Black and White

23

The next thing I know, we are all riding thestrals towards the Ministry of Magic. Of course, this is difficult and hilarious as only Luna, Harry, and I can actually see the thestrals. Luna, however, seems like the happiest girl in the world. I try to smile at her when she looks over at me, but I'm too worried about Dad to manage it.

We land and run towards the Department of Mysteries. Finally, as we exit an elevator, Harry looks around the hallway he apparently recognizes.

"This is it," he says.

The hallway opens up into a large room filled with hundreds and hundreds of crystal balls. Harry goes to a number he knows from his dream or vision, and looks back at us in confusion.

"He should be here," he says.

"Harry," Neville calls, looking at one of the orbs. "It's got your name on it."

The orb glows as Harry nears it. Cautiously, he picks it up. The prophecy starts, but then I see something. A Death Eater, and I recognize the mask.

"Harry!" I call, getting everyone's attention.

"Where's Sirius?" Harry asks.

"You know, you really should learn to tell the difference between dreams and reality," Uncle Lucius answers, dissipating his mask. "You saw only what the Dark Lord wanted you to see. Now, hand me the prophecy."

"If you do anything to us, I'll break it," Harry threatens.

Bellatrix laughs then, showing herself. "He knows how to play," she grins. "Itty, bitty, baby Potter."

"Bellatrix Lestrange," Neville addresses nervously.

"Neville Longbottom, is it?" Bellatrix asks. "How's mum and dad?"

"Better, now they're about to be avenged," Neville states, raising his wand.

Harry stops Neville, though, and Uncle Lucius stops Bellatrix.

"Now, let's everybody just calm down, shall we?" Uncle Lucius states. "All we want is that prophecy."

I start to wonder why the two Death Eaters haven't called me out, when I realize they think my friends don't know. They expect me to betray my friends at the perfect moment, whenever that will be. Newsflash: Not likely. Even if it might get me killed.

"Why did Voldemort need me to come and get this?" Harry asks, holding up the crystal ball.

"You dare speak his name?" Bellatrix asks. "You filthy half-blood!"

"It's all right," Uncle Lucius soothes as more Death Eaters surround us. "He's just a curious lad, aren't you? Prophecies can only be retrieved by those about whom they are made. Which is lucky for you, really. Haven't you always wondered, what was the reason for the connection between you and the Dark Lord? Why he was unable to kill you when you were just an infant? Don't you want to know the secret of your scar? All the answers are there, Potter, in your hand. All you have to do, is give it to me. Then I can show you everything."

Luna and I turn to face the Death Eaters approaching from behind us.

"I've waited fourteen years," Harry states evenly. "I guess I can wait a little longer. Now! Stupefy!"

"Stupefy!" we all yell, but the Death Eaters vanish.

We run, trying to escape the room of crystal balls, but the Death Eaters appear at every turn, and we push them back with spells as best we can, until we all find each other again.

"Reducto!" Ginny yells, throwing back Mr. Goyle in a great flash of light. But, then all the crystal balls start falling.

"Run!" I yelp, and we all head back for the door.