Authors Note - OK, Thanks to Angeltears, Peachy Keen, Sew2100 and everyone else who reviewed the last chapter. It was great to read your comments, as always. I wanted to reply to Tsaui. First of all, thanks for the review. I always appreciate constructive criticism and ideas. You didn't flame me like a reviewer did before and I appreciate that. Right, the unforgivable curses comment, yes you are absolutely right but some rules I have changed, which I think I'm allowed to do and you all find out more about this in the next chapter. Secondly, I didn't want to make Harry weak but I am putting him through quite a lot at the moment. He is constantly fighting Voldemort and Rosenna, keeping them away and that is taking a lot out of him. I tried to make that clear early on. Also, he feels guilt for both Luna and Sirius's deaths; he wouldn't just get over that. It will become clear later why Dumbledore is going easy on Malfoy. I really am building up to some massive shocks regarding a lot of characters and I hope all of you will stick with me through to the end. Please, if any of you have any ideas or suggestions that relate to the plot that I can incorporate into the story, let me know and I'll try to do that for you. Yoshi and Emerald Earth have already done this and I used their ideas and I really enjoyed that. I would like to take this opportunity to thank anyone who is reading my first fan fiction, you are all brilliant! (

Emerald Earth - I'm obsessed with POTC too! Why is the rum gone! Hee Hee!

I'm so sorry this update is sooo late. Peachy, get up off your knees mate! The reason why is because I've been on holiday for 2 weeks in Florida and just got back today. I had a brilliant time but am now ready to do some fast typing so hold on to your hats (or whatever) as this is gonna be a long one!

Right, I'll keep going!!

Chapter 20 - The Whole School Knows

As soon as the group arrived back at school, Dumbledore told McGonagall to call all the students and professors together in the Great Hall for an announcement. Harry looked at the Head Master in interest when he heard this and Dumbledore smiled at him. "No need to worry Harry. I have simply always believed that my students should be treated as adults. As with Cedric, I will not disgrace Luna's memory by telling everyone that she had some sort of accident. Now, I must go and send an Owl to Luna's Father." His face became very sombre at this. "By the way Harry -"

Harry had started walking towards the Hall then turned around. "I wanted to congratulate you on your bravery out in the Forest tonight. You once again proved yourself to me more than any other wizard I have ever known." Harry shook his head. "But Professor, I didn't do anything -" Dumbledore walked towards him at this. "You walked away from a clearing of massacred centaurs with your wand steady, not many could have done that, then you faced 15 Death Eaters with me and saw off a group of Ravenscars. Believe me Harry, the way you acted tonight was extraordinary." With that, Dumbledore turned and swept up the stairs. Harry watched him go and then smiled to himself.

"Harry," an excited voice called. He turned and saw Hermione dash towards him. "We've got to get to the Great Hall immediately!" Harry gave her a little nod and fell into step beside her. "Do you think he is going to tell everybody about what happened in the Forest. Its great Harry, V-Voldemort must be furious!" Harry glanced at her. "He was, he's calmed down a bit now." She looked at him enquiringly and he tapped his scar. She sighed, "Of course. Did it hurt badly?" He shrugged. "I've got used to it by now, to be honest". She nodded, and then slipped her hand into his. He smiled at her and didn't let go of her hand as they walked into the Great Hall. "Hermione," Harry said quietly as they entered, "I'm so sorry about what happened before. You know, with Cho -" Hermione squeezed his hand. "Don't worry about it. Please, lets forget it ever happened ok?" Harry nodded and smiled at her gratefully. They both sat down at the Gryffindor table between Dean and Neville. Ron sat opposite but didn't look at Harry or Hermione and they didn't attempt to talk to him.

There was a lot of hushed talking going on around the Hall. Harry was pretty sure that the story of his and Dumbledore's adventure in the Forest had already spread around the school. Harry glanced over at the Slytherin table and his eyes met Malfoy's, who blew a kiss at him. Selina also noticed and shoved Malfoy and they both laughed at Harry. He looked away from them, feeling the familiar anger building up inside him. He certainly couldn't afford to lose control, here and now. Harry glanced along the teacher's table, Dumbledore hadn't arrived yet and McGonagall and Snape were both missing. Harry wondered what Dumbledore was going to say to the students. He hoped he didn't tell them everything, such as it was him who held the wand that killed Luna. He didn't think he could cope with all the extra stares.

