3-4

Chapter 3 The More The Merrier —Right?

They broke camp the next morning and waited for Gundabald to show. The sun was barely peeking through the canopy, but the two adventurers were used to this by now. Harry was yawning; he had been up most of the night wondering what they would talk to the Centaurs about. "When do you think he'll show?" he asked, looking to the tree line.

"Soon," was the succinct answer from the equally tired Sirius.

"Dobby is being coming with you this time," the little elf said proudly.

"That you are, my friend," Harry said, patting the hat covered head, causing Dobby to beam at his Mas… boss.

They were all dressed comfortably in jeans and T-shirts, though Dobby's were riddled with pockets. They continued to wear the hats and boots. Now that his boots were broken in, Harry would say they were the most comfortable footwear that ever adorned his feet. If he had it his way trainers would never be worn again.

In the last week Sirius's and Harry's magic gotten stronger. It was like the more they used it, the stronger it got, which made the two wizards very happy. So now, when Sirius spelled them, the repelling charms lasted for days instead of one.

They waited for five more minutes and were just about to go and look for the Centaur camp when they heard hooves in the trees.

"Good morning to you both," Gundabald said as he approached. "Come, I will lead you to the elders. They are waiting." He gestured for them to follow and turned to the forest.

So the four set off to the village, Gundabald leading the way, following a trail only he could see. The usual noises accompanied them, the animals didn't seem bothered by the Centaur and the other three were spelled.

The unusual group of hikers came to a large clearing. There were about fifty Centaurs milling around the village, (Harry blushed at the naked chest of the women and averted his eyes) some cooking, some crafting bows and arrows or baskets, others just talking. Every now and then, one would look to the canopy, nod his or her head and then continue what they were doing. There were only two colts playing in the trees.

Harry looked around, it appeared the Centaurs had felled trees and then used them to create stable type houses. These houses didn't have a front wall. He could see that there were counters in the back for crafts or other projects. The only bit of furniture Harry saw was waist high tables and shelves that held dishes. There were no rooms or stalls or anything like that, it was more like there was just an empty space to the side, where they slept. There were blankets hanging off a wall to the side of that space, but there was nothing else in the lean-tos, though he could see curtains of a sort that were pulled to the side of the houses. Probably for privacy, he mused.

There was a large fire pit in the middle of the clearing, with a huge cauldron sitting on a stand above the fire. The iron stand had a hook where the pot hung; it looked like it would swing off the fire when the food was done. Harry had no idea where these Centaurs would get such a stand, but it looked helpful. There was some wonderful smelling stew in that pot, bubbling and burping.

All of this reminded Harry of a show he'd seen on the telly about the Indians, the ones here in South America or the ones of old in North America. It was all so simple.

Gundabald led them through the clearing to an area that had a long, waist high table with no chairs. Many of the Centaurs looked up at their passing and whispers started among them. Harry ignored it the best he could, quite used to people whispering about him. Sirius seemed to be taking it well, but Dobby was on edge.

There were three older male Centaurs at the table— waiting. One looked ecstatic that they were there, the second didn't appear to be as happy as his friend, the last was completely apathetic.

The oldest, who was the happy one, had steel-grey hair, coat and tail, like his had been showered with metal. He was the most fragile looking one, which wasn't saying much, because Harry was sure the horseman would tear him apart in an instant. No, it was more like he shrunk. But the power of authority was coming off him like a beacon. Harry had no doubt this was the man in charge.

As they came to the table, their escort introduced them, "Harry Potter, Sirius Black, these are the elders, Matta, Nahand and Iago." He pointed to the steel-grey Centaur first, and then one with long black hair, then the one with white hair. "Elders, these are the ones in flight," Gundabald finished with a small bow.

Matta nodded his head regally and then turned his attention to the three magicals. He lifted his grey eyebrow when he spotted the many pocketed Dobby. "You have freed your house elf," he stated with a smile. "This shows that the stars were correct about you, Harry Potter, you are open-minded enough to free a slave."

"Dobby is my friend," Harry stated firmly, not liking the reminder that Dobby had been enslaved. "He saved my life."

"Yous will not be hurting the Great Harry Potter," Dobby said defiantly, holding up his spindly hands as if to ward off an attack.

"Peace, children, we mean you no harm," Matta said, quirking his eyebrows at the two little magicals. He smiled and said, "You are meant for great things, Harry Potter and Dobby. Together with your mentor you will do wonders."

"Are we sure these puny magicals are the ones spoken of in the prophecy?" the black-coated Nahand said with a grimace. "They are so small." He smirked at the affronted looks.

"You know the stars as well as I," Matta said, turning his head to his second in command. "They speak of two in flight. These two humans are in such a state. The little one is free to go where he will; he is not tied down or on the run from anything, therefore, not part of the foretelling." He put his hand on the shoulder of the skittish horseman, knowing Nahand never liked magicals or humans for that matter.

"Can I ask a question?" Harry said, bringing everyone's attention back to him. "It's not an important one, but I'm curious, how is it that you can speak English? I mean, yeah, it's accented, but still, pretty good."

"Many, many moons ago," the white-coated Iago said in a story telling fashion, his hooves stomping on the ground gently, like he was trying to find a soft spot to stand. "Our forefathers were banished from Portugal. We went to our English brethren and sought refuge there. They taught us their language and ways. We were not stargazers then, we were hunters, but we learned quickly, for divination is in our blood. We used the entrails of animals to portray the future, but our cousins turned us to the way of the stars. We had lost our history, during one of our wars with wizards. We became vegetarians. When the herds became over crowded, we set off to the new land. We were not welcome in the north, so we ventured south. We came across this great forest and settled. The reason we still speak the language is because the stars foretold that one day we would need it. So we speak both Portuguese and English to keep up both traditions." He finished with a twinkle in his eyes, not like the Headmaster, no, this was from doing something he liked.

"Thanks… Iago, that was an interesting history," Harry said with a brilliant smile, hoping to easy the slight tension in the air.

"You are most welcome, Harry Potter," Iago said, also smiling, causing the wrinkles on his face to shift to a good-natured appearance.

"Iago is our historian. He tells the colts the stories of years passed. We would be lost without such as he and his ancestors," Matta said, clapping the other horseman on the back, beaming with pride.

Nahand scoffed and then darted his eyes away at the look he got from the leader. "Why are you in the rainforest, travelers?" he asked to change the subject away from things he didn't think humans should know.

"We're looking for the Lost City of Z," Sirius answered with a confused tone and a tilt of his head. He thought they already knew.

"Yes, but, why?" the dark-coated Centaur asked.

"Seemed like the thing to do at the time," Sirius answered nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulder.

"You are not looking for great treasures?" Nahand accused, folding his arms over his chest and stomping his rear legs, making his tail swish in agitation.

"Nope, just looking for a place to live where we can't be found," Sirius said calmly. "We might invite some friends along, when we've settled."

"And how are you going to prevent the Brazilian government from deporting you?" the argumentative Centaur inquired.

"Bribes," was the succinct answer.

