The Prince Returns

Chapter Five

That night, Regan lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. She doubted she would ever get used to Hogwarts. It was so unlike the Institute. The school was so large. She didn't know how she would ever be able to find her way around without Hermione or Harry. The teachers, all of whom were nice, had different teaching styles. Every class was either extremely behind or extremely ahead of the classes Regan had had at the Institute. Several things were taught in a different manner here. Regan had no idea there were so many different methods to perform basic spells, but Hogwarts and the Institute apparently used different methods. Also, she had never had to live at the Institute before. She had always lived at home, though some students who did not live in New York had lived at the Institute. Hogwarts was strictly a boarding school, even though it would be very easy for any of the students, including Regan, to Floo home. The students were, for the majority, nice enough to her. However, she often caught students staring at her from a distance or giving her a second glance. Some were very impressed by her parentage. They wanted to know everything about Richard Prince. Others were just intrigued by her because she was new. Not only was she from another school, she was from a different country. The more intelligent students were interested in the different things taught at the Institute. The less intelligent were more interested in the possibilities of not having to wear robes. However, not all the students were nice. There were the Slytherins, all of whom seemed to dislike her instantly. However, she did notice Pansy Parkinson glancing at her new shoes with envy, which made Regan feel much better. So much better that she made sure her shoes were always in view around Pansy. Draco was by far the worst Slytherin. He had several classes with her and managed to sit close enough to her in all of them that he was able to torment and tease her without alerting the professor. His comments were not that bad. His comments at the beginning of Arithmancy were probably the worst. However, while his insults of the day had only been mildly insulting, Regan had a feeling he was just starting. She was worried that he would only get worse. Regan missed her friends, especially Leo and Gretchen. A wave of guilt rolled over her at the thought of Gretchen. She wished she was back in New York, with Leo. Leo would make her feel better about Gretchen. Together, they would be able to remember their friend. She sighed and rolled over onto her side and tried in vain to go to sleep. She doubted she would ever get used to Hogwarts

****

Actually, it took Regan about a month to get used to Hogwarts. By the middle of October, she was used to the school itself, with its many secret passageways and constantly moving stairs. She was used to the professors and their teaching styles. She was used to the students. She had made several new friends. She had joined the Gryffindor Quidditch team, playing Chaser. She had instantly connected with the other players. They had chemistry and worked great as a team. Regan enjoyed Quidditch. Quidditch was international. It was played the exact same way in England as it was in America. Some of the Slytherin students had calmed down, once they realized she had money. Draco, as Regan had feared, had only gotten worse. His insults had gotten worse. His comments about her father were rare, but much more specific. He commented on her father's lack of involvement in the previous war and had taken to calling him a coward. However, Draco had lately been focusing more on her previous existence as an American. He referred to her as a stupid American, and, when encouraged by nearby Slytherins, stupid American whore. However, she had learned to ignore him. Occasionally, she would respond with an insult or sharp comment, but she usually just ignored him. If you don't have anything nice to say and all that. Ron and Ginny were slowly coming around to Regan. Ron was doing much better. They could almost be considered friends. Every once in a while they would bicker, usually about the horrible state of Ron's belongings and the cost of Regan's, but their fights were more like the rare disagreement between friends, almost resembling the altercations Ron shared with Hermione. Ginny was more reluctant. She still kept her distance from "the new girl." They talked when they had to. In all honesty, Ginny kind of liked Regan. However, she did not like the way Harry looked at Regan. She did like the fact that Regan did not look at Harry the same way, but Harry did not seem to notice. Ginny and Dean had broken up, which only fueled her crush on Harry. She found her thoughts suddenly turning to him several times a day, something that hadn't happened since her third year. Because Ginny had been so busy watching Regan, she had failed to notice how Harry was beginning to look at her.

****

Richard Prince was frustrated. He had been in England for nearly three months. He still feel as if he had accomplished little. His house was constantly filled with people working with the Order. Everyone seemed to have a set job, whether it was watching the news, Muggle and wizard, closely for any odd activity or going back and forth between Hogwarts and the Prince residence to speak with Dumbledore and the professors who were part of the Order. Several people were busy recruiting new people. Originally, Richard thought that that would be his job, at least until Voldemort started acting, during which he supposed to he would return to his hero days. He thought that he would be calling old friends, or all the people who owed him a favor. Dumbledore did not like that idea. He wanted Richard to stay at his house. He seemed afraid that Voldemort would make a move against Richard, whether it be to harm him or force him to join the Death Eaters. However, that did not stop the other members of the Order from throwing his name about in order to gain more followers.

