The Half-Blood Prince

First things first- this is not when Harry is sixteen - he's twenty - It'll become obvious why after the second (?) chapter. I don't own Harry Potter etc - blah blah blah - JK Rowling does and she's my hero because of it - why would I take something like that way from my hero? I'm not a monster! So don't sue me.

I dumped my last story cos it was crap central so I can't promise anything.

On with the show:

Chapter 1: Dumbledore's Office

The girl that sat beside him was obviously nervous; she sat with her head held high, yet she continually wrung her hands. Harry couldn't help but notice her rich auburn hair, which fell gracefully down her back in loose curls.

He himself sat casually; quite familiar with these little meetings with Dumbledore. Though very curious as to what this assembly was all about, he sat confidently; Harry no longer saw Dumbledore as a professor, or someone to be frightened of, but as an equal.

Looking back at the girl, he guessed she was around his age, slightly younger, but had grown up a tremendous amount in the recent past. She looked unnaturally pale, and was trying her best to not show the intimidation she was feeling.

Dumbledore, accompanied by Minerva McGonagall, promptly entered. Taking his seat behind his desk, Dumbledore began to pour some water into four golden goblets.

"Harry, I would like you to meet Miss Rose Ruby, a good friend of mine." Harry locked eyes with the girl's deep brown ones and gave a half hearted smile. "Mr. Harry Potter" he continued. "Some water, Miss Ruby?"

"No, thank you." The girl answered quietly.

"Harry?" Dumbledore now turned to the emerald eyed man.

"Only if you care to tell me why I've been called here - "Harry paused "Again..." he muttered.

"I thought it would be obvious." Dumbledore passed Harry his drink. "I would have thought you, of all people, would have known the answer already." Harry looked at him darkly, before crossing his arms and indicating for him to go on.

"The Wizarding world is in extreme danger. You know this as well as I do. It has been three years since you defeated Voldemort, and yet the violence has only escalated. The muggles..." The girl looked up. "... Are learning more and more about us; and have begun to attack. I know you are aware of this, Harry."

Harry nodded solemnly. "I'm working on it." He said with a sigh. Dumbledore continued. "I have not brought here to berate you, Harry. But, before I fully I answer your question completely, I need to ask you both a very important question." He composed himself and looked intently at first the girl and Harry.

"Are you both willing to do whatever it takes to retain peace in our society?" He asked fixedly. A moment passed and McGonagall shuffled in her seat.

"You're really asking me this? I thought you would have known me better by now, Dumbledore." Harry replied, a touch of annoyance in his voice.

"Miss Ruby?" Dumbledore asked.

"Mr Dumbledore," Harry was taken aback at hearing Dumbledore referred to as he had been. "You know I would do anything. That was why I came to you in the first place." Harry looked perplexedly at Dumbledore.

"Miss Ruby's parents were killed in a retaliation attack by Death Eaters. She made contact with me and asked if she could help in any way. And that, Harry, is why you are here."

Hoorah! Cliff hanger times ten. Did any one watch the arias? Hooray for Jet big time! They won six of the seven awards they were nominated for. I'm so special- I love the same band as Daniel Radcliffe! And I'm not just saying that! I've loved them for one and a half years and they weren't even released in England then!

Just thought I'd rant for a little while. PLEASE REVIEW! RIGHT NOW! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! DO IT NOW! WHILE YOU STILL CAN! Thank you.

(Hello Prerna, Allegra and Leesa! - I know your secrets)

xo Lucy