Note: You guys are lucky. There is crap weather here down under in the Land
of Oz, so my softball training was cancelled and I decided to keep writing.
So I have another chapter for you, Yay! Thank you for another terrific
response guys, when I first wrote this I had no idea that it would get such
a great review. I thought of another story today in class too so I will be
writing that soon, after this one of course.
Daisie: Hehehehe that's not that much money, but it's better than nothing. Snape or Lupin hey??? Are you so sure? Good to see your still reading thanks for reviewing.
JKH: James Potter? That's a new accusation. It could very well be him actually. By the way what does AU mean? And whats so wrong with James being the father? And whats wrong with Sirius, so what if they were cousins. Anywayz thanks for getting involved and thanks for reviewing again.
Shortnsassy: Hehehehe, someone likes my story. Yay, I always love it when people do. I got this chapter up as soon as I could, just for you, I hope you like it. Thanks for reviewing and being so enthusiastic. Hehehe.
Time Warp: I know my spelling and my grammar are bad, I can't help it. I read over my other chapter earlier and I could see a lot of mistakes, I guess I'm kind of rushing a bit, but you get that. And don't worry you will eventually find out who his father is. And about the speech bubble things, I learnt how to write from other books and if you look at any book they put just the one ' around the speech and the double " for inside the speech. That's just what I learnt anywayz. Thanks for telling me nonetheless.
Metallicverb: Please don't burst on me, you'll find out soon, or maybe latter, I haven't decided when I will tell you but it's going to get kinnda tricky soon. Hagrid taking Zell in? I actually hadn't thought of the idea, it's not too bad, however I do have other plans as you'll see in this chapter, and how do you know Snape hates kids, Zell is Narcissa's after all, and he is awfully fond of her. Besides it could possibly be his. Thanks for reviewing, I love to see that your still reading my story.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize. I do own Zell however. J.K Rowling is a champ and whilst I do wish to be a writer I am not her and like I said don't own anything you recognize.
.... Okay this one's a little longer than the usual chapters... I hope that's a good thing.... enjoy......
The Malfoy's Big Secret!!
Chapter 12!!
When Harry woke up, the entire room was in darkness. He had no idea what time it was for there was no clock's in his room, but judging by the fact that the sun had gone down and the star's were out, he guessed it had to be well into the night.
He sat up in bed and felt around the bedside table for his glasses, when he finally found them he placed them on and proceeded to rise to his feet. Feeling extremely drowsy, but too fidgety to sleep for any longer at that moment, he decided to take a walk outside and at least try to find out what time it was.
He tiptoed out of the room, not wanting to wake Ron - though he wouldn't be surprised if even the whole neighborhood blowing up couldn't be heard over his tremendously loud snores.
Harry silently made his way along the corridor, past the many rooms where Fred and George, Bill and Charlie and Hermione and Ginny were sleeping. All the doors where shut, and judging by the state of darkness that the house was in, he guessed that they were all asleep.
Finally he made it to the stairs and was about to descend them when he saw a small speck of light coming from the kitchen. He slowed his breathing and strained his ears to listen. There were voices coming from there, many voices, people were still up. He decided to walk slower and not make himself heard, even though he had no real reason to have to sneak about; he was just so drowsy that he honestly didn't feel like speaking to a single soul.
When he was merely inches away from the semi-closed kitchen door, he got down on all fours and crawled, to the small crack in the door, then peered through. There were a few figures sitting at the large table that filled most of the room. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were there of course and so was Dumbledore - and to Harry's great surprise, so was Snape. It was the first time Harry had ever seen Snape at Grimmauld Place so late in the evening, let alone sitting at the table in the kitchen, apparently having a civilized conversation. Everyone's faces were very serious and he noted the hint of concern on Dumbledore's face. He listened intently.
'- horrible absolutely horrible,' Mrs. Weasley said looking miserable.
'I don't understand why they would have taken her Dumbledore, it just doesn't make sense,' Mr. Weasley shouted, comforting his stricken wife. 'We have to find her Dumbledore, before it's too late.'
Dumbledore nodded in agreement but Snape quickly intervened, wanting to get in his say. 'We cannot just jump into sudden accusations. There is no proof, for all we know she could be perfectly fine.'
'These are Death Eaters were talking about Snape, who needs proof, all we know is that we have a member missing and we must do anything to get her back.'
Harry suddenly realized what they were arguing about. Someone had gone missing, a member of the Order nonetheless. He tried hard to think of who it could be, but there were at least over twenty members now, half of whom Harry didn't even know. He listened again.
'Weasley,' Snape hissed, looking savage. 'She was hidden from them, they weren't even looking for her, what makes you so sure that they actually took her, she might have just had somewhere else to go.' Snape looked as though he really wasn't concerned over this whole matter and looked as though all he wanted to do was leave.