So Richard stayed at home. He tried to be helpful. Like Arthur and Molly, some of the members had brought along family. Richard taught the younger witches and wizards a few spells and defense mechanisms. However, the younger members, led by the Weasley twins, usually talked Richard into to story-telling and he spent the majority of any lessons talking about his past adventures. Richard was sick of the house. He wanted to get out and do something constructive for the Order. Dumbledore was constantly reassuring him that he was. According to Dumbledore, Richard's mere presence increased morale and the hopes of the Order. Richard was reluctant to believe that he was really doing all that.

His frustration was only increased by Lucius's constant letters. The man had at least stopped visiting. Instead, he sent short, simple letters that seemed to have a patronizing tone. Lucius would go through pleasantries, asking about his family, asking simply how the Order was doing. He would make vague comments about Lord Voldemort and his actions. He stopped making offers, but he would hint at what Richard could be doing if he went to the other side. Lucius knew Richard. He knew that he would be sick of his current inactivity. If Richard joined Voldemort, Lucius assured him that he would be in the middle of everything, involved in every mission, constantly in the action. He would not be sitting around, boosting everyone's morale and telling stories. However, his letters, though still constant, were starting to lose some of their original desperation. Richard wondered if Lucius had given up and the letters were just a habit, just in case Richard had a sudden change of heart, or if Lucius had suddenly found a new way around Richard's refusal of the dark mark. Richard hoped it was the former.

****

Remus was enjoying the new arrangements of the Order. He enjoyed being around Laura. Originally, he had been nervous about constantly being in her presence, as well as the presence of her husband, but they had clicked instantly. They were quick friends again. While Richard moped around the house, he and Laura did all that they could. The two usually worked together. They were also spending time with the Order. They would often talk during the evening. About the past, the present, and the future. Remus felt old feeling stir for Laura. He couldn't help but wonder what Laura thought about their new reconciliation.

****

The week before Halloween was hectic at Hogwarts. To begin with, the first Quidditch game of the year was to take place. Slytherin versus Gryffindor. Everyone was very excited, especially the players. The Slytherin students were particularly awful that week, making rude comments and gestures to the Gryffindors whenever possible. Also, the Halloween feast was at the end of the week. Regan was looking forward to it. She was told that Hogwarts went all out of Halloween. It was announced a few days before the Quidditch match that Braydon Prince, famous Quidditch star, would be visiting the school. He wanted to visit his sister, but Dumbledore had convinced him to see the game and attend the feast, spend some time with the students. The entire school was looking forward to meeting him.

****

Braydon Prince arrived at Hogwarts early the morning of the Quidditch match. For some reason, he didn't like the school. As a castle, it looked dangerous and foreboding. It did not look very welcoming, more like it was protecting itself from any intruders. Braydon got the feeling that he was an intruder.

****

Everyone was in the Great Hall, having breakfast. Harry looked nervous. It was his first match as team captain, and against Slytherin no less. Regan looked fine. If anything, she looked happy. Ginny looked to be lost in thought. Though she was no longer Seeker (Harry had reclaimed his position.), she made a much better Keeper than Ron ever did. Ron had been more than happy to leave the team, afraid too many people remembered the lyrics to Wesley Is Our King.

Suddenly, all heads went towards the staff table. A handsome young man with blonde hair had just joined the professors. Dumbledore rose and made an introduction. "Students, may I have your attention. I would like to introduce Mr. Braydon Prince, Seeker for the New York Tornadoes. He will be staying with us for the next week. While here, he will assist Madam Hooch in flying lessons. That is all."

The students quickly turned to one another and began talking. Everyone seemed excited, especially those taking flying lessons. Hermione was also impressed by Braydon. His pictures did not do him justice. She thought he was very handsome. She couldn't wait to meet him.

****

Regan did not get a chance to talk to Braydon before she had to make her way towards the locker rooms. She was half way downstairs when she realized she had forgotten a hair tie. Sighing, she hurried back upstairs. She had to have her hair held back, or else all that blonde just got in the way. She could have borrowed one from Ginny, but her hair tie was special. She had worn it during every game back home and she had won every game back home. She couldn't play a game properly without it.

Therefore, she was almost late as she quickly went to the pitch. As if on cue, Draco Malfoy stepped out of the school right behind her. "So that was Braydon Prince, great Seeker, Quidditch super-star?" Malfoy asked as he moved next to Regan, voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Go away, Malfoy," she said, quickening her pace. Draco kept up.

