Gavin sighed in frustration as he turned over. His first week had ended, and it had gone well. His classes had run smoothly, he was getting on with his co-workers, and he was managing the workload. The only thing that wasn't going so well was his sleep schedule. He found it almost impossible to drift off most nights. When he wasn't terrified of nightmares, he was worried about having another weird dream about Nines. It had happened several times. Whenever he tumbled into a nightmare, he felt a gentle force pulling him into a second dream where Nines managed to soothe him to sleep again. It was weird, bordering on creepy. Thank phck he isn't psychic! I barely even know the guy! Sure, he'd spoken to him a lot more throughout the week. They sat next to each other at mealtimes, and he often joined in on his conversations with Tina. He also walked him back to his rooms after dinner since he lived somewhere in the vicinity. Gavin didn't know exactly where. It wasn't his business. They hovered in the corridor outside his classroom, talking until one of them decided it was time to part ways.
It had been the same that very night. Nines had walked him back to his rooms after dinner before heading off somewhere. Gavin had done a little grading and planned out his classes for Monday, which had taken almost four hours, and then collapsed on the bed thinking he'd pass out. Unfortunately, he was having no such luck. It wasn't that he was cold. The fire was burning, and he was huddled beneath the sheets. It wasn't even the noise. He was used to the whistle of the wind by now. In fact, it often soothed him. It wasn't too light or too dark; he liked the gentle glow of the fire. He just wasn't tired, even though he felt exhausted.
In the end, he decided that a walk might help. He groaned as he pushed himself up and kicked the thick covers off. His body was a little achy from work. It probably didn't help that he'd done so much transforming, changing his bone density and such. It wasn't so bad when he did it for prolonged periods since he got a break in between, but he'd been doing it multiple times a day. He'd found no clues, either. Everyone he'd watched so far was in the clear. With a final groaning stretch, he got out of bed and pulled on his clothes from earlier. He left the cat cameo lying on his bedside since he was only going for a late-night walk.
He didn't transform this time. There were no students about to follow him at this hour. At least, none that he knew of. There had always been a strict curfew at Hogwarts. Students were to be back in their own dorms by ten at the latest. Only the prefects and seventh years were allowed out later. OWL students and sixth years were also given more grace around exam season so they could get in some extra study in the library. Gavin ran a hand through his tousled hair as he hurried downstairs and into the echoing halls. His feet barely made a scuff on the stone floor as he walked along, heading out into one of the small courtyards.
He didn't bother to light his wand. There was enough moonlight in the halls to see by, and the stars were glittering as he stepped outside. He shivered as he looked up, burying his hands in his pockets as his breath turned white on the breeze. It was beautiful, but bitingly cold. The crisp air woke him up a little, which was the opposite of what he'd been hoping for. Since he was so awake, he left the courtyard and headed to the outer grounds. It was so late that there was barely a single house lit in Hogsmeade. The moon hung almost full in the sky, bathing the forest and fields in silver. The Quidditch pitch stood looming and silent to the right as he made his way down the grassy slope.
As he got further away from the courtyard, he noticed a gentle glow to his left. He paused. Through the surrounding plants and creeping vines, he could see light inside the first greenhouse. He was pretty sure there was only one person it would be at this hour. Unless there are a few students creeping around. Unlikely so early in the year. With a small shrug, Gavin continued on down the slope, away from the warm glow. It's probably pretty warm in the greenhouse…A lot of the plants kept inside were from tropical climates. The air was pretty humid. He's probably busy. It was probably best to carry on and mind his own business. What if he's up to something? Like what? He'd already watched him and seen nothing suspicious. Doesn't mean he's in the clear though…
Gavin sighed and looked over his shoulder. He couldn't see inside from where he stood on the slope. There were too many plants blocking the way. He might have just forgotten to turn out the light. What would he even need the light for? It wasn't like he could see. Maybe he's just letting people know he's there. Who was he trying to tell? It was the middle of the night! Everyone else was sleeping. With a sigh, Gavin trudged his way up the slope towards the greenhouses. He quieted his steps as he drew nearer. It wasn't his intention to interrupt if Nines was working. Then why even come all the way here in the first place?