'She wouldn't have let us worry like this Severus,' Mrs. Weasley said sounding even more miserable. 'She would have came back by now if she could.'
'That is true Molly and I know that we must find her as quickly as possible,' Dumbledore reasoned. 'But Severus is right; we must not be too hasty. The Death Eaters are not to be taken lightly and we cannot just barge up too them and demand that they let her go; we will need a plan of attack. By the way how is Remus coping?'
'He's devastated, of course,' Mrs. Weasley said concerned.
'He blames himself naturally,' added Mr. Weasley.
It was at this stage that Harry remembered Lupin and now that curiosity was flooding through him he decided to leave the conversation and search for Lupin, obviously he would know what was going on. He stood up slowly, trying to be as silent as he could, and crept away, back up the stairs.
He knew where he would find Lupin. For the whole time that Harry had been there he had noticed that he always went to the Black's old study whenever he wanted to be alone. There he would sit and pat Buckbeak, just like Sirius used to.
As he approached the study he could tell that someone was in there because there was a pool of light flooding underneath the door. He knocked gently and upon hearing a very soft and miserably 'Come in,' he entered slowly.
'Lupin,' Harry said, choosing his word's carefully. 'Can I talk to you for a little while?'
Lupin looked at Harry and, noticing the serious look on Harry's face, nodded his head. 'Of course you can. What's on your mind?'
'Well, I was just wondering .' he didn't exactly know how to ask, he didn't want to be too straight out with Lupin.
'What is it Harry? Whatever it is just say it.'
Harry moved over and patted the sleeping Buckbeak gently on its feathery head. 'Who's gone missing?' he blurted out and then regretting his bluntness immediately he quickly apologized. 'Sorry, Lupin . It's just-'
'-No Harry it's quite alright. I suppose we all should have told you before,' Lupin lowered his head and spoke more to his shoes than to Harry. 'You see part of our duties at the order was to watch over the Death Eater prisoners at Azkaban Prison. As there were no Dementor's left we were afraid they would escape rather quickly and so we wanted to keep an extremely close watch on them.' Lupin paused for a moment looking sad again. He shifted his feet and fidgeted with his hands.
Harry opened his mouth to tell Lupin not to worry about it, he obviously didn't want to talk about it, but thankfully he continued before Harry could intervene.
'So you see, the night that the Death Eaters escaped was a horrible night. Many of the guards were injured and had all sorts of horrible curses performed on them. Nearly half of them winded up in St. Mungo's.' He looked at Harry now as he continued to speak and his voice seemed to lower slightly. 'The member of the order that was on duty that night never came back. We fear that . well we fear that she may have been taken by the Death Eaters.'
'But why would they take her?' Harry asked unable to restrain this question.
'I don't know. Who knows how much Kreacher told the Malfoy's if he said anything about the order and who was involved than Voldamort could have know that she was a member and so grabbed her to find out more information.'
'And who was it that they took?' Harry asked, again dying to know the answer.
Lupin looked back down at his shoes. 'Tonk's,' he said sadly.
Harry felt a huge tinge of guilt spread throughout his entire body. Since he had first arrived here he knew that someone had been missing, but he couldn't think who, now he realized just who it was that wasn't there. He was so ashamed at himself for not realizing, Tonk's after all had been so kind to him the year before, it hadn't even crossed his mind. No, he had noticed she was missing; he tried to reassure himself, he had simply thought that she was doing an important task for the Order.
'So that's why you've been so upset,' Harry asked, finally understanding. Suddenly he, Harry, didn't feel so cheery himself. The thought of Tonk's being in the hands of several infuriated Death Eaters who were desperate for information, didn't bring him comfort.
'Yes Harry,' Lupin replied, 'but that's not the half of it. You see this was all my fault, it's thanks to me that she got taken.'
'What do you mean?' Harry asked looking surprised.
Lupin looked back at Harry; his face was ridden with guilt and misery. 'I was supposed to be on watch at Azkaban that night. It was my turn but I was feeling extremely ill. It was close to full moon and even though Snape was still giving me the wolf bane potion, it always makes me feel a little off colour. Tonk's insisted that she take my place, and I could take hers later when I would be feeling better, I stupidly agreed.'
Harry didn't know what to do. He had never seen Lupin so upset.
'If you had of gone than it would be you in the Death Eaters hands and not her,' Harry said trying to make him feel better, but thought it was a pore attempt.
'Exactly, that would have been better. I'd rather it be me getting tortured and injured than Tonk's. First Sirius and now her, who will it be next?'
Harry realized that much like himself and Dumbledore, Lupin must have blamed himself for Sirius' death.
'It wasn't your fault Lupin, these things just happen. Get over it. Your not going to help Tonk's by sitting here and moping about it.' Harry had said that far more harshly than he would have liked, but it seemed to be exactly what Lupin needed to here.