"What's wrong, Rae? Nervous about the game?"
"Oh please. I have no doubt we'll beat you. We're simply a better team."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"I saw you at breakfast, Malfoy. Your jaw nearly hit the floor when my brother walked in. Admit it, you were impressed. If you ask nicely, I could get you an autograph," she said with a smile as they reached the locker rooms. He simply scowled and went to the Slytherin locker room.

****

The stadiums filled quickly with students, most wearing red and gold. Everyone cheered loudly as the teams were announced. Regan felt the familiar excitement she got stepping onto a Quidditch field. She couldn't wait to play. She had overheard several people talking about her the past few days. Everyone wanted to see just how good she was. Regan only hoped she didn't disappoint. Winning would be nice. She looked to the professors' area. She saw Braydon, sitting next to Tonks. She waved. He waved back. She turned back to the field and joined her team in the middle of the pitch.

After giving up his spot on the team, Ron had received the very important position as commentator, taking over Lee Jordan's job once he graduated. As it was his first game, Ron was glad it was Slytherin and Gryffindor. If there was a slow moment, he could just mention the ugliness and sheer stupidity of Slytherin.

Harry took his place on the field facing Malfoy. The two shook hands roughly. Malfoy started to make a rude comment when Madam Hooch blew the whistle. The players kicked off from the ground and flew off. Ginny flew by Harry and Malfoy on the way to the post. Regan flew about the pitch, quickly gaining control of the Quaffle. Within moments, she scored the first goal. Harry immediately caught the golden gleam of the Snitch. He took off after it. Malfoy saw Harry and immediately followed. He too saw the Snitch. They chased it around the Hufflepuff stand when Malfoy was immediately hit in the chest by the Bludger, knocking him from his broom into the lab of a Hufflepuff third year, leaving Harry to chase the Snitch alone.

Regan took the Quaffle after a clumsy Slytherin Chaser lost control of it. Again, she scored another goal quickly. Cheers were heard throughout the stadium. However, the same clumsy Slytherin Chaser regained the Quaffle after it was put back into play. He raced towards the other goal posts. He aimed and threw towards the post. Ginny dove for the Quaffle, but narrowly missed. Slytherin scored.

Harry was almost ran over by Creevey chasing a fifth-year Slytherin carrying the Quaffle. The Slytherin dodged Harry and a Bludger, then threw the Quaffle, which was expertly blocked by Ginny. While Ron was talking about Ginny, making sure everyone knew Ginny was his sister, Harry spotted the Snitch being closely tailed by an obviously injured Malfoy. As Harry sped toward the Snitch, a Bludger missed him by an inch. Harry turned to see a smiling Slytherin. The Snitch gained altitude as Harry and Malfoy chased it, neck in neck. Malfoy tried to hit Harry, but knocked himself off balance. He quickly regained control, but it was too late. Harry had just enough time to speed ahead and catch the golden Snitch. Everyone cheered; the Gryffindors leaped to their feet. Gryffindor won.

A celebration followed the game in the Gryffinor common room. It did not end until well past midnight. Regan and Harry, the star players of the game, were among the last to leave. It was only much later, while Regan was drifting towards sleep, that she realized that she had not spoken to her brother.

****

At age seventeen, Severus Snape thought that he would never survive Hogwarts. James Potter and Sirius Black had decided to have fun at his expense again. It was hardly the beginning of seventh year, but Potter and friends had not wasted any time. The moment they saw Snape alone, they jumped at the opportunity. Ten minutes later, Snape found himself magically floating over the lake. The young boy was terrified. The lake had always worried him. He wasn't the best swimmer. He had no idea what creatures lived in the lake, but there were several rumors throughout the school, many started by Potter and Company. Snape looked down at the black water. It looked very sinister. Anything could lie beneath its surface. Snape quickly looked away from the water and towards the shore. Potter and Black were clutching their sides, laughing, almost rolling along the ground. Remus Lupin was standing near them, his wand held out, concentrating on the spell. Snape was surprised when Remus had appeared. Though part of Potter's gang, Lupin rarely participated in the more elaborate pranks, such as levitating a fellow student across the lake. Of course, they would need Lupin for something of that nature. Levitating a human body across a large area requires skill and intelligence. In Snape's opinion, Potter and Black had little of both. However, Lupin was an excellent wizard. Generally, he was also a nice guy. Not that night.

