The Prophecy of Etherwood

Chapter One

Harry Potter just left the dueling room where Lockhart paired him off with Draco Malfoy of all people. Which of course ended worse for him than he could imagine. His tiny issue with being able to talk to snakes was brought back into the limelight in front of most of his classmates. He still failed to see the connection between that ability and rumors of being the Heir of Slytherin. Tired of all the whispers in the Gryffindor Common Room, he packed up his bag and drudged to the library.

Engrossing himself into his Charms and Transfiguration texts, Harry realized that he really enjoyed studying. It was just when Ron or the some of the other Gryffindor boys were being loud and distracting that it was hard for him to concentrate. From this point on Harry made a deal with himself, to not fall behind on his studies and make his parents proud.

A tap on his shoulder startled Harry. He glanced up warily and blinked at the pretty unknown girl who just tried to get his attention. "Can I help you?" He asked her. The young girl with blonde hair with Slytherin robes nodded at him and said, "Do you mind if I join you?" Harry shrugged and nodded his consent.

The girl sat down primly and took her books out and began studying with him. This confused Harry, usually girls avoided him like the plague or whispered behind his back. But this girl clearly wasn't afraid of him. Harry cleared his throat and said, "So what's your name?" The girl with golden blonde hair smiled and stretched out her hand and replied, "It's Daphne Greengrass, it's nice to finally get to know you, Harry Potter." Harry raised an eyebrow at her and shook her hand firmly. "Wow, a Slytherin who introduces herself without hexing me, now that's a first in my book!" Daphne giggled at him, to Harry her light laughter was pure gold.

Harry smiled at her in return and went back to his reading. They continued to read in silence stealing glances at each other across the table. After what seemed forever, Harry had to ask, "So, not to be rude or anything, why study with me, Miss. Greengrass?" Daphne raised her eyebrow at him and replied evenly, "Because you, Harry Potter are an anomaly." Harry grinned and nodded. She continued carefully, "You get everyone to think that you are a true Gryffindor through and through, yet you go and show the school that you can talk to snakes. Now, my house, thinks that you are the Heir of Slytherin." Harry nodded simply, frowning slightly. Daphne collected herself and plowed on, "I'm going off on a limb here, did you know you could talk to snakes prior to that horrendous duel?" Harry smiled and said No, wondering where she was going with this.

"I though not, that is why you are an anomaly, Harry Potter." Daphne smiled happy to make small talk with her new friend. Harry silently agreed with the girl and continued studying. After a couple of minutes, he responded, "Would it be alright if I called you my friend?" he asked with a lopsided grin. Daphne laughed again and said yes. "Who knew it would be that easy to get through to the most secluded and talked about boy in Hogwarts?" Harry laughed and agreed with her. Daphne became serious for a minute and said, "Yes we can be friends, however, we shouldn't advertise it just yet, due to the goons in my house like Draco Malfoy who could make our lives hell very easily if found out." Harry agreed immediately liking that he had a new secret friend outside of Ron and Hermione. They were great, but a new friend with new ideas started to feel refreshing.

The two called it a night when the time came close to curfew and parted ways to their respective dorms. After making it to Gryffindor tower he was immediately acosted by Ron and Hermione. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick!" Hermione exclaimed with her arms crossed standing next to Ron by the fireplace. Harry almost rolled his eyes, she was just too predictable sometimes. Ron just stood there with his hands in his pockets waiting for him to respond. Harry replied, "I went to get some studying done". Ron laughed, "On a Friday night, please tell me you're not turning into Hermione!" Harry ignored that comment and told them that he was going to bed. They started protesting but gave up when he drudged upstairs.

The next day was a Saturday and so he spent his morning catching up with his two best friends and playing a rough game of Quidditch with his friends. That evening he received a letter from Miss. Greengrass at dinner. Ignoring Ron and Hermione's pleas to open it at dinner, he shoved in his knapsack for a later date.

While getting ready for bed he tossed his knapsack on top of it changed into some PJ's and closed his curtains. Excited to see what his new friend wrote to him he quickly opened his letter. In precise curly handwriting the letter said:

Dear Harry,

It was nice to meet you last night in the library. I'm usually not one to mix with other houses, but I felt our friendship could make an impact on the long run. I'll explain more about that later! Although the library is a great place to study your friend Hermione is there quite often, not that I don't like her, I just think some of our future discussions shouldn't be for everyone to hear. What I'm trying to say, is that both of us have a unique opportunity here and we shouldn't waste it.

If you could meet me on the fourth floor in the last empty classroom on the right-hand side, Tuesday night right after dinner so you won't be missed. Trust me, Harry, I'll explain more when we meet.

Your new friend, Daphne Greengrass

Harry Potter frowned with interest at Daphne's letter, he wasn't quite sure to make of it. But she asked to trust her, and Harry could at least do that.