'You're absolutely right Harry,' Lupin said giving Harry a faint smile. 'I will find her, I promise, and I'll do everything I can to bring her back here safe and sound.'
Harry didn't like the look that was in Lupin's eyes. He could tell where this was going to head. Lupin would probably do something stupid, Harry knew that he would if it had of been him in Lupin's shoes. He went to open his mouth to say something, anything that might correct what he had just said, but at that moment the door bell rang, and Lupin - who probably assumed that no one was still awake, like Harry he probably had no idea what time it was - left the room, in order to answer it. Harry followed Lupin down the stairs and met Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Dumbledore and Snape in the corridor - Dumbledore and Snape obviously on their way to leave as they were bidding farewell.
'Oh, Harry dear your awake,' Mrs. Weasley said, placing an arm around his shoulders.
'Who on earth would be coming here at this hour,' Mr. Weasley barked undoing the many locks on the large front door.
As soon as Mr. Weasley had opened the door, an icy breeze entered the once warm house. In the doorway stood Hagrid, who looked positively drenched, beaming at the six occupants with unnecessary cheeriness.
'May we come in,' he boomed happily, 'it's a bit wet ou' here.'
Mr. Weasley waved a hand, signaling that it was okay for Hagrid to enter. The giant bent his head as he stepped through the door, and once inside he shook his large bushy head like a dog. At that moment a small figure stepped out from behind Hagrid, clinging onto his pance slightly and smiling sheepishly at the room.
He looked slightly familiar although Harry had sworn he had never seen him before, and if Hagrid was wet it was nothing compared to this pore kid. The boy seemed positively puny next to Hagrid and Harry was sure that Hagrid's huge coat, which he had on, although warm would have been weighing him down an awful lot. Hagrid bent down and took the coat from the boy, hanging it over one of the pegs that were stuck in the wall.
'Everyone, I'd like yeh to meet Zell,' Hagrid said pointing at the small boy.
'Yes, I believe we have met before,' Dumbledore said, sounding rather displeased. 'But what, may I ask, is Zell doing here?'
'Ah,' Hagrid said shifting uncomfortably, '. I had no choice Dumbledore; I was asked to bring him here, well sort of.'
Harry was intrigued by the small boy that clung to Hagrid, he was sure that he had seen him before.
'Hagrid,' Lupin intervened. 'You shouldn't have brought him here. You know this place is supposed to be top secret.'
'Bu' he's just a baby Remus, what 'arm could he do?' Harry smiled despite himself; he had heard Hagrid say that before concerning a certain baby dragon that nearly burnt his hut to the ground.
'It doesn't matter Hagrid,' Lupin said sternly, 'you still shouldn't have brought him here.'
'Bu' I had too,' Hagrid persisted, 'I was asked to take him to Professor Snape -'
'Who asked you to?' Lupin asked questioningly. Harry noted that Lupin was a little angrier than was necessary, probably, Harry thought, because he didn't want anyone else to know about the order - perhaps he was worried someone else might get hurt.
'Well . it was Malfoy,' Hagrid said but quickly added, after viewing the look on everyone's faces, 'but he's on'y six, and he's not like them. Honest.'
'Malfoy told you to bring him here, so you brought him? Hagrid have you gone mad.' Lupin looked angrier than Harry had ever seen him before, he put out his hand and grabbed Lupin's arm, pulling him back just slightly. Lupin seemed to recollect himself after that.
Harry thought that Lupin had a valid point though, and judging by the look on Mr. Weasley's face, so did he. The Malfoy's had already proved that they would tell Voldamort about the Order if they knew anything, and now Hagrid had brought a person that knew the Malfoy's right into the Order's headquarters. But then again the boy was only a child.
'Like I said, Remus, Malfoy asked me ter bring him to Professor Snape, not here directly.'
'And why would Malfoy have told you to bring him to me?' Snape said, pushing Lupin to one side. Snape glared at the boy by Hagrid's side.
'Well . you see . ter tell yeh the truth I have no idea,' Hagrid said looking rather confused.
'I see,' Snape said, now looking at Hagrid in a way that told Harry he thought he was stupid. 'Do you even know who he is?'
'Told yeh, his names Zell, he's the Malfoy's youngest boy, so I've been told,' Hagrid said, glancing at Dumbledore.
'Don't be ridiculous,' Snape said turning up his nose at Hagrid, 'the Malfoy's only have one son and that's Draco-'
'I'm afraid that is not so Severus,' Dumbledore said interrupting Snape. 'What Hagrid said is correct; this is Zell, Narcissa's youngest boy.'
'Impossible,' Snape snarled, 'she would have told me if it was.'
'I'm afraid no one other than the Malfoy's knew that he even existed Severus,' Dumbledore told Snape gently.