Black and Potter stopped laughing as they heard someone approaching from the castle. They turned to see who it was. Both boys lost their smiles. It was Laura Martin and Lily Evans. They did not look happy. "What are you doing?" Lily demanded, looking very angry. Laura just looked annoyed. She was sick of the boys' games. Poor Snape. Laura considered Severus a friend. She was always trying to stop them from picking on him. Severus was just quiet. There was nothing wrong with that. But he still seemed to be at the end of every prank. Laura looked at Lily. She was yelling at James and Sirius. James looked somewhat terrified-he and Lily had been dating for a short time and he didn't want to mess it up just yet. Sirius seemed to only be paying attention with a small percentage of his conscious. Laura assumed he was figuring out what to say to Lily to get her back in James's good graces. Laura rolled her eyes. Lately, James's didn't have to say much. Lily seemed to be taking Potter's side more and more often.

Laura turned from her friend towards the shore. It was then that she saw Remus. He had brought Snape back to the shore. The moment his feet hit the ground, Snape ran off. Laura was shocked. She hadn't expected to see Remus. She knew he and James were friends, but Remus had never joined the boys in something like this before. He suddenly turned to face her, their eyes meeting in the darkness.

Laura expected to be furious. She wasn't. She was disappointed, sad, and a little heart-broken. She had known Remus for several years, and she loved him. But he had changed. All this time with Potter had made him a completely different man. Over the summer, he had promised her he would be more careful around James and Sirius. He said that he would no longer participate in their stupid pranks. It upset Laura to see Remus picking on innocent people, like Severus, her friend.

Over the summer, the two of them had discussed marriage, possible right after graduation. They had made plans for the future: what their house would look like, their careers, their children. Sirius Black and James Potter had been far away from the couple and Remus was the person he used to be, the person Laura fell in love with.

The summer was completely forgotten as Remus and Laura looked into each others' eyes. Remus saw her disappointment and sadness. It hurt him to see her like that and to know that he caused it. Beside them, Lily and James had made up. The two were kissing while Sirius teased them about it, quoting Shakespeare and making gagging noises. Laura couldn't take it any more. She could no longer be in the presence of James and Company, including Remus. She turned and ran back to the castle. She was halfway up the staircase when Remus caught up to her.

"Wait! Laura!" he exclaimed, grabbing her arm to stop her. He was surprised to see tears in her eyes.

"What Remus," she said, her voice unsteady.

"I'm sorry, Laura. I told them no, but you know James. He won't stop at that. He was just so persistent. I had to join them. Laura, they're my friends. No one got hurt. It wasn't that bad."

"Wasn't that bad? Did you not see Severus? Did you not see how terrified he was? You were levitating him over the middle of the lake! You know he can't swim. What would have happened if your wand wavered? He could have drowned." By that time, her voice was steady. She was no longer disappointed, she was angry.

"But he didn't. Everything was fine."

"James and Sirius never could have done this without you. They cannot perform such a powerful spell for such a long time."

"I know. They are my friends Laura."

"You promised you would stop this, Remus."

"You don't want me to be with my friends, Laura?" Remus asked, his turn to be angry. "What kind of a girlfriend is that?"

"Don't say that. Be with James and Sirius. Fine. That doesn't mean you have to torture innocent bystanders. I want you to be happy, to be with your friends. I just don't like the person you've become. When you're with James and Sirius, you'll do whatever they say, and it's usually something contemptible. You used to be good man. You used to be kind. Not any more. Not since you became friends with them." Her voice broke, but she couldn't cry. Not then, not in front of Remus. She was afraid he might tease and run off and tell his friends.

"You didn't seem to have a problem with me over the summer. Or the past few years when I've been friends with them."

"This summer James and Sirius were nowhere in sight. This summer you promised not to join them in their stupid pranks. As for before, I always thought it was just a phase. You were just friends for the time being. But now....it's our seventh year, Remus. Pretty soon we'll be graduating. You need to grow up. I know James and Sirius won't. You never used to join them in their more intricate schemes, but here you are."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Nothing, Remus. You don't have to do anything." With that, her voice wavered again. This time, she let herself cry. She left him, standing on the stairs, looking after her.

****

Laura woke from her dream with a start. No, that wasn't right. It wasn't a dream, exactly, but a memory. She remembered that night, escaping to her dormitory. She broke up with Remus the next day. He talked to her several times throughout the year, apologizing profusely. However, he still joined James in his stupid games. Poor Severus. There were no bounds on their torments and tortures.