Once he reached the glass, he leaned in to peer inside. The first and second-year plots looked like they were in use. Soil had been patted down, and a few small sprigs of green were already sprouting. The potted mandrakes were in a neat row beneath the benches, where they would remain until they were large enough to be moved outside. By the time they were ready, it would likely be spring. The night plants were flourishing. Deadly white and pink blooms opened to release their alluring sweet scents, enticing victims closer. Up at the teacher's bench, Nines sat hunched over, lips moving as his quill scribbled away on a sheet of parchment. He's busy…Busy with what? Gavin could already feel his feline curiosity piquing.
He slipped along the glass wall to the main door, which was closed, and paused warily. If he slipped inside and shut the door, Nines would wonder how he'd gained entry. If he opened the door and left it cracked, some of his more mischievous plants might escape. It was also likely that Nines knew he'd shut the door, so someone must have opened it. Maybe he'll put it down to an open window or cracked panel…There was probably a loose pane somewhere. Gavin moved quietly as he turned the handle and pushed the door. He crept inside, eyes on the dais at all times as he turned and shut the door.
He couldn't make out any words, but the gentle rumble of Nines' voice drifted down to him. With the door shut, Gavin went ahead and transformed. This time, he was cautious, avoiding the larger plants and padding softly along the student benches to the front. He moved with his usual silence as he hopped on the dais and nosed around the edge. Curling his tail and flicking the fluffy tip, he wound around the large bench, rubbing his neck and chin against one of the thick legs. Nines didn't notice him at first as he continued to murmur instructions to his quill. He was writing a lesson on growing shrivelfigs. The fourth years would have to grow them for use in potions to make shrinking potions.
"Oh, hello again, little one. I thought you might be back." Gavin blinked as he padded his way around the desk, where the large plant pot had been left on its side. So I see…The small addition of a thin, blue blanket had been added to the base of the pot. Gavin's ears twitched as he made his way over and nosed the soft blanket. As he nosed the material, he realised it wasn't a blanket at all. It was a faded navy scarf that had been carefully folded to seem like a cushion or blanket. It's a Ravenclaw scarf. An old one. The newer ones were striped. This one was solid blue, and the crest had been folded out of sight. Gavin nosed closer, nuzzling into the fresh, earthy scent. It was Nines' scarf. His scent was unmistakable. He put his old school scarf in here to make me more comfortable? Gavin couldn't help but wonder if he'd asked for Connor's advice. Offering scented items and blending scents was a key way to make animals more relaxed.
He was slow and cautious as he prodded the worn wool with his paw. It was soft. Setting a second paw on the wool, he started kneading it into a more comfortable position. He purred softly as he slinked his way in and curled up, green eyes thinning as he settled lazily atop the cosy bundle. He stretched out his front paws before kneading the wool a little more and resting his chin on the wool. It was cosy, and he had a nice view of the room. Nines was busy working at his desk, low voice rumbling as he spoke to his quill. The wool was warm and soft, and he felt safe and sheltered within the pot. It was just the sort of place he could easily close his eyes and go to sleep. He likely would have if not for the scratch of Nines' quill and the rumble of his voice.
"Was the bed not to your liking?" Nines looked down as he approached the desk. Gavin had no idea how he knew where he was, considering how quiet he'd been. There wasn't really a response he could give that would let Nines know either way, so he settled for meowing and brushing against his legs beneath the desk. Oh? He paused as he noticed Nines stiffen. He pushed himself back on his stool and planted his feet, resting his thighs together. Gavin meowed again as he moved to the side of the stool, noting the way Nines' silvery eyes kept glancing his way. Does he seriously want me to…He could almost scent Nines' excitement as he hopped on his lap.
Gavin would have laughed as a human. Nines' eagerness was palpable as he held back from touching him in the hopes he'd settle down, spine rigid in anticipation. A light trill of amusement escaped as he padded in a circle and finally settled in place. He didn't make a habit of this. He generally played the skittish, untouchable alley cat, but of all the laps he'd curled up on, he had to admit this was the nicest. Nines' slacks were worn and comfortable. His thighs were toned, but still a little soft. There was enough room to spread out if he wanted to. He was warm, and he could feel the gentle rumble of Nines' voice through his body. The best part was when Nines finally got enough courage to lace a hand in his fur. Gavin purred like a motor as long fingers scratched along his neck and shoulders and teased his ears.
