A/N: I'm going to make this clear. I don't own the Harry Potter series or it's characters. That right goes to JK Rowling

Detention in the Forbidden Forest

The next day went pretty good. Especially since Malfoy cost Slytherin another twenty points last night when McGonagall caught him sneaking around the castle at dead of midnight along with another night of detention.

Rumor has it, Malfoy was trying to spread a rumor that Professor Potter was working in conspiracy against the school by working with his son and their friends along with Hagrid to illegally transport a dragon. Fortunately, McGonagall didn't believe it and James had enough favoritism with most of the school (due to his unique teaching techniques), that no one believed Malfoy.

Harry and Hermione didn't risk sharing their small conversation with Tonks with Ron or Neville until the four of them were alone since as far as the rest of the school knows what really happened last night didn't happen.

"So Hermione met Tonks?" Ron asked in James' living Quarters.

"Yeah," Harry said. "I don't think she expect Tonks the way she was."

"No, I didn't," Hermione admitted, "The way you talked about her, I pictured her different."

"Did Tonks show off her abilities?" Ron asked.

"Not this time," Harry said, "She'll probably wait until she sees Hermione again to do so."

"What ability?" Hermione asked,

"Tonks is a Metamophmagus," Harry explained, "She can change her appearance without the need of a spell or potion."

"Oh—so then her midnight blue hair—" Hermione asked.

"Is the result of her abilities," Harry said, "She uses it to help her with her Auror training."

"But if you ask her, she can change her appearance to anything you request just for the entertainment," Neville said.

After that Hermione spend the little free time she scheduled to look up on Metamorphmagus.

Which wasn't much since with exams coming closer, Hermione scheduled more study time for them. They even pushed aside the concern about the sorcerer's stone until the exams passed—hoping Quirrell can hold up against Snape until then.

At least, that was the plan until Harry was walking back to the Gryffindor Tower from the Library on his own one afternoon, when he heard somebody whimpering from a classroom up ahead. As he drew closer, he heard Quirrell's voice.

"No—no—not again, please—"

As Harry moved closer, he realized it sounded as though someone was threatening Quirrell. Harry didn't hear the voice exactly as it was muffled out by something, but it didn't sound like Snape.

"All right—all right—" he heard Quirrell sob.

Then Quirrell came hurrying out of the classroom, straightening his turban. He was pale and looked as though he was about to cr. He strode out of sight; Harry didn't think Quirrell had even noticed him. He waited until Quirrell's footsteps and disappeared, then peered into the classroom. It was empty, but a door stood ajar at the other end.

Harry decided not to meddle with it. Instead, he went to his dad.

…

"Are you sure about this?" James asked for the third time.

"Yes, dad," Harry said. "Someone was threatening Quirrell for information."

James sighed. "Thanks for telling me this Harry. I'll bring the news to Dumbledore. Maybe with his help, we can convince Quirrell to take some time off for the remainder of the year."

"Thanks dad." Harry said.

"Oh, and Harry, before you go, you should know that you, Hermione Neville and Ron will be serving your detention eleven o'clock tomorrow night with Hagrid," James said, "Since the reason for your punishment is for Hagrid, I figured it's only right you serve your punishment by helping him with something."

Harry nodded and left the room.

…

"You told your dad!" Ron's mouth gapped open.

"Only about someone threatening Quirrell," Harry said, "I figured dad will already figure it was about the Sorcerer's Stone me bringing it up."

"Good idea," Hermione agreed.

"Are you sure it's not Snape," Ron said.

"Yes, I'm sure," Harry said.

"But Snape was threatening Quirrell at the forest," Neville said.

"I might have misunderstood them," Harry admitted. "Don't forget, I only heard part of their conversation."

"Either way, I'm glad you went to your dad," Hermione said. "Now that we know we're not going up against a teacher's words, it probably was easier for Professor Potter to believe us."

"Great, so that just leave us detention and the exams to worry about," Ron mumbled.

…

The next night they left the common room and went down to the Entrance Hall where Filch was waiting.

"Where's Malfoy?" Harry asked. "I would have thought he serve one of his detention time with us."

"Unfortunately for you, your daddy arranged to have the young Malfoy serve detention with him," Filch said. "Now, follow me."

Lighting a lamp, Filch lead them outside.

