Chapter 176 Firenze The Centaur
"Regarding what I just said, capturing that wicked dark wizard..." Although he knew it was unlikely, Evan was still willing to try again.
"We will not aid humans, and we must not violate God's will." This time, Bane did not look at Mars in the sky. He answered Evan's question with precision and a slight tone of warning in his solemn voice. "As it was two years ago, Mars's path has already shown its omens, and things that are destined to happen should not be altered."
"Although there have been some changes, the outcome remains the same," added Ronan, his voice tinged with sorrow, "Mars tonight shines brighter than ever, indicating that the most terrible disaster of all is approaching."
"But..." Evan wasn't sure if they were referring to the impending return of Voldemort. According to Professor Trelawney's prediction, after this return, Voldemort will be stronger and more terrible than ever.
He didn't know who Voldemort's chosen one was, but if these Centaurs could help him catch Peter Pettigrew, perhaps he could prevent Voldemort's return.
"There are no 'buts.' I know what you're thinking, but the war among wizards has nothing to do with us. Centaurs are interested in astrological divination; we have no obligation to aid humans," Bane responded firmly. "We absolutely cannot change what is about to happen! We have taken an oath!"
Evan also wanted to say more and inquire about the Gryffindor's Treasure Key, but from the depths of the Forbidden Forest, a flash of red and white light suddenly emerged, accompanied by waves of heat, illuminating the dark forest like midday sun.
"What is happening?" Ronan stamped the ground unsteadily with his hooves. "It seems like there's a fire; that direction is..."
"It's the territory of the Acromantulas. Something must have occurred!" Bane took his bow and arrow from his back.
The two no longer looked at Evan; they turned around and hurried away. In the blink of an eye, they disappeared into the depths of the jungle, leaving only the sound of their hooves echoing in the open space.
Evan rushed to run towards it. He knew they were burning Aragog's Lair. He had to hurry, and time was running out. He didn't follow the direction Ronan and Bane left, but ran in another direction. He knew he would encounter himself and Peter Pettigrew if he took that path.
He ran forward for a few minutes and entered the territory of the Acromantulas.
The terrain clearly sloped downward, and the surrounding trees began to wither, showing an unhealthy gray, with spider webs and white cocoons appearing now and then.
Evan was highly focused, gripping his wand tightly as he moved forward.
Responding to Aragog's call, the Acromantulas scattered throughout the Forbidden Forest were converging in the center of the hollow, and their numbers were increasing.
Click, click, click...
Just as Evan was on alert, three spiders the size of millstones descended from the surrounding trees.
They waved their sharp pincers, emitting a terrifying clicking sound.
Evan quickly dodged to the right, rolling on the ground.
The tip of his wand emitted a red light, impacting the spider in front of him. Then he swiftly turned, only to stop abruptly. He was surprised to see the two Acromantulas behind him pinned down. They were completely impaled and stuck to the ground.
The two spiders struggled and emitted a harrowing sound.
Evan looked up in surprise and saw a centaur standing on higher ground, it was not Ronan or Bane; this one looked younger; with white blond hair and a chestnut body.
"Are you alright?" said the centaur, helping Evan to his feet.
"Sí, thank you. My name is Evan Mason, from Hogwarts!" Evan brushed the dust off his body, then was drawn to the Centaur's eyes.
His eyes were surprisingly blue, like pale sapphires.
"I've heard Hagrid talk about you, Evan!" the Centaur said gently, "My name is Firenze!"
Evan was astonished; it turned out to be him!
Like most Centaurs in the Forbidden Forest, Firenze too was amazed by fate, always gazing at the sky in search of truth and knowledge. He was truly wise and mentally strong.
However, unlike other Centaurs who disliked and refused to work with wizards, Firenze was not as rejected by humans and was willing to lend a hand. This made him lose status, as his actions were deemed inappropriate by likes of Bane and Ronan, who believed Centaurs should not go beyond being mere observers.
Evan still remembered in Harry's fifth year, Firenze even accepted Dumbledore's invitation to replace the ousted Professor Trelawney and become the Divination teacher. He took the position and was ostracized by his own tribe, who called him a slave captive of humans.
"Though I do not know why you are here, for a young wizard of your age, the Forbidden Forest is not safe tonight." Firenze looked at Evan. "These Acromantulas are going mad. They are more aggressive than usual; I must send you back..."
"No, I cannot leave; I have to catch Peter Pettigrew."
"Peter Pettigrew?" Firenze repeated slowly.
"Yes, he is a wicked dark wizard, he is..."
Evan had not finished his words yet when he heard Firenze say, "I know him, Peter Pettigrew; he and James Potter, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin came to our tribe a few times twenty years ago. I was a colt. Every time they came, they brought magical objects, food, and very interesting stories that you humans create."
Firenze seemed lost in memory, and Evan watched him in surprise. It turned out things were like that; no wonder then that Firenze harbored such warm feelings towards humanity. It now seemed highly likely that he had been influenced by the Marauders when he was young.
"The relationship between the four was very good at that time because our ancestors had an agreement with the castle's Founders. They were acknowledged by the Centaurs and came to the tribe for final tests to see if any of them were qualified to obtain it." Firenze said weakly, "But they all failed. It was clear they were not the chosen ones by destiny."
"That?" Evan was stunned, and his heart suddenly leaped. Firenze was referring to Gryffindor's Secret Treasure Key. He couldn't help but ask, "What is that thing?"
"I do not know." Firenze shook his head and spoke slowly. "No one knows its specific form. For over a thousand years, in accordance with the ancient agreement, it has been kept in the temple at the center of the tribe. Every night, it emits the same light as the stars. Only those who will truly be allowed to obtain it will know what it is!"