Brightness of a Beloved Eye
Chapter 5: Discovered
…
I apparated to Number Twelve Grimmauld Place as soon as Snape's owl arrived. He probably wanted to discuss what happened at the Death eater meeting with Dumbledore. It wasn't an uncommon occurrence.
Snape and Dumbledore were in the kitchen, each with a cup of tea in front of them. They were discussing something quietly. Only when I was at the kitchen door could I hear their conversation. But by then, Dumbledore's observant eyes caught my movement and motioned to join them.
"Ah… Nikephoros, so glad you are able to join us tonight."
He called me by my code name. Whenever we met, he called me that name to avoid anyone overhearing and discovering who I was prematurely.
"Sir, Professor."
"Yes, tell Albus what happened tonight."
"Of course, Professor. It happened thus…"
As I continued to describe the evening, I neglected to hear the tiniest of sounds coming from the stairs.
…
Hermione walked down the stairs quietly. She didn't want to disturb the portrait of Sirius's mother again. There would be no peace and quiet for the rest of the night and she was certain that Harry and Ron would need it. They'd been up for most of the night, studying for exams in all their classes.
She left the boys in their rooms after they fell into bed, claiming to be tired. And they were right, they fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Hermione, however, was not yet tired and wandered downstairs to get a glass of warm milk to help her sleep better.
Hermione heard voices coming from the kitchen. She could make out Snape's quiet hiss and Dumbledore's amiable tone, but there was another voice that was muffled and a bit unfamiliar to her ears. It spoke low and quiet so that no one could hear what he said lest they sat with him.
She walked into the kitchen, spotting Snape, Dumbledore, and a hooded figure at one end of the long table.
Dumbledore immediately looked up at her and gave a polite smile. Snape spared her a glance. But the stranger did nothing except pull his hood down, further obscuring his identity.
"Professor Snape, Professor Dumbledore."
She addressed the adults politely and headed towards the refrigerator to get her glass of milk.
"Perhaps, we shall continue this conversation another time?"
Snape and the hooded figure nodded and they all stood.
Hermione headed out of the kitchen as the stranger said his farewells quietly. As he strode past Hermione, he spoke to her quietly.
"Sleep well, Ms. Granger."
And he was through the door and into the night.
I was pondering on the fact that I didn't get a chance to wish him a well night when his voice hit me like a slap in the face. My jaw dropped and I turned to Dumbledore and Snape.
"Th-that was…!"
"Yes, Ms. Granger, indeed."
Dumbledore interrupted me before I could speak his name. And Snape started talking before I could say any more.
"We would… appreciate it if you did not tell anyone of this encounter. His identity is crucial to the Order and should not be revealed to anyone. Only the headmaster and I know of it, and now, you. I believe it is not necessary for us to cast a memory charm upon you to convince you to keep your mouth shut."
I nodded wordlessly.
What could I say?
"And please, Ms. Granger, DO keep this to yourself. I know how hard it must be to keep a secret from Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley; however, secrecy MUST be maintained. His very life is in the balance."
Well… since Dumbledore put it THAT way… I guess I have no choice but to keep it from Harry and Ron.
I can't believe it.
Draco Malfoy is a spy for the Order!
…
Authoress's Notes:
I realize that the point of views are confusing. But, if you pay close attention, you'll find that it's very easy to discern when it changes from first to third to another first. But in case you are too lazy to reread one and half pages, I'll tell you when they change:
First-Draco- until Hermione is coming down the stairs.
Third- from the stairs to the part where Draco speaks to Hermione.
First-Hermione-after Draco speaks
But I've also decided to put in some space markers the only way I know how. So, it shouldn't be hard to figure it out.
And one more thing:
Nikephoros – Ancient Greek, means "carrying victory" from Greek nike "victory" and phorein "to carry, to bear". Information from www . behindthename . com
Until next time… remember to REVIEW.
…
Kristina Chang