Chapter 298: Chapter 298: "Aragog's Last Stand"
As the clones fought tirelessly against the swarm of Acromantulas, Harry landed in a clear patch of ground to catch his breath. As a lone vigilante, he knew better than to push himself to exhaustion—he needed to save his strength for whatever unexpected danger might arise. Staying prepared was always part of his strategy.
The ground beneath his boots was damp and cool, and the sharp scent of burning spiders mingled unpleasantly with the earthy aroma of the forest. Overhead, the canopy of the Forbidden Forest swayed gently, oddly serene compared to the chaos below.
Harry's gaze shifted to his clones, darting skillfully between the trees. Each clone wielded a sword identical to his own, their movements precise and calculated. Even at a fraction of his full strength, they handled the lesser Acromantulas with ease, cutting them down swiftly. The shrieks of the dying spiders barely registered in Harry's mind.
"I wish this could be over already," he thought, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "But at least this way, the forest is spared unnecessary destruction."
Despite the efficiency of his approach, frustration gnawed at him. These creatures, while dangerous to most, no longer challenged him. He had surpassed them long ago, both in skill and strategy. This wasn't a test of his abilities—it was just a tedious chore.
As Harry monitored his clones, their blades gleaming in the moonlight, his thoughts wandered. His training as a knight had taken him far, but he craved the next step: the transformation from knight to great knight. To reach that milestone, he needed greater foes—enemies that would truly test his limits.
"The real test will come soon enough," he reminded himself, his hand instinctively brushing the hilt of his sword. Aragog, the ancient leader of the Acromantulas, had yet to make an appearance. Where Aragog hid, there were bound to be other formidable spiders, perhaps even descendants of the one that had once threatened Hogwarts.
A faint rustling behind him broke his train of thought. Harry turned to see Dorran approaching, flanked by a few members of his centaur tribe. The centaur leader's expression was a mix of awe and curiosity as he watched the clones systematically cutting down the spiders.
"Why are you here?" Harry asked, his voice steady.
"Even though you insisted you didn't need help, I was concerned," Dorran replied, his deep voice carrying a note of caution. "But it seems my worries were unnecessary. Who are they?"
"Clones," Harry replied simply. "Mine."
Dorran's gaze lingered on the clones, his admiration evident as he observed their flawless movements. "It's incredible that they can fight like this. Your kind would probably call this dark magic, wouldn't they?"
Harry met his gaze steadily. "Some of my people would call you dark creatures as well. Labels don't matter to me. Actions do. As long as I'm not doing anything evil, I'm not concerned about the methods I use."
Dorran's tail flicked thoughtfully. "Still, be cautious with such magic. I've seen wizards lose themselves when they relied on it too much."
"I appreciate the concern," Harry replied sincerely. "I take precautions. My travels have taught me the importance of balance. I could have destroyed this nest in a much more direct way, but using these clones lets me deal with the Acromantulas without causing unnecessary damage to the forest."
The centaur nodded slowly. "Very well. Since I'm here, we will help where we can. My tribe will handle the ones trying to flee."
"Thank you," Harry said.
They stood together, watching as the clones continued their systematic extermination. The centaurs moved with speed and precision, their arrows finding the stray Acromantulas that tried to escape into the shadows of the forest.
Suddenly, a tremor ran through the ground. From the depths of the nest, larger and more menacing spiders emerged. Their massive bodies glistened in the moonlight, legs bristling with thick hair, and eyes glowing with a malevolent intelligence.
"Looks like the real challenge has arrived," Harry remarked, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
Dorran's eyes widened in recognition. "That one... that's Aragog."
Harry focused on the largest of the three newcomers, its enormous carapace scarred from countless battles. It was easily twice the size of the others. "So, that's Hagrid's old friend," he murmured.
The spiders advanced deliberately, their movements slow and calculated. Even the clones paused, Harry knew that they could not handle the newcomers.
Aragog's voice echoed across the clearing, deep and rasping, carrying a chilling undertone. "Who dares to slaughter my children?"
"I do," Harry declared, stepping forward with calm defiance. "Your colony has become a menace to the forest. I'm here to put an end to it."
Aragog's mandibles clicked furiously. "You! You're the one who has been hunting us. The one who murdered my offspring!"
Harry met the spider's gaze unflinchingly. "Yes. But only because your kind nearly attacked the school and threatened innocent lives. You allowed one of your own to rebel, endangering others. I did what was necessary to protect my school."
"After you destroyed the rebel nest, why continue the slaughter?" Aragog demanded, his multitude of eyes blazing with fury.