Hermione tapped him on the hand. "Penny for them?" she asked with a smile. He shook his head. "I guess I'm just a bit nervous about what Dumbledore's going to say. Its taken people long enough to trust me again after all the lies in the Daily Prophet last year." Hermione nudged him. "You know better than to doubt Dumbledore Harry, he has always been completely honest with you." Harry opened his mouth at her words then quickly shut it again. He still hadn't told Hermione about the prophecy Dumbledore had told him about or the fact that he was the Heir. He made up his mind there and then that he would tell her, after Dumbledore's speech.

At that moment, the huge doors swung open and Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Firenze and - to Harry's horror - the Minister of Magic, Corneliaus Fudge, all walked in. Harry turned to Hermione. "I'm dead! I'm going to be sent away for sure!" he hissed to her. She shook her hand and took his hand again. Dumbledore and his small party walked quickly through the Hall and took their places at the Head Table, Firenze standing at the end. Dumbledore stood up and all whispering in the Hall abruptly stopped.

"My Friends," Dumbledore began, "I'm sure most of you have a good idea why you have been summoned here at such a late hour but I believe that the time for whispered rumours is at an end. I now intend to be honest with all of you, and," his gaze fell onto the Slytherin table, "I hope you will do me the same courtesy." There were a few hushed voices between the Slytherins at this but Dumbledore ignored them. "You all wish to know the truth of what happened tonight and I am happy to tell you. Myself and Harry Potter were attacked by Death Eaters and creatures known as Ravenscars." There was a loud gasp at this and a buzz flew around the Hall. Harry heard lots of people hissing Rosenna's name. "Please!" Dumbledore called loudly. "There must be no panic at any more names. A name itself cannot harm you, only the fear you feel at the name. My professors have all taught you to trust your own beliefs and use your own strengths. You must not accept the ramblings you hear around you as truth any longer. Make up your own minds!" Dumbledore paused, waiting for more whisperings to die down. "Now, I must admit something I am not proud of. I had no choice but to take the life of some Death Eaters tonight. I know I acted in self defence and to protect those with me but that doesn't take away the guilt I feel for taking lives." As he said this, he turned to the Slytherin table and looked directly at Theodore Nott. "I will always be sorry for what I did tonight." McGonagall put her hand on Dumbledore's and he smiled at her gratefully. "There is another thing I must tell you about tonight's events. I know many of you have benefited from Firenze's Divination classes. It is my saddest duty to inform you that the same Death Eaters who attacked Harry and I massacred his entire clan tonight. I know you will all join me in offering Firenze your fullest sympathies for his terrible loss." There was a shocked outburst at this. Hermione turned and gazed, open mouthed at Harry. The scene back in the clearing flashed into his mind and he swallowed. Firenze slowly trotted around the table and stood in front of Dumbledore. "I thank you for your kind words," he said slowly, bowed his head, then turned and trotted through the Hall. Harry jumped out of his seat and stood in front of the centaur. "Firenze, I wanted to tell you, Bane was amazing. He saved my life and his last words were for you." Harry's voice trailed off. Firenze bowed to him and said, "Thank you Harry Potter." He then turned and trotted out of the Hall. Harry sat down again and Hermione put her arm around him.

