A/n: I forgot to add Healing to OWL Exams! Josh had Healing class so there would be an Exam! I forgot to put it in there. So he has an Healing owl exam. I will go back and put that in there.
Chapter 2: The Growing Family of Black
Josh sat up in bed, sweating profusely and breathing heavily, a weird echoing of a wail in his ears. He swung his legs off the bed leaning on his hands. It was a weird feeling to just be waking up out of no where. He didn't know what it was, but it probably wasn't important. He heard a tiny squak. He looked up towards an owl perch, seeing two birds; his owl and his Phoenix, Blaise, who was awake, staring at him. Blaise was a gift that Josh had received back in his third year of Hogwarts from his mother, back when his mother was arrested. He was angry then and refused to open her gift. He had forgotten about it until last June, when it decided to hatch. Josh decided to name the Phoenix after his best friend Blaise, who died last June. Something he deemed his fault. People said it wasn't his fault, even Mrs. Zabini and Tracey didn't blame him, but Josh couldn't help feel responsible. Oh how he missed his best friend.
Josh stood out of his bed, walking over to the black and purple bird. He proceeded to pet him only to snatch his hand back when the magical bird snapped. There was a small hitch with Blaise the Phoenix. Sometimes, he wasn't friendly with Josh nor did he listen to his owner. Josh didn't understand this. He didn't understand how Blaise was mostly friendly with everyone else in the house. Josh sighed, moving away from the Phoenix, turning to look out the window. He could see a pink and yellow hue in the distance, meaning the sun was rising. He could see the faint light, lighting up some distant buildings of London. He was back to his old home in London, where it was just him and his mother. Now, it was a very full house. Two free parents, one of them pregnant, and three teenage children, soon to be four.
Josh looked over at the spare bed in his room. It was soon to be occupied by the Gryffindor Golden Boy, Harry Potter. He was going to be there any day now. Sirius told Josh that Dumbledore was to bring Harry to his new home, after running a small errand with him of course. Josh was curious, but he wasn't that curious. Josh walked over to his window looking out into the dark city of London. He was finally home, not in the country or in some hidden house. It was his original home that he was with his mother when he started Hogwarts. Now that his mother was back, they were able to move back home. Josh had never been so relieved to be back to his actual home.
Josh took a few steps towards his desk, where a Daily Prophet sat. On the front of the page was a picture of the new Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrumgeour, who was the last Head of the DMLE. Josh thought it was a wrong choice for Minister. He thought the position could have gone to someone with a more political aspect of personality. Instead, the people went with another dumb fighter. The paper also held articles about the upcoming war now that Voldemort was out in the open, including an article on ways to stay safe and protects oneself from the dark forces.
Josh sighed, exiting the room. He began down the hallway, glancing at a grandfather clock to see that it was after five in the morning. He slowly made his way downstairs, passing the sitting room, but stopped for a moment in the doorway. He looked at the chair farthest from the door. That is where his grandfather sat the last time Josh saw him. He remembered that day. It was the day Malcolm show Josh how to do a Patronus charm. Josh smiled to himself and continued on to the Kitchen. The light was on, indicating that someone was already awake. It was Sirius and he wasn't alone. Tonk's was there as well. They had stopped abruptly when Josh entered.
Sirus looked up to see his son. "Good morning," he greeted, taking a sip of coffee, picking up the newspaper.
"Morning," Josh mumbled, and then pointed at Sirius' cup of coffee. "Is there any more of that?" he asked.
"Since when do you drink coffee?" Tonks curiously asked, as Sirius pointed towards the counter where there happened to be more fresh coffee.
"Since my nightmares keep waking me up so early," Josh answered, walking over to pour him a cup of coffee. He could feel his father's concerned stares on the back of his head. "It's fine," Josh said, turning to his father's concerned look. "They'll eventually go away."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Sirius asked.
Josh shook his head. "No, I'm okay," he answered, disappointing Sirius who sighed and shrugged. Josh sat down at the table, across from his father. "So, when does Potter get here?"
"Can't you call him Harry?" Sirius asked glancing disappointingly at his son over the newspaper.
"I can," Josh replied, taking a sip of coffee.
"But you won't," Sirius said, Josh shook his head with a cheeky smile. Sirius sighed with a roll of his eyes. "He'll be here later tonight. Tomorrow is his birthday, so we're going to have a big dinner for him. Everyone's invited. The Weasley's, Tonks's, Hagrid, Greengrasses. Everyone."
