Non Omnis Moriar

23: Scamader

I am back!

Man how long has it been? TOO LONG ENTIRELY! Anyways! I finished my Masters', research, some TA work I had so here is a chapter! FINALLY!

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Firenze had dropped me back at the very edge of the Forbidden Forest.

"I trust you can find your way back from here?" He asked, already backing away into the shadows of the trees, away from the exposing moonlight.

"Yes," I turned to look at him. "Thank you again, for bringing me back...and um, not letting your friends shoot me, I suppose."

"Think nothing of it. And try not to stray too far into the woods again. I might not be around a second time."

A ghost of a smile crossed his lips at that. "Take care, child. I hope the stars are kind to you this time."

I turned back, a question already bubbling at my lips but Firenze had already taken off, trotting into the woods. When the sound of galloping faded, I took a deep breath and steeled myself. I reached into my pocket, drew my wand and focused as hard as I could on a memory of warm arms and a brilliant smile.

The wand tip glistened silver for a few seconds before with a burst, the wisps of my patronus twisted into itself and streaked into the dark wall of the forest. It would find Hagrid, let him know where I was and not wait for me. I waited another minute, shivering and then dropped the wand, pocketing it.

Thankfully, Hagrid had found the perfect spot for Aragog. He'd led me towards a cavernous little dip in the ground, covered with moss that climbed over fallen trees. Even the air smelled like dew. I floated Aragog's box, under a disillusionment spell, to the cavern. Then I hung back as Hagrid eagerly opened the top and let the spider out. As used to each other we'd gotten over the course of our acquaintance, I could never get over the vision of a hundred adult Acromantulas flooding the castle in my time. Aragog was the size of an adolescent thestral by now, disturbing clicking sounds exuding from him as it was introduced to his new home. I kept my wand at the ready, staring straight at it in case it suddenly turned hostile. Then I remembered Firenze's words.

"Aragog, what are you so afraid of in the castle?" I asked with no emotion, ignoring Hagrid's confused look. Aragog, who had by now scuttled excitedly to the mossy hollow and was clicking away happily stopped abruptly. It turned, eight long legs moving in unison to get it to look at me.

"I have nothing to do with that anymore." Aragog spoke, in the human speech of the acromantula. "I shall never cross the borders of the castle again."

"Why?" It was Hagrid, close to sniffling again.

"Because your castle hides many secrets. It is not for me to be hidden away, fearful and concerned for my well-being."

"Aragog! We kept you safe!"

"And I am grateful. I shall always be grateful. You will never come to harm from my brethren as long as I breathe. But I must not be near the castle."

"What is it that you're so scared of?" I asked as Aragog began to turn, slinking backwards into the depths of the ground.

The spider didn't reply until it was completely out of sight.

"We do not speak its name."

Settling Aragog into the Forbidden Forest came at an opportune time. The weeks were fading fast, blurring together till it was time for examinations for Hagrid and OWLs for me. It seemed as if the whole castle had flipped its atmosphere on its head. The murmur of chilly winters, of cozy and lazy study sessions in front of blazing fires were replaced by frenzied footsteps, running to the libraries, sneaking in books into the dorms to read. There were numerous breakdows and the teachers looked as nervous as the students felt.