Dumbledore put his hand up and waited for silence. He then began again. "Now to my next piece of news. I am sure many of you in Ravenclaw have noticed that some members of your house have been coming to harm or have vanished altogether -" "We've noticed!" Marietta yelled and glared at Harry. Harry stared straight back at her and it was Marietta who looked away. Cho, who was sat next to her, whispered something to her and Marietta nodded slowly. Dumbledore continued as if nothing had interrupted him. "It is now time to tell you what has been happening to your friends." Harry looked up quickly and gazed at Dumbledore. "Professor Flitwick, Michael Corner and Cho Chang were all attacked by Rosenna Ravenclaw, twin sister of your own founder, Rowena. She managed this by using one of your fellow students - Harry Potter." Harry felt like the whole school turned and gazed at him as one. Hermione clutched his hand even tighter and actually had a tear running down her face when he looked at her. "She controlled Harry via a mark she had one of her followers burn on his arm. It is lucky for all of us that Harry has such strong will as if he was any weaker, Rosenna would have gained complete control of him AND have run of our school. As it is, the times she has taken control have been minimal." He stopped at this and cleared his throat. "Not that this means people haven't paid a high price. Michael is yet to regain consciousness, I'm sure the attacks on Professor Flitwick and Cho will stay with them for a long time, not to mention the effect this has had on Harry Potter. And there is of course Hagrid, who had also been severely injured due to Rosenna's actions. And finally, the last person I must tell you about. One person has paid the ultimate price. Luna Lovegood was murdered by Rosenna, whilst controlling Harry." This news was greeted by a shocked silence. All the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs turned towards Harry and the Ravenclaws gazed at each other. Some people had already started to cry.

Dumbledore stared around the Hall, solemnly. "I understand the shock and distress this has caused to you. I promise you I feel the same way. Luna was a lovely, kind, bright girl who had a wonderful future ahead of her, cruelly snatched away, just like Cedric's was two years ago. Rosenna and Voldemort have joined together. Separately, they are powerful, together nearly unbeatable, but not completely. We can stop them but we must put aside petty squabbles, as I have told you before, Together, we will win. Divided, we will fall. We can all start this new unity by protecting our greatest hope, who is sitting in this room. You have been told I'm sure that Voldemort is the Heir of Slytherin but I can now tell you, The Heir of Gryffindor has also come to Hogwarts and he is Harry Potter."

The noise that erupted from this was phenomenal. Harry froze, staring open- mouthed at Dumbledore. How could he have told all of them, like that? Hermione had gasped and covered her mouth in utter shock. All the other Gryffindors were gazing at Harry with a mixed look of awe and horror. Neville smiled at Harry. "That's great," he hissed to the others. "Harry was always meant to be the Heir, that was obvious. He will save us all!" There was loud laughter at Neville's words from Ron. "Yeah Harry, give your adoring followers a speech." Harry finally turned away from Dumbledore to look at Ron. Hermione also rounded on her ex best friend. "Leave him alone! This is all too much. Harry?" Harry didn't answer her. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were screaming questions at Harry, demanding to know what Dumbledore was talking about. Cho stood apart from her yelling friends, her face in her hands. Harry knew he couldn't take anymore and covered his ears, trying to shut out the noise his fellow students were making. He stole a glance at the Slytherin table. They were the only people in the Hall still sitting. Many of then were whispering between themselves but Malfoy and his small band sat perfectly still, waiting. Malfoy saw Harry looking at him and smiled. Harry looked away. It was no shock to him that Dumbledore's news had not affected Malfoy. Ron grabbed Harry and swung him round. Harry saw with surprise that Ron had tears in his eyes. "Tell us Harry," he screamed at the top of his voice. "Tell us about the look on Luna's face when you killed her. I bet that was a sight! Oh yes, you are a real hero!!" The hall fell silent in seconds. Malfoy and his Slytherins started a slow clap, which spread to the whole table and on the Ravenclaws.

"ENOUGH!!" Dumbledore was stood at the top of the Professors table and he was furious. "I told you the news about Harry for one reason only, because I thought you would be adult enough to accept the truth. Unfortunately, a few of you have let me down." He looked straight at Ron, whose ears went pink. Dumbledore continued, "It is up to us all to protect Harry from Voldemort and Rosenna. I truly believe that through the power I know he has in him, we can win this war. Now, you must make your decisions. You are with us, or against us. I will give you time to make your decision. Slytherins, many of you are under pressure from your parents to take a certain course of action, I know that. But I beg you, give me time to convince you that you are important and you are needed in this world, our world. Now, prefects, please return your houses to their common rooms as quickly as possible. Harry, if you could please join myself and Mr Fudge in my office in ten minutes, thank you." With that, Dumbledore walked out of the Hall, with Fudge close behind him. As the Minister passed Harry, he gave him a very nasty smile. Harry simply smiled back, refusing to look troubled. The Professors were slowly filing out with the students when suddenly there was an ear-piercing scream.

