Chapter 44: Prophecy

Viola's POV

The next morning, Viola chewed her breakfast thoughtfully as Senna gave her the rundown of her encounter with Rachel.

"Hmm. So perhaps that woman wasn't a waste of time after all."

"Maybe not." Senna agreed.

"Do you think that thing will back off enough for you to use magic in the tournament?"

"Who knows?" Senna sighed.

Viola sighed as well. There was no telling what Malos would and would not do. They would just have to find out.

"We've got the practical exam today in Defence Against the Dark Arts." Viola stood with purpose, her red hair bouncing as she did so.

"Lucky." Senna grumbled jealously.

Viola quickly smoothed out her robes and threw her bag over her shoulder. "I have to go."

"I'll walk you." Senna offered and stood up as well.

Senna put her hand around Viola's. Viola felt heat creep into her cheeks, and cursed silently. Why did her body always betray her around Senna? Viola saw Senna smirk so she hid behind her red hair.

When she was sure her girlfriend was not watching, she looked over to observe her. She told herself it was to make sure the curse hasn't progressed since the last time she saw her, but that would be a lie. She was a pleasure to look at, with a tall and toned physique, she effortlessly blended strength and grace. Her striking features and athletic prowess make her an undeniable presence, captivating those around her.

They barely reached the corridor when Viola saw something that made her stop abruptly. There were three familiar adults walking towards them.

"What's wrong?" Senna asked, following her gaze to Professor Snape, and the two other figures.

Her parents.

Her father's short red hair was not as neat as it usually was. Even her mother look a bit harrassed in non-matching robes and tilted glasses.

Viola felt a sense of dread as she saw her parents approach her. She knew what that meant. They were here to take her home. She had been dreading this moment for days, ever since she received the letter from her parents asking her to return home immediately. She had of course responded with her refusal, giving every academic excuse she could think of.

Furthermore, she was holding hands with Senna. Viola had mentioned that she was acquaintances with Senna Snape to her parents—but she never mentioned they were lovers of any sort.

Her parents glanced at Senna quickly before returning their gaze to her. They pretended Senna wasn't even there. They were afraid of her, like everyone else.

She wondered why Professor Snape was there. Was he here to ensure that she left the school premises?

"Viola, it's time to go," her father said sternly.

"But I can't go," Viola protested. "I have exams coming up, and I need to study."

"We'll make sure you have everything you need to study at home." Her mother said, trying to sound reassuring.

She turned to Professor Snape, hoping that he would say something that would convince her parents to let her stay.

"Miss Richmond, your parents have made it clear that they want you to return home," Snape said in his usual monotone voice. "I suggest you obey their wishes."

Viola felt a pang of disappointment. She had hoped that Snape would be on her side, but it seemed that he was not.

"I'm seventeen, I can make my own decisions."

Her father gave her a stern look, his brown eyes were cold.

"Viola. We talked about this."

"My studies are too important to quit now."

Viola's parents both looked at Senna, down at their hands, and back up to her, unconvinced. They knew it was an excuse.

Senna let go of her hand, but didn't say anything. She instantly missed the warmth and strength of her hand.

And Viola knew of their reasons. Their letter claimed to want her home due to the growing danger in the nearby area... but she was sure it was to keep her away from Senna.

Viola knew that it was pointless to argue. Her parents had made up their minds, and there was nothing she could do to change it. She nodded resignedly and turned to leave.

As she walked towards the door, she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Senna.

"Stay safe," Senna said softly.

Before she could change her mind, Viola hugged her tightly, not caring about her parent's judging gaze. Her father shook his head in disapproval, while her mother just frowned. She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She didn't want to leave Senna behind. She had grown to care for her, much more than she originally planned.

"You too," Viola said, her voice choked with emotion. She cursed at herself for the display of emotion. She usually had a better grip on herself.

As she walked out of the corridor with her parents and Snape, Viola couldn't help but wonder if she would ever see Senna again. Would she be able to return to Hogwarts and complete her studies? Only time would tell...

Senna's POV

Senna watched Viola's red hair disappear as the corridor turned, suddenly aware of how alone she felt. Viola had mentioned that her parents wanted to take her home, but the abruptness of it was unexpected.

People stared as they passed.

