Chapter 1 – Essences of Lily
by rdg2000

Reposted: 11-Oct-2008

General References:

General Info: www. hp-lexicon

Moon Phases: aa .usno .navy .mil / data/ docs/

Latin References: www. erols whitaker/ - William Whitaker

Miscellaneous Info: en . wikipedia wiki / Main_Page

A/N – Just a note. I am writing this story for my own benefit. If there are others wish to read it they may. If you like it great, if not – there are about half a million other stories you can chose from – Please be my guest and find one that you like.

This is a re-write of my first (and only) fan fiction. Though I will try to keep the characters in what I believe would be their cannon's true character – with artistic license, this will be an A/U. As such, expect the following from these characters:

Albus Dumbledore: Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A powerful 'wise' wizard, who feels he know what is best for all people in general, and for the wizarding world in particular. As such, he is a manipulative old man who has a hard time accepting change, or the fact that he may have been wrong is his decisions.

Minerva McGonagall: Faithful Deputy Headmistress. She has known the Headmaster for the better part of 60 years. Currently, she is the Professor of Transfiguration and head of Gryffindor House. Though she is loyal to Dumbledore, she is a fiercely independent thinker and is not afraid to challenge him on his reasons for pursuing a given course of action.

James Potter: Can trace his genealogy back to three of the four founders of Hogwarts (you guess which three), but none directly – he is not an 'heir' of any of the founders, but he and his family are committed to the side of 'light' in the wizarding world. Maybe a little too fun loving in school, he was one of the founding members of the 'Marauders' and took great pleasure in pull pranks on the school in general and one Severus Snape in particular.

Lily Evans Potter: Lily comes from a long lost line of Rowena Ravenclaw and would be head of the Ancient house of Ravenclaw – if she were male. She is the first witch in this line in over 500 years. She convinced the sorting hat to put her in Gryffindor since she had some 'bad experiences' with some Ravenclaw students in Diagon Alley when she went to get her supplies. It appears they had some problems with her apparent 'mud-blood' status. She is currently a Charms Mistress in the Department of Mysteries.

Sirius Black: Disowned by is family after being sorted into Gryffindor, Sirius has been close friends with James since his school days. Always one looking for the next prank to pull, the next quidditch match, or the next cute witch to walk past, it is appropriate that his animagus form is that of a dog. Sirius also works as an Auror for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (DMLE) and is committed to side of the 'light'.

Remus Lupin: Reluctant friend of James and Sirius. He was worried how they would react to his little 'hairy' problem. He was grateful when in their third year his friends did not abandon him when they found out. He was even more grateful when they all became animagi (what ever the plural of animagus is) in their fifth year at Hogwarts. Always the most studious of the Marauders, he tries to keep in touch with his magical roots while finding most of his employment in the Muggle world.

Peter Pettigrew: The most unlikely member of the Marauders – he must have argued his way into Gryffindor from Hufflepuff after meeting the others on the train ride to Hogwarts. He has always been looking for someone bigger and stronger to stand behind. After leaving school he turns to Voldemort since he no longer has the Marauders to stand behind. He has always been jealous of the relationship James and Lily has, and would like nothing better to have Lily for himself.

Frank Longbottom: School mate of James. In his same year – could have been the fifth marauder, but didn't want to work so hard pranking other people, or play quidditch that much. He has known James as long as he can remember. He is a little upset that Sirius Black has taken his place as James' best friend while at school. He is currently James' partner in the Auror division of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (DMLE).

Alice Longbottom: Former classmate of Lily Evans. She was also Lily's first friend in the magical world. The wife Frank Longbottom, she currently works in the Department of Mysteries as a clerk.

Aberforth Dumbledore: Mysterious owner / Bar keeper of the Hogshead Inn. Enjoys his anonymity and will take severe steps to keep things as they are.

Sybill Trelawney: Great, great granddaughter of the last true Seer in Great Britain, Cassandra Trelawney. Sybill has very little talents with the 'inner eye'. She has for the most part been living off of the legacy of her name and her family's fortune. However, she now finds herself needing to earn her own keep and is having a difficult time doing so.

Severus Snape: Current Professor of Potions at Hogwarts, Death-eater, and Spy. He is looking out for his own welfare – that is to say he is on his own side. Professor Snape is a bitter man who carries several grudges regarding his heritage, upbringing, treatment at home as well as Hogwarts. He is not one to forgive or forget a 'wrong' done to him, no matter how long ago. His personality is set – there will be very little that can change it. I.E. No redemption for this character.

Draco Malfoy: Poster boy for a 'Death-eater in training'. The only child of Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black Malfoy, he has been brought up for want of nothing. He believes everything his father has told him regarding the superiority of 'pure-bloods'. Anything that does not measure up to his preconceived idea of how things should be in the wizarding world is rejected as false. He is past redemption even before he starts school.

