Elementals of Magic: Prophecy of Lies

Chapter 3

Beginning of Destiny

When Harry entered the Great Hall, he found Ron and Hermione sitting at the Gryffindor Table, eating. He took a seat by them. A moment later, there was a rushing overhead, and the owls flew in, circling, diving, dodging, looking for their owners. He could see Malfoy's eagle owl sitting on Malfoy's shoulder. Probably another bag of sweets.

A few moments later, Professor McGonagall swept by them, handing out course schedules. Harry glanced at his schedule.

"We have Trelawny right after breakfast? It's just like Third Year!"

"You should have dropped the course like I did. I keep telling you two, but you won't listen! Arithmancy is so much funner. And you actually learn something."

After breakfast, Ron, Harry, and Hermione parted ways, Hermione heading for Arithmancy while Ron and Harry went to North Tower for Divination. They walked down hallways, up staircases, finally walking up the spiral staircase that led to Divination. The trapdoor was already open, and the two boys climbed up the silver ladder.

They were in a stifling hot room, the smell of perfume wafting around the students. The fire was burning brightly and steadily in the fireplace, flames crackling as they ate up the logs underneath them. Harry and Ron, as usual, took their seats around a round table. Parvati and Lavender were seated on poufs, eyes scanning the room for a sign of their idol.

Parvati and Lavender did not have long to wait, for soon, Professor Trelawny entered the room. Her eyes scanned the room, and in her misty voice, she said, "Welcome to another year, class. This year, you will learn about prophecies and dreams. Our subconscious knows many things that our conscious doesn't. I will help each of you tap into your inner mystical energy, and mayhap each of you will become a Seer, like me.

Seeing is the hardest branch of Divination, and not many are able to master it. I would like each of you to try your best. We shall start today by discussing the meanings behind objects in dreams. Turn to page four of your new book."

For the rest of the class, Professor Trelawny discussed the potency and meanings of dreams, and how they can be used in predicting the future. Parvati and Lavender hung on to her every word. Harry and Ron had looked at each other incredulously, but after a while, even Ron became absorbed, for she had started talking about something that constantly appeared in his dreams. After the class, Ron was talking to Harry excitedly about the meanings of some things. Harry nodded every once in a while, but his mind was elsewhere.

The boys met up with Hermione in the Gryffindor common room. Ron stopped babbling as soon as he saw Hermione poring over her Arithmancy book.

"So what do we have next?"

Hermione looked up.

"Care of Magical Creatures is next. We still have it with the Slytherins. After lunch, we have Double Potions with the Slytherins, too."

Harry sighed. They had had Double Potions with the Slytherins ever since First Year. Harry had hoped and hoped that one year, they could have Double Potions with another house, but it would just never happen. And now, two classes in one day with the Slytherins. This was definitely not a coincidence. Someone had a very cruel mind.

***

After break, the Gryffindors went out of the castle and down to Hagrid's hut. The Slytherins were already clustered around Hagrid's hut, waiting for the half-giant to start class. Harry did notice that Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson weren't in the group, but were aside, whispering. Harry started to edge near them in hopes of discovering Malfoy's secret, but just then, Hagrid came out of the hut.

"Got a serprise fer yer today!" he said merrily. "Jest foller' me!"

The class followed Hagrid, many with apprehension. They hadn't forgotten that term in Fourth Year when they had to take care of Blast- Ended Skrewts. But when the class rounded Hagrid's hut, many gasped with surprise.

A group of centaurs were standing patiently, swishing their tails and talking to each other. Harry instantly recognized Firenze, the centaur that had saved him in First Year. He also recognized Bane and Ronan. Harry was surprised. He didn't think that Bane would have agreed to letting students study him. Hagrid must have spent a lot of time convincing the black-haired centaur.

Harry's thoughts were interrupted by Hagrid.

