Chapter 20 – A Cry For Help
Hermione's bones ached. She'd been awake since yesterday morning and she was just now becoming painfully aware of how much she enjoyed her sleep.
La...no, Hecate had caught her dead to rites outside her hut but when she confronted Hermione...well, Hermione immediately recognized the voice. Hecate was horribly disfigured but her sing-songy voice was untouched...and it was the voice that had given her away. They'd talked for a good five hours before Hermione headed back. Hermione had a tough time with the forest but she eventually found her way out and now the first bits of light were showing through the windows high above the corridor. "Valour."
"You will get no passage from me until you return from the Headmaster's Office. She should be right angry with you Deary. She asked me to send you her way no less than six hours ago." The Fat Lady clucked her tongue, "I shan't be surprised if there be a new Head Girl by Noon. I haven't seen such a look in the Headmistress's eyes since Chester Pervis placed a looking glass in the Girl's Bath in '84 and his bags were packed by mid morning." Hermione gulped and made her way to the Headmistress's Tower before the Fat Lady had the opportunity to speak again.
The Gargoyle was no kinder. She announced herself, "Hermione for the Headmistress." The Gargoyle looked her over and shook its head, "Not good keeping the Headmistress waiting." The staircase opened up and she stepped onto the bottom stair. Slowly the stairs carried her up to the entrance. Once she'd arrived Hermione noticed a light quickly flicker on from under the door. "Come in!" requested a tired voice.
The Headmistress met Hermione in a nightdress and a cardigan. Hermione must have shown her surprise because the Headmistress explained. "I expected you hours ago Dear. It seems you've had a busy week."
"Excuse me?" asked Hermione. "I don't understand."
"In the space of one week you've broken your best mate's wand, made an evening visit to the Forbidden Forest and spent an entire evening outside of the castle. Care to explain?"
"Which part?"
"Any of it? All of it?"
"No?" Hermione asked, unsure.
Professor McGonagall didn't say anything but her face hardened.
"Professor, I'm so sorry. But how did you know?"
"If you must know a First Year presented himself to me late this evening worried about four of his mates who had gone into the forest just before Dinner. I promptly visited the Tower and took count. Those in the Commons put up a gallant front but it did not take long for guilt to overcome Mr. Creevey. He let out the whole story about daring the First Years and then you convincing Harry to go to the forest to keep him out of trouble. He begged me to punish him instead of you and Harry."
"I sent Hagrid out looking for you but it wasn't an hour later before Mr. Weasley arrived with the First Years. I was waiting in the Common Room and the look on his face could have been used to sell a few of his brother's Wheezes. I asked him to wait for you and Harry in the Common Room and I went to call off Hagrid's search." Professor McGonagall saw it fit to end the story there.
"What happened with Harry?" asked Hermione.
"Good question. You were separated?"
Hermione became defensive, "I followed him back into the forest."
"So you were being nosey?"
"Nosey? He's been acting strange. And the other night he..."
"Yes, I've heard small bits about the other night but have not heard the story proper. Do you care to elaborate?"
Hermione looked down ashamed, "No Professor."
"It must have been some story. I heard you snapped his wand in two and he stormed off. He hasn't spoken to you for a week? And he had Draco on his knees?"
"It wasn't like that. Draco started it. He baited him! He tried to..."
"Both of them have had their share of tragedy, haven't they Hermione? Given their history I imagine it would be easy for them to blame each other for the deaths of their loved ones. It is only fortunate that you were there to keep either of them from doing something they'd regret." Hermione looked up. "Oh, Miss Granger, it will take some time for Harry to forgive you but he will come to appreciate you more for what you kept him from doing...much more than he will be upset for what you did after." Hermione wanted to ask the Headmistress how she knew but she decided to work it out later.
"Professor, you don't plan to punish them for...their actions?" The Professor looked more sad than angry at the question.
"Hermione, what they did is inexcusable but punishing them would do no good. It would only make the situation worse. Really the only thing that could have been done was done by you. It was fortuitous that you stepped in when you did but there was little more that even you could have done. If anything, your foolishly snapping Harry's wand likely allowed Harry to transfer some of his anger from Mr. Malfoy to you."
"Harry hasn't been acting like himself!" Hermione had raised her voice for the first time. It wasn't anger but desperation. "You should have seen him in the forest. He walked in as if he were daring the forest to take him. He challenged the Centaurs to take his life. I'm worried that sometime soon he will dare someone to take his life and they..." Hermione trailed off.