Ronald Weasley: As Draco is the poster boy for 'Death-eater in training', Ron is the poster boy for Gryffindor. He rushes into trouble without thinking though he has a good mind for stratagem; he is fiercely loyal to his friends, even though he gets jealous of those that have more then him; hasn't a clue with regards to girls; and has absolutely no tack when it comes to discussing problems with his friends. Loves to play quidditch, eat, and play pranks on others. Can't understand why it is so important to study.

Hermione Granger: An over-achievers over-achiever. Driven to be the best at anything she does. Does not like to 'not know' everything she comes across. As such, she sometime lacks 'tact' when trying to 'ask' (more like demand) to know about something new that she doesn't know or is contrary to what she has learned from a book or authority figure. Loyal to her friends, she has a hard time when they don't let her into their lives to where she can understand their actions.

Neville Longbottom: Shy, unassuming, painfully bashful do to the way he was raised. Willing to face the unknown for a friend in need, Neville is much stronger and has much more potential then he is aware of. Neville is in need of a friend who will show him how to come out of his shell because when he does; watch out!

Susan Bones: A bit too sure of herself, Susan has a tendency to a little bossy, judgmental and over-bearing. This is mainly due to the fact that she has been raised by her aunt, the current directory of the DMLE – and the only witch in the ministry to be a department head. Susan is a true Hufflepuff, and is intensely loyal to her friends.

The exception of course will be Harry. He will be much smarter and stronger then in the first set of books. This will be how I think the HP stories should have started.

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Rdg2000.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. The board game 'Clue' is a registered trademark of Parker Brothers no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Summary: What is 'The power he knows not' and how did Harry get it? How did Harry survive the killing curse and what does Sirius Black have to do with it? Who is the voice Harry is hearing in his head?

Chapter 1 – The need for a teacher.

Scene – Headmasters office – Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry, First day of Winter Break.

Professor Albus Dumbledore read the report he had just received from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (DMLE) regarding the unexpected death of one of his teachers – Professor Robert Plum.

The report stated that at 1:15 AM when a DMLE floo operator received a report of suspicious activity at the residence of one of Hogwarts' Professors. Upon arriving at the home, Aurors found a most disturbing sight. There, they found Professor Plum, hanging by a rope, in the Study.

As the Aurors looked through the house, they found a lead pipe in the Hall; a wrench in the Billiards Room; a candlestick in the Conservatory; a knife the Kitchen; and even a muggle fireleg (or was that a firearm? You never could tell with those muggles) in the Ballroom.

Upon further investigation it was determined that all of these items had been used on Professor Plum at some time during the night in the different rooms, but there was not clear sign as to which one provided the fatal blow. Additionally, there were no other magical signatures present in the house than the Professors. If this was the work of Death-eaters, they had covered their tracks very well. For now, the death was being ruled suspicious and the Aurors were working with the local Bobby's to see if there were any muggle gangs active in the area or a group of actors, action out a cult classic just a little too well. Then again, maybe the Death-eaters were using a different scare tactic in this case.

In Professor Dumbledore's opinion, it was a great waste of life.

Professor Dumbledore passed the report on the table for Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall to read; He then slumped down into his chair, took off his glasses, shook his tired, weary head, and rubbed his eyes with his hands. The whole wizarding world was coming apart at the seams.

The pressure in the wizarding world was unbelievable.

Voldemort and his forces were growing stronger every day.

More and more wizards were either becoming one of his 'Death-eaters' or dying. The wizards that couldn't take the pressure just 'left' the wizarding world altogether either by forsaking their magic and living among the muggles (non-magical folk), or moving on to the next 'great adventure'.

The Ministry of Magic didn't know how to act.

The current minister, Cornelius Fudge, had been a fine minister as long as things were going along smoothly. But now that the self-appointed 'Lord' Voldemort had entered the wizarding world, Minister Fudge didn't know what to do or how to act.

The Ministry had insisted that the death of witches and wizards around Great Britain, and the sign of the 'Dark Mark' over those attacks, were not out of hand; That the self-appointed 'Dark Lord' or He-who-must-not-be-named and his band of 'Death-eaters', were nothing more then a small band of petty criminals that the Aurors were on the verge of catching any time now.

No additional Aurors were being trained and no additional patrols in the wizard communities were made. The only place you saw an increase of Auror activity was at the Ministry of Magic building its self.

At the main entry to the Ministry, two Aurors would greet you. Four more were located in the main floo gate, and four more at the apparition site. In addition to that, each witch or wizard had his or her wand scanned and weighed before entering the building proper. Aurors were located on each floor by the lifts, and again in front of the Ministers office. It was little wonder Voldemort was growing so fast; there weren't enough Aurors left to look for him with the number that were assigned to the Ministry.

