And Then I Met You

Dark, Dangerous Secrets

For a few seconds, my body is paralyzed. A wave of goosebumps floods down my back. 

"L-look", I manage to blurt out as I grab Hermione by the robe. 

A shriek rings through the crowd as another student realizes what has happened. 

Cedric is sprawled across the ground, his limbs twisted at impossible angles. His body is covered in scrapes and bruises, and his hair is swept across his pale face. His eyes are open, glazed. 

I look over at Harry again. Tears are streaming down his face, mixing with a combination of mucus and blood. He stumbles across the grass, clutching his left arm in pain. The sleeve is torn off, blood flowing freely out of a gaping wound. 

As he collapses next to Cedric's lifeless body, the music and cheering comes to a sudden halt. A deadly silence lingers in the air for a matter of seconds. It's as if the crowd can't comprehend what has just happened. 

I don't blame them. 

In a matter of seconds, the silence has been pierced with anguished wails. 

Cedric's father trips down the stairs. "THAT'S MY BOY!", his voice echoes across the bleachers. He sags down next to Cedric, cradling him in his arms. "MY BOY IS DEAD!" 

Out of the corner of my eyes, I see Dumbledore storming out of the bleachers, back towards the school. His eyes are wide with emotions, but I can't tell if it's fear or anger. Maybe both. I snap out of my trance, sprinting after him. My breath grows raspy as I run down the trail, struggling to catch up with Dumbledores strides. 

"Dumbl-", I croak. "Dumbledore!" I grab onto his cloak. 

"What is the matter miss Monroe?", he snaps, slightly agitated, before composing himself. "I need to deal with something very urgent." 

"I-I", I stutter, trying to gather my words. "I knew this would happen." 

Dumbledore raises his eyebrows, confused. 

"I saw it in a dream. Well, a dream. Sort of. I think. I was there when Cedric died!". 

Dumbledore's expression changes, to what can only be a combination of surprise and disbelief. "No...", he mutters. "I thought we prevented this from happening." 

"Prevented what from happening?", I ask him anxiously. 

"You need to come with me now", Dumbledore places a hand on my shoulder, guiding me alongside him.  

- - - - - - - - 

When we enter his office, Dumbledore gestures towards a stool in front of his desk. 

I sit down. 

Dumbledore is clutching his forehead, as if he is unable to comprehend the situation. "What I'm about to tell you is going to confuse you. Frighten you even". Dumbledore is pacing up and down the room. "It's going to change you, the way you've lived your life this year. Everything will be different. Do you think you can handle it?" 

I'm still perplexed so I give him a slight nod, remaining silent. 

Dumbledore inhales deeply. "Madison, you possess the ability to see into the future ." 

"What?", I'm even more confused now. 

"I don't know why or how, but you can predict occurrences in the future. The cycle is as follows: a gradual build up of headaches, dizziness. Then, when the build up is complete, your body shuts down. You seemingly pass out. What actually happens during the days that you are gone, is a conscience transfer. To you it feels like a dream, but actually, your conscience shifts ahead in time, allowing you to predict the future. Once you shift back, you are left with a dream like image of what will happen." 

I can't speak. 

"You used to attend Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. During your third year, you developed these... abilities of yours. Concerned, and unable to understand what was going on, the school expelled you. Your parents came to me to seek help. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to give them the answers they wanted." Dumbledore walks over to put, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I was however, able to tell them the dangers of your ability. You are a danger to us all. You see, when you shift your conscience, you don't remain anonymous to all. He who must not be named can feel your presence when he is involved in a future occurrence. Each and every time you come into this state of indirect contact, he is able to gather more information, grow closer to you."

"I don't understand..." 

Dumbledore leans down. "Hypothetically, he could track you down, and use you as a weapon. Torture you to find out our secrets and figure out how we will target him next." 

I shake my head in disbelief. "I'm a danger to the wizarding world?" 

Dumbledore nods. "Yes. That's why the only option for us to take was to obliviate you. Wipe your memories, in an attempt to take away your abilities and grant you a normal life. Your mother told you that you had suffered a concussion in order to prevent you from asking any questions. You would be able to attend Hogwarts and be a normal student. I don't understand how you have regained your abilities..." 

I bury my face in my hands. "I-I still don't understand." 

"I know. It's difficult, complicated. I don't even know why you have these... Powers", Dumbledore is pacing again. "We can only hope that he doesn't find you." 

"Who?", I ask cautiously. 

Dumbledore lowers his voice to a whisper. 

"Voldemort".