"I understand," the Professor placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder. "That is one unfortunate similarity that Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy share. Harry is much luckier than Draco. He has many witches and wizards that care – none more than you."
Hermione looked back up and the Professor's eyes had softened. In fact, they were moist.
The Professor changed the subject, "Did you find what Mr. Potter has hidden in the forest? I assume you must have found something considering how long you were there." Hermione nodded just slightly. "Was it what you expected?" Hermione shook her head just as slightly. "I imagine it must have been some shock considering your history withMr. Weasley. Again Hermione gave a small nod. She decided to herself she absolutely must discover the Headmistress's sources. The Professor often knew details about things that happened between sometimes only two, maybe three, people.
"If you follow form, I imagine you will do everything in your power to find a solution to this young witch's problems that the healers may have overlooked. It's simply in your nature. Don't let your studies suffer for it. And please show some discretion with this matter – this young lady's scars are deep and it will take some time before she's ready to re-enter our world. I wouldn't even let on with Harry that you know." The Professor paused to consider, "You are dismissed."
"Am I not to be punished Professor?"
"Oh, you most certainly are. One month of Saturday detentions for entering the Forest, twice, without permission and hiding the disappearance of the children from me. Another month of Saturdays for snapping Harry's wand. Mr. Creevey will begin serving them this week."
"But he didn't..."
"But he did Miss Granger. He and his mates convinced the children to enter the forest. And he fell on his sword for you. He should learn before it is too late that despite the nobility of the action, falling on a sword can be painful."
"But I should be punished..."
"You see my dear? It is already working. For the next two months each time you see Mr. Creevey serve your detention it will make you realise what he did for you. You are much too sensitive to others' feelings that you won't suffer as much as he will." The Professor walked Hermione to the door, "I'd recommend you head back to the Tower and have a lie in this morning – you look dreadful. I will speak with Slughorn at breakfast." She nearly pushed Hermione out the door, "See you in class, Dear."
"Hermione found Ron snoring on a couch when she stepped in the Commons. She woke him up with a kiss. After explaining she'd tell her story after some sleep she trudged up the steps to her flat. The witches in her flat were already awake so she cast a quick Silence Charm around her bed and she was asleep before her head hit the pillow.
A week later Hermione stepped in to the Common Room to find it decorated in pinks and purples. "Happy Birthday Hermione!" was printed on all manner of balloons, signs and banners around the room. She couldn't keep tears from coming to her eyes, "Oh my!" It seemed as if every Gryffindor stood along the wall of the circular room. A table had been set up and Ron stood next to a cake that read "Hermione Granger Happy 19th Birthday!"
"Happy Birthday, Hermione!" shouted everyone in the room from First Years to Seventh Years. Again, Hermione repeated "Oh My!" She placed her hands on her cheeks in amazement at all of the attention and Ron gave her a hug and kiss. As he did the older students shouted a suggestive "Wooooh!" and the younger students let out more of an "Eww..."
The first thing Hermione could manage to say when she'd regained her composure was "Isn't it a little early for cake? Shouldn't we at least have breakfast first?" Ron playfully grabbed his chest and yelled "Arrgh!' to which she heard a familiar laugh. She looked for and found a smiling Harry as Seamus explained loud enough for the room to hear, "Harry and Ron had a wager whether you'd bring up how early the cake was presented. Harry told Ron you'd claim it was too early to eat it and Ron put a Sickle against the claim. In fact, I think there were several side bets that were placed by others as well. Sucker bet if you ask me. Ron should have gotten some favourable odds at least."
The crowd laughed. Hermione went Scarlett red, "You bet on me? You're Head Boy Ron. You shouldn't be encouraging such behaviour." She noticed the room erupt in laughter again and this time even Ron joined in. Confused, she watched Dean hand three Sickles to Seamus. Seamus explained, "I had a bet with Dean that you'd complain about Ron making a wager."
"Are there any other wagers I should be aware of?" asked an exasperated Hermione.
"None that you should know about," cheeked Ron as he return to cut the cake. "Seamus might end up a wealthy wizard by end of day though by the number he made." This brought more laughter from the room and even Hermione couldn't help a little, "Well, so long as I have a part in securing Seamus's financial freedom." Ron gave Hermione the first piece and then passed pieces out to each of the Gryffindors. When he was done Hermione gave him another hug and kiss, "This is all wonderful Ron by why didn't we celebrate tomorrow? Do you have special weekend plans for only the two of us?"
