Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
By: Fred and George Weasley are MY kings
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing!
Chapter 20: His Power of Seen
FIRSTLY REVIEWS:
A/N: You are all amazing! Thanks for all the reviews and the great feedback… keep it coming!
Mersang: Visions of Voldemort doing the can-can? Haha! Now that's an idea…Thanks a ton for the review. About Lee Jordan, I am thinking that I will just keep him anyways, so I don't have to find another commentator. So, yes, I guess he failed… hehe. And about the captured Death Eaters, I like your theory. Only time will tell. Oh and about not reviewing for chapter 18, no worries. I hope you liked it. Enjoy Chapter 20.
Nandhp: Yeah, I think I will just keep him around. Thanks for the review! Enjoy Chapter 20!
Blue Mittens: Of course Voldemort is one step ahead; there is a spy, remember? And they are leaking information over to the other side. Well, I updated ASAP and I hope you enjoy. Thanks for the review.
Laura Depravi: I updated as soon as I could. I hope you enjoy this chapter and thanks for the review.
Clara: As far as the new rating scale goes, I have no idea what they stand for. I believe K+ is PG since that is what my story is now rated. Glad you liked the chapter.
Precious: Thanks for the review. The feedback was way helpful. Hope you like the chapter.
Time/Psycho: Yes it is a start… but there is a lot more where that came from. I really hope you continue reading, and that you like the update. Regardless, thanks for the review.
Chapter 20: His Power of Seen
As the first week of April dragged on, Harry found himself greatly looking forward to the rapidly approaching Easter Holidays. Not only did it offer him much more time to relax, but he could also use the time to possible unearth the real secrets hidden in the prophecy. He had finally given up on reading it each night, but the identity of the Half-Blood Prince still plagued his mind. He vowed to find some clue over the break, whether with Ron and Hermione's help, or just by himself. Harry happened to be in luck…
Friday morning dawned, the day before the glorious Easter Break officially began, and Harry and Ron both made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, only to find a rowdy Gryffindor table, its occupants all talking excitedly.
"What are all of you so chipper about?" Ron asked grumpily. He had been up until the wee hours of the morning trying to perfect his Potions essay, and was a bit grouchy from the loss of sleep.
"Rumor has it that Dumbledore is setting up a dueling tournament to promote inter house unity after the Easter holidays," Dean replied quickly.
"It is just a rumor, Dean," Hermione reminded, "There isn't any need to get worked up about it."
Dean shrugged, and then turned to Harry, who was currently busy heaping mounds of pancakes onto his plate, "It is about time he gave us the opportunity to actually use our skills. I bet all the D.A. members will kick some arse, all because of you, old chap."
Harry chuckled, and began to feel some enthusiasm about the possibility of a duel. He wasn't sure how a dueling tournament could possibly promote inter house unity, but that was what made it even more interesting… Harry was interested in just what Dumbledore had up his sleeve.
Classes dragged on endlessly; the teachers tried to gain the attention of the students, but soon gave up, seeing as it was absolutely no use. It was not hard to see that the sixth years students (Hermione as an exception) were all focusing much more on the promising Easter Holidays, then that of their lessons. It was a completely different story for the fifth and seventh years. Both the O.W.Ls and the N.E.W.T exams were drawing nearer, and the students were beginning to feel the pressure.
It wasn't long until the classes for the day had ended, and the break had begun. Harry, Ron, and Hermione proceeded to relax in the common room, watching the fifth years all scurry about studying feverishly.
"I am sure glad that's not us anymore. Poor blokes…" Ron said as he and Harry both caught sight of Colin Creevy and Ginny pouring over a Defense Against the Dark Arts text.
"It will be us next year, you know," Hermione reminded.
If we are here next year… Harry felt a sinking sensation his stomach as the thought crossed through his mind. He couldn't help but think such thoughts; It was part of the reason why finding the Half-Blood Prince had taken on such importance. Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts and stood up. He felt highly uncomfortable talking and thinking about the future… most of it was due to the fact that he didn't even know if a future for him existed.
"I think I will go see Luna," Harry lied as he proceeded to walk out of the common room, Ron and Hermione saying their goodbyes.