"I bet you'll think twice about breaking a school rules by spreading rumors after tonight, won't you?" he said, leering at them. "Oh yes… hard work and pain are the best teachers if you ask me… It's just a pity they let the old punishments die out… hang by your wrists from the ceiling for a few days, I've got the chains still in my office, keeping them well-oiled in case they're needed… Right, off we go, and don't think of running off, now, it'll be worse for you if you do."

Harry tried hard not to roll his eyes. The only time the school use such punishment was when an ancestor of Sirius: Phineas Black—was headmaster and kept things in track with fear. There were even rumors that he allowed dark magical objects be used (they were only rumors though as no Ministry would allow that). But still, because of Phineas' actions, when his successor became Headmaster, any form of punishment involving student cruelty and any dark magical item was banned.

Still, that doesn't stop those like Filch to bring up Phineas' way of punishment as an excuse to scare any student he's left to escort or watch over during their detention.

They marched off across the dark grounds as the moon was bright and full. Ahead, Harry could see the lighted windows of Hagrid's hut. Then they heard a distant shout.

"Is that you, Filch? Hurry up, I want to get started."

Hagrid came striding toward them out of the dark, with Fang at his heel. He was carrying his large crossbow, and a quiver of arrows hung over his shoulder.

"About time," he said. I been waiting for half an hour already? All right, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville?"

"I shouldn't be too friendly to them, Hagrid," said Filch coldly, "they're here to be punished, after all."

"That's why your late, isn't it?" said Hagrid, frowning at Filch. "Been lecturing them, eh? Not your place to do that. You've done your bit, I'll take over from here."

I'll be back at dawn," said Filch, "for what's left of them after a night in the Forest," he added nastily, and he turned and started back toward the castle, his lamp bobbing away in the darkness.

"We're going to the Forbidden Forrest?" Harry asked.

"That's right," Hagrid said. "Don't worry, I pass this with Dumbledore. So tonight's detention is legit. Just do what I say and you should make it out by morning in one piece. Now follow me."

He led them to the very edge of the forest. Holding his lamp high, he pointed down a narrow, winding earth track that disappeared into the thick black trees. A light breeze lifted their hair as they looked into the forest.

"Look there," said Hagrid. "See that stuff shinning on the ground? Silvery stuff? That's unicorn blood. There's a unicorn in there that been hurt badly by something. This is the second time in a week. I found one dead last Wednesday."

"Then it's not werewolf attack," Harry said, "There wasn't a full moon Wednesday."

"Correct," Hagrid responded. "Our job is to find the poor unicorn and if have too, take it out of it's misery. We're gonna split into two parties and follow the trail in different directions. There's blood all over the place, it must've been staggering around since last night at least. I'll take Hermione and Ron one way; Harry, Neville, you'll take Fang and go the other. Now if any of us finds a unicorn, we'll send up green sparks, right? Get your wands out and practice now—that's it—and if anyone gets in trouble, send up red sparks, and we'll all come and find you—so be careful—let's go."

…

Hagrid Ron and Hermione followed the trail of silver-blue blood to a stream.

"Ron, is one of Harry's uncles a werewolf?" Hermione asked.

Ron hesitated. "Why do you ask?"

"Come on Ron, even I can tell Harry knows something," Hermione said. "He barely pays attention in Defense Against the Dark Arts when it comes to werewolves, and yet he gets good scores on anything involving them. Not to mention Harry brought up how one of his uncles has a monthly condition."

Ron sighed. "You didn't hear this from me, but his Uncle Remus Lupin—a.k.a. Uncle Moony, is a werewolf. From what Harry's dad told us, he been one since he was bitten as a child. But Harry's dad is one of few percentage of people who don't judge werewolves by their curse, and he trust Remus enough to look after Harry."

Hermione nodded.

"GET BEHIND THAT TREE!" Hagrid seized Hermione and Ron and hoisted them off the path behind a towering oak. He pulled out an arrow and fitted it into his crossbow. Something was slithering over dead leaves nearby; it sounded like a cloak trailing along the ground. Hagrid was squinting up the dark path, but after a few seconds, the sound faded away.

"I knew it," he murmured. "There's something in here that shouldn't be. Right, follow me, but careful, now."

They walked more slowly, ears straining for the faintest sound. Suddenly, in the clearing ahead, something moved. "Who's there?" Hagrid called. "Showed yourself—I'm armed!"