Ron was baffled, "What do you mean? I wanted to surprise you on your birthday. It wouldn't be the same the day after." By now Seamus and a few in the know had rolled their eyes. Hermione saw Harry bite his lip to keep from laughing and had to ask, "Ron, who reminded you that today was my birthday?"
Ron became defensive, "I didn't need to be reminded. I'd never forget your birthday. It's September 18th and..." Ron watched first Harry then Seamus nearly split their sides in laughter. Neville held it in admirably for the first few seconds but soon all the Gryffindors were laughing except Ron and Dean. Ron stared at Dean open-mouthed and Dean had a look of abject fear. Ron suddenly darted after Dean who shot up the stairs with his cake in hand.
Hermione stopped laughing long enough to ask Seamus, "What exactly happened?"
"I made a wager with Ron for ten Galleons while on the train that he'd get your birthday wrong. Me and a few blokes were sitting at the table for dinner a few nights ago talking about how funny it would be to set Ron up. We drew lots to see who would do it and Dean lost. Wednesday, he and Harry were talking about what they got for your birthday and Dean made a point to mention in front of Ron that it was going to be difficult to surprise you on a Friday with classes and all. Ron spent the past two days making arrangements for a surprise so you could have a proper birthday – said everyone always forgets it because it's so close to the beginning of Term."
"You were willing to ruin my birthday over ten Galleons?" Hermione asked.
"I'd ruin my Mum's birthday over ten Galleons," Seamus cheeked. "But it's not ruined. You will always remember today. And everyone was here for you. I've never been given a party like this in my life."
Hermione nodded and hugged Seamus, "I know. I was only making a go at you. I wonder where they are."
Those that had not yet left for breakfast and had lingered in the Commons were rewarded. Dean walked down the steps with Ron not far behind. Dean's face was covered in cake. Ron asked Dean to turn around and he did so reluctantly. Ron then announced happily to the crowd, "This is what the Head Boy does to traitors in his camp! Show them Dean!" Dean looked up at Ron who made a threatening gesture. Reluctantly the traitor pulled up his robes and the crowd could see half a plate and a mound of cake frosting sticking out of the back of his pants. The girls blushed and the boys fell over laughing. Hermione leaned to Seamus, "I don't know if it was the cake or that display but I've lost my appetite for breakfast." Seamus agreed.
Once breakfast was eaten Hermione made her way to Duncan's DADA lesson with the other Seventh Years. The room was very cool and Hermione shivered as she sat down in her chair. The Professor sat in his chair writing as he waited for the students to file in. Once the bell rang announcing that lessons were to begin he stood up from his chair as he always did and he began pacing the front of the classroom, "I hope each of you finished your reading from last week. As I have said I plan this to be a course in practical magic. There is no need to bring your book with you in the future."
The Professor was younger than most. Hermione would never describe him as handsome but he had a rugged look to him that some ladies found appealing. His brown eyes were nearly black and his shaggy brown hair was just beginning to thin. His walk and demeanour had much of the Scotch bravado but he'd long before lost the accent.
"As many of you know from the reading, today's lesson involves the Patronus Charm. I've been informed multiple times from several sources that many of you became proficient with this charm your fifth year and one or two even so early as your third year," smiled the Professor. "Not all of you have had the opportunity to practise such a spell so I shall ask – if you do not have experience then please pair up with someone that has. Those that have used the spell successfully please raise your hand."
Indeed, most of the returning Seventh Years and a few of the new Seventh Years raised their hands. Ewan passed a glance to Harry, "Mr. Potter, it appears as if I should have taken the afternoon off and asked you teach the lesson today." Sniggers could be heard around the classroom but soon the students were divided and teaching each other the nuances of the charm. The Professor walked the room admiring his students and more than once he was impressed at how well a once fifth year boy had taught a bunch of students a spell that many Seventh years had a difficult time grasping. "Amazing, isn't he?" Hermione asked him quietly when she caught the Professor admiring how Harry was walking a group of three through the process of searching for a happy thought. Harry looked like he was thoroughly in his element.
"He could teach the course himself," admitted the Professor quietly.
"He could do anything, I suspect," admired Hermione, "if he merely took the time to decide it was worth doing. But yes. I've known him since our First Year. Rarely does he smile so much as when he's teaching."
