Ministry Advisor Lucius Malfoy Shows Generosity: Single largest donation to a Dragon Preserve ever! Hogwarts Groundskeeper saves Dragon Egg on Hogwarts Grounds!
Harry grinned, looking at the Daily Prophet in his hands. A picture of Norbert was plastered above the fold on the front page. Beside him, Draco was busy explaining to the other members of Slytherin how his father had always been a major supporter of Dragons; adding how Lord Malfoy was happy to give his money to make the Hebrides Preserve a better place.
Harry's eyes moved down to the article to quickly read over it. He knew that almost two-thirds of the donation had come from his vault, authorized by a Gringotts paper that he had signed for Draco a few days before.
The Wizarding World of Britain was astounded today by the large donation, almost Fifty thousand Galleons, to the British Dragon Preserve of the Hebrides. The donation, managed and sent by Lord Lucius Malfoy of the Magical House of Malfoy, was partially funded by himself and collected from an anonymous benefactor.
"I believe that the Dragon Preserve here in Britain has been overshadowed far too long by the ones located elsewhere on the continent, such as the Romanian Dragon Preserve. In the past decade, we have seen those skilled with managing dragons not stay within Britain, but instead go overseas to other Dragon preserves. This loss of talent is inexcusable, so I and my unnamed companion decided we wished to put a stop to it."
"We both agreed to contribute a substantial amount of Galleons to the Hebrides Preserve to expand their operations and make them something that the Magical peoples of Britain can be proud of. This includes a tripling of the current facilities, and even the raising of new terrain around the island to allow more dragons to safely be transported and raised within the isle."
We of the Prophet wish to mention that while the Hebrides Preserve has always been smaller than other worldwide Preserves, the Hebrides Preserve is unique in that the entire island has been warded to be unplottable to muggles, and allows the dragons to live lives as if they were completely wild. Due to the expense of such a design, the Preserve naturally held only a fraction of the dragons of other preserves, such as the Romanian Preserve. The current Patriarch of the MacFusty Clan, Lord Magnus MacFusty, who owns and maintains the Preserve, had this to say:
"I am proud and humbled to accept the Galleons given to us by Lord Malfoy and his mysterious partner. Long has our Reserve been second fiddle to the other worldwide preserves, barely able to even hold the Hebridian Black that is native only to our Preserve's isle. With this donation, I believe we can not only expand the size, but now have different magical climates to allow all types of Dragons to be accepted."
The Prophet also reports on the rescue and saving of a Dragon's Egg by the Hogwarts Groundskeeper, Rubeus Hagrid. Due to the daring rescue of the egg from the clutches of a poacher passing through the Forbidden Forest, the half-giant risked his life to save the magical creature, which promptly hatched the next day. The Hebrides Preserve has already sent a team to collect the Dragon, and the event was witnessed by Rubeus Hagrid as the team departed with the small dragon. The half-giant had the following to say to the Prophet after the moving event.
"Norbert was such a good dragon. He always loved clinging to my beard, and slept on my chest at night. I hate to see the small pup go, but I know he is going to a good place."
Harry grinned while reading, happy to see such good mention of his friend's work. "Great job, Hagrid. Good for you." Harry thought to himself, and then continued to read.
Headmaster Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore also was seen at the event, and when approached, had this to say to the Daily Prophet:
"Of course, I had known that Hagrid had recovered the egg soon after the events that had transpired. He is quite a skilled Groundskeeper, and brought it to my attention mere hours after his retrieval of it. I agreed to allow him to keep the egg temporarily until a new home could be found, and was in the process of contacting the Romanian Preserve. Imagine my surprise when I found out that Hagrid had already contacted the Hebrides Preserve. Hagrid is truly skilled with magical creatures, and it is my regret that he was not here during the Troll incident months prior. Currently, he is undertaking an apprenticeship with Professor Grubbly-Plank to become a Master of Magical Beasts, and intends to take his Mastery exam at the end of next year. I wish him luck in the endeavor."