Harry looked at the boy called Zell that stood by Hagrid's side. So that was the boy that Dumbledore had told them about, the boy that was apparently Draco's brother, or supposedly his half-brother. Even though Harry had only ever seen Draco's mother once, he knew that the boy looked like her somewhat, he assumed that that was who he reminded him of.
'That's righ' Professor,' Hagrid continued, 'so I take it Malfoy asked me teh bring him here because yeh knew 'em all well and would take care o' him feh a little while.'
The look on Snape's face as he looked down at Zell told Harry that it didn't matter who it was, he still wouldn't take him in. Snape had probably never even seen someone as young as Zell before. Harry looked at the boy's small brown, freckly face, his eyes were almost pleading Snape to take care of him, but if Harry knew Snape he, he knew he would never agree to watch him, no matter how short a time it was.
Snape turned his eyes from Zell to Dumbledore, Harry watched Dumbledore too. Dumbledore was staring at Zell and a sudden realization spread cross his face.
'Very well Hagrid, the boy will stay here.'
Hagrid nodded his big head sadly. He looked happy that the boy would stay where Hagrid had told Malfoy he would, but he seemed extremely sad to part with him.
'I believe Headmaster that I was asked to care for the boy,' Snape told Dumbledore, 'and I will, by no means necessary look after him.'
'I know Severus, I know,' Dumbledore said, looking slightly disappointed at Snape, but not surprised. 'I said he would stay here, I never said that you would take care of him. I have asked you to perform an extremely important job and I would like you to attend to it straight away. I will sort out Zell for now; you just concentrate on what I requested.'
Most of the colour that was on Snape's already pale face drained completely. He nodded at agreement to Dumbledore and then taking one last look at Zell he made his way over to the door, opened it and then stepped outside into the rain and was gone.
'Molly,' Dumbledore said in a very pleasant and gentle voice. 'May I ask of you a rather large favor?'
Mrs. Weasley, who like her husband, Harry and Lupin had been staring at Zell, looked up quickly at Dumbledore and nodded. 'Of course, Dumbledore - anything.'
'I would like for you to take care of Zell for me, just until I find out why it is that he is here in the first place.'
Mrs. Weasley looked down at Zell and her face softened. Harry knew Mrs. Weasley well enough to know that she was the kindest women he had ever met and would gladly take in the boy, regardless of what family he might come from.
'I- Of course I will Dumbledore, for as long as you need.'
'Thank you Molly,' Dumbledore said smiling fondly at her with the greatest of respect.
'Well I guess that's settled than,' Hagrid said, sniffing loudly. 'Molly here will take good care of yeh Zell, don' yeh worry 'bout that.'
Hagrid patted Zell lightly on the shoulder, making him shake slightly under the weight, than he ruffled up his hair so that it looked a lot like Harry's always did.
'I'll be seein' yeh Dumbledore, if there's anythin' at all that yeh wan' me teh do, don' hesitate to ask,' Hagrid said bowing to Dumbledore.
'Thank you Hagrid, although next time, do try and warn me when you decide to drop by with unexpected gifts,' Dumbledore said smiling at Hagrid's guilty expression. With that Hagrid said one last goodbye to Zell and went back out through the over used front door, letting in another unpleasant breeze.
'I'm afraid I must be leaving too,' Dumbledore continued turning back to the others. 'Thank you once again Molly for your kindness and Remus I can assure you that the boy means no harm.'
Lupin smiled slightly at Dumbledore, still looking quite unsure. Dumbledore bowed his great head once to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and after shaking Harry's hand and bidding him farewell disapparated into thin air.
The room was extremely quite after Dumbledore's departure. Everyone was staring at the small boy standing all alone near the doorway, backpack on back clothes still dripping with water. Finally Mrs. Weasley stepped forward.
'Hello Zell, I'm Molly,' she said gently, bending down to his height, 'that's Arthur,' she added pointing to Mr. Weasley, 'Harry,' she continued nodding towards Harry who nodded his head in greeting, 'and Remus,' she finished pointing at Lupin who immediately looked away.
'Hello,' Zell said in a clear, but soft voice.
'Harry,' Mrs. Weasley continued, 'why don't you show Zell where you and Ron are sleeping and set him up a bed. Then show him where he can get out of those wet clothes and bring him back down here for something to eat.'
Harry nodded and made his way up the stairs, turning to make sure he was being followed. Zell slowly made his way up the stairs, clinging on to the railing as he went. Harry showed him their room, Ron was still snoring away and then he took him to the bathroom where so as to show Zell where he could change. Zell turned and stared at him.
'Are you really Harry Potter,' he asked, great interest in his eyes.
'Yes,' Harry said rather angrily waiting for some horrible comment to come; Zell was Malfoy's brother after all. It never came; Zell only smiled weekly and made his way into the bathroom to change. When he came back out he didn't say anything else to Harry but just followed down to the kitchen where Mrs. Weasley sat alone, with a couple of plates of food on the table waiting for them.
