The November morning air was frigid, and Hermione was glad that she had mastered the Warming Charm. The frosted grass crunched under their feet, and their breath misted in front of them like ghostly clouds as they made their way towards the Forbidden Forest. After the recent Troll attack, the trio had deemed it necessary for Harry to master his demigod powers as soon as possible. They had been lucky to escape their battle with nothing but a good tongue lashing from McGonagall about charging headlong into danger. Even in the morning sunlight, the forest floor remained shrouded in thick shadows, the trees' spindly branches reaching upwards like broken bones.

"Tenebris Alnus," Neville said, then in answer to the other's questioning looks, "Dark Alder. They create shadows when they have matured."

"They certainly add to the atmosphere," Hermione said, muttering a quick Lumos and holding her wand high. Harry drew his sword.

"Ready?" he asked. Hermione and Neville nodded. Taking one last glance at the castle behind them, she plunged into the trees.

-oO0o0Oo-

The low fog seemed to grasp at Neville's ankles as they made their way through the dense trees. Although he was sure that neither of the trio had known where they were going, rising up through the thick mist stood the centaur's stronghold. Across a roaring river, a massive wall of wood and stone stretched from the forest floor to the canopy, looking entirely natural although clearly built by centaurs. Embedded in a section of the wall across a narrower section of the river was a formidable drawbridge guarded by centaur archers. Holding bows as large as Neville, and adorned by sturdy armor made of an animal hide that Neville couldn't identify, they looked every inch a warrior. The one on the left nocked an arrow and called out to the trio,

"Halt! Who goes there?" His long black hair was tied in ponytail, and from the waist down the speaker was a majestic black mustang.

"My name is Harry Potter, Champion of Hogwarts," Harry replied, drawing himself up to his full height, "I come seeking knowledge."

"Who accompanies you?" The centaur on the right asked. His hair was cropped short, and his pelt was a mottled brown.

"I am Neville Longbottom, and this Hermione Granger, Knights of Hogwarts," Neville replied, trying to sound as confident as Harry, "We have accompanied our friend on this journey." After a moment of quiet deliberation among themselves, the centaurs let down the drawbridge. However, before they could cross the bridge, the one on the left held up a hand.

"You must give us your weapons before you enter our kingdom," his fierce expression brooked no disagreement, "We will know if you are lying." After handing over their weapons, Harry looking particularly forlorn when handing over his sword, the one on the right pointed through the gates.

"Firenze awaits your presence on the opposite side of our village," he looked upon them sternly, "Do not wander."

-oO0o0Oo-

Harry was amazed at the centaur's village. The sheer size of it was staggering. As necessitated by their height, each of the houses were at least two stories tall and made of sturdy wood and stone. The streets were wide and lined with shops, filled with centaurs going about their daily tasks. At the end of the road was a small hill that seemed to serve as a training ground. Various young centaur students were engaged in practicing archery and swordplay with their teachers, and Harry couldn't help but be appreciative of their skill. At the top of the knoll stood a centaur with redish hair tied in a braid, staring upwards. As they approached, his brown eyes stared at them with a keen focus.

"Harry Potter," he said in a soft but commanding voice, "Your presence has been shouted through the heavens." Not knowing what centaur custom was, Harry bowed his head in acknowledgement.

"You are Firenze, I presume?" he asked. The centaur nodded, then turned to Neville and Hermione.

"Brave knights that you are, I have nothing to teach you," he said solemnly, "But I know that you need practice. Ask Venus if she would allow you to join her exercise." He pointed at a silver haired women centaur engaged in swordplay with two of her students. Following Harry's lead, Neville and Hermione bowed their heads and left. Firenze stared at him, his eyes seeming to pierce Harry's soul, yet Harry felt comforted by his gaze. At long last, the centaur sighed, and knelt down on the ground, gesturing for Harry to sit.

"Tell me when you first began to exhibit godly powers," the centaur requested. Harry knew that he could trust Firenze, and so recounted all he could remember: the hell hound, the fury, the lightning and the troll. By the time Harry had finished, the centaur was frowning deeply.

"Is something wrong?" Harry asked, nervously.

"You have encountered many dangers for one so young," the centaur sighed, "And to overcome them all is very impressive. However, I believe we may find unlocking your potential to be more difficult than expected."

