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Author: pottervader Story: Harry Potter and the Prophesied Six Rating: Teens Setting: AU Status: WIP Reviews: 11 Words: 374,905
Disclaimer: This story was made without any intention of profiting from it. Only the original characters and the plot are mine. The rest of it belongs to JKR. A/N: Here’s the next one. I’m sorry again for the longer than usual wait but I needed the time to make this come out as well as I could plus I had a little writer’s block for a while. Please review. Later that night after dinner, Hermione was once again sitting alone in a table in the Library, finishing another essay. She was so intent on her work that she didn’t notice someone sit beside her until a hand gently touched her shoulder. Startled, she jumped back, pulling her wand out at the same time and pointing it at the blonde boy now beside her. “Hold on, Granger,” Draco said, raising his empty hands in a defensive position, “I didn’t mean to surprise you.” “What do you want Malfoy?” she asked as she sat down again, though she kept her wand ready. Draco sighed, “Look, I just came to see if you were okay. I heard that Weasley dumped you yesterday. I guess it was my fault since you stunned him while he was beating me up though that did surprise me. Tell me, why did you stun him?” Hermione felt surprised by the question. She looked blankly at Draco for a few seconds. She wasn’t exactly sure why she stunned Ron instead of shouting at him to stop. Draco looked expectantly at her. Finally, she said, “I just wanted to stop the fight before a teacher came along. I didn’t want Ron to get punished. Just what did you say to him that set him off, Malfoy?” “I don’t really remember, Granger,” Draco said, a smirk forming on his face, “It’s just so easy to push your boyfriend’s buttons. Oops, sorry, make that ex-boyfriend. Seriously, Granger, was that the real reason you stunned him? After all, it wasn’t like he was the one getting hurt. By the way, thanks for that.” “I don’t know what makes you think I had another reason to do what I did, Malfoy,” Hermione said. “I simply did it to keep Ron from getting into trouble.” Draco smiled at her, “Oh really? Well, I guess I may have been wrong.” He got up from the table but before moving away, he leaned closer to her and whispered into her ear, “Thanks again, Hermione.” Hermione felt her stomach lurch and shivers run down her spine. She stared at the Slytherin boy as he walked away from her, never glancing back. She shook her head and tried to get back to her essay but found herself unable to concentrate. All that was going through her mind was the thought that Draco may be right. After all, who would stun their boyfriend when he was fighting someone who was considered his worst enemy? She shook her head to clear it but found her thoughts just going around in circles. Frustrated, she packed her things and left the library, headed for Gryffindor Tower. When she stepped through the Portrait Hole, she heard her name being called. Looking around, she saw Rose calling her over where she and Neville were seated at their group’s favorite spot, the sofa in front of the fireplace. She was seated between Neville’s legs leaning against his chest while Neville’s arms were around her. The common room was empty except for them. “Hey guys,” she said as she sat down in an armchair across from them, “What’s up?” “Hermione,” Rose began, “I made a mistake saying what I did yesterday. I shouldn’t have compared your relationship to the one I had with Ti. I was wrong. There’s nothing similar between what Ti and I had and what you and Ron have.” Hermione shook her head, “It doesn’t matter, Rose. You were right about one thing. I have to really look at our relationship and see if it’s what I want.” “Has something changed, Hermione?” Neville asked. Hermione sighed, “I’ve been going over what happened yesterday. Is there something else I could have done to stop the fight between Ron and Draco other than stunning Ron? Now that I’ve thought about it, I’m not sure why I stunned Ron.” “Look, Hermione,” Rose said, “You probably just panicked and did the first thing that came to your mind.” Hermione looked at her, shocked. Stunning my boyfriend is the first thing that came to me? If that’s true, then maybe I don’t feel as strongly for him as I thought I did. “I’m sorry,” she said as she got up, “but this is still all confusing. I really need to sleep on this. Good night, Rose, Neville.” ******* Rose watched Hermione ascend the stairs to her dorm and turned to Neville, confusion and distress running through her mind. “What did I say that made her leave so quickly?” “I’m not sure, Rose,” Neville said, “Like Harry said, Hermione thinks too much about things. Who knows what she was