Daisie: Hehehehe that's not that much money, but it's better than nothing. Snape or Lupin hey??? Are you so sure? Good to see your still reading thanks for reviewing.
JKH: James Potter? That's a new accusation. It could very well be him actually. By the way what does AU mean? And whats so wrong with James being the father? And whats wrong with Sirius, so what if they were cousins. Anywayz thanks for getting involved and thanks for reviewing again.
Shortnsassy: Hehehehe, someone likes my story. Yay, I always love it when people do. I got this chapter up as soon as I could, just for you, I hope you like it. Thanks for reviewing and being so enthusiastic. Hehehe.
Time Warp: I know my spelling and my grammar are bad, I can't help it. I read over my other chapter earlier and I could see a lot of mistakes, I guess I'm kind of rushing a bit, but you get that. And don't worry you will eventually find out who his father is. And about the speech bubble things, I learnt how to write from other books and if you look at any book they put just the one ' around the speech and the double " for inside the speech. That's just what I learnt anywayz. Thanks for telling me nonetheless.
Metallicverb: Please don't burst on me, you'll find out soon, or maybe latter, I haven't decided when I will tell you but it's going to get kinnda tricky soon. Hagrid taking Zell in? I actually hadn't thought of the idea, it's not too bad, however I do have other plans as you'll see in this chapter, and how do you know Snape hates kids, Zell is Narcissa's after all, and he is awfully fond of her. Besides it could possibly be his. Thanks for reviewing, I love to see that your still reading my story.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize. I do own Zell however. J.K Rowling is a champ and whilst I do wish to be a writer I am not her and like I said don't own anything you recognize.
.... Okay this one's a little longer than the usual chapters... I hope that's a good thing.... enjoy......
The Malfoy's Big Secret!!
Chapter 12!!
When Harry woke up, the entire room was in darkness. He had no idea what time it was for there was no clock's in his room, but judging by the fact that the sun had gone down and the star's were out, he guessed it had to be well into the night.
He sat up in bed and felt around the bedside table for his glasses, when he finally found them he placed them on and proceeded to rise to his feet. Feeling extremely drowsy, but too fidgety to sleep for any longer at that moment, he decided to take a walk outside and at least try to find out what time it was.
He tiptoed out of the room, not wanting to wake Ron - though he wouldn't be surprised if even the whole neighborhood blowing up couldn't be heard over his tremendously loud snores.
Harry silently made his way along the corridor, past the many rooms where Fred and George, Bill and Charlie and Hermione and Ginny were sleeping. All the doors where shut, and judging by the state of darkness that the house was in, he guessed that they were all asleep.
Finally he made it to the stairs and was about to descend them when he saw a small speck of light coming from the kitchen. He slowed his breathing and strained his ears to listen. There were voices coming from there, many voices, people were still up. He decided to walk slower and not make himself heard, even though he had no real reason to have to sneak about; he was just so drowsy that he honestly didn't feel like speaking to a single soul.
When he was merely inches away from the semi-closed kitchen door, he got down on all fours and crawled, to the small crack in the door, then peered through. There were a few figures sitting at the large table that filled most of the room. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were there of course and so was Dumbledore - and to Harry's great surprise, so was Snape. It was the first time Harry had ever seen Snape at Grimmauld Place so late in the evening, let alone sitting at the table in the kitchen, apparently having a civilized conversation. Everyone's faces were very serious and he noted the hint of concern on Dumbledore's face. He listened intently.
'- horrible absolutely horrible,' Mrs. Weasley said looking miserable.
'I don't understand why they would have taken her Dumbledore, it just doesn't make sense,' Mr. Weasley shouted, comforting his stricken wife. 'We have to find her Dumbledore, before it's too late.'
Dumbledore nodded in agreement but Snape quickly intervened, wanting to get in his say. 'We cannot just jump into sudden accusations. There is no proof, for all we know she could be perfectly fine.'
'These are Death Eaters were talking about Snape, who needs proof, all we know is that we have a member missing and we must do anything to get her back.'
Harry suddenly realized what they were arguing about. Someone had gone missing, a member of the Order nonetheless. He tried hard to think of who it could be, but there were at least over twenty members now, half of whom Harry didn't even know. He listened again.
'Weasley,' Snape hissed, looking savage. 'She was hidden from them, they weren't even looking for her, what makes you so sure that they actually took her, she might have just had somewhere else to go.' Snape looked as though he really wasn't concerned over this whole matter and looked as though all he wanted to do was leave.
'She wouldn't have let us worry like this Severus,' Mrs. Weasley said sounding even more miserable. 'She would have came back by now if she could.'