But then, that was fine for most of the young Aurors. They knew if they had Ministry duty, they more then likely would not be in the line of fire of the Death-eaters. They didn't want to fight. They just wanted to get their paycheck and wait for retirement. As long as they were left out of the fight between 'You-know-who' and the Ministry.

"Why couldn't he just come to me?" Albus ask himself. "If Robert felt is life was not worth living, or that he was in danger, I would have made sure he was safe. Even if he wasn't great with a wand, we need every person we can find right now. There is something everyone can do to fight against Voldemort."

Albus was clearly saddened at the loss of his friend and associate.

"Albus, no disrespect, but isn't it a bit early to think of replacing Professor Plum?" asked the deputy headmistress Minerva McGonagall. "I mean you're one third of the way through the school year. Where are you going to find anyone to fill the position of Divination professor on such short notice? Besides, the students' time could be much better used by studying something useful like Charms, or Potions, or heaven forbid Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Dumbledore let a small laugh escape is lips as he looked over his half-moon glasses at the Deputy Headmistress, and friend for over 60 years. Minerva had always had a low opinion of Divination.

Shacking his head sadly, Professor Dumbledore said: "No, Minerva, I have already heard from the School's Board of Directors. Most, if not all of the pure-bloods on the Board insists that the Divination class be continued. I will be sending an advertisement to the Daily Prophet for tomorrow's paper. Anyone who is interested in teaching will have to respond by tomorrow evening, and interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible. I am afraid that I am going to be busy for most of the winter break. I may have to depend on you to get some of the last minute items ready for the remainder of the school year."

"Of course Albus. You can rely on me." Minerva responded.

Scene – Trelawney Manor – what's left of it.

Sybill Trelawney was walking around her family's once grand manor with a half-empty bottle of sherry. She was the great, great granddaughter of the great Cassandra Trelawney – the last true Seer in Great Britain in 400 years. Sybill had just been very unceremoniously dismissed from her latest private position with the goblins at Gringotts bank.

"How dare they dismiss me like that!" Sybill said to no one in particular. She then sticks out her chin and raises her nose and states: "I am Sybill Trelawney – great, great granddaughter of Cassandra Trelawney. The last of the Trelawney line. I have to have the inner eye. The inner eye is very sensitive. I can't be expected to get every event correct! Don't they know how much time and energy it takes to connect to the inner-eye? But did they give me any time? No! They DEMANDED to know where the treasures were hidden. They DEMANDED to know how it was protected. Then they have the audacity to put a time limit on me and restrict my access to their funding. 'Time is money' they said. Those bloody goblins got just what they deserved."

"But what am I going to do? Look at this place! I didn't expect the goblins to take so much of my family's Heirlooms as payment for those goblins that were injured. They took everything of value! The once great house of Trelawney is near ruin. What am I to do? Oh, what am I to do?" Walking up the stairs with a half bottle of Sherry, she was determined to drowned her sorrows. Sybill Trelawney was at the end of her rope.

The next morning, as the light entered her bedroom window, Sybill shielded her blood-shot eyes as she sees her faithful owl, Cassandra, fly through the window with a copy of the Daily Prophet.

"What do you have there Cassy? Where did you find that? You know I can't afford a copy of the Prophet."

Grateful that Cassy had brought her the paper, Sybill decides to see what is going on in the wizarding world.

IMMEDIATE OPENING AT HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT
AND WIZARDRY FOR A DIVINATION INSTRUCTOR

Due to the sudden demise of the previous Professor of Divination, Professor Robert Plum, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and the School's Board of Directors are announcing an immediate opening for the position of Professor of Divination at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Interested applicants must notify Professor Albus Dumbledore no later then this evening to schedule an interview. Please indicate the time and place you would like to meet Professor Dumbledore in your correspondence. It is your responsibility to select a site.

Employment will begin after the winter break.

Sybill could not believe her good fortune. This was the perfect job for her. Who else could possible be better qualified then she? After all, she was the great, great granddaughter of Cassandra Trelawney, that family name by it's self should almost guarantee her the position.

"Oh, Cassy! Didn't I tell you something good would come out of that experience with the goblins"? Sybill stated excitedly.

If Cassy could have, she would have just rolled her eyes, shrugged her shoulders, and said: "What ever."

"Oh, I must get word to my old friend Albus at once to let him know that I am interested in the position. But I must not seem too eager, or he might think that I am desperate for the job" ('which I am, completely').

'Hum,' she thought to herself, 'I'd better get a response written right away or I might miss it all together. I'll tell Albus that I am currently detained, but that I will meet with him two days prior to the end of the break at the Hog's Head. I hope Aberforth is understanding of my situation, and will let me rent a room for a minimal price'.

