CHAPTER 45: THE CALL OF THE THESTRALS
They circled above like large hawks, flapping their wings every once in a while as if completely unfazed by the freezing chill in the air. Very carefully, they spun down, landing in a trotting run that sent snow swirling in all directions. Their booming calls filled the clearing, announcing their arrival as even more Thestrals descended from the dark sky.
Harry felt a small smile curl on his lips as a baby Thestral landed with a tiny squeak, struggling to stay as close to its sleek black mother as possible. The mother snorted and tossed her head, her wispy mane flowing behind her like a banner in the wind.
One larger Thestral approached cautiously, its coat thin and patchy, revealing glimpses of bone beneath. It quickly snapped its head up and hissed, revealing its fang-like teeth as it pawed at the goat with its clawed hooves.
"You can have it," Harry assured the creature, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. Coilis coiled around his neck, unsure of what to do.
"He says he fears you poisoned it," Carpatha said with a fond smile, flipping gracefully and dragging herself toward a tree while her sisters watched curiously from the water.
"Now, why would I do that?" Harry mused lightly as the Thestral exhaled sharply and slowly lowered its head, tearing into the still-warm meat with relish.
More Thestrals arrived, sniffing the meat warily, and Harry couldn't help but smile as the younger ones darted over the older ones. They used their tiny bat wings to clumsily land with their oversized hooves, playfully nipping at each other's backsides.
"It's..." Harry began, momentarily lost in the scene before him.
Carpatha watched the interaction with a smile, nodding in agreement. "It's beautiful," she said, her tone sincere.
"Yeah..." Harry whispered, his gaze lingering on a mother Thestral gently tending to her baby with her careful, affectionate tongue. "It really is."
Just then, one of the Mermish creatures hissed, revealing sharp, spiked teeth before turning and vanishing with a flick of her shimmering gold tail. Carpatha sighed and rolled her eyes, pulling herself back toward the water.
"I must apologize; Memria doesn't take too well to Thestrals," she said, glancing back at Harry with a hint of concern. "And if you want to get what you came for, I suggest you announce yourself."
Carpatha ended with a wink before vanishing herself with a flick of her tail, leaving the water quiet again, the gentle current flowing smoothly as if nothing had happened.
Harry looked around at the gathering of Thestrals, their presence grounding him. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. "All right, then," he said, his voice steady. "Time to make my presence known."
With a firm grip on his wand, he stepped forward, calling out, "Thestrals, I am Harry Potter! I need your help." The wind carried his voice through the clearing, and he could feel the weight of the moment settling on his shoulders.
The Thestrals paused, their attention shifting to him, and he could see curiosity flickering in their dark, intelligent eyes.
"Master?" Coilis's voice was laced with confusion.
"I don't know what she meant, Coilis. I don't know," Harry responded, his heart racing as he spun around, feeling a warm snout press into his back.
Standing before him was a foal, its milky white eyes wide with curiosity and fanged teeth glinting in the moonlight. It wagged its long black tail, the movement revealing every bone in its slender frame.
With a booming call, slightly higher in pitch due to its youth, the foal tilted its head and playfully nipped at him before trotting away toward a small group of more robust adults.
"It wants us to follow, Master," Coilis observed, his eyes glinting with intrigue.
"It must respond to Parseltongue! That's why they can hear us!" Harry hissed back in excitement, feeling a rush of adrenaline. But as he turned to follow, the Thestrals' ears pinned down, and they lowered their heads, staring at him warily without making a sound.
They hurried past the bone-white goat corpse, stepping onto slightly firmer ground. Here, four Thestrals stood, one of them with a foal at its side, all regarding Harry with their wary milky white eyes.
One of the larger Thestrals reared back suddenly, flapping its massive wings—larger than any Harry had seen before—and bared its teeth in a display of aggression. Harry noted that one of its fangs had broken off, a jagged reminder of past battles.
In the middle of the group stood a Thestral that appeared larger and healthier than the others. Its bones were pronounced, but not in a way that suggested starvation; instead, it gave off an aura of strength and vitality. Its ears curved downwards, resembling the sloping bangs worn by some witches, while its tail was adorned with a cascade of black hair that flowed like a dark river. The mane, wild and untamed, shimmered with a bluish hue in the moonlight.
The majestic creature tilted its head, its eyes a striking grey that stood out against the milky whiteness of the others. It opened its mouth, revealing fangs on the top and smaller, sharper teeth on the bottom.
"A speaker," it hissed, its voice low and melodic.