Lily and Laura fought constantly that year, about James, about Remus. Both were glad when graduation came. They didn't talk much after graduating, just a few letters every once in a while. They sent pictures of Braydon, Regan, and Harry. They attended each other's weddings, though not as a bridesmaid, which was something they had considered during Hogwarts. Laura regretted her fights with Lily when she died. She wished that she and Lily had remained friends, played a larger part in each other's lives post-Hogwarts. Laura loved Richard with all her heart, but sometimes she wished she had stayed with Remus. Things would have turned out so differently. Laura would have been there for Lily and James when they needed them, that Halloween evening when everything went wrong.

Laura pulled herself out of her reverie, finally noticing she was alone in bed. Sighing, she looked towards the clock. It was the middle of the night. Richard had probably fallen asleep in his study, looking through books. Laura went downstairs to retrieve him. He would probably have a sore back in the morning.

****
The week of Halloween was very busy. The professors piled on homework, despite the impending holiday. Also, Harry refused to let Sunday's victory against Slytherin affect his captain skills. He forced the team to practice each night, giving them only Friday off to prepare for the tournament on Saturday. The day after Halloween, there would be the first trip to Hogsmeade. On Halloween, the school was holding a chess tournament. Unlike Muggle schools, chess was quite popular at Hogwarts. Everyone had signed up for the tournament and was looking forward to it. Regan and Ron made plans to practice Friday night since they were the only two Gryffindors with any skill at the game. The feast would immediately follow the tournament.

Between homework and Quidditch, Regan did not have much time to talk to Braydon. When she did get a moment to talk with him, he was surrounded by adoring girls or young boys who looked to him with admiration. Several times, he told her that he desperately needed to talk with her in private. She kept putting him off. Eventually, she would talk with him. She was just so busy.

Ron had never seen Regan play chess before. She had never seen him play before either. So, Ron was excited Friday evening as the two set up their pieces. Chess was something Ron excelled at. He knew that he would win, showing Regan just what all her money was worth. He could not wait to see the look on her face as her took out her king.

****

Nearly an hour later, Ron looked to the board in shock. Regan's queen had just knocked over Ron's king. "Checkmate," she said, smiling rather smugly at him.

"Good job," he grumbled, frowning.

"No, Ron, you did a good job. I barely won," she said sincerely. She glanced at the clock. It was fairly late. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Once she had left, Ron looked at the demolished chess pieces. There were just as many of her pieces broken as there were his. He began to smile. Regan was right. He had done a good job.

****

The chess tournament began quickly. It became very clear who the strong players were. Both Ron and Regan defeated their first few opponents within a few moves. With pride, Regan defeated Malfoy and a few other Slytherins within moments. From the staff table, Braydon watched his little sister with admiration. Braydon himself was terrible at chess. He seemed to have inherited his mother's lack of fondness of the game. However, it was obvious Regan shared their father's aptitude.

Throughout the tournament, Ron stole glances at Regan. He hoped that she would make a stupid mistake and lose a game before she got to him. He did not want to have to play her, not with an audience. The audience continued to grow as games were lost throughout the Great Hall. Soon, there were only a few players left. Regan and Ron were both still going strong. In the end, it came to Regan versus Padma Patil and Ron versus Ernie Macmillan. Ron gave an inward cringe as he heard Regan declare checkmate. Moments later, Ron did the same thing as his king demolished Ernie's.

The entire school watch as Regan and Ron began their game. Ron was terrified. He had never had so many people staring at him before. Quidditch was different. During Quidditch, there were several more players. When he commentated, Ron knew few people listened to him. They were too engrossed in the game. Chess were very different. It was just him and Regan. Also, the spectators were not in a stadium hundreds of yards away. They were sitting around the board, less than three feet from the two. Ron was sure they could see how uncomfortable he was, how nervous he was. Ron looked to Regan. Surely she was as nervous as he was. Nope. She was fine. Did not look troubled at all. He tried to focus on the game and prepared himself for embarrassment.

****

Nearly a full hour later, Ron again found himself looking down at the board in astonishment. Slowly, with a maniacal grin, he moved his queen to her king. "Checkmate," he said slowly. He was nearly giddy with glee as his queen pulled out her sword, demolishing her king. The entire school cheered and congratulated Ron. Regan gave him a smile and shook his hand. "Good game."