"Bribes?" Harry asked, now completely lost.

"Governments are corrupt, most of them, if you want something done, you bribe the highest leader," his godfather explained. "How do you think I wound up in Azkaban without a trial?" He wasn't actually sure that's what happened, but it did make a lot of sense. He had no idea who, but he wouldn't put it past his dear mother. He had a fleeting thought Dumbledore had something to do with it, but banished it quickly.

"That's no way to run a country," Harry protested having read the book on governments during the long nights. Though, he figured that was the way Magical Britain was run, given all the stories he'd heard about Fudge getting 'gifts' from Mr. Malfoy.

"Yet it is very true," Matta said softly. "Enough arguing, we are here to discuss what to do now. The prophecy we hold foretells of us migrating to the lost city. We found the city many moons ago; however, we cannot get through the wards. Only one of great magic can do that," he explained, looking at Harry.

"I don't have 'great magic'," the green-eyed teen said loudly. "I'm pants at theory and struggle with practical. If it hadn't been for my friend, Hermione, I'd've failed long ago." He was tired of people expecting things from him. Why couldn't they see he was just a teenage boy who liked girls, complained about his homework and played a mean game of Quidditch? But, no, everyone wanted something from him and he was getting pissed.

"You underestimate yourself, young one," Matta said. "We will show you different."

By now a crowd had surrounded them and some were happy they were there, others were not. Harry looked around at all the faces, trying to judge who he had to be wary of. He looked back to the elders and noted that Nahand was the only one who seemed to want them gone.

"Let me get this straight," Harry said slowly as if in deep thought. "You want to come with us to the Lost City of Z? I can tell by looking around not everyone wants to tag along." He gestured to the Centaurs behind him. "You're not going to force them are you, because in my opinion that would be bad." He folded his arms and glared at the steel-coated horseman, causing some of the protestors to look at him strangely.

"No," the leader assured him, "I will not force anyone to leave their home."

"Good," Harry said with a sharp nod.

"I will, however, ask that they do come. For if we are divided then there will not be enough to continue our race in this country. We are the only Centaurs in the forest; our numbers are small and dwindle every year. I fear for us," Matta said sadly, glancing at the only two colts, both boys, the last two who were unrelated to the second degree. If a girl is not born soon to one of the mothers, they will not survive long. Even then, there was little hope.

"Oh," Harry said, "well, you could ask the ones in the Forbidden Forest if they want to come over here. They're not well treated back home. I'm not sure they'll join us or you, most of them don't like wizards." He was thinking of Firenze and Bane, two polar opposites, yet both looked down on by the British magical community. Firenze would join them, but Bane would want to be as far away from humans as he could get. That herd was also divided.

As one the whole herd looked to the sky. They sat like that for ten minutes, making the three magicals fidget. Then as one they stopped.

"Venus shines bright for us," Nahand said, "your plan may yet be well received. Mars is still telling of your destiny, young wizard, you would do well to heed it." He nodded his head and turned and trotted off, as if he had suddenly remembered something he had to do. A good quarter of the crowd followed.

"Harry's right," Sirius said as he looked fondly at his godson, "there are many Centaurs that don't like Britain and they'll be happy to relocate. But, they also don't like wizards, well most. So they will probably be as split as your community seems to be."

"Yes, that is what we see, however, it will also strengthen both herds. The stars will tell them to come." Matta looked once more to the sky.

"Should you write a letter anyway? It's only polite," Harry asked quietly, not wanting to offend the leader.

"You are correct, child. Will you lend me your house elf?" the steel-coated Centaur asked with a slight chuckle. He predicted great things from this young wizard.

"Dobby, do you want to take a letter to the Centaurs in the Forbidden Forest?" the young wizard asked his diminutive friend.

"Dobby will be most happy to do that, Harry Potter, sir," Dobby answered, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

Sirius pulled out a pen and some paper, which cause quite a stir amongst the crowd. He showed the leader how to use the pen and then jerked his head to the side, wanting Harry to follow. The three magicals wandered to the side of the camp.

Sirius erected a Muffliato and asked, "Harry, are you sure you want to travel with these guys?" He cut a gaze to the Centaurs, who were looking at them. Then he looked back to his godson. "Centaurs are vague and moody. They'll always go by the way of the stars."

"Sirius, you heard them, they're dying out. Of course, we have to help," Harry argued, his saving people thing going into high gear. "Besides, maybe more people should listen to them; it's not like they're Trelawney." He really hated that woman after all he had to put up with this year, though, she really creeped him out with her one true prediction. He still wasn't sure what she meant, but if that prophecy came true then Voldemort was coming back, making Harry more than happy to be out of England.

"Okay, okay, I just had to ask," Sirius said with a chuckle. From all the stories that had been told these last few months, the godfather understood that Harry would not stand by and let the Centaurs suffer.

The two rejoined the two remaining elders. They talked about what would be needed on the journey. Matta said they would need a week to be ready. So Sirius put up the pup tent and they settled for the wait.

Gundabald joined them as they set up some folding chairs in front of their tent. "It is with a light heart that I bid you welcome in our midst," he said with a short bow. "It is now that we have hope for our young, thank you." He bowed his head in Harry's direction.

"I'm more than happy to help in any way I can," Harry said with a huge smile.

"I have come to tell you about the rest of our journey." The dark-coated Centaur said as he folded his legs down to settle on the ground. "The rainforest holds many dangers. The ones you have come across on your journey here were few and mild. Your charms prevented you from harm thus far; however, they will only do so much on our next leg."

"You mean there's something worse than the Bugalards?" Harry asked. He was hoping the cousins of the Dementors would be the worst they'd run into.

"Far worse," Gundabald nodded sagely. "We can fight most of them and will stand by your side should we come across these other creatures. I am here to tell you what to look for and how to defeat them."

Sirius and Harry sat up and paid close attention to the horseman.

"There are the Jacksaws, who will try to kill you in an instant if you use magic on them. They are impervious to it, but think it a danger to them still. They will not hesitate to tear your throat out should you throw a spell their way. They will be drawn by your repelling spells. They are small cat like creatures with silver fur that are quick and cunning. Should we run across them, let the herd handle it. Your magic will only make things worse."

"Right, leave the cats to you," Sirius said, thinking over what he had in his pouch. "I have a gun, and I know how to use it. Will that help?"

"You have a gun? Why haven't you used it before now?" Harry asked. His green eyes wide with shock. He never figured Sirius would use a muggle weapon.

"Well," Sirius said in an abashed voice, "they don't work on Bugalards and everything else stays away from us. But, I guess I should have told you and taught you how to use one."

"Right, so will a gun work on these Jacksaws?" Harry asked, turning to Gundabald, who was looking at them with a small smile.

"Yes, definitely, should you see the Jacksaws shot it in the eye. The next creature we should be wary of is the Spiral Snake. This snake is much like a cross between an anaconda and a cobra. It has the ability to enthrall its victim as it squeezes them to death. It is a magical snake that hides in the trees. Should you come across this snake a severing charm will remove the head."

