Chapter three: The Heir of Merlin

Harry wondered where in the world they were going and what would happen when they got there. One of his questions was answered when Dumbledore led them into the kitchen. The rest of the Order was already there when they arrived. Tonks, Kingsley, Lupin, Mundungus, Mr. Weasley, Fred, George (both still in those hideous jackets), Moody, and Mrs. Weasley, who was busying herself making tea and placing trays of crumpets on the long, oval table. The room had a small sense of foreboding and all the grim faces left Harry with a strong feeling that someone else must've died.

"Er...hi everyone," said Harry trying to break the awkward silence.

"You all better sit down," replied Mr. Weasley. Harry looked at his four companions and they all looked as worried as he did, well except for Luna—she looked like she didn't know where she was.

After they sat down Dumbledore spoke:

"This may seem overwhelming but it's something we have to live with. I think we should begin with a new prophecy that has just come to light," said Dumbledore. "Two weeks ago Madame Trelawney gave a prediction. We do not know the exact words, but we do know what it meant. From what our source tell us, we can conclude that the prophecy states that the only way for the Lord Voldemort to be defeated is if we find the Heir of Merlin and get him or her to transfer their power to Harry so that he will a have enough power to vanquish Voldemort."

"So how do we find this heir, Professor?" Harry asked eagerly. This was his chance to defeat Voldemort once and for all.

"All we know is that he or she goes to Hogwarts," said Dumbledore gravely.

"This is going to be almost impossible," Ron said, "We barely have any information."

"Why don't we just look at family records for all the students and see who is connected with Merlin," offered Hermione.

"We can't," said McGonagall, "Merlin never had any kids and he was the last in his family line."

"So then how do we have an heir," Hermione pressed on.

"Merlin's spirit chooses who he feels is worthy," said Dumbledore.

"So that means we don't have an heir yet?" Harry asked.

"Right Mr. Potter, if we did, the heir would have powers matched by no other."

"Do you have any ideas on who it could be?" Ron asked.

"Well, it has to be someone who Merlin would think worthy of such powers and someone who wouldn't use them for evil," Dumbledore proclaimed.

"So no Slytherins," said Ron, earning a very reproving look from Snape.

"All right now up to bed, all of you," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Mum, please?" Ginny whimpered.

"Bed!" Harry wanted to ask more questions, but the thought of his outburst earlier changed his mind, but it also reminded him to apologize.

"Excuse me everyone; I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier. It was childish and wrong," Harry admitted, feeling better.

"That is quite all right Harry," said Mr. Weasley, "We all know that you are going thru a rough time right now and even the best of us, at times, lose control.

"Thanks," said Harry feeling awkward, "I'll just go now."

"Oh, and Harry," said Dumbledore, "It takes a real man to admit his mistakes" Harry smiled and departed leaving Snape to glower to himself.

When Harry opened the door to his room he saw Hermione and Ginny talking animatedly to one another and Ron in a conversation with… Luna! Harry didn't think anyone would be able to converse with Luna so easily but Ron's words were flying from his lips as if talking to Harry. Harry didn't have time to venture further into this mystery because Hermione pulled him down beside her and called for silence. When all was quiet she spoke;

"Who do you guys think the Heir could be?" she asked.

"It's probably one of us or Neville, since we all went into the Department of Mysteries, that shows bravery," said Ron.

"Merlin stands for bravery, intelligence, loyalty, and cleverness," said Hermione, "Whoever has that beyond all others would be the obvious choice."

"I guess but—

"I SAID BED!!!!!" Mrs. Weasley's voice rang through the halls.

"SORRY MUM!!" Ron bellowed.

"We'll talk more in the morning, ok?" Hermione asked.

"Of course," Harry said, but he didn't want Hermione to go. Yet he had no clue as to why.

So with the last goodbyes the girls departed and in a few minutes Ron's snores could be heard. So Harry rolled over and was asleep within minutes, feeling at last, like he was home.

Authors note: felt like a good way to end it. I'll update soon as always R&R and enjoy! O.W.L results in next chapter!