Aline knows of the centaurs , of course , but only in theory. The centaurs did not like any magical beings besides themselves and rarely accepted anyone into their inner circle. They had a particularly strong distaste for the werewolves whom they considered uncivilized, brutish and unkempt...and that they smelled bad, like wet dog. In turn, the werewolves did not like the centaurs. Greyback used to say that they had taken the worst part of each creature and combined them into one: the crooked legs of the horse and the stupid head of a person.

Aline didn't care for such squabbles. All she wanted was to have her sister back and she didn't need to sort out centuries worth of conflict in the process.

"Don't worry, the centaurs are not bad. I've had a run in with them once, and they were surprisingly helpful," Harry says. "Unless they're anything like the spiders..."

"They're worse than the spiders," Aline mumbles.

"I hope your sister is okay," Gabrielle says softly.

Both Harry and Aline are on either side of her, making sure she doesn't tip over and fall. So far, so good. Aline's tried to mention that Harry should take her to the castle and let Aline deal with the centaurs, but he won't take no for an answer.

"That's their territory," Aline says. She smells them, the earthy, slightly scented like hay and horse hair grounds.

"Let me go first," Harry says, cupping his hands. "Firenze? We come in peace!"

It's silent, and then, the soft thump of horse hooves fills the forest. Centaurs peak out behind the tree trunks and a large and regal centaurs comes forth.

"Bow down," Harry whispers, going on one knee.

"No!" Aline says stubbornly.

"Trust me. Bow down."

Aline bites her tongue and also kneels forwards, paws out, alongside Gabrielle.

"Mr Potter," Firenze says, "but you know very well, your friend of yours-"

"-is not wanted here." Aline finishes.

"How very rude indeed," Firenze says slowly. "Werewolves are not known for manners."

"I am not known for stealing a human-"

"-stop!" Harry cries, "Listen, Firenze, she's not at fault here. We're all pretty pissed off because the werewolves have tried to kidnap Aline's sister. They had taken Gabrielle as well. All we want is to have her back, if you know where she is."

Firenze's features stay hardened. "Of course we know where the little human girl is. We are not monsters. We would not turn her into one of our own or attempt any sort of tortures."

"Well my kind clearly has," Aline growls. "They had no respect for my sister and I growing up. We were kidnapped from our own homes."

"I...I am sorry to hear it," Firenze says softly. She's sure he means it.

"I am not the enemy. And neither is my sister. Greyback wants to send a message, that he can do whatever he likes and with whomever he pleases."

"Well I am certain he is not happy that two of his youngest recruits have ran away from his clutches."

"He isn't."

Firenze bows his head. " I have misjudged you. I appoligize."

Aline sighs. "It's not your fault. Everyone thinks badly of werewolves. Well it isn't our choice we're the way we are. I was only five when I was kidnapped."

"So very young indeed. And Mr Potter here was only eleven when he's first been cornered in the Forest by the Dark Lord himself."

"The Dark Lord?" Aline gasps. "Voldemort was here?"

"Yes." Firenze says. "Now come along, your sister awaits."

-x-x-x-

Ellie is alright. Aline nuzzles her sister. She doesn't remember the last time she'd been so happy. She even hugs Firenze, who backs away slowly out of the hug. It's just a relief off her chest. She even nuzzles Harry's who laughs and gives her head a pet, reluctantly.

"Sorry," he says, blushing, " I hope that was okay."

"YOU rescued my sister and her friend. I have every reason to thank you Harry!" Aline cries.

"I would have done it for anyone. Well not anyone. I mean, for you..."

"And that is why you are the best!"

Suddenly there is a familiar growl that approaches her ears. Aline's hairs stand on her back as she turns around and sees Greyback and his cronies creeping in.

"Aline...my little pup...have you failed your mission."

Ellie gasps and poor Gabrielle pales. Aline steps forwards, sheilding the girls with her wolf body. "You know very well I haven't. Don't you? You failed. We win. You will let Ellie and Gabrielle go and not bother us again."

Greyback snaps his teeth. "I may have promised as much. But I did not apply the same rules to you and your four eyed friend. Mr Potter. We meet, and I've heard so much about you? It pains me to see you will die as my breakfast and not the Dark Lord's sevant."

"You will leave my end of the forest," says the mighty Firenze. He's stepping forth with his friends behind him. "Or else, you will be trampelled to death. You have no business harming the friends of the centaurs."

"WHy, you nasty horse man."

"You dirty mutt."

Greyback growls, but the rest of the centaurs draw their bows and threaten the very wolves hides with being hung up as decor in the centaur dens.

"This is not your last time seeing me, little pup."

Greyback and the pack run off and Aline and her friends cheer! They did it! The centaurs escort them home.