Both felt their spirits rise when a brilliant stallion glistening a translucent maroon and gold charge past them. The stallion made three passes around the room and charged its way to the centre where it stood up on hind legs with flaring nostrils and a deafening neigh. The entire room stopped what they were doing to watch. Hermione and Ewan shared a glance. The stallion relaxed and clip clopped to Ginny to nuzzle her – it looked almost as if it were real.
"Blimey, Ginny, that's some Patronus!" called Ron from across the room.
"This isn't Ginny's Patronus." Hermione tried to pet the stallion but her hand passed through it.
Tryouts were held the following day but they went rather quickly. Ron told Harry he had no reason to try out so he watched from the stands with Hermione. Once they got to the pitch, Ron handed the clipboard over to Ginny, "Ginny will be handling tryouts. She has a better eye for the positions than I do. We currently have reserve spots open for each position and starting positions at Chaser and Beater."
Ginny had the prospective players group into their respective positions and fly a few times around the pitch. As they flew she began picking students out of each group and sending them on their way. Most of them were first and second years. She then had the Chasers and Beaters run through scoring exercises as Ron faced them in goal. She realised quickly that after the starters were chosen the quality of Gryffindor Quidditch players dropped off considerably.
"We have four serviceable Chasers" complained Ginny as she discussed the talent. "Dean, Demelza and I still fly well. There is a second year named Tommy that can play. The others are rubbish."
"Then there's the Beaters. We have the worst Beaters of all four squads. None of ours would start for another House. Our biggest advantage is me, you and Harry," declared Ron's sister.
"Can we get George out here to coach up the Beaters maybe?" Ron asked.
"We could but it won't help much - they are rubbish. We'll just have to make do with what we have," Ginny advised. "I'm off to spend some time with Harry. Take Hermione to the lake and snog her silly. It's her birthday." Ron nodded and headed off.
Meanwhile Harry and Hermione had been in the stands talking, "Thanks for being there, and here, for my birthday. I can't believe you let Ron throw a party for me on the wrong day – but it was very funny." Harry's only reply was a guilty smile. His attention seemed to be on the Quidditch Pitch. The turf was immaculately trimmed and the flags for each of the Houses showed vibrantly from the stands. Huge puffs of white hung majestically in the pale blue sky. Harry was making a lion's head out of one when he was brought out of his daydream with a question.
"How are things with you and Ginny?"
Harry cocked an eyebrow, "Good, I think, why do you ask?"
"Ginny hinted that she was worried you weren't...interested."
Harry almost laughed at the look on Hermione's face, "I'm very interested," Hermione was reminded of the stallion from the day before, "but I don't want to do that until I'm married. I can't explain why." Harry thought for a second, "Did the two of you make some sort of pact? Ron tried to get me to...speed things up...as well."
Hermione frowned, "Erm...Well. It's not quite like that. I'm not really sure what it is. It was partly Ginny's idea. She thought that if Ron was ok with it then you'd be more likely to and..."
"And so you told Ron you wanted to wait until we had?" Harry gave Hermione a hard look, "Is that what you really want?"
"Well, no. I just didn't think you'd be so...stubborn. It was supposed to be the night of your birthday. And then her birthday. And then..."
"Your birthday?" Harry asked. Hermione was embarrassed. She nodded and looked away.
"Well, if it's important to you then why don't you go ahead? Tell her that I don't plan to do anything until we finish NEWTs and you can't wait that long." Harry noticed Ron and Ginny walking up the steps, "Let me know how it turns out."
"Harry?" He looked back to find a pained look on her face. "I'm sorry for...you know."
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry it took so long for me to forgive you. Before I could forgive you I had to forgive me. I needed some time to myself to consider what I'd almost done. It was so easy. I was more upset about that than a stupid wand. But Hermione, it wasn't the wand that did it. It was all me – and if I can't admit that, then it could happen again. I'm the one that should say I'm sorry. We'll talk again when we have more time. I need to think about it more." Harry stepped down and gave Ginny a hug.
It happened that day just after tryouts. Hermione and Ron had found a quiet place alone for a picnic on the outskirts of the forest. When Ginny heard about it over the evening meal she became very cross with Harry, "You know there are only three of us left in both of our years, right? You. Me. Luna. Everyone else has done it. Everyone. All of them. Every single one."
Harry lowered his voice, "Don't believe everything you hear, Ginny. I doubt Seamus or Lavender have. Dean doesn't strike me as the type and I know Neville hasn't. It's not that important."