Sybill quickly fashioned a letter to Professor Dumbledore expressing her interest in the position. After sealing the letter, she turned to her owl Cassy and said: "Now Cassy, I don't want you to deliver this letter right away. I want you to wait until the Headmaster is through with his evening meal. Make it look like you've traveled a great distance in a short period of time to get the letter to him. Then, if you would like, you can say in the Owlery overnight and wait for his reply. In the mean time, I need to give Aberforth a floo-call to see how he is – for old time's sake of course."

'Of course.' Thought Cassy.

Scene – Hogwarts main hall – Dinnertime.

"Well, Albus." Professor McGonagall started as she entered into the main hall by the staff's table, "How many frauds have applied for the position so far?"

"Now Minerva," Dumbledore chided, his eyes twinkling brightly, "I have received responses from three fine candidates. And I predict that I will receive one more before the night is out."

"Oh, are you going into fortune telling too Albus?" Minerva asked with her eyebrows raised.

Professor Dumbledore laughed. "Of course not, Minerva. It is just that there has been an owl in the rafters of the main hall since early this morning, it seems to be trying to hide from me for some reason, and won't come down for some reason."

"Well, let's just leave it up there and enjoy our dinner."

"Well enough Minerva." Albus replied.

After dinner, as soon as the pair of teacher stood to leave the room, the mysterious owl came flying down from the rafters and lit in front of the Headmaster. With a tired 'Hoot', she presented the message attached to her leg from her master.

"Albus, who is it from?" Professor McGonagall asked.

After reading the letter, the Headmaster let out a small laugh, looked at the owl, and said, "Cassandra, of course you can use the Owlery to rest and recover. I will have a reply for your master first thing in the morning."

If owls could blush, you would have sworn that that is what Cassandra was doing right now. With a quiet 'Hoot' and a slight bow of the head, she flew off to join the other owls in the Owlery.

"Cassandra?" Minerva asked quietly to herself. As the light of recognition came into her eyes she turned to Albus and said, "Albus, you can't be serious! Sybill Trelawney as a Hogwarts Professor! The founders would be spinning in their graves!"

For his part Professor Dumbledore just smiled, the twinkle in his eyes working overtime. How he enjoyed watching his Deputy Headmistress getting all worked up over nothing. Well, maybe not nothing. Oh, that wonderful Irish temper of hers.

"Albus, you must remember how she was when she was a student here. As I recall, she barely made it through her classes! She was always predicting someone's death, and those glasses! Please don't get me started on those glasses!"

"Calm yourself Minerva." Albus said raising his hand to calm his barely in control deputy. "You know I have to give everyone a fair chance at the position. Miss Trelawney will be treated the same as all the other candidates. There is only a 25 percent chance that she will make it through the interview process anyway."

"Of course, you are correct Albus." Minerva said most of the panic had left her voice by now.

"Come. Let's go up to my office and review all of the potential Divination candidates we haven't much time."

Scene – Headmasters office – two days prior to the end of winter break

A weary Headmaster and his Deputy were going over the results of the first three candidates. To say the least, things were not looking promising.

One candidate had been a witch that had gone into the muggle community and had set up fortune teller telemarketing service. She was currently under investigation by the muggle government and was looking for someplace to hide.

The next candidate had no real inclination for Divination, but did seem to be a bit too excited to so close to so many young children. Albus ask the Aurors to keep a close eye on this one. Within a week he was in prison.

Even though Albus couldn't prove it in court, the third candidate was nothing less then a Voldemort sympathizer looking for a way to get a foothold in Hogwarts. He wasn't marked, but Albus could tell whom he followed.

"Albus, this don't look very promising. But I beg you, not Sybill! Take Monika! At least she has experience in the 'art' of putting on a good Divination show." Minerva stated pleadingly.

"No Minerva." Albus answered. "Miss Wardley has broken the law, and I will not be a party to her escaping justice. I have just a few minutes before I am to meet with Miss Trelawney at the Hog's Head. Do you have any more questions you would like me to go over with her while I am there?"

"The Hog's Head! That certainly is a fine reputable establishment if every there was one – nothing against Aberforth of course." Minerva said. She still couldn't get over what Aberforth had done to that poor goat.

"Of course," came Albus' reply.

Scene – The Hog's Head tavern in Hogsmeade.

The Hog's Head tavern had a reputation of attracting an 'interesting' sort of clientele. It seemed that every table was in a dark corner where shady deal could be negotiated and questionable packages exchanged. Then there was that bar keeper / owner of the bar.

Aberforth Dumbledore was an enigma in the wizarding world. Most people didn't know where he was, and fewer know that he was bar tender at The Hog's Head. The people at the tavern just saw a large elderly wizard with a dirty rag in one hand cleaning an equally dirty glass in the other hand. He didn't ask questions, and as long as you left the other patrons alone, and ordered more fire-whiskey, he would leave you alone.

Aberforth had been contacted by Sybill Trelawney to 'reserve' a back room in his establishment for a meeting – a 'job interview' she had called it between herself and his brother Albus.

