ADVENTURE IN THE FOREST
Chapter fifteen: The Forbidden Forest
"Wait, what?", Lily said with a confused look. "Did you read the title correctly?"
"Yeah, the title is the forbidden forest.", Severus said showing Lily the book.
"But why is there a chapter named after that? Please don't say that, they will be going inside the forest now!", Lily said with wide eyes.
"Maybe it is what they get as detention. They might have to do something inside the forbidden forest. I have heard people getting detention there before.", Severus said.
"But the forest is dangerous! They can't let students inside that place!", Lily protested.
"I am sure that, Hagrid will accompany them to the forest. It is what I have heard.", Severus said reassuringly.
(Things couldn't have been - Hermione was trembling.)
"I would too, if I was in that situation.", Lily remarked.
"I certainly would hate to be in the same position as one of them. Waiting for the inevitable punishment.", Severus said.
"Maybe they can escape punishment by telling Professor the truth. She might understand what the situation is.", Lily said.
"I don't think they will tell because, they will think that it will land Hagrid in trouble.", Severus said.
"But I am sure that, Dumbledore will not punish Hagrid severely!", Lily said.
"But the two of them does not know that.", Severus said.
"That is true.", Severus said sadly.
(Excuses, alibis, and wild - packing their bags already.)
"I don't think that; the punishment will go as far as getting expelled. Expelling is only done for really serious crimes like injuring a student really seriously or using an unforgivable.", Severus said.
"True. If that was the case, the marauders would have been out of the school long ago. I think that they snuck out almost every night.", Lily said.
"I think the most they will get will be a fifty-point detection from their houses, and a detention.", Severus said.
"Yeah. That is the most possible punishment for them.", Lily said. "But they do not deserve that. They were doing a good thing!"
"I know. But we can't say if, professor will believe them.", Severus said.
(Harry had thought that - was leading Neville)
"Don't tell me that, the poor boy also is somehow involved in this whole mess!", Lily said sadly.
"He really has the worst kind of luck out of all the students.", Severus said shaking his head.
(Harry!" Neville burst - violently to shut Neville up)
"So that is how he is in this mess. Malfoy wanted even the poor boy to end up in trouble, so he gave a hint to even Neville about what was happening there.", Severus said.
"He is so sadistic. Trapping a poor boy, when he has nothing to with all this.", Lily said. "I think he would certainly become a follower of You-know-who if he was in our time."
"I think that is up to debate. He maybe a really sadistic boy, but I don't think he is that cruel or has the motivation to be one.", Severus said.
"I do hope so, Severus.", Lily said.
(but Professor McGonagall had - as still as a statue.)
"Wow. She is really scared, and clueless about what she should tell.", Lily said. "I thought that, she of all people might tell the truth."
"Do you think that, you will be able to tell the Professor if you were in that situation?", Severus asked.
"That is a question that I really don't know. But I think that even I would have the same reaction.", Lily confessed.
"Then you have no reason to tell about her reaction. Even I confess that, I would do the same thing too.", Severus said.
"I think the marauders will do something, and somehow come out of this situation with some excuse. They are really good at this.", Lily said.
"That is true.", Severus said.
(I think I've got a - story and believed it, too.)
"That is a really bad story! She should have known that, Harry and Hermione will never do that!", Severus said.
"I think the Professor got memories of his father and his gang. She must have thought that, Harry was doing what his father loved to do. To pull a prank, and try to land others in trouble. He does that many times with you, doesn't he?"
"Yes, he does and he laughs when he sees me in detention. But I do try to get him back for it.", Severus said.
"I know. But they escape off any punishment most of the time. I have no idea, how he does that.", Lily said.
"He must be using his cloak all the times. But that does not give the whole explanation about how he manages to do all what he does.", Severus said.
(Harry caught Neville's eye - of such a thing before.)
"I think that is a complete lie. How could she forget about the marauders?", Lily said laughing.
"That is hilarious. It is as if the marauders failed to make an everlasting impression on the teachers.", Severus said.
"I am sure that the marauders will be scandalized if they hear about this.", Lily said.
"Unfortunately, I also think that they will double their efforts to make even more of a big impression on the teachers.", Severus said sadly.
"That I think will spell really bad times for students and teachers at Hogwarts.", Lily said.
(You, Miss Granger, I - taken from Gryffindor.)
"Wow, Severus your prediction came true. She did take fifty points from Gryffindor.", Lily said.
"That I think was a reasonable amount of points for such a thing. But when I read the reaction of the professor, I thought that she will take more points from them.", Severus said.
"Thankfully she did not. Maybe that is because this was the first time in which they got caught. Maybe she will take more points if they get caught another time.", Lily said.