"Ummm, so it's like that snake in the book, the Jungle Book," Harry said with a chuckle at the irony. Then he looked to his godfather weighing whether or not to tell. After a few minutes of thinking, he came to the conclusion that it was time to confess. "I'm a parselmouth. Will it listen to me?" he asked, trying to keep his attention on the Centaur, but Sirius got a look of despondence on his face and Harry knew he was going to have to defend his actions.

"Harry, why didn't you tell me?" Sirius asked, looking sad that his godson still didn't trust him. He thought after all this time Harry had told him everything he needed to know. Being a parselmouth would have been a great help this last week, what with all the snakes around.

"I told you how the whole school turned against me," Harry all but shouted, leaning forward in his chair, like he was going to get in his godfather's face. "Don't you think that's enough to be careful who I tell?" He had no idea why he was lashing out, just that he was extremely defensive when it came to how the school had treated him.

"Right," his godfather said, waving it off for later, not wanting to fight in the middle of the village. "We'll discuss your trust issues tonight, but now let's get back to the lecture." He turned back to Gundabald.

Harry huffed and threw himself back in this chair, but he too turned back to the Centaur.

"Yes, your ability to speak the snake language would be very helpful. The other beasts that roam the forest are minor, yet bothersome. There are of course the monkeys and they will pester the herd as we travel through their territory. The insects will also be an annoyance. We will be most thankful if you could cast your repelling charms on our coats," Gundabald finished his lecture.

"Not a problem," Sirius said with a wave of his hand. "Right, Harry, I have two guns, let's get you shooting." With that he got off his chair and hauled Harry up as well. "Thanks for letting us know, Gundabald, now we can better protect ourselves and the herd, of course."

Harry nodded his head to the nice horseman and sulked as he walked behind his godfather. The gentle Centaur got off the ground and went to speak to Matta.

Sirius and Harry went quite a ways outside of the camp so the noise wouldn't bother the Centaurs. Harry was still sullen so no matter what Sirius said, he wasn't talking.

They arrived near a large river, which could be the Amazon it was so big. On the bank Sirius conjured targets. He then proceeded to show Harry how to shoot a weapon. The noise was loud, but was muffled by the raging river. It was enough to cause the animals to screech and holler at them. The birds flew away and the monkeys scattered.

The two spent hours going over gun safety and how to shoot one. Harry finally got out of his funk when Sirius said he was hopeful that the teen would be good enough to carry his own firearm before they set out again. They trudged back to camp and went to their tent and cleaned up. Dobby was back from his mission and made them a nice pork fry-up for dinner.

After eating, they went back outside the tent to watch the working of the village. The Centaurs appeared to have just finished doing the dishes from their meal and were setting about to ready for the night. They all went to the small creek and washed away the days grime. Since they didn't wear clothes, they simply went to their lean-tos and fell asleep standing.

Matta came to the two magicals and said, "I wish to thank you for not firing your weapons near the village. Our colts are still unlearned about the ways of humans and we would like to teach them the better side of humanity before we move on to the worse."

"Not a problem. I completely understand," Sirius said, getting up from his chair and motioning Harry to do the same. "Let us know if we can help."

The steel-coated leader nodded his head and trotted off to the largest house.

The two wizards went into the tent and settled in the chairs, not tired quite yet.

"Why didn't you tell me you were a parselmouth?" Sirius asked once they settled.

"You seemed to hate everything Dark and all I've ever heard about speaking to snakes is that it is only done by Dark Lords, like Voldemort and Slytherin," the teen said defensively.

"Well, while it is true that those two were parselmouths, the guy who coined the word was an alchemist and healer," Sirius said seriously, eyeing the volatile teen.

"Really? Wicked. I've never heard of him," Harry said, perking up at that bit of information.

"He's on a Chocolate Frog Card, I don't remember his name, but we can look him up another time. I'm upset that you didn't trust me," the dogman said with a mocking pout. He had all day to think about it and now understood where the kid was coming from.

"After I got shunned, I really don't trust anyone with that. I only said something now, because it might save our lives and I didn't want to shock you in the middle of a fight," Harry said with a small smirk at seeing his godfather wasn't upset anymore.

"All right, pup, I'll forgive you this time. Anything else you want to talk about, before we hit the hay?"

"Tell me more about my mum," Harry requested. "You always talk about Dad, but rarely about Mum."

"To tell you the truth, I really didn't know Lily that well. I mostly teased and taunted your dad for mooning over her, but I never really sat down and talked to her," Sirius said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "I can tell you that after they married, there were some funny fights. Your mum had quite a temper and she never let James get away with anything. When she was pregnant with you it got worse. If he played a prank in the house, she would tear into to him something fierce." He smiled at the memory of his cowed best friend.

"You make her sound like a bitch," Harry said sharply.

"Don't cuss, and no, your mum just didn't like when James would act stupid, most of the time she was kind and gentle. The way she would coo over you and take care of you was the most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed," he said in a soft, yet hasty voice, not wanting Harry to think badly of his mum. "It's just she had a temper. Your parents weren't saints, Harry, they were normal human beings. They both had their good points and their bad. It took me a long time in Azkaban to see that. James was something of a bigoted snob, just like me. We hated Slytherins without just cause. We terrorized Snape all through school, just because he was friends with Lily and in Slytherin. Well, he was a right pain in the arse, but we usually started the fights." He hung his head a bit at the reminder of what an arse he had been in school. Not that he like Snivellus any better, but he had been a bully plain and simple.

"That's still better than thinking they were drunks on the dole, who died in a car crash," Harry said, calming down. He was actually thankful someone didn't sugarcoat his parents. The way people talked about them they never did any wrong. It was good to hear a different point of view.

"Who told you that?" Sirius said, snapping his head up and glaring at his godson.

"The Dursleys."

"I will never understand what was going through Albus's mind when he put you there," the older man said morosely. He had such great faith in the Headmaster, but the more he heard about Harry's life the more that dwindled.

"Don't know, really, he never told me. He'd only say that's where I'm safest," Harry shrugged.

"Well, no point on dwelling over it now. We'll find the lost city and build a new life," Sirius said, trying to lighten the mood.

"I was thinking about something Matta said," the young man said thoughtfully. "He said there weren't enough Centaurs to keep the herd going. How are we going to build a city with no people? I mean, yeah, I'm going to invite Ron and Hermione and their families, though I'm not sure the Weasleys will come. But that's only like thirteen people."

"You let me worry about that, I've got connections," his godfather said, reaching over and ruffling Harry's hair. "Let's get to bed and worry about the small stuff later."

The next morning, when they emerged from the tent, they got quite a shock. There in the middle of the clearing — munching on a huge silver and black snake— was Buckbeak. Sirius and Harry went to their friend and bowed; when the hippogriff bowed back, they petted and cooed over him.

"I am so glad you're back, my friend," Sirius said as he patted the majestic creature's neck. "I was worried that you had tangled with something and was injured."

Buckbeak took offence to this and snapped his beak at the man.

