Authoress's note: After almost two years I'm writing again. Sorry for the delay, but between lack of inspiration and life being busy it's been hard to find time to write. I want to thank everyone who has reviewed this story so far, and added it to their alerts or favorites. I appreciate all of your feedback and look forward to reading your comments on this latest chapter.
For anyone just finding this story, or readers who have requested it, the link to the radio play of At The Back of The North Wind is available for six days on my profile. It's definitely worth a listen and will help with the background knowledge for this tale.
Thanks again for reading.
Enjoy and don't forget to review.
The warning had been given at every welcoming feast since the founding of Hogwarts, until it became a tradition which every headmaster followed automatically. So common had it become that many students chose to ignore it, believing that the dark forest beyond the castle walls held no real danger.
The fact that it had been given by Rowena Ravenclaw herself only added to the intrigue, prompting many members of the four houses to take up the challenge of exploring.
It was said that this issue led to many a quarrel amongst the Founders. Three stubbornly maintained that the forest was forbidden to humans for good reason; while Gryffindor insisted that anyone with courage and magic could pass through it with ease. Eventually the choice was made to keep the warning part of every welcoming feast, out of respect for ancient tradition.
Only a few wizards believed the dark tales, remaining wary of the forest's magic and the many dangerous creatures that had made it their home. The Ministry would never admit it, but it was these creatures that knew all of the forest's secrets, and could wield the unique magic which rested within its soil. None were so attuned to it as the centaurs. They had kept the forest safe for many centuries and were utterly committed to maintaining the delicate balance of light and dark magic.
Many impetuous wizards had sought them out, determined to learn the secrets of their magic, only to be met with cold silence and the point of an arrow at their throats. Some attempted to draw their wands, but the centaurs knew all to well the ways of wizards and countered every spell with the wild magic all around them. At last helpless and defeated, they were escorted to the edge of the forest, and warned to never return.
Others had come seeking Ariadne, a young centaur whose reputation as a skilled prophetess had spread beyond the forest's borders. Every request for a prediction had been ignored; even those witches and wizards who shared Ariadne's gift were firmly turned away.
The young centaur was grateful for her people's help, for more than anything else she wanted to live in peace. Often on starry nights she remained awake long after her kin had fallen asleep, determined to learn all she could of the glimpses of what was to come. Out of all the herd she was the one best suited for this task.
All centaurs watched the skies, but she was skilled in interpreting their movements and song. If she had been a human it would have brought her unwanted recognition.
Among her people she was respected, for unlike wizards they knew that her gifts were both curse and blessing.
It was her gift for reading the heavens which had brought Ariadne comfort, after her father had been killed protecting their family from dark wizards. She had been found by another herd, the only one to survive the massacre, and for a time only the music of the stars could bring her comfort.
Tonight their song was different, full of a strange sense of expectation and the eerie notes which foretold an important moment. Curious Ariadne gazed up into the heavens, concentrating with all her might on discerning their message. Pain; yes that was the strongest impression, pain born of rejection and the bitter disappointment of a great loss. Woven into the melody were darker notes which expressed the elemental fury of nature. Excitement coursed through her, as she listened. Hadn't she once heard a legend about this specific song? Yes her father had told her the story long ago, in the dead of winter when food had been scarce. She could almost hear his deep voice reciting the ancient words. They came to her across the years now, the tale of an elemental being known as Boreas.
There was more she was sure of it, rumors she had heard soon after her acceptance into the herd. She had only been a young foal then, grieving but still curious about the world beyond the forest's borders. Over time that curiosity had deepened into a desire to learn all she could of the secrets of the heavens, and the precious lore of her people which wizards had long forgotten. It was during those years of intense study that she learned of the mysterious being known as Boreas. It was a name which was an integral part of her people's history and many tales were told of her power. Some said that she could command the stars, while others claimed that she represented the cruelties of fate. Older legends portrayed her as the bringer of death. On two points all tales agreed. Boreas was capable of great compassion and tenderness, but when her fury was roused none could escape her vengeance.
What did this mean?
Following instinct Ariadne whispered her question to the night, wondering what the answer would be.
"When will she come?"
Shock coursed through her as the stars answered in words which she felt rather than heard.
She is even now approaching your borders and with her is a child strong in wild magic.
Ariadne was halfway across the forest clearing before the last word faded into silence.
She had much work to do if she hoped to convince her brethren. And she must succeed, for deep within her was the knowledge that her people's actions on this night could alter the course of destiny.