"Harry, wait up," a voice called out as he was beginning to climb through the portrait hole. Turning to the origin of the noise, he came face to face with Ginny Weasley.
"Are you going to the library?" she asked. Harry really had no idea as to where he was going to go. In all honesty, he had just wanted to take a walk around the school for a bit and think things over. However, now he appeared to be somewhat cornered.
"Yeah," he replied flatly.
"Well, I'll walk with you then," Ginny shrugged, good-naturedly. She was hunched from the weight of the books that she was carrying and appeared to be a bit stressed as both she and Harry set off for the Library.
"Err… studying for the O.W.Ls?"
"Yup… Bloody boring as hell too. I am doing all the easy topics first; you know, like Divination and Care of Magical Creatures. Speaking of Care of Magical Creatures, where is Hagrid these days anyways?"
Harry, too, had found himself wondering the same question. Earlier that week, Harry and Ron (Hermione had Prefect duties that night, so she was unable to come with) had made a trip down to the cabin only to find the place completely deserted, with the exception of Fang's presence. Curious as to Hagrid's whereabouts, since he still had not reported back to his teaching position, Harry and Ron sought out Professor McGonagall. Unfortunately, she had been a source of very little help.
"Hagrid is away on personal leave, if you must know," McGonagall replied sharply after the two boys had questioned her.
"When will he back?" Harry demanded.
"Well, Potter, Professor Grubby-Planks will be teaching for the rest of the term if that helps put things into perspective."
Harry gapped at her as Ron asked, "What type of personal matters is he attending to?"
"Potter, Weasley, I am sick of this interrogation. It is not up to you to pry into the business of your professors. I must say if Professor Hagrid wished for you to know this information, I am sure he would've shared it with you. Now, you two, kindly report back to the common room," McGonagall responded sharply, while Ron and Harry both slumped a bit. Hagrid was not just their professor; he was their friend. As they two boys made their way out of her office, McGonagall, who seemed to have realized she had been rather harsh, called out, "I am sure he will write to you both shortly." However, this didn't give either of them much comfort.
Harry suddenly became aware of Ginny looking at him expectantly. "You know Harry, when making conversation, one needs a bit of help… like the other actually responding," She said, smiling.
"Oh, err, sorry. I was just thinking. I was wondering where Hagrid has been too… McGonagall told me he wasn't going to teach at all this term."
"Well, I am sure there isn't any need to worry," Ginny said, seemingly noticing Harry's worried expression. "I mean there isn't much that could hurt Hagrid is there?" Harry smiled, and nodded; no, not much could hurt Hagrid.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, the two reached the library. It was utterly packed with other fifth and seventh year students, all of whom were pouring over dusty, large volumes, either reading or taking notes. Harry spotted Luna at the corner table, with a group of other Ravenclaws, and he waved. She returned the gesture and went back to studying. Harry figured that he could at least do some research on the prophecy now that he was there. Surprisingly enough, Harry noted Ginny also had to study the same content; she had set her books down on an empty table, with one catching his eye.
"Hey, Gin, do you mind if I take a look at this one?" Harry asked.
She looked surprised, but shrugged. "I've got plenty more, so go for it." Harry sat down across from her, taking the large blue book titled Important Prophecies of the Century: How the Old Age of Royalty Effects the World Today.
"What class is this for anyway?" Harry questioned as he began scanning through the pages.
"Divination," Ginny replied shortly, as she was already immersed in a copy of The Healing of Herbolgy.
"I don't remember having to know any of this stuff," Harry said as he continued to flip the pages. He caught sight of many pictures of famous seers, not truly recognizing any of the names, all looking at him slightly apprehensively.
"Well, you had Trewelany. I had Firenze for the whole term. He makes it slightly more difficult. We have to know the importance of the Royal Age and all that. It's mostly all bogus anyway."
"The Royal Age?" Harry asked, jumping suddenly to attention.
"Yes…" Ginny said uncertainly, apparently surprised at his sudden interest.
"What is it?" Harry demanded eagerly. Could it possibly have something to do with the Half-Blood Prince? Harry was sure it did, as he leaned forward, awaiting Ginny's answer.