"Sorry, sorry, you're more than capable of defending yourself," the wizard said quickly, checking his hand to make sure it was there.

"I'm just glad you're back," Harry said, "Maybe you'll let us ride you. The Centaurs move much faster than we do and I don't want to have to run to keep up with them," he explained to his feathered friend, who he was sure understood.

As if proving him right, the hippogriff seemed to be deep in thought. After a minute he bowed his head as if to agree.

"Great! We'll make sure we don't tire you out," the young wizard promised. They continued to make their friend feel welcome as the village looked on. Eventually Matta came towards them.

The steel-coated Centaur bowed to the hippogriff and waited for acknowledgement. When Buckbeak bowed back, the leader moved forward and stroked the mighty beast on the beak. "I see this is a friend of yours. He is most welcome in the camp and on our journey. As you can see, he can fight the Spiral Snake with ease," Matta said, waving his hand to the half-eaten silver and black snake.

"Oh, so that's what they look like," Harry said, peering at the weirdly marked snake. Just like its name, the colors spiraled around the body of the snake. "Are they all black and silver?"

"No, some are red and gold," Matta answered. "Those are the ones that are most dangerous. I am not convinced that anything short of a beheading will kill them. Though, I have never seen one shot with human guns."

"Speaking of which," Sirius said, "we need to get practicing. We'll be back in an hour or two." He stopped preening the hippogriff, nodded to Matta and turned to head to the river. Harry gave his friend one more pat, said his good-byes and then set off after his godfather.

They practiced for two hours, Harry was doing well. When they were done they went back to the village. The two wizards got another shock when they emerged from the forest. There were dozens more Centaurs milling about. These horsemen, and women, were paler than the natives. Oh, they were tan enough, but it wasn't quite as dark. Their hair was more mussed and the men sported beards. Harry recognized Firenze and went to talk to the kind Centaur.

"Hey, Firenze, remember me? We met in the Forbidden Forest, you saved my life. I still owe you for that," he added with a frown.

The brown-coated Centaur turned to the young wizard and said in a soft voice, "Harry Potter, it is my understanding that you are the one to suggest that we come here. It is written that it will save the herds, therefore you owe me nothing."

"How did you guys get here so fast?" Harry asked with a tilt of his head.

"Being known as Dark creatures has its advantage in England. One of ours merely asked a shady wizard to create illegal port-keys. It is thanks to your words that the stars changed their tune; we thought we were destined to die out and had accepted it as a forgone conclusion. Now we have hope. Two nights ago it was foretold that we would be journeying, so we were prepared when the letter came. Mars still shines bright on your future and we will stand by your side." Firenze said, putting his hand on the young wizards shoulder, his eyes were bright with untold emotions.

"Oh, well, I guess that makes sense. Thanks for that, I always welcome friends, but I don't want to see you guys get hurt," he added, making sure the Centaur understood that he meant it. When Firenze brushed the warning away, Harry sighed and changed the subject. "So, what's all the arguing about?" he asked, waving his hands to where Bane and Nahand were almost coming to blows, while Matta and another older Centaur, that Harry didn't know, were watching with mirth in their eyes.

"Dominancy," Firenze said, smiling a little at the scuffle. "They will work it out in a fight, until then they will argue." He shrugged his shoulders as if it was a given. "There is no word from the stars who will run this village when the adventurous ones leave."

"Oh, well, I guess that makes sense," Harry repeated, not really knowing what else to say, so he just watched the two hot-headed horsemen shove each other. Then he got bored and went to read. These people would figure it out for themselves.

Sirius joined him about an hour later, "So Matta and Melampus, the British leader, decided they will co-lead the ones going with us. There's going to be about seventy-five leaving and about the same number staying." He sat in a chair and accepted the cup of tea Dobby handed him.

Harry put down his book and sighed, "I thought it was just going to be us. Now we've got all these others to look out for."

"Pup, they can look out for themselves," Sirius replied with a quirk of an eyebrow, wondering at this shift of emotion. It was only yesterday that Harry was all for the Centaurs coming with them. "Why on earth would you think that people who have been living on their own for centuries would need some teenager to watch their back?" he asked, not knowing where Harry came up with these crazy ideas.

"What? No, that's not what I meant. I've been reading about governments and with all these different cultures, I'm worried that our peaceful city won't work. I mean how can we merge everything and still not fight?"

"Why don't you let the adults worry about that and you simply be a kid and do your schoolwork," his godfather suggested a bit firmly.

"Right, be a kid," Harry mused as if it were something he never thought about.

"So, hand me that book and start on some charms. I'll work everything out with Matta and Melampus," Sirius said, holding out his hand for the book on governments.

Harry gave up the book and went to the shelf that had schoolbooks and picked one up on charms. The two men lapsed into silence and read.

The next week went by in a flurry of making traveling containers, gathering food and water skins. The new Centaurs and the natives got on reasonably well. Oh, there were a few fights, but for the most part they came to an understanding.

One day Nahand confronted Bane. "I will be the leader of this village. It is our land, and no upstart from England will take it from me," he said, pushing the brown-coated Brit on the shoulder.

Bane sneered, "Were it not for our people, yours would die. I believe that makes me the leader." He pushed the black-coated Centaur back, making the native stumble.

Harry watched as the two started to fight. He held his wand in his hand, in case they turned on anyone but each other. He glanced and Sirius and saw the older man was also ready.

Bane had a nasty right hook his human body buffer than Nahand's, while Nahand used his forelegs as weapons, having a sturdier horse's frame. The fight encompassed the whole village and the other people looked on. Shouts of encouragement were thrown at both.

Nahand had just slashed Bane down the chest with his hooves and Bane had cut his opponent in the face with his fist.

Blood flowed, though neither of the fighters stopped their blows. Nahand continued to rear up and kick where he could, while Bane blocked those sharp hooves and punched the dark-coated Centaur on the larger horse chest. They went back and forth with their fists and hooves, neither gaining the upper hand. Both were bruised and bloody.

And the rest simply watched. This fight was needed to establish a leader.

Nahand turned and used his rear legs to kick the bleeding Brit in the chest, making Bane gasp in pain as those hooves met his injury. When Nahand turned to gloat, Bane returned the favor and kicked him in the head, making him stumble and his forelegs fold. He had to use his arms to keep from falling completely. He started breathing hard and shaking his head to clear it.

Bane, seeing his opponent down, picked up a larger rock and went to bash it over the native's head. That is when Matta and Melampus interfered.

"Stop," they said together in voices that boomed across the clearing. The two fighters did as commanded, Bane pawed the ground in agitation and Nahand struggled to stand.

Harry was wondering why they stopped the fight, from what he knew these dominancy plays were supposed to end when one couldn't fight any longer. He crept closer to hear the four talk. The rest of the Centaurs crowded around the four as well, all were wondering the same as Harry.

Matta looked to the bleeding horsemen. "This is not a fight to the death," he reprimanded Bane with a glare that could freeze fire. "We are too few to lose anyone."