It seemed Nines was going to make the most of their closeness. He soon stopped speaking entirely to focus all of his attention on stroking his small body. Gavin blinked and twitched his ears as Nines lifted him and rested his front paws on his chest, effectively standing him up. He flicked his tail curiously as Nines ran both hands down his sleek body, caressing his fur and the muscles beneath. He felt all the way to the tip of his fluffed tail, caressed his hind legs, and fingered his small paws. It was only as the large hands cupped his face that Gavin realised what he was doing. He closed his large eyes as Nines' thumbs caressed his lids in a familiar dance. Gentle fingers stroked his whiskers, being especially gentle so as not to pull. He stroked his soft cheeks and chin and finally ran his thumb over his nose. He paused as he found the small scar, silvery eyes softening as he lingered there.
"Of course…" Gavin trilled curiously as Nines huffed and continued to caress his nose. Of course what? Nines didn't enlighten him. He just continued to tease and caress his fur until he settled down in a tired ball and closed his eyes. It was nice. Being in the greenhouse. Being with Nines. His earthy scent was comforting, and the humid warmth made a nice change to the crisp autumn air outside. There was no breeze, but he could hear the creeping swish of various plants as they swayed in their pots, occasionally snagging imps and insects from the air. Nines finally continued his ramblings, adding to the soothing atmosphere with his dulcet tones. Gavin couldn't help purring his approval as he twitched his ears and swished his tail.
He didn't notice as the night continued to wane, or as the hand on his fur stilled, or as Nines' head came to rest on his desk with a gentle thud. Soft breaths and gentle rustling filled the small house as the candles extinguished and the sun began to rise. Even then, they remained undisturbed as students slept in to enjoy their first weekend. The world around them awoke unnoticed. Morning flowers bloomed, birds tweeted and twittered their way through the sky, and animals began skittering about their daily business. They were left undisturbed until the greenhouse door was all but flung open and a set of hurried steps approached.
"Nines!" Gavin blinked his large eyes open in surprise as Nines himself remained oblivious, still slumped on the desk from the night before. "Nines! Wake up!" It was Connor. Bundled up for the cooler weather and clearly ready to go somewhere as he shook Nines' larger shoulder. Gavin remained in place, content to sap Nines' warmth for as long as possible and find out what was going on. Nines groaned a long objection as Connor finally jostled him into a more wakeful state. His groan increased as he sat up with a wince and massaged his sore neck. "How many times do I have to tell you not to sleep at your desk like this?" Gavin purred softly. Connor was definitely the eldest.
"I was getting ready for Monday." That much was obvious from the scattered papers and half full inkwell. It seemed he'd fallen asleep partway through a sentence. The self-writing quill had frozen in place, hovering above the page. Connor sighed as he reached over and snagged the quill, returning it to its standing well. Nines yawned and stretched in his seat, only remembering the curled-up feline as Gavin dug his claws in as a reminder not to stand. Nines' lips softened as he lowered a hand to his head and ruffled his fur.
"Oh, the cat from the train! Do you know who owns it?" Connor asked curiously as he held two fingers out in invitation. Gavin was cautious as he eyed Connor's hand. He didn't want to make a habit of befriending people. He scented Connor's fingers cautiously, taking in the fresh pine scent he carried, though it was somewhat tainted by other animals. Nines shook his head in response, telling Connor that he'd simply turned up in the greenhouse. "Do you think it's part kneazle? It's huge!" Gavin blinked as Connor dropped to one knee to pet him properly. Oh-phck! Connor certainly knew what he was doing. Gavin could have moaned out loud at how good his teasing fingers felt. He clawed Nines' slacks gently as Connor scratched all the way to his tailbone and raised his tail. "He hasn't been neutered." Gavin hissed and flicked his tail, glaring over his shoulder. You chop my balls off, I'll have your whole dick!
"That's not our concern…If he's a pedigree, it's likely he's a breeding stud." Gavin meowed something between an agreement and reproach as Nines laid a calming hand on his head. He didn't want them discussing his balls, especially not if Connor was inclined to lop them off. Connor seemed set to go off on a rant about responsible pet ownership and the evils of breeding, but Nines cut him off. "He's not my cat." Connor sighed his agreement and understanding, while Gavin made a note to be more careful around Connor. The last thing he wanted was to end up stunned and accidentally castrated because Connor was doing a good deed. "What did you come in for, anyway?" That seemed to get Connor back on track as he got to his feet. It also left Nines free to lavish attention on Gavin, who remained hunkered down on his knees in a disgruntled ball.
