Chapter Sixteen: Preparing For The Shades
There were only three days until graduation and Jaide was beginning to worry. She and Severus has prepared happiness potions, practised their cheering charms and Patronus charms but it would all be in vain unless Hermione and Draco got back together. In desperation, Jaide cornered Draco after Defence Against The Dark Arts class and begged him to reconsider.
"Please Draco," she pleaded, "Without you and Hermione the Shades will kill many people."
He looked sceptical, "How can you be so sure the prophecy was talking about me and 'Mione anyway?"
"You know it is Draco, you must reconsider."
Draco glared at her, "I must do nothing. I've made my decision and I'm not going to change my mind."
Jaide gazed sadly at his retreating back and collapsed on the ground crying. Severus, who was on his way to see her, heard her and rushed in.
"What's wrong Jaide?" he asked worriedly.
"It's Draco." She cried, "He won't reconsider and without him and 'Mione we are all going to die."
"You mustn't think about that dear. Now are you sure you won't leave the school?" he asked hopefully.
"Uh huh. I promised Siri and besides, I have a score to settle with Narcissa and Bellatrix."
Severus sighed, "I wish you would leave but if you won't then you'd better come and help me finish off the happiness potions."
She nodded and got up, following him down into the dungeons.
"I think Jaide's hiding something from us?" Hermione told Harry and Ron as they sat in the Head's common room.
Harry looked up from his book, "What makes you think that 'Mione?"
"She's always so busy these days and there seems to be something on her mind, something she wishes she could tell someone but can't."
"Yeah, I've noticed that too." Ron agreed.
"I suppose." Harry nodded, "She could just be thinking about class or something though."
"No. I think I know what she's thinking about." Hermione told them, "See, she told me about a prophecy that was made involving me and Malfoy. Apparently we're going to need to combine our love to defeat this 'Shade'. She's probably worried because Malfoy and I broke up. Without us being together the 'Shade' can't be defeated."
"When were you going to tell us about this 'Mione?" Harry asked.
"Well, I dunno. I just didn't feel like sharing it I guess."
"That's okay 'Mione. We know now. I'd say don't worry about it. You don't even know when this 'Shade' is going to attack and the prophecy may be wrong. Like you told us before, Divination seems very woolly."
Hermione nodded, "You're right Ron. I'm not going to get a silly prophecy distract me from what's really important… school."
"Will it be ready in time?" Jaide asked curiously as Severus stirred the pale yellow potion.
"I should think so. It will probably be ready by tomorrow." He replied.
"That's good. How are we going to get the students to drink it?"
"A few drops into each jug of pumpkin juice at the feast should work. They all become sickeningly cheerful within minutes and it will last until midnight."
"You're so clever Sev." Jaide gushed, twirling his hair in her fingers.
"Hmmm, maybe." He gritted his teeth, "Will you please stop that, you know I don't like it."
She laughed, "But its so funny to annoy you Sev."
He sighed, "Honestly Jaide, you haven't changed a bit since school."
"And you love me for it."
He hesitated, "Yeah. I do."