"Not important to you," she said more loudly than necessary as she got up and stormed off. Neville's eyes followed Ginny out the door. Neville risked getting Harry's attention, "If it makes you feel any better we haven't. We both decided to wait a few more months. Then again, we don't see each other every day so it's much easier for us. You are in for a long year if you plan to wait."
"It's already been a long year," admitted Harry. "I want to wait until we are married. Like you two. I don't know if she'll wait that long."
"When do you plan to ask her?" Harry noticed that when Neville asked several eyes carefully avoided contact with Harry as if to pretend the adjoined ears weren't listening.
"I don't know. I want to ask after we finish NEWTs. I don't want it to distract us from our lessons."
Neville thought to himself, "Harry, I'm as daft as they come when it comes to this sort of thing but even I know that the longer you wait the more distracting it will become. Does she even know you plan to wait until you are married?"
"It hasn't come up."
Neville shook his head, "I've heard the girls talk when you aren't around. It will come up. Let me know when it does. I don't want to be near."
Neville had nothing to worry about. Harry and Ginny barely spoke for two weeks. Ginny sat with Seamus and Dean during lessons and she sat further down the table at meals. Harry would have worried about it but he knew she was only angry with him. He hoped she'd get over it but wasn't going to push too hard. A few years before he'd have brooded over such things but now he hoped she eventually would understand.
Soon it was time for the first Hogsmeade outing. Harry had found Draco's wand serviceable but it just didn't feel the same. It worked for him like it should but he always felt it was slightly off balance and just a little awkward – at ten inches it was too short for his liking. The Wednesday before the first outing, Professor McGonagall admired his Transfiguration of a stump to a chair. She noticed his face would wind up in frustration even though his work was admirable, "You've become quite adept at Transfiguration, Mr. Potter. I never would have thought you'd become this good after watching you your first year."
Harry's face twisted, "Is that a compliment? If it was it seemed rather backhanded."
"Oh, yes. I just meant you've improved so much. Even this year from your last. You concentrate so much more and your marks on your work out of class have improved as well." She nodded toward Hermione and Ron and spoke up, "Ron has improved as well. Hermione, are they now making use of your calendars?"
Hermione blushed, "I'm not sure, Professor. Harry rarely revises with us. He spends most of his time revising with Neville. Ron and I have our own methods." Professor McGonagall studied Hermione's face closely. Hermione blushed true red and she couldn't keep eye contact. Even Ron was red now and he looked at his best mate in desperation. Harry came to their rescue, "Professor, Dean looks to be having trouble with his chair."
The Professor looked over at Dean, "Oh Dear." She rushed off to help Dean who's chair had somehow come to life. It was now growling at him.
"Thanks mate," Ron whispered. "Hermione would have fallen out of her chair if she'd have stood here any longer." Hermione agreed with a weak smile.
"Just what is so embarrassing?" Hermione blush returned with Harry's question.
Ron smiled. "Ohs for Os." His smile became even more mischievous with Harry's confusion. "When I get an O on an essay or on an assignment then I get a...well, an 'Oh.'"
"What's an Oh?" asked Harry. Ron made a gesture and Harry replied, "Ohhhh." Then, once he'd had a second to think about it he followed up with an "Eww..." Hermione punched Ron on the arm, "Oy!" Harry decided he knew well more than he wanted to and he returned to designing the legs for his chair.
Once the lesson was finished, Professor McGonagall called Harry and Neville to stay after. She surprised both of them, "I think it would do you some good Harry if you were to spend Saturday at Ollivander's shopping for a new wand. Maybe you and Neville could make a day of it and visit Diagon Alley? I'm sure the two of you could use the time to settle any affairs that have suffered due to your absence?"
The two wizards wore smiles as they made their way to dinner. A whole day in London? Neville could visit Hannah and Harry could think of all manner of business he needed to check into. Neville was already thinking to himself about the letter he'd send via owl post that evening to Hannah. A whole day with her!
Friday night was like many of the past few evenings for Harry. Late at night he'd taken to walking the Forbidden Forest alone. He wasn't sure why he did this. Part of him felt the desire for some kind of adventure or action. It was as if he was searching for something but each time he'd remember what it was...his mind would wander.
Life after Voldemort had become mundane. There were moments. The fight with the Death Eaters by broom on Ginny's birthday. The whole business with Draco on the night of The Sorting. As much as these events scared him they also made him feel alive. Secretly he wished each morning when he woke that something would happen.