"I hope that, they will not be foolish enough to forget the cloak next time.", Severus said. But Lily glared at him. Realising something, Severus said," I mean that, I hope that they will not be in such a situation again."
"I also hope so, Sev.", Lily said.
(Fifty?" Harry gasped - her long, pointed nose.)
Lily and Severus were stunned at this.
"Each! Fifty points each! That means, she must have taken— ", Severus said in horror.
"Hundred and fifty points! That I think is a really bad decision from the "professor's side.", Lily said.
"I don't think she has taken so many points even from the marauders in one go!", Severus said.
"This certainly means that, they will be in trouble in the Gryffindor house. Once one of the house members, lost 50 points which made Gryffindor behind Slytherin in the house points, and the whole house shunned him for weeks, until those points were recovered and Gryffindor was in lead again.", Lily said.
"Was it one of the Marauders?", Severus asked.
"No. It was a guy called Das Gupta.", Lily said.
(Professor – please!' - ashamed of Gryffindor students)
"She is actively choosing to forget about the Marauders. Maybe they will be caught in some big thing this year, and get into a big trouble that they will stop pranking.", Severus said hopefully.
"I seriously doubt that, it will happen. If it did, she certainly would have remembered it, and mentioned to them about that.", Lily said.
"I find it surprising that, none of the teachers are telling Harry about his father's troublemaking days.", Severus said.
"Maybe they don't want to disrespect dead people.", Lily said with a sad face.
"Possible.", Severus said sadly.
(A hundred and fifty - what seemed like hours)
"I feel bad for all three of them. Especially for Neville. He got dragged into something, he was never supposed to.", Lily said.
"They both must be really hating the next day, and the reaction that the other students will have when they see this.", Severus said.
"Definitely. They are going to be seriously pissed off.", Lily said. "I think that, the Slytherins are going to make fun of them by thanking them for making them being in the first place."
"Knowing them personally, I am sure that they will.", Severus agreed.
(Harry couldn't think - points fewer than yesterday?)
"Well that's not so bad", Lily said cheerfully. "Hopefully that will continue for some time."
"I believe he started the phrase with 'at first'", Severus said, and Lily's expression fell. "That means that, everything just got very bad afterwards."
"As I have seen the Gryffindor's reactions for just fifty points, I know that they are going to be in hell for a very long time.", Lily said.
"It is also going to be really long time to recover the lost 150 points.", Severus said. "I am mostly sure that, they can't get all of them back unless some miracle happens."
"I hope that, they at least be in third place, at the last moment. Otherwise the students are going to kill them!", Lily said sadly.
(And then the story - Hufflepuffs turned on him,)
"Wait. What!?", Lily asked totally shocked. "I thought they will rejoice because of the fact that, they will have an improved chance of winning the cup."
"Don't you get it? They all hate Slytherins, and hate the fact that Slytherins are going to win the cup.", Severus said sadly.
"That is really bad Sev! I hate the fact that, three fourth of the school hates the other one fourth.", Lily said.
"We really can't help it, Lily. All the others believe that, we Slytherins are the evil house.", Severus said.
(because everyone had - Potter, we owe you one!)
"Just as we predicted. Slytherins are making fun of him.", Severus said sadly.
"The whole situation is becoming more and more worse.", Lily said shaking her head. "I can't blame them, they are just happy that, they are ahead in the board."
"I hope that, all this is worth all the trouble they have gone through for the dragon. What my question now is, is it somehow related to the matter of the stone?", Severus asked.
"Do you think that, they are somehow connected?", Lily asked.
"I have a feeling that they are.", Severus said.
(Only Ron stood - his business from now on.)
"You know, I somehow doubt that it is going to happen. I think trouble is going to follow him everywhere even if he does not wish that it will not happen.", Severus said sadly.
"I really hope not. But judging from the titles of the other books, I think it really is the case.", Lily said.
"I really feel good that, at least Ron was there to support them in the time of such crisis.", Severus said.
"But unfortunately, he was not able to console him. I wonder how Hermione is coping.", Lily wondered.
"She must be in a really bad state as Harry. Maybe even worse.", Severus said.
(He'd had it with sneaking - they called him 'the Seeker.)
"The whole thing is becoming really worse. I seriously think that, a teacher should come in and stop this treatment.", Lily said.
"I really find it troubling that, none of the teachers have stepped in till now. They surely must have noticed something.", Severus said.
"That includes even you, Sev! Remember that you are also a member of the staff there.", Lily said with a bit of anger in her voice.
Severus nodded sadly and said, "Yes. That includes even me. I still wonder why, I became such a bitter person. It seems like my future is a really bad one."
"I am sure that, we can improve all that Sev. I promise that, I will try to make your time at school even better.", Lily said reassuringly.
