Disclaimer: I bow to the greatness that is JK Rowling and in no way claim any of her characters or ideas.

Authorette Note: Special thanks to my creative assistant Bridget!

Sybil's Second Prophecy

I cannot believe I'm witnessing one of Dumbledore's memories! thought Draco.

He stood in what Draco assumed must have been Professor Trelawney's office. The real Dumbledore stood next to him. The walls of the small room were a deep rose red, and around the room were numerous scarves, each a different color. Draco recognized them as having been worn by Professor Trelawney. Along the west wall, portraits of witches and wizards hung askew, and seemed to be sleeping. Under the portraits, a small bookshelf contained numerous books, including 'The Seer's Guide to the Galaxy' and 'Seeing is Believing'.

Sunlight streamed through the window on the east wall, highlighting the dust dancing about the room. An intricate white desk sat in the middle of the room. Sybil Trelawney sat in a matching chair, sipping tea, while the Memory Dumbledore sat in his own chintzy armchair.

They were talking. "I agree with you Sybil," the Memory Dumbledore was saying. "I think Lavender and Parvati would make wonderful teacher's aides. I will speak to their Head of House." Dumbledore stood, and took Professor Trelawney's hand in a friendly handshake. That is when Draco heard an unearthly voice he would never forget, and it was coming from Sybil Trelawney. She crushed Dumbledore's hand as she spoke:

"The ashen anti-hero who would have brought down the powerful Phoenix has burned his bridges and will arise from the ashes. His once victim now becomes his protector to provide armor against the one person he should be able to trust. A pureblood patriarch will betray his own to the darkness. Those in danger will better learn truth, humility, sacrifice and love. Enemies must become allies. To fight separately could bring death. But together they could bring light to the darkness, purpose to the lost, and hope to all."

As soon as Draco heard this, he recoiled in surprise, which brought both men from the memory. Draco was again sitting in the headmaster's office. The silver substance receded back into the pensive. The room became very still as Draco realized the weight of what he had just heard.

"Did you understand any of that?" Dumbledore looked at Draco questioningly. Draco's face had lost all color, and was even paler than normal. He stared blankly, but nodded.

Draco spoke quietly, "I have to help Potter? And I could be in danger?"

"I thought so, too," said Dumbledore. "That's why you're here early. For your own safety."

"Do you fear for me? Or do you fear for Potter?" Draco asked warily.

Dumbledore closed his eyes for a moment. "Draco, I fear for both your safety. You and Harry are both very powerful wizards. There is a reason I never took you into my confidence the way I did Harry. Do you not wonder who is the Phoenix in this prophecy?"

Draco frowned in thought. "The Phoenix is you, sir. And I was supposed to have 'brought you down'? What is that supposed to mean?"

"Of that I am not entirely sure. I was more concerned with protecting myself. Draco, I am afraid that I owe you a rather large apology. I am sorry for not paying you the attention that you needed in these last couple of years. I am now aware of your problems and I am offering to help in any way I can. Professor Snape will be available to you as well, for any concerns you may have."

Draco stared at the headmaster in shock. Not only was Dumbledore apologizing to him, he had offered Snape as a confidant. "Sir? How will Professor Snape be able to help? He's a Death Eater. He will warn the Dark Lord about my decision not to become a Death Eater!" Draco's voice rose in panic.

"Draco, I am going to tell you a secret, a secret which is covered by a spell. The spell can alter your memory. If you wish to tell this secret, you will no longer remember it. Do you understand?"

Draco nodded solemnly. Dumbledore continued, "Severus is working for me. For us. For the Order of the Phoenix. Against Voldemort."

Draco did not think this conversation could get any more confusing, until Dumbledore spoke again.

"Draco, I wish for you to join the Order of the Phoenix."