"Aberforth? Do you think I could get another decanter of sherry before Albus shows up?" Sybill asked with a bit of trembling in voice. She was trying to hide her fear and apprehension about talking to the one wizard many considered the most powerful in the world.

Aberforth wiped out his wand and silently obliviated every other patron in the bar so that they would not remember his name.

"For the last time Miss Trelawney, I'm the 'bar-keep'. Don't use my name. There is a reason why I'm here and not in Diagon Alley. Now take your drink and head back to the meeting room. Albus will be here soon enough, and you don't want to be too 'relaxed' when he gets here." Aberforth said crossly.

Felling a little bit smug, Sybill accepts the drink and heads back to her meeting room to wait for the Headmaster.

In one of the many dark corners of The Hog's Head a rookie Death-eater named Severus Snape becomes aware of the conversation up at the bar. Due to his many years of training in the art of shielding his mind through the uses of Occlumency, the silent obliviate spell cast by Aberforth was not as effective on him as Aberforth would have wanted and so Severus was unaffected by it. He then heard the rest of the conversation regarding Albus Dumbledore is leaving the confines of Hogwarts and coming to meet with someone named 'Miss Trelawney'. Could this be some one related to the great Seer Cassandra Trelawney? If they were, then this was most definitely in responses to the Divination position? He knew that his 'Master' would be interested in any news he could obtain from this meeting since it appeared that their candidate had not been selected.

Carefully Severus kept an eye on the floo and the front door, not sure which one the esteemed Headmaster would use.

Promptly at 8:00 PM the front door opened and the tall, old, but powerful wizard stepped into the tavern from the cold, wet night. He nodded to the bar keeper, and headed back to the room to meet with Miss Trelawney.

Severus was still sitting in his dark table, thinking how this may be important to his Master, and how it could help him move up in the ranks of the Death-eaters. He decides to wait for a few minutes, and then order another fire-whiskey. After the bar tender has delivered his drink, he will silently sneak over to the door of the meeting room and see what he can hear.

After about twenty minutes, Severus decided to put his plan to the test. He called over to the 'bar-keep' for another fire-whiskey and waited for it to be delivered. After he had paid for his drink, Severus waited for the old wizard to turn his back and then made his move. He made it back to the door to the meeting room just in time to hear: 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...'

"HEY, YOU BACK THERE, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" The old bar-keeper, yelled out. Severus had been found out and had to get out of there quickly. Seeing the back wall, he took out his wand, and cast a powerful reducto curse, effectively made a rear entrance to the establishment. He had information that was vital to his Lord, and he could not be detained, as soon as he was away from the tavern he apparated to his new Master.

Scene – In the Meeting room with Professor Dumbledore and Miss Trelawney

Professor Dumbledore was extremely depressed. It was quite clear as the meeting went on the Miss Trelawney did not have the gift of Sight as her great, great grandmother had had. In fact, most of the time, instead of explaining her training in Divination, Miss Trelawney had repeatedly made reference to her ancestor, and how since she was the last of the line, she just had to have all the same gifts that they had had.

Professor Dumbledore was just in the process of thanking Miss Trelawney for her time, and telling her that he thought it was best if he leave, when, all of a sudden, he felt a strange aura of magic coming off of the young mystic. He observed that she became very rigid. That her eye's behind those huge magnifying lenses called glasses rolled to the top of her head to where only the whites of the eyes were showing.

Her breathing became rough, deep and uneven. Professor Dumbledore was beginning to get worried for Miss Trelawney. He got up, out of his chair and went over to see if he could help her. When he touched her arm, he was somewhat surprised to find that it was as ridged, and hard as a steel beam.

She raised her head slightly as if addressing the ceiling. Then, suddenly, talked in a voice – not her own – but one that was deep, as if powered by magic it's self:

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... 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...

The magic in the room slowly returned to normal. Miss Trelawney's form and figure returned to normal once more and she closed her eyes and sat back peacefully into her chair.

Professor Dumbledore was so shocked, he poured himself a glass of sherry and drank it quickly, then returned his gaze to his interviewee.

Was this a true prophecy?

Was there really one who could vanquish the Dark Lord?

Who could it be?

Dumbledore knew that he had to take the prophecy seriously. But there were so many questions. He knew that he could not let Sybill Trelawney out of his sight. She may not be all he had hoped she would be, but she did show that she did have some of her great, great grandmother's gift. He could not afford to loss her, or let Voldemort get his hands on her. Voldemort MUST NOT LEARN of the prophecy.

Dumbledore was brought out of his thinking as Miss Trelawney started to stir. "Oh, my, oh, I don't know what came over me! Now you were about to say something Professor, weren't you?" She asked with some amount of pleading in her voice.