Severus smiled and nodded at Lily.
(Hermione and Neville were - exams weren't far away.)
"That is a really good thing. At least now he will be serious about his exams.", Severus said.
"I doubt that he can give much attention there, even if he is determined to. He is in a really bad situation now, isn't he?", Lily asked.
"That is true.", Severus agreed.
"Even Hermione must be finding it really hard to do this. I feel really bad for her too.", Lily said. "At least she is not getting as bullied as Harry."
(All the studying he - was put to an unexpected test.)
"That is not at all surprising. Otherwise I don't think there would be seven books about all this.", Severus said.
"I hope that, it is nothing really dangerous. But the downside is that the forest is full of dangerous creatures.", Lily said. "People even think that, there are even Werewolves in that forest.", Lily said.
Severus did not say anything as he knew that, the claim about werewolves were not farfetched as he suspected Lupin to be one. He refrained himself from commenting on that matter.
"There are less dangerous creatures like centaurs inside. They attack humans only if they are threatened.", Severus said.
"I don't think that it makes the forest any less dangerous.", Lily said.
(Walking back from the - was threatening him.)
"That is strange, who can be the person that is threatening him?", Lily said thoughtfully.
"Maybe he is not the only person who is behind all this. Maybe he is working for someone else.", Severus said.
"But who can that be?", Lily asked.
"I have no idea. The future from 1975 till then is absolutely not clear, isn't it? Anything could have happened till then, and anyone would want the stone.", Severus said.
"That is true. I think it will all be cleared by the end of the book.", Lily said.
"Even I think the same.", Severus said.
(Harry moved closer - stood ajar at the other end.)
"Wait a second, this clearly means that the main guy in this plot is actually inside Hogwarts!", Lily said in a moment of realization.
"Oh Merlin! That is correct. Maybe we have another traitor in the midst. But who can that be?", Severus said with wide eyes.
"This is all just getting more and more confusing, and the future looks more and more bleak. I really can't suspect any other teachers.", Lily said.
"There is also another possibility of someone sneaking into Hogwarts and is somehow able to live there without someone noticing them. But that is a really farfetched idea.", Severus said.
"I don't think that idea is as farfetched as some teacher being a bad person.", Lily said.
(Harry was halfway toward - seemed to have given in at last.)
"It is really bad to hear that, they are still suspecting that I am behind all this.", Severus said sadly.
"These three are wrong about many things. Quirrel is not giving in to anybody, he was behind this all along. I think what happened was that, someone threatened Quirrel really badly and Quirrel is in a big hurry to keep up with the deadline the main guy is giving.", Lily said.
"But I think that, they won't be able to do anything under Professor Dumbledore's watch. They will have to make him go out of the castle to do all this.", Severus said.
"That is certainly true.", Lily said.
(Harry went back to - of books surrounding them.)
"I don't think that, Hagrid is the best person to keep a secret like that. Look at how he was unable to keep the secret of Flamel.", Severus said.
"I am worried about what he will tell when he is in a drunken stupor. I don't think that he will even remember what he will spill during that time, or the people he is interacting with.", Lily said.
"I really have a bad feeling that, Hagrid might have already given up the secret. The whole dragon business is too fishy to be simple.", Severus said.
"You think that, the dragon story is somehow inside all this mess?", Lily asked.
"I am completely sure about that.", Severus said confidently.
("I bet there's a book - they'll believe, him or us?)
"That is a really good question. But I am sure that he will take the input to his consideration.", Lily said. "He is a really nice guy."
"That maybe correct, and I really think that they should really tell the teachers about their suspicions, before they do something really foolish. If they do some detective work again, the teachers will think they are up to something.", Severus said. "That will surely land them in some serious trouble."
"The problem is that, they have suspicions in the wrong guy. The teachers will laugh it off.", Lily said.
"Maybe they will think that, there might actually be something going on there and start investigating.", Severus said. "And then hopefully catch the culprit."
(It's not exactly a - take a lot of explaining.)
"They are in a really bad situation right now. They certainly are in a kind of a stalemate.", Severus said sadly.
"I think that the only thing that they can do right now is to wait and see what is happening. But if things start to go bad, they can always approach a teacher.", Lily said.
"That would be a good idea, unless they go to Quirrel regarding this problem. If they do that, the consequences will be disastrous. I have no idea, what he will do if he gets the wind that someone is back of the stone too.", Severus said.
"That is a really frightening prospect to even think of.", Lily agreed.
(Hermione looked convinced - Professor McGonagall)
"They are having detention with Filch!? That is the worst that could happen!", Lily exclaimed. "I know for a fact that the Marauders hate detentions with that guy."
