Hey guys ! Terribly sorry for publishing it this late... I had a lot to do at school and after the school. I expect that the next chapter will arrive much sooner. Thank you all for reading. I hope you'd enjoy it and review. Take care !

Part 2 : First Time In The Forbidden Forest

When september ended, the inhabitants of the Hogwarts Castle were convinced that it couldn't rain a lot in the following month, as with all that heavy rainfall there couldn't have possibly been left one more drop that the clouds had kept inside. But from the very first day of october, this thought – and for some, this hope – prouved to be irrelevant to the facts. So, when Juniper woke up very early that Monday morning, she couldn't see anything but rain, she couldn't hear anything but the whisper of the wind. Still, it could be considered as an improuvement compared to the storm that had continued whole weekend. The students had had to stay inside and, mostly, do their homeworks or divert themselves with board games. Juniper, looking outside from her dorm window, was feeling oppressed by not having gotten outside for 3 days and decided that, in spite of the rain, she could go for a brief promenade before the classes began. So she put on her clothes, boots and cloak took her umbrella – which she was keeping under her bed – and tiptoed across the room in order to not to awaken her still dreaming dorm fellows. She passed fastly the Common Room and climbed out of the portrait hole. Then she started to run silently and a few minutes later, she was at last outside. Happy to be under the sky, event though not much enlightened by the sun, she started walking aimlessly, deep in her thoughts. These stormy days were reminding her of the times when she was a little kid. When the weather was too wild to let anybody go out and the thunder didn't let them sleep, her father would have taken her in his arms and told her tales. Tales of Beedle the Bard and tales of Grimm Brothers. She loved muggle tales. She loved to hear the reactions of the muggle heroes when they ran into a witch or wizard. Mostly they were described to be evil but still there was '' acceptance ''. Muggles accepted and were aware of the existence of her kind in those stories. The fictional witches and wizards didn't need to hide themselves and put a barrier between the two communities. One night, after reading the tale of Snow White, her father said her : '' You see my little flower… Muggles tell their children these tales which teach them to fear and stay away from our kind. These heroes don't even need to annoy the wizards in order to gain their hatred the wicked '' us '' can punish them just for existing. Like the Evil Queen did to Snow White. In most of their old stories, we are described as evil, vengeful and ugly creatures. Not even human, perhaps. Why do you think this is the case ? ''.

Juniper thought for a few moments and said : '' Maybe, because they had met some bad ones ? ''. Her father smiled and put a kiss on her front.

'' Yes, darling. People, muggles and wizards, tend to fear what they don't know. A very few wizards and witches actually tried to befriend muggles, or present themselves to them. So, when you add some shameful exemples to their ignorance of our kind, you get a bunch of tales filled with fear. ''.

'' But, daddy, they were trying to burn our people too. Why would ancient wizards try to befriend them ? '' asked Juniper defensively from the aspect of a kid who still didn't have '' fixed '' ideas.

Her father laughed at this defense and said : '' It is a circle that is needed to be broken, flower. But, don't forget, they weren't actually burning '' our people ''. They were burning their '' own people ''. A witch or a wizard wouldn't let it happen. Funfact : some were even mocking muggles by pretending to be burned and getting caught again and again. ''. Then her mother came giggling, with three big cups of herbal tea that she mixed of the herbs she grew behing their cottage. '' Enough with the serious stuff, boring people. It's a beautiful night for me to beat you two in whatever game you choose, don't you think ? ''.

'' Boy, I miss them. '' Juniper sighed. The sound of another lightining brought her back to the world. Then she realised that she came to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. She was turning back towards to the castle when suddenly she saw two bright eyes glaring at her between the trees. She stayed on the point, trying to figure out the body they belong to. But the creature was far away and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't see the rest of it. Then it turned back and disappeared fastly. Only thing Juniper could make out was a long tail that shined golden when the faint sunlight hit it for a second.

'' Oh ! Can't be ! Can it ? ''. Juniper entered into the forest without really knowing what she was doing. She quickened her steps so that a minute later she was running. She passed the shadows in which the creature with golden tail had been standing and kept running. She didn't know which way it went but her feet weren't hesitating. After running like ten minutes, now she was standing alone in the dark shadows of the forest, caused by the density of the trees.