thinking?” Rose sighed and turned in his arms to lay her head against his chest. She could hear his steady heartbeat, calming her down. “I think I just made it worst. Harry will be so mad at me.” Neville kissed the top of her head. “No, I don’t think so. He’ll appreciate you talking to her and trying to make her disregard what you told her yesterday.” “I hope so,” Rose said, “Even though I may love teasing and pranking him, I don’t want Harry mad at me over something like this. If I hadn’t opened my big mouth yesterday, they would have been back together by now like before Christmas when Ron tried to break up with Hermione after seeing Draco kiss her. I’m sure Hermione would have run after him and made him take her back.” “You don’t know that, Rose,” Neville said, “Remember, it was Harry who talked to Ron and made him see that he was wrong. We’ll just have to give them time. Maybe being apart will make them see how much they belong together.” “I hope so,” Rose said as she got up, “I need to get to bed. Madam Pomfrey may let Ginny out tomorrow so I want to be at the Hospital Wing early to help her get changed.” Neville also got up, “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m sure Harry will appreciate a change of clothes himself. I’m not sure if Ron will think of that right now.” The couple walked up to the stairs and shared a passionate kiss for a few seconds before parting to their respective dorms. ******* The next day, Madam Pomfrey did release Ginny from the Hospital Wing with the provision that she return if she had any problems like nausea or dizziness. Ginny and Harry appreciated the change of clothes Rose and Neville brought with them. The two couples went to breakfast together. When they arrived in the Great Hall, a great shout of joy erupted from the Gryffindor table along with cheers for Ginny. Blushing madly, Ginny sat down at their house table and accepted the well wished from her housemates as well as from students of the other houses, mostly members of the Defense Club. Hermione came up to hug Ginny, “I’m so glad you’re all right. Harry was so lost without you.” Ginny grinned as she glanced back at Harry who was turning red in embarrassment, “Thanks for trying to take care of him. Now, what about you? How are you doing? I’m sure it won’t take Ron long to realize he’s made a mistake.” Hermione closed her eyes and sniffed then opened her eyes which brimmed with tears, “I’m coping with it as best I can. It may actually be a good thing he broke up with me. I need time to decide how I really feel about him.” Ginny looked at her in surprise. “Hermione,” she began, “You can’t really think you’re falling for Malfoy, are you?” Hermione shrugged, “I don’t know that either. As I said, I need time to think things through. I don’t have it right now with exams for the term coming up.” “You have to make the time, Hermione,” Harry said, “The longer you take to decide, the more Ron will think you don’t care about him and it’ll be harder to get back together with him.” “Please, Harry,” Hermione pleaded, “Give me some time. I don’t want to regret anything between me and Ron. At the least, I want to remain friends with him.” Harry sighed, “All right, Hermione. I’ll let you alone for now but please don’t take too long.” They all sat down and began placing food on their plates. Half an hour after they started eating, Ron arrived in the Great Hall looking a bit sleepy. When he saw Hermione seated on one side of Harry and Ginny on Harry’s other side, he scowled and sat further down the table. Harry saw this and frowned. Ginny felt his annoyance and gave his hand a gentle squeeze as she talked to him mentally, “Let him be for now. Maybe he’ll realize how much he misses Hermione and try to get back with her.” “I hope so,” Harry said, “If he’s still like this in a few days, I’ll talk to him again.” ******************** Unfortunately, it made no difference. Over the next two weeks, whenever he, Harry and Hermione had class together, Ron would sit with Seamus and/or Dean. He refused to discuss his breakup with Hermione with Harry, let alone anyone else. The distance between the two prevented the resumption of the New Marauders’ training sessions which had been suspended already while Ginny was in the Hospital wing. By the last Friday of the month, Harry was feeling very frustrated. “I don’t know what to do anymore about those two,” Harry said softly to Ginny as he sat beside her on the couch in front of the Gryffindor common room’s fireplace. Ti and Neville were playing a game of Wizard’s Chess on a table to Harry’s right, with Rose and Maggie watching. Hermione was still in the library. “Your brother and Hermione are the most stubborn people I’ve ever met, especially when it has to do with each other,” Harry said. “I