Chapter 29
The forest loomed larger and denser with each step, and amid the towering trees, figures darted about, scouring the woods for the missing wizards. Gradually, the throng dwindled until only Harry remained, his senses alert to the slightest noise. A rustle to his right drew his attention.
"Albus? Where are you? Albus?" Harry called out, his voice tinged with desperation. Suddenly, the rhythmic sound of hooves echoed through the trees, causing Harry to startle. He scanned the surroundings, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise.
Out of the shadows emerged Bane, a majestic centaur, stepping gracefully into the light.
"Harry Potter," Bane intoned, his voice carrying the weight of centuries.
"Good. You still recognize me, Bane," Harry replied, relief evident in his voice.
"You’ve grown older, " Bane observed.
"I have," Harry acknowledged.
"But not wiser. For you trespass on our land," Bane said, his tone firm.
"I have always respected the centaurs. We are not enemies. You fought valiantly at the Battle of Hogwarts, and I fought alongside you," Harry countered.
"I did my part. But for my herd, and our honor. Not for you. And after the battle, the forest was deemed centaur land. And if you’re on our land — without permission — then you are our enemy," Bane stated, his gaze unwavering.
"My son is missing, Bane. I need your help to find him," Harry pleaded.
"He is here? In our forest?" Bane inquired, a hint of disdain in his voice.
"Yes," Harry confirmed.
"Then he is as stupid as you are," Bane remarked.
"Can you help me, Bane?" Harry implored.
Bane paused, regarding Harry with imperious disdain before speaking. "I can only tell you what I know . . . But I tell you not for your benefit but for the benefit of my herd. The centaurs do not need another war".
"Neither do we! What do you know?" Harry pressed.
"I’ve seen your son, Harry Potter. Seen him in the movements of the stars," Bane divulged cryptically.
"You’ve seen him in the stars?" Harry questioned, his curiosity piqued.
"I can’t tell you where he is. I can’t tell you how you’ll find him," Bane warned.
"But you’ve seen something? You’ve divined something?", Harry excited asked.
"There is a black cloud around your son, a dangerous black cloud," Bane answered in a mystical voice.
"Around Albus?" Harry gasped, his heart sinking.
"A black cloud that may endanger us all. You’ll find your son again, Harry Potter. But then you could lose him forever.," Bane declared solemnly.
With a mournful neigh, Bane retreated into the shadows, leaving Harry bewildered and anxious. Harry resumed his search with renewed determination, calling out into the night, "Albus! Albus!"