"Our trip to Hogsmeade, remember? You said you had a list of seedlings to order, and I want to get some new harnesses for the thestrals, and my feed is running low. The term has barely started, and the students are already overfeeding my moon calves and kneazles!" He seemed to despair at the thought. He didn't want them to go hungry, of course, but overfeeding brought its own problems. Nines chuckled softly as he scooped Gavin into his arms and got to his feet. Gavin couldn't help mourning the loss of a warm lap as he was carried towards the door. That was the best night's sleep he'd had in a long time. Nines' caresses almost seemed apologetic as they reached the door.
"I have the same problem with soil. They always use too much and pack it in too tightly, especially the first and second years." It was understandable. Everyone had to start somewhere, and they probably figured the more soil, the more nutrients, the better the plant will grow. "Goodbye, little one," Nines added softly as he set him on the ground. Gavin meowed and rubbed against his shins before padding his way along the edge of the castle. It seemed Nines was keeping Connor busy enough to leave him be for now, which gave him plenty of time to slip into an alcove and turn back.
Transforming always made him hungry, so he wasn't at all surprised as his tired feet carried him towards the Great Hall for breakfast. No one was really on duty since it was the weekend, and the students were much freer, but those teachers who were eating monitored things. Gavin greeted a few of his students as he passed, listening to their plans for the weekend. Quidditch trials would start soon, so a few of them were going to pester Sixty for permission to take out the training brooms. A few were going to head into Hogsmeade to pick up class supplies. Others had club activities to keep them busy, like extra charms contests and transfiguration practice.
There was a secret duelling club that everybody knew about, too. Even the staff. Especially the staff. Gavin and Tina used to be in that club, and he was pretty sure such a thing wouldn't slip under Hank's nose without notice. It was one of those things that staff let the students have so they could hone their skills and feel rebellious. Gavin swiftly excused himself and told them all to have a good day. He was ravenous. He'd already piled his plate with fried food and poured a mug of coffee before he even registered Tina grinning at his elbow.
"What?" he grumbled as he collapsed in his seat and grabbed the knife and fork. Tina was enjoying a much lighter breakfast of fruit and yoghurt with a cup of tea and some orange juice. She was also giving him a look. A smug, knowing look. He wasn't about to open his mouth and say anything. He'd learned a long time ago that if you wanted to keep shit to yourself, you kept your mouth shut around Tina. She was acting like she knew something, but he was pretty sure she was just baiting him. She leaned her chin on her hand and sipped her tea as she continued eying him. He frowned before quickly shovelling some bacon and sausage into his mouth.
"Ah-ha! That's what I thought." She was so smug he thought she might split her lip with how wide she was grinning. He didn't know what she was thinking, but he knew a hundred percent she had the wrong end of whatever stick she thought she'd found. "You didn't go to bed last night." Alright, she's got me there…She knew it, too. He didn't know what it was, but whenever she guessed something right, she always knew. "And you're eating a tonne of fried food…I wonder what you could have been doing to work up such an appetite…" Her dark eyes twinkled as she took a meaningful bite of yoghurt and banana. Gavin snorted at the accusation.
"Yeah-no. You're way off. You're so far off, you're in Alaska." She seemed more than a little disappointed at the news. Unfortunately, she also wasn't about to let it drop as she asked what he had been doing. The grin returned as he clammed up and refused to answer. There were only two things she knew of that gave him an appetite like that. A good lay, and transformation.
"So? What were you doing out all night if you weren't getting the good stuff?" Gavin snorted at her wording. Getting the good stuff? Really? He filled his mouth again, stalling for time as he looked around the busy hall. The students sat in mixed groups, at mixed tables. Many of them had their books out, writing homework as they ate. A group of boys seemed to be planning strategies for Quidditch, moving salt and pepper pots around a hastily drawn paper map. "Did you meet someone?" He balked, almost choking on his bacon as he shook his head.
"I couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk." She could read the truth of that at least, but his reaction to her last question hadn't escaped her notice either. He sighed in defeat as she continued giving him an expectant look. "Alright! I transformed and fell asleep in the greenhouse…Nines was working late, and I saw the light on, so I went in and spied on him." He didn't tell her about sleeping on his lap. That was one detail she didn't need to know. Despite how innocent he'd made it sound, she still grinned like a Cheshire Cat.