Melampus stood by his new friend's side, nodding in agreement. "Bane, long have I told you that you must control your temper."

"We need to finish this," Bane protested, not really seeing why his hand was stayed.

"You would endanger the herd by killing a stud?" Matta asked.

"We have brought many fine males and females. Besides, I was only going to injure him, not kill. You should not have interfered. You are too soft to lead," he spat at both the older Centaurs. Then he whirled around, knowing that once these pacifists left the fight for leadership would happen.

Nahand turned to his ex-leader and angrily said, "Bane is correct, you should not have interfered." Then he too whirled around and trotted to the other side of the clearing, his thoughts echoed Bane's.

The two leaders sighed, knowing their words would go unheeded. The confused crowd dispersed and went about their nightly routine, some going to tend to their friends. All debating on whether the leaders were correct or not.

Harry, having learned all he could, went back to the tent to ready for bed. Sirius joined him, now that the excitement was over. They would be leaving in the morning, so they asked Dobby if he would pack everything they had removed from the bag, and soon enough were fast asleep.

Chapter 4 Once More Through the Forest

The next morning, after a nice breakfast of pancakes, Harry and Sirius got ready to travel. They made sure that everything was packed. This time both were toting guns in their waistbands, Harry have gotten proficient enough to hit the center area of the target. Not quite the bull's-eye, but close enough. They decided that they would carry wickedly long knives on their backs, just in case they lost their wands.

They were dressed in jeans, T-shirts, though Sirius had an unbuttoned adventurer's shirt over his, hats and boots. Once dressed and armed, they left the tent and Sirius took it down and shoved it in his bag. They were ready.

Dobby had decided that he was going to go back to the Island and finish his project which the two wizards still didn't know about and the house elf wasn't telling.

The village was a chaos of noise and motion. There were some Centaurs crying and hugging each other, and others were packing up the rest of their stuff, putting on weapons or giving their houses to the new Centaurs, after making sure they were emptied out. There were two very large horsemen moving to the side of the village, exchanging tools as they walked. Harry couldn't see what they were giving one another, but from the serious looks on their faces, it was important.

The two native colts were the loudest in their sorrow, since only one was coming with the explorers. The other was staying with his family, who didn't want to travel to the lost city with humans. There were three more young with the British group and two were coming with the travelers. Harry was pleased (and a bit embarrassed) to note they were girls. The one staying behind was a boy. All of the young were crying and shouting at their parents that they either didn't want to go or they didn't want to stay, as the case may be. The parents were doing their best to calm the young down and little by little it was working.

Bane stood on one side of the clearing and Nahand stood on the other, each glared at the other, stomping their hooves, arms folded and swishing their tails. They were just waiting for when they could finish their play for leadership. Their respective ex-leaders both were talking to them in low voices, probably trying to convince them not to fight to the death. Judging from the looks on the two hot-headed Centaurs' faces, it wasn't working. Harry was almost disappointed that he would miss that fight.

"Well," Sirius said, breaking Harry from his thoughts, "it looks like they'll be ready soon. Let's tend to Buckbeak and make sure he's okay with all this." He turned and started walking.

"I thought he already agreed," the green-eyed teen said as he followed his godfather to the edge of the village where the hippogriff was munching on his breakfast. It looked like a spider monkey, but there really wasn't enough left to be sure. Harry was puzzled how such a large animal could get one of those little, speedy primates.

"While hippogriffs are noble and majestic beasts, they are wild and unpredictable. So he might agree today, but find he wants to run off tomorrow. So don't count on him sticking around the whole journey," Sirius explained.

"Oh, okay. Hagrid didn't really say anything about that. Hey, speaking of Hagrid, are we going to invite the giants?" Harry asked, not really sure if that was a good idea or not.

"No, but, we'll invite all the peaceful half-giants. Sorry, but, probably not Hagrid, he's too far in his hero worship," his godfather said at the hopeful look. "Anyway, giants won't coexist with other species, they will only fight and kill anyone who dares enter their territory. The ones that want to have human mates are exiled from the tribe and I'll see about getting them to come. The giants' whole reason for being, in their eyes, is to rule over their lands. It was a big mess when the Ministry moved them to the mountains. We lost a lot of good wizards and witches in that battle. We won, obviously, but, it was a hollow victory, since the giants would've moved if the bureaucrats had told them there would be land, game and no wizards," Sirius said with a sad shake of his head. "I don't want to have to deal with those that won't conform to a mixed society, which is what we're going to try and build."

"Oh, okay." Harry really hated that Binns only talked about the goblins. He should have listened to Hermione and read his books. Then maybe he wouldn't come off as dumb as he was. Thinking of his friend made him frown, her letters didn't inspire hope. She was lonely and there wasn't anything Harry could do about it, which in turn made him feel bad for leaving, which then made him feel bad for wanting to abandon his godfather. Those feelings chased each other until they reached Buckbeak, who was done with his meal, and the two wizards bowed.

When the bow was returned, Sirius went up to the hybrid and stroked his neck. "Are you ready to carry us, Buckbeak?"

The hippogriff screeched and nodded. So Sirius turned and headed to the middle of the village. The other two followed. The three waited for the rest of the adventurers to join them. It took another hour for the Centaurs to sort themselves out.

Matta was the first to finish his good-byes and stood by Buckbeak and called for the rest to come. "It is time," he said. His voice booming across the clearing, making the hippogriff snap at him. "It saddens me that we must divide, yet, lightens my heart that we are greater in numbers. Those who are joining this journey come, it is time."

A flurry of hugs and hasty farewells were heard and the herds split. Eighty horsemen and -women joined in the center of the clearing (mostly natives). Baskets of food and possessions were strapped to their horse bodies. The men had bows and machetes strapped to their human torso. The three young coming with the group were quietly talking in the center of their parents.

This left around sixty-five staying. It was hopeful that there was enough to start a new herd, with all the new bloodlines. Melampus said that there were other herds in Britain that may join. He would contact them when they were more secure in the lost city.

Harry wondered where they got the large knives, then had the thought that maybe they forged them, though he didn't remember seeing a blacksmith area. Then again, he never really explored the village, too caught up in his weapons training and schoolwork. Even though it was technically summer vacation, Sirius insisted that he study.

Sirius went about adding repelling charms to the travelers' coats; some thanked him (mostly the Brits), others pranced away warily when he was done. While they wanted to go on an adventure, the natives still weren't used to humans. Sirius just shrugged and made sure all of them were spelled, and then he went and mounted Buckbeak, Harry straddled the hippogriff behind his godfather with the help of Firenze. They never did find a saddle, so they were bare backing it.

Matta and Melampus would lead, with Buckbeak between them, and the women and colt and the fillies would be in the middle, while the men would take the outside. Without another word the three leaders moved to the forest, the rest followed.

Excited whispers soon broke out and the Centaurs were stomping and tail swishing with anticipation. They moved through the forest with ease, for a good two hours. Then the undergrowth started to become hazardous, scratching sides and pulling off hair. So Sirius dismounted from Buckbeak, not wanting the hippogriff to rear up if he cast spells on his back, and was slashing through the limbs and vines with the two leaders. The group became triple filed as they picked their way over the roots and downed foliage.

