The Dark Prince

Chapter Six

Catherine's Point of View

I had moments to spare before curfew when I stepped into the Slytherin commonroom. "Kate! Are you feeing better now?", a worried Rose asked, standing up from her spot on the couches. I smiled, watching her expression change to a more relieved look. "I'm fine, really Rose! No need to get your knickers in a knot", I teased. "I was just wondering where you were, you disappeared after dinner and I haven't seen you since!" I smiled slightly then yawned, "Shall we get ready for bed? I wouldn't want the prefects getting on my case on the second night." "Likewise", Rose agreed, following me up the stone stairs to the dormitories. My legs felt like lead, and at that moment I realized how insanely exhausted I was.

The next morning, I surprisingly woke up around dawn. Looking over at the rustic, old clock on my night stand, it was just past 6:15. I groaned, stretching my arms, then rubbed my eyes. As I was about to get out of bed, I noticed a small piece of parchment sitting neatly folded on my bedspread. I reached over and brought it closer to my face, the spidery cursive was not recognizable. Hesitantly, I opened it and smoothed the paper's creases.

Catherine,

I must speak to you urgently. Meet me in the astronomy tower after dinner, around 7:45.

Don't be late,

Draco

I wondered what Draco of all people would have to say to me that was so urgent, and secretive for that matter. Not wanting a stupid boy to cloud my thoughts, I took my time in getting dressed and embarked on my journey to Dumbledore's office. I remembered being brought there on the first day, there was a gargoyle perched on its pedestal to which a password had to be said for it to move aside. Rats, Dumbledore hadn't told me the password! Oddly enough, the moment the gargoyle saw me, it jumped away to reveal a spiral staircase - thank goodness. Once I had clambered to the pristine oak doors, I was a little surprised to have Dumbledore open them right up the moment i was about to knock.

"Sorry if I frightened you my dear, I was expecting your visit", the old man said calmly, smiling.

"That explains the gargoyle moving without my saying of the password", I replied, attempting to be as friendly as possible.

"No need for pretending now, it is quite easy to tell when someone is nervous. You aren't in trouble, Catherine. I just believe there is something quite peculiar about your person. Now, please do come in."

Dumbledore allowed me passage into the beautiful office and gestured for me to take a seat in front of his desk. Fawkes, the infamous pheonix belonging to Dumbledore, screeched at me, ruffling his feathers.

"He is unsure about wether you are approachable or not", the headmaster explained, frowning slightly. "Fawkes can sense the energy that surrounds you, as can I", he continued.

"Is it ... bad?"

"That is what I'm wondering", he answered, sitting down opposite of me.

"You see, there has never been someone in the wizard world who has powers like you do, Miss Demario."

I have powers? Hold up.

"You were aware of the fact I have powers and did not inform me?", I asked, slightly agitated.

"I did not know if you were already aware of them, do forgive me. The situation with Mr.Malfoy simply proved to me you did not know, you seemed very afraid ... scarred even", Dumbledore said in almost a whisper.

"And what exactly is this power, sir?", I asked, fiddling with my thumbs.

"You, my dear, are very gifted. When you feel significant physical sesations, your mind retains the infliction you received, and locks it away. However, you are able to recall that sensation, and use it at your will to direct at others."