"We'll be studying centaurs the nex' few weeks. Centaurs 'ave been known since the time of Ancient Greeks and Romans. They are, as yer see, 'alf human and 'alf horse. Centaurs are stargazers and can predict the future really well. They usually don' let others know so the future won' be changed. Today, yeh'll be interactin' with them. Next lesson, we'll learn more about 'em."

"What is it with predictions today?" Ron muttered to Harry. Harry shrugged.

"Now, just find yerself a centaur, and the rest's up to yeh!"

The class walked toward the centaurs, each one choosing a different one. Harry walked to Firenze.

"How have you been, Harry Potter? I am glad that we centaurs read the stars wrong six years ago."

"Thank you for helping me, Firenze. Without you, I might not have figured it all out."

Firenze nodded.

"I was glad to help, Harry Potter. If I had not helped, the darkness in the Forest might not have been destroyed. But you do know what is happening now, do you not?"

"Yes. The darkness is rerising."

"We have read much in the stars, Harry Potter. I cannot tell you what we have seen, for as Bane said, we have sworn ourselves to not cross the heavens. But I shall tell you this, Harry Potter. Many in this school and out are not who they seem. You yourself may not be who you are."

"Why won't you tell me what it means?" Harry asked, frustrated.

"I cannot tell you anymore, Harry Potter. I will not reveal the secrets of the stars to any one. However, I do want you to defeat the darkness, and so, I have given you a clue. May you find your way and achieve what needs to be done."

"Have you seen anything concerning the Founders' Pride?"

Firenze nodded.

"However, that is also not in my place to tell you. Harry Potter, I ask you to steer the subject away from the future. You know I cannot tell you what will happen. Why try futile attempts?"

Harry sighed. If only he could find out about the future. Then he would know what to do, and maybe change it somehow. If only in Third Year...But they couldn't risk it, and now, it was too late to change the past.

"Harry Potter, the future is not meant to known. Even if it is, it is not meant to be changed."

Just then, Hagrid called the class back. Many parted with their centaurs reluctantly.

"Farewell, Harry Potter. Take care."

"Bye, Firenze."

***

Lunch came and went, and before Harry knew it, it was time for Double Potions with the Slytherins. Double Potions was everyone's least favorite subject, but Harry's especially. Stuck in the dungeons for an hour with the Slytherins and Snape. Snape had hated his father and hated him just as much. And then, he was always partnered up with Malfoy, who made him do all the work.

But Snape was gone. The new Potions Master was Kyon. But who knew what Kyon would be like? Kyon was most likely Slytherin's new Head of House, and he might favor his own House above the others.

The Gryffindors trudged down to the dungeons, many discussing what Kyon would be like. Kyon couldn't be any worse than Snape, so many people contented themselves with a new, more handsome, but just as cruel Snape as their new Potions Master.

The dungeon door was already open, so the Gryffindors walked into their classroom, taking their usual seats. Moments later, the Slytherins entered, loud and boisterous. No doubt Kyon would favor them just as Snape did.

As soon as the Slytherins sat down, Kyon walked in, closing the dungeon door behind him. He walked to the front of the room and scanned them all, eyes resting on Harry for a brief second.

"I'm Professor Kyon, as all of you well know, and your new Potions Master. Be warned, I shall not tolerate any misbehavior. Today, you will be making a Color-Changing Potion. The ingredients are on the board, and before class ends, I will come around to test each of your potions. This is to be done individually, so I can appraise your abilities and see who would be the best partner for each of you."

Most of the class was spent making the potion. Fifteen minutes before the end of class, he swept around, testing the potion on pieces of parchment.

"Fine work, Miss Granger. Five points to Gryffindor." Hermione's potion had worked perfectly, changing the color of the parchment to a fiery orange.

When Neville's turn came, his potion didn't change the color of the parchment. Instead, it burned the parchment right through and started burning the desk, too. Kyon sighed.

"Mr. Longbottom, from now on you will be working with Miss Granger."

"How coincidental. A Squib and a Mudblood. They were meant for each other, eh? At least they won't be sliming up our bloodlines any longer."

Kyon turned around.

