Chapter 274 Hostile Centaurs
The Sirens had discussed for a while, and Evan requested some details.
Then, the conversation shifted back to the Centaurs. Hermione continued to whisper about what they should pay attention to when coming into contact with the Centaurs, based on what she had read in the book.
"I don't particularly care about making contact with the Centaurs," Ron frowned and threw a heavy stone into the stream. Impatiently, he said, "What about the magical object that can enhance magical power? How are we going to obtain the key to the Treasure they hold?"
This was the crux of their journey, the key to altering fate.
Ron pondered over it continuously. He desired to acquire that item, yet he was wary of appearing overly eager.
"I mean, we all know we have to earn the Centaurs' recognition." Seeing everyone's gaze on him, Ron tried to appear more nonchalant. "The question now is what should we do after gaining the approval of the Centaurs. That final test..."
He had heard Sirius mention that to acquire the object, one had to pass the final test, and he wanted to know what the test entailed to be prepared.
"In the temple where the object was kept, a phantom magic had been placed, and only through the test of that magic could it be obtained," Sirius said slowly. "That magic is so potent that everyone sees something different in it, and I'm not exactly sure what to do! For instance, in that year, I saw..."
He suddenly halted, gazing vigilantly towards the forest and swiftly raising his wand.
"Wait!" He whispered, gesturing for everyone to be silent.
His wand pointed towards the dense bushes in front of him, his entire being laden with magic. The tip of his wand faintly gleamed.
Evan promptly drew out his wand as well. No one spoke. They could all hear the rustling in the forest, sensing something approaching.
The next instant, BANG!
As Sirius's wand shone with a red light, a sharp arrow flew from a distance and landed on the trunk above them, resonating.
Hermione stifled a gasp, and Evan quickly shielded her behind him.
Sirius's countenance was grave, while Harry and Ron were pale, the atmosphere tense, as though they all felt a battle was about to commence, yet there were no further attacks from the other side.
"Who are you?" a deep, masculine voice emerged from the bushes.
In the blink of an eye, a man seemed to float towards them through the green-filtered light.
In the brilliant moonlight, Evan saw that he was a Centaur; his waist seamlessly melded with the chestnut body of a horse.
He bore a proud countenance, with high cheekbones and long black hair.
"Hey, human," in the Centaur's arrogant tone, there was a faint disdain, "Leave our Forbidden Forest; this is not a place you ought to venture..."
"It has been a long time since we last met, Magorian," Sirius seemed to recognize him, yet did not appear pleased to encounter him.
"You are... Sirius Black!" Magorian was astounded. He stared at Sirius for a long while and seemed to recall who he was.
The trees behind the Centaur murmured, and another four or five emerged from behind him.
Evan recognized the black, bearded Centaur - Bane - whom he had met a month ago. However, Bane showed no indication of having seen Evan and Harry before.
"Black," Magorian said warily, without lowering his bow and arrow still aimed at them, "What brings you back to our Forbidden Forest?"
"I have brought these children here in the hope that they may win the object passed down by Gryffindor himself under the custody of your tribe," Sirius proclaimed loudly. "They seek your recognition and aim to challenge that final trial."
"Obtain our approval?!" Magorian's eyes left Sirius and looked at Evan and the others.
"This is Evan Mason, Hermione Granger," said Sirius. "The red-haired boy at the back is Ron Weasley, and Harry Potter is next to him."
"Harry Potter!"
Upon hearing the name Harry, the Centaurs murmured for a moment.
All eyes were on Harry, full of curiosity and wonder. They seemed to be searching for the scar on his forehead, evidence of victory over Voldemort.
Harry stepped back and ran his hand uncomfortably through his hair.
"Only a respectable and worthy friend can earn the friendship of the Centaurs!" Magorian said disdainfully. "This is not a game, Black! The four are very young, foals. I don't think they meet the requirements; you should take them away as soon as possible before we kill you."
"Magorian, I know your rules." Sirius remained unfazed and responded in kind. "You have no right to refuse, as your ancestors and the Castle's Founders agreed."
"We are not slaves to humans; we are not obligated to take care of things for you when you need them." Magorian said fiercely. "Black, leave with these four foals, or else don't blame me if I get rough."
"You have no right to stop us." Sirius raised his wand again, his brow furrowed. "You are as stubborn as ever, Magorian! If you want to play another game like twenty years ago, I'm here now!"
The two exchanged angry looks. It seemed that something had happened between them before.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked scared. They tried to stop Sirius from being too impulsive, hoping he would calm down. They hadn't come to fight with the Centaurs tonight; they needed to earn their approval.
While holding back Sirius, Evan observed the Centaurs on the other side, looking for their weaknesses. If a battle were to ensue, he needed to be ready to act as quickly as possible.
Although the Centaurs were not experts in magic, they were highly skilled in combat.
Without resorting to dark magic, Evan was not entirely sure he could defeat them.
"Calm down, Magorian!" When the situation seemed on the verge of spiraling out of control, Bane intervened gently, "It would be a terrible crime to kill foals!"
He approached Magorian and whispered something to him.
Evan saw him pointing at him, then Magorian raised his head and looked at him in amazement. Apparently, Bane convinced him, gestured, and a young Centaur with a dark black body moved away and ran deep into the Forbidden Forest.
"We need the elder to determine if they meet the requirements," Bane raised his voice and then returned to where the Centaurs were.
No one acted, no one spoke.
In the air, there was confusion and tension. Everyone awaited the arrival of the elder of the Centaurs.
About ten minutes later, the thunder of horse hooves echoed from all directions. Evan felt the whole ground tremble, and over forty Centaurs successively emerged from the Forbidden Forest.