"A detention with Filch in the forest. This has every ingredient for a big disaster.", Severus said. "And did you notice the time of detention in the letter? It says that, they have to meet him at 11 PM. How can they keep a forest detention at night? It is a dangerous place at even the day, I have no idea how bad it will be at the night time."
"This is going to be bad! Really bad. I know that Filch cannot even use magic. At least I have not seen him do that. What if he something goes wrong in the forest? These students are just first years!? How will they defend themselves!?", Lily asked.
"Hagrid would be a great choice for forest detentions. We saw that he can do magic, and he can easily defend the students in case of any problems.", Severus remarked.
"That is true.", Lily nodded and said.
(Harry had forgotten they - and so was Malfoy.)
"I totally forgot that, that idiot had gotten detention too!", Severus said.
"The night just got better and better. Two of the biggest pricks in Hogwarts joining you for the detention.", Lily said shaking her head.
"If anything happens to Malfoy here, then I am sure that Lucius will take some kind of action towards the school. I know that the Malfoy's are very influential.", Severus said.
"I hope that, no one gets hurt today. I don't want even Malfoy to get hurt. They are all just kids!", Lily said.
"That is what even I hope for. Merlin knows what happens in the forest during night time.", Severus said.
(Harry had also forgotten - leering at them.)
"He is not making any more better!", Lily complained.
"Did you seriously expect him to do that? You have seen his behaviour isn't it? He just wants to make every student's life a living hell!", Severus said.
"I know that Sev! But I expected him to be better when he is taking them to a dangerous place. He should be at least a little bit better.", Lily said.
"He is just one of the worst staffing choices here, after Quirrel and Binns of course. I have no idea why, Professor Dumbledore chose him as the caretaker.", Severus said.
"That is a big mystery to me too.", Lily agreed.
(Oh yes... hard - worse for you if you do.)
"Merlin! Did they really have such punishments before!?", Severus said disbelievingly.
"I know right. These punishments are just barbaric, even if they teach students a lesson not to break any rules. I think that, these will have some negative impact in the minds of students too!", Lily said.
"Thank Merlin that, they stopped using these punishments. But I have no idea, which one is worse. Detention in the forest at night time, or in some dungeons.", Severus said.
"That is a confusing question.", Lily agreed.
(They marched off - want ter get started.)
"Oh, thank god!", Lily said with relief in her voice. "They are going with Hagrid. That makes me feel so much more better."
"I think the night will be much better now. But I am sure that, the forest will still be very dangerous.", Severus said. "If there are werewolves there, I don't think even Hagrid can hold them off much longer. A bite from them is enough to turn you into one of them."
"Thankfully it's not mentioned whether it is full moon or not. The problem is that, the description of the moon looks like its near full or full. I do hope that, the legends are just legends.", Lily said.
Severus just nodded without saying anything, as he knew that there might be some truth about the stories.
(Harry's heart rose - come out in one piece.)
"Oh tush,", Severus said, waving his hand around, "Don't believe a word of it Harry, he's just shitting you."
"Language Sev! He certainly seems like wanting to find them getting harmed.", Lily said with an angry look to the book.
"He is one of the most sadistic people I have ever seen!", Severus said. "We have to think of ways to get him in trouble after going back."
"Sev! You are now starting to think like the marauders!", Lily said laughing.
"Sometimes we have to do, what we think we have to do.", Severus said.
(At this, Neville let - there - werewolves, I heard!)
"So, the legend of werewolves inside the forest is still around.", Lily said. "And even Malfoy is scared that it might be true."
"We are scared of the things we don't know or understand.", Severus said.
(Neville clutched the - hung over his shoulder.)
"Why in the name of merlin is he carrying a crossbow?", Severus asked puzzled.
"That just made the situation look like, it might be a really dangerous thing!", Lily said eyes wide. "What in the world is Hagrid expecting inside the forest? Is the werewolf legend actually true?"
The whole situation was growing more and more mysterious and confusing. "What was happening at Hogwarts?"
"I have a feeling that, all this is somehow connected to the stone plot.", Severus said.
"But how can it be possible?", Lily asked.
"I have no idea. Let's read and find out.", Severus said.
(Abou' time," he - bobbing away in the darkness.)
"Do you think that, the detention can last till dawn?", Lily asked.
"Well, it all depends on what and how fast you are doing it. By the looks of what Filch is saying, this might be one of the long ones. I hate to say it, but I think this might also have an unpredictable outcome.", Severus said.
"How can you say that?", Lily asked.
"Just by how Filch is talking about it. Something must be going inside the forest, that is really bad.", Severus said.
"Then why are they sending a bunch of first years to the forest? I don't think that, I would send a bunch of Seventh years, if there was something bad in the forest.", Lily commented.
"I have no idea. Maybe Professor Dumbledore is really going mad.", Severus said.