"And? What nefarious plot was he brewing?"
"Not a thing. He was lesson planning for Monday." Tina seemed a little disappointed by how dull it sounded. Gavin was a little disappointed himself. Not by Nines, but by the sheer lack of anything devious going on. He hadn't found a trace of evil anywhere. No one was acting weird. Nothing was out of place. He hadn't heard a whisper of anything! Perhaps he was getting ahead of himself. It had only been a week. Whoever it was could be starting slowly, or maybe they were waiting for something specific. "Maybe I should stop by the forest and see Kent…His herd may have noticed something." Tina scowled her disapproval, as always. Going into centaur territory was dangerous. There wasn't even a guarantee that Kent was still around, though he'd been pretty young back when he was in school, so there was a good chance. Hopefully, he'll remember me and won't take the shoot first, ask questions later approach. He couldn't blame him if he did. Wizarding kind and muggles had both eaten into their territory in a major way. The Forbidden Forest was one of the few safe places they had left in Britain. "Meet you in Hogsmeade later? I'll buy you a butterbeer." That compromise seemed enough to placate her.
"Fine, but you'd better not get yourself killed to get out of it!" Gavin huffed at the warning as he got to his feet.
"If I do, I'll make it my unfinished business to come back and haunt you." He snickered at her pout and kissed her forehead in farewell. Her cackle followed him all the way down the steps until he was surrounded by the boisterous chatter of excited students. He felt a lot better since he'd eaten. More than ready for the long trek to the forest. It was a good day for it, and he was glad he had his leather jacket as he walked down the winding path towards the distant town. It would take around an hour and a half to walk to Hogsmeade, but his route was going to take him off the main path.
A lot of older students were making their way to the village in pairs and groups, enjoying the sun. They were bundled up in thick robes for the weather, and one or two wore heavier cloaks and scarves. Some of them paused as they meandered along, picking wild herbs and replenishing their potions supplies. Some climbed over the fences to see the sheep and search for nifflers and puffskeins. The path was so busy that he worried a little about slipping away unnoticed. He needn't have bothered. The students were all far too busy enjoying their first weekend out to notice him heading down the thin, overgrown path leading to the forest.
While the outside world was filled with warmth, birdsong, and the distant chatter of voices, inside the forest was dark and oppressive. Silence hung heavy in the air as he stepped across the treeline and pushed deeper. There was a slight divide. The outer rim of the forest was a place shared by both races, but once the trees grew thicker and taller and roots wove across the ground like snakes, it was centaur territory. Gavin licked his lips nervously as he crept his way further, almost convinced he was being watched. He peered through the trees cautiously. It wasn't only centaurs that could be a danger in the forest. Wild thestrals, hippogriffs, dugbogs, and spiders of all sizes had made the forest their home. There were also snakes and unicorns, but he wasn't so concerned about those.
The trees were soon as wide as two grown men. They rose out of sight, thick branches blocking the sky. He only knew it was daytime because of the dim grey filtering down from above. The earth was damp beneath his feet from recent rainfall that never fully dried. The air was thick with the scent of earthy trees and rotting bogs. An eerie silence lingered, unbroken by the wind in the trees, but Gavin heard it as dull thuds struck the ground deeper in the trees. He dropped beside a towering trunk and waited between the roots, listening carefully for their approach. He licked his lips and raised his hands hesitantly. Will he even remember this? He blew through his fingers to make a quiet whistle, pitching it to sound like the deep coo of an owl.
"Philia!" Gavin grinned at the familiar shout and hooves that pounded the earth. He left his hiding place as the thudding steps drew near. Kent was middling in size for a centaur. He had a fine chestnut body and matching curls that reached his waist, which he kept tied back with a piece of twisted vine. Even his more human skin had a very light coat of fur, helping him blend into the shadows of the forest, and his large brown eyes helped him see in the constant darkness. He carried a bow in one hand with a quiver of arrows on his flank. Gavin wasn't sure whether he was on guard duty or just hunting, but he was relieved to find him so quickly. "You've grown…Come, let me see you." Gavin huffed and stepped forward, remaining still as Kent plodded closer.