There you have it, dear readers. A magnificent show of country unity from one of the personal advisors of our Minister Cornelius Fudge, and the Groundskeeper of Hogwarts, who despite being a half-breed put his life on the line to prevent poaching in the grounds of Britain's oldest magical lands. The Daily Prophet wishes to once again thank both of these men, including the mysterious partner of Lord Malfoy!
Harry scowled at the final quip calling attention to Hagrid's half-giant status. He knew that the attention Hagrid would get would be overshadowed by the mention and focus of his blood purity.
Sighing, Harry closed the paper. He hadn't decided if he would register his form with the Ministry or not yet. He and Draco hadn't broached the subject since Harry had met with Professor Snape. Looking over at his friend, Harry saw Draco's foot on the bench of the table as he was gesturing wildly, explaining how easily his father made such a large donation.
Grinning and deciding to let Draco have his fun, Harry got up and made his way out of the Great Hall. For some reason, he felt a bit antsy; it was almost as if he was angry deep inside. He wasn't sure exactly where this feeling was coming from at all.
Trying to shrug off the odd sensation, Harry found himself wandering. It was Sunday, and later today was, according to Draco, the Prince Duels. He didn't plan on participating, but it would still be cool to see the duels that evening. As he wandered, he didn't notice a pair of older students walk into the hall behind him.
"What brings you out here all alone-"
"Wee little Slytherin snake?"
A pair of voices suddenly caught Harry's attention, as he turned and saw a pair of red-headed third-years.
"Ickle Harrykins is out all alone." The first twin said.
"A lonely little snake." The second grinned.
"We heard from Ronniekins how you broke his nose, Potter."
"And we're here to teach you not to mess with Gryffindors."
Harry didn't have time to retort before Harry was suddenly yanked upside down, his robes flying upward and making it so he could barely see. The magic around his ankles hurt, pinching and digging into them as the twins laughed, a second spell making his arms go limp.
"Look what we have here, Forge!"
"It seems to be a rare hanging snake, Gred!"
"Do you know what we do with rare types of snakes, Forge?"
"Why, we hang them up for all to see, Gred!"
"He'll make a wonderful ceiling ornament."
"Maybe next to the Slytherin house point hourglass!"
Harry suddenly felt a slam to his stomach as the air was suddenly knocked right out of him. The pain made Harry's eyes water, as he heard the vindictive laughs of the twins as he started to float upwards. Magic started to force itself around his mouth, starting to tighten and cut off his voice. He was trapped, his arms dangling uselessly.
Trapped.
Harry felt something in his chest heave. He was trapped. Unable to move. And he felt his feet pressing against the ceiling and sticking there, much to the laughter of the two that sounded far below him.
I want to be free.
He felt his magic surge as he heard the faint sound of a gryphon's cry and a crow's caw. The magic was pulsing, almost feeling like it would explode from his body. Under his shirt, the crimson gem, unaffected by the gravity that was pulling Harry downwards, pulsed with its characteristic ruby light.
Freedom.
Harry felt that sudden rush, and heard a fox's howl in his ears. Suddenly, he felt a sensation of pressure all around him, and the sensation of being upside down disappeared. The pressure disappeared in an instant and suddenly Harry found himself behind a suit of armor in the hall. Down the hall, he could see the Weasley twins starting to panic as his fox ears flicked… when had he turned into his fox form?
"Where did he go, Gred?"
"I have no idea, Forge."
"Let's check the map! He must have tricked us somehow!"
Harry heard the sound of rustling paper, as he felt a magical presence gently surrounding him. It had the sensation of four different people, almost imperceptible if not for him in his fox form. Strangely enough, one of them felt oddly familiar. Harry's magic seemed to counter it, still angry from how he had been trapped, lashing out at the quartet of magic and dissipating it.
"It says he's right in this hall still, Forge! He's nowhere around here!"
"He must have tricked the map somehow, too! How is that possible! Let's try to find him before he can escape, Gred!"
Harry saw the two rush down the hall past him, seeing an old, yellowed parchment in the hands of one of the two.