know, Harry,” Ginny replied as she laid her head on his shoulder. “I’ve tried talking to Hermione and she still won’t say anything. Ron’s birthday is on Sunday, his 17th. It won’t be good if they’re still fighting.” “You’re telling me,” Harry said, throwing an arm around Ginny and drawing her closer to him, “A Wizard’s coming of age should be a happy time. I’m sure Ron will be miserable without Hermione by his side. She’s been there celebrating with him for the past five years, even before they got together.” “He sure doesn’t look miserable right now,” Ginny grumbled. Harry looked over to the other side of the common room near the portrait hole where Ron was sitting with Seamus, Dean, Lavender and Parvati. Ron was gesturing wildly about something as he talked then all five of them burst out laughing. Harry didn’t like the calculating looks forming on the two girls’ faces. The portrait hole opened up just then and Hermione walked in, her book bag hanging from one shoulder. She spotted Ron and the other sixth year Gryffindors. Her mouth tightened into a thin line before she walked past them and headed up to the girls’ dormitories. Ron didn’t seem to notice her. Harry sighed and shook his head. He didn’t know how long he could stand his best friends fighting. It was distressing. They’ve never been this way before, even when Hermione was furious at Ron after the Yule Ball two years ago. “I’ll give it another try with Hermione,” Ginny said, kissing his cheek before getting up, “Maybe Rose and Maggie can help me make her see reason.” She approached two younger girls and had a whispered conversation with them. Rose and Maggie both got up and, together, the three girls headed up the stairs. “Where are they going?” Neville asked. “They’re going to try talking with Hermione about her breakup with Ron,” Harry said. “Is she still working through her feelings for Ron and Draco?” Neville asked. “Most likely,” Harry said. “She hasn’t said anything to indicate she’s done with that.” He looked over at Ti who seemed to be staring intently at the chessboard in front of him. “Um, Ti, you’re very quiet over there. I hate to ask you this considering he’s your brother but I don’t know what happened with Draco after Ron stormed off and Rose and Neville led Hermione away though they did say you and your roommates took care of him after that. Would you mind telling us what happened after that?” Ti looked up from the chessboard and sighed. “Well,” he began, “Hermione managed to heal Draco of most of his bruises and a black eye before she woke Ron up. Draco woke up just after Rose pulled Hermione away from the bookstore stall. He refused to go see Madam Pomfrey and told us he’d just to his dorm to rest. I was reluctant to let him but he insisted, even refusing us to go with him back to the castle.” “Well, he didn’t seem injured at breakfast the next day,” Neville said. “For your information,” Ti said with a bit of a hard edge to his voice, “there was still a little discoloration around his eye and he was limping a bit when he left the Great Hall after breakfast.” “O-kay,” Neville said, “I stand corrected then. So he still had some injuries. You don’t have to be so defensive in telling me.” “Why can’t I be?” Ti said, “None of you have been willing to give Draco a chance. He’s really changed.” Harry sighed, “I’d like to believe that, Ti. I really do. But I’m not sure he has.” “Yeah,” Neville said, “I heard what your brother said to Ron before Ron charged him. He implied that Ron wasn’t worthy of Hermione because of his financial status.” Harry sighed. “No wonder he attacked Malfoy,” he said, “Those are the two things Ron’s sensitive about, his worthiness to Hermione and his lack of money. Ti, those are the type of insults your brother has been giving Ron since we were first year. It shows that deep down he’s still the same person.” Ti shook his head, “No, you’re wrong. He’s not that person anymore. I think he said that because he cares for Hermione and wants the best for her.” Harry raised one eyebrow. “Ti, did he tell you that?” Ti shrugged his shoulders, “Not outright, but I can tell he’s interested in her. I’ve seen him following her with his eyes whenever we’re in the Great Hall at mealtimes over the past two weeks and I saw him twice in the library talking to her.” Harry didn’t like that. He still remembered the conversation between Draco and Pansy that Rose had overheard last year. He looked at Neville who looked back at him with worry in his eyes. “I see,” Harry said, “Well, what do you think of Draco’s interest in Hermione?” Ti looked thoughtful for a moment before answering, “I think it would be great if they became a couple. I don’t think Ron is right for Hermione. He’s too lazy and rude. She deserves someone who’ll treat her like a queen. I’m