Two Sides to Everything

Prologue: Preparations

Only two weeks remained until the summer was over, and students would head back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For some, it would be their first year at the famous school, and for others, it would be their last.

All the necessary errands had been taken care of, including all the faculty members now back at the school to prepare their course syllabus, as well as discuss the usual precautions. That being taken care of, the castle was now in a state of calmness (which was a sharp contrast to how it had been only a few days before).

Headmaster Dumbledore sat contently in his office; Fawkes again looking pale and sickly, but would no doubt be radiant and happy by the time the students arrived.

The Headmaster was not alone in his office, as a young girl sat on the other side of Dumbledore's desk.

"Albus, very trying events are going to take place this year, as I'm sure you're aware" the girl said curtly. "You must be prepared for what's coming."

At that remark, Dumbledore's smile faded, although the twinkle in his eyes didn't. He got up slowly, and went to stroke the weary looking phoenix. Despite his back being towards the girl, he spoke softly.

"My dear, I am doing the best I can to take all the necessary precautions." With a sigh, he turned around and looked directly at her. "The question is...are you prepared?" he asked her rather seriously, even though the girl did nothing to hide the look of amusement on her innocent looking face.

"I am always prepared...I have no choice but to be prepared." Her smirk faded as she seemed to think about what she had just said. Her gaze dropped to her lap.

Dumbledore's dark purple robes rustled as he walked, making his way to her and gently picked up her arm. Pulling up the sleeve of her turtleneck, he found what he was looking for.

The Dark Mark glowed black on the girl's arm, yet three emerald stars glowed dark green above it. There was no way that the girl was going to meet his gaze now.

"Don't let it destroy you child" he said softly, yet with a force behind his words which proved his meant every word.

The girl's saddened brown eyes became a stone cold gaze as she stood up. "It won't destroy me..." she said as she exited his office. "...at least not yet" she added as she headed down the corridor and out of the castle. Only a handful of people knew how bad things were going to get this year, especially for those such as The-Boy-Who-Lived.

* * *

Dumbledore sat back down in his chair and sighed. It appeared as if all he'd been doing lately was sighing. He had spent almost two decades trying to protect Harry Potter, and this would be the year...the year when everyone would see just how powerful Harry Potter and the 'good' side, could be against the Dark Lord and his followers.

Of course, there was one other thing that would no doubt prove to add to the already dramatic future.

Harry Potter would learn the truth this year...about everything.