"To control your population," Harry replied evenly. "Your numbers were growing unchecked. I knew that once you were gone, others might rise to take your place—and they wouldn't honor the agreement you made with Hagrid. I couldn't risk it."
Aragog let out a low hiss. "You speak of control, yet you bring destruction. You humans are all the same."
"This is your doing," Harry shot back. "You expanded aggressively, ignoring the centaur tribe's warnings. You left me no choice."
"This forest has been my home for decades!" Aragog bellowed. "You cannot decide our fate!"
"A home you've outgrown," Harry countered. "Your colony is too large and too dangerous to be so close to Hogwarts. It ends tonight."
One of the other giant Acromantulas stepped forward, venom dripping from its fangs. "We will feast on your bones!"
"You're welcome to try," Harry challenged.
Dorran placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Are you sure you don't need assistance?"
Harry glanced at him, a faint smile playing under his helmet. "I appreciate it, but this is my fight. Just keep an eye on the outskirts."
"Very well," Dorran conceded. "We'll watch your back."
The centaurs retreated to the edge of the clearing, bows at the ready for any stray threats.
Harry drew his sword, its blade gleaming in the moonlight. He steadied his stance, muscles coiled and ready. "Shall we begin?"
Aragog reared up on his hind legs, towering over Harry like a living nightmare. "You will pay for the lives you've taken!"
With a deafening screech, the three Acromantulas charged.
Harry moved like a shadow, dodging the first swipe of Aragog's massive leg. The ground quaked beneath the impact. He ducked under a venomous snap from the second spider, feeling the rush of air as its fangs narrowly missed. With precise timing, he slashed at its underbelly, releasing a spray of dark ichor.
The injured spider, however, didn't falter. It fought as if the wound were inconsequential.
"Your kind always underestimates us," Aragog taunted, circling with predatory grace. "We are not mere beasts!"
"No," Harry agreed, parrying another strike. "You're intelligent—which makes your actions even worse. You knew the danger you posed, yet you kept breeding and expanding."
The third spider lunged from behind, but Harry sensed it coming. He spun, conjuring a shimmering shield to block the torrent of venom. The acidic spray hissed as it hit the barrier, dissipating harmlessly.
"Impressive," Aragog admitted grudgingly. "But you cannot defeat us all."
"Watch me," Harry replied, determination gleaming in his eyes.
The deadly battle unfolded in a blur of movement and steel. Harry's sword left shallow cuts on Aragog's legs, each one weakening the massive spider's mobility. The two other Acromantulas coordinated their attacks, attempting to flank him.
"Your numbers won't save you," Harry said, deflecting their strikes with fluid precision. "I've faced worse."
"Arrogant human!" one spider hissed. "We'll tear you apart!"
Harry smirked. "You'll have to catch me first."
Leaping into the air, he used magic to propel himself above them. From his elevated position, he cast a powerful binding spell. Tendrils of shimmering light shot downward, wrapping around one of the spiders and pinning it to the ground.
The immobilized spider thrashed violently. "Release me!"
"Not happening," Harry said coolly.
Aragog took advantage of Harry's distraction, spitting a thick web to ensnare him mid-air. Harry reacted swiftly, conjuring a fiery barrier. The web ignited on contact, disintegrating into ash.
"You'll need better tricks than that," Harry taunted.
Below, his clones continued battling the smaller Acromantulas with ruthless efficiency. Meanwhile, Dorran and the centaurs provided cover, their arrows striking down any spider attempting to flee.
Frustrated, the second giant spider slammed its legs into the earth, sending a shockwave that disrupted Harry's landing. He stumbled, giving Aragog an opening. The ancient spider lunged, fangs aimed directly at Harry's chest.
At the last moment, Harry sidestepped and slashed upward, his blade slicing through one of Aragog's eyes. The spider howled in pain, ichor oozing from the wound.
"You'll regret that!" Aragog roared, his movements growing erratic and desperate.
"Not likely," Harry shot back, pressing his advantage with precise strikes to Aragog's weakened limbs.
The third spider freed itself from the binding spell and rejoined the fight, coordinating with the second to corner Harry.
"Your end is near!" they hissed in unison.
Harry wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "Time to finish this."
Closing his eyes briefly, he summoned his inner reserves. When he opened them, they burned with fierce determination. Channeling his magic, he infused his sword with radiant energy. The blade hummed with power, arcs of light dancing along its edge. Though only a knight, Harry mimicked the abilities of a great knight using his magic.