(Malfoy now turned - knew I was doing this,)
"He would just have to deal with that. He can't do anything unless you are harmed.", Severus said.
"Let's hope that, it will not come to that.", Lily said.
"Hope that Hagrid can handle something that can threaten them. That crossbow might do some wonders.", Severus said.
("he'd tell yer that's - over here a moment.)
"Ok. Hagrid just freaked me out. What the hell does mean by dangerous? Are they really making kids do dangerous things?", Lily asked with raised eyebrows.
"Looks like it. What the hell is happening in Hogwarts right now? Is there more worse things there than just Quirrel?", Severus said thoughtfully.
"What can be even more worse than a deadly Professor who is after immortality and who will even kill a student to get it?", Lily asked.
"I have no idea. But I think that it is all connected to the stone plot.", Severus said.
"In what way?", Lily asked.
"I have no idea.", Severus said.
(He led them to the - second time in a week)
"Wait! What the hell! There is unicorn blood on the floor! What in the world is happening here!", Lily asked with a panicked face.
"There is something in the forest that is hurting the unicorns!? What in the world has Hogwarts become!?", Severus said.
"Can it be werewolves that is doing this?", Lily asked.
"I don't think so, as unicorns are really fast and the werewolves only hunt easy prey. The next thing is, Hagrid also mentions that, this is the second kill in the week. As werewolves only hunt once in a month when the moon is full, so we can rule out that possibility.", Severus said.
"Then what monster is out there in the forest?", Lily asked with a scared tone.
"I think we are going to find out very soon.", Severus said.
(I found one dead - me or Fang," said Hagrid.)
"That is a good reassurance. But Whatever is killing or hurting them should be a really dark being. I don't think any ordinary being will dare to hurt a unicorn.", Severus said.
"But what could be the motivation behind the attack. Most of the ingredients that we need from unicorns can be taken without hurting or killing them.", Lily said.
"Blood! I think they maybe after unicorn blood!", Severus said.
"But we don't use unicorn blood for anything.", Lily said.
"There are some very dark uses for unicorn blood. Very dark.", Severus said. "If the assailant is after all that, then god help the students."
"What is it?", Lily asked.
"I don't want to tell you, unless it is mentioned in the book. But I very much hope not.", Severus said. "But I can tell you that, all the things happening there will get connected of it was the case.
"That is not a satisfactory answer Sev! But if you think that it is bad, then I am willing to see if it is in the book.", Lily said.
(An' keep ter - trail in diff'rent directions)
"That is a seriously bad idea! The forest is a really dangerous place. How can splitting up the group do any good?", Lily asked with horrified look.
"Maybe Hagrid thinks that, the thing in the forest is something that a dog or him can. But I seriously doubt that claim.", Severus said.
(There's blood all - he's a coward," said Hagrid.)
"Great. The dog turns out to be a coward. The whole thing just got even more better. Hagrid should have a serious talk with someone about student's safety. How can he even think of leaving a couple of students in a crazy forest along with a coward dog?", Severus said angrily.
"He does make really bad decisions sometimes. Here I am thinking that, doing detention with Hagrid was safe.", Lily said shaking her head.
"All these are just too confusing. I have want to know who makes up all these detentions.", Severus said.
(So, me, Harry, an' - be careful - let's go.)
"That is a really great plan.", Lily said sarcastically. "Throw some red sparks if you are in danger. Is he sure that, he can get there in time to save the kids if they are? What if they get attacked, while they are waiting for help?"
"That is a really good question. The plan just doesn't make any sense. If I was the one who was doing this, I would not have even split them into groups. Wait I would not have even given such detention in the first place. It is just too dangerous!", Severus said shaking his head.
"Remember that, when you become a staff there, Sev!", Lily said teasingly.
"I have absolutely no desire to join the staff. I will want do some research stuff after graduation.", Severus said.
"Then how are you teaching here in the school?", Lily asked.
"I have no idea.", Severus said.
(The forest was black - the unicorns?" Harry asked.)
"He is truly your son, Lily. He is asking many of the questions that you are asking here.", Severus said teasingly.
"He had James's looks and my mind. I think that is a good combination. I would hate to see a girl who has my looks, but James's behaviour. It would be so unnatural.", Lily said.
"That is very true. I just can't imagine someone who looks like you being a big troublemaker.", Severus said laughing.
(Not fast enough, - GET BEHIND THAT TREE!)
"Oh, my god! That was very sudden!", Lily said.
"Hagrid must have seen something, that worried him. Hopefully he can hold against it, and get it run away. But if it is a dark creature, I don't know what he will do.", Severus said.
"I hope that it will not be anything that Hagrid can't handle.", Lily said.