sure Draco can do that.” Harry shook his head, “Hermione doesn’t want someone who’ll treat her like a queen but as an equal. She needs someone who will care for her and yet let her be herself. I don’t think Draco can do that whether he likes her or not.” Ti scowled, “Well, I think you’re wrong. You just won’t give him a chance to show you.” He stood up so fast that he knocked the chessboard over, scattering the chess pieces about, which protested their rough treatment. He then stormed off up the stairs to the boys’ dorms. Harry sighed and leaned back in the sofa. He didn’t mean to upset Ti but he couldn’t support any relationship between Hermione and Malfoy. He still believed in Ron and Hermione. He hoped Ginny, Rose and Maggie could talk some sense into Hermione before she decided to give Draco a chance. If that happened, he didn’t think there would be any chance of Ron and Hermione getting back together. ******* Ginny exchanged nervous looks with Maggie and Rose. Now that they were in front of the door to the sixth year girls’ room, she wasn’t quite sure what she could say to get Hermione to go back to Ron. She knocked on the door. A few seconds later, the door opened and Hermione’s head appeared through the open doorway. She didn’t look too surprised to see the three younger girls. “Hey, you three,” she said, “I know why you’re here, probably for the same reason you’ve talked to me separately for the past two weeks. Come on in.” She stood aside to allow her three younger house mates into the room. They sat down side by side on the bed opposite hers, which was Lavender’s while she sat back down Indian style on her bed. “Before you start in on me,” Hermione said, “I have a few things I’d like to say.” Ginny looked at Maggie and Rose who shrugged their shoulders. She looked back at Hermione and said, “Okay, what is it?” “First, I understand what you girls have been telling me,” she began, “But, I’m still not sure about my feelings for either one of them. Two weeks is still not enough time for me to decide, especially with all the work we have to do in and out of class. However, I have been thinking about something related to that, which requires me to make sure no one else hears what we’re talking about.” She raised her wand and cast a locking charm on the door followed by an Imperturbable Charm. “It has to do with the prophecy Rose gave,” she continued, “I was wondering if we didn’t make a mistake with the part about the White Ram. Ginny, can you tune Harry out? I want to talk to you and Rose first about this.” “Don’t worry, Harry isn’t listening in,” Ginny asked. “What do you mean by a mistake about the White Ram, Hermione?” “I think she’s wondering if the White Ram refers to Draco and not to Ti,” Rose said, “That’s it, isn’t it?” “How can you say that?” Maggie asked. “It has to be Ti.” “Don’t be blinded by your infatuation with Ti, Maggie,” Hermione scolded the younger girl. “Hey!” Maggie said hotly, “I am not infatuated with him!” The three older girls snorted at the same time. “We know you like him, Maggie,” Rose said, patting Maggie’s hand gently, before turning to glare at Hermione, “However, I don’t think that’s important since I happen to agree with you that the White Ram is Ti. Why do you think Draco is the one, Hermione?” “Well,” Hermione said, “Look at the way that part was worded. “The White Ram, saved from evil by him.” What evil did we save Ti from? All we did was accept him as a friend when he was sorted and when his father disowned him. How is that saving him from evil? On the other hand, if we can get Draco completely on our side, wouldn’t that can qualify for that phrase?” “You’re missing one important thing, Hermione,” Rose said, “Remember the first verse which said ‘They gather now’. That means that at the time I gave that prophecy, the ones in it were already grouping together. Draco wasn’t even remotely in our group.” “I know that’s what we thought then,” Hermione said, “But we can’t be sure of the time frame. Prophecies are usually vague on the ‘now’ part.” “That’s a load of croc and you know it,” Ginny said, “You’re grasping at straws, Hermione.” “Well, I think we should give him a chance,” Hermione said, “I’m going to talk to Professor Dumbledore tomorrow about this and see what he says. My love life will have to wait.” “If you make Ron wait any longer, Hermione,” Ginny said, “you may lose him for good. It’s his birthday on Sunday you know. We wanted to ask your help in planning a party for him. But I see you’re too busy to make time for a friend, never mind that he’s your ex-boyfriend. Come on, girls, let’s go.” Ginny, Rose and Maggie stood up and headed out of the room. Just before she exited the room, Maggie, who was the last one out, turned around. “You know, Hermione,” she said, “I