And into the clearing came a man-horse hybrid thing. From the waist up it was a man with red hair and beard. But from the waiste down was a body of a horse with a gleaming chestnut body and a long reddish tail. Hermione's jaw dropped.

"Oh, it's you, Ronan," said Hagrid in relief. "How are you?"

He walked forward and shook the centaur's hand.

"Good evening to you, Hagrid," said Ronan in a deep sorrow voice. "Were you going to shoot me?"

"Can't be too careful, Ronan," said Hagrid, patting his crossbow. "There's something bad loose in the forest. This is Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, by the way. Students up at the school. And this is Ronan, you two. He's a centaur."

"We noticed," said Hermione faintly.

"Good evening," said Ronan. "Students, are you? And do you learn much, up at that school?"

"Hard not too," Ron said. "Hermione here makes sure two of our friends and me study hard."

"Well, that's good." Ronan sighed. He flung back his head and stared at the sky. "Mars is bright tonight."

"Yeah," said Hagrid, glancing up, too. "Listen, I'm glad we've run into you, Ronan, because there's a uncorn that been hurt—you seen anything?"

Ronan didn't answer immediately. He stared unblinkingly upward and sighed again.

"Always the innocent are the first victims," he said. "So it has been ages past, so it is now."'

"Yeah," said Hagrid, "but have you seen anything, Ronan? Anything unusual?"

"Mars is bright tonight," Ronan repeated, while Hagrid watched him impatiently. "Unusually bright."

"Yeah, but I was meaning anything unusual a bit nearer home," said Hagrid. "So you haven't noticed anything strange?"

Yet again, Ronan took a while to answer. At last, he said, the forest hides many secrets."

A movement in the trees behind Ronan made Hagrid raise his crossbow again, but it was only a second centaur, a black hair and bodied and wilder-looking centaur.

"Hello, Bane," said Hagrid. "All right?"

"Good evening, Hagrid, I hope you are well?"

"Well enough. Look, I've just been asking Ronan, you seen anything odd in here lately? There's a unicorn that been injured—would you know anything about it?"

Bane walked over to stand next to Ronan. He looked skyward.

"Mars is bright tonight," he said simply.

"We've heard," said Hagrid grumpily. "Well, if either of you do see anything, let me know, won't you? We'll be off, then."

Ron and Hermione followed him out of the clearing, staring over their shoulders at Ronan and Bane until the trees blocked their view.

"Never," said Hagrid irritably, "try and get a straight answer out of a centaur. Ruddy stargazers. Not interested in anything closer than the moon."

"Are there many of them in here?" asked Hermione.

"Oh, a fair few… Keep themselves to themselves mostly, but they're good enough about turning up if ever I want a word. They're deep, mind, centaurs… They know thing… just don't let on much."

"Maybe Harry and Neville are having better luck," Ron said.

…

Harry and Neville weren't having any better luck, even with Fang, but that didn't stop them from passing time by guessing what could cause a unicorn to get hurt since a werewolf was out

"Maybe a vampire," Neville said.

"Why would a vampire go after a unicorn?" Harry asked. "What about a giant spider?"

"We better hope not for Ron's sake," Neville said. "Giant snake?"

"I doubt it, unless there's one faster than a werewolf," Harry said.

Just then Neville tripped over something and Harry had to catch him.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, but what did I trip over?" Neville asked.

They looked down and saw it was the unicorn they were looking for—only it was dead. It's long, slender legs were stuck out at odd angles where it had fallen and its mane was spread pearly white on the dark leaves.

"We better send a spark." Harry took out his wand. But before he could a pain like he'd never felt before pierced his head; as if his scar was on fire.

"Aaaah!" Harry groaned.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Neville asked.

Just as Neville asked that, a hooded figure came out of the shadows of the trees and came at them.

"S-Stand back!" Neville raised his wand, although he had no idea what spell to use. Fang didn't help as he yipped and ran away like a coward.

Just then, something jumped clean over Harry and Nevile, charging at the figure.

The pain in Harry's head was so bad he fell to his knees. It took a minute or two to pass. When he looked up, the figure was gone, and a centaur with white-blond hair and a palomino body.

"Are you two all right?" the centaur asked.

"Yes—thank you!" Neville said.

"What was that?" Harry asked.