'That is true Molly and I know that we must find her as quickly as possible,' Dumbledore reasoned. 'But Severus is right; we must not be too hasty. The Death Eaters are not to be taken lightly and we cannot just barge up too them and demand that they let her go; we will need a plan of attack. By the way how is Remus coping?'
'He's devastated, of course,' Mrs. Weasley said concerned.
'He blames himself naturally,' added Mr. Weasley.
It was at this stage that Harry remembered Lupin and now that curiosity was flooding through him he decided to leave the conversation and search for Lupin, obviously he would know what was going on. He stood up slowly, trying to be as silent as he could, and crept away, back up the stairs.
He knew where he would find Lupin. For the whole time that Harry had been there he had noticed that he always went to the Black's old study whenever he wanted to be alone. There he would sit and pat Buckbeak, just like Sirius used to.
As he approached the study he could tell that someone was in there because there was a pool of light flooding underneath the door. He knocked gently and upon hearing a very soft and miserably 'Come in,' he entered slowly.
'Lupin,' Harry said, choosing his word's carefully. 'Can I talk to you for a little while?'
Lupin looked at Harry and, noticing the serious look on Harry's face, nodded his head. 'Of course you can. What's on your mind?'
'Well, I was just wondering .' he didn't exactly know how to ask, he didn't want to be too straight out with Lupin.
'What is it Harry? Whatever it is just say it.'
Harry moved over and patted the sleeping Buckbeak gently on its feathery head. 'Who's gone missing?' he blurted out and then regretting his bluntness immediately he quickly apologized. 'Sorry, Lupin . It's just-'
'-No Harry it's quite alright. I suppose we all should have told you before,' Lupin lowered his head and spoke more to his shoes than to Harry. 'You see part of our duties at the order was to watch over the Death Eater prisoners at Azkaban Prison. As there were no Dementor's left we were afraid they would escape rather quickly and so we wanted to keep an extremely close watch on them.' Lupin paused for a moment looking sad again. He shifted his feet and fidgeted with his hands.
Harry opened his mouth to tell Lupin not to worry about it, he obviously didn't want to talk about it, but thankfully he continued before Harry could intervene.
'So you see, the night that the Death Eaters escaped was a horrible night. Many of the guards were injured and had all sorts of horrible curses performed on them. Nearly half of them winded up in St. Mungo's.' He looked at Harry now as he continued to speak and his voice seemed to lower slightly. 'The member of the order that was on duty that night never came back. We fear that . well we fear that she may have been taken by the Death Eaters.'
'But why would they take her?' Harry asked unable to restrain this question.
'I don't know. Who knows how much Kreacher told the Malfoy's if he said anything about the order and who was involved than Voldamort could have know that she was a member and so grabbed her to find out more information.'
'And who was it that they took?' Harry asked, again dying to know the answer.
Lupin looked back down at his shoes. 'Tonk's,' he said sadly.
Harry felt a huge tinge of guilt spread throughout his entire body. Since he had first arrived here he knew that someone had been missing, but he couldn't think who, now he realized just who it was that wasn't there. He was so ashamed at himself for not realizing, Tonk's after all had been so kind to him the year before, it hadn't even crossed his mind. No, he had noticed she was missing; he tried to reassure himself, he had simply thought that she was doing an important task for the Order.
'So that's why you've been so upset,' Harry asked, finally understanding. Suddenly he, Harry, didn't feel so cheery himself. The thought of Tonk's being in the hands of several infuriated Death Eaters who were desperate for information, didn't bring him comfort.
'Yes Harry,' Lupin replied, 'but that's not the half of it. You see this was all my fault, it's thanks to me that she got taken.'
'What do you mean?' Harry asked looking surprised.
Lupin looked back at Harry; his face was ridden with guilt and misery. 'I was supposed to be on watch at Azkaban that night. It was my turn but I was feeling extremely ill. It was close to full moon and even though Snape was still giving me the wolf bane potion, it always makes me feel a little off colour. Tonk's insisted that she take my place, and I could take hers later when I would be feeling better, I stupidly agreed.'
Harry didn't know what to do. He had never seen Lupin so upset.
'If you had of gone than it would be you in the Death Eaters hands and not her,' Harry said trying to make him feel better, but thought it was a pore attempt.
'Exactly, that would have been better. I'd rather it be me getting tortured and injured than Tonk's. First Sirius and now her, who will it be next?'
Harry realized that much like himself and Dumbledore, Lupin must have blamed himself for Sirius' death.
'It wasn't your fault Lupin, these things just happen. Get over it. Your not going to help Tonk's by sitting here and moping about it.' Harry had said that far more harshly than he would have liked, but it seemed to be exactly what Lupin needed to here.
'You're absolutely right Harry,' Lupin said giving Harry a faint smile. 'I will find her, I promise, and I'll do everything I can to bring her back here safe and sound.'