He revised like he was supposed to. In fact, he'd buried himself into his revisions as learning new spells was really the only excitement he could find. Ginny was still not speaking to him so he didn't even have her to distract him. As he thought back he realised that these nightly walks began when Ginny had first grown angry with him about being the "last" couple. He now walked the trails into the forest and decided tonight would be a time to explore the unexplored.
Most of his time recently had been spent near the lake and surrounding Hecate's hut. He'd helped her practise as she'd requested but she still wasn't getting the feel for Trelawney's methods. He knew that Hagrid kept an eye on her but he didn't like to think she was out here all alone with whatever had been attacking the Centaurs. There were now three dead since August and the Centaurs were becoming more anxious. He'd seen a hunting party a week ago and they again had bows drawn on him before he even knew they were there. The leader of the hunt, Blade, seemed more friendly than Bane and he made a point to show the stones that marked the outer reaches of the Centaur Domain. He was told that he was now welcome in the outer domain when alone but he should always stay clear of the inner domain which the young were allowed to roam freely.
Harry ventured far deeper in the forest tonight than normal. The trails that he now walked seemed not to have been travelled recently. Undergrowth had begun to fill in the path from neglect and this part of the forest seemed eerily quiet. He'd hear the occasional creature rustle but it was largely silent. He began to think it would be prudent to turn back when he heard a faint cry. He didn't know what it was but it sounded almost human. He stopped and listened more closely.
Harry was as still as he could make himself and he listened hard but heard nothing. He waited. He craned his ear. After nearly five minutes of silence he had nearly given up when heard the cry of a young girl. Harry, without thinking, began to rush toward the noise. At first he only walked faster but gradually he picked up speed. He stopped after a few moments to regain his bearings again. He waited for what seemed like an eternity before he heard the cry...this time it seemed louder and more like a sob. There was desperation and a rustling followed by a scream. Then silence.
He now sped up even more. He ignored the trail and ran through the underbrush toward the sound ignoring the lashes he received as the leaves and branches tore into his bare neck and arms. He caught and tore his robes on a thorny vine and twice he nearly tripped on exposed roots. He stopped again. The crying had stopped. He was worried that maybe he had lost his bearings and had either gotten turned around or overshot what he imagined was a small child. He listened hard and was rewarded with the sound of laboured huffs and puffs as if whatever was just a few feet in front of him had lost its breath.
Opening the last bit of brush he found a young Centaur lying on the ground with sweat covering its ashen face and tears in her eyes. A large metal trap firmly gripped her hind leg and Harry could tell the poor filly was torn between the pain in her leg and her desperate fear of the human that had just burst out of the woods. The leg was covered in dark crusty blood and the hoof was left hanging. He understood now why he'd heard crying. He was unsure what to do. Finally he decided to introduce himself. "Hello, I'm Harry. What's your name?" he asked as pleasantly as he could. The Centaur cowered back and whimpered. As she moved she felt the trap tear at her leg and she let out another sharp cry.
"Will you let me look at it?" Harry asked. She shook her head hard but again the pain jarred her and she whimpered. She looked at him and nodded slowly. Harry walked to her as kindly as he could manage and without touching her or the trap Harry looked at the wound. "I can help you with this but you will have to trust me. I can either do this so that you are awake or so that you are asleep. If you are asleep it won't hurt nearly as much. Which would you prefer?"
"S...Sleep?" begged a sad quiet voice.
Harry cast a calming spell. He then cast a sleep spell. Once she was asleep he pulled the two pieces of the trap apart. Blood began to gush out of the wound. Remembering his first aid training from his first few weeks in the Auror program he found a strap from his bag, used it as a tourniquet on her leg and he then cast a charm healing a few of the blood vessels he could see exposed near the skin. He was careful not to do too much at once as he was not familiar with Centaur physiology.
He was afraid to do more so he cast a hovering charm. He kept the Centaur in front of him so he could make sure he didn't bump her against a branch or a trunk. He then regained his bearing and carefully walked back through the forest. All the while he kept a look out for the markers showing the borders of the Centaur domain. Soon he found a marker and he continued to guide the hovering Centaur to what he hoped was toward the inner domain of the Centaurs.
When he reached the second set of markers two Centaurs charged up to him. "What is this?" they asked gruffly. The young Centaur hovering next to him got their attention. One whispered to the other and ran off. The other gestured for him to keep walking, "What happened and why are you here?"
