Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the following characters, locations and stories which they are based on. They all belong to J.K Rowling and I don't make any profit out of this. Now that that's all cleared up, shall we get on with the story?

A/N: I've literally just uploaded the first chapter onto , but I figured that since I've already got so much written up already, I might as well treat you and upload the first few chapters now, to give it a bit of a kick-start. Hope you enjoy!

Going Forward

Chapter 2 – Dumbledore's Plan

KNOCK! KNOCK!

The old professor sat at his desk, deep in thought. The sound of someone sharply rapping at his door broke his concentration. It was rare that an arrival at his door surprised him – he was so used to knowing what people were planning to do before it happened. He had been so distracted that he hadn't noticed the Scottish teacher approaching his office.

"Come in Minerva."

He smiled warmly at her as she entered the room, and noted the look of concern written across her face.

"You look troubled, Albus. Is something wrong?"

"I've just got a lot on my mind. These are troubled times and we ll have some hard decisions to make. I, myself, am having to make some choices as we speak. I think there may be something I can do to help us, but I can't help thinking it could have some negative consequences."

"Everything we do has consequences, you know that better than most. What you need to decide is whether the good it will do outweighs the bad."

"As always, Minerva, you have been a great help."

The professor was grateful, having Minerva as an employee. She had always been wise beyond her years, a true inspiration for the young students.

"Now, what did you want to see me about?"

Professor McGonagall sighed, rolling her eyes before going on to tell the Headmaster about the evenings events.

"Mr Malfoy and Mr Potter."

Dumbledore noticed the annoyance in her voice. She seemed to be getting fed up with the boys behaviour. "Again. Something Needs to be done. In times like these, our houses need to be showing a united front. Instead, we have constant squabbling in class and fist-fights in the hallways. This has got to stop. Especially since we've got the exchange students arriving in just a few days. How is our school going to look if they think our students can get away with these prank wars and duels?"

"I couldn't agree more. Where is Severus?"

"He's taken the boys to the infirmary. I think they'll both need to be kept in overnight."

"Very well. If you could let Severus know I'll be expecting him and the students both in my office in the morning – is 9 OK for you?"

"Thanks, Albus. I shall speak to you tomorrow."

The woman rose from her chair and quietly left, heading towards the infirmary to pass on Dumbledore's message.

Dumbledore chuckled to himself. Those boys were never going to get along. Would they?

Realisation struck him as a plan began to construct itself. Perhaps what he'd been planning could be beneficial in more ways that one. If anyone was to find out what he was going to do, they'd think he'd gone mad.

This was very irresponsible. Who knew what would change if he were to go through with this. His mind was set now, though, he wasn't going to change his mind. He would do it tonight, before he had a chance to back out.

While the students soundly slept, Dumbledore began to set things in motion. Their pleasant dreams undisturbed, they had no idea that their lives were going to change. How would they? It was all happening 25 years in the future.