Senna couldn't think of what to do now.

She couldn't attend class without magic, not that she would attend Defence Against the Darks Arts by herself with Professor Moody's strange behavior.

So Senna returned to her dormitory, letting the cold seep into her bones.

When she finished sulking there, she headed to the unused gym. It was dust-filled and eerie. Dried blood stained the floor. It was probably her blood from her previous encounter with Clyde. Senna wasn't in the mood to exercise, but she hoped to find Clyde there. She waited in vain. Hours passed and there was nothing but silence.

She wondered if Tonks were there right now, watching her silently.

"Why bother with the disillusionment charm when there is no one here?" Senna said to the silent emptiness in an exhausted voice.

There was no response. Senna knew there was a good chance she was just talking to herself, and she was fine with that. She would probably have to get used to being alone anyway.

"Sorry, I wish you got a more interesting assignment. You must be pretty bored." Senna continued.

More silence passed.

"Or maybe not. Watching Viola and I make out must be exciting for some people, right? Not sure if you're into that sort of thing."

Senna sighed. Even if Tonks were following her right now, it would be unlikely to hear from her.

When her pocket watch indicated it was nearly curfew, she stood up and returned to her dormitory.

The next few days followed in a similar fashion. She ate very quickly and then left the Great Hall before any teacher could catch up to her. She didn't want to talk to Snape, and Moody was possibly murderous. She waited in the abandoned gym hoping Clyde would appear, but he never did.

She resorted to searching the halls, courtyards, kitchen, and shaded areas, but found no trace of him.

Finally, she confronted her Headmaster.

"Has the department for muggle relations taken Clyde back to Clearcil?" She had asked him.

"Not that I heard of." Roberts told her. "He sent me an owl the other day, stating that he was still searching for him."

So the search continued.

Senna was disappointed with Viola too. It had been days since Viola had left Hogwarts and she had not heard a word from her. She had tried writing several owls, but there was no response. Senna knew that Viola's parents were strict and didn't approve of their relationship, but she had hoped that Viola would at least try to keep in touch.

Senna was starting to worry about Viola's safety. She couldn't help but think that Struan would try and get to her through Viola.

Senna had even tried to contact Professor Snape to get any information, but he had been unhelpful. She was probably as unhappy with her as she was with him.

Senna couldn't focus on her studies. She spent most of her time in the unused gym, practicing and dueling with imaginary opponents without magic. It wasn't the same as practicing with Viola or Clyde, but it was all she had.

Every time she heard footsteps approaching, she hoped it was Clyde. But it was always some wayward student, and the disappointment only added to her frustration.

Senna didn't know how much longer she could take it. She needed to know that Viola was safe.

After another week and no sign of Clyde either, Senna was left hyperventilating. What if the Death Eaters caught up to him? Or Struan himself?

Senna slumped onto the floor of the empty gym, feeling overwhelmed by the crushing weight of loneliness. She felt powerless and alone, not knowing who to trust anymore. It seemed like everyone had their own agenda, and she was left to fend for herself. The silence of the gym was suffocating, amplifying the emptiness that had been gnawing at her for days. Senna pushed her pounding head against the cold stone floor, and let out a pitiful groan of despair.

Tonks' POV

Tonks watched Senna lying on the dirty floor of the gym, as she had for hours. Though Tonks yearned to help her, she knew it was not her place to intervene. Rufus Scrimgeour had given her strict orders not to be seen.

She knew Senna came here every day to wait for that muggle boy. She wished she could tell her that it was in vain. The ministry had detained him for questioning.

Tonks reached out a pained hand towards the girl... and then her Auror badge buzzed, indicating an urgent message.

Tonks quietly tiptoed into the corridor and took out her Auror's Badge.

"Tonks, we need you at the Ministry, immediately," came Kingsley Shacklebolt's voice through the badge.

"What's going on?" Tonks asked herself, her mind racing with possibilities.

Tonks hesitated for a moment, torn between her duty as an Auror and the lonely, hurting girl on the floor. But she knew that whatever was happening, it was serious.

She quickly made her way to the Ministry. She entered the building, verified her identity at the security desk, and then was met by a group of high-ranking officials who ushered her into a secret meeting room.

"Auror Tonks," said Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, his voice grave. "Thank you for joining us."

