Hi everyone! This idea just popped into my head and I really wanted to write it down! This is my first fanfiction on this account and I hope you will enjoy it. Also, the title, "Dark Paradise" comes from the song of same title by Lana Del Rey! Listen to it, it's amazing!

Even in her wildest dreams, Hermione Granger could not picture the situation she was currently in. Stuck in Dumbledore's office with Draco Malfoy.

Dumbledore had yet to explain why she was here with him. All he had said so far was that Ginny and Harry were on their way too. What could the four of them have done that would lead them to the Headmaster's office?

As far as Hermione was concerned, she'd done nothing wrong. Certainly nothing wrong with Ginny, Harry, and Draco Malfoy. Her thoughts were interrupted by the banging of the doors. Ginny and Harry ran in, cheeks flushed.

"Sorry we're late, Headmaster, we ran all the way from Potions!" Harry gushed.

"No problem Harry. Now, if you and Miss Weasley would take a seat I will explain to you the reasons I requested your presence."

Harry looked as if he was about to say something when he noticed Draco, "What is he doing here?"

Dumbledore looked amused, "I believe I just said I will explain everything as soon as you both take a seat."

Harry shot Draco a malice filled glare which the other boy ignored before sitting down next to Hermione, Ginny following suit.

"I'm afraid what I have to tell you four is not entirely good news. Professor Snape and I have made some troubling discoveries of late and they concern you. All of you. I assume you are all quite familiar with the four founders of Hogwarts?" Dumbledore asked.

"Of course, Sir! Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin." Hermione answered confidently.

"Correct, Miss Granger. It seems these founders have had a much more complicated history then we originally thought. Ever since four years ago, when you, Mr. Potter and you, Miss Weasley, went into the Chamber of Secrets, we have been searching it. Scouring every last inch if the place, looking for anything that might have been hidden inside. And, for a long time, we believed that there was nothing important hidden down them except for cobwebs! But, just as Severus and I had begun to wrap up our search, we found something."

Dumbledore reached into his desk and pulled out a very old, worn chest. He carefully opened it and pulled out four different scrolls. He opened one and showed it to the four students in front of him. It had a very old illustration of a woman with blue robes and rich brown hair. Underneath the drawing, written in ink was a name. Hermione Granger.

"What? What is that? Why does it have my name?" she asked, thoroughly stumped.

In response Dumbledore pulled out another scroll, this one depicting a tall man with red robes and green eyes. It said Harry Potter. The next scroll had an illustration of a beautiful woman with yellow robes and fiery hair. The name was Ginevra Weasley. And, finally, there was a scroll with a man who had very fair colored hair and green robes. It read, Draco Malfoy.

"As you can see, these scrolls were created thousands of years ago. Thankfully there is a letter which may help clear things up. It reads:

'To Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ginevra Weasley, and Draco Malfoy,

Our prophet has foreseen the end. We see no way to save the wizarding world. You four are our only hope. Our prophet, gifted in Divination has been able to tell us your names. Your world as you know it, is ending. It is our responsibility, as the founders of Hogwarts School, to help you even in our death. The prophet has said that when each one of you were born, you were born with a drop of our blood. Whilst not truly being our descendants, you are our heirs. Harry James Potter, you are the heir of Godric Gryffindor. Hermione Jean Granger, you are the heir of Rowena Ravenclaw. Ginevra Molly Weasley, you are the heir of Helga Huffelpuff. Draco Lucius Malfoy, you are the heir of Salazar Slytherin.

We do not know which year you will find this. But our prophet has ensured that when needed, it will be found. If you do not succeed, the entire wizarding world is in jeopardy. We are so deeply sorry we cannot be of more assistance, but, always remember we will help you. Death is not a barrier.

Yours, The Founders'"

"This is obviously some kind of practical joke!" said Ginny, though her voice wobbled.

"Weaselette is right." Draco said lazily, speaking for the first time. Looking at his face, you'd never be able to tell something was wrong, "There's no way that's real. 'Death is not a barrier' that's bullshit."