Harry didn't like the look that was in Lupin's eyes. He could tell where this was going to head. Lupin would probably do something stupid, Harry knew that he would if it had of been him in Lupin's shoes. He went to open his mouth to say something, anything that might correct what he had just said, but at that moment the door bell rang, and Lupin - who probably assumed that no one was still awake, like Harry he probably had no idea what time it was - left the room, in order to answer it. Harry followed Lupin down the stairs and met Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Dumbledore and Snape in the corridor - Dumbledore and Snape obviously on their way to leave as they were bidding farewell.
'Oh, Harry dear your awake,' Mrs. Weasley said, placing an arm around his shoulders.
'Who on earth would be coming here at this hour,' Mr. Weasley barked undoing the many locks on the large front door.
As soon as Mr. Weasley had opened the door, an icy breeze entered the once warm house. In the doorway stood Hagrid, who looked positively drenched, beaming at the six occupants with unnecessary cheeriness.
'May we come in,' he boomed happily, 'it's a bit wet ou' here.'
Mr. Weasley waved a hand, signaling that it was okay for Hagrid to enter. The giant bent his head as he stepped through the door, and once inside he shook his large bushy head like a dog. At that moment a small figure stepped out from behind Hagrid, clinging onto his pance slightly and smiling sheepishly at the room.
He looked slightly familiar although Harry had sworn he had never seen him before, and if Hagrid was wet it was nothing compared to this pore kid. The boy seemed positively puny next to Hagrid and Harry was sure that Hagrid's huge coat, which he had on, although warm would have been weighing him down an awful lot. Hagrid bent down and took the coat from the boy, hanging it over one of the pegs that were stuck in the wall.
'Everyone, I'd like yeh to meet Zell,' Hagrid said pointing at the small boy.
'Yes, I believe we have met before,' Dumbledore said, sounding rather displeased. 'But what, may I ask, is Zell doing here?'
'Ah,' Hagrid said shifting uncomfortably, '. I had no choice Dumbledore; I was asked to bring him here, well sort of.'
Harry was intrigued by the small boy that clung to Hagrid, he was sure that he had seen him before.
'Hagrid,' Lupin intervened. 'You shouldn't have brought him here. You know this place is supposed to be top secret.'
'Bu' he's just a baby Remus, what 'arm could he do?' Harry smiled despite himself; he had heard Hagrid say that before concerning a certain baby dragon that nearly burnt his hut to the ground.
'It doesn't matter Hagrid,' Lupin said sternly, 'you still shouldn't have brought him here.'
'Bu' I had too,' Hagrid persisted, 'I was asked to take him to Professor Snape -'
'Who asked you to?' Lupin asked questioningly. Harry noted that Lupin was a little angrier than was necessary, probably, Harry thought, because he didn't want anyone else to know about the order - perhaps he was worried someone else might get hurt.
'Well . it was Malfoy,' Hagrid said but quickly added, after viewing the look on everyone's faces, 'but he's on'y six, and he's not like them. Honest.'
'Malfoy told you to bring him here, so you brought him? Hagrid have you gone mad.' Lupin looked angrier than Harry had ever seen him before, he put out his hand and grabbed Lupin's arm, pulling him back just slightly. Lupin seemed to recollect himself after that.
Harry thought that Lupin had a valid point though, and judging by the look on Mr. Weasley's face, so did he. The Malfoy's had already proved that they would tell Voldamort about the Order if they knew anything, and now Hagrid had brought a person that knew the Malfoy's right into the Order's headquarters. But then again the boy was only a child.
'Like I said, Remus, Malfoy asked me ter bring him to Professor Snape, not here directly.'
'And why would Malfoy have told you to bring him to me?' Snape said, pushing Lupin to one side. Snape glared at the boy by Hagrid's side.
'Well . you see . ter tell yeh the truth I have no idea,' Hagrid said looking rather confused.
'I see,' Snape said, now looking at Hagrid in a way that told Harry he thought he was stupid. 'Do you even know who he is?'
'Told yeh, his names Zell, he's the Malfoy's youngest boy, so I've been told,' Hagrid said, glancing at Dumbledore.
'Don't be ridiculous,' Snape said turning up his nose at Hagrid, 'the Malfoy's only have one son and that's Draco-'
'I'm afraid that is not so Severus,' Dumbledore said interrupting Snape. 'What Hagrid said is correct; this is Zell, Narcissa's youngest boy.'
'Impossible,' Snape snarled, 'she would have told me if it was.'
'I'm afraid no one other than the Malfoy's knew that he even existed Severus,' Dumbledore told Snape gently.
Harry looked at the boy called Zell that stood by Hagrid's side. So that was the boy that Dumbledore had told them about, the boy that was apparently Draco's brother, or supposedly his half-brother. Even though Harry had only ever seen Draco's mother once, he knew that the boy looked like her somewhat, he assumed that that was who he reminded him of.