"Great," Josh muttered. A big ole party for the Golden Boy. He looked over at Tonks who was nursing a cup of tea. She looked tired and stressed out. "What are you doing over here so early?" he asked.
"I needed to talk to Sirius about something...personal," She answered, and before Josh could press on the matter, Tonks stood up. "I better be off. I have work in a few hours. I should at least get in a couple hours of sleep." Sirius nodded. "I'll see you at work then," she added towards Sirius.
"See you then," he replied.
"Bye Josh," Tonks bid.
"Bye," Josh replied as Tonks left. Josh turned to Sirius. "So, you're starting your work tomorrow?" Sirius nodded.
"Yes I am," Sirius answered with a grin, "Going back to being an Auror. It's what i did before I was wrongfully imprisoned. James Potter was my partner back then."
"Of course he was," Josh sniffed, grabbing a few pages of the prohpet his father was done reading.
"What about you, Joshua?" Srius asked, taking a sip of coffee. "You have that career appointment today with Professor McGonagall. Do you know what you want to do for a career?"
Josh shrugged. "There are a bunch of things I could do, I guess," he told his father. "I could be an Auror as well. Or a healer. Dragon Handler. I don't know. I think I'd want something that always challenges me, you know? Something that tests my limits."
Sirius nodded in understanding, "I understand," he said. "And all those careers seem like good ideas, except maybe for Dragon Handling."
"Well I did take down a dragon when I was fifteen, remember?" Josh said. Sirius looked up, remembering how Josh was in the triwizard tournament his fourth year of Hogwarts.
"Days were simpler then," Sirius began reminiscing. "Days where all you had to worry about were dragons, mermaids, and giant spiders, instead of an all out Wizarding War."
Later that night, Josh was at his desk, working on his summer Homework when he heard the door to his room open. Josh turned to see Harry entering with his trunk and owl in his arms. "Hello," Harry greeted, walking over to the spare bed and setting his stuff down on it. "How are you?" he asked as he opened Hedwig's cage.
"Spectacular," Josh answered, finishing up on his Potions paper. "And yourself?"
"I'm alright, considering there's a war out there," Harry spoke, walking over to open the window to let out Hedwig. "Which is something we should talk about."
Josh rolled up his Potions Paper. "Did Slughorn accept the job, then?" he asked, changing the subject.
"How'd you know about that?" Harry asked, taken aback.
"Sirius told me," Josh answered, turning to Harry. "Told me all about this Slughorn and his obsessions with famous people." Harry nodded in understanding.
"Yes, he will be coming back to teach at Hogwarts."
"As Potions Master I expect," Josh said, throwing Harry off guard.
"Wait, not for Defense class?" He asked.
"Of course not," Josh replied, turning to Harry. "He was a potions Professor."
"So then who's?"
"Snape, obviously," Josh said with a heavy sigh. "Good luck getting a pssing grade now."
"Great," Harry sighed, sitting down on his bed. He ran a hand through his messy bed.
Josh looked at his watch. It was after midnight. "You sure took your time, didn't you," he commented, walking over to his own bed. Harry snorted and shook his head, moving his things to the floow and taking off his shoes. Minutes later, the two teenagers were laying in their beds, ready to go to sleep. Josh closed his eyes when Harry spoke up.
"I didn't get a chance to thank you," Harry said. "You know, for meeting us at the Ministry."
"I didn't do it for you," Josh spoke. "I thought my father was in trouble. I did it for him. I would have gone whether or not you were there."
"I know," Harry said. "But still. Thanks anyway."
Josh sighed. "You're welcome. Now go to sleep, Potter." He heard Harry laugh. Josh smirked to himself.
Josh was the first one to wake up the next morning. He was having the same dream, no, it was more like a nightmare. It was about the night one of his best friends had died, sacrificing himself to save Josh. Every other night, when Josh closed his eyes, that is what he saw. Blaise pushing Josh out of the way, getting struck by the killing curse, followed by images of a crying mother or girlfriend. Josh hadn't seen Ms. Zabini or spoken to Tracey since that fateful night at the Ministry. Josh sat on the edge of his bed, wipin downwards on his face and sighing heavily. He head lightly snoring, remembering that Harry was here.
