A/n : Thank you for the rank 10 in power ranking, i appreciate all the support.
In the following weeks, Harry had been asking Aaric questions—some subtle, some direct—related to the Philosopher's Stone or its creator. Aaric had no reason to hide anything, so he answered truthfully when asked.
Harry, however, never explained the reason behind his curiosity. Aaric never pushed. He didn't pry unless necessary, and Harry didn't wish to involve him in something that wasn't his fight.
Aaric had been returning to the Chamber of Secrets regularly to provide moonlight essence to the Vitalis Bloom. The original plant had now sprouted two additional buds, which Aaric had planted nearby. All three were growing rapidly, a process that normally took decades now accelerated beyond reason.
Meanwhile, Firenze and Magorian had made contact with the Astratherion Herd, and were surprised at how much more advanced the island centaurs were in comparison. The knowledge exchange proved immensely valuable for the centaurs of the Forbidden Forest, and soon they began exploring a way to meet physically.
Instead of using the island's phoenixes, the Astratherion centaurs collaborated with the goblins of Nightshade Island to construct a method of travel. This was intentional—they wanted the Forbidden Forest centaurs to recognize and accept the goblins as part of the larger alliance.
Thestrals, being creatures common to both the forest and the island, were selected as the focal point for the ritual. Known for their dark magic and invisibility to those who haven't seen death, most overlooked their incredible magical potential and unique connection to space. The island thestrals, having long lived under the starlit sky of the Nightshade Isles, had developed a far deeper spatial resonance. This was the key.
The Forbidden Forest centaurs created the ritual formation using sacred woods and methods shared by their island kin. A thestral was placed at the center. The creature remained still at first, but then its body tensed as it sensed the presence of another of its kind far away. Its eyes glowed faintly, and a pulse of power surged through it. Its aura shifted, becoming ethereal—lighter, more fluid. It had changed. A gift from the other side, perhaps.
Suddenly, the circle flared with energy.
Two figures stepped through.
One was a centaur with an imposing frame, his coat sleek and dark, adorned with rune-etched ornaments and ceremonial bands. The other was a goblin, dressed in black, with a slim sword resting at his hip and sharp eyes that scanned everything with quiet intent.
The Forbidden Forest centaurs raised their weapons instinctively, wary of the sudden appearance. But Magorian stepped forward and raised a hand. Without hesitation, he embraced the visiting centaur, then turned to the goblin and greeted him politely. The others, startled, slowly lowered their guard.
The centaur was introduced as Vaelion, and the goblin as Grakthorn Blackvein. Vaelion stepped forward to speak.
"I come in peace, and in prophecy," he said, bowing just slightly. "The Spiral Sky shifts. The threads between our herds must be rewoven."
The goblin said little, but his presence alone carried weight.
They were welcomed into the village, integrated without resistance. The Nightshade centaurs had come for three reasons: first, simple curiosity about their mainland cousins; second, to offer their help; and third—and most importantly—because they knew Aaric Hawthorne studied nearby, and they wished to support him however they could, even far from home.
After the introductions, Vaelion approached the thestral and observed the changes it had undergone. He placed a hand on its head, and the creature bowed lightly. Then it turned and stepped toward Firenze, nuzzling the blonde centaur gently. A quiet bond was forming.
As the school year neared its end, Aaric found himself reflecting on everything accomplished. The three Vitalis Bloom flowers had matured and were stored properly. Their potential was immense, and he was beginning to understand just how rare the opportunity had been.
One quiet morning, Aaric entered the infirmary. Harry was recovering after the events with Voldemort. Aaric stepped in just as Dumbledore was leaving.
"Good morning, Headmaster," Aaric greeted.
"My boy, good morning to you too... I trust you're keeping well," Dumbledore replied with a twinkle in his eye.
Inside, Harry lay awake. He smiled when he saw him.
"Just can't keep out of trouble, can you?" Aaric said.
Harry chuckled. "Trust me, I try."
"My parents invited you over for the holidays. Come with me when they start."
Harry blinked. "Tell them thank you... but I don't want to be a burden."
Aaric raised an eyebrow and flicked his finger at Harry's forehead. "Shut up. I didn't ask."
Harry blinked, mist forming in his eyes. He lowered his head slightly, accepting the offer.
They talked for a while. Harry explained everything that had happened—Aaric simply listened.
Some time later, Hermione arrived with a bag of books and questions, as usual. Ron stirred in the adjacent bed.
"Did we win?" Ron asked, blinking groggily.
Hermione scoffed. "Thanks to your suicidal chess move, yes."
"You sacrificed me?"
"You volunteered!" Hermione snapped.
Aaric looked between them and added dryly, "You'd make a good knight, Ron. All the personality of a stone horse."
Ron groaned. "You're not helping."
The three of them laughed, and for the first time in days, the infirmary felt a little lighter.
Two weeks passed, the kids had packed their stuff and were in the train waiting for departure in anticipation.
The train rocked gently as it pulled away from the station, the soft rumble of wheels on tracks mixing with the occasional burst of laughter from the compartment.
Aaric sat with his legs crossed on the seat, book resting on his knee but clearly forgotten. Ron was unwrapping a Chocolate Frog like it was the last one on Earth, while Harry leaned against the window, staring at the trees rushing past with a quiet smile on his face. Hermione, as always, was flipping through a notebook with precise notes from the term, and Daphne sat across from her, polishing her wand with a strip of soft cloth.
"You know," Ron began between bites, "I still think Aaric cheated on that potions essay. There's no way Snape gave him full marks without blackmail being involved."
Aaric raised an eyebrow, not even bothering to look up. "I simply didn't insult his hair or his mother in the footnotes, unlike you."
"I didn't insult anyone!" Ron said indignantly.
Hermione didn't even look up. "You did call his potion 'swamp sludge brewed by a flobberworm with a cold.'"
Ron muttered, "Well it was."
Harry chuckled. "Snape is still glaring at you like you owe him gold."
Harry then looked at Aaric and asked, "Your parents still okay with me visiting this summer?"
"They are. In fact, I think my mum's already planning to feed you until you explode."
Harry didn't respond for a moment, just looked down at the frog card in his hand. "…Thanks."
Hermione smiled at exchange and added "Remember to visit me if you are in the area."
As the train came to a halt the kids departed and looked for their parents. Aaric spotted his parents almost instantly as the crowd was giving them appreciative looks and some people bowed to simon and edwina as they would pass by.
After biding farewell to his friends Aaric met up with his parents, Harry in tow. Edwina Doted aver Aaric at the station and gave a hug to harry making the boy feel welcome. Simon also showed affection to both of them and they departed home.
A/n : first year ended quickly, there were a lot of changes tho and i did not with to rehash canon as most of you have also seen the movie or read the books.
Comments and stones please guys.