|
207 "Harry Potter, do you know what unicorn blood is used -for." "No," said Harry, startled by the odd question. "We've only used the horn and tail hair in Potions." "That is because it is a monstrous thing, to slay a unicorn," said Firenze. "Only one who has nothing to lose, and everything to gain, would commit such a crime. The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible price. You have slain something pure and defenseless to save yourself, and you will have but a half-life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips." Harry stared at the back of Firenze's head, which was dappled silver in the moonlight.
"But who'd be that desperate." he wondered aloud. "If you're going to be cursed forever, deaths better, isn't it." "It is," Firenze agreed, "unless all you need is to stay alive long enough to drink something else -- something that will bring you back to full strength and power -- something that will mean you can never die.
Mr. Potter, do you know what is hidden in the school at this very moment." "The Sorcerer's Stone! Of course -- the Elixir of Life! But I don't understand who --" "Can you think of nobody who has waited many years to return to power, who has clung to life, awaiting their chance." It was as though an iron fist had clenched suddenly around Harry's heart. Over the rustling of the trees, he seemed to hear once more what Hagrid had told him on the night they had met: "Some say he died.
Codswallop, in my opinion. Dunno if he had enough human left in him to die." "Do you mean," Harry croaked, "that was Vol-" "Harry! Harry, are you all right." Hermione was running toward them down the path, Hagrid puffing along
 |  |
|