It was a few minutes after the sound of their footsteps had gone away when Harry slid from behind the armor and reverted to his human form. Placing a hand on his chest, he took a deep breath to steady himself. The words of Professor Snape echoed in his ears, warning that Slytherins should never go out alone.
At the same time, Harry frowned. He would get them back. They were taking these "pranks" too far; that wasn't a prank; it was outright bullying. All this did was make him move up his plans a bit. He would show them how a real prank was done.
It wasn't too long before Draco met up with Harry in the Commons. Heading over to the couch Harry was slouched upon, he sat next to him. "I still think you did the right thing, Potter. Benefited both the oaf and my father. Father was exceptionally impressed with me." Draco said, smirking.
Harry grinned. "Well, glad that you got the credit too. But I wanted to talk before I headed to detention with Professor Snape. It's about something he told me. Do you think we should register our Animagus forms?"
Draco looked at Harry incredulously. "You can't be serious, Potter. Why should we tell anyone else?"
"Well," Harry muttered under his breath, "Professor Snape said it'd be a good idea, to prevent you and your father from getting in trouble."
"What! How would that even happen?" Draco said, crossing his arms. He looked ready to enter a right snit, as Harry tried to calm him.
"Professor Snape says because of the comments made on Halloween and my friendship with you, they'd immediately try to paint the animagus as being done with a Dark ritual. You and your father would immediately become targeted because of your father's alignment with the Dark."
Draco visibly deflated, giving a sigh. "But that's not fair. We got this all on our own." Harry understood his disappointment, feeling the same himself. He shook his head and replied, "But that's not what the Prophet would say."
Draco slouched where he sat. "You're right, Potter. And if we kept it hidden and it did come out…" Draco trailed off as his body shuddered. "It could cost my father his position with the Minister as an advisor. And that's the best-case scenario."
Harry nodded. "So Professor Snape mentioned we should register. Just the two of us, because we're magical." This made Draco huff in response, his chest puffing out in pride. "Fine. I guess we can register and share the majesty of our forms. I'll inform my father and he'll take the two of us to the Ministry during Easter Break to do the paperwork."
Harry nodded just as the large clock in the Slytherin Commons chimed. Standing up, Harry patted Draco's shoulder. "Well, I have to get to detention. Professor Snape said it'd probably be a longer than usual one."
Draco snorted. "You and your detentions. I bet you've even beaten the Weasley twins with how many you've had this year." Harry grimaced at remembrance of the two. "I hope not." He said quietly, then hurried towards the door before Draco could say more.
"Ready, Potter? The Forbidden Forest is named that for a reason. You will remain safe as long as you do exactly as I say, and nothing else. Are we clear?" Professor Snape said, putting on a cloak before giving another to Harry and flicking his wand. Snape's ordered and structured magic flowed around the cloak, shrinking it and making it a perfect fit on his body.
With a nod of acknowledgement, Harry peered up at the Professor with a curious gaze. "Professor, I have to ask. Why exactly are we heading into the Forbidden Forest just the two of us?"
"Because, you foolish child. I explained to you already that there are plants that can be damaged by location-finding magic. I want your assistance in finding these rare plants due to your rare skill. We will merely be going into the western edge of the forest, and staying away from the deeper parts where more dangerous creatures live. The only thing that lives in that section of the forest is the Hogwarts Unicorn herd. I have already gotten permission from the Headmaster; his requirement was that I keep you within my arm's reach at all times."
Harry still didn't like this, but soon was headed out into the darkness of the night with the Potion Professor. The lanky man's movements were graceful and quiet, almost like he was floating across the grass. The two moved towards the enormous trees that marked the Forbidden Forest, Harry looking up and marveling at their size.
As they got closer, Harry could see the deep magic that was permeating the wood as they approached. Swirling and flicking about, the magic was so dense here that it felt like it was almost dancing in the wind. The magic was familiar to his own, yet far, far older, and hid a deceptive strength that threatened destruction should anyone attempt to harm it.
Harry shuddered. He could only describe this magic as Wild. Just as Ollivander had said. Was this the end result of his magic? Snape placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, calming Harry's nervousness as the two went into the forest.