Harry stumbled back in surprise, caught off guard by the creature's unexpected communication. Coilis reared up slightly, his fangs bared in a warning, ready to defend Harry if necessary.
"Wait, we mean no harm!" Harry called out, holding up his hands to show he was unarmed. "I'm Harry Potter, and I'm here to ask for your help!"
The Thestral with the grey eyes regarded him closely, its expression inscrutable. "You speak our language. But trust must be earned, not given lightly," it replied, its voice resonating with authority.
"I understand," Harry said earnestly, his heart pounding. "I need your help against a great darkness. The Death Eaters are coming, and I believe you can help us protect the forest."
The group of Thestrals shifted uneasily, exchanging glances with one another. The foal moved closer to its mother, peering at Harry with innocent curiosity.
"Your intentions are noble, but our kind has been hunted and feared for too long," the grey-eyed Thestral continued, its voice steady yet laced with sadness. "What assurance do you offer that this alliance will bring us safety rather than more harm?"
Harry took a deep breath, understanding the weight of the moment. "I promise to protect you and your kin. I've faced the darkness before, and I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. You can trust me."
The Thestrals exchanged wary looks once more, the tension palpable in the air. After a long moment, the grey-eyed Thestral stepped closer, its massive frame looming over Harry.
"Very well, Harry Potter. We will listen, but know this: actions speak louder than words. Prove your commitment, and we may consider your plea."
Harry nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Thank you. I won't let you down." With that, he stepped forward, ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead with the support of his new allies.
"Aye, I am Shadow," the Thestral replied, its voice a low rumble. "A speaker from my ancestor Salazar Slytherin."
Harry blinked, finding it slightly odd that he was conversing in Parseltongue with a creature that resembled a skeletal horse. "That's… interesting," he said, trying to hide his surprise.
The Thestral tossed its head, a graceful motion, and began to walk deeper into the forest. The rest of the herd followed, their hooves barely making a sound on the snow-covered ground. As they trotted by, the trees seemed to sparkle in the moonlight, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
"You seem well," the Thestral remarked, glancing back at Harry.
"I am," Harry replied. "But what about your herd? Are you all right?"
"I am, Heir Shadow. My herd has grown ever fond of this forest," it whispered, a hint of melancholy lacing its voice. "But the light is burning, and it burns our hearts."
Harry winced at the weight of those words, glancing in the direction of the castle. "You're talking about Albus Dumbledore, aren't you?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.
"Names, they are long and hard," the Thestral continued, its tone distant. "Few ever are known to my herd."
"And yet you know Salazar," Coilis hissed, gently lunging onto the Thestral's back and resting just above its wings. The creature paid him no mind.
"That is different, Heir Shadow," the Thestral replied, its voice echoing with ancient wisdom.
"That it is, mighty Thestral," Harry responded with a nod. He appreciated the connection they shared, even if it was born from an ancient lineage.
After a few minutes of walking in silence, the leader stopped, and the other Thestrals took to the sky, flapping their wings in unison as they vanished into the night.
The main Thestral gently lowered itself to the ground, folding its legs beneath it as it waited for Harry's first question.
"Thank you for your trust," Harry said, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "I know that times are dark, but I believe we can work together to bring back the light."
The Thestral tilted its head, its grey eyes searching Harry's face for sincerity. "What do you propose, Heir Shadow? How can we aid you in this quest?"
"We need to unite the magical creatures of the forest," Harry replied earnestly. "The Death Eaters will not stop until they control everything. If we can rally everyone together, we can protect our home and each other."
The Thestral considered this for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Your resolve is admirable, Harry Potter. But such unity will not come easily. Fear has taken root in many hearts."
"I understand," Harry said, determination in his voice. "But fear can be overcome with courage. If we stand together, we can face anything."
The Thestral's ears perked up, and it seemed to ponder Harry's words. "You have the spirit of a true leader. Very well, I will help you gather the creatures of the forest. But you must prove yourself to them first."
"I will do whatever it takes," Harry declared, feeling a sense of purpose surge within him.
"Then let us begin," the Thestral said, standing tall once more. "We will call upon the others. Trust in your voice, Heir Shadow, and they will come."
With that, the Thestral let out a haunting call that echoed through the forest, sending a ripple of anticipation through the night air. Harry felt a thrill of excitement as he realized that this was just the beginning of their fight against the encroaching darkness.
"May I ask for your name, mighty Thestral?" Harry dared to ask, curiosity bubbling within him.