Professor Dumbledore took a few moments to settle him self down as well. It is not every day that you are present when real prophecy is pronounced. His many years of Occlumency had schooled him in how to hide his true feelings behind a kind and pleasant mask. On the inside, his emotions were jumping up and down, but he knew he had to present his calm exterior to Miss Trelawney. To hear her talk, she didn't remember going into her trance, or the contents of the prophecy.

Professor Dumbledore smiled kindly at Miss Trelawney, his eyes twinkling slightly. "Yes Miss Trelawney, I was about to say that it would be a pleasure to have someone of your skill and talent teach at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You do realize that you have only a few days before the next term starts don't you?"

Sybill could hardly contain herself. She had done it! All by her self! She was going to be a teacher at the most prestigious school of magic in Britain!

"Yes Professor Dumbledore!" She answered enthusiastically, "I can be at Hogwarts by tomorrow!"

"That is very good." Professor Dumbledore answered back very smoothly. "However, I feel that due to the shortness of time, perhaps it would be best if you came up to the castle this evening. That way we can get you settled into your quarters and you can begin to fix up your classroom, as you would like. I could have a house elf return to your manor to collect your things and return them to you."

Miss Trelawney was as giddy as a new schoolgirl with the possibility of going to the castle this evening. "Why yes, that would be acceptable." She stated as calmly as she could. With that she started gathering her things up.

Professor Dumbledore took this moment to excuse him self from the room so that he could too settle down a bit.

As he entered the hallway, Albus felt the cold breeze coming in from outside.

"Aberforth, what happened here? How did you come to acquire a new rear entrance to your tavern?" He asked his brother.

"Oh, not much. One of my 'patrons' decided to try to listen in on your conversation with ol' Sybill back there."

Albus started to worry, but of course, he wouldn't let it show. "Oh and how long ago was that." Dumbledore ask calmly. "Do you happen to know who it was?"

"It was maybe 5, 10 minutes ago. He couldn't have been at the door for more then 10 or 20 seconds. I think it may have been young Mr. Snape. You know the one – brilliant at potions, but totally lacking in any human skill, looks like he forgets to wash his hair, and has a huge chip on his shoulder. Ah, Albus, I was thinking of keeping this as a back door. Do you think you could do the transfiguration – and while you're at it, put a strengthening charm on it so that this couldn't happen again?"

"But of course brother."

With a few waves of his wand, Dumbledore had completed the task, but now he was really starting to worry. 'Could he have heard the prophecy, all or part of it? I must find Mr. Snape and see how he is doing.' Albus thought.

"Well Aberforth, I must be on my way. I'm taking the new Divination professor up to the castle tonight."

"What! You mean your actually hiring that fraud!" Aberforth almost shouted. "Albus, are you feeling well?" He asked as he placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.

Albus laughed, "Yes brother, I'm fine."

Just then Professor Trelawney came out of the room. It was clear that she had finished up the rest of the sherry.

"Well, I guess congratulations are in order for you Professor Trelawney." Aberforth said with a slight sneer in his voice.

"Well, thank you Aberforth. I shall endeavor to enlighten the upcoming generation to the art of Divination as best I ca.. can." Professor Trelawney said with a slight slur in her speech.

"Come now Professor, we need to get up to the castle as quickly as possible." Professor Dumbledore said. "Aberforth, could we use your floo by chance?"

"Of course Albus"

Scene – Lord Voldemort's Headquarters outside Little Hangleton – Riddle Manor

Severus Snape apparated as close as he could to his Master's headquarters. He was hoping that his Master would be here tonight and that he would be in a 'good' mood. He told one of the guards standing outside Voldemort's inner chamber to go and announce him quickly as he had important news.

Grumbling, the guard went in, and shortly there after came back to admit Severus in to the inner chamber with a slight smirk on his face.

Hurrying in, Severus nervously rushed over before Voldemort, knelt before him, and kissed the hem of his robe. "My Lord." He stated.

"So Severus," Voldemort said. "What gives you the privilege to think you can come in here and demand an audience with me? You obviously have yet to learn your place. CRUCIO!" The pain of a thousand hot knifes tore through his body for several minutes.

After Voldemort released him from the spell, Severus again ask himself the question 'Why?' Why had he put in his lot with Voldemort? Yes, he felt that that he had been slighted by other 'light' wizards, Dumbledore, Potter, Sirius Black, even Lily Evens – now Potter – had belittled him by ignoring his advances, despite their childhood together.

The wizarding world needed to be made stronger, more powerful. It had to resist the corruption that would influence it from the muggle world. Those filthy muggles and mudblood would have to learn to bow before their true masters. But was this the best way? Voldemort had promised great power and riches, and yes, some of the spells and training the he had received from Voldemort and his inner circle had indeed made his stronger, but where were the riches? It was not his place to question Voldemort on this point. The riches would come. It was just a matter of time.

"Well Snape!" Voldemort hissed out, "What is so important that you feel you must come to tell me now and interrupt my time in my sanctuary?"