(Hagrid seized Harry and - trailing along the ground.)
"That looks like a human. So, it might be a human, that is doing all this.", Severus said. "But who can it be?"
"There are many possibilities. The entire staff of Hogwarts, except you of course and the people of Hogsmeade.", Lily said.
"What if this is Quirrel? But what will he gain by slaying a unicorn for his blood. He is definitely not— ", Severus stopped in the middle, as he didn't want to say anymore.
"What? What is he definitely not?", Lily asked.
"I think it will be explained inside the book.", Severus said.
(Hagrid was squinting - me, but careful, now.)
"They should've already been being careful", Lily said disapprovingly.
"I am sure that they already were. Hagrid was just telling them to be even more careful as they were now in a potentially dangerous situation.", Severus said.
"Do you think that, they might get attacked now?", Lily asked.
"I doubt it, but there is chance.", Severus said.
(They walked more - man, or a horse?)
"Thank merlin. It is just a centaur.", Severus said relieved.
"Don't they hate anyone who is coming into their territory?", Lily asked.
"Only if the people who come have ill intentions. Otherwise they are pretty harmless, and I am sure that, Hagrid will have good relations with them.", Severus said.
"I heard that, they don't cooperate with the ministry workers or any humans that go to them for something.", Lily said.
"That is because the ministry drove them out of their homelands, and made them live somewhere else.", Severus said.
"That is a really bad thing to do. Anyone would be suspicious of the government if they do that.", Lily said.
(To the waist, a man - you going to shoot me?)
"The first thing he asks is, whether they were going to shoot him?", Lily asked dumbfounded.
"As I told you, they are very suspicious of humans. I have read that, the ministry had killed the centaurs who had refused to move out of their lands.", Severus said.
"That is very mean! That very much sounds like, how red Indians were forced out of their native lands to live elsewhere in America.", Lily said.
"What? What is that?", Severus asked, not familiar with those terms.
"Just some piece of muggle history of America.", Lily said.
(Can't be too careful - much, up at the school?)
"That is a really idiotic question. Of course, they do learn something at school!", Severus said laughing.
"I think the centaur may just be attempting to start a conversation with the two.", Lily said.
"By asking a question, for which the answer is obvious?", Severus asked still laughing.
"Maybe their mannerisms and way of talking is different from us.", Lily suggested.
"Very true.", Severus agreed.
(Erma - ages past, so it is now.)
"Very true words, he is speaking. The innocents are always the ones that go down first.", Lily said calmly.
"That is a very good idea, to ask the centaurs about the attack. As they are the forest dwellers, they surely would have noticed something.", Severus said.
"But he is not giving any straight answers to Hagrid, is he? He is being cryptic about things.", Lily said.
"As I said. They don't trust humans, so they might not give them straight answers.", Severus said.
(Yeah," said Hagrid, - forest hides many secrets.)
"Now he is becoming a bit too annoying. Just give the answer already!", Lily said with a clear tone of anger.
"I don't think he will even if you beg him to.", Severus said.
"I wonder what kind of secrets are the forest hiding.", Lily wondered.
"I am sure that, there will be many.", Severus replied.
(A movement in the tree - tonight," he said simply.)
The two of them just burst out laughing. "Now this is getting a bit humorous.", Severus said still laughing.
"Hagrid would be getting very impatient now.", Lily said.
"Anyone would if you are in that situation.", Severus said. "I would shout at them if they did that to me."
"Same here. I would shout at them till they give me some real answer.", Lily said.
"I think the centaurs will get angry and hurt us if we did that.", Severus said.
(We've heard, - anythin' like it before.)
"OK. The whole situation is getting even more creepy, that means something new and even more dangerous has entered the forest.", Severus said.
"Does that mean that, there is something even more worse than Quirrel at Hogwarts.", Lily asked with a shiver. The mystery was building up even more and more.
(They walked on through - others are in trouble!)
Both Lily's and Severus's faces became very pale. "Oh merlin! I hope that Hagrid can get there in time to help them both.", Lily said.
"If they end up getting hurt or worse, both Hagrid and the staff will be in a really big trouble.", Severus said.
"Lucius Malfoy is surely going to be in a really bad mood if anything will happen to his son, I think.", Lily said.
"That is for sure.", Severus said.
(You two wait here - Hagrid was fuming.)
"So, they are ok?", Lily said with both confusion and relief in her voice.
"What in the world happened with those two?", Severus asked.
"Maybe Malfoy did something to Neville just to scare him, and Neville threw the sparks in a moment of panic.", Lily said.
"That is a possible explanation. If they had escaped some bad situation, I don't think that Hagrid will be fuming like that. He will just be immensely relieved.", Severus said.