The dense magic around them was hard to ignore at first, but Snape soon brought Harry to a small blackish-violet bell flower. Harry could see its unique magic, almost like a steam that rose off the plant. However, Harry noticed Professor Snape didn't seem like he could see the plant at all. Harry's thoughts were proven correct when Snape used a Revelio spell to make the almost invisible flower visible; as he did, however, the flower wilted away.
Snape stood up with a sigh. "This is the flower we are searching for; the Onyx Moonbell. It grows within the Forbidden Forest where unicorns travel. The Revelio spell kills them more than four-fifths of the time, and the flower is very fragile beyond that. However, with your Mage Sight, we will be able to collect far more of the flower than I can alone. I won't even need to cast the revealing spell; you will be able to direct me to the plant and I will handle the rest."
Harry nodded, as he looked around, immediately spotting a few more of the plants. Harry quickly guided the Professor, and Snape carefully harvested with a silver knife after feeling where the plant's stem was. "Professor, what are these flowers used for?" Harry asked curiously, spotting a few more plants further ahead.
As Harry directed him forward, Snape held the enscorcelled basket in his left hand as they walked. "They have powerful magical rejuvenation properties; especially when used in magical restoration draughts. With your rescue of Mister Longbottom earlier in the year, more than likely you drank some of the recovery draughts made from these which I personally brewed for the Infirmary." Professor Snape's explanation was careful and quick, moving over and harvesting more of the flowers as his basket seemed to already be partially filled.
Harry's gaze fell on another plant, whose magic was much stronger and seemed to almost drip magic from a flower the color of silver. Harry scratched the top of his head and pointed, "They don't look like they'd be that strong compared to those plants over there. Those seem a lot stronger, and they feel like the moonlight itself." Harry explained, walking over to a plant and pointing.
"If this is your idea of a prank, Potter, it is in poor taste. There's nothing there." Professor Snape said, looking to where Harry pointed. The Potions Professor seemed unamused, as if Harry had casually said that his hair was greasy.
Confused, Harry turned to the mass of silvery magic that seemed to cluster around the plant. It moved back and forth as he watched, dancing as if it was made of millions of tiny pixies moving together. Every so often the plant would seem to condense the magic around it into the flower, making it shimmer once again. Beyond the magic, he could see a single, large flower shaped similar to a lily, sparkling like it was made of molten silver.
"You can't see that, sir?" Harry asked curiously. Professor Snape opened his mouth to retort and was about to give his normal snide comments, when he closed his mouth. The inquisitive look in the boy's eyes looked genuine; making the man reconsider. Taking a deep breath as he stood up, Snape carefully walked over. The boy could see magic, so perhaps he had seen something else? The thought gave Snape pause for a second, as he moved over to where Harry pointed.
"You say it's here?" Snape asked, gesturing with his hand. Harry nodded, seeing the man's hand get close to the tall plant. Snape reached out, trying to feel with his hand. Harry blinked, confusion on his face as he saw the man's hand pass directly through it as if the plant was a ghost.
"Y-your hand… went through it, sir." Harry stammered out. The boy seemed to be worried a bit. Would Professor Snape get even more angry? Harry already knew the answer to that question as the Professor's face shifted into a scowl as he spoke, "Potter, this prank is quickly becoming annoying."
"No sir, here!" Harry grabbed Snape's hand, making him flinch for a second. Ignoring the flinch, Harry moved the man's hand forward. As the man's lanky fingers brushed against the plant, Professor Snape's eyes widened as he felt his fingers glide over a long, straight stem.
"What in Merlin's magical beard is this, Potter?" Snape asked incredulously. He didn't seem to want to believe it, but as long as Harry was holding his hand, it seemed like he could interact with it even when he couldn't see it.
Harry shook his head, rubbing the back of it sheepishly. "I was hoping you'd know, sir. The ground around it seems… different. It's not like anything mentioned in the Standard Potion Encyclopedia, and I've read it twice."