Josh stood up from his bed and left his room. He strode down the hall and into the bathroom. He stood over the sink and looked into the mirror, staring at his gaunt looking face. His dark colored hair was longer than usual, down to his neck. He ran a hand through it, seeing the resemblance of his father. His father, who was now free and working to ger his job back as an Auror, though he also secretly worked for the Order of the Phoenix. As for his mother, she wasn't going back to work for the ministry for a couple of reasons. One was because of how the system seemed to be flawed. The other reason was because she had a baby on the way. Josh smiled to the thought of him finally having a baby brother or sister. He was excited to this new addition to his now ever growing family.
There was a knock on the door. Josh turned and opened the door to reveal a tired-looking Rina, his youner cousin who now lived with the Black family. "Are you done?" she asked. "I really have to go." Josh smirked but nodded nonetheless, and the two switched positions. Josh turned, walking downstairs and towards the kitchen. He entered to find his five-month old pregnant mother bustling around.
"What's going on?" Josh asked, making his way towards the coffee pot. "Why are you up so early?"
"Good morning to you too," Sandra replied, pulling man plates from the cabinets. "Because it's someone's birthday today and we're going to have a very special party."
Josh raised an eyebrow. "My birthday isn't for another couple months ma," he said, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Not yours," Sandra said with a chuckle. "It's for Harry."
"Of course it is," Josh mumbled, taking a seat at the kitchen table. Sandra turned towards her son.
"What happened between the two of you?" Sandra asked, "You two were the best of friends, were you not?" Josh shrugged.
"Things change I guess," he answered, staring at his coffee.
"They do," Sandra agreed, running a hand through Josh's hair, and then kissing the top of his head. "You need a haircut. You're starting to look more like your father."
"And that's a bad thing?" said a voice that entered the kithen. It was Sirius.
Sandra smiled. "Oh, of course not," she said as Sirius walked over to his wife and kissed her on the cheek.
"Good morning," he greeted, and then bent over to his wife's belly. "And good morning to you too!" He kissed her belly and walked over to get himself a mug of coffee. "So, what's on the agenda for today?"
"Party for Potter," Josh informed, taking a sip of coffee.
"Is that today!?" Sirius asked, turning to his wive while Josh rolled his eyes. Sandra nodded as she walked over to the stove to get started on breakfast. "So, who's all invited to this thing?"
"Well, the Weasleys of course," Sandra began, "Hermione, Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore, if he'll come, Neville and his grandmother, The Greengrasses and Tracey, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, possible other Gryffindors and maybe some kids from Dumbledore's army. Oh, and Cho Chang, of course."
"Cho Chang? Who's she?" Sirius curiously asked.
"Potter's girlfriend," Josh answered.
"Would it kill you to call him by his first name?" Sandra spoke to Josh.
Josh shrugged. "It could," he said.
"Harry has a girlfriend?" Sirius exclaimed. "That's interesting. I'll be happy to meet her." Josh rolled his eyes and decided to excuse himself.
People began to arrive aroud ten o'clock. Hermione and the Weasleys were the first to arrive. Ron and Hermione entered the study where Josh happened to be, reading one of his old textbooks. "Good morning," Hermione greeted. Josh looked up seeing Hermione and Ron who was looking down and shuffling his feet.
"Good morning," Josh greeted back. "Have a good summer?"
"It could've been a little better," Hermione answered. "Where's Harry?"
"He's still sleep," Josh told her. "Had himself a late night adventure with Dumbledore." Hermione nodded, and left the room, presumably to check on Harry. Ron stayed put to which Josh noticed. He saw him scratch the back of his head. "Something on your mind?" Josh asked.
Ron sighed heavily. "This is kind of hard for me, but," he began. "Josh, I would like to just apologize...for everything. I was wrong about everything, about all Slytherins being dark wizards and such, because they're not." Josh's eyebrows rose in surprise. He leaned forward in his chair.
"What made you change your mind?" he asked with curiosity.
Ron smirked as he remembered. "Back at the Ministry, when we got split up. It was me, Harry, Hermione, and Tracey Davis. And well, she saved my life." Josh was expecting to hear about Hermione, but he was wrong. "Tracey Davis saved my life. It was pretty incredible. She knocked back two death eaters that had me cornered. I mean, I thought I was done for. And her magic was amazing. I was surprised. It was like in one of those muggle stories where the warrior saves the princess, and in my story, I was the princess and she was the great warrior." Josh kept himself from laughing after hearing Ron call himself a Princess.