Dumbledore cleared his throat, "I am aware it seems…quite hard to believe but Severus and I have conducted every test magically possible and, I'm sorry to say, these letters are quite legitimate. Now, each one of the founders has left a letter for the specific heir. I have not read these letters. I will give them to you now and you may read them, when you are finished we shall discuss this further."

Dumbledore handed out the letters and Hermione gingerly took hers.

"Dear Hermione,

What a lovely name you have. Did you know it is the feminine form of the Greek god Hermes? He was a messenger to the gods of Olympus. Anyways, I know this is a huge shock and weight on your shoulders but I know, deeply in my heart, that you are an intelligent girl and you will be able to solve anything thrown your way. Please, dear, understand that it is your job to keep Harry, Draco, and Ginevra together. Throughout your journey together many forces will try to rip you apart but you must use your intelligence to solve problems and keep everyone in order. I believe in you so much. I know that you are in Gryffindor house. You must be so wonderful as to be immensely brilliant yet so brave. If you ever need any help, Hermione, you can find me. Myself and the other founders have become ghosts for you children. We will help in any way possible. Be strong. Be smart.

With hope,

Rowena Ravenclaw"

Ginny watched as Hermione eagerly absorbed her letter and then looked at hers.

"Dearest Ginevra,

Oh my dear! I have always, always wanted a daughter. Alas, I have only three sons. You, Ginevra, are as good as a daughter to me even though I will be long dead before you read this. Rowena has told me that according to the prophet, you are a Gryffindor! How lovely! Godric is an amazing man, and an even better husband! I know that you are worried about the future but keep in mind that I have so much faith in you. You are a wonderful, beautiful girl, Ginevra and every decision you make will be a good one if it comes from your heart. Should you ever need me, you will find me in ghost form in Huffelpuff tower.

Loyalty is key,

Helga Huffelpuff"

Harry was nervous. What would his letter contain? Unrealistic expectations?

"Dear Harry,

I know you're special Harry. You aren't like Hermione or Ginevra or Draco. You have a much bigger burden in your life. I know you're a young boy and we are asking so much from you but you have to trust me. You are so brave and you will lead your comrades. While they are all great people, you, are the most crucial. It is your job to lead and find hope even in the most hopeless of situations. I am aware that I am asking the world of you, Harry, but I need you to be strong. You will save many in your endeavors. Never forget who you're doing this for. If you find help is needed, look for my ghost in Gryffindor tower.

Sincerely yours,

Godric Gryffindor"

Draco was uncomfortable. Here he was in a room full of Gryffindors, Dumbledore included, finding out he had a perilous task ahead of him. Oh joy.

"Draco,

First of all, don't shy away. I know you're an outcast. A Slytherin trapped with three Gryffindors. Must be tough. I have always loathed Godric. Everyone loves him but I see through his façade. I know you feel the same way about Harry. But, Draco, this is much, much bigger than schoolyard rivalries. The fate of the world rests in your hands. I know you don't like the people you must work with but you have to look past that. You are a model Slytherin, Draco. Do not let them push you out. Also…Keep an eye on that Hermione. I have a feeling she will be important in the future. Look for my ghost if you need assistance.

Salazar Slytherin"

"Well," said Dumbledore, "It looks like you are all done reading. I hope that helped you. Now, as for the nature of the danger described in the letters…I do not know. I have no idea what awaits us in this impending storm but you all need to prepare. I will help you in your journey and when danger awaits you. You will be ready."

"Headmaster, what do you mean?" Hermione questioned.

"I mean, that you all will train together. You need strong friendships for this task. I know you all are not exactly friends but you need to look past that and be mature. You, Miss Granger, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Malfoy are sixth year students. Miss Weasley is a fifth year. You are all old enough to handle being friends.

Draco rolled his eyes, "Shoot me now."

Harry glared at him, "Did you read the letters? This is bigger than us. We're saving the world. Quit being such an asshole."

Draco ignored him, "When does training start?"

"Tomorrow."