Professor Snape looked down for a moment, silently noting the casual mention of reading a third-year book. Without a word, he unshrank a large, fist-sized phial and unstoppered it, moving the enchanted glass down. "Here, Potter?"
Harry gently guided the man's hand, causing another flinch but substantially lighter. "A little to the right, sir. Right here."
Digging the phial into the ground, the potions professor dug up some of the soil and once he had cleared with Harry that he had successfully bottled the plant, closed the flask quickly. "Can you describe the plant to me, Potter?" Snape asked as he shrank and pocketed the stasis-charmed phial.
"It's got a long, pale brown stem with three emerald-colored leaves at the base. At the top is a flower similar to a lily, but looks more like it was made out of quicksilver than resembling a natural flower." As Harry described it, Snape pulled out a small notepad and quill, scribbling down a basic sketch.
"Like this, Potter?" Snape asked, holding up the sketch. It was well done, the sketch seeming exactly the way Harry had described it. Nodding to the Professor, Snape put the pad and quill back into his robes as he gave an acknowledging nod. "Fascinating. This plant has never been recorded before in any books that I have read, Potter. Are there any others around?"
Looking around, Harry nodded. "I see around a dozen, sir. And there were a few in the clearing we were at before, too." Snape rubbed his chin as he pondered. "Then I will return later. I know this area; I come to it often. I will return another day after doing research into this plant and how it can be seen."
Harry nodded, standing up to prepare to move on. However, a sudden chill permeated the air as Snape froze, his wand out faster than Harry could take a breath. Almost exactly as the cold appeared, Harry's scar throbbed as an intense migraine slammed into him.
"Wand out, Potter. We aren't alone." Snape hissed in a warning tone, sending a chill down Harry's spine. Harry immediately drew his wand from his holster. Seconds later, he could see that same sickly, inky magic flitter in and about the trees, just out of the peripherals of Harry's vision. "Sir, whatever it is… it has the same magic that was trying to control my broom." Harry whispered to Professor Snape.
Snape didn't respond, but Harry noticed the man's grip on his wand tighten as the tip glowed with Snape's ordered gray magic. Snape flicked his wand, shouting out a spell. "Protego Maxima!"
A brilliant gray dome of energy suddenly surrounded Harry and Snape, the man grabbing Harry and holding him behind him protectively. Whatever the thing watching them was, it didn't make a move and remained just at the edges of their vision in the darkness. Harry felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.
A sudden movement caught Harry's gaze as a unicorn, bleeding from a wound at the back of its neck, rushed into the clearing. Galloping and obviously frightened, the creature rushed into the shield as Professor Snape flicked his wand, making it dissipate.
The beautiful equine collapsed right at Harry and Snape's feet, desperate as it was for sanctuary and seemingly understanding that the two wizards would be able to help it. The two barely had a moment to react when someone, or rather, something pushed from the edges of the clearing, darkness surrounding it like a cloak of corruption that pulsed and writhed.
Harry could see that the creature before them was man, and yet not man. A being, yet a monster. Only one word could describe this thing in Harry's mind: Abberation. Its magic was twisted with malice and hate, pouring from its body in a hideous conglomeration of negativity.
"P-professor, what is that?!" Harry shouted, his wand raised and pointed at it. Professor Snape said nothing, and instead immediately flicked the tip of his wand, shouting, "Sectumsempra!"
The simple flick of his wand seemed to echo into the air, causing his ordered magic to shift and turn into a green-tinted spell that sliced forward. It cut through the air and made a snapping sound as it created a vacuum with its fury before slamming into the creature.
There was a hideous cackle and then a bellow of rage. Professor Snape clutched his arm as he let out a scream of pain, collapsing to the ground moments later. The man's eyes were closed, obviously having lost conciousness. Harry was terrified. What spell had struck him?
"Professor!" Harry shouted, and immediately flicked his wand, attempting to mimic the movement of the Professor from moments before. "Protego Maxima!"