The centaur didn't answer as he was looking at Harry with his blue eyes—namely on the scar that stood out on Harry's forehead.

"You are the Potter boy," he said. "You and your friend better get back to Hagrid. The forest is not safe at this time—especially for you. Can you two ride? It will be quicker this way."

"Sure, thanks," Neville said. "My name is Neville Longbottom."

"And mine is Firenze," said the centaur as he lowered himself for Harry and Neville to clamber on his back.

There was a suddenly a sound of more galloping from the other side of the clearing. The centaurs that were with Hagrid Hermione and Ron—Ronan and Bane—came bursting through their trees, their flanks heaving and sweaty.

"Firenze!" Bane thundered. "What are you doing? You have two humans on your back! Have you no shame? Are you a common mule?"

"Do you realize who this boy is?" said Firenze. "This is the Potter boy. The quicker he leaves this forest, the better."

"What have you been telling him?" growled Bane. "Remember, Firenze, we are sworn not to set ourselves against the heavens. Have we not read what is to come in the movement of the planets?"

Ronan pawed the ground nervously. "I'm sure Firenze thought he was acting for the best," he said in his gloomy voice.

Bane kicked his back legs in anger.

"For the best! What is that to do with us? Centaurs are concerned with what has been foretold! It is not our business to run around like donkeys after stray humans in our forest!"

Firenze suddenly reared on to his hind legs in anger, forcing Harry to grab onto his shoulders and Neville to hold onto him to stay on.

"Do you not see that unicorn?" Firenze bellowed at Bane. "Do you not understand why it was killed? Or have the planets not let you in on that secret? I set myself against what is lurking in this forest, Bane, yes, with humans alongside me if I must."

And Firenze whisked around; with Harry and Neville clutching on as best as they could, as they plunged into the trees, leaving Ronan and Bane behind them."

"What was that thing you saved us from?" Harry asked.

"And why was the other centaurs angry?" Neville added.

Firenze slowed to a walk, warning the two boys to keep their heads bowed in case of low-hanging branches, but did not answer their question. They made their way through the trees in silence for so long that Harry thought Firenze didn't want to talk to him anymore. They were passing through a particularly dense patch of trees, however, when Firenze suddenly stopped.

"Harry Potter, do you know what unicorn blood is use for?"

"Not really," Harry said, "I do know slaying a unicorn for anything other than ending its suffering is illegal by the Ministry."

"That's because it is a monstrous thing, to slay a unicorn," said Firenze. "Only one who has nothing to lose, and everything to gain, would commit such a crime. The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible price. You have slain something pure and defenseless to save yourself, and you will have but a half-life, a curse life, from the moment the blood touches your lip. Most don't dare to drink it unless they plan to live long enough to dink something that will bring you back to full strength and power—something that will mean you can never die."

"The sorcerer's stone," Harry said.

"But who would risk drinking unicorn blood long enough to live forever?" Neville asked.

"Ah, that is a good question, Neville Longbottom. Who would be already at the brink of death, for so long take such a risk?"

Suddenly Harry remembered the green flash and the sinister laughter.

"Vol—"

"Harry! Neville! Are you all right?"

Hermione and Ron was running toward them down the path, Hagrid and Bane behind them.

"We're fine," Neville said, which was a good thing as Harry was too stunned to respond. "The unicorn's dead, Hagrid, it's in that clearing."

Firenze lowered himself so Neville and Harry could get off. Neville lead Hagrid to the unicorn.

"This is where I leave you," Firenze told Harry. "You are safe now, and I wish you luck. The plants have been read wrongly before now, even by centaurs. I hope this is one of those times."

He turned and cantered back into the depths of the forest, leaving Harry behind them.

…

Harry didn't speak of what happened until they were back in the Gryffindor Common Room. When he did speak, he told them what he knew.

When he was done, Ron Neville and Hermione were pale with fright.

"Harry, if you're right, then we should be fine," Hermione said. "Don't forget, Dumbledore's the only one You-Know-Who was ever afraid of. With Dumbledore around, You-Know-Who won't touch you."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Harry said. "Still, I can't help but shake this feeling something big is about to happen."

"You and me both," Neville said. "Seeing that unicorn lying there—" Neville shivered at the thought.

The sky had turned light before they stopped talking. They went to bed exhausted, their throats sore. Little did they know, their troubles are only starting to get worse.