After exiting Dumbledore's office, the three Gryffindors immediately banded together, whispering in low voices about what they had just learned.

Draco crashed into their huddle, "Ahem, I believe we discuss things together now, Gryffindors."

Ginny narrowed her eyes as him, "What are you playing at, Malfoy?"

"Nothing. The old man said we need to be 'friends' or some Gryffindor shit like that."

"Not until we start training!" Hermione huffed.

Draco sneered at her, "I do not speak to mudbloods."

Harry pushed Hermione to the side and aimed his wand at the sneering boy's face, "Don't ever talk to her like that again!"

"I believe I said I had no interest talking to it anyways."

Harry turned a very bright red color but Hermione pulled him back, "Come on Harry, Ginny. He's not worth it anyways. Trust me, I've punched him."

Draco looked furious but Harry, Ginny, and Hermione were already walking away.

"Hey," Ginny said softly, "Don't worry about Malfoy, he's just a pretentious git."

"I'm not worried at all, Gin. We've all known him for 6 years. Nothing we can do to change his personality."

Harry was seething, "He should never have spoken to you like that!"

"Harry, I've been called a mudblood enough times, it doesn't bother me anymore."

He was about to say something when the trio saw Ron speeding down the hallway.

"Guys! Where have you been? I looked all over!"

"Hey Ron," Ginny replied, "Um, I guess we'll explain in the common room."

After explaining to Ron what was going on, his mouth was still hanging open. While Harry and Ginny recounted what Dumbledore said and took turns reading him their letters, Hermione zoned out. She thought about how Rowena Ravenclaw, one of the most intelligent witches of all time had written her a letter. She pondered what kind of dangers she was going to face. And, lastly, she thought about Malfoy. Regardless of what she had said, the rude term he had used still hurt her. Hermione knew it was just a word but still…It hurt.

"…right 'Mione?" Ron was looking at her expectantly.

"What? Sorry, I was thinking."

Ron rolled his eyes, "I said, you could always just punch Malfoy again!"

"Ron, I punched him three years ago when he was a scrawny little twit. Now he's much bigger with…muscles and stuff. I doubt I could take him and I doubt he'd go easy on me."

"Me and Harry would help you! We've got muscles!" Ron replied, offended.

Hermione and Ginny laughed, "Sure."

They spent the rest of the evening laughing and joking around, ignoring the danger that awaited them in the future.

Draco was spending the evening moping and being angry, thinking about the danger that awaited him in the future. He felt a flash of cruel happiness, at least the Gryffindors must be suffering too!

When he entered the Slytherin Common Room, nobody came to greet him. No worried friends frantically wondering where he'd been. This did not surprise Draco. Everyone here was more like an…acquaintance. Slytherin's respected each other and worked together but if it came down to someone else's life and theirs, they would always choose themselves.

He was about to head to his bed when someone grabbed his shoulder. Pansy Parkinson.

"Draco, where have you been? I was worried!"

Draco did not let his face betray his surprise, "Well I'm here now Parkinson, so if you'd please move I would like to go to bed."

Pansy looked as if she wanted to say something but decided against it. She gently removed her hand form his shoulder and Draco walked away without looking back. He had enough surprises for one day.

After spending time with his friends, Harry went to his bed and closed his eyes. But he couldn't sleep. He thought about Godric's letter and how there was more danger in his life. Voldemort was one thing and now something else? Not to mention the fact that he did not know what "something else" was!

He tried to relax. Hermione, Ginny, and even Malfoy had to deal with all this. Sometimes Harry wished that he had just been born as a normal boy. Not Harry Potter but just an ordinary wizard who could go to Hogwarts and learn without fear of death. No, he couldn't afford to pity himself. Things didn't work that way.

Harry closed his eyes again and fell into a dreamless sleep. At least dangers did not haunt his dreams.

I hope it was good! I promise the other chapters will be better once I get the basis of the story down. There will be lots of action! Also, as a side note, I'm having a little trouble working on Draco's character but I will try my best to improve. Thank you very much!