"Phck, you haven't aged a day!" Gavin remained still as Kent stretched out his arms and cupped his cheeks with large, rough hands. They weren't rough with age. They were worn and calloused from years of shooting. He was gentle as he stroked his stubble and examined all the new lines. He hadn't seen him since he was a teen, barely able to grow facial hair.
"You've become a man…" That's kind of what happens to us. He knew it was true of centaurs as well, but Kent had been grown for so many years, he'd likely forgotten what it was like. It was also much quicker for humans. To Kent, he'd aged in the blink of an eye. I've got a good hundred years left in me yet though. Probably longer, since he was a pureblood. "I wasn't sure I'd see you again. What brings you to the forest?" That was fair to say. A lot of students never returned after graduation. There wasn't much up in the highlands besides Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, and they weren't exactly holiday destinations.
"I'm a professor up at the school now, and I'm actually here for information…" Gavin looked around warily, though he didn't expect evil to be lurking within eavesdropping distance, not with Kent so close. Kent's senses were more attuned to the forest than his own. It took a lot to sneak up on a centaur within its own territory. "I've heard there may be something going on at the school…something bad. Tell me, have you noticed anything? Something off with the forest? Newcomers creeping around?" It was unlikely such newcomers would last long in the forest unless they came in force. Kent flicked his glossy tail, hooves scraping the earth in agitation.
"Poachers. Swarms of them. We've had an ongoing problem for years, of course, but it's gotten much worse recently." Gavin's jaw tightened at the news. He remembered even back in his school days, he'd helped chase off his fair share of shady characters. It's why the centaurs named him friend. "I'm not sure if they're looking for something specific, but the raids are getting worse." That didn't bode well. He didn't need to ask what they were looking for. There were a lot of rare breeds in the forest that would fetch a high price. Unicorns especially.
"Like you said, poachers aren't unusual. Is there anything else? Something that maybe brought them here?" Kent shook his head at that. To his knowledge, there was no other evil lurking in the forest. At least, no other evil that didn't belong there. Gavin's brow furrowed thoughtfully. It was unlikely the ministry paid enough attention to the forest to know about the rise in poaching, and he wasn't even sure they'd consider it to be their problem. The forest was centaur territory and therefore not their responsibility. It didn't seem to have spilled over to affect the school, at least, not that he'd noticed. I'll have to keep an eye on it…
"Kentar!" They both looked up as another set of hooves approached, swiftly followed by a small group. A hunting party. They often moved in groups of five or six. "Consorting with wizarding folk again?" The young male raised his bow, aiming a shot at Gavin. Kent was quick to circle in front as Gavin raised his hands in a show of peace. The young male reared and seemed set to argue, though he backed off a little as Kent returned the rear and stomped his larger hooves. Gavin remained low, trying to steady his nervous breaths. The centaurs were so large and passionate that the ground vibrated as they stomped.
"He is Philia!" Gavin wasn't sure the group cared for Kent's defence as they looked at each other.
"He is no longer a child and should know better than to trespass in our homeland!" A set of stomps and scrapes sounded in agreement. Gavin tried to keep his cool, though his heart pounded as the young black furred centaur came closer. Kent remained between them, though that didn't help as a third brown centaur stepped in behind to grip Gavin's hair and tilt his head back. He stumbled a little, gritting his teeth as his neck bent back.
"I can scent the evil within…He is not as he once was." Gavin winced, leaning into the rough hand to ease the pain. He was pretty sure he meant he could smell dark magic on him, and that was no surprise. He'd been fighting and using it for years at this point. Kent stamped both front hooves as he turned, which was enough to scare the young bucks off. Gavin groaned as he was released and rubbed his sore head. He swiftly found himself pulled against a firm chest with long arms wrapped around him.
"He is Philia. That title is not given lightly, nor is it easily lost!" Gavin was more than a little touched that Kent would stick his neck out for him, considering how long it had been since they'd last seen each other. The first two grumbled a little and backed off as a grey centaur snickered and stepped forward. Gavin wasn't entirely sure he liked the way his silvery eyes roved over him. He pressed himself further back against Kent as a gentle hand caressed his cheek and a thumb traced his quivering lips. The handsome silver smirked meaningfully as he examined him with gentle hands.
"Just how friendly is he?" Gavin almost yelped as he was lifted and set aside. Kent was furious as he barged the younger male back, kicking his front legs for good measure. The rest of the group scattered back, wary of Kent's wrath.