Mylla puffed out a breath, the steam swirling and vanishing into the night sky. "You are a charmer, Heir Shadow. And you remind me of one from such a long time ago. A poor stable boy with a golden mane and brown eyes. Yes, you remind me of him greatly. It has been such a long time since one of your kind has spoken to me—a long time indeed. I am the creator of the Thestrals. I am Mylla the Song."
Harry recoiled as if struck, the weight of her words settling heavily on him. He took a moment to compose himself, slowly exhaling before bowing his head respectfully. "Then it is an honor, Mylla the Song. It is a great gift to meet one of my kin."
"A great gift indeed, kin," Mylla replied, her voice resonating like a soft melody in the stillness of the night.
Harry smiled, a warmth blossoming in his chest. Coilis scented the air, his forked tongue tickling Mylla's face. She snorted in amusement, tossing her head and blinking slowly at the serpent perched nearby.
"It is amusing how many of Salazar's children have serpent familiars. I had a friend—a dear old friend who wore a crown of spines on her head—"
"Selena," Coilis interjected, causing Mylla to look at him in surprise before letting out a sound that resembled laughter, a series of strange knickers that echoed through the clearing.
"Ah, of course! What a fool am I to suggest that you do not know of her? How is the great serpent?" Mylla asked, rising to her feet and shifting her weight gracefully.
"...Selena passed away," Harry replied, the weight of the news heavy on his heart. He glanced at Coilis, who seemed lost in his sorrow, his eyes glazing over with grief.
Mylla fell silent for a moment, bowing her head as a gesture of respect. "I send my deepest apologies. It has been too long since I have seen her old eyes. Let her rest in peace."
With a gentle nod, she continued, "Come, it is late. I will take you to the castle."
Harry didn't hesitate, climbing onto Mylla's back with a sense of purpose. Coilis coiled around his arm, feeling the familiar bond of trust as they prepared for flight. With three powerful flaps of her wings, they soared into the sky, the wind rushing past them.
Harry beamed, the exhilaration of flight filling him with a sense of freedom as they dove down toward the great doors of Hogwarts. The castle loomed majestically in the distance, its lights twinkling like stars against the dark backdrop of the night sky.
As they neared the ground, Mylla swerved gracefully, evading the trees, and just before they hit the earth, they transformed into a plume of smoke, vanishing into the shadows of the forest.
When the smoke cleared, Harry found himself standing at the foot of the castle steps, his heart racing from the thrill of the journey. He looked up at the towering structure, feeling a mixture of hope and apprehension.
"Welcome home, Heir Shadow," Mylla's voice echoed in his mind, a reminder of the powerful connection they had forged.
"Thank you, Mylla," he replied, glancing back at the forest. "I'll do my best to protect this place."
With a final nod from Mylla, the Thestral spread her wings and took to the sky once more, disappearing into the night as Harry and Coilis made their way up the steps, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them within the castle.
Harry sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on him as he slumped in his room. He absentmindedly twirled the Basilisk tooth knife his father had given him, its cool handle familiar yet unnerving. With each rotation, his thoughts drifted to Mylla, and he found himself glancing out the window, half-expecting her to appear at any moment.
"Obsidian," he breathed, the name slipping from his lips like a prayer.
"Daydreaming again, Harry?" came a voice from the doorway, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to see Daphne, leaning casually against the frame, her silhouette framed by the dim light of the hallway. She hesitated to enter, her eyes scanning the room as if wary of the wards still lingering.
"Daphne," he acknowledged, a small smile breaking through his gloom as he stood. She turned with a graceful motion, striding toward the main room with an air of confidence.
"Keep up, or I might just leave you behind," she called back, a playful glint in her eyes as she grabbed her evening robe.
With a quick glance over her shoulder to ensure he was following, she stepped through the wall as if it were merely a curtain. Harry blinked in surprise, then frowned, quickly clasping his robe shut and holstering his wand. He stepped out, chasing after her flowing blonde hair that glinted in the soft light.
"Daphne, wait up!" he muttered, his frustration mounting as he lost sight of her. He growled softly, pressing his palm against the shadows that danced along the corridor. He closed his eyes, letting the rush of Dark Magic wash over him, its seductive energy sending a thrill through his veins.
When he opened his eyes again, he spotted her near the covered bridge, nearly there and seemingly unbothered. A sense of urgency propelled him forward, and in just a few seconds, he had closed the distance, stepping a few paces behind her.
Suddenly, Daphne jumped, placing a hand over her heart. "Merlin's beard, you scared me!" she exclaimed, muttering a string of curses under her breath. Harry couldn't help but smirk at her reaction, but before he could say anything, they were moving again.
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