Everyone swung round in the direction of the shout and were shocked to see Madam Sprout with her hand on her heart and Professor Trelawney writhing on the floor. McGonagall rushed to the front.

"What is happening," she snapped. Madam Sprout shook her head and whimpered. "I don't know. One moment she was just talking to me and the next - she just moaned and fell to the floor, stiff as a board!" McGonagall perched beside Trelawney and leant over her. The Divinations teacher had her eyes tightly shut and twitched every few moments. "Sybil?" whispered McGonagall, but there was no response. She went to nudge the prone teacher when suddenly, Trelawney's eyes snapped open and she let out another terrified scream. She muttered in a strange, far-away voice, "The prophecy will be fulfilled soon. Prepare. I must prepare, I must -". Trelawney let out a gasp and then sank to the floor unconscious. McGonagall knelt on the floor beside her and Snape and Lupin were quick to join her. "Take her to her room please," McGonagall whispered to them. They nodded and gently picked the Professor up and carried her out of the room. The students watched them go, horrified. "What was that all about?" Hermione whispered to Harry. "No idea," he answered quickly. His heart had leapt when he had heard the teacher mention a prophecy but he knew that it was very unlikely that would have anything to do with him, considering the amount of prophecies made by seers every day. At least, that was what he was forcing himself to believe. He smiled happily at Hermione, disguising what he was feeling inside. She smiled back and shook her head. "Wow Harry, the Gryffindor Heir, you never cease to surprise me. "The Boy who lived, Parseltongue and now Heir of Gryffindor!" She laughed softly and touched Harry's face fondly.

"Oh yes Potter, Heir of Gryffindor, fancy that!!" Malfoy had wandered up to them and he had a very annoying knowing smile on his face. "People truly believe you are very important don't they Potter? Some kind of Saviour. Well, show me your power, do something huge." Malfoy then stood looking expectantly at Harry, still with the same sarcastic look on his face. Harry turned calmly to his enemy. "You know what Malfoy, when I learn exactly what I can do, you'll be the first bug I'll be squatting, along with your Unholy Master." Malfoy grinned at him. "I can't wait to see that Potter," he whispered. Harry leaned in closer. "Nor can I." Malfoy merely smirked at Harry and then with a gesture to his followers, turned and walked out of the Hall. Selina hung back from the others and walked gracefully up to Harry, as Hermione watched. "You know Potter, I still think you are cute. I've decided to keep my kind offer open. What do you say?" She touched his forehead and he winced in pain from his scar. He grabbed her wrist. "Selina, I wouldn't touch Draco Malfoys leftovers with my cousins Smeltings stick, now get lost!" She looked horrified and furious. She had no idea what a Smeltings stick was but she could hear the laughter of the Gryffindors all right. She went to slap Harry but Hermione grabbed her arm, twisted it around and threw Selina on the floor. Cue more laughter from the Gryffindors. Selina had now gone a very interesting shade of purple. "Y- You'll b-both p-pay!" she stammered. "You just wait." Then she ran off after her housemates. Hermione and Harry were in hysterics. "You better head off to Professor Dumbledore's Harry. It won't do to keep His Lordship Fudge waiting!" Harry laughed and Hermione turned to leave. "Hermione," he said. She paused and looked back at him. "Thanks for being there tonight, you don't know how much I depend on you." She went a bit pink and smiled. Harry moved forward and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. They both moved back and stared at each other. "See you later." Harry said quickly and rushed off, leaving Hermione to stare after him. She touched her lips softly with her fingers, giggled under her breath and wandered away, humming happily.

Harry walked along to Dumbledore's office with a smile on his face. He didn't know what had given him the courage to kiss Hermione then but he was pleased he did. "Shame it was just a peck!" he thought to himself as he walked to the Headmasters with a spring in his step. He soon arrived at Dumbledore's door and knocked loudly. A voice called for him to come in and he opened the door and hurried inside.

Sorry people but I'm tired now. I PROMISE I will have the next chapter up in the next couple of days. Until then, please review!! The person who posts the 100th review, I'll introduce a new character with that persons screen name. If you get the 100th, just let me know if you want to be good or evil. However, I get to decide the characters role, personality and fate. Please play along guys. It'll be fun! Thanks.