Harry fell back, still astride Buckbeak, who was getting impatient with the slow walking, and talking with Iago about the history of his herd. When the hippogriff started snapping at Harry, he got off and watched as his feathered friend moved off to the left of the travelers. So the teen walked up to Iago and kept abreast of the white-coated Centaur. The conversation was enthralling and Harry learned a lot about Centaurs.

He learned that they were not half-breeds, but their own species. Iago told him of the workings of the village, mostly. There were some things he did not share. When Harry asked about the machetes, Iago lifted his front hoof and showed him the horseshoe on it. Harry blushed and nodded. Iago explained that the blacksmith, one of the larger Centaurs who had come with them, had had his workshop outside the village as to not disturb others with his noise. Talar, the blacksmith, had had a house inside the village where he slept.

Harry looked around for Talar and saw him in the back. Along with a machete, this Centaur carried a very large hammer. He was huge, the biggest Centaur in the group. He had black hair and coat, like most of the native herd, but it was streaked with white. Talar saw Harry gazing at him and gave the teen an arched eyebrow in return. Harry turned red and looked away.

Iago chuckled and resumed telling the embarrassed teen the workings of the village. It was an informative few hours. They stopped for lunch and Harry thanked the historian and went to talk to Sirius.

"Hey, pup, why aren't you making friends with the younger ones?" Sirius asked as he bit into a bean burrito that Dobby had brought. "I'd've thought you could relate to them better," he added after he swallowed.

"No, they're more worried about what's expected of them than what we humans are up to. Besides the few times I tried to talk to them last week, they ran from me," Harry said, picking at his food and casting a look at the three young Centaurs, who were eating bananas and some other weird looking fruit.

"Oh, hey, did you hear from your friends lately?" Sirius asked, hoping to lighten up the mood. It didn't work.

"Yeah," Harry said with a note of sadness, "Hermione's still mad at me for leaving. She says she understands, then turns around and says it was stupid of me to go. Her and Ron aren't really getting along now that I'm gone. I mean, it's the end of summer vacation for them and they haven't written to each other but two times, though Ron invited her to the Quidditch World Cup. I'm really worried that they'll split and Hermione will be alone. I really miss her. I'm hoping her and her family will join us, when we get everything set up." He slumped his shoulders, a bit depressed that he was the only one his age around. The colt and the fillies were younger than him by a few years and they really didn't want to make friends.

"We'll see," Sirius said in that adult voice that never inspired hope in children. "If she comes, she comes; if not then hopefully you'll make some new friends. I know of plenty of families that want to relocate, the only reason they haven't so far is lack of money. If we do things right, then that won't be an issue." He saw this wasn't helping and returned to the subject. "You can always write her and maybe, when she's older, her Gryffindor nature will make her seek you out." He ruffled his godson's hair, hoping to bring him out of his funk. "What about Ron? Is he happy for you?"

"Well, he's a bit upset that the team lost last year, not that that was really my fault. Now that I'm gone they can't find a good seeker. He did say he was happy that I finally got away from the muggles, but he mostly complains about the team," Harry said, more miffed at the redhead then anything. Ron's letters were mostly complaints about Quidditch, schoolwork, Hermione and his brothers.

Oh, there were plenty of warnings that Harry should stay away, from both of his friends. They cited that he was considered a criminal now for helping Sirius escape. The Headmaster tried to smooth things over with Fudge, but the Minister took Snape's word that it was 'all Potter's fault'. Lucky Hermione made it back to the hospital wing and was not accused of anything. Both Hermione and Ron let him know what the Daily Prophet was saying about him, none of it good. The school gossip was just as bad. While they weren't saying he was a Dark Wizard, they were calling for him to be expelled.

"Well, you should keep writing to him, if he's a good friend he'll come around," Sirius suggested, making Harry's head snap up.

"Yeah," was all the answer he got.

Harry went back to his thoughts of his friends. He knew if war broke out that the Weasleys would stay in Britain, but if Trelawney's prophecy came true then they needed a way to get the muggle-born and -raised out of Britain. They would need the muggle parents to help build a better government, since the wizarding one was so corrupt. But, how? His thoughts circled all of the travel spells he knew, but he was only a half-trained wizard, how could he help? He face must have shown his thinking because Sirius interrupted his thoughts again.

"Harry, I can see you're thinking about things you should be letting the adults handle," the older man said, causing the kid to blush again, making Harry wish he was older so he would stop going red all the time.

"Right, let the adults handle it," Harry said with a nod, completely unused to doing that. But, he told Sirius what he had been thinking, and his godfather gave a sage nod and went to talk to the leaders. Harry finished off his burrito and banished his napkin.

In ones and twos the Centaurs finished their meals and started milling around the clearing they were in. The natives were trying to get to know the Brits better and the three young Centaurs were playing off to the side. Harry was happy to note they were getting along, and he hoped that more would be born soon.

Matta called for them to get ready and soon everything was packed and they all formed a triple line. Sirius, Melampus and Matta were at the front. One with a wand, and the others with a machete, all were hacking a trail. Buckbeak's screech could be heard to the left as he hunted for food.

Gundabald came and joined Harry. "Let us go over some of your magical theory," the dark-coated horseman said. "While we Centaurs do not possess magic, I have read many books on the theoretical side. I am the teacher of the young and the stars told me, as I grew, that one day I would need wizard knowledge," he added at the confused look.

"I didn't see any books in your village," the confused teen said, you could hear the unspoken question.

"They are hidden from sight, I cannot tell you where, for even if I am no longer of that herd I must keep its secrets," Gundabald said with a shrug. "Now, tell me what you are unsure of and I will do my best to explain it."

Firenze pulled up to their side and the three talked about theory in Defense Against the Dark Arts for the remainder of the day. The two Centaurs had a way of explaining things in simpler terms, now Harry understood where he had been going wrong. He loved Hermione to death, but she wasn't as good at breaking things down as these two were. He would ask Sirius if they could do a few spells tonight after they made camp.

The group traveled to the right of the river, going west still. When it became too dark to see and the night creatures started to roam, they moved to the banks of the river. This time Harry asked the snakes to help guard over the camp and to not eat the occupants. The large water snakes agreed, more than happy to do as a speaker asked.

Sirius put up wards to protect the camp and erected the pup tent. The two weary wizards did their nightly routine and after dinner, which they ate in the tent, since it was roast duck and the Centaurs were vegetarians, they sat in the chairs and had their nightly talk.

"Do you really think we can do this?" Harry fretted, playing with the hem of his T-shirt. "Build a city where all of us get along?" After the way the younger Centaurs avoided him he was having doubts.