"I found her hurt," responded Harry. "I'm assuming you sent for others. Show me where to take her and I will explain more when the others arrive."
Harry followed the Centaur. Soon two males and a female Centaur rushed to them. One of the males looked very worried but the other male and the female were stoic. They continued to guide him and eventually they came upon a table surrounded by stone. The female asked him to place the little girl upon the table.
The female was dressed differently than the others and carried a small bag over her exposed chest. She pulled out several items and began to look over the wound, "Was she like this when you found her?" Harry shook his head, "No."
While the female looked at the sleeping child's leg the three males watched with Harry. The oldest carried a sash around his chest and had long grey hair with a full beard. He had a dignity and regal flair often seen in leaders. "I am the Elder of the Herd. What happened young wizard?" he asked sombrely.
"I was walking the forest. One of your leaders of the hunt, Blade, gave me permission to walk through your outer domains. I had walked through and was exploring a trail that hadn't been used in a while when I heard crying. I rushed through the woods looking for who or what was making the noise." The Centaurs noticed his cuts and lashes on his face and arms as he explained, "It was her," he pointed. "Her leg was caught in a trap. I asked her permission to put her to sleep so it wouldn't hurt and then I took her leg out of the trap. I believe its broken. It looked as if it was broken badly."
The healer turned back to the group, "Her leg is indeed broken badly. I don't know if I can heal it. If it can't be healed then she will die."
"What?" Harry looked stricken, "Why?"
"A broken leg is a serious malady for a Centaur...depending on where the break is located," explained the healer. "A broken leg will not allow blood to flow through it properly and her break is in a very difficult place."
The younger male looked as if he'd been slapped. He began to sway a little but gathered his resolve began to pace, "There's nothing that can be done?"
Harry approached the woman, "We have a healer that might be able to use magic to try to repair the break. She has repaired breaks to my bones and has even regrown bones in my arm," he pointed and flexed his arm. "I could bring her here."
The healer and the younger man looked to the Elder. He responded, "Ertha, there is nothing you can do?" She shook her head. "Doran, you have been a leading opponent of association with the humans. You understand that if we allow this human, and another human, into our inner domain then I will be required to answer for it. I cannot pursue one policy and then change it merely because it has become convenient." Doran looked conflicted but being as he was the filly's father he was left with no choice, "I understand."
The Elder looked to Harry, " Go find this healer if you can. I will have Doran waiting for you at the edge of the forest to guide you back here." Harry did as he was told and when he returned with a tired looking Madam Pomfrey her hand immediately covered her mouth, "Oh my."
As Madam Pomfrey and Ertha worked on the child, Harry and the Elder walked alone. The Elder looked to Harry, "Young wizard, we cannot thank you enough for your help. The young filly is a daughter of a council member. You met him. His name is Doran. He has not been happy with our past dealings."
The Elder explained about their business the morning of the Great Battle and the Elder Wand. Harry looked as if he understood but then seemed very confused. The human looked around uncomfortably and then changed the subject, "What is her name?"
"The filly's name is Enat. She wanders too far and she allows the other young Centaurs to dare her into mischief. Enat has spirit much like her father. She's been missing for two days. Because of the previous deaths we could not afford to send a party to search. The danger was too great." The Elder looked serious. "Bane informed me that you entered into an agreement to aid the herd in a time of need. I believe you have fulfilled your obligation." The air filled with a mist of sparkles and Harry felt a small weight he'd never noticed lift from his shoulders.
They approached the healers as they closed the conversation, "Elder, I was happy to help. If there is ever anything I can do for the Herd then it would be an honour."
"Young wizard, Friend Harry Potter, we thank you. Now you must be getting back. The hour is late." Madam Pomfrey obviously heard what the Elder said because she nodded. It appeared that it was going well. The Elder addressed Harry's silent concern, "We shall make sure your healer is safely returned to your settlement. Safe travels Friend Harry Potter – Sentry, please guide our Friend to the edge of the forest."
Harry was at Gryffindor Tower in half an hour. When he reached the portrait he uttered the password "Rose." A groggy Fat Lady looked down at him fiercely and asked "where have you been off to so late?" Harry shrugged. The Fat Lady rolled her eyes as she opened the passageway, "One of these days, young boy, you are going to find yourself in trouble you can't fight your way out of."