"Well, it all started with the Trewelany family line in the early 1700s. It was basically a time of discrimination… it was when the Purebloods really started all the 'pure-blood, mud-blood' nonsense. Anyway, it basically just earned the true seers more respect… they were referred to as the royals, because people literally worshipped the ground that they walked on. They made all sorts of predictions about what the world would be like in 300 years. It's quite interesting because many of them actually came true. The whole thing is actually mostly considered a bit of legend, which is why most people don't really know about it. There was a lot of controversy over the prophecies after they started happening though. Some Scholars have said that they were forged and made after the recorded time, so they weren't really predictions at all, just faked."
"Wait a minute. By faked you mean…?"
"The people who have very closely studied the documents believe that the prophecies were actually made after the event they proclaimed was going to happen, occurred. In other words, the 'Royals' were thought to be frauds, and no one put much faith in any of them or the prophecies after that."
"And when you said Trewlaney…"
"Yes, the great ancestors of our own Professor Trewlaney… And I think its fair to say that she is a fraud as well. Although she did have a great-grandmother I think, who was an actual Seer."
"And Firenze makes you know all of this?"
"Yes. He wants us all to be well aware of the human limitations. He basically announced that it was going to take up a full two pages on the practical exam."
Harry just nodded, as he was suddenly hit with a realization.
He comes a valiant one of royal blood
Cloaked with the purest heart.
His power of seen goes on unseenThe light of future lighting his way
But the shadows of past deepening the doubt
"It wasn't just the Trewlaneys was it? Were there other Royal families?" Harry asked quickly. He knew that he was coming close to finding the answer.
"Yeah, there were a lot of them actually. You've got to remember, this supposedly lasted for about two hundred years. I wouldn't put too much faith into it though. Again, most consider it just a legend... no one really puts any faith into the prophecies."
"Could I possibly borrow this for the night?" Harry asked pointing to the book.
Ginny still looked horribly confused, but nodded. "Harry, are you alright? You are acting really strange… with this sudden interest in Divination, and all."
"Never been better, Ginny," Harry replied as he stood and tucked the book underneath his arm. He had to find Ron and Hermione.
He soon found them, in the common room where he had left them earlier. They were both indulging on Mrs. Weasley's infamous Easter Eggs when Harry interrupted them, only to utter four words quietly; "He's a bloody Seer."
Hermione, who immediately understood, looked appalled. Ron took slightly longer to grasp what Harry was talking about, but when he did, he too looked surprised.
"How did you find out?" Hermione questioned, looking somewhat uncertain.
"I'll explain soon, I'll go get the prophecy and my invisibility cloak. We're going to have a nice chat in the Room of Requirement."
Ron smiled and nodded, but Hermione looked worried.
"Harry, it's five 'o' clock now. If we're caught outside any later then…"
"Hermione, this important. It's worth the risk," Harry reasoned, "Besides, I'll have the cloak."
"And do you still expect all three of us to fit under it?" Hermione challenged.
"Hermione, come on. Harry's right… this is important. Besides, you know how to do disillusment charms now anyway; we won't need the cloak." Ron pleaded.
"Fine… We'll get a head start… Hurry up, though. The sooner we are back, the better," Hermione huffed, as she and Ron made their way out of the common room, unnoticed.
Harry climbed the stairs quickly, almost tripping over Crookshanks who had taken a keen liking to sit on the third to last step. He quickly retrieved his cloak as well as his copy of the prophecy and left through the portrait hole, slipping the cloak neatly over him.
IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI
"You mean to tell me that the Trewlaneys actually were considered royalty?" Hermione questioned incredulously.
The three had been sitting in the Room of Requirement for the past hour discussing the newfound information that Harry had received. Hermione seemed to be slightly miffed that she hadn't found the answer, but Harry could tell she had already begun to over look it. After all, the important thing was that they were actually getting somewhere. Slowly, it was all beginning to fit.
"Yes, they were, according to legend. Many other wizarding families were too,"
"It makes sense… the Half-Blood Prince being a Seer. 'His power of seen goes on unseen'… That definitely fits there." Ron added.
"It all makes sense so perfectly, it has to be it… He comes a valiant one of royal blood…He must be a descendant of one of the wizarding families in that book." Hermione concluded, gesturing to the book that Harry had borrowed from Ginny.