****

For Ron, that Halloween feast was the best yet. Several people stopped at the Gryffindor table to congratulate him. Ron just smiled. Regan rolled her eyes as Colin Creevey took a picture of Ron. "Listen Weasley, you did a good job. You deserve the praise and all that, but did you have to bring that thing to the table?" she asked, nodding towards the chess trophy, which Ron had placed in the middle of the table.

"Yep. You know, Rae, I would put it on a chain and wear it around my neck but it's too big," he said, still grinning. She cringed.

"Don't call me Rae."

"No bickering. It's Halloween," Harry said, helping himself to pumpkin juice.

"You know, I still haven't been properly introduced to your brother," Hermione said, quickly changing the subject. She looked towards the staff table where Braydon was sitting. She had a dreamy look on her face.

"I promised him that we would hang out tomorrow at Hogsmeade. I'll make sure you two meet. But don't get your hopes up. He's engaged," Regan kidded.

"Please. Like Hermione would have any interest in him," Ron said defensively.

"What's wrong with Braydon? It could be worse. He could be just another Weasley. Just one of half dozen, a breeding machine with disgusting red hair, shabby robes, Hand-me-down everything. Hermione could do better, Ron. Pansy could do better," Regan said, meeting Ron's angry stare. Hermione blushed.

"You know, Regan, just when I start to think me and you could be friends or something, you turn out to be a snobby bitch," Ron said simply. Harry and Hermione gawked at Ron's language; Hermione at his misuse of the English language, Harry at the b-word. Regan seemed unfazed.

"I would rather be a snobby bitch than a poor, pathetic excuse of a human being, waiting in line behind five brothers for second-rate robes."

"Go back to New York."

"I would, but my parents had to come here to save you and your friends."

"We don't need your help, go back." By this time, the two were yelling. They had stood and were staring at each other. The rest of the students and teachers had turned towards the teacher as well.

"You're just jealous, Ron. My father is the famous wizard who was needed, your father was just available. My money paid for the house your parents are in right this minute, the same house you stayed at this summer. My brother is the boy Hermione is looking forward to seeing, not you."

"And your the insufferable, snobby, know-it-all I cannot stand. You are the one who is ruining my school year, not to mention my Halloween feast." The two were so engrossed in their verbal battle that they did not notice Snape, followed by a few other professors, leave his seat and head towards them. Nor did they notice the cheers coming from fellow students. Ron would have been disappointed to know that most students were rooting for Regan. Harry looked uncomfortable, staring down at his plate. Hermione looked outraged that her friends would display such behavior. Didn't they know how much trouble they could get into?

"Enough!" Snape yelled once he reached their table. He grabbed both their robes and was preparing to drag them to his office for punishment when the doors to the Great Hall burst open. Everyone stared in shock as a Centaur entered the room. The creature was beautiful, but looking forbidding. He looked as if he had an important task at hand. The teachers were momentarily stunned, unable to react.

"I am looking for the child of Richard B. Prince," the Centaur said, his voice proud, reaching all corners of the room. Everyone looked at Regan, who looked at her brother, still sitting at the staff table. Suddenly, without warning, the Centaur rushed the length of the room to the staff table.

"I've spent the past month studying the stars and they tell me that the offspring of one of the greasiest wizards in the world will be the downfall of good and the bringer of evil. My fellow Centaurs and I have come to one common decision-you must be stopped now!" The school watched in silence as the mystical creature attacked Braydon. Quickly, the young wizard brought out his wand, but he was too late. The Centaur's hooves connected with Braydon's chest, knocking him to the floor. The creature stood over the boy, drawing his sword. Professor Tonks and McGonagall hurried forward, their wands raised. They simultaneously cast a spell to stupefy the Centaur. McGonagall hurried forward to check on Braydon. Regan yanked her robes out of Snape's grasp and ran to her brother. She knelt beside him. His robes were torn and he was unconscious, but she couldn't see any blood.

"Will he be all right?" she asked timidly.

"I'm sure he'll be fine, Prince," McGonagall said, though she sounded as if she were convincing herself. "Let's get him to Madame Promfrey."

McGonagall cast a quick spell to transport Braydon to the infirmary. Regan followed her closely. As she passed Snape, he informed her that she was to see him in his office was seeing to her brother. She rolled her eyes. Snape never stopped.

Rubeus took the stunned Centaur and dragged it towards his hut, presumably to release it back into the Forbidden Forest once it was over the spell. Because of strict laws and touchy relations between Centaurs and wizards, nothing could be done of Centaur attacks. By nature, Centaurs were not aggressive creatures. It must have been a strong premonition to cause a Centaur to enter the wizard realm.