A Prophecy Uncovered

Prologue

A PROPHECY UNCOVERED

After the havoc wrecked in the notorious Department of Mysteries in the Ministry of Magic last year, it was believed that nearly every prophecy that was kept in the Department was destroyed. Shockingly, during the long-lasting clean up, one of the Unspeakables found a prophecy, completely intact in the rubble, with the only labelling on it being ‘Hogwarts’. The prophecy is now in Headmaster Albus Dumbledore’s care as he tries to figure out what exactly the prophecy is for.

Hermione Granger frowned as she set down the Daily Prophet on the table in front of her, but quickly dismissed it as unimportant. If a prophecy was vital surely more care would be available for it, and the Unspeakables would be more aware of it. She quickly put the article into the back of her mind as she returned to her breakfast, quickly wondering what was taking Harry and Ron so long – it was nearly time for Potions, and despite Slughorn’s obvious favouritism towards Harry she didn’t think being late to his class was wise. The man did use to be the Head of Slytherin after all.

“Hermione, how do you feel about having a girls’ night with Luna and I tonight?” Ginny asked Hermione from her place sat next to the brunette.

Hermione considered it for a moment – it would mean a break from the ever-gossiping Lavender and Parvati. Hermione didn’t mind the girls; it was just that she never knew what to say to them as they had next to nothing in common.

“Sure, why not?” Hermione accepted the offer.

“Great!” Ginny said brightly before returning to her conversation with Dean Thomas who seemed to be becoming her on-off boyfriend.

Hermione finished her breakfast and began gathering up her stuff together when the two boys she considered her best friends rushed to her, filling the empty spaces next to her. Hermione instantly stopped gathering her things and frowned at them.

“Where have you two been?” she asked them with a disapproving gaze.

“Overslept.” Harry answered as Ron began shoving food onto his plate.

“Well you better hurry up as Potions starts in ten minutes.” Hermione told them before starting towards the dungeons.

The two did manage to make it in time for Potions, and Slughorn set them a particularly difficult potion – which Harry once again managed to perfect due to the Half-Blood Prince’s notes. Hermione tried not to get irritated about the fact that her friend was better than her at something – she really did try, but she was angrier about the fact he was basically cheating than with the fact that he beat her. It was completely unethical the way he was working – he really should’ve given the book back, especially now that he had his own copy.

The trio walked out of Potions and Ron was once again whining to Harry, wanting to use the extra notes himself. They were on their way to Charms when Professor McGonagall spotted them.

“Come with me, you three. Professor Dumbledore would like to see you.”

***

Draco ran his hands through his hair. He didn’t know what to do – he really didn’t know. How could he reveal to people that all they knew about him was really a web of lies… thatmost of what they knew was surrounded by lies? It wasn’t Draco’s fault – no, the burden was bestowed upon him against his will through his own heritage, but still, he felt as if it were his fault. Simply because he was made the messenger.

“Draco… you don’t have to do this… not yet at least.” Severus Snape sighed. The man was more than just a Professor to the boy, he was his Godfather, and cared for him. He hated seeing Draco go through everything on his own – but he was meant to, it was his destiny, after all. No one could fight against destiny.

“I know, but there is no point in delaying the inevitable.” Draco murmured, looking at his hands.

“You are right over there, Mr Malfoy.” Professor Dumbledore said from behind his desk, “The other three should be here shortly, as well as Professor McGonagall with the other trio. I do wish that we had more time, but unfortunately, we never seem to have that luxury.”

“Do you think we’re ready, Professor?” Draco asked the man.

“What do you think, my boy?” Dumbledore asked, watching the blonde carefully.

Draco looked up at Dumbledore with a deep sadness in his eyes, “I don’t think anyone could ever be ready for what will happen.”

Dumbledore didn’t say anything then, and neither did Snape, but both knew Draco’s words to be true.

Professor McGonagall entered the office with the Golden Trio trailing behind. Draco gulped – this would possibly be the hardest moment of his life, and he knew it. He had tormented these three – sure, it had been for his cover, but still the guilt flooded through him. The trio quickly frowned at the sight they were presented with before Granger finally cracked.

“What’s going on, Professors?” she asked warily.

Dumbledore smiled at the three, “There’s much that needs to be explained. Please, take a seat.”

The three guardedly took the three vacant seats next to Draco, Granger ending up taking the seat nearest to him, and he could clearly see the tension in her. He sighed, standing up, walking to stand next to his Godfather. The trio looked at him suspiciously, but he didn’t let it bother him.

“I think we should start at the beginning, shouldn’t we?” Draco said, looking at Dumbledore.

“That is usually the best place to start, Mr Malfoy.” McGonagall smiled, making the Golden Trio sink into their seats, knowing that they were certainly in for a surprise because McGonagall never smiled at Draco Malfoy.

“This will be interesting.” Snape drawled, crossing his arms and watching the Gryffindors with intense curiosity.