The Darkness Within: A Harry Potter Sequel

Chapter 7

Audio version available here:

"Centaurs!" Victoire cried. "Harry, do you think they've taken him?" she made as if to rush from under the Cloak, but Harry grabbed her waist and pulled her back. Seconds later, the thunder of galloping hooves sounded all around them. The two trees were quickly surrounded by centaurs. Harry pulled Victoire to lean against a trunk and held a hand to her mouth. One centaur rode to the front of the herd. The human part of him was pale; he had cream skin, blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes. The horse part was smoky black. He reared up, his massive hooves barely missing them.

"We told you never to come here again, dark boy wizard! Reveal yourself, we know you are here."

Harry turned to Victoire and put his finger to his lips. He then stepped away and lifted the Cloak from himself, leaving only her covered. The centaurs nearest to him neighed, and two dozen bows were instantly bent towards him.

"I come in peace," said Harry. "I am Harry Potter. I'm looking for someone."

The centaurs turned to each other and began muttering. Several looked towards the sky. The pale centaur stepped forward and leaned down until his face was level with Harry's. Harry did not take a step back. After a few seconds, the centaur straightened up.

"It is Harry Potter," he declared. The bow strings were relaxed, and the centaurs' expressions turned from anger to curiosity.

"You are a friend of our kind," said the pale centaur. "I fought alongside you, in the battle against the Dark Lord. I was a foal, then, but I remember that you fought bravely." He held out his hand, and Harry took it.

"As did you, Yesiah. I almost didn't recognise you."

"It has been a long time," Yesiah replied. "What brings you to our forest? Do you know the boy who has been tampering with dark magic?"

"I do," said Harry. "He is very important to my friend," he gestured to Victoire, and she slowly pulled off the Cloak, "and I."

Yesiah glanced in her direction. "We have seen her and the boy come here, sometimes. We do not trouble students from the castle, since our alliance at the battle against the Dark Lord. But recently, the boy has been bringing evil spirits with him. We chased him away. We cannot allow such things in our forest, Harry Potter."

"I understand. It's not his fault. He's suffering from the grief of loss."

Yesiah sighed. "A grief we must all learn to live with. What will you do with him?"

"We are going to try and save him. We must find him, before it is too late. Do you have any idea where he went?"

"We followed him to the eastern border, then left him there. Harry Potter, you must be careful; he is carrying Albus Dumbledore's wand. The one spoken of in prophecy."

"I know," said Harry. "Thank you, Yesiah."

Yesiah bowed gently, then raised his head. His eyes glazed over. "The evening star is rising early." The rest of the centaurs looked to the sky.

"Yes, well, we'll be going then," said Harry. "Have a good night."

"The balance of light and dark has been disrupted," Yesiah muttered. "A sinful presence re-emerges."