"Show some respect! Gavin has been Philia since you were a foal!" The handsome silver seemed utterly unapologetic, but backed off at Kent's warning. They all did. They didn't speak for the entire herd, and they knew the title Philia had not been bestowed by Kent alone. It required a herd majority, which meant Gavin held some standing within their ranks. Gavin licked his lips, resisting the urge to draw his wand. He didn't want to start a real fight, and he knew Kent would keep him safe, as he always had. "Come, Gavin. I'll return you to the treeline." That was all the encouragement he needed to accept Kent's arm and swing onto his back. Many of the others gave them looks of disgust. It was shameful to allow yourself to be ridden in this manner, but it had never mattered to Kent. It allowed him to move fast while keeping Gavin relatively safe and freed up his hands.
"Prejudice is alive and well, I see…" Kent gave a dry huff of agreement as he trotted along, accepting Gavin's hands on his waist for balance as he went.
"I apologise. They are young and remember little about the raid." Gavin nodded his understanding. It had been around twenty years, and most of the young foals had been kept out of the fighting. "I believe the rise in poachers is only going to make things worse…When the only interactions with wizarding kind are negative, it's little wonder that ill feelings fester." Kent was wise as always, and Gavin found himself unable to argue. Centaurs, like many races, had consistently been looked down on and subjugated by wizarding kind throughout the years. Their territories and numbers had dwindled. They'd become isolated. They were attacked. For many years, they'd been treated as animals or pests. Even now, the forest was treated more like a nature reserve than their rightful home.
"Thanks for…you know." Being bent over a fallen tree by a feisty buck and having his ass wrecked wasn't exactly high on his list of shit he wanted to do. Kent nodded and helped him down as they reached the thinning border of trees. "I'll come back and see about that poacher problem soon…Maybe if I can find out what they're up to, I can find a way to scare them off." It was a long shot. They'd been a problem for years, but doing something was better than doing nothing. He'd been gifted the title of Philia, so he was damned well going to live up to it.
"And I will watch out for the evil you speak of." Gavin gave a small bow of thanks, and they parted ways. Gavin to the sunny treeline, and Kent back into the shadows. It bothered him all the way to Hogsmeade. Not the young centaurs. He understood them. It was the rise in poachers. He was pretty sure the number of rare animals was going down, so why was the number of poachers going up? A last-minute rush to make a profit, or something else? He was so lost in his head that he didn't even notice he'd entered the bustling square until he walked face first into a firm chest. A familiar earthy scent reached his nose as a sturdy set of arms wrapped around him so he didn't lose his balance this time.
"I'm beginning to think you're doing this on purpose, Gavin." He felt his skin heat as he looked up to find Nines' silvery eyes dancing in amusement. Since he'd caught his balance, Nines quickly released him, allowing him to step back. Gavin glanced around quickly to start damage control. The last thing he needed was for Connor to spot them and lose his shit. He still hadn't forgiven him for the last time, at least not completely. They were in the clear, it seemed. Connor was nowhere in sight.
They were standing in the small square, surrounded by small wooden stalls selling various foods and trinkets. Gladrags Wizardwear stood proud with its door thrown wide, enticing customers in with its finest colourful suits and robes. Tomes and Scrolls stood next door, selling all sorts of books and writing supplies. It was especially useful for those students who forgot or misplaced books throughout the semester. Many were sold at discounted prices and came second hand from previous students. Close by were J Pippin's Potions and Spintwitches Sporting Needs. Gavin wasn't surprised to see the crowd of students outside the broom shop, though he was surprised to find Sixty with them. Judging from his current enthusiasm, Gavin assumed he was telling them about all the latest features.
"I swear I'm not!" he huffed apologetically as he stepped back. He tried not to let the thought of Nines' firm chest linger, or the security he'd felt in his embrace. Nines smiled warmly, clearly amused by the fluster in his voice. "So, uh…what brings you here?" He already knew, of course, though there were no saplings in sight. He followed Nines' vacant gaze as he nodded towards the Magic Neep. It was a smaller shop towards the end of the street, with a pleasant garden of flowers blooming outside.
"I had some supplies to order, as did my brothers…and you?"