With a sweeping motion, he unleashed a wave of energy. It surged forward, engulfing the two lesser spiders. They were thrown back, crashing through the trees before collapsing, motionless.
Only Aragog remained, battered but unyielding.
"Why persist?" Harry asked. "You're old—your time is almost up."
"I fight for my children," Aragog rasped. "For their right to exist."
"You fight for a lost cause," Harry said softly. "But I respect your dedication."
Aragog crouched low, preparing one final attack. "Then respect this!"
He lunged with surprising speed, but Harry was ready. Time seemed to slow as Harry stepped forward, meeting the attack head-on. With a decisive swing, he drove his sword deep into Aragog's thorax, the blade piercing through.
Aragog shuddered, his legs collapsing. His death cry echoed through the forest, silencing all other sounds.
As he lay dying, Aragog's eyes dimmed. His voice was a faint whisper. "Please... spare my children..."
Harry withdrew his sword, his expression somber. "You were a good leader. Controlling a nest this size and keeping them from attacking Hogwarts wasn't easy. But I can't let this nest remain after you're gone. Still, I'll grant part of your wish. I'll relocate some of the smaller ones to Acromantula sanctuaries."
Aragog's eyes flickered one last time. "Thank... you..." And with that, the ancient spider breathed his last.
A heavy silence settled over the clearing. The remaining Acromantulas, seeing their leader fall, retreated into the shadows. Harry paid them no attention, trusting the centaurs to deal with the stragglers and make the forest free of the spiders.
Dorran stepped forward, placing a hand over his heart. "It is done."
Harry nodded solemnly. "Yes. The immediate threat has been dealt with."
Raising his hand, Dorran signaled into the forest. From the surrounding trees, the rest of the centaur tribe emerged. They moved swiftly and efficiently, beginning the task of clearing out the remaining Acromantulas and securing the area.
Harry turned to his clones. "We have another task."
The clones approached silently, awaiting his command.
"Collect anything valuable—venom sacs, silk, anything useful. Nothing goes to waste."
The clones immediately set to work, carefully harvesting from the fallen spiders. Their movements were methodical, ensuring every resource was properly collected.
As they worked, Dorran approached Harry once more. "You fought honorably."
"Thank you," Harry replied. "I only wish it hadn't come to this. They were too close to the school and far too dangerous."
"Sometimes, difficult choices must be made for the greater good," Dorran observed.
Harry sighed as he sheathed his sword. "I don't like that phrase. But making choices is never easy. No matter what you do, someone will think it was selfish. Maybe they're right. Maybe I am."
He muttered the last part under his breath. Though his goal had been to protect the school and the forest, he couldn't deny the battle also served his own purposes—advancing his training and acquiring valuable resources. Still, he chose not to dwell on it. He knew he wasn't perfect and never claimed to be.
Dorran studied him thoughtfully. "Your actions tonight have saved many lives, including those of my tribe. We are in your debt."
"You owe me nothing," Harry insisted. "It's my family's duty to protect this forest and the school. When I accepted my inheritance, I took on that responsibility."
Dorran smiled faintly. "You speak with wisdom beyond your years. Perhaps there's hope for unity between our kinds after all."
"Maybe one day," Harry said with a small shrug. "When the new generation replaces the old, narrow-minded ones in the Ministry. Until then, all we can do is hope."
The night wore on as the clones finished their work. They returned to Harry, carrying carefully sealed containers filled with their harvested materials.
Harry secured the items in his enchanted pouch, ensuring everything was properly contained. He also spared a few smaller Acromantulas, capturing them in a cage. He planned to sell them to farms or release them into the Dark Forest, honoring Aragog's last wish.
Dorran gestured toward the horizon, where the first hints of dawn were beginning to break. "A new day approaches."
"So it does," Harry replied.
"Will you stay longer?" the centaur asked.
"I can't," Harry said. "There are other matters that need my attention."
Dorran extended his hand. "Know that you are always welcome among us."
Harry clasped his forearm firmly. "Thank you. If you ever need my help, you know how to find me."
"Safe travels, Knight Arthur."
"Farewell, Dorran."
Harry turned to his clones. "You can rest now."
With a simple gesture, he dispelled the magic sustaining them. The clones shimmered briefly before reverting to their original forms—practice dummies.
Taking a final look around the clearing, Harry spread his arms and ascended into the sky. The cool morning air rushed past him as he soared above the treetops. He had much on his mind, but what he needed most was rest.
Unfortunately, rest would have to wait.