The draw from his magic was incredible, feeling like he had just removed the drain from a bathtub filled with water. His body protested, but he refused to allow the Professor to be killed because of him. Forcing his magic into his wand, he heard a gryphon's cry and a crow's caw once again. What he didn't notice was the crimson glow from his neck as the magic surged forward, a glittering ruby dome forming around Harry, Professor Snape, and the unicorn.
The creature bellowed out once more as it rushed forward, slamming itself against the glittering red barrier. Fury and rage were pouring off the creature's magic as Harry grabbed his wand with his other hand, feeding the shield best he could.
The shield started to crack; a tiny thing at first, but as the creature almost desperately smashed against it repeatedly the cracks turned into a cobweb of shattering points that spread like wildfire over the ruby dome. Harry felt a trail of blood drip from his nose, as his magic was exhausted but he still fed the dome.
Just as the dome seemed like it would fall, there was the sound of hooves on the ground. FTT! FTT! A pair of shining steel arrows shot from the clearing's edge right at the creature, plunging into its body and making it bellow once more in rage.
Harry didn't have long to wait to see who had fired the arrows as a centaur suddenly burst from the undergrowth, forcing its way forward and rearing up. Its front hooves slammed into the creature, causing the malignant being to stagger back. Harry could feel the hatred and rage of the creature suddenly mix with fear before it turned and fled, disappearing out of the clearing and out of sight.
The centaur turned to Harry's dome, wielding a large longbow that was almost as tall as his human and horse bodies put together. A quiver of those glittering arrows was at a scabbard at his hip, as his horse half had a beautiful cream-colored coat, his hair and tail both a striking snow-white color.
"Childe of Prophesy, you may end your magicks now." The centaur's voice was gentle yet melodious, speaking in an old English dialect that reminded Harry of Shakespeare. Harry realized how feminine the centaur sounded, yet at the same time he had a strength that not even the hardiest men could match.
Harry, relieved, let his magic drop. As it did, he almost dropped with it as he panted and gasped for breath. As he recovered, the centaur walked over; first checking on the collapsed unicorn, then on Professor Snape before looking at Harry.
"The Dark Potioneer will be fine, the magicks in him reacted to his assault on the abberation. The unicorn, as well, will recover; all thanks to you, Childe of Prophesy. I am Firenze. Lorekeeper of the Moonstone Centaur tribe. You have done a brave thing today, Childe."
Harry could barely respond, unhappy that he couldn't interact with the third magical species he had ever seen. "Nnngh— I think I'll look fondly back on this in the future— I'm sure." Harry quipped, making the centaur smirk.
"A sharp tongue, worthy of the House of Serpents. It is no wonder you bear their banner, Childe." Firenze reached down and took Snape's basket his hand carefully lifting one of the flowers within to his eyes. "Moonsbreath Flowers. The Dark Potioneer knows where he is allowed and where he is not. The choice of plants this eve facilitates your recovery, Childe."
Firenze gently took one of the flowers, reaching down and pressing it to the Unicorn's horn. The unicorn snorted before its horn glowed for a second. The magic coming off the unicorn's horn was beautiful, like the stars themselves, making the flower shimmer before Firenze pressed it between his hands.
Harry saw a type of magic he had never seen before flow around the centaur; it looked like the wind itself. It reminded Harry of a picture he had seen in a book of a galloping herd of horses: beautiful, but dangerous.
When Firenze opened his hands, the flower seemed to have been shifted into a trio of small, round spheres. The centaur reached out, offering them to Harry.
"It is the most taboo of my people's teachings to share the Magicks of the centaur's alchemy with outsiders, but to save a Hero Child of the tribe it would be accepted and allowed. You who have saved a unicorn's life, accept this to aid you in the future."
Harry gently accepted the small pills, as the centaur nodded. "Take one now, Childe of Prophesy, lest you suffer damage to your selfe from consuming too much magick." Firenze said, gesturing for Harry to take one of them. Nervously, Harry put a pill to his lips and swallowed it.
He felt the magic around him seem to rush into his body, dancing into his form and rejuvenating him. It felt like he had just rested for a week straight, and every muscle in his body was suddenly at its highest peak of efficiency.
