James Potter and the Sword in the Stone

James told Bella and Lysander in the Great Hall what Professor Rothwell had said, despite his asking of James to keep it secret. James had made sure that only they heard, since anyone else could run and tell him what James had said. Especially Molly.

"It sounds like there's something in the Forbidden Forest that he was trying to take care of," Bella said.

"I wonder why he was trying to take care of it, though. I mean, was he trying to kill it, capture it, or something else?" Lysander asked.

"I dunno. That's all he said. But for some reason he wanted me to keep it secret," James told them.

"Hold it. Did you actually see his leg?" Lysander asked.

"Er . . . no. I told you it was bandaged up."

"Well, maybe it's not all that bad, then," Lysander said.

"He said he took time off from being an Auror for it. Why would he do that if it wasn't so bad?" James asked.

"James is right. Perhaps whatever it was poisoned him or something. There are loads of things that could have happened to it," Bella said.

"We don't have him until Tuesday, but maybe you can ask him what happened that his leg is all bandaged," Lysander said, taking a sip of juice.

"Yeah, maybe," James said.

"Meanwhile, we have the rest of the afternoon off," Lysander said happily.

"Do you two want to meet Hagrid? He's an old friend of the family from when my dad went to Hogwarts," James said.

"The giant? Definitely!" Lysander said eagerly.

"I suppose I haven't got anything better to do," Bella said.

James was glad they were coming with him. The three waited until most of the other students had cleared out of the Great Hall, then made their way out of the castle. It was still relatively warm outside, with the occasional chill. James could feel autumn coming. The three of them looked out at the Forbidden Forest silently. It was quite frightening to behold. This was the first time that James had been out on the grounds. As they walked, they heard a shriek, almost like a bird, coming from the Forest. They looked at each other and walked faster down to Hagrid's hut.

James knocked on the front door. His dog, Fang, had passed away when James had been younger. He had lived a good, long life, and Hagrid had not gotten another dog since. In James' eyes, there was no dog that could replace Fang.

"Who is it?" Hagrid called from inside his hut.

"It's James. And my friends."

Hagrid opened the door slowly and peered out at them. "James! Good ter see yeh here! Thought yeh might've forgotten 'bout me!" Hagrid exclaimed, stepping aside to let them in.

"It's only the second day I've been here! And I could never forget about you, Hagrid. This is the first time I've gotten time to get down here," James said.

"I kno', I kno'. Who're yeh're friends?" Hagrid asked, getting out four mugs from a cabinet.

"This is Lysander Scamander, and Bella Whitaker. They're both Gryffindor, too," James introduced them.

They sat as Hagrid poured them some tea. "How're yeh're parents, you two? Luna's yeh're mum, righ'?" Hagrid asked them, sitting in a chair at the table with them.

"My mum's fine. I have a twin, too, but he got put in Hufflepuff," Lysander told him.

"Well, yeh ought ter be writin' to them tonight and lettin' em know yeh're alrigh'. How were yeh're firs' classes?" Hagrid asked.

"We've only had Potions so far. Professor Carrow wasn't what I expected," James said, taking a sip of his tea.

"What were yeh expectin'?" Hagrid asked.

"James was quite good at Potions, that's all. He thinks he should have done poorly because he's not in Slytherin," Bella said.

"I never said that! I just wasn't expecting to be given points by a Slytherin teacher," James protested.

"Bein' Gryffindor or Slytherin don't have nothin ter do with it. I s'pose yeh're dad told yeh about Snape?" Hagrid asked James.

"Yeah, he mentioned him a few times. He criticized him for everything he did, so I didn't expect any less from Professor Carrow."

"Well, Snape was a lot of things. But tha' doesn' change nothin for you. It's good tha' yeh're good at Potions, James. Met Professor Rothwell yet?"

"Yeah, we've met him. I wanted to ask you about that, actually. He said that he got his leg injured in the Forbidden Forest," James said.

"There are lots o' things that coulda done it to him. Yeh just mind yeh're studies, James. You two, as well."

"He just made it sound like it was some secret. He told me not to tell anyone about the Forest."

