Chapter Six: Possibilities
Dumbledore gazed over his crescent-moon glasses, chin resting on his steepled fingers, a pose he'd assumed countless times in his reign as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There was, however one noticeable difference: the trademark twinkle in his eyes was gone. As he surveyed the two students in front of him, his blue eyes appeared hollow, dead. His face showed every one of his hundred and fifty years of age.
Harry Potter's best friend Ron Weasley, a flaming-red head with a temper to match stood up from his chair. Most of Ron's things were hand-me downs from his brothers, but at the moment he really looked the worse for wear. His clothes were torn in and stained, his hair was sticking up at crazy angles, and there were several cuts on his face in addition to the burns on his arms. In a barely controlled voice just under a full shout, he asked Dumbledore, "What do you mean there's a 'possibility' he's not dead?"
Harry's other close friend Hermione Granger was only doing slightly better at keeping herself under control, though her eyes were red and fresh tear tracks cut through the grime on her face. After Ron' s outburst, she stood up next to Ron and added, "Professor, if there's the slightest chance he's okay…we have to go…we promised him…." Here Hermione's voice failed her and fresh tears welled in her eyes.
Dumbledore considered the two in silence for a moment then said, "Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger, please have a seat. Hermione collapsed more than sat, but Ron defiantly remained on his feet. Dumbledore didn't say a word, but his face made it clear he would not continue until Ron sat down.
He sat down.
"Fourteen years ago a prophecy was made about Voldemort…and a boy that would have the power to destroy him."
"You mean Harry." Ron said.
Dumbledore continued, "Interestingly, the prophecy could apply to two boys, but yes, Harry. The prophecy states that Voldemort 'marked Harry as equal' making Harry the only one who could destroy him."
"But if Harry's gone…" Hermione said as realization hit.
Ron finished in a grim growl, "Then Voldemort wins by default."
Dumbledore's sad sigh was all the answer they needed.
Ron almost stood up again but then thought better of it. Instead he said from his chair, "But if that's true, it's just one more reason we have to go! We have to get him back!"
Now it was Dumbledore's turn to get out of his chair. "My dear boy, the greatest minds of the Ministry of Magic have studied the Veil for centuries. Nothing that crosses over has ever returned! I assure you, you cannot wish Harry were safe with us anymore than I do, but the fact remains that Harry could be dead, unable to come back, " here all the strength seemed to leave Dumbledore and he sat back down looking more like an old man than ever. "Or unwilling to."
All the fight went out of Ron. He slumped down into his chair and covered his face. Next to him, Hermione's eyes overflowed and a crystalline tear flowed down her cheek.
Author's Note: There's no excuse for that exorbitant wait, but I offer this humble chapter and beg for forgiveness. I won't make any promises about the next update, just so I don't break them .
I feel guilty, but I'm still going to go ahead and ask for reviews. Thanks as always for putting up with me,
La Nanita