"Reducto!" The genome called out, making the ground explode again. Several centaurs stopped, but those that didn't, only managed to trip and fall, entangling themselves in a mass of kicking limbs.

Harry would be proud of the spellwork, no doubt, but Zidane knew that this was not the time to stop and appreciate his own handiwork. An arrow whizzed by his ear, only reaffirming his beliefs that he really should get a move on. Hagrid and Firenze should be safe for the moment, but just in case, he decided to lead his angry pursuers in another circle before making his way towards the castle. This time he at least knew where it was relative to his position.

"Stupefy!" Zidane called out again and again, creating a barrage of spells that rained down on his opponents.

The spells he could fire with his wand were weak, weaker than even some of the most basic black magics out there. Their biggest advantage was that they required no charging time other than a quick incantation, making it easy to fire off several spells in quick succession. They didn't need to be particularly strong. He just wanted them to be annoying enough to slow down the centaurs. Said foes weren't giving him enough time to properly charge one of his more powerful spells anyways, so his wand spells would have to do.

He'd show them just who they were messing with.

An arrow clipped his right thigh, making the blonde stumble a bit, but luckily, his tail granted him enough balance so as to not fall. It had been almost ten minutes now, and though stubborn, his pursuers were now down to less than half the centaurs he originally counted. He was tired now, but confident that he could make it. Besides, the forest limit had to be somewhere close by, he was sure of it. In a few minutes he'd be free of this chase.

The blonde bit his lip so as not to cry out; an arrow had just burrowed itself in his shoulder. Shooting his foes an angry gaze, the genome gathered magic in his right fist for long enough to make even the air around him buzz. It was then that, with an angry cry, the magic was released, creating a golden explosion that shook the earth. Golden flames licked at his opponent's hoofed feet, stopping their tracks, while the centaurs cried out, their eyes used to the dark forest, momentarily blinded by the intense light.

He did not want to use such an ability like thievery on his pursuers on the off chance that he accidentally killed the lot. He didn't hate the centaurs that much, and he didn't think that killing them would do any favors in their relationship to the wizards (seeing as he was technically working for Dumbledore and all that), but they'd driven him into a tight corner.

Using this chance to slip away, Zidane dashed off once more, wincing a bit with every step, but infinitely grateful as a cold air greeted his sweating visage. The dark trees soon parted way to a setting sky and a giant castle in the distance.

"Zidane!" Hagrid's worried voice called out, making the blonde turn to see the large man running towards him. Further back, he could see Firenze sitting on the ground, or at least that's what he supposed it could be called since his horse half was lying on the ground, legs folded while his human half was upright. It made him wonder if he could walk, and how it was that Hagrid got him here in the case that he couldn't.

'Did he actually carry him here?' The blonde thought; imagining the centaur hanging over the half-giant's shoulder like some kind of hunted game. 'Maybe it was bridal style or something.'

His thoughts came to an abrupt stop when he felt himself being forcefully lifted, pressure suddenly surrounding him as Hagrid gave him a hug, tears running down from his beady eyes.

"H-Hagrid, I-I can't breathe!" Zidane could barely call out, his voice nearly being drowned in the giant's wails. The pain was nearly unbearable, not just because of his ribs being crushed but also because of the arrow still lodged in his arm.

"Hagrid, I believe it would be best to unhand him. It seems he has been wounded." Firenze said calmly as he attempted to get up. Finally getting a look at the arrow sticking out from the back of the genomes shoulder, the half giant gasped.

"It's okay, it's nothing really." The blonde attempted to assure the two by pulling out the arrow, but then failed as all he managed to pull off was a pretty accurate impersonation of a dog chasing its tail. "Err, some help guys?"

"Allow me." Firenze said as he carefully limped towards him.

Zidane bit back a scream as the offending arrow was pulled out. It truly hurt like hell, but it needed to be out so he could properly heal it. Blood trailed down from the wound, but after a couple of cures, he was glad to say that at least he'd managed to get it to stop bleeding. He'd have to apply a few more cures again later just to make sure it won't scar, but for now, it would have to do. There was someone else in serious need of healing anyways.

"Alright Firenze, your turn." The blonde said, stretching both arms as he approached the injured centaur.

"It's fine. I do not require healing." Firenze said, but then fell to the ground, his horse like legs unable to support his own weight.

"Really now, and you think I'm the stubborn one." Zidane said, raising a brow in amusement. "Don't be prideful and just stay still."

A soothing greenish white glow spread over the centaur and slowly, but surely, the angry red bruises and the smaller open wounds began to close and heal. After a few moments, aside from some old-looking hoof shaped bruises, there was no other evidence of the violence inflicted on the palomino.

"Never in my years gazing at the stars have I seen such a skill." The centaur said, seemingly admiring the receding glow on his skin. He seemed particularly surprised that he could now stand up. "My tribe may look down upon you for your origins; they may abhor you because the stars do not speak of you, but I must disagree. Zidane Tribal, you have proven to be strong in spirit, and for you actions today, I must thank you."

"Well, I'm not so sure about that." The teen said, grinning sheepishly. "I mean, I did sorta set fire to a bit of the forest and stuff and well, your tribe…"

'Though I didn't really wipe them off the map like Kuja would have done, so I guess it really wasn't as bad as it could have been.' The blonde then reminded himself.

"I cannot blame you for the damage done here today. Both you and I know that you acted on self-defense." Firenze said before looking up at the stars.

"Why did they hurt you though?" The teen asked in curiosity.

"I believe I once mentioned that our tribe doesn't take very kindly to wizards. When they found out that I'd been asked to teach at Hogwarts; impart young wizards with centaur knowledge protected and amassed through the ages, they saw me as nothing more than a traitor and banished me." The centaur said.