"So naturally, yeh're curious. Jus' like yeh're dad, yeh are, James. Wha's in the Forest is no concern of yours. Professor McGonagall has it well in hand."

"Professor McGonagall? She knows, then?" Bella said.

"O' course she knows! Wouldn' let Rothwell go inside witho' her consent!" Hagrid said.

"But you don't know what did it to him?" James persisted.

Hagrid looked uncomfortable for a moment, and said, "I can' tell yeh, James."

James decided to let the matter drop, not wishing to overstay his welcome. Besides, he now knew that Professor McGonagall was involved, as well. He figured as long as she knew, it was probably okay. James was not entirely sure why he cared about the situation at all, and Hagrid's words began to ring in his head. He was just like his dad. Had his father gone looking for trouble at Hogwarts, as well? Hagrid seemed to notice his quietness.

"Look, James, I didn' mean ter hurt yeh feelins," Hagrid said.

"No, you didn't. It's just . . . I don't even know why I care about finding out why Rothwell's been hurt. Or what did it to him," James said.

"It's cuz yeh care that yeh want ter know. Yeh're naturally curious, like yer dad. He jus' wouldn' want yeh getting into ter trouble, tha's all."

Suddenly, James saw someone through the window walking down by the Forbidden Forest. He squinted, but he couldn't see exactly who it was. "Well, Hagrid. We better be going. I want to write to mum and dad tonight, so I better get started," James said, standing abruptly.

Lysander and Bella looked at him questioningly, but they also stood. After they had said goodbye to Hagrid, the three of them exited the hut. "What was that all about?" Bella asked.

"Shh! Come over here!" James said, motioning for them to follow him.

The three of them walked stealthily along, and hid behind a large tree on the edge of the Forest. The person, who James could now see was Professor Carrow, was waiting a few feet inside the forest. She was just standing there, her long black hair flowing down her back. The inside of the forest was pretty dark, despite the fact that it was daylight. Her back was facing them, so they peered around the tree slowly.

Bella gasped slightly as a centaur became visible in the darkness. He-at least James thought it was a he-walked majestically up to Professor Carrow, his head held high. He had the body of a horse, and the head of a man. James had never actually seen a centaur, and he figured that Lysander or Bella hadn't, either.

"I was under the impression that Professor McGonagall would be meeting me," the centaur said in an elegant voice.

"Professor McGonagall has not felt well today. She sent me in her place to assuage any concerns you have," Professor Carrow said.

"I have many concerns that I do not think even she can assuage. My people are tired of being used by wizard-kind," the centaur said.

"It is as much your problem as it is ours, centaur. The forest belongs to all," Professor Carrow said.

The centaur pawed the ground anxiously. "My name is Balin, witch. But I do agree with you. Despite what my people believe, I believe in a world where we may exist together in peace. You are right. This is both of our problem," Balin said.

"The Headmaster has asked me to tell you to please have patience. She and the Ministry are working together to try and remove it from the forest," Professor Carrow said.

"My people have been ordered to steer clear of the accursed thing, lest they be injured or killed. I will relay your words to them, and hope they will understand this difficult situation. If there is any news about its removal, let us know," Balin said, turning to go.

Bella pulled on James' arm to let him know it was time to go. As Professor Carrow and Balin were saying goodbye, the three of them moved as quickly as they could without alerting the two to their presence. Professor Carrow would not be happy with any of them if they were caught eavesdropping. James did not want to get on the centaur's bad side, either. James, Lysander, and Bella didn't say a word until they reached the castle.

"Now do you believe me that something is going on? That wasn't just a cut on Professor Rothwell's leg! They're hiding something in the forest from everyone that they're trying to get rid of," James said, panting as they climbed the moving stairs to get to the common room.

"Yes, but the Ministry is involved, James. We should just let this be," Bella said firmly.

"I'm starting to think maybe she's right, mate. Just ask Professor Rothwell in class what happened," Lysander said.

James didn't respond. They obviously didn't understand. He couldn't explain why he was so interested in what was going on inside the Forbidden Forest. He just felt something pulling him, urging him to get answers and explanations. Something wanted him to find out what was inside those dark woods. But James didn't think he would like it when he found out.