Severus stood up as straight and proudly as he could. Bowing his head, he said: "Forgive me my Lord. I come with news regarding Dumbledore, the Divination position, and a possible prophecy pronounced this very night regarding yourself and another."

Voldemort leaned forward in his throne. "Speak," he said, "What did you hear?"

"I was at the Hog's Head observing the people and seeing if there were others who would be worthy to join your ranks, when a Miss. Sybill Trelawney approached the bartender and inquired if her room were ready for her meeting with Professor Dumbledore. She had used the bartender's name 'Aberforth', in addressing him. The bartender then took out his wand and cast a wordless 'Obliviate' spell. If not for my Occlumency shield, my mind would have been affected as well."

"Yes, yes, hooray for you and your skills Snape. Now get to the point before I lose my patience!" Voldemort screamed.

Severus cringed before his Master, but held a brave face and continued his tell. "Yes, my Lord." He said.

"At precisely 8:00 o'clock, Professor Dumbledore came in the tavern, and headed straight back to the meeting room. I devised a plan where by I could position myself out side their door to hear what was going on.

"When I got there, I heard Miss Trelawney start to state a prophecy:

'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...'

"I was, unfortunately found out by the bar keeper at this time, and forced to flee. I assumed that Dumbledore would have given Miss Trelawney the position of professor of Divination, since it appears that our candidates had failed. Since this prophecy obviously dealt with you, I thought you should know about it at once." Severus bowed his head again, indicating that this was the end of his report.

"That's it?" Voldemort ask. "For this you run in here and DEMAND an audience with me, an incomplete prophecy and supposition as to the Hogwarts teacher of Divination? CRUCIO!" This time Voldemort held the curse on him for much longer.

"Now, get out of my sight! And send Macnair in here at once!" Voldemort commanded.

Severus struggled to stand, and bowing, backed out from Voldemort's chamber, found Macnair, Voldemort's current right-hand-man, and sent him in to his Master. Then he went to one of the many 'troop' rooms to get himself cleaned up and to recover from the Cruciatus curse.

Macnair walked in to his Master's chambers confidently. As he approached Voldemort, he bowed, and kissed the hem of his robe. "My Lord," he said. "I come to serve." And with that took a step back and waited for his Lord to speak.

Voldemort leaned over and scratched his familiar, Nagini, on the top of the head. After a moment he let out a low laugh; "Ah, Walden, it is so good to have some new young 'talent' here that is so willing to please their Lord."

"Yes, my Lord." Walden Macnair stated casually. You did not want to take anything for granted when in the presence of the Dark Lord.

"Young Severus has indeed provided several pieces of useful information tonight. Some of which we must act on tonight!"

"Yes, my Lord."

"Macnair, I want you to ready two teams. One team of two or three people will go back to the Hog's Head and see if they can confirm the identity of the bartender, and see why Albus Dumbledore was there. But be very careful. If it is Aberforth Dumbledore, you will not want to get in a fight with him. He will not hold back as his brother would, and I hear some of his transformations can be quite 'interesting'.

"The second team will be a strike force. You are to go directly to Trelawney Manor and bring all occupants here, along with anything else that may be of worth. If they provide any resistance, kill them. Raise the Manor when you are through, but I want Miss Trelawney brought back here. Is that understood?

"Yes my Lord, I shall not fail you." Macnair answered solemnly.

"Make sure you do not." Voldemort replied.

Scene – Headmasters office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Professor McGonagall was sitting at a work desk off to the side of the Headmaster's main area when she heard the floo start up. Looking up she saw the Headmaster step confidently out of the fire and in to the room. Then, much to her surprise, he seemed to stop as if waiting to help someone else out of the floo. Sure enough, as soon as the Headmaster had turned around, Sybill Trelawney came stumbling out of the fireplace, failing into the Headmaster arms.

"Albus?" Professor McGonagall asked. "Would you mind telling me what is going on?"

"Ah Minerva, I'm glad to see you're still up. I would like to introduce you to our newest Professor of Divination, Professor Sybill Trelawney." Professor Trelawney looked around the room for a few seconds trying to get her bearing. When she finally saw Professor McGonagall, she cracked a smile, and stumbled over to her with her hand extended.

"Oh Minerv… Minerva, it is so good to see you again. I predict many wonderful adventures in the yea… years to come."

For her part, Professor McGonagall just stood there with a look of disgust on her face but Professor Trelawney was too far-gone to notice.

"Albus, what is the meaning of this? Do you intend to put the fate of the students in the hands of this… this rummy?"

"Now Minerva, there are reasons why I brought Professor Trelawney here directly from her job interview. I am not at liberty to discuss right now, but it is vitally important that she be kept safe and away from … darker influences."

