Treacherous - Theodore Nott

Chapter Twenty One

"Put your lips close to mine
     As long as they don't touch,"
   ————————————————————————

A familiar feeling of nervousness and apprehension enters my stomach as I make the trek to an office that I was beginning to know far too well.

Once again, Professor Dumbledore has asked me to his office just before curfew, so my steps are echoing a bit faster than they normally would. He was graceful enough to tell me his password this time though, so I fortunately won't have to wait for a passerby to fill me in.

Just as I am about to say the words "crème brûlée," the stone griffin shifts and the staircase appears. An unfortunate acquaintance steps down the remaining stairs, and I sneer as we make eye contact.

"In trouble, Potter?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," he responds, briskly passing me and bumping my shoulder as he goes.

I walk up the stairs and rotate my arm, the brush-by hurt more than I'd like to admit.

I wonder what he was doing in Dumbledore's office as I finish my ascent.

The elderly wizard is quietly stroking Fawkes, and as I walk towards him he smiles at me through his half-moon glasses.

"What was Potter doing up here?" I begin, knowing I really shouldn't be asking.

He raises a brow at me. "Same thing as you, Miss Alpheratz."

"Oh? Well... what am I doing here?"

"I believe it's time I told you a bit about your prophecy."

He walks to his desk motioning to the seat across from him for me to sit, and I do.

I stare at him in silence for a moment. I really had been under the impression that he wouldn't ever tell me what it said. But then his previous words sink in.

"Wait, you told Potter my prophecy-," I start angrily.

He just laughs.

"No, I told him his prophecy. There's plenty going around right now."

"Oh," I calm myself, wondering silently what his could be. "Well what's mine?"

"Unfortunately I can't exactly tell you what it says, but I can give you some insight," he starts.

I feel myself already growing annoyed. Of course he called me in here just to not tell me what it says. I roll my eyes, then realize this is the Headmaster and most powerful living wizard I'm speaking to and straighten my back in the seat.

He continues with a chuckle, "I'm sure you've heard whispering of a second wizarding war approaching, along with rumors that he who must not be named has returned? Regretfully, I must confirm these unfortunate truths. Mister Potter and I have been busy with work to ultimately prevent his rise to power again, but should we fail you will be a very important piece in this."

Of course I knew both of these things, but I had to act surprised.

I widen my eyes and look at him for a moment. "Of course I'd heard the rumors but I honestly didn't believe them... And why would I be important?"

"That much is unclear at this time, but I'm sure it will come to you."

Once again he is leaving me with a huge piece of information, and no intention of helping me solve it. My frustration must be visible because he sighs and reaches to press a hand on my shoulder.

"I wish I knew more, Miss Alpheratz, but that's all I can leave you with for now. Just stay true to what you believe is good and right and hopefully that will give us the up in this wizarding war."