Brightness of a Beloved Eye
Chapter 6: Introduced to Mine "Enemies"
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Stupid, that's what I was. I shouldn't have talked to Granger back in Grimmauld Place. She probably knows who I am now. I've totally jeopardized my identity.
Can I get any more idiotic?
"Hello Hermione."
Yes, in fact, I CAN get a whole lot more daft. I just said hello to a mudblood, in a nice tone, in the middle of a hallway, at 12 in the afternoon, crowded with people.
She was so startled that her book bad dropped to the floor with a thump and her expression was open-mouthed and in shock.
I hurriedly walked away, not wanting to draw any more attention to myself in the crowded hallway, but I made sure to pass along an insult to her before leaving.
"Watch where you're going, stupid mudblood."
That sounded weak even to MY ears. I sighed inwardly to myself and hurried away.
…
Hermione couldn't believe it; Malfoy had just talked to her, in the middle of a crowded hallway, no less. How stupid can he get?
I picked up my dropped book bag and continued on my way to the Great Hall for lunch.
Ever since seeing Dra-Malfoy in Grimmauld Place, I'd been avoiding Ron and Harry. If they found out about him, they'd be furious. If they found out I knew and didn't tell them… well, I wouldn't want them to find that out.
And so, I sat at one end of the table, while Ron and Harry sat near the middle along with Ginny and Luna. I pondered on whether or not I should confront Draco about his betrayal.
I mean, why would he ever want to deceive the Dark Lord. I thought Voldemort was his idol, along with his Father. Tch, boys are so confusing.
I planned to confront Draco tonight. We patrolled the hallways at the same time and I'll just make sure to "accidentally" bump into him.
Right, that's what I'll do.
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Draco watched Hermione eat at the Gryffindor table by herself. Strange, she was usually surrounded by the Golden Boys, the weirdo girl, and the Weaselette. One would often think that they were inseparable. But that wasn't true; she was distancing herself more and more everyday. The thought of her distancing herself from other people put me in a bad mood for some reason.
I finished my lunch and headed back to the dungeons alone. What did I need those buffoons following me for?
Once I settled into a chair in front of the roaring fire of the common room, an owl arrived for me.
It was Snape's owl. What did he want now?
I scowled at it, but it held out its leg for me anyway. I took the letter and it flew off, but not before pecking me on the hand in response to the scowl. I scowled at its retreating form.
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Nikephoros
Perhaps it is time for us to reveal your identity to the enemies. Tonight, one o'clock, at the Place.
Your mentor and friend
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I sighed as I threw the letter into the fire, watching it intently as it turned to ash and then nothing.
So it's time. He final battle is looming closer and he wants me to help more directly.
I sat back and wondered about this pinnacle of events and briefly thought
I wonder if Hermione will be there.
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Hermione wandered the halls, on the lookout for couples trying to sneak in some extra snogging time and other wanderers of the night.
I walked the steps leading to the astronomy tower to catch any other couples out tonight. This would be the last place to check before the meeting. I opened the trap door and walked in, noting that no one was around. I was about to leave when I spotted someone at one of the far windows, perched on the ledge.
I thought he was going to jump and started forward to stop him. But he pulled a broom from the side of the window and climbed on, flying out of the window and into the night.
I ran to the window to see if I could catch a glimpse of who that was, but he was wearing a hooded cloak and I could see nothing of his identity. But something about that cloak and that figure, reminded me of something…
The clock struck one and Hermione realized that if she didn't leave now, she would be late for the meeting. Hurriedly, she ran down the tower and through the secret passages to meet Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Luna in Hogsmeade.
They all took hold of the broom that was their portkey to Number Twelve Grimmauld Place and it jerked them all to land in their room at Sirius's house with a thump.
They all stood up and rubbed at their bums, on which they landed. Hermione led the group downstairs into the kitchen, the meeting room.
Upon entering the meeting, they saw all the familiar faces of the Order- Dumbledore, Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, Kingsley, Tonks, McGonagall, Lupin, and Snape. Only Hermione saw the figure hidden in the shadows of the kitchen, hoping to go unnoticed. She was about to walk over to it, but Dumbledore's voice commanded the attention of the group.
"Welcome to another meeting, friends."
He looked at all of us and seemingly smiled to each of us, although I know that's not what he did. We all murmured welcomes in response and quieted down so he could state the purpose of this meeting.
"Today is a very important meeting. Allow us to introduce to you our newest member of the Order. Come forward, Nikephoros."
All eyes turned to the figure in the shadows as he stepped forward, the light casting its beams onto him.
I gasped silently and thought to myself.
He's introducing him to us?! The war MUST be close at hand.
"Please, reveal yourself."
Dumbledore instructed him and he nodded before removing his hood.
Ice blue-grey eyes set in a face of the palest skin and shoulder-length golden blonde hair tied back from his face stared back at the group.
I looked around at the group of the table. Most of them were open-mouthed in shock, but Tonks and Fred were smirking as if telling themselves, I knew it was him. Dumbledore and Snape looked pleased, although Dumbledore's visage held a smile and Snape's was expressionless.
"Draco Malfoy, code name Nikephoros, at the service of the Order of the Phoenix."
He gave a small bow and straightened to look at the faces of his former enemies, now allies.
Ron was the first to speak, or stammer, however way you'd like to see it.
"B-but Dumbledore! He's a death eater! H-he'll betray us in an instant!"
Draco scowled at Ron, but made no move to defend himself. He left that to Dumbledore instead.
"Yes, indeed he is, Mr. Weasley."
Ron gaped at his remark.
"However, Mr. Malfoy has decided to turn to the light side and offer his services, just as Severus had many years ago. I have no doubt that Mr. Malfoy will help us in any way possible and as best he can."
Mrs. Weasley shut Ron up with a look and he sat down begrudgingly. Dumbledore continued the meeting, talking of death eater meetings and Draco's role in the Order, which was nearly identical to Professor Snape's. I couldn't pay attention to the meeting, fascinating as it was. My gaze kept returning to him.
What would make him join the group of mudbloods and muggle-lovers? What could push him so far out of his family that he'd betray them entirely? What was his motive?
Finally, Dumbledore concluded the meeting and everyone scattered to their respective rooms. Ron and Harry met with Fred, George, Bill, and Charlie to discuss school, business, and work. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley took McGonagall, and Lupin into the tea room for some gossip and adult talk. Kingsley decided to go back to Auror duty. And Tonks led Snape away into their own retreat.
I was left in the room with Draco and Dumbledore. I made an excuse and prepared to retreat but Dumbledore called me back.
"Ah, Ms. Granger, it's good that you've stayed behind. There is a matter that I wish to discuss with you. Concerning you and Mr. Malfoy."
My first thought went to the very successful memory charm, but the headmaster proved me wrong with his next fateful words.
"It would be best if you and Mr. Malfoy could work together from now until the end to form our defenses and attacks. Mr. Malfoy will provide you with the enemy ideas and you shall work together to break them."
Me? Work with HIM? Until the end of the war?
Harry and Ron are not going to like this one bit.
Oh dear.
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Authoress's Notes:
Well, I've tried to make the point of views clearer now. I've tried putting in breaks in the paragraphs in between views. So it can't be difficult now.
The story's definitely picked up. And this is the longest chapter so far. 3 and quarter pages. Yay. Well, story gets more interesting.
And if you wondering about the quote, don't. You'll see what happens if you stick around.
Until next time. Remember to REVIEW.
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Kristina Chang