Professor Potter

Chapter 66

Chapter 66 

"Alright, everyone. Remember what I've been saying. Honesty and courtesy are two pillars of Centaur society," Harry said to his select group of seventh years in the foyer of the castle. "Ms. Quonset, if you would, lead the way." 

"Yes, sir," she replied and then turned to lead the small group out into the crisp autumn air, warmed slightly with brilliant sunshine. 

Harry brought up the rear so he could watch the students as they made their way down to Hagrid's hut. As they passed by the front door, snuffling could be heard under the door but Norbie didn't bark. Just beyond the small stone house stood Morgotta and Hagrid, quietly conversing. As the group neared, Hagrid nodded to the Centaur and then walked toward the students, who offered some quietly spoken 'Afternoon, Professor.' 

"Good afternoon, ta yas. Say, Harry, I was just havin' a word with Morgotta. I'm off ta me own class now. I'll be interested ta hear how it all goes." 

"So will I, Hagrid. I'll let you know if anything interesting comes of it," Harry replied. 

As Harry approached he could see that Morgotta and Amanda Quonset had already exchanged greetings and the young witch was introducing her classmates to the Centaur Lore Master. He waited at the rear of the group until the last student was introduced. Then Amanda looked to Harry and said, 

"And of course, you already know the Professor." 

"Indeed I do," Morgotta replied, "and it is good to see you once again, Friend Harry Potter." 

"As it is for me as well, Friend Morgotta," Harry said as he approached and they exchanged the two handed greeting that had become the norm for them. 

Harry couldn't help but notice that Morgotta was wearing a jacket that more closely resembled the upper part of a scholar's robe than her usual tight fitted top. He wondered what it implied but he wasn't about to broach the subject at the moment. 

"I cannot fully express my appreciation for your efforts, Friend Morgotta. I know that my students, and now yours, will have much to gain from what they are about to hear." 

"It is I that should speak of appreciation for the opportunity, Friend Harry Potter. I have come to understand that the role of a Lore Master should be more than just a cataloger of knowledge. It should be to seek out such knowledge and to share it, to use it to create greater understanding. Today should prove to be an excellent start on that journey." 

Harry couldn't help but smile and he replied, 

"It is a journey that I hope we will share together and that it is a long and fruitful one. Now, I will leave you to the task at hand. Ms. Quonset can supply me with the details afterward." 

"You will not be observing?" Morgotta asked. 

"No, I gave my students some advice on how one should conduct themselves with Centaurs and a few have taken classes with Friend Firenze but I would not wish to inhibit their participation so it is best I go." 

Morgotta nodded and said, "Perhaps that is the path of wisdom. I would ask, therefore, if we could meet tomorrow after your classes are complete so that we may discuss today and what ever path forward seems prudent." 

"I would be happy, too. Fare thee well, Friend Morgotta," Harry replied. 

"Fare thee well, Friend Harry Potter," Morgotta said as they again clasped hands. 

She watched as Harry turned and walked back up the path to the castle and then turned to the students, hers for as long as the session lasted. 

"Shall we begin by making ourselves comfortable?" she suggested and as the students settled into the short grass, the Centaur folded her legs beneath her which still left her at a commanding height above the students.