"So you left your home for good then?" Zidane asked with a frown. Though he supposed that if your 'family' attempted to beat you to death for such a thing, then maybe it wasn't much of a home to begin with.

"Yes, but understand that I have no regrets." Firenze said, but even so, the teen could hear that same stubbornness in his tone, almost as if he were trying to convince himself of that.

"We should get ye a place ter stay at." Hagrid in spite of Firenze's protests. The centaur eventually caved in. After all, Firenze no longer had a place to go back to.

'Has he ever really been out of the forest?' The blonde wondered as he looked at the palomino, whose gaze was still fixed on the Forbidden Forest. Firenze might be acting all stoic, because as far as he could tell by now, centaurs were particularly prideful creatures that disliked showing any sign of weakness, however, this was probably a huge deal for him. 'Will he really be okay?'

"We'll go'n see Dumbledore." The half-Giant said, giving Zidane a look. "Maybe ye should head to the Hospital Wing, as well."

"Are you kidding? Madam Pomfrey would tie me to the bed for the remainder of the year! I'll go find Neville and Luna instead. I hope they didn't make a big deal fuss about my absence though. So, see you guys later." Zidane said with dismissive wave as he turned and headed for the castle. "Oh and Firenze…"

The centaur looked at him in question.

"Welcome to Hogwarts." The teen said with a grin. He could only hope that tomorrow would be a brighter day.

…

"Under the terms of Education Decree Number Twenty-three, the High Inquisitor of Howarts has the power to inspect, place upon probation, and sack any teacher she, that is to say I, feel is not performing to the standards required by the Ministry of Magic. I have decided that Professor Trelawney is not up to scratch." The pink toad read from a roll of parchment in that sugary sweet tone of hers. "I have dismissed her."

Harry could still not believe the scene that was unfolding before him. Just when he thought his day couldn't become any more unpleasant, this just had to happen. After all, just a few moments ago he'd been getting scolded by Snape for being lazy and incompetent at Occlumency. Most of that was misplaced anger, no doubt. Snape was obviously angry that he'd gotten a small peak at his own memories.

What little Harry saw had shocked him. The little boy crying in a corner as a hooked nose man shouted at a cowering woman, the greasy haired teenager sitting alone and shooting flies down with his wand, the scrawny boy attempting to mount a bucking broomstick while a girl laughed. Clearly Snape didn't have a very happy childhood. Even worse, for a moment Harry saw himself as the small boy crying in the corner, only in his case, it was inside a dusty dark cupboard.

And now, just when he thought things just couldn't get more out of hand, this happened.

Professor Trelawney still stood in the Entrance Hall, looking as if she were falling apart at the seams. Her hair was a mess, and her shawls were all over the place. Two trucks lay at her feet, looking as if they were thrown carelessly there after her. Even her glasses were lopsided, making one eye look more magnified than the other. Of course, the bottle of sherry in her left hand did nothing to help her cause. He could practically smell the alcohol from all the way where he stood.

Harry could honestly say he had never seen her in such a state of disarray. There were a ring of students there, some looking shocked while some even looked frightened. Who could blame them; Trelawney looked utterly mad. And based on her previous shrieks they'd heard from her all the way from the dungeons, maybe that theory wasn't all that far off.

"As High Inquisitor you do have the power to dismiss my staff." Dumbledore said, his face pleasant, though Harry could sense steel behind that seemingly harmless gaze. "You do not, however, have the authority to banish them from castle grounds. That power resides with the Headmaster, and it is my wish for Professor Trelawney to continue living here at Hogwarts.'

Professor Trelawney began to argue against the idea, though the small hiccups and slurs just barely hidden in her speech made him think that perhaps she was not in the clearest of states to begin discussing something like this. Needless to say, Dumbledore quickly had her sent back inside, accompanied by Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout with Professor Flitwick bringing up the rear with the now levitating trunks.

It was now just Dumbledore and the toad.

"And what exactly do you plan to do with her once I appoint a new Divination professor who needs her lodgings?" Umbridge said in a small whisper that somehow carried all the way across the entrance hall. The silence was absolute.

"Oh that won't be a problem." Dumbledore replied, his tone still surprisingly pleasant. This of course, only seemed to anger the toad more. "You see, I have already found us someone to fill that position, and he would prefer lodgings on the ground floor."

"You've found, you've found?" The toad asked shrilly, her eyes seemingly bulging from anger. "Might I remember you Dumbledore that under Educational Decree Number Twenty-two-"

"The Ministry may appoint a suitable candidate if and only if the headmaster is unable to do so. I am happy to say I have succeeded." Dumbledore interrupted, eyes twinkling as he looked at the angry face of the High inquisitor. "May I introduce you?"

Harry waited for the arrival of the new professor, a small part of him now wondering if it would perhaps be Professor Kuja. Of course, this idea was quickly dashed since Dumbledore did say 'meet', in other words, Umbridge didn't know him from before. The front door opened, causing some of the night mist outside to start drifting into the hall ominously.

The teen, and everyone else in the hall, waited in complete silence, waiting for the footsteps to signal the new professor's arrival. Yet to his, and everyone else's surprise, it was the sound of hoofs that greeted them instead. Appearing through the thick mist was a face Harry never thought he'd see again. Blonde hair with stunning blue eyes; the head and torso of a man joined to the palomino body of a horse.

"This is Firenze."

...

To be continued...

….

A/N: I really wanted to write this part because I always did like Firenze and when you look at things from his perspective it must have been a pretty horrible experience. Getting violently attacked by his 'family' and banished from his one and only home to do what he really believes in, even if it means entering a world where he'll be most definitely discriminated against