"Ten points off Slytherin, Mr. Malfoy, and if I ever hear you talk like that again, you'll regret it."

In his mind, Draco sighed. This was getting tiring, insulting people that he would rather not insult. But he had to keep up his Slytherin appearance, otherwise, his Yearmates would become suspicious.

Kyon continued pairing people off, sometimes Slytherins with Gryffindors. Surprisingly, Crabbe and Goyle's potions had worked, both turning the parchment into a murky brown color, so they became partners. Pansy had been partnered with Ron, their potions turning their parchments a bright yellow. Finally, there were only two people left, and Harry's heart sank when he knew what was about to follow.

He was again, partnered with Malfoy. Both of their potions had transformed their parchments into a deep, dark crimson, so he was stuck with his archrival for another year.

Before class ended, Kyon had asked Harry to stay behind. As Hermione and Ron walked out, Ron muttering about being paired with a pug in girl's clothing, Harry sat where he was, waiting apprehensively. When the last student walked out and shut the door, Kyon turned to look at Harry.

"Harry, are you okay? How have you been? Have those Muggles been treating you right?"

This onslaught of concern was confusing Harry.

"Er...I'm fine, Professor."

Kyon shook his head.

"Can't you tell who I am, Harry?"

Harry shook his head.

"I've never seen you before, Professor. Though I must say, you do look familiar."

Kyon took out his wand and muttered a spell, pointing the wand at himself. A moment later, someone else stood in his place.

"Sirius?" Harry was overjoyed. He stood up and ran to hug his godfather.

"It's been so long since I've seen you, Harry."

"Does Professor Lupin know about this?"

"Of course. You think he doesn't?"

Sirius let go and pointed his wand at himself again, muttering another spell. Now Professor Kyon stood in his place.

"A very nice and strong Illusioning Charm, I must say. Dumbledore's idea, of course. It's so nice to be back here, watching over you, Harry. Even if I have to take Snape's place." He wrinkled his nose. "I'll see you soon. By the way, I know you're wondering why I paired you off with Malfoy. I wouldn't have, except that the resulting color represents something about one's personality. And the two of you had the same color. I know you won't be scared of him, unlike Longbottom. You could keep an eye on him, you know."

"Whatever." Harry warily shook his head. "I'll see you later, I gotta go tell this to Ron and Hermione!"

Harry ran from the dungeons to Gryffindor Tower, bursting with the good news.

***

Draco knew what it meant, when his parchment turned the same color as Potter's. There was something about them, something that was the same between them. He still remembered Potter's face when the boy realized that Draco was going to be his partner again.

Might as well write to Mother about this, Draco thought. The Slytherin rummaged in his trunk, hand closing around the small book. He took out his quill and dipped it in his special silver ink, then started writing to Narcissa about what had happened in Potions.

***

The rest of the week, the Gryffindors discovered, to their horror, that all their Doubles class had been paired with Slytherin. Ron was furious about this and threatened to go to Dumbledore about it in his rage. Many other Gryffindors felt the same. It was bad enough that they already had so many classes with Slytherin, but with the added classes, it would be intolerable.

Friday came quickly enough for Harry, even with the new extra time he spent with the Slytherins. The Gryffindors had Defense Against the Dark Arts on Fridays, right after Lunch. They walked into the classroom, taking their seats, eager to start lessons, memories of Third Year running through many minds.

Moments later, Lupin entered the classroom. He was still wearing tattered robes, hair streaked with gray, looking tired and older than he was.

"I'm glad to be back at Hogwarts. This year, you will be learning how to defend yourselves against Death Eaters. Today, we'll be learning about the Marionette Curse. Does anyone know what this curse does?"

Hermione raised her hand in the air, as always.

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

"The Marionette Curse controls a person's motor functions. It is not as strong as the Imperius Curse, which also controls what you speak."

"Good job, Miss Granger. Five points to Gryffindor. Like the Imperius Curse, only a person with a strong mind can resist this curse. I'll be casting this upon each of you. Line up right here."

