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.