used to think you were the smartest girl in the school and admired you for it. But now I realize you’re just a know-it-all bookworm.” She closed the door, leaving a shocked Hermione staring after her. ******************* The next day, the people living at Potter Manor were relaxing after an excellent breakfast prepared by Lily and Blinky with a little help from Molly. The Weasleys were still staying at Potter Manor since it was still dangerous to go back to the Burrow. They hoped to be able to rebuild it once the war was over. Lily had initially refused to let Molly help them cook but had relented in the past month since the older woman had looked so forlorn not doing anything and Lily had to admit that the food tasted even better with Molly’s help. Of course, Hermione’s parents and brother were also there since it wasn’t safe for them to return home either. James and Arthur were enjoying the first Saturday off they had had since the start of the year. The Death Eaters had resumed attacking Muggle and Wizarding villages every few nights and since James refused to pressure his daughter to use her Astral walking ability to predict attacks, they were back at simply picking up the pieces after each attack. It made for a busy time for the Minister of Magic and his Deputy, not to mention the Aurors. James looked up from the Daily Prophet he was reading when the fireplace flared green and Professor Dumbledore’s face appeared in it. The Grangers looked startled for a moment but didn’t say anything. The three toddlers (Dan Granger, Daisy ad Alex Potter) didn’t even look up from the game they were playing in their roped off play area, having become used to seeing the Floo. “Yes, Albus,” James asked. “I’m sorry to disturb your day off, James,” Dumbledore said, “I know this is the first time in weeks you’ve been home on a Saturday but there’s something I need to discuss with you and probably Lily. May I come through the Floo?” James sighed but nodded. It was true. This was the first Saturday he was able to stay for breakfast on a Saturday since Death Eater attacks against Wizards and Muggles had again resumed in the past month and a half. “Of course, Albus,” James said. “Come on through.” As Dumbledore came through the Floo, James called Lily from the porch where she was gardening with Molly and Jean Granger. Then the three adults moved to the library. Once inside, Dumbledore cast several spells against eavesdropping. “All right,” James said once they were seated in front of his desk, “What is this all about?” “Miss Granger approached me earlier this morning at breakfast with some interesting speculation,” Dumbledore said, “It has to do with the prophecy your daughter gave almost two years ago, specifically the verse about the White Ram.” “If I remember correctly, Albus,” Lily said, “it was concluded that the term was interpreted as a reverse of a black sheep and the kids thought it referred to Ti Black.” “Yes, that’s correct,” Albus said, “But now Miss Granger thinks it may in fact refer to Draco Malfoy. I’d like your opinion on it.” “I don’t know, Albus,” James said, “What were the reasons she gave for her conclusion?” “She believes that the part of the verse about ‘saved from Evil by him’ is more appropriate to Draco,” Albus said. “She questioned the application of that part to Ti. She asked how Harry saved him from evil.” “Well,” Lily said, “I can see how she’d question that. But then how would it apply to Draco Malfoy?” “Miss Granger believes that accepting him would convince him to turn from his father and Voldemort’s influence,” Dumbledore said, “She has befriended him after a fashion and is considering going out with him.” James and Lily exchanged worried looks. Harry had told them of Ron and Hermione’s breakup and its effect on their son’s group in nightly conversations using his mirror. The presence of Draco could fracture the group even further. “I’m not sure that is wise, Albus,” James said, “Draco could discover many of the secrets kept by Harry and Ginny especially about the Soul Bond. As far as we know, Voldemort has no knowledge of it, even after their confrontation last Christmas.” “In addition,” Lily said, “I think Hermione’s ignoring the time element in the first verse of that prophecy which indicated that the ones in the prophecy were already grouped together at that time. Also, I think accepting Ti and taking him their group could constitute saving him from evil. We don’t know what would have happened if Ti was ostracized by the rest of Gryffindor House or even resorted into Slytherin. Who knows how that might have affected him? He might have decided to accept his family’s ways in desperation.” “So I gather that you’re still against bringing Draco here,” Albus said. “Well, I can understand your feelings