"I think if I invite the right people, then, yes, we can. But, Harry, you need to let me handle it. I really hate that you don't trust adults and I blame the Dursleys and your professors for that. From what you've told me about your last three years, not to mention your childhood, you've had little reason to. But I'm here now and I'll make sure you have a better life than you've had up until now. Well, when we've settled," Sirius added as an afterthought, knowing there wasn't much he could do for the kid while they were traveling, once more, feeling bad for dragging Harry along.

"Dobby is being making sure the Great Harry Potter is being having fun," Dobby chimed in as he took the littlest chair.

"Thanks, guys, that really means a lot to me. I can't stop worrying though. I mean, I love what we're doing and all the neat stuff I'm learning, but, well…" Harry trailed off not sure how to explain what he was feeling.

"You're homesick," Sirius said, nodding in understanding. "I'm a bit homesick too. It's normal."

"Yeah, maybe that's it," the teen conceded, thinking over the heavy feeling in the middle of his chest. He didn't want to feel homesick; he wanted to enjoy his new family. These last few months had been the best of his life and he didn't want anything to take away from that.

They talked a bit more, and then sat and listened to the sounds of the jungle until Harry snapped out of his melancholy. "Hey, Sirius, teach me some DADA. Firenze and Gundabald went over theory with me and I think I've got a handle on it. So can we go over some spells?" he asked, perking up.

"Sure, pup, we've got an hour or so before we have to hit the hay. What did you want to go over?" Sirius got up and started to clear an area. Harry and Dobby helped. Soon the two wizards were throwing defensive spells at a conjured block of wood, which improved Harry's mood dramatically. They practiced about an hour and then went to bed.

This set the pace for the next week. Harry would talk to the snakes and they scouted ahead, so the group could avoid the human natives, though there seemed to be a few curious ones trailing along to their left. They never came close, but the snakes told Harry they were being followed, which he told the leaders. Muggle repelling wards were added to the camp, but that didn't dissuade their followers, so they must be magical. When the stalkers showed no sign of violence, the travelers simply continued onward and had the snakes watch them, just in case.

One night during that week, Harry had had a bit of a weird dream. It was vague, like looking through frosted glass, but if he interpreted it correctly then Voldemort, in a baby like homunculus, was talking to two of his followers. Harry thought one was Pettigrew, but he really couldn't get a good view. The three were discussing a plan for the coming year. Something to do with Hogwarts. A muggle came upon them and was killed.

That's when Harry woke up, a slight twinge in his scar. He had debated on whether or not to tell Sirius and in the end did. Sirius got a worried look on his face and mumbled something about connections. Then he ruffled Harry's hair and told him not to worry about it, he'd do some research to see what was up and if he found something Harry should know about, he'd tell him.

At first that ticked Harry off, but those nightly talks about letting adults handle things were starting to wear on him. So he let it go for now.

The adventurers hacked their own path, keeping the river to their right. The three gentle Centaurs would go over Harry's schoolwork; he even lent them his books to read, so they had a better understanding. Then Harry and Sirius would go over the practical parts each night and then the next day it would repeat. They did switch up between DADA and Charms and Transfiguration, but mostly stuck to defensive spells.

It was after that week they ran into a problem, well not much of an issue, but one big enough they made camp early. The snakes had warned Harry that there was a swamp in their path, it was huge and had many Caiman, large cousins to the alligator, and Anacondas. They were discussing on whether or not to go around it or through it. The adult leaders were debating it, while the rest of the herd was gossiping or complaining, not used to this much traveling.

Since they stopped earlier than normal, Talar was going around making sure that everyone's shoes were secure. You could hear the pinging of his hammer on those he thought needed it. Gundabald and Firenze had taken Harry aside and continued his education.

The group was settling in, the women were setting up a fire to cook with, since they had eaten only fruit this last week, they wanted to cook a vegetable and root stew. The men were doing a perimeter check, bows and knifes at the ready. The colt and the fillies were playing a game of tag in the middle of the clearing, getting in the women's way.

After about an hour of peace, one of the fillies suddenly let out a loud scream; she had wandered outside of the camp. The spells on her coat and the camp's wards had attracted one of the Jacksaws.

The small silver cat was raking its claws into her hindquarters as she kicked to remove it, leaving large cuts in its path. She continued to scream and buck, trying to dislodge the animal that was clinging to her backside.

As one the adult males moved. Talar grabbed the cat by the scruff of its neck and threw it into a tree. The Jacksaw landed on its feet and turned to the new enemies. Hissing and roaring, its fur standing on end as it backed to the tree.

Sirius was with the men, trying to get a clear shot, but the Centaurs had circled the cat and he couldn't get through, so he put his gun in his waistband and went to get the injured filly.

Harry whipped out his gun, remembering the cat was impervious to magic, and joined the women and children in the middle of the clearing. He stood in front of them, gun aimed at what he could see of the little beast, which wasn't much with the large horsepeople surrounding it.

Sirius had picked up the filly, arms under the horse body, with her human arms around his neck and was carrying her to safety. After he got to the circle of women, he set her down and started casting every healing spell he knew. The wounds slowly closed, but she would scar. The girl was now hugging her mother tears rolling done her face as Sirius tended the wounds.

Seeing the girl was safe, Harry turned back to the fight. The silver cat was lashing out at anything that came near it, with its long sharp claws. Its roars could be heard around the clearing, those claws tore into more that one of the males, leaving bloody wounds behind.

The Centaurs were rearing up at the feisty cat, trying to chase it away, slashing their machetes at it, and cutting its legs when it slashed at them, but the Jacksaw fought on.

Harry lifted his gun and took aim, when he spotted his chance; he fired and hit the Jacksaw in the eye. It fell to the ground, dead. The quiet of the clearing was disturbing after all the noise that was there moments before.

The Centaurs turned and looked at him; many with pride, and some with anger and fear. Matta trotted up to him, with a disappointed look on his face, much like Dumbledore. "Why?" was all he asked, his arms folded and his eyes sad.

"It wasn't going to be chased off and we didn't have enough time to release the spells. Sirius is trying to keep the girl alive, there wasn't any choice," Harry said with a tinge of remorse, but a firm jaw. This wasn't the first time he killed, and it probably wouldn't be the last, so he wasn't going to let anyone tell him he did wrong.

"We still could have trapped it," the native leader said, still showing his distress.

"With all due respect, sir, how?" Harry asked. "We don't have a cage, nor was there time to build one. Look, I get you're peaceful people, but if there's one thing I've learned in life it's never let something that was born to kill you live. According to Gundabald, those animals will kill anything with magic. No, I'm remorseful that I had to take a life, but not sorry that it was a Jacksaw," Harry stated, his arms folded rebelliously, his face defiant.

"This is one of the many things our cultures are going to clash over," Matta said with a frown.

Melampus, who had been silent up until then, spoke, "It will be something we too will clash over. I am on the boy's side in this matter. In the Forbidden Forest it was kill or be killed. A lesson hard learned, but learned nonetheless. One of the many reasons we let the stars guide us here." He looked at his co-leader and they held a silent conversation, with lifting of eyebrows and small gestures.

