Harry Potter and the War of the Wands

Chapter 8 - The Forest

Deep within the Forbidden Forest the air was stifling, and although the stars were shining brightly in the sky only a dim gleam of light could penetrate the gloom. The Centaur herd was gathered together to discuss the prospect of war. For a race of people that observed the actions of the world around them, but took no part in them, the outcome of this assembly would have great ramifications.

Magorian stood in front of the assembled Centaurs with his head held high. He had held the debate in his own mind repeatedly and couldn't put it off any longer. He was saddened to think he had lived to see the possible downfall of his proud race.

He raised his hands to signal his brother Centaurs to quieten down.

"You have all read the signs," he proclaimed. "The planets have shown us what we must do." Some commotion and mumbling followed this statement.

"So you say, Magorian," a voice rose amongst the assembly. The black haired Centaur named Bane reared his head and stepped forward. "We have all tracked the movements in the skies, but we do not all come to the same conclusions as you do." He stepped forward to stand face to face with Magorian.

"The survival of our race hangs upon the edge of a knife, Bane," said Magorian sombrely. "If we fail to act, we are lost." Many of the Centaurs stamped their hooves in agreement.

"That is where we differ," answered Bane. "You say we fall if we do not act. I say we fall because we act." Bane's supporters stamped their hooves appreciatively. "What if it is our involvement in this war that is the cause of our downfall? We do not interfere in the doings of wizards, why should we start now?"

There was no movement in the trees. No wind could be heard and no breeze could penetrate this deep into the forest.

"We act because we must," said Magorian. "A threat this great has not been seen in untold years. The outcome of the first war of this century was foretold in the stars. We have no such assurance this time."

"We have the assurance that wizards cannot be trusted," spat Bane. His nostrils flared as he glared at the Centaur leader. Bane had always been one of the most outspoken Centaurs concerning wizards. Since he had been reared as a young foal he had studied the history of his people's dealings with wizards, and he'd invariably been disgusted with their treatment.

"Not all wizards are untrustworthy," replied Magorian. "Albus Dumbledore was ever a friend to our race, and there are others who follow in his wake."

"Albus Dumbledore is no more. His followers do not have the strength to withstand the rise of the dark. We cannot align ourselves with them." Bane, it seemed, had a retort for everything that Magorian could think of.

"Who says we don't have the strength!" a voice boomed from out-with the circle. Bane turned sharply to see the owner of the voice.

A large gap opened up in the assembly as Hagrid and Firenze strode boldly into the centre. Tensions mounted, with some of the Centaurs levelling their bows at the new arrivals.

"You are not welcome here, Giant!" roared Bane angrily. "You see, Magorian, they have the audacity to invade our sanctuary, and to bring with them this traitor who has already been banished from our forest home." He tossed his head disgustedly to Firenze.

Hagrid stepped forward, ignoring Bane, and bowed to Magorian. Firenze followed suit.

"Magorian, I've bin sent ter respectfully request council," said Hagrid courteously. Magorian nodded gravely.

"What would you ask of the Centaurs, Hagrid?" asked Magorian regally. Hagrid was generally on better terms with the Centaurs than most other wizards, but relations had been strained recently due to Grawp's continued presence in the forest.

"We've come fer help," replied Hagrid, standing straight again and towering over the Centaur. "You-Know-Who is gettin' stronger every day, and there ain't no way we can fight him without backing." The rest of the Centaurs looked on restlessly, and Bane was glaring intently at Firenze.

"You know, with this request, you ask a great deal of us?" said Magorian.

"Too much, some would say," piped in Bane.

"Every free being will need to play a part if the Dark One is to be destroyed once and for all," Firenze finally spoke up. "We can sit back no longer. Now is the time for our part to be played."

Bane's eyes narrowed as he stared at Firenze.

"I am of the same mind, Firenze," said Magorian, "but I cannot choose the path for all of us. You say 'free being', and you are correct. Each of us must make the decision ourselves, to fight, or to run."

"We can hide and the storm may pass us over," Bane spoke up. He seemed unwilling to believe that the war would affect him if he didn't take an active role in it. His distrust of wizards wouldn't allow him to believe in any alliance.

"He'll find yeh," shot Hagrid disbelievingly.

"He hates us, Bane, along with every other magical race he deems unworthy," said Firenze. "He will not suffer our survival. Our only chance is to unite with an ally while we still can." Some of the Centaurs nodded gently, others still looked unsure.

"You have been living amongst them too long, Firenze," spat Bane. "You have already turned your back on your own people."

"I did not, and have never, given up on our people," replied Firenze proudly.

"The decision is before us," announced Magorian loudly. "To flee, and perhaps avoid the dark, or to fight alongside those who stand against it and possibly die in the attempt. I do not tell any of you what to do, but a choice must be made."

Hagrid surveyed the surrounding Centaurs. Some of whom looked determined, some merely thoughtful. All of them, however, looked set to choose their path.

"Who will stand with us against the Dark One," asked Firenze loudly. He looked around at his fellow Centaurs.

"I will," proclaimed Magorian, stepping forward and bowing slightly to Hagrid and Firenze.

One by one, more and more voices spoke up, all saying "I will!", whilst the Centaurs began stamping their feet in motivation. Bane was the only Centaur who hadn't spoken up.

"Bane, you know that this cannot be avoided," said Firenze gently. He stepped forward. "Will you join us?"

There was a long silence, the stamping of hooves having subsided. Bane looked around at the other Centaurs who had all pledged to go to war. Magorian took a step towards him and placed a hand on his shoulder, looking intently into his eyes.

Eventually, he gave his answer.

"I cannot allow my brothers to fight alone," said Bane heavily. "I will join you."

Cheers went up from all of the assembly as Bane stepped forward and shook hands with Firenze.

"Right, well now yeh've joined up, yeh should meet some of the team," said Hagrid cheerfully. He put two fingers to his mouth and whistled loudly. "And don' worry, he's as safe as houses." The Centaurs all waited apprehensively, hearing the loud rumblings on the ground. Within a minute, Hagrid's huge half-brother, Grawp, burst through the trees, and in two massive steps, stood in front of Hagrid.

The Centaurs looked uncertainly at the Giant. Some of them even raised their bows. Magorian quickly raised a hand to signal not to attack.

"Friends?" asked Grawp slowly in a deep booming voice. Hagrid beamed up at him and nodded.

Grawp then sank down on one knee in front of the bemused Centaur leader who looked over at Hagrid and shook his head in surprise.

"I cannot believe you managed it, Hagrid," he said. Firenze nodded his head with a small smile on his lips.

"I too had difficulty believing it," he said. "I had advised Hagrid to give up the attempt as hopeless, but he has proven me wrong."

Hagrid clapped his half-brother on the side of his massive leg.

"He's not a bad sort really," answered Hagrid happily. "And we'll definitely need him if we're gonna have to fight those other Giants."

"And now, it is time to devise a strategy," said Firenze.

The new found allies crowded round, and began to discuss their plans.

****