The Gryffindors all queued in the middle of the room, and with one sweep of his wand, the desks all lined up along the walls. Seamus was first in line, and he looked very nervous.

"Motuscontra!"

Seamus began spinning around the room in circles, and he didn't stop until Lupin stopped the curse. Neville cartwheeled across the room and back, and when the curse was lifted, he slumped down, body aching like hell. Next was Ron, who marched around the room, swinging his arms and legs, looking like a total fool.

After Ron, it was Harry's turn. The curse was cast on him, and Harry felt as if a mist had come between him and his surroundings. Everything was vague, surreal. It was like looking at things from above, not having to ever decide. He was just there, exisisting for no reason. And then Harry felt an impulse to lie down on the floor and roll around. And he was quite happy to oblige.

But then a voice at the back of his head spoke up.

"Really stupid to roll like a pig on the floor, you know."

Harry felt the impulse grow stronger, and was about to obey it, but the voice spoke again.

"Doing this will be foolish, and everyone's going to laugh at you."

This time, the impulse was overpowering, filling Harry's mind. But the voice refused to give up.

"I won't make a fool of myself!" And with this, Harry broke the curse. He was back in the classroom. Lupin smiled and patted him on the back.

"Congratulations, Harry. Ten points to Gryffindor."

***

Sunday arrived in a blur. Everyone had been discussing about who would be picked, and there was a huge betting pool on Harry. Harry found that he couldn't find a single moment's peace. He spent his time in the library with Hermione, writing an essay about the beginning of Hogwarts for History of Magic.

Dinner came all too quick. The students walked into Great Hall, chattering about who would be picked. Almost everyone had already decided on Harry for Gryffindor. There were rumors about who the Founders might pick for the other houses. Harry had even heard one about Goyle possibly being picked, which he thought that Goyle had probably started himself.

The wineglass was sitting on the High Table, in front of Dumbledore. The enchanted ceiling was black, dotted with many stars and a quarter moon. The jewels caught the light from the stars and moon and sparkled, blinding many an eye. The wineglass seemed to be glowing with an ethereal light, radiating splendor.

Delicious food appeared on the tables, roast beef, roast chicken, steak, bacon, anything and everything imaginable. Ron was loading some of everything onto his plate, but Harry just sat there. He had no appetite at all. He had a feeling that he was going to be picked, and for once, Harry wondered if he could have a normal year. Ron tried to convince Harry to eat something but gave up after a while and continued eating.

After everyone was finished, Dumbledore stood up.

"I believe it's time for the Founders to make their decision. If you're chosen, please go through the door behind this table and await further instructions there."

The silvery substance inside the wineglass started to swirl, then turned yellow. Black letters started appearing. Dumbledore waited until the letters stopped appearing, then announced,

"Hufflepuff's champion will be Susan Bones!"

The Hufflepuffs clapped as Susan Bones stood up and made her way down their table, walking through the door.

Now, the yellow turned into blue, and bronze letters appeared swiftly.

"Terry Boot is Ravenclaw's champion!"

Whistles and cheers resounded from the Ravenclaw table as Terry Boot also walked down the table and through the door. Now there was only Gryffindor and Slytherin left.

A green replaced the yellow, and silver letters danced across the green.

"Slytherin has chosen Draco Malfoy!"

Ron made a gagging motion. All the Slytherins had stood up and was stomping their feet on the ground as Malfoy regally left his seat and walked slowly down the Slytherin table, finally going through the door.

The Gryffindors waited with anitcipation. They could almost hear Dumbledore calling out Harry's name. Seconds passed by, but they seemed like minutes for the Gryffindors.

A royal red enveloped the green, and gold letters made their way to the top of the wineglass.

"For Gryffindor, Harry Potter!"

Harry could hear everyone at their table standing up and applauding, cheering him on. He morosely stood up from his seat and walked down the length of the Gryffindor table, being patted on his back by his Housemates as he walked by them. He followed the other three champions and entered the room behind the High Table.