"That's when I knew," Ron continued. "That not all Slytherins were the same. Tracey was determined, passionate, graceful, strong, and amazing." Josh raised his eyebrow in concern as Ron's eyes glazed over when he described Tracey. Ron shook his head. "Anyways, I just want to apologize, about everything. And I hope that we can be friends again." Ron held out a hand towards Josh.
Josh stared at Ron's hand, and then stood up to his feet, gripping Ron's hand, smiling. "Thanks Ron," he said, shaking Ron's hand. "It takes guts to admit when your wrong, and I'd be happy to be friends with you again. And Harry is lucky to have a great friend like you by his side."
"I just hope you and Harry will be friends again as well," Ron replied. "I know more than anyone else what its like to feel overlooked by your parents. And if you need anything, let me know."
"Thanks, Ron," Josh thanked. Ron smiled, gave a nod, and took his leave to go check on Harry.
Josh sat back down on his chair, hearing voices. He looked up towards the doorway to see a blonde woman with a tray of food pass by. Mrs. Weasley and Josh's mothers suddenly followed after her. And if Josh's didn't know any better, he would have sworn that that blonde women looked just like Fluer Delacour.
Sirius entered the Room. "Son?" Josh looked up at his father. "When Professor McGonagall is going to want to talk to you."
"About what?" Josh curiously asked.
"About what career path you're going to want to take," Sirius answered. Josh nodded in understanding, remembering that he wasn't at School at the time as he was off doing something else. "Have you given it any thought?" Sirius asked. Josh shrugged. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do. There were a lot of things that he could do, but was there something that would make him ultimately happy to do? "Well, that's why McGonagall is coming to talk to you about that," Sirius continued. "She'll help you decide what it is that you want to do." Josh nodded and Sirius took his leave, but then came back in. "Oh, and one more thing," he said, holding out an envelope. "O.W.L. results are in."
He walked over and handed Josh his envelope. "Thanks," Josh said, standing up and accepting the envelope and then stared at it. Did he even want to open it? He looked up to see Sirius grinning down at him.
HIs grin faded with Johs's serious expression. "I'll come back," he said, and then left the room.
Josh sighed, turning his enevelope around and opened it up. He pulled out his results, and let out a sigh of relief.
ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVELS
PASS GRADES FAIL GRADES
OUTSTANDING(O) POOR(P)
EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS(E) DREADFUL(D)
ACCEPTABLE(A) TROLL(T)
JOSHUA MALCOLM BLACK HAS ACHIEVED
ASTONOMY E
ANCIENT RUNES E
CHARMS O
DEFENSE AGAINSTE THE DARK ARTS O
ELEMENTAL MAGIC O
HEALING E
HERBOLOGY E
HISTORY OF MAGIC A
POTIONS O
TRANSFIGURATION O
"Well, how'd you do?"
Josh looked up to see his father's head poking through the doorway. Josh walked over and handed his father the results. "Whoa, this is impressive," Sirius said excitely. "You can do almost anything with results like these! I'm going to show your mother!" Sirius turned to go find his wife.
About an hour later, Josh and McGonagall were in Sirius's study, sitting across one another. McGonagall had a clipboard in her left hand and a quill in her right. "So, Black, this meeting is to talk over any career ideas that you might have, and to help you decide which subjects you should continue into you sixth and seventh years. Have you had any thoughts about what you would like to do after you leave Hogwarts?"
"Well, I'm not sure," Josh began with a shrug, "I mean, I could see my self doing many kinds of things. Auror, Dragonologist, Healer, Professor, Mazoologist, Spell Inventor, Wand Maker, Unspeakable."
"Those all do seem like viable options for you, Mr. Black," McGonagall said, writing in her clipboard. "I will be honest with you, Mr. Black. I've watched you grow over these past years. You seem to have a knack for finding trouble and finding a way to get out of it. You like to challenge yourself and you like to head on with the advanced magics instead of the simplest. I think I have a prefect career for you."
Josh looked pensive. "And what is that, Professor?" he asked.
"A Curse Breaker, Mr. Black," McGonagall answered.
"A Curse Breaker?" Josh repeated, "Isn't that what Bill Weasley does?"
