Treacherous - Theodore Nott

Chapter Two

"Miss Alpheratz," Professor Dumbledore smiles at me, gesturing to a chair across from his desk. "Please have a seat."

"What is this?" I ask, sitting down. "Is my family okay?"

"Oh don't worry about them," he smiles, "I was simply hoping to discuss your day. I heard you had an interesting time this morning in Divination. Memorable way to begin your semester, yes?" He raised an eyebrow.

I looked back at him quizzically. "You asked me here to talk about my class? This late? I'm sorry Professor I just don't see why you wouldn't wait until tomorrow for this. It's pretty late," I laugh uncomfortably.

He sits for a moment, thinking, then stands up and begins to pace.
"Professor Trelawney is concerned. She requested that I ask you a certain... uncomfortable question," he looks at me apologetically, "There's really no easy way to ask this so I'm just going to ask it blankly. Are you working for the dark lord?"

I laugh. "Are you asking me if I'm a death eater?"

He nods.

My smile fades. "I would think you'd have more faith in me Professor. I've known you my whole life."

He just looks at me.

Why is he asking me this? What is this about?

"No. I'm not a death eater. Why do you ask?"

He sighs and looks at me. His watery blue eyes piercing into me. I shift in the chair uncomfortably. He walks around and starts down the steps to the lower level of his office.

I toss my head back and let out a breath in exasperation. Pushing my chair back, I stand and go to follow him.

He walked over to a table and picked up a glowing blue sphere.

"This is from the ministry," he begins, "It's a prophecy."

I look at him, waiting for him to continue.

"It's about you," he finishes.

What?

"What do you mean? What does it... say?"

He looks to be weighing his options.
"Unfortunately, I can't tell you. But Professor Trelawney was correct to be concerned. You are... important. As I'm sure you know- the Death Eaters have been-..."

"I'm sorry," I interrupt, "you asked me here to tell me that there's a prophecy about me, but I can't know what it says? What's that about? Seriously, why even bother telling me?"

"I... understand your frustrations. I'm sure in time you will learn more about it. For now, though, this stays between us."

"Oh. Okay, perfect. So let me get this straight. You're concerned about me because apparently there's some prophecy about how I'm important. SO important that you think the Dark Lord is suddenly trying to recruit me. But I can't tell anyone. Awesome."

Seriously? What is he on about? This is ridiculous. As if the Dark Lord would try to recruit me. Sure I'm at the top of most of my classes but I'm not outstanding by any means. And my family would never allow that. No way he expects me to keep this a secret.

"You will keep this between us. There will be consequences otherwise."

"Are you threatening me?"

"Of course not," he laughs, "just something to keep in mind. Now, unless you have any questions that I can answer, that will be all."

I let out an exaggerated sigh in annoyance.

"I mean yeah, I have questions," I look at him expectantly. He says nothing. I sigh again. "Well since you don't want to talk about this," I gesture to the sphere, "what's up with the new students? Theodore Nott and that Lestrange girl? Their parents are escaped Azkaban prisoners. Why are they allowed to be students here? That's got to be a safety hazard."