"Excuse me, Sybill, would it be possible for one of our house elves to go and gather your things from Trelawney Manor?" Dumbledore asked smoothly.

For her part, Sybill Trelawney just looked around until she found where the voice was coming from and nodded, "Why, yes of course Headmaster. Oh, but I'm `fraid the goblins got most of it already."

"That's fine Sybill we will get what we can find. Duncan!" The Headmaster called.

With a small pop a very stately and proper looking house elf popped into the Headmasters Office.

"Yous called Duncan sir?" he asked.

"Yes Duncan. Miss Trelawney has given us permission to go to Trelawney Manor and bring EVERYTHING here. This MUST be done as quickly as possible." The Headmaster stated looking over his half-moon glasses.

Duncan looked between the Headmaster and Miss Trelawney a few times and then stated, "I's understanding sir. I's is getting some other elves to help me move her things here. Does you expect there to be any 'troubles' sir?" Duncan asked.

"I think there may be others who would want to take whatever they find there."

"I's understanding sir. It shall be done." And with that Duncan popped out of the room.

"Minerva, would you be so kind as to show Sybill where her quarters will be? Thank you."

"You better be here when I get back Albus. You have some questions to answer." Minerva huffed as she gathered Sybill by the arm and headed out the door.

As soon as Minerva left the room, Albus rose very slowly from his chair, and walked over to the cupboard that held his Pensive. He had many things he wished to review tonight, not the least of which was the prophecy.

'Could it be true? Could there really be someone capable of destroying that monster? What does it mean 'Born as the seventh month dies?' Are we to look for a baby? Surely not! How could a baby destroy such an evil as Voldemort? There must be another answer.'

Albus was deep in thought as Professor McGonagall returned. "Alright Albus, spill it… What is going…" Minerva stopped talking as she saw the look of deep concern on the aged mage's face. She could tell that what ever he was thinking about, it had grave consequences.

"Albus, what is it?" She asked quietly.

"Minerva I wish I knew what to do." Albus began. "I was all ready to dismiss her; in fact, I think I was starting to dismiss her, when all of a sudden she went into a trance. This was not a fake trance, this was the real thing. The hair on the back of my neck was standing up due to the amount of magic that was in the room."

Albus looked up at his Deputy Headmistress, "She stated a prophecy Minerva. A real live, honest to goodness prophecy just like Cassandra use to do. It was amazing." The Headmaster shook his head in disbelief. "I am not at liberty to tell you the prophecy at this time. I wish I could, but I must go to the Department of Mysteries and have the prophecy duplicated and stored. Then, I can start looking for the person to fulfill the prophecy. I will give you this much though Minerva; This prophecy gives me hope that all is not lost; That Voldemort will fall; and that we will get out of this mess."

Later that evening at Hogwarts

Duncan and the other house elves had just returned from Trelawney Manor. They had put everything in Sybill's room. Duncan thought it best if he were to tell the headmaster what had happened that night when they got there.

"Yes, Duncan" Professor Dumbledore started, "Did everything go well this evening?"

"Duncan is sorry sir, but everything did not go well this night." Duncan started.

"As we's is getting to the Manor tonight, a group of dark wizards showed up and started to destroy everything. We's had already gotten all of Ms. Trelawney's things from her house, and her owl, Cassandra, when they showed up and were just ready to leave."

"When Ms. Trelawney's owl saw the dark wizards destroying everything, she escaped, and attacked the leader of the group."

"Ms. Trelawney's owl was a brave and loyal friend to Ms. Trelawney, and was trying to stop them from destroying her home. She clawed and bit the lead of the group to where he was forced to drop his wand. The others in the group could not get a clear shot at Cassandra as she was too cleaver to expose herself to them. However, it seems as if the leader of the group is not only carrying a wand for a weapon. Duncan saw him reach into his robe and take out a small item that grew into what looked like a reaper scythe. The leader of the group seemed very comfortable with the scythe, and when Cassandra attacked again, he struck her with it killing her instantly. I is sorry Master Dumbledore, Duncan be trying to get everything here, but Ms. Trelawney's owl felt a need to try to protect her mistress home."

"You did well Duncan." Professor Dumbledore replied sadly. "Cassandra was willing to lay down her life protecting her mistress' home and property. You can ask for no greater show of love then that. I will inform Professor Trelawney in the morning of her loss."

After Duncan left, Professor Dumbledore's expression darkened again. 'So Voldemort does know of the prophecy – at least part of it – and who spoke it. I wonder how much young Severus heard? I must try to talk to the young man quickly so as to limit the damage that could be done.'

'Why would Severus gone Voldemort? I know he was a Slytherin, but that doesn't automatically make you a Death-eater. Now more then ever I HAVE to find Severus Snape!'

End of Chapter 1

AN – This is about the fifth time re-writing this and I am still not satisfied. I hope those who read this before find it a little better. 22-Sep-2008

rdgale