though I don’t agree with them.” He took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Harry’s group is not united at the moment. I want to be sure we have all the right people or, as the last line of Rose’s prophecy said, Harry will fail and our world will fall into darkness for a very long time.” “We understand that, Albus,” James said, a bit of steel in his voice, “Especially considering that failure for Harry will mean his death. We won’t allow that to happen. We look forward to many grandchildren from him and Ginny.” “So we’re convinced that all six of the Companions mentioned in that prophecy are accounted for,” Lily said. “We see no reason to change now. Ti’s already trained as much as the others. Mr. Malfoy would need a lot of work to bring him up to the same level as the rest, especially with the animagus training. I don’t think we have the time to do that.” “I know,” Dumbledore said before sighing, “I just want to be sure the prophecy comes true in our favor. We are still in the dark concerning some of the rituals Tom used to improve himself. Therefore, I consider it important that Draco be allowed to be part of the group. He may be able to help us find out about them. That is why I approve of Hermione’s interest in seeing Draco romantically.” “That’s all very well, Albus,” James said, “But that doesn’t change the fact that I still refuse to let him into this house. Let me remind you that Voldemort is still trying to get his hands on Rose. We will not allow someone who could potentially endanger our daughter. Once he has access to this house, she will not be safe.” “Well,” Albus said, “I see that I cannot convince you to see it my way. Very well, I will take my leave now. Thank you for hearing me out.” “We’re always willing to listen to what you have to say, Headmaster,” Lily said, “But don’t expect us to follow it without question.” Dumbledore nodded and got up, heading for the living room. The Potters followed him and watched him Floo back to Hogwarts after saying goodbye to the other adults. “What was that about, James?” Arthur asked, “Albus seemed a bit downcast before he Flooed out.” “Yes,” Richard Granger said. “And you and Lily look a bit worried now after talking with Mr. Dumbledore.” James sighed. “I guess I might as well tell you why Albus was here since it concerns your daughter, Richard. It also affects your children, Arthur.” “What about Hermione?” Jean Granger asked, having come in with Molly when they heard Dumbledore Floo out. “And Ginny and Ron,” Molly asked at the same time. “Well, first of all, I’m not sure you, Arthur, Richard and Jean know that Hermione and Ron broke up two weeks ago,” Lily said. “What!” Richard exclaimed, “Hermione hasn’t mentioned anything about that to us. As a matter of fact, she hasn’t sent us a letter in weeks. I thought she was just busy at school though I was thinking of sending her one in a week or two.” “Ron never said anything either,” Molly said, “Of course, that boy seldom writes anyway. But something that big….you’d think he’d tell his mother. Wait, two weeks ago? Isn’t that about the time Ginny woke up from her coma? We never knew. ” “I’m sorry we have to be the one to tell you,” Lily said, “Harry and Ginny didn’t know at first but found out about it after we left. He told us in a letter a week ago.” She gave them a summarized version of the incident that led to Ron and Hermione’s breakup. “We didn’t want to say anything to you since we thought it was a temporary thing. We also wanted to avoid any awkwardness around here with the four of you’re here.” “I can understand why you didn’t say anything,” Richard said, “I can’t understand why Hermione had to throw that Stunning spell at Ron instead of calling for him to stop.” “Neither could Harry,” Lily said, “Of course, she could have just panicked and did the first thing she could think of to get him to stop fighting.” “But why tell us now?”Jean asked. “Ordinarily relationships between students at Hogwarts are none of the Headmaster’s business as long as they don’t break any rules,” James said, “But now it seems Hermione’s getting attracted to Draco and is thinking of dating him.” “What!” Arthur exclaimed, “That can’t be right.” “Is that the same boy who Ron attacked?” Jean asked. “He can’t be someone Hermione would be interested in if he insulted Ron like that.” “Well, actually, he’s much better than he used to be,” Lily said, “You see, the Malfoys belong to the group called Purebloods, meaning that both sides are magical. James is the same and so are Arthur and Molly’s family but it’s not important to them. Most Purebloods believe themselves to be better than everyone else who has what they call ‘lesser blood’, especially Muggles and treat them with indifference, contempt or cruelty. It’s a bit like