'' Why ? Just why did I come here ? '' Juniper said to herself, surprised at her own recklessness. She sat down and leaned on a tree, trying to regain her breath. A few minutes later she was ready to head back quickly to the castle. But she could only go for a meter or so before hearing soft steps of a four-legged creature. When she turned back briskly, she came eye to eye with the beautiful beast that she had followed into the forest : a pure golden unicorn. It was so close that she could touch its head with her hand. It was still a foal and didn't have a horn. Juniper took a step, stretched her right hand and put it very slowly on the head of the foal.

'' Unbelievingly soft, softer than the silk and cool, like water… '' she thought in amazement.

As she caressed its long mane she looked into the warm, brown eyes of the unicorn, which were fixed at hers. She couldn't move, she couldn't think she was surrounded by a warm feeling of security and peace. She could stay like this forever…but then a clatter of running hoofs awoke her.

'' Is it your mother coming ? '' she asked quietly to the foal which continued staring at her. A minute later a big creature came out of the trees and bushes.

'' Wow ! What a day ! '' gasped Juniper at the sight of a blonde, male centaur. His very blue eyes were fixed on her and the foal and he was holding his bow with an arrow ready to shoot. He watched silently the couple and Juniper watched the centaur. The foal's eyes were still on Juniper who forgot her hand on its head.

Apparently having decided that there was no danger, the centaur hung his bow back to his back and said : '' Astonishing. ''. '' Who are you little human girl and what are you doing here, accompanied by a foal unicorn ? ''.

'' Er.. I am Juniper McRiver, a student, you know from the castle. I…I saw this one close to the border of the forest and I couldn't help following it. ''. she said and remembering the words of her parents about the harsh nature of the centaurs, she added quickly : '' I know I shouldn't be here, but I couldn't stop myself. You don't see a unicorn every day, right ? Oh…of course, perhaps you do. We don't. Sorry if I disturbed you ''. Now she took her hand off the soft head of the unicorn and actually waving excitedly both of them while trying to excuse herself. The centaur didn't say a word for a few minutes and continued staring at them. At last, he said, coming closer to them : '' The stars gave us signs that can be commented as the arrival of a new inhabitant to our forest. Last night, the constellation Monoceros* was unusually bright. Many of my kind thought it was due to the cursed creature wandering around in our forest, whose existence is the cause of unicorns' deaths. Still, some, including me, took that sign for a rather auspicious change. ''.

'' Um…I really didn't understand you. ''. Juniper said looking perplexed.

The blonde centaur smiled faintly and patted the back of the foal which was looking at him right now.

'' Unicorns are social creatures. This means that they don't usually seperate from their group, especially foals, especially at these dangerous times. This one, as you said it, came close to the border of the forest alone and let you follow it. A human like you can't follow a unicorn unless it is what it wishes. This rare event is bound to have a meaning young Juniper McRiver. ''.

Juniper was surprised by these words. Come to think of it, she, herself, knew that unicorns were very fast and it was rare for a human to catch one. But this foal, though getting disappeared for a short time, didn't run away from her. Why, indeed ?

'' I heard that the foal unicorns are more trusting than the grown-ups, maybe it wondered what I was and thought it was okay to come and meet me. It doesn't see a human every day, I bet ''.

At these words the smile of the centaur widened :

'' Unicorns aren't that curious creatures Juniper McRiver. They may let the female touch them the foals would even let the male touch them, it is true that they are more trusting. But they wouldn't seek to '' meet '' with a human, unless there is a reason beyond such an act. We'll all see. Even the centaurs can only guess. ''.

It was cold and raining more than the early morning. The density of the trees was protecting them from the rainfall but the cold breeze could still reach to them. Juniper was trembling. She really didn't think that there was such a '' great meaning '' after the foal's act. It was just a baby, maybe it got seperated from its mother and couldn't find the way back in the rain. Then it came across with her and liked her or something like that. She knew that the centaurs were wise but in her opinion, they tend to search a reason beyond the littlest thing. At this moment, the only thing she was wondering was whether she would catch a cold or not.