McGonagall nodded as she waved her wand in the air and a pamphlet appeared in front of Josh. It was a pamphlet about Curse-Breakers. As Josh looked it over, the professor continued on, "A Curse-Breaker is an occupational title denoted to witches and wizards who removes, counters or breaks curses placed on objects or places for a living. Best known as one of the profession sought after by Gringotts Wizarding Bank, in which a wizard or witch disables or counters curses in ancient tombs or other historical sites, in order to bring back gold and other treasure to Gringotts, though Curse-Breakers can also work for the Ministry of Magic, removing curses, hexes and jinxes from illegally bewitched objects. It is speculated that Curse-Breakers employed by Gringotts are almost the equivalent of Muggle archaeologists," she explained. "It's a challenging job and it would be an adventure everytime you'd go outside. Now, would that be something that would interest in you?"
Josh looked at the Curse-Breaker pamphlet, smiling as he glanced it over. Witches and Wizards, traveling to other countries, having adventures. Josh liked having adventures, and he liked having a challenge. Finding the Ring months ago was actually quite fun for him. He could see himself doing more things like that for his career. So, he nodded. "Yeah," he answered. "I think a Curse-Breaker is something that I would like to do."
"Alright, good," McGongall spoke. "Well, N.E.W.T.'s needed for this particular career are Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, and Ancient Runes, and unfortunately you would need and O.W.L in Arithmancy, which you didn't take but that is something we can fix."
"Meaning what?" Josh asked.
"That you'll be taking Arithmancy classes with the younger classmen if this is the career that you really want," McGonagall said sternly. Josh nodded in understanding. "Alright, so as to your O.W.L. Results, very impressive if I may say so myself. You may cut out Astronomy, Healing, History of Magic, Elemental Magic classes, and Herbology, if you'd like."
"But are there classes I can still keep taking?" Josh wondered, leaning on his knees.
"Sure, of course," McGonaggal told him.
"Good, becuase I would like to keep taking Healing and Herbology," Josh told her.
"That is perfectly fine," McGonagall said with a nod, writing in her clipboard. "And I believe that will conclude our meeting," she finished with a smile and stood to her feet. Josh stood to his feet as well. "And how are you, Josh?"
Josh was taken aback. He rarely heard Professor McGonagall say his first name. "I, er, I'm fine," Josh answered, "Well, I'm as fine as I'll ever be."
"I see," McGonagall said with a nod. "Well, we are around if you ever need someone to talk to."
Josh nodded, "Thank you, Professor," he replied. "Please, enjoy the party." And with that, Josh left McGonagall in the room by herself.
Soon, more and more guests began to arrive for Harry's birthday. Josh was in his backyard, staring into the distance, and wondering, wondering what it would be like if there was no Voldemort. Maybe things would be simple and easy. Though, even if there was no Voldemort, there was always going to be that one someone who was evil enough to cause distruption in the world.
"Joshua."
Josh turned, surprised to see that it was Victor Greengrass walking up next to him. "Mr. Greengrass," Josh greeted with a nod. Last time the two had seen one another, Victor was screaming at Josh for what he had gotten his daughter into.
"How is your summer?" Victor asked, standing next to Josh.
"S'alright," Josh answered.
"Josh," Victor began, looking a bit anxious. Josh turned towards the older man. "The reason I'm here, besides for the Order meeting and Mr. Potter's birthday, well, I'm here to apologize." Josh raised his eyes in surprise. This was the second apology towards him. "I'm sorry for ho the last time we met went down. My daughter was severely injured and she could have died. If you had a daughter, I'm sure you would understand." Josh nodded. "And it is to my understanding that you did try to break up with her."
"I did for a while," Josh said with a smirk. "But she wouldn't let that go so easily."
"So you are back together then," Victor stated. Josh nodded. "I'm not upset about that. I mean, there's nothing I could even do about it if I could. It's my daughter's choice, and she is stubborn. As stubborn as her mother." Josh chuckled, agreeing with Victor. "And now with this war coming to fruition. It's going to effect all of us, and I will do everything I can to keep my children or at least my grandchildren from living in a dark world."
"You don't have to worry about it that much," Josh replied, "I am going to stay out of it, and hopefully that will lead Daphne to stay out of it as well."