As he neared the edge of the forest and the boundary of Hogwarts' wards, a blinding flash of fire erupted in front of him. Startled, Harry halted mid-air, shielding his eyes from the brightness. When the flames died down, an all-too-familiar figure emerged—a tall, bearded old man in flamboyant robes, his eyes twinkling behind half-moon spectacles.
Chapter 299: Chapter 299: "The Knight and the Headmaster Part - 1"
The morning sun began to peek over the horizon, casting a golden hue over the treetops of the Forbidden Forest. Hovering just outside the Hogwarts wards, Harry—still disguised as Knight Arthur—found himself suddenly confronted by a burst of flames as Albus Dumbledore appeared, carried by Fawkes the phoenix.
The magnificent bird's eyes locked with Harry's for a fleeting moment, and Harry could have sworn he saw a glimmer of recognition in them. Fawkes let out a soft, melodious trill—a sound that seemed to carry a gentle plea, almost as if urging Harry to show mercy to the old headmaster. Then, with another flash of flames, the phoenix vanished, leaving Dumbledore alone to face Harry.
Beneath his helm, Harry allowed himself a small, knowing smile. This encounter had been inevitable, perhaps even overdue. After their clash at the Order meeting and Dumbledore's petty revenge with the Head Boy position, the old man clearly needed a reminder that he wasn't infallible. Still, Harry had no desire to harm him seriously—just enough to bruise his ego and deliver a lesson in humility.
Harry knew he could end this quickly if he wanted; there were dozens of lethal spells that could overcome a wizard of Dumbledore's age. But that wasn't his way, not with someone who, despite his manipulations and mistakes, still stood against the darkness. Dumbledore wasn't evil, just flawed and sometimes misguided in his methods. Harry would have his fun, make his point, and leave the headmaster unharmed.
Dumbledore's eyes, usually filled with a gentle twinkle, now bore a sharp intensity. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice firm yet curious. "And what business do you have at my school?"
Harry tilted his head slightly, a playful smirk hidden beneath his helmet. "Good morning to you too, Headmaster Dumbledore," he replied, his tone light. "Shouldn't you be occupied elsewhere? I'm just a knight tending to matters in the forest."
Dumbledore's gaze narrowed. "A knight, you say? In this day and age? I thought your kind were the stuff of legend. Which knightly family do you hail from?"
Harry reached behind him and unsheathed his sword. Its blade shimmered with ancient runes as it caught the light. "The Gryffindor family," he announced, his voice steady.
Dumbledore's eyebrows arched in surprise. "The Gryffindor family? Are you claiming kinship with the Potters?"
Harry chuckled softly. "You British wizards practice the system that when a family line produces a squib, the family dies. You know that is not true, right? You know magic has a funny way of reemerging generations later. I come from one of those forgotten lines."
Dumbledore studied him closely, his expression unreadable. "Fascinating. And yet, your presence here is unauthorized. Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest are under my protection."
"Funny," Harry remarked, glancing back toward the forest. "It didn't seem very protected when I found it crawling with acromantulas ready to spill onto the grounds."
Dumbledore's expression remained calm, though his eyes darkened slightly. "The affairs of this school and its surroundings are my responsibility. I cannot allow unknown figures to meddle—especially not now, with dangers lurking everywhere."
Harry chuckled, his tone deliberately casual. "Unknown figures? That's a bit harsh. Think of me as... freelance pest control."
"Your flippancy does little to ease my concerns," Dumbledore retorted. "Identify yourself, or I will be forced to intervene."
"Ah, but where's the fun in that?" Harry teased. "A little mystery keeps life interesting, don't you think?"
Dumbledore's patience was clearly thinning. "Enough games. State your purpose plainly, or face the consequences."
Harry sighed theatrically. "Very well, if you must know. I was ensuring the safety of your students by dealing with a rather large spider problem—one that, might I add, should have been addressed by Hogwarts' esteemed headmaster."
A flicker of unease crossed Dumbledore's face. "Aragog... is he...?"
"Alive? No," Harry said bluntly. "He fought well, though."
Dumbledore let out a heavy sigh. "Hagrid will be heartbroken."
"I can't, like you, prioritize one person's feelings over the safety of the entire school," Harry replied coldly. "Your inability to act put countless lives at risk."
"Mind your tone," Dumbledore warned, his voice hardening. "You tread dangerous ground."
"Only because the acromantulas made it so," Harry shot back. "But you'll be happy to know I've tidied up your backyard for you."
Dumbledore stepped forward, his robes billowing as though caught in an invisible wind. "You speak in riddles and evade my questions. I cannot let you leave until I have answers."