the discrimination with skin color in the Muggle world.” “That’s horrible,” Jean said. “I know,” Lily said, “It’s what Voldemort believes in and wants to impose on the Wizarding World.” “So this boy, Draco, believes he’s better than our Hermione just because both his parents can use magic?” Richard asked, “Why would she be interested in dating him?” “Well, according to Albus,” James began, “Draco’s changed his views. He’s much less arrogant and actually has had a few decent conversations with Hermione.” “So what is the Headmaster’s concern with Hermione and this Draco fellow?” Richard asked. “It has implications on the war we’re having now with Voldemort,” James said. “We’ve told you about the war and explained that Harry is just about the only person who can defeat Voldemort due to a prophecy made about him and Voldemort before he was born. There’s another prophecy which our daughter Rose made the summer before Harry, Ron and Hermione’s fourth year at Hogwarts.” “Your daughter made a prophecy?” Richard asked, stunned. “Yes, she did,” Lily said, “She has a special and rare kind of magic that lets her to things like that but not very often. We call her a Seer.” “Anyway,” James said, “The prophecy she made goes something like this: They gather now, they who would stand by the Chosen One, His six companions, bonded by love deep and true The Soul Mate, his other half, his strength The Seer, his sister in blood, his guide The Wise Lady, his sister in all but blood, his font of knowledge The Strategist, his best friend, his right hand The Green Lord, his equal in power, his general The White Ram, saved from Evil by him, his left hand Training they need together, to defeat the Dark Lord Let not one be lost or all will be for naught And the Dark Lord will defeat the Chosen one “So what does it all mean?” Jean asked, looking at all the adult wizards and witches in the room. “The Dark Lord refers to Voldemort,” James said, “That’s what his followers call him. Due to the previous prophecy, we think the Chosen One is Harry. Rose’s prophecy states that he will have six companions or friends who will help him and be at his side when he defeats Voldemort. We matched the descriptions to six of his friends.” “The Soul mate is our daughter, Ginny,” Arthur said, “While the Strategist is Ron, our son, since he’s brilliant at any game requiring strategy.” “Because of her power, the Seer is most likely Rose,” Lily said, “While we think the Wise Lady is your daughter, Hermione.” “Hmm,” Richard said, “I guess that fits her perfectly, though I’m surprised about the part of her being Harry’s sister in all but blood.” “Well, Harry does think of Hermione as a sister,” Lily said. “So who are the other two?” Jean asked, “Who are the Green Lord and the White Ram?” “We believe the Green Lord is one other of their friends, Neville Longbottom,” James said, “Who is a genius in Herbology. As to the White Ram, we believe it’s their friend, Ti.” “That blonde shy boy,” Richard asked, probably remembering Ti from the New Year’s Eve Party earlier that year. “Why would it refer to him?” “Well, first of all, you have to know that his real last name is Malfoy,” James said, “In fact, he’s Draco Malfoy’s younger brother.” “Then why is he with your friend, Sirius?” Jean asked. “To make a long story short, he was sorted into Gryffindor on arriving at Hogwarts. His father who belonged to Slytherin House, didn’t like that and demanded he be resorted,” James said. “Resorted?” Jean asked, confused, “They can do that?” “Only in the most extreme of circumstances,” James said, “I doubt Albus would have consented ordinarily but I suspect he did it to satisfy Lucius that his younger son really did belong in Gryffindor. At any rate, the Resorting was done and young Ti was still a Gryffindor. His father was furious and sent him an owl a few weeks later telling Ti that he was disowned and no longer a Malfoy.” “Are you serious?” Richard asked, “He disowned his own son, a boy of eleven?” “I’m afraid so,” Arthur said, gravely, “It’s not commonly done but it’s still possible to do that in our world, especially among the Purebloods.” “Luckily,” James said, “Sirius stepped in and saved Ti. You see, Sirius is first cousin to Lucius’ wife, Narcissa and had the same thing happen to him when we were sixteen for the same reason. So he decided to adopt Ti and give him his last name. Ti’s much happier now than he ever was as a Malfoy. Unfortunately, it doesn’t change the fact that Draco is his elder brother.” “Why is that a problem?” Jean asked. “Well, from what I’ve learned, Draco wasn’t a good brother to Ti when they were younger,” James said. “When Draco met Harry and the others at Hogwarts, he was a carbon copy of dear Lucius in attitude and beliefs. I know he’s been horrible to