"I-uh…I'm meeting Tina in The Three Broomsticks later." It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the reason he'd come. Nines seemed content enough to accept his excuse as he nodded along. They were soon interrupted by Sixty's return. He seemed fairly smug as he cradled a long package over his shoulder. Gavin could only assume there was a new broomstick inside. It was unlikely to be anything else with the long, thin shape. Gavin clammed up somewhat as Sixty joined them. He didn't exactly have a good track record with him.
"I got it! The new Ember Dasher, fully upgraded with Featherlight stirrups and a real troll skin saddle!" Sixty certainly seemed pleased with himself as he caressed the brown packing paper. Nines gave him a small smile of polite interest. The type that said he was pleased he was happy, but that he didn't understand a word he'd just said. Gavin let out a low whistle, impressed with the purchase. Branded brooms were expensive, and the Flame series was up there with Nimbus in terms of quality. "You know brooms?" Sixty seemed excited at the prospect of finally having someone on his level to talk to.
"I dabble…I'm obviously not in your league, but I used to shop around now and then…I was a chaser until OWLs started." Like so many students, he'd given up Quidditch during the final semester of his fifth year. He'd had a few brooms since then and occasionally read up on the market, though he was a little behind recently due to his hospitalisation. It seemed a little knowledge was better than no knowledge as Sixty nodded along.
"I was a beater myself, went pro for a while." Why am I not surprised? A few hits to the head would certainly explain the unhinged energy he gave off. "So, what broom do you have?" Gavin let out a humourless chuckle at the question.
"I'm between brooms at the moment." His last one had been lost over a year ago during that last mission. His only guess was that someone had taken and sold it. He didn't remember it getting broken, but he didn't remember much of anything beyond the blinding pain. His heart thudded and prickles shot across his skin at the memory. "My last one was a Nimbus Seventeen-Sixty." Sixty nodded his appreciation. It was pretty outdated, but back in the day it had been the broom to have, and Nimbus was a reliable brand.
"Well, if you're in the market for a broom, you should check in at Spintwitches. They're way cheaper than the place in Diagon Alley, and they offer free trials before you buy." That was a pretty good deal. He could understand why trials were impractical in the tight space of Diagon Alley, but it was always better if you could try before buying. "I keep telling Nines he should get a new broom. The one you have now is a piece of junk!" Nines gave a deep chuckle at that, one that sent tingles across Gavin's neck.
"You just want someone new to race because Connor always loses." Sixty grinned in agreement. Flying with Connor was great and all, but he was a bit of a sissy when it came to speed. He was skilled up to a point, but give him a few obstacles and he was out of his element. "Perhaps Gavin would offer you more of a challenge." Jeez, throw me under the carriage, why don't you! He wasn't sure he liked the calculating look Sixty was giving him.
"Well, if he was a chaser, he should be a decent challenge at least." Thanks a bunch…"Get a broomstick, and I might take you up on it." I didn't even offer! Gavin shot Nines a look before remembering he couldn't see, though he seemed to pick up something of his ire. His lips curled in amusement as he nodded his agreement. "You should have a broom anyway. It's way easier coming to and from school." That would be true in less pleasant weather. When it was sunny like this, he enjoyed the walk.
"Sure, maybe I'll look into it." Connor's arrival saved him from further chit-chat. He offered a polite greeting, cradling a pink pygmy puff in a small cage. He'd ordered all the supplies he needed and somehow ended up buying another animal for his classes. That it had looked sad and lonely sitting alone in its cage was completely irrelevant. He insisted he'd only bought it because so many students had them as pets that year, and they needed proper lessons on grooming. No one in the group was buying it, especially not Sixty.
"They played you like a self-playing fiddle! I guarantee there will be some other poor, sad animal next time you visit." Sixty cackled loudly as Connor grumbled under his breath and cradled the small cage closer. It seemed to be an unspoken agreement that they were all headed in the same direction. Gavin remained at Nines' side as Sixty walked ahead with Connor on his heels, still teasing him about the round ball of pink fluff he'd purchased. The pygmy puff seemed to know it was the topic of conversation as it trilled and rolled back and forth.
"I could say the same about you and your broomsticks! Every time you go in there, you come out with a new upgrade!" Connor's defence was a good one. Nines chuckled as Sixty waved his package, exclaiming that it wasn't the same thing at all. They continued bickering all the way to The Three Broomsticks.