'' Er…Okay. Yes, we'll see, I guess. Now, I shall go back. I am cold and I don't want to be late for the class. ''.

'' Yes, you should indeed go. But first, wouldn't you like to give a name to this foal. That would be a sign of the friendship between you and her. ''. said the centaur in a rather mysterious tone.

'' Oh ! It is a female then. Yes, I would love to name her ! ''. cheered Juniper. Then they all fell silent for a couple of minutes.

'' Wind. ''. Juniper said with joy. '' She is Wind. ''.

'' Wind. '' repeated the centaur.

Juniper caressed the head of the foal : '' I name you Wind, my friend. '' she told her. The foal looked her like she understood, she waved her head and mane.

'' Sadly, we won't be able to know what she chose to call you. But Wind will remember you Juniper McRiver. Now, we should go. This forest has become dangerous for both of you, even in the sunlight. ''

He went forwards and Wind followed him. Juniper hesitated a little but then caught up with them. They advanced silently in the forest, the centaur leading them and Juniper next to the foal. She was really cold now and the less the forest became dense the more soaked they got. Still, Juniper was happy, her heart was full of joy. She couldn't believe that she got befriended with an unicorn. She even named her and it was a centaur that asked her to do so ! Come to think of it, she didn't know his name. They were now close to the border of the forest and she didn't want to miss the chance of learning it.

'' Uh…Sir…I remembered that I didn't asked your name. ''

'' You didn't.'' he answered without turning his head. Juniper waited for him to tell his name but he didn't. So she decided to ask it directly.

'' What is your name ? ''

They came to the end of the forest. The centaur turned its blonde head and smiled at her :

'' Firenze. ''.

'' Firenze. '' she repeated. '' Thank you for taking me here. It was really an honour to meet you. I'd love to see you again. Of course, Wind too. ''.

'' I expect so, Juniper McRiver. But I do warn you. The forest has never been this dangerous. Don't come here alone, certainly not in the night. I know also that the forest is forbidden to the students and many creatures living here, including my own kind, wouldn't wellcome you here. Still, you are the friend of Wind. She can't come to see you and I suppose you should see each other. An unicorn doesn't find and befriend a human for nothing. Taking also in account the signs of the sky, I say that you should be prepared for a big change in your life. ''.

'' Oh, okay. I still don't understand you much. But I feel that I won't be able to stop myself from coming to the forest. I don't know either what danger you are talking about exactly but I'll be careful. Thank you again, I hope to see you soon. '' she said and turned to the unicorn.

'' See you soon, Wind, take care and don't leave your group. You heard Firenze, there is a creature threatening the unicorns. '' she said caressing and kissing her head. Wind touched her nose affectionately to Juniper's cheek. '' Will you be able to stop that creature hurting the unicorns ? '' she asked to Firenze.

'' It is not us to stop that thing. But don't worry, the centaurs and Dumbledore try to chase it from the forest. We protect the unicorns. ''.

'' Why does it attack to the unicorns ? Does it eat them ? ''

'' No, it drinks their blood. To continue its cursed life. But killing an unicorn is a great crime to the nature. The one who tries to survive on it would survive, but it wouldn't be more than a cursed life. I told you that this creature is already cursed. It has nothing to loose. But that's all I will be telling you for now. I will keep an eye on Wind too. ''.

Juniper was terrified. Killing and dirnking the blood of an unicorn ! What if it attacked to Wind too. She chased the thought.

'' I hope all the unicorns would be safe again. '' she said, looked again at Wind's shining eyes and turned back, starting to walk back to the castle, deep in thoughts. 5 minutes later she heard the yell of Firenze :

'' The constellation Gemini** has also been surprisingly bright since this september. ''.

She turned back to look at him but he wasn't there, nor was Wind.

'' Ah, these centaurs…If you have something to say, then say it directly. How on earth I can know what does the unexpected brightness of the stars mean ?! '' she grumbled.

* Monoceros is the Greek name for '' unicorn ''.

** Gemini is the Latin name for '' twins ''.