A Tumultuous Tenure

A week has passed. Professor Vector has her first task to complete, meets a mysterious man, and will encounter a complete enigma.

Chapter 4: A Day Late And A Sickle Short

Convinced that somehow Sybil Trelawney has spellotaped a picture of three gorgeous child models from a Madame Malkins advertisement onto the back of her crystal ball, I soon forgot about the fiasco at the Career Fair with Snape.

Well, almost. It still popped into my head from time to time. And I REPEAT…Severus Snape and I will never be in a relationship. Ever. I do not even like him, so surely he will not be marrying me or fathering my children. He can't even hold a decent conversation…he'd probably deduct ten points for a dirty diaper. I am not even dating currently. Breathe.

Trelawney needs to leave her attic a little more often.

I was so busy that I tried to keep these horrible thoughts at bay. I attended my meeting with Dumbledore. He had spoken to me about his revival of an organization known as The Order of the Phoenix

My first assignment for the Order:

Dumbledore gave me limited information at first. I was never to speak to anyone about it. Naturally, once must be extremely careful because there were those that would deny it yet had Voldemort sympathies; either they were Death Eaters or would cooperate out of fear. It was inevitable. No one was to be trusted or unsuspected, only a fool would be lax. It was not the type of information that one let out. It could cost me my life or compromise the lives of others, even the future of our cause. Also, I had to be very careful regarding my actions as well as thoughts. With polyjuice, confundus charms, legilimancy, etc, in our world, it was easy to get information out of people that were suspected to know something about the Order. Death Eaters, known or unidentified, were on the lookout for anything suspicious they could relay to their leader. It was a life or death matter, and from the very beginning of my involvement I tried to be smart about it and overly exercise caution. Sadly, this was the state of our affairs, a minute to minute existence, fraught with tension, and the impending fear of putting one foot out of place, and the possibility of severe repercussions. One had to think on their feet and think ahead, it was the only way to carry on.

Later, in the week, he informed me that a major meeting would be held were I would arrive at the headquarters for the first time, and I would meet some of the members.

Dumbledore informed me of the sign I was supposed to watch for. When the shadowy bird appeared, I knew the look out was clear and it was ok to move ahead. I took leave of my rooms and left the castle.

As I descended the stairs to the gardens, I breathed in the night air in great gulps. My nerves did get the best of me, at first. I tripped over my skirts and barely recovered as I clattered quickly down the stairs, almost stumbling. (Would you ever imagine that I would be a spy in a few weeks time? Some sort of operative? Believe it.)

I was recruited and glad to help. I did not sympathize with Voldemort or the Death Eaters. I could have run away. Packed my bags and went straight back to Wales, but that wasn't me. And like I really believed that if he succeeded he would stop at England and Scotland. Wales was next, Ireland, the rest of Europe…and possibly the world.

I had mixed blood myself. Two of my grandparents were muggles and we had many non-magical folk if I traced my family tree. If so many became bystanders, what was to become of us? I knew the stakes, of course, I was frightened, but none of us had any other choice but to act.

I noticed a statue of a wizard near the South End of Hogwarts Castle. An Order member needed to deliver something to Dumbledore. Well, that was what I was told anyway. I wasn't stupid, and would realize soon enough the myriad networks and methods of covert communication they used. This was a test. My first, and Dumbledore was guine-pigging me, I guess one could call it, in small amounts until eventually I received more responsibilities after I proved myself capable and learned their ropes.

Thanks to the Toad, I mean, Dolores, certain methods of communication posed a far greater risk than others. I told Dumbledore that Tuesday night was when she used a potion to remove her facial hair, and was good a time as any for me to meet the person relaying the message. He honorably and diplomatically kept a straight face at my revelation and acknowledged that this information was most helpful.

"And, er, might I ask how you came to acquire this information, Professor Vector?" asked the Headmaster.

"I am observant, sir," I replied.

"Excellent, indeed, Miss Vector," he said genially. "I don't think I will ever regret my proposal to you." And I was dismissed.

He agreed to let me complete my first task. Not even Hogwarts was entirely safe from prying eyes and open ears due to Umbridge and her minions.

As I walked near some hedges, I thought I saw a creature loping along gracefully on four legs, I checked out my surroundings while I quietly drew my wand. All of a sudden, I saw a shadow, it grew taller, and a figure of a man appeared from behind a hedge.

A man with a pale but inviting face was looking down at me with a curious, yet warm expression. He was quite tall, taller than Snape even. He had long dark hair, wavy, and wide gray eyes with very long, inky black lashes. He looked to me like he was in his mid-30's…

"Hello," he smiled jovially, "Septima Vector?"

I nodded. Some spy-in-training I was. Why would I give my name that easily? (I would have a lot of practice after this. Dumbledore must have heard about it.) Well, this good-looking man completely threw me off. Was I thick? As if Death Eaters, killers, or maniacs couldn't be handsome. Anyway…

"I've heard about you. My godson likes you and says that you are fair with your students. Some professors at Hogwarts are not so pleasant…" His expression changed, and I had the gut feeling that he was referring to our Potions Master. Oh, dear, would I hear all about this history at a later date…

Oh, he was a smart one, I thought. Notice he didn't give his name or his godson's. I was learning quickly. I figured that both the man and Dumbledore had their reasons. I hadn't even attended a meeting yet.

"Well, thank you," (Great spy, Vector.) "But I am afraid I do not know who you are." I had to ask anyway. I tried to get him to reveal his identity---er, that was something a spy would do, or was that just being polite?

"Ok, I understand the reason for anonymity," I gave up and said this, sounding very important and in control, I thought. As I look back, I can't believe what a dolt I was.

"Good, learning quickly, I see. We have no choice in these times. Are you quite sure? You do not have to do this. You can help us in so many other ways if you have second thoughts. But I had a friend---a great friend---wife of my best friend. She was so young, we all were when we started out, and she was brilliant, so brave. Dumbledore is not a fool. If he asked you than I have no doubt you will do well." He seemed wistful for a moment and the atmosphere changed.

"Yes, I think so. No, really, I am sure,"

"You have much to learn or rather observe, but it will come in time. We need every person, and I hear your particular talents and field of expertise are something we may need."

He handed me a blank piece of parchment. "The rightful owner will know what is to be done," he said stoically.

He motioned me closer to him with a hand. "If you are asked to meet me again, you must…" He suddenly pulled away and raised a black eyebrow. Hearing a rustling noise, he suspected we were being watched. I raised my wand as well.