"That is right. I think I want to introduce the Malfoy idiot to the Marauders. I am sure that, they will have a field day with pranking him.", Lily said mischievously.
(Malfoy, it seemed - we've gotta get this done.)
"That is a really bad idea, Hagrid. Making two rivals to wander around in a forest where there is someone that can attack them anytime is the worst idea that can come up with,", Severus said shaking his head.
"It is like putting you and James Potter in the same situation. That would be a really terrible idea.", Lily said nodding.
"Malfoy is a big coward from the looks of it. If he comes into so very bad situation, I am sure that he will not hesitate to leave Harry alone and run away, or even push Harry into the danger so that, he can have more chances of escaping.", Severus said.
"I will murder him if he pushes my son to danger and run away.", Lily said angrily.
"I think you will have to wait for 15 years to do that.", Severus said jokingly.
(So, Harry set off - and it was dead.)
"I think that is a sign for them to run away.", Lily said groaning.
"It is the sign for them to throw the red sparks.", Severus said. "And hope that whatever killed the unicorn will not come back to the kill."
"Can normal witches and wizards kill unicorns that easily?", Lily asked.
"I am sure that, killing curse will be enough to kill a unicorn if it is standing still. But because of the fact that, they have superior senses, they can detect approaching danger.", Severus replied.
"Then how did this one get killed?", Lily asked.
"Dark magic obviously.", Severus said.
(Harry had never seen - and began to drink its blood.)
"Run!", Lily shouted into the book. "Do not just stand there and stare! Run for your lives!"
"My god! That thing is really drinking the unicorn blood! But that makes you cursed for life!", Severus said with wide eyes.
"Wait! What!? Drinking unicorn blood makes you cursed for life? Then why would anyone do that!?", Lily asked totally confused.
"I am sure that it will be explained here. But all this makes me wonder why Quirrel is doing this. Unless our old assumption that, he is not working alone is true.", Severus said.
"But who could he be working with?", Lily asked.
"No idea.", Severus said.
(AAAAAAAAAARGH! - his scar was on fire.)
"Huh? Why in the world did that happen?", Severus asked confused.
"This only happened during the DADA classes, isn't it? Does that mean that, Quirrel is really the one who is drinking the blood?", Lily asked.
"That might be the case. But again, the question is, why does he want to drink Unicorn blood?". Severus thought loudly.
"Maybe he has gone mentally unstable after his trips around the world. Maybe his encounters with dark creatures went sideways.", Lily said.
"I don't think that is the case, Lily. There must be some other explanation. The whole plot of the stone is way darker than I thought.", Severus said.
(Half blinded, he staggered - and a palomino body.)
"Thank Merlin for that Centaur. I have no idea, what would have happened to Harry if he wouldn't have come.", Lily said with relief.
"That was a really close call. If the centaur would not have come a bit late, Harry would certainly have been in a grave danger. But what puzzles me is, why did the centaur care for a human child. It is nor that, I am saying he shouldn't have, it is just that it is certainly not their normal behaviour.", Severus said.
"Who cares. He just saved my son. That is good enough for me.", Lily said.
(Are you all right - It will be quicker this way.)
"That is again against their code of conduct. They are not supposed to make humans or any creature on top of them.", Severus said. "They think it's degrading, allowing humans to ride them, as if it's allowing humans control over them."
"That is really a bad rule. Many of us will not want to control them!", Lily said. "On top of that, how did he know that Harry had come with Hagrid?"
"That I think was obvious, as only Hagrid must be the one who enters into the forest so late into the night.", Severus said.
"I am worried about how the other centaurs will react to what he did.", Lily said.
"Let's read and find out.", Severus said.
(My name is - movements of the planets?)
"Are these people sensing that, there is something really bad is going to happen at Hogwarts?", Lily asked with a worried look.
"I have absolutely no idea, they are not giving any straight answers to the questions people are asking. They are saying so cryptically that, it is difficult to understand what they are trying to say.", Severus said.
"But if they are implying danger to the school, the three of them should be very careful from now on. I think that, they now should tell the teachers about the suspicion that, someone is after the stone.", Lily said. "I think the time has come for that."
"I don't know whether the three of them will have the same opinion as you, Lily.", Severus said.
(Ronan pawed the ground - not answer Harry's question.)
"Some of the centaurs have some good sense. But none of them are willing to divulge anything! They clearly know about the thing that is lurking in the forest!", Severus said angrily.
"Can't they just give a very small clue, as to what is happening in the forest? It would be very useful for them.", Lily said impatiently.
"Maybe what is happening is too dark to be divulged. That might be the reason why, they are not telling anything.", Severus said.
"So, dark that, they cannot speak of it?", Lily asked.
