Okay guys time for replies to 46 and 45!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, etc.

Squigglius – Yep, alone.

Emily – Yeah we got a new modem and the internet's working fine now. As to "Lost", I happen to be a very big fan but that actually wasn't what I had in mind when writing it. Fangorn Forest was a little in mind, though.

Dancerrdw – Thanks!

Tria Marie Val – Ron and Hermione will be coming very, very soon. As to your previous question, I am planning this story to be over at the latest at the end of June, and am aiming for the end of this month in fact.

Okay guys, another new and very huge plot development coming this chapter…ready yourself. As well as another minor one, of course.

Chapter 47 – The Headmaster of Hogwarts

Harry caught and supported Ginny as she fell out.

"Ginny! Are you all right? Where's Draco?"

"I'm…fine…" she breathed, clearly exhausted. "Draco…separated…centaurs!"

"Centaurs," Harry repeated pensively, looking off into the deep expanse of the Forest. "They didn't…."

"No," Ginny immediately gasped, understanding immediately and obviously perturbed at the thought. "Said…some prophecy...stars! Keeping him…with them…" Ginny finished angrily.

Harry nodded. "All right Ginny, I think we better get you to the Hospital Wing." Although she didn't appear to be physically injured beyond a few scratches, she clearly needed some rest. Perhaps Madam Pomfrey could give her a potion or something. And maybe then, Harry thought, she can explain what happened back there in better detail…

One hour later…

Ginny was exhausted, laid out on the bed, sleeping quietly. Harry was right outside the Hospital Wing, quietly conversing with Parvati.

"She's going to be all right?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, she's just tired."

"And Draco?"

"I don't know," Harry said. "She said he's with the centaurs, that they saw something about him in the stars."

"But it could be anything!"

Harry shook his head this time. "No, Parvati, this worries me. Centaurs only ever see the big picture of things, which means Draco must have some huge part to play in this whole thing. And centaurs…they wouldn't care if fulfilling it meant him dying."

"If only we could ask Firenze…" Parvati said quietly. "But he always refuses to tell the future. Says we must discover it for ourself."

"I don't know why you still take Divination, Parvati," Harry said grinning. "Even if it's with a better teacher, still a bunch of mumbo-jumbo."

Parvati looked highly affronted. "It is not! Trelawney's class may have been rubbish, but Firenze's is much better!"

"Parvati, you said it yourself. Firenze isn't concerned with knowing the future beyond what you're allowed to see. And as to Trelawney, you didn't seem to mind when you kept going up to her class in third year," Harry smirked.

Parvati gave a distinct, aggravated sound and looked off in the distance. Harry moved a little bit closer in an effort to appease her, but she kept looking straight off.

"I hope I haven't done anything to annoy you," Harry said. "You know I was just joking. Or at least just partially."

"I guess so…" Parvati said, finally relenting.

"Are you sure?"

Parvati looked straight at him this time, sensing that this may not be just about Divination any more. "Yes," and she impulsively grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. Harry suddenly noticed someone approaching in the hallway.

"Professor Dumbledore!"

"Yes, Mr. Potter. I would very much like it if I could have a talk with you in my office. Miss Patil, I must extend my apologies. I assure you that Mr. Potter will be back later today."

Parvati blushed and mumbled under her breath about how it was fine. Harry waved goodbye at her and then hurried along the winding corridors with Dumbledore.

"Professor, what exactly is this about?"

"We must discuss it in my office," Dumbledore said. Today, Harry noticed, Dumbledore looked even more tired than usual. They finally reached his office. Dumbledore sat down wearily in his chair, Fawkes now resting on his arm.

"What's the problem, Professor?"

"Harry," Dumbledore started, "I was out today. I had to put my affairs in order." Dumbledore stared pointedly at Harry. "I am sorry to tell you, Harry, that it is very likely that I am going to die soon."

"What?" Harry yelled. Whatever he had been expecting, it hadn't been this. "What do you mean? How?"

"Harry, do you remember Nicolas Flamel? I worked with him for many years on alchemy…"

"And he was hundreds of years old…which means that since you worked with him on the Sorcerer's Stone…"

"I am six hundred and sixty-seven years old, Harry, a fact which very few people know. I already told you the Elixir of Life was destroyed back in your first year, but that wasn't all true. Nicolas gave me a substantial amount to tide me over for these upcoming years. Lately, I have been using as little as possible but I've been growing old…tired and weary…I am going to run out next week. I am certain to die that same week."

"But you can't!" Harry yelled. "Who's going to lead against Voldemort? And who's going to be Headmaster?"

"That is why I left today, Harry. Professor McGonagall will become the Headmistress of Hogwarts. Remus, Minerva, and Mr. Woodbury will assume responsibility at the Head of the Order. Professor Flitwick will assume responsibility as Deputy Headmaster."

Harry shook his head, unwilling to believe it. "This can't be…"

"Harry!" Dumbledore said emphatically. "You all are very capable of winning this war without me, as long as all of you believe it. I have no doubt," Dumbledore said quietly, "that the climax of this war is fast approaching. You will need lots of help, and you have it from Mr. Weasley, Miss Patil, Miss Granger, and the entire Order – as well as many other students. This war does not need me anymore. I have played my part. I will be buried next week, directly behind Hogwarts." Dumbledore finished. "Harry," Dumbledore finally stopped, faltering for words. "…that is all I have to say to you for now."

Harry took a deep breath and left quickly, practically running out and leaving the Headmaster of Hogwarts to his own thoughts.

This chapter was originally going to be longer, but some modifications were made and I figured that this was well over enough for one chapter…