Aurors stood around, whispering among themselves. She recognized Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape at a table in the center of the room.

The door opened, and in walked Kingsley Shacklebolt, a tall and dark figure with a bald head and a serious expression. The room fell silent as he made his way to the front of the crowd, where Albus Dumbledore was. He whispered something in his ear, and then nodded.

She noted that Julian Roberts, Brownwell's large and usually bubbly Headmaster, was also in attendance.

"I've come to speak to you all about the prophecy," he began, his deep voice commanding attention.

Tonks and her fellow Aurors exchanged a look of surprise. They had heard about the prophecy before, but they never expected to hear about it from Kingsley Shacklebolt himself.

"The prophecy is one of the most important events in wizarding history," Kingsley continued. "It foretells the coming of a powerful wizard who will be able to tip the balance of power between the Dark and the Light."

The room erupted in whispers as everyone tried to piece together what Shacklebolt was saying.

"It speaks of Voldemort's heir, who, after seven deaths, will be marked as the most powerful wizard of the new age. We think this to be Struan Riddle, but the prophecy is not yet fulfilled," Kingsley continued. "Two individuals fit the description of the chosen one. One is Struan Riddle and the other... is someone else."

Kingsley paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"Both individuals have the potential to fulfill the prophecy. Struan has committed six murders so far, and the other individual," his eyes flickered to Julian Roberts, "It is unknown. But it is up to them to decide their own fate."

"Senna has never murdered anyone." Roberts declared.

But Shacklebolt ignored him.

Tonks listened intently, her mind racing with thoughts and questions. If the awakening happened after seven deaths, then Struan was one kill away from achieving this. The prophecy likely never involved Senna, who was no murderer.

But the Ministry didn't know Senna like she did.

"Remember," Kingsley said, his voice booming. "The power to change the course of history lies within each and every one of us. It is up to us to protect the peace we have fought for and for our loved ones."

With that, Kingsley turned and left the room, leaving behind a stunned and thoughtful crowd.

Tonks knew that the prophecy would play a significant role in the coming future, and she doubted Senna knew about her part in it. But she was forbidden from telling her.

As the meeting came to a close, Tonks made her way out of the room, her mind buzzing with conflicting thoughts.

Her commanding officer, Rufus Scrimgeour, stopped her in the hall. "A word, Miss Tonks."

Tonks gulped and followed him. He led her to his office. His expression was grave, as it usually was. Once the door was shut behind them, Scrimgeour spoke. "Any updates on our subject?"

Tonks composed her face as best she could. "No, Sir. She is engrossed in studying for the next match. No suspicious activity."

Scrimgeour stared her down, unconvinced. It was as if he wanted her to tell him a long tale of treachery and dark activity. He expected it—she was the child of Voldemort after all.

But there was nothing to report. She had not committed a crime since she had been returned from the Dark Prince's capture.

Scrimgeour shook his head. "He returned her for a reason, he is plotting something, I'm sure of it."

"I've listened to every conversation with every friend and ally she has. Whatever he is plotting, she doesn't know any of it."

It was as if Scrimgeour didn't hear her. "Find out what he's plotting. He's one kill away from fulfilling that prophecy, and we can't afford to waste any more time."

"Yes, Sir." She nodded.

Scrimgeour paced the room, his limp creating an unsteady rhythm on the old wooden floor. "But it doesn't make sense..." he thought out loud, "That Auror who was standing guard at the last match was his sixth kill." Tonks watched him pace and rant. "What's stopping him from reaching the seventh? It would be so easy for him..." Scrimgeour's cane halted midstep., "No, no... he must be saving the last murder for something—or someone special. His father was a symbolic man—he must also be one. Yes, I think so..."

"Who do you think he's waiting to kill?" Tonks asked in a quiet voice, hoping she wasn't overstepping.

"That, I can't be sure of," Scrimgeour told her. "But I need you to return to your post. I need to speak with Brownwell's Headmaster. This has gone too far. We can't let that girl compete any longer. She is endangering us all."

Authors Note:

I'm thinking of doing a christmas special, where I upload a chapter for this fanfic each day from 25th-29th. Let me know in the comments/reviews below if you guys are interested!

Enjoy the latest chapter,

xxsorenxx