"Really?" Victor spoke skeptically. "Joshua Black thinks he can stay out of trouble? Our of war?" Josh side-glared at Victor who snorted. "Well, I'll appreciate what you will try to do; but like I said, war is going to effect everyone, and that includes you. Your parents and your 'brother' will be in the center of this war. Are you just going to leave them to it, and not help them?"
Josh sighed heavily. "They can handle themselves," he spoke. "Why should they need my help. There are others that can help. Isn't that what the Order of Phoenix is for? I think I should just focus on my studies."
"But what if the war lasts till after you're out of school?" Victor asked, making an interesting point. "We can't run away from war, because eventually, it will be knocking at your doorstep." Victor patted Josh on the shoulder and then left Josh with hs thoughts. He wasn't alone for too long when he felt arms wrap around his abdomen.
"What did my father want?" Daphne asked. "Tell you to stay away from me?"
Josh pursed his lips. "No," he answered. "He was just saying hi." He intertwined his hands into hers. "Nothing to worry about," he sighed.
Over the next few hours was filled with a birthday party for Harry. There were many guests to Harry's delight. A bunch of Gryffindor students were invited, as well as a couple of Professors. A few other students outside of Gryffindor were also invited like Luna Lovegood and Cho Chang. Tracey was also at the Party, but Josh did a very good job of voiding the girl, but he was surprised to see that Ron was keeping her company. The Black House was full of friends and family having a pretty good time.
The next few days were overly enjoyable. They were practically normal days. Once for a difference, Ron was staying over for the rest of the summer to hang out with Harry, and Hermoine and Ginny were visiting almost every other day. It could have been a cheerful holiday for a change had Voldemort not been running around and kidnapping people.
One day, Josh was throwing away some trash when he came across an interesting conversation.
"Voldemort is becoming bolder and bolder by the minute," he heard his father's voice coming from an open kitchen window. "These disappearances are no coincedence. They are planned. Like Ollivander's. There had to be a special reason the wandmaker was taken."
"Whatever it was, it can't be good," Josh heard Remus say. "I guess people will have to do with other wandmakers for now."
"Yes, but do you think it's true?" Sirius asked his best friend. Josh leaned closer to the window. "About why Dumbledore believes Ollivander was kidnapped?"
Josh heard Remus shuffle, thinking that he was probably shrugging. "You can't be serious, no pun intended," Remus added, and Josh hearing his father sniggering. "There is no such thing. It's impossible."
"What's going on!?"
Josh stood up straight. "I was just throwing away the trash," Josh spoke, turning around seeing Harry inside the kitchen, curiously looking at him. He turned away to glance out the window and saw that Sirius and Remus were gone. "What are you doing?" he asked, turning back to Harry.
Harry lifted a letter. "Here's your Hogwarts letter," he said, walking over and handing Josh his letter, his own open letter in his other hand. Josh accepted the letter, opening it and glancing it over. "Are you going out for Quidditch this year?" Harry suddenly asked.
Josh shrugged. "Maybe, why?"
Harry opened his hand to show the Quidditch Captain badge. "I could use someone as good as you," he answered. "Maybe as a chaser, of course, you'd have to try out." Josh smirked but nodded. Harry turned to leave, but then turned back. "I actually need to speak to you later."
Josh nodded. "I'll be around," he replied. Harry nodded and took his leave. It wasn't until later that night when Harry came back to Josh in the study.
"Josh there is something I need to tell you," Harry spoke, closing the door behind him and casting the Muffliato spell on the door. "I think it's something that you should know."
Josh sat back in his chair curiously, though he had an inkling feeling. "Is this about my actions at the Department of Mystery?" he asked.
Harry shook his head. "No," he replied. "if I had lost Ron, I might have done the same thing. This is about why we were brought there in the first place." Josh nodded, now understanding what he meant.
"About the Prophecy?" Josh asked. Harry nodded. "What about it?"
"It's true," Harry simply said, sitting down and leaning on his knees.
Josh furrowed his eyes. "What do you mean,'it's true'?"
"Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies, and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not, and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies," Harry recited mechanically.
Josh stared at Harry in shock, not sure what to say. "Then that means," he began as Harry nodded. "That only you can defeat him?" Harry nodded. "But what if you can't?"
"Then I'm going to need all the help I can get," Harry replied, looking straight into Josh's eyes. "I'm going to need your help, Josh. I'm going to need your skills."