Harry Potter: Archmage of Another World

After the fierce battle, Harry and Malfoy remained silent for a long time. The confrontation had left a deep impression on them. The effortless control over magic, the lethal force behind seemingly simple attacks, and the precision in unconventional defenses - all demonstrated a mastery of magic that opened their eyes to a new realm. It was a level of understanding and control that transcended the mundane, where every move seemed natural, every spell effortlessly cast, imbued with an aura of grace and inevitability.

In the stillness of the Forbidden Forest, Augustus stood silently, gazing in the direction the mysterious figure had departed. A thoughtful expression lingered on his face as a faint breeze stirred. Somewhere in the darkness, a presence was approaching. The sound of hooves echoed softly, and moments later, a centaur emerged into view. This centaur appeared quite young, with platinum-blond hair and the sleek, silvery body of a dappled horse.

"Are you alright? I sensed intense magical activity in this direction and came to investigate. I hope I'm not too late," the centaur said, glancing over the group with concern.

"We're fine, thank you," Harry replied politely, nodding at the centaur.

"Just in time," Malfoy muttered with a sarcastic sneer.

The centaur didn't seem bothered by Malfoy's tone. His deep blue eyes, reminiscent of pale sapphires, fixed on Harry, lingering on the prominent scar on his forehead. "You must be the boy from the Potter family," he said. "You'd best return to Hagrid. The forest is not safe at this hour."

The centaur's expression grew serious as he added, "By the way, can you tell me what just happened here? The massive surge of magical energy has unsettled many of the forest's residents. Such disturbances in these troubled times are a cause for great unease."

"There was indeed a battle here," Harry explained, summarizing the events. "We encountered the one responsible for killing the unicorn, a very powerful wizard. After a duel with Mr. Augustus, he left with the unicorn's body."

"Augustus? Augustus Julius?" The centaur's expression changed instantly, his eyes wide with recognition. The name seemed to carry immense significance, far more than the battle or the presence of a powerful wizard. His gaze shifted between Malfoy and Augustus, as though trying to discern who bore the name.

"Why? Is there something wrong with my name?" Augustus asked coolly, noticing the centaur's intense reaction.

The centaur didn't answer immediately, his expression inscrutable as he continued to stare at Augustus.

Suddenly, the sound of more hooves came from another part of the clearing. Ronan and Bane emerged from the trees, their sides heaving as they caught their breath, sweat glistening on their flanks.

"Firenze!" Bane roared angrily. "What are you doing? Mingling with humans? Have you forgotten our oaths?"

Firenze ignored Bane's fury, his focus unwavering as he gazed at Augustus.

"What have you told them?" Bane snapped. "Remember, Firenze, we have sworn never to defy the heavens' decree. Can you not see the signs? The planets are aligning to show us!"

Ronan shifted uneasily, pawing at the ground. "I trust Firenze acts with the best intentions," he said in his melancholic tone.

"Best intentions?" Bane retorted scornfully. "This is none of our concern! We are centaurs, guided by the prophecies of the stars, not donkeys following lost humans in our forest!"

Firenze remained calm in the face of Bane's mocking. Instead, a faint smile of mysterious satisfaction crossed his face as he gestured for silence. Pointing at Augustus, he spoke in a near-reverent tone, "Do you realize who this is? He is the child of the Julius family - Augustus."

A profound stillness fell over the group. Bane and Ronan exchanged looks of shock, their eyes reflecting the same astonishment. It was as though Augustus' presence defied their understanding of reality.

"So, all that has occurred tonight was no coincidence," Ronan said somberly. "The stars foretold this moment with undeniable clarity - a destined meeting as revealed by the heavens themselves. It must be so."

Firenze nodded. "The stars never lie. Everything is as fate decreed."

For once, Bane didn't argue. Instead, he gave Augustus a measured, hopeful look before turning away with Ronan. "Firenze, guide Augustus and the others out of the forest. Today may very well be a day for us centaurs to celebrate."

While Harry and Malfoy were utterly baffled, Augustus began piecing together the meaning behind the centaurs' cryptic words. Though he had some interest in celestial studies, the idea that his fate was bound to a predetermined path left him feeling uneasy. Destiny? Augustus had never believed in such intangible concepts. For him, a true master of power always held their own destiny firmly in their grasp.

As Firenze led the group out of the forest, Harry turned to him with a question. "What did you mean by a destined meeting? Does it have something to do with the person we encountered earlier? Why did he kill the unicorn?"

"Harry Potter," Firenze began, his tone grave, "do you know what the blood of a unicorn can do?"

"No," Harry admitted, startled by the strange question. "In Potions class, we've only used its horn and tail hair."

"Unicorn blood can sustain life," Malfoy interjected smugly, clearly enjoying Harry's ignorance.

"Correct," Firenze agreed, but his voice turned somber. "However, it comes at a terrible cost. By taking the life of an innocent, pure creature, you curse yourself the moment its blood touches your lips. You may prolong your life, but it will be a wretched, half-life—one burdened by a curse."

"But who would do such a thing?" Harry asked urgently. "If it's such a cursed existence, wouldn't it be better to just die?"

"Who else but someone desperate to cling to life," Firenze replied, "someone waiting for the right moment to rise again? Surely you've heard of such a person."

An iron grip seemed to seize Harry's heart as Hagrid's words echoed in his mind: "Some say he's dead. Codswallop, in my opinion. He's still out there, barely human anymore, and that's why he doesn't die."

"You mean... Voldemort," Harry whispered, his voice hoarse.

The winter air in the Forbidden Forest grew colder. Malfoy shivered involuntarily. Augustus continued walking in silence, his golden hair glinting faintly in the moonlight. The pale silver light cast a long shadow behind him, his footsteps crunching softly over the fallen leaves.

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