'That's righ' Professor,' Hagrid continued, 'so I take it Malfoy asked me teh bring him here because yeh knew 'em all well and would take care o' him feh a little while.'
The look on Snape's face as he looked down at Zell told Harry that it didn't matter who it was, he still wouldn't take him in. Snape had probably never even seen someone as young as Zell before. Harry looked at the boy's small brown, freckly face, his eyes were almost pleading Snape to take care of him, but if Harry knew Snape he, he knew he would never agree to watch him, no matter how short a time it was.
Snape turned his eyes from Zell to Dumbledore, Harry watched Dumbledore too. Dumbledore was staring at Zell and a sudden realization spread cross his face.
'Very well Hagrid, the boy will stay here.'
Hagrid nodded his big head sadly. He looked happy that the boy would stay where Hagrid had told Malfoy he would, but he seemed extremely sad to part with him.
'I believe Headmaster that I was asked to care for the boy,' Snape told Dumbledore, 'and I will, by no means necessary look after him.'
'I know Severus, I know,' Dumbledore said, looking slightly disappointed at Snape, but not surprised. 'I said he would stay here, I never said that you would take care of him. I have asked you to perform an extremely important job and I would like you to attend to it straight away. I will sort out Zell for now; you just concentrate on what I requested.'
Most of the colour that was on Snape's already pale face drained completely. He nodded at agreement to Dumbledore and then taking one last look at Zell he made his way over to the door, opened it and then stepped outside into the rain and was gone.
'Molly,' Dumbledore said in a very pleasant and gentle voice. 'May I ask of you a rather large favor?'
Mrs. Weasley, who like her husband, Harry and Lupin had been staring at Zell, looked up quickly at Dumbledore and nodded. 'Of course, Dumbledore - anything.'
'I would like for you to take care of Zell for me, just until I find out why it is that he is here in the first place.'
Mrs. Weasley looked down at Zell and her face softened. Harry knew Mrs. Weasley well enough to know that she was the kindest women he had ever met and would gladly take in the boy, regardless of what family he might come from.
'I- Of course I will Dumbledore, for as long as you need.'
'Thank you Molly,' Dumbledore said smiling fondly at her with the greatest of respect.
'Well I guess that's settled than,' Hagrid said, sniffing loudly. 'Molly here will take good care of yeh Zell, don' yeh worry 'bout that.'
Hagrid patted Zell lightly on the shoulder, making him shake slightly under the weight, than he ruffled up his hair so that it looked a lot like Harry's always did.
'I'll be seein' yeh Dumbledore, if there's anythin' at all that yeh wan' me teh do, don' hesitate to ask,' Hagrid said bowing to Dumbledore.
'Thank you Hagrid, although next time, do try and warn me when you decide to drop by with unexpected gifts,' Dumbledore said smiling at Hagrid's guilty expression. With that Hagrid said one last goodbye to Zell and went back out through the over used front door, letting in another unpleasant breeze.
'I'm afraid I must be leaving too,' Dumbledore continued turning back to the others. 'Thank you once again Molly for your kindness and Remus I can assure you that the boy means no harm.'
Lupin smiled slightly at Dumbledore, still looking quite unsure. Dumbledore bowed his great head once to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and after shaking Harry's hand and bidding him farewell disapparated into thin air.
The room was extremely quite after Dumbledore's departure. Everyone was staring at the small boy standing all alone near the doorway, backpack on back clothes still dripping with water. Finally Mrs. Weasley stepped forward.
'Hello Zell, I'm Molly,' she said gently, bending down to his height, 'that's Arthur,' she added pointing to Mr. Weasley, 'Harry,' she continued nodding towards Harry who nodded his head in greeting, 'and Remus,' she finished pointing at Lupin who immediately looked away.
'Hello,' Zell said in a clear, but soft voice.
'Harry,' Mrs. Weasley continued, 'why don't you show Zell where you and Ron are sleeping and set him up a bed. Then show him where he can get out of those wet clothes and bring him back down here for something to eat.'
Harry nodded and made his way up the stairs, turning to make sure he was being followed. Zell slowly made his way up the stairs, clinging on to the railing as he went. Harry showed him their room, Ron was still snoring away and then he took him to the bathroom where so as to show Zell where he could change. Zell turned and stared at him.
'Are you really Harry Potter,' he asked, great interest in his eyes.
'Yes,' Harry said rather angrily waiting for some horrible comment to come; Zell was Malfoy's brother after all. It never came; Zell only smiled weekly and made his way into the bathroom to change. When he came back out he didn't say anything else to Harry but just followed down to the kitchen where Mrs. Weasley sat alone, with a couple of plates of food on the table waiting for them.