Chapter 9: Prophecy and Fear

After Leonard Taylor and Professor Flitwick had left the Headmaster's office, Professor McGonagall confronted Dumbledore with questions.

"Headmaster, why have you involved Mr. Taylor in the defense of the Philosopher's Stone? He is undoubtedly a brilliant researcher, but he is only eleven years old. Moreover, providing him with a dedicated research room at Hogwarts, even with the Ministry's request, is an unprecedented measure. Is there a clear reason behind all of this?"

Dumbledore had been silent, seemingly lost in thought, but he finally began to speak.

"Minerva, I heard a prophecy about ten years ago. It was a prophecy of such importance that it could determine the fate of not just the wizarding world but the entire world itself. I am convinced of its significance. Allow me to show you the memory of that moment."

Dumbledore retrieved a magical instrument known as the Pensieve, capable of displaying memories. He extracted the memory from his mind and deposited it into the Pensieve, using his wand. McGonagall and Dumbledore then entered the Pensieve, diving into the memory.

As the surroundings became vivid, McGonagall quickly recognized their location: Hogwarts' Great Hall. In the Great Hall, she saw Dumbledore and the Divination professor, Sybill Trelawney, engaged in a conversation. They were the only two present.

"Trelawney, it has been a long time since you were at Hogwarts, hasn't it? If everything is in order, I would like to appoint you as the Divination professor starting from the next term."

"Of course, Headmaster Dumbledore. I have a responsibility to guide the children."

McGonagall was taken aback by this. It was hard to believe that Dumbledore valued Trelawney's prophecy, given her usual demeanor and her classes. Standing beside McGonagall, the Dumbledore in the memory, not the real one, offered an explanation to her unspoken question.

"Minerva, I understand that Sybill Trelawney's everyday persona may not exude the qualities of a true Seer. However, she delivered a prophecy of immense importance to the wizarding world even before this memory. That is why I decided to employ her as the Divination professor and keep her close to me. This memory pertains to the communications I had with the staff at Hogwarts at the time."

McGonagall was skeptical about Dumbledore's words. Then, a voice unlike Trelawney's usual ethereal tone echoed through the memory, resonating with an eerie and deep resonance.

"When the wizarding world is shrouded in darkness, a being born of both the wise and the kind, who carries the blood of two, shall emerge. This being will unravel all magics, shattering countless perceptions, and bring forth a transformation upon the world. None shall obstruct their path. Whether in the light or in the darkness, anything that hinders their quest shall be rendered null."

It was a voice far removed from the usual vague prophecies. McGonagall was now certain that this was the genuine prophecy. After the prophecy had concluded, Trelawney seemed to have no recollection of it and returned to her conversation with Dumbledore.

Exiting the Pensieve, McGonagall was left trying to make sense of the situation. 

"This was the second prophecy I heard from Trelawney. The first one concerned Harry and Voldemort. I never anticipated that I would hear another prophecy on the very day she arrived at Hogwarts as a teacher."

"Then, do you believe that Mr. Taylor is the subject of this recent prophecy?" McGonagall inquired.

"I am convinced that he is," replied Dumbledore. "When Leonard Taylor was born, it was during Voldemort's reign of terror. His parents were Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, and his mother was of Muggle descent. Considering his 'sight' and his achievements, it is difficult to think otherwise. This is precisely why I intend to have him on our side and ensure that his research remains unimpeded. I cannot say to what extent, but if anyone obstructs him, it might result in dire consequences."

McGonagall felt the weight of the recent prophecy. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that Dumbledore might be overly cautious regarding Leonard Taylor. She couldn't help but wonder if there was an ulterior motive behind all of this.

"I understand your concerns about Mr. Taylor due to the prophecy," Professor McGonagall replied, her tone unwavering. "However, I will continue to treat him as a student. If we handle this situation correctly, I believe there won't be any significant issues."

"Ah, that is reassuring," Dumbledore acknowledged. "But even if he is not the prophesized individual, the influence of his power and knowledge is already substantial. I intend to do my utmost to ensure he doesn't fall into the darkness."

After discussing the school's future and the Philosopher's Stone for a while, McGonagall returned to her own quarters.

Alone in his office, Dumbledore contemplated. Prophecy, the Philosopher's Stone, Leonard Taylor, Harry Potter, and the adversary to be vanquished, Voldemort – Tom Riddle.

(He is still alive... in some form. I have no definitive proof of how, but it's certain. Harry must become the one to defeat him. Leonard, on the other hand, I hope he can aid us, perhaps even become our trump card. But who knows what the future holds.)

Even this esteemed wizard, often regarded as the greatest, couldn't read the future. This reaffirmed his determination to do everything in his power for a better future.

(First, I must discern the extent of Leonard Taylor's abilities and his true nature...)

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In the previous chapter, Dumbledore's response to Leo was influenced by the prophecy.

Dumbledore is cautious about Leo because of the prophecy, but he also intends to use Leo as a last resort.

It's challenging to make Trelawney's lines sound right.

Prophecies are tricky

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I've noticed that in this Harry Potter fanfiction, Harry hasn't spoken much. 

Even Ron and Hermione didn't have a single line?

Despite this, I hope you're enjoying the story.