"Remember Voldemort? The person is so dark that, people won't even say his name!", Severus said. "My god!", Severus exclaimed turning really pale, having come to a very disturbing realization.
"What! What happened Sev!?", Lily asked with wide eyes.
"It's not possible, but Dumbledore believed that— ", Severus was muttering.
"What is not possible, Sev!? Now you are being worse than Centaurs!?". Lily said annoyingly.
"Just read the book. I don't want what I think is to be true.", Severus said.
(They made their way - blood touches your lips.)
"So that is the use of unicorn blood. But who is person at Hogwarts, that is just inches away from death? As far as the book is concerned, Quirrel is very much well from the outside.", Lily said.
"I don't think, that it is Quirrel is the one who is in the need of unicorn blood.", Severus said simply, still not wanting to believe what seemed to be the obvious truth.
"But then who?", Lily asked confused.
"Just think of Hagrid's lines in the fourth chapter about somebody, I am sure that you will get who it is.", Severus said.
Lily then nodded and tried to remember something that, Hagrid said in the fourth chapter. But she could not think of what exactly it would be. "I just can't remember everything in the book, so can you explain what is it?", Lily asked impatiently. "and please don't tell that, read the book."
"Ok. I think it is time to explain it fully. In the fourth chapter, when Hagrid was explaining to Harry about his story, and was telling about he has died or not, he says, 'Some say he died. Codswallop, in my opinion. Dunno if he had enough human left in him to die.'. I am sure that now you can make the connection.", Severus said.
Then suddenly, Lily was also able to make all the necessary connections. She also turned really pale in the realization. "You mean, that he is suggesting that you-know-who is after all this?", Lily asked.
"Yes. I have a really big suspicion that, he is the one behind all this.", Severus said.
"Oh no! The whole thing just got infinitely more worse! You are also suggesting that Quirrel is working for him?", Lily said,
"Yeah. Philosopher's stone is a thing Voldemort would surely want. It will make him more powerful and invincible.", Severus said.
(Harry stared at the - don't understand who)
"Harry, you can do it! I am sure that you can make all the connections!", Severus said into the book.
"I think he will need some time to let it all sink in. He is my son after all. But I am sure that, he will surely come to the realization.", Lily said.
"I hope that, now he will decide to inform the teachers about the whole situation. The whole thing has surely become more than he can possibly handle.", Severus said.
"I hope too Sev. If I was alive, and he does something bad, I will write a howler to him.", Lily said. "That is, if he survives all this.", Lily said sadly.
"I am sure that, your son and his friends will survive this without much hurt. They are very brave and resourceful.", Severus said trying to cheer her up.
"I hope so, Sev! I hope so.", Lily said.
(It was as though an - that was Vol-)
"That was fast. Faster than I thought he would.", Lily said smiling.
"He certainly has greater thinking power than a normal eleven-year-old. Except Hermione maybe. I am sure that, even she would have inferred all this very fast.", Severus said.
"Now let's see what he will do with that information.", Severus said.
(Harry! Harry, are you - this is one of those times)
"You are not the only one that hopes so, Firenze. Even his mother and her best friend hopes so.", Severus said.
"What are the possibilities of this prediction becoming not true?", Lily asked,
"I have no idea. I did not take divination, did i?", Severus asked.
"I am of the belief that; the subject of Divination is totally useless and utter nonsense. So, I am of higher hope that, Harry will not get hurt.", Lily said.
"The possibility of Harry getting hurt is very less. After all, there are six more books about him.", Severus said simply.
(He turned and cantered - just wanted to get rich.)
"They are still suspecting you, Sev!", Lily said sadly.
"I hope that, they will get that realization that they are totally wrong, really fast. If they don't, they will be in a really bad situation, if they go to Quirrel and informs him of all this.", Severus said.
(Stop saying the name - very imprecise branch of magic.)
"See! Even Hermione agrees with me that, Divination and fortune telling are nothing but nonsense", Lily said grinning.
"Wow! You both must be practically twins!", Severus said sarcastically.
"Ha ha", Really funny, Sev!", Lily said rolling her eyes. "But she is also right in one thing, no one can enter Hogwarts with intention of harm when Dumbledore is there.", Lily said.
"That is a very true fact. I do hope that, Dumbledore will not be leaving the castle anytime soon.", Severus said. "That will be a really bad thing, if that happens.", Severus said.
(The sky had turned light - Just in case)
"So, Dumbledore returned the cloak back to him. That is a really good thing. I hope that, he won't lose the cloak again.", Severus said.
"I am sure that, Harry will take extra care from now on.", Severus said cheerfully.
"That is the end of the chapter.", Lily said. "This chapter was a really high paced and revealing, and points to a really dark thing to come."
"I will read the next one.", Severus said and took the book.