"A debate for another time and one that should be held with adults only," Matta said, turning back to Harry, his face no longer showing dissatisfaction. "My apologies, young Harry Potter, you are not one of my herd and I should not have chastised you. I was simply shocked over the death. I bid you good-evening," the steel-haired horseman said and turned and went to where Sirius was healing the fighters.

Melampus put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You did well, young warrior, should we happen on the same situation, do not hesitate to do such again." Then he too turned to make sure the herd was in good health.

Harry frowned after the two leaders, confused about how they could both lead if they had such different points of view. He thought the natives were once warriors and the Brits turned them away from that. It must have been the introduction of the Acromantula that made them switch. Fifty years of fighting those giant spiders would make anyone warriors and Harry hadn't seen anything like them in the rainforest. Then he shrugged and moved off to find out if his three tutors and godfather were okay.

Iago, Gundabald and Firenze were not among the wounded, so they were patrolling the border of the camp. They seemed to be debating something and Harry only hoped it wasn't his actions. Someone had taken the carcass from the camp, probably to throw it in the swamp, so it wouldn't attract predators or scavengers. Harry went and banished all the blood, for much the same reason.

Sirius was still busy tending the wounded with some of the women. The rest of the group stood about in groups gossiping and looking Harry's way. He had a feeling he was going to be to topic of conversation for a while. He just hoped it wasn't going to be like second year all over again. Like earlier, some of the faces beamed with pride, while others were creased with frowns.

Getting tired of the stares Harry went to Sirius and asked for the tent. His godfather turned away from the woman he was talking to and smiled. "Why do you need the tent, pup?" he asked with a tilt of his head.

"Well, in case you haven't noticed they're all staring at me, so I want to go and read for a while," Harry explained, waving his hand at the Centaurs, some looked away in shame.

"Right, I'll make sure to address that," Sirius said with a bit of a bite, glaring at the now blushing Centaurs. He reached into the bag and pulled out the tent.

Harry took it, erected it and crawled inside. He picked up a book, but wasn't really reading it, so he closed his eyes and listened. The monkeys and the birds recommenced their daily routines and the Amazon was alive again. Harry sat and just let the wild of the jungle relax him. Soon he was asleep, book forgotten in his lap.

"Harry Potter needs to be waking up now," the familiar squeaky voice penetrated his nice dream.

Harry yawned and sat up. "What's up, Dobby?" he asked, looking at his littlest friend.

"It is being dinner time. Harry Potter's Paddy has already eaten and is talking to the horseypeople," Dobby said, waving to the table, which had a nice hot meal of roast beef stew. "Dobby is being having letters for you from your Grangy and Wheezy." The little elf held out the letters and waited for his boss to take them, then went and sat at the table.

"Thanks, Dobby, you're the best," Harry said as he got up to eat. He'd read the letters when he was done. After the filling meal, he sat in his chair and read the two letters. Dobby was flitting about the kitchen.

Sirius came into the tent and saw his godson frown at the papers in his hands. "What's the matter?" he asked as he took his chair.

"Ron and Hermione went to the Quidditch World Cup and it seems there were Death Eaters there. Ron says they were followers of Voldemort. Someone used Ron's wand to cast what he calls the Dark Mark. They're both real worried about what that means." Harry was still looking at the letter from Ron as he explained.

"That is a bit troublesome," Sirius said, rubbing his chin in thought. This was a sign that all was not going well in England. With the dream Harry had, this could be an issue. Not that he was going back, but it might make them move up some plans. He only hoped they got to the city soon. Matta said with the detour they would be there in less than two weeks.

"Yeah," Harry said, and then he sighed and put the letter away. "I feel horrible that I wasn't there to help."

"Damn it, Harry," Sirius snapped, "when are you going to learn the world is not on your shoulders?" his face softened and he continued. "Harry, pup, you've got to understand that you are not responsible for the wellbeing of your friends. They have parents for that." He was bound and determined to get that through his godson's head. It was something they talked about nightly. Stubborn kid.

"So you keep saying," Harry said, not really understanding his godfather's point.

"And I'll keep saying it until you get it through that thick skull of yours." He reached over and tapped Harry on the forehead.

"Right, so, what did you talk to the Centaurs about?" Harry asked, not wanting to have that argument again, swatting away the annoying hand.

"I let them know that I'm proud of you for killing that Jacksaw," Sirius said, beaming at the teen. "Then I told them they had no right to look down on you for doing as you were told. Most of the Brits understood and they're talking to the rest. So don't worry about being shunned or anything." He patted Harry on the shoulder.

"Right, okay," Harry was at a loss, he never had an adult stand up for him before. "Thanks for that," he added quickly.

"It's what parents do. Even godparents," Sirius waved off the thanks, but continued to smile.

"Well, let's do some spells." Harry got up and started to clear the furniture.

They spent a good two hours going over Transfiguration and how to use it in a fight. Then they went to bed. The next morning over a simple cold cereal breakfast Harry asked, "Are we going around the swamp?"

"Yeah, it's going to add a few days on our journey, but we don't want to risk lives. We'll have to keep our guns handy and watch out for more Jacksaws. But we really don't want to go through the swamp, since there are more predators in there," Sirius answered with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Right, I'll do that." Harry checked his gun, making sure it was clean and ready.

To Harry's great relief, he wasn't shunned. Many of the adult Centaurs came up to him and apologized for making him uncomfortable the night before. He told them he understood and they would smile and go about their morning activities. Nalla (the injured filly) came up with her mother and they both thanked Sirius and Harry for saving her life.

Harry heard Buckbeak in the forest, crashing through the undergrowth. He peered in the trees hoping to see his feathered friend, but it was too dense. He could only hope that the hippogriff joined them when they came to the lost city. He kinda felt bad for the hybrid because there was no room for an animal that big to fly. Shaking off his thoughts he went to help Sirius take down the tent.

They broke camp and went south, it did add a few days to the journey and they had to face off three more Jacksaws and a few Bugalards. The Spiral Snakes seemed to be avoiding the group, for which they were thankful. Harry had a feeling it was because of his snake scout. They must have warned the deadly snake that there was a speaker in the group.

There were still had people trailing them, but as before, they showed no signs of violence.

The group was deep in the Amazon now and if they thought it was dark when they entered the rainforest, Harry and Sirius were clearly unprepared for the darkness it held now. Harry kept a Lumos on his wand at all times, and the Centaurs carried torches. The sounds of the howler monkeys made many of them jump. That was one loud primate.

Camp was always set up quickly; wards were the first thing erected. They would set off just after breakfast, not wanting to stay in one place too long. The dusk like day was making everyone skittish.

After a week and a half of travel, one of the scout snakes came to Harry and told him there was sunlight up ahead. Harry told the leaders and they followed the snake. As if by magic, the forest ended. There in front of them was a large basin surrounded by a huge golden dome. You could barely make out the city inside the shield.

Everyone was so happy to finally get to their destination that clapping, stomping and shouting started as they rejoiced in the sun. The younger ones were prancing and dancing around their mothers.

"Well," Sirius said over the cheering, "I guess we make camp until we find a way in."