"But what about the rest?" Harry asked, a bit hopelessly. There were still many holes left. Ron and Hermione both looked somewhat hopeless as well. Sighing, Harry returned to rereading the prophecy. Something in the last part caught his attention.
The King of blood shall be seen
The Ruler of heart shall be renewed,
Then the prince of time, which lights the others journey, will be revealed
Then it came to him
The paths of three people are woven into the night sky tonight. One is yours is Harry Potter; One in the sky has made his choice already… the other, I am afraid, will have his chance to choose his own at the very end of his journey.
The prophecy was speaking of the three destinies. The three people; Voldemort, The Half-Blood Prince, and himself.
"Look at this," Harry said gesturing to the three sentences. "Who do you reckon these people are?"
Hermione took the parchment out of his hands and read intently. "The prince of time… well, that has to be the Half-Blood Prince… he can predict time… he owns time."
"And the King of Blood's got to be Voldemort. He is obsessed with blood," Harry added.
"That leaves the Ruler of Heart…" Ron said unsurely.
"There is only me left," Harry responded shrugging, while Hermione and Ron both exchanged glances. Harry then went on to explain what had occurred the very eventful Valentines Day, when they both had been off elsewhere. Their reaction was mixed between surprise and a bit of fear. "Why didn't you tell us right away?" Ron questioned as soon Harry had stopped.
"I didn't want to ruin your holiday," Harry shrugged.
"Oh, honestly, Harry don't be so bloody noble," Ron said shaking his head.
"Well there wasn't much you could do; no sense bothering you," Harry replied.
"Harry, don't think of it that way. You're our friend… even if we couldn't do anything; we still like to know about what's going on. You wouldn't have been bothering us," Hermione said.
"Well you know now, so…"
"Next time tell us sooner. You shouldn't have to deal with those sort of problems by yourself." Hermione cut it.
"Okay, okay," Harry sighed in defeat.
"Now that that is settled, I think we should go back," proclaimed Hermione.
"What? Hermione, we can't! We're so close." Harry argued.
"Harry, it's getting late. McGonagall will be up in the common room any minute, demanding for the prefects to report any news. We can do this tomorrow… we'll actually look through the book seeing if we can find any descendant who was born on March 20th."
"Fine," Harry grumbled as he gathered his belongings. He then followed Ron and Hermione out of the Room of Requirement.
Despite Hermione's promise to get to work on finding the identity of the Half-Blood Prince promptly in the morning, the three teenagers were distracted by other news. The Daily Prophet, which normally came out on weekday mornings, issued a special news bulletin: Victor Krum's body had been found. Not only was the news deeply disturbing for apparent reasons, (someone dieing is always somewhat disturbing), but Harry, Ron and Hermione found it unnerving because it meant one thing. Voldemort was now again on the hunt for the Half-Blood Prince. If he managed to find the prince before they did, the consequences would be devastating. For now that Harry knew of the Half-Blood Princes power, he now saw what the prince would give; he would tell the future, and tell one how to defeat the other.
Firenze had told Harry that each destiny had to make a choice; a choice that would affect all of mankind. Voldemort had made his… he had chosen the path of darkness and evil. Harry and the Prince had yet still to make theirs. And Harry would be damned if he let the prince choose to follow Voldemort. Like stated before, if the prince did side with the Dark Lord, the aftermath would be devastating.
A/N: And the plot thickens! Haha… Well, Happy Belated Easter and Belated April Fools' Day. Hope everyone had a good one! As always, thanks to everyone for reading and be sure to tell me what you think. (I know I said before that this chapter was to be called 'The Wrong Prince,' but I changed my mind) .It was pointed out to me that Ginny and Harry were acting a bit too friendly in this chapter (I didn't really think so, but…yeah) so I just thought I should very clearly proclaim that Harry and Luna will stay together in this story. I don't have the heart to break them up… they're just so good for each other. Oh, another note, I have officially decided to cut all of the Draco/Ginny romance. Special thanks goes to Vertigo4ever for her rather clever idea for the dueling tournament. Well that's all for now! Be sure to REVIEW! Thanks so much!