"Is that so?" Harry replied, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "And here I thought gratitude was in order."
"Enough," Dumbledore declared, drawing his wand. "You will reveal your identity, or I shall be forced to make you."
Harry's eyes gleamed with mischief from behind his visor. "Now we're getting somewhere. A friendly duel before breakfast? Don't mind if I do."
Without further warning, Dumbledore flicked his wand, sending a jet of red light streaking toward Harry. Reacting swiftly, Harry sidestepped, the spell dissipating harmlessly against the forest floor.
"Impressive reflexes," Dumbledore admitted. "But let's see how you handle this."
He waved his wand in a complex motion, and the ground beneath Harry transformed into a mass of writhing vines, surging upward to ensnare his feet. With a fluid leap, Harry landed nimbly on a nearby tree branch.
"Nice try," he called down. "But I've always been light on my feet."
Dumbledore's eyes flashed with determination. "You leave me no choice."
He conjured a flock of fiery birds, each one diving toward Harry with blazing intensity. Drawing his sword, Harry met them head-on, the blade slicing through the constructs and dispersing them into sparks.
"Birds of fire? Creative," Harry remarked. "But I've dealt with hotter situations."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "You have skill, I'll give you that. But skill alone won't be enough."
With a sweeping motion, he transfigured the surrounding trees into towering stone golems, their eyes glowing as they lumbered toward Harry. The ground trembled with each of their steps.
"Now this is more like it!" Harry exclaimed, his voice laced with excitement.
The first golem swung a massive fist at him, but Harry slid beneath it, delivering a precise slash to its leg. Cracks rippled across the stone as the golem faltered. The second one tried to corner him, but Harry vaulted over its shoulder, using his enhanced agility to his advantage. Landing behind it, he drove his sword into its back, and the creature crumbled into rubble.
Dumbledore observed the display with a mix of awe and frustration. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice rising with intensity. "No ordinary wizard possesses such abilities."
Harry laughed lightly. "I'm a knight, remember? Hardly ordinary. But let's keep some mysteries alive, shall we?"
"Very well," Dumbledore said grimly. "If you won't reveal yourself willingly, I will have to subdue you."
He raised his wand skyward, and dark clouds began to gather overhead. Thunder rumbled ominously as bolts of lightning arced down toward Harry.
With confidence, Harry raised his sword, its blade acting as a lightning rod. The energy coursed through the metal, channeling harmlessly. With a swift motion, he redirected the lightning back toward Dumbledore, who barely erected a shield in time to deflect the attack. Sparks flew as the shield absorbed the impact, forcing Dumbledore back a few steps.
"Playing with lightning? That's a bit shocking," Harry quipped, a smirk audible in his voice.
Dumbledore's lips tightened. "Your wit is as sharp as your sword, but this ends now."
He cast a complex spell, and the air around Harry shimmered and warped. Chains of pure magical energy materialized, shooting toward him from all directions.
Harry spun his sword in a defensive arc, the blade glowing with power. The chains collided with its aura, shattering into nothingness.
"You're going to have to try harder," Harry teased.
Dumbledore's frustration was palpable. "So be it."
With a grand gesture, he summoned a massive serpent of fire from the ground. It hissed menacingly, coiling around Harry in an attempt to constrict him.
"Fire again?" Harry asked, unimpressed. "You really need some new tricks."
Focusing his energy, Harry imbued his sword with an icy blue glow. With a clean slash, he cut through the fiery serpent, extinguishing it in a burst of steam.
Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly. "Elemental manipulation through a sword... intriguing."
"Glad you're impressed," Harry replied casually. "But if we're done here, I'd like to get on with my day."
"We are far from done," Dumbledore declared.
He raised his wand again, forming a dome of crackling energy around Harry. The barrier began to shrink rapidly, intending to trap him.
Reacting swiftly, Harry drove his sword into the ground, sending a shockwave rippling outward. The force disrupted the dome's formation. Using the momentum, he leaped forward, closing the gap between himself and Dumbledore.
Landing a few paces away, Harry rested his sword on his shoulder. "Your spells are impressive, but they lack a certain... finesse."
Dumbledore regarded him intently. "You are skilled in both magic and combat. Few can claim such mastery."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," Harry said with a laugh. "Perhaps it's time for you to concede."
"Not until I have answers," Dumbledore insisted.
With surprising speed, he unleashed a barrage of spells—conjured chains, explosive bursts, and transfigured barriers. But Harry countered each attack with precision, navigating the onslaught effortlessly. His sword flashed as he deflected and neutralized every spell.
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