"Wicked." Harry muttered to himself, his eyes widening. Quickly pocketing the two remaining pills, he noticed Firenze still staring at him.
"Um, Mister Firenze, what was that thing?" Harry asked quietly.
"A shadow of a man, lost in fear, anger, hatred and lies. Twisted by hubris and manipulations, lost to his own machinations and those of others. The being that remains is not a man, or even truly a living creature. It is what we centaur call an "Ob'nokk", or Cursed One. He is the very same that gave you that very scar, so long ago, Childe of Prophesy." The centaur reached and pointed at Harry's lightning bolt scar.
Harry felt the throbbing migraine, kept at bay only by hisadrenaline, come to the forefront with a vengeance. Wincing, Harry pressed his hand against his forehead.
"Indeed, the scar knows the cursed, for it was they that created it. Come, Childe. You and your mentor will need assistance, even with the Olde Magicks that pushed away the dangers from your forme." Harry blinked at the comment. How much did that centaur know?
Firenze knelt down, and Harry saw the centaur gently pull Snape's unconscious form onto his back then gesture for Harry to move behind him. Harry obliged, climbing to his back as Firenze walked forward, out of the forest and towards Hagrid's hut. Harry saw the unicorn stand after they were near the edge of the clearing, limping off and out of sight.
Upon leaving the Forbidden Forest, Harry saw Hagrid outside of his hut, carrying a lantern and a crossbow. Seeing Firenze, he hurried over. "F'renze! What're yeh doin' out o'... 'arry? 'Nd is tha' Pr'fess'r Snape?" Hagrid said, seeing Harry and Snape on the centaur's back.
"Hey, Hagrid." Harry said, embarrassed. Firenze walked up to the large man and gave a polite bow. "The Childe and the Dark Potioneer require assistance from your castle's healer, forest Tender Hagrid. Please see that they receive it. I believe that the creature that I feared was within the forest has shown itself, but before it could harm its first quarry this Childe and his mentor saved them."
"Did th' two saved ah unicorn? Tha 'erd's been 'fraid fer a whol' week, they 'ave." When Firenze nodded, Hagrid's eyes widened. "'ave yeh told yeh tribe ye', F'renze?" Hagrid said, eyes going wide. Harry squirmed a bit. He didn't want the credit; all he had wanted to do was help the unicorn. Firenze shook his head to Hagrid's statement, "Not yet. I believe the Childe has enough that fate intends for him, without adding more to himself. It is also not our time to speak of such things, for he must win the hearts of stone before the peoples of the wind."
Hagrid seemed a bit confused with Firneze's statements but hurriedly grabbed Snape, throwing him over his shoulder as Harry moved to slide off Firenze's back, still holding Snape's basket. He noticed that Firenze seemed to have placed a ruby red flower in the middle of the basket, as well.
"Good luck, Childe of Prophesy. And remember these words." Firenze's eyes shone with energy as his voice dropped a few octaves.
"When the Hound of Three rests its head and the Childe of The Raven seems to be in danger, sometimes the best thing to do is to wait."
Firenze's eyes and voice returned to normal, nodding to Harry who blinked in surprise. The centaur turned, and disappeared back into the Forbidden Forest.
As he walked away, Hagrid shook his head, patting Harry's shoulder. "Don' mind 'im, 'arry. Lorekeep'r Centaur are always ah bit… odd." Harry watched the forest where Firenze had disappeared for a moment, before he heard Hagrid's voice call him. "C'mon, 'arry! Let's get yah an' Snape t' the Infirmary!"
-Author's Notes-
Something kind of interesting: I mentioned it before, but did you know that there's only 3 major events set in Sorcerer's Stone after Christmas? A large majority of the book takes place before then, it's actually quite astounding. I guess that's why this book is double the size of the canon first book, huh?
If you're interested in Beta reading this and giving your thoughts, please try to send me a PM! Fanfiction is strict with its no-spam rules, but keep trying; I would love to have more eyes to make sure I don't contradict myself later on. And with 8 books planned, heaven knows I need the help!
Beta read by Kaminton.
Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling, not me.