Albus Potter, Classmates and Elves

Ch 8 The Basilisk in the Forbidden Forest

There are characters in this story that are nicer because of my Beta Deb's contribution. Thank you.

*

The second Quidditch game of the season was on November third, between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. The Slytherin team practiced with the Ravenclaw team to help get them ready, and partly because of the help the Slytherin team gave them, Ravenclaw was an excellent team. The score was close to being tied before James caught the snitch. James was flying better than ever. It was reported in the Quidditch magazines that James Potter was already playing at a professional level.

Harry told Ginny, "I'm worried about James. I think James is working on the protective spells on the uniforms. Did you see how close he came to the stands, the ground, and other obstacles? I think he has charmed the uniform and maybe his broom to keep him safe, but just."

"He worries me too," Ginny agreed. She looked down at baby Minerva. "I know my Mum still worries about all of us. I guess I will never stop worrying about my babies, even when they are grandparents."

"James has noticed that Erica is a girl," Harry pointed out. Erica had kissed James after the win, and although it was just a little peck, Harry and Ginny did know that James and Erica were dance partners for the dancing lessons that started third year. "If they marry right after Hogwarts, you could be a grandmother by the time you are forty-five."

Ginny looked at Harry in horror. "I have a BABY! It's too soon to think about that!" Harry snickered to himself and Ginny grinned as she smacked his shoulder.

*

Wednesday November seventh, while he was in Charms, Albus saw a Patronus in the shape of a mini-Centaur. The Patronus proclaimed in Firenze's voice, "Albus, come to my classroom, please. It is urgent."

Professor Unbridge scowled at his student as Albus rushed out of his Charms class and went to Firenze's classroom. The centaur told Albus, "There is trouble in the forest, and I have been told to fetch you as soon as possible." The two quickly walked to the front hall and into the courtyard. "Climb on my back."

Albus mounted the centaur after Firenze knelt low enough for him to get up, and the centaur galloped into the forest. Eventually they slowed down, and stopped. They were met by Apollo and Bane, both looking grey with grief.

"Please procure those glasses that shield us from the basilisk, and those instruments you talk on," Apollo pleaded, his eyes red from weeping. "We have lost several animals to the beast, and have just lost Demetra and Chara."

"Demetra and Chara are both dead?" a shocked Albus asked, horror in his voice. "How many mobiles and glasses do you need?"

"Twenty-four glasses should be more than enough," Apollo replied. "We will keep as much of the herd away from the basilisk as possible. We think four of the ... the talking things should be enough."

"They are called mobiles, and I will call my father right now," Albus vowed. He took out his mobile and called his father.

"Albus, I thought you were in class," Harry answered, sounding stern but concerned.

"Do you remember us talking about the basilisk a few weeks ago? It's killed some of the Centaurs animals and... Dad, they lost a mother and baby, Demetra and Chara, Magorian's mate and child. We really have to do something as soon as possible." Albus promptly replied. "The centaurs need twenty-four pairs of the glasses that shield you from the stare of the basilisk, and they want four mobiles as well."

"Stay where you are, Albus," Harry said over the speaker. "I am going to see how many of the glasses Aunt Angelina has on hand, and what we have to do to allow the centaurs to wear them. I will call you back as soon as I know."