Hermione since they were first years. I think the term you’d use for him is the resident bad boy of Hogwarts.” “Then why is she thinking of dating him?” Jean asked, clearly confused, “I know Hermione and she isn’t the type to fall for that kind of person.” James and Lily exchanged a look then proceeded to tell them about how Draco had saved Hermione from his father during the last attack in Hogsmeade. The Grangers were shocked to learn of what almost happened to their daughter. The Weasleys remained quiet, having known about it due to Arthur’s position in the Ministry. Then the Potters told them about the incident that led to Ron and Hermione’s breakup as was told to them by Harry and Rose. The Grangers frowned upon hearing about that. “Let me get this straight,” Richard said, “Hermione hexed Ron to get him off that Malfoy bloke, the one who’s insulted her for five years?” He shook his head. “My daughter may be the smartest witch in the school but she really needs to think better in situations like that. Imagine, hexing her own boyfriend.” “Now, Richard,” Jean said, “I’m sure she thought it the best thing to do under the circumstances though I agree it might not have been the best decision. Still, I shouldn’t think it justified breaking up with her.” She turned to Lily, “Is it?” “No, it wasn’t,” Lily answered, shaking her head, “Ron overreacted to what happened, probably in a fit of jealousy.” “Definitely not,” Molly added, “I really should send a Howler to that boy. But it’s his birthday tomorrow, so I’ll have to do it another day.” “So let me get this straight,” Richard said, “Hermione gets dumped by Ron, someone I thought she cared about very much and is now thinking of going out with a boy who until recently treated her like dirt? I didn’t think my daughter was the kind of girl to do something like that. I really need to talk to her.” “That’ll have to wait for Easter hols, I’m afraid,” Lily said. “All right,” Richard said, “Getting back to what you were saying earlier about the prophecy, so what was that about the term White Ram applying to Ti?” “Well, the kids worked out that the term was the reverse of the term Black Sheep,” Lily said. “Black sheep,” Richard asked, “That’s someone who’s from a good family turning bad.” “Yes,” James said, “You see, a family like the Malfoys is considered a Dark family in our world because of their beliefs that blood is the most important thing and treats everyone else like inferior beings.” “So, a White Ram would refer to someone from a Dark family becoming good,” Jean said. “Exactly,” Lily said, smiling, “Now I know where Hermione gets her brains.” They all laughed though Richard tried his best to look offended. After they had calmed down, Richard spoke up again, “So, Hermione thinks this refers to this Draco? Is she right? I mean, it seems he’s changing his ways and becoming good.” “Unfortunately, Richard,” Lily said, “There’s the first verse of the prophecy that states that the six companions of Harry were already coming together. That was two years ago. The only person it fits is Ti.” “I see,” Richard said, “All right, I guess I’m convinced. Now what about our daughter? Is it all right for her to date this boy even if he’s changing for the better?” “I don’t know, Richard,” James said, “You see, there’s something more. We’ve learned that Voldemort went through a series of horrible, evil rituals to amass power and become nearly invincible. We’ve been trying to find ways to either reverse those rituals or counter their effects to make him more vulnerable.” “Albus thinks Draco may be of help in finding those,” Lily said, “He also said that Hermione thinks he might be more willing to help if they’re dating.” “You’re joking?” Richard asked. He shook his head. “Sometimes, Hermione has lapses in common sense. I think it’s best if we write her a letter advising her against this. It’s just not right.” “Well, I don’t know what good it will do but you can borrow my owl, Artemis, to bring your letter to her at Hogwarts,” Lily said. “Thank you, Lily,” Richard said, “Come on, Jean, we should think about what to tell our daughter.” The Grangers got up and headed up the stairs to their room. James watched them go and hoped whatever they said would make Hermione pause and reconsider her plans. Harry’s group was already badly affected by the distance between Ron and Hermione. It would get worse if Hermione started dating Draco. In spite of Albus’ security precautions, James was worried that Draco was still in contact with his father and obeyed his commands. Having Draco in close proximity to them would endanger the group and risk revealing their abilities to Voldemort. That would be disastrous. He vowed to do whatever it took to prevent that.
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