"I must know how to use all of my skills," Harry said forcefully, "Both for myself and my friends. The enemies I face will only be more perilous in the times to come, and I have to be ready for them." The centaur's eyes twinkled.

"I never said it was impossible," he said, "Only difficult. But you are certainly not lacking in determination. Relax. You will never be able to explore your inner strengths if you sit like you are balancing on a knife blade." Harry grinned ruefully, acknowledging that he was sitting with all muscles tensed. He took a deep breath and settled onto the cool grass. The centaur nodded.

"Much better," the centaur stated, "Now place your wand in front of you." Swallowing his objections, Harry replied. Giving up your weapons went contrary to every one of Chiron's trainings, it had been years since he had been fully unarmed. He even slept with his wand under his pillow and his sword nearby. He felt tempted to reach out and touch it, to reassure him that it was still there.

"We will first practice summoning your power without any help," the centaur said, "Once it becomes natural, you will be able to use your wand." Harry nodded. Picking a leaf up from the ground, the centaur held it out to Harry. Confused, Harry warily took it, but it seemed to be an ordinary leaf, red and dry, it crackled in his hand.

"Cup the leaf in your hands, and close your eyes," the centaur instructed, "Breathe deeply, feel the chill of the breeze on your body. See the wind, the air currents that surround you. Concentrate." Harry closed his eyes, and tried to feel what the centaur was describing. He heard the trees rustle as the fall wind rattled their frail leaves. A playful breeze grabbed a stray lock of hair and tossed it into his face, tickling his nose. He heard his and the centaur's soft intake of air and deep sighing exhales. The grass beneath him swayed in the wind, and his leaf threatened to be thrown skyward by the gentle breeze. A sudden strong gust flung the leaf past his reach, and, panicking, Harry opened his eyes and made a desperate grab at the leaf, but Firenze held up a hand to stop him.

"Let the wind take it where it will," he said, handing Harry another leaf, "Your job is only to observe and feel. There are plenty more leaves. Become the wind, and let yourself drift off in its currents." Surprised, and a little resentful, Harry closed his eyes and tried again.

-oO0o0Oo-

Hermione panted with exertion, her knees shaking. In front of her, Neville dropped to the ground, exhausted.

"That's enough," Venus said, trotting closer, "You have trained well." Hermione helped Neville to his feet, and they bowed in thanks. The sun was beginning to touch the tree tops, dousing the clearing in orange light. Hermione had never trained in hand to hand combat before, and even with the tape, her knuckles were raw and tender. Their teacher turned to gaze at the top of the hill.

"You had best retrieve your companion," the centaur said, "He seems in need of a break. Continue your practice while you are away and return soon." The pair nodded in agreement, then headed off to the top of the grassy crest. There, they found Firenze kneeling patiently, with Harry sitting on the grass, holding a leaf, eyes closed, red faced and clearly angry. At their approach, Harry opened his eyes, and the centaur stood.

"Was your training helpful?" the centaur asked, as Harry picked up his wand and stood.

"Indeed," Hermione answered, and Neville nodded, "I hope to return again soon."

"How was yours, Harry?" Neville asked. Harry grimaced, and crushed the leaf in his hand.

"He is having some trouble letting go," Firenze said, "Perhaps you can help him find peace before you return here." Harry looked like he wanted to protest, but he stayed silent.

"We will provide any support we can," said Hermione, "We're here for you, Harry. I know you can reach your full potential." At those words, Harry seemed to let go of some of his anger and nodded.

"We'll always be there," Neville said, "You don't have to face this alone." Firenze watched this all with a small smile on his face. The stars had predicted a terrible future for the boy, but Harry's friends seemed determined to support him no matter what. Perhaps some time with his friends would allow him to relax enough to access his powers. Harry had recovered enough of his composure and bowed to Firenze in thanks, the centaur nodding his head in acknowledgement.

"Continue your training when you return to Hogwarts," the centaur said, "Find the strength to give yourself up. I expect you back here in seven days time." Harry nodded, and trooped down the hill with his friends.

-oO0o0Oo-

AN:

All rights belong to the wonderful J. K. Rowling and Rick Riordan for the original stories.

Apologies for the very delayed update. I plan to continue this story, but it will most likely be at irregular intervals.

Thanks for your reviews!