Chapter 8-Dumbledore's new "Ally"
The next day, there were commotions going around about the attack on Diagon Alley, and how Professor McGonagall barely escaped the Dementors with Harry's help.
Dumbledore was pretty furious when he heard the news. Dumbledore wanted to know who bribed the Dementors into leaving Azkaban, but no one had an idea who it could be.
Harry had some ideas of who it could be. He figured it either had to be Lucius or Narcissa Malfoy.
Mrs. Weasley seemed to be back to her normal self. It seemed like Madam Pomfrey did a good job in comforting Mrs. Weasley. It was time for Harry and his friends to return to Hogwarts.
Mrs. Weasley confronted Harry at the train station, and said, "Harry, I'm sorry if I have been too "out of it" lately. You know, with Percy gone, it was hard for me to accept it at first, but now I can."
Harry said, "It's ok. Hermione and I understand what you were going through, and I'm sure Ron does, too."
Mrs. Weasley said, "Oh, Harry, thank you for understanding. Now you better get on that train or you'll miss it!"
Harry got in a compartment, which he shared with Luna and Neville. Ron and Hermione had gone to the prefects' carriage, Ginny along with them. Ginny had been selected as prefect for her year.
When they arrived at Hogsmeade Station, Harry got out of the train, and he was surprised to see Professor McGonagall standing on the platform. Hagrid was in the distance leading the first years up to the castle. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny decided to go on to the castle.
Professor McGonagall said, "Potter, you're supposed to be at the Headmaster's office in a few minutes."
Harry said, "Wait, what about the feast? Who will give the announcements?"
Professor McGonagall said, "Don't worry, Professor Dumbledore has it taken care of."
She led Harry into the castle, then up to the third floor, and to the gargoyles. Professor McGonagall told the password to the gargoyle, and it opened to reveal a staircase.
Professor McGonagall got on it, and Harry followed her to Dumbledore's office.
Professor McGonagall rapped on the door three times, and Dumbledore's voice said softly, "Come in."
Professor McGonagall opened the door, and Harry followed her in. Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, twiddling his fingers together. Dumbledore looked up from his desk, and he said to Harry, "I bet you're wondering why I called you here."
Harry said, "Yes, I am. Ron and Hermione are waiting on me."
Professor McGonagall interrupted, "Potter, don't worry. They'll wait on you. This won't take long."
Dumbledore said, "Harry, I need you to tell me exactly what happened yesterday at Diagon Alley. Yes, Professor McGonagall told me most of it, but I want to hear your story. Also, do you have any ideas of who could have bribed the Dementors into leaving Azkaban?"
Harry told Dumbledore exactly what happened, and that he thought it had to be either Mr. or Mrs. Malfoy who bribed the Dementors.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, and Dumbledore said, "I believe you're right, Harry."
Professor McGonagall said, "Yes, but how can Lucius or Narcissa Malfoy be able to do that?"
Dumbledore said, "You shouldn't underestimate the Malfoys."
McGonagall sighed and said, "Ok, alright, if you say so, Albus."
Dumbledore rose from his seat and said, "Let's go to the feast now."
Harry followed Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall out of the office, and down to the Great Hall. Snape was just finishing up his speech, proudly announcing his job as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.
Dumbledore entered the Great Hall, and said, "Severus, nice try, lying to the students are forbidden here at Hogwarts." Dumbledore announced that he had difficulty finding a Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, and until he could find one, that he was taking the position temporarily. Everyone cheered, except Snape and the Slytherins.
Just then, the doors opened, and Narcissa Malfoy entered, with her clothes tattered, and soot on her face, her blond hair mussed up, and a few scratches on her face.
Mrs. Malfoy limped up to Dumbledore. She said, "I…..need…your…help…" then collapsed right in front of Dumbledore's chair. Professor McGonagall gasped, and got up from her seat. She and Professor Dumbledore walked over to Mrs. Malfoy and examined her. Dumbledore said, "Looks like she will need some rest. She probably has gone through an ordeal. Minerva, can you go get Madam Pomfrey?" McGonagall left the Great Hall. Snape had gone to the Slytherin table, and brought Malfoy to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore said, "Now, Mr. Malfoy, can you give me any idea why your mother might have come here to see me?" Malfoy said, "No, Professor, and why should you care?" He stormed out of the room, with Crabbe and Goyle.
Snape said to Dumbledore, "I apologize for Mr. Malfoy's behavior. I think he may just have been shocked. That's all."
Dumbledore said, "Yes, I understand." He turned to Professor Flitwick, who was still sitting at the staff table and said, "Filius, can you go let the prefects know to go ahead and take the students to bed?" Professor Flitwick left, and Professor McGonagall returned a minute later, with Madam Pomfrey. Madam Pomfrey levitated Mrs. Malfoy on a stretcher, and Professors McGonagall and Snape took one end of the stretcher, and Madam Pomfrey took the other end. Dumbledore was about to help them, when Professor McGonagall said, "Why don't you talk to Potter? He is still here, watching everything."
Dumbledore said, "Ah, ok, alright." He walked over to the Gryffindor table. It was empty, except for Harry, who was sitting, looking like he had seen a ghost.
Dumbledore took the seat across from Harry, and said, "Harry, any concerns or anything you want to talk about?"
Harry said, "Professor, why would Narcissa Malfoy be here at Hogwarts asking for you?"
Dumbledore said, "I don't know that, Harry. You saw how she looked. She looked like she had gone through an ordeal."
Harry said, "Yes, but what was it that Mrs. Malfoy went through?"
Dumbledore said, "I don't know. Harry, why don't you come with me to the hospital wing, just in case Mrs. Malfoy may have some important information pertaining to Voldemort?"
Harry followed Dumbledore out, and up to the infirmary wing. Professors McGonagall and Snape were bickering about what to do with Narcissa Malfoy, while Madam Pomfrey was tending to Mrs. Malfoy. Dumbledore cleared his throat, and everyone turned around.
Snape said, "Headmaster, what's Potter doing here?"
Professor McGonagall said, "Severus, probably because the headmaster wanted him here on his request."
Snape's face went sour white, and didn't say anything.
Dumbledore went over to where Mrs. Malfoy was. Mrs. Malfoy was laying in bed, with her eyes closed, and muttering, "Dumbledore…Dumbledore…You have to help us….Dark Lord…..Lucius…….NO!" She then woke up and was panting hard.
Dumbledore said, "It's ok, Narcissa, I'm here. Now what did you need to talk to me about?"
Mrs. Malfoy said, "Oh, Dumbledore, the Dark Lord killed Lucius! The Dark Lord said that Lucius had failed him, and that's why he killed Lucius." She sobbed, and then she continued, "The Dark Lord came to the manor after he killed Lucius at Azkaban, and he was about to kill me, but I wasn't giving up without a fight. But the Dark Lord had the house burned down. I was able to escape, but the house elf was not so lucky. Dumbledore, you were the only person I could turn to. I need your help protecting me and Draco from the Dark Lord!"
Professor McGonagall walked over to Dumbledore and whispered in his ears.
Dumbledore nodded his head, and Professor McGonagall walked back to her place.
Dumbledore continued, "Now, Narcissa, why should I help you? I mean, you threatened me in court, and your husband was a renowned Deatheater. You were also the source of information for Kreacher."
Mrs. Malfoy said, "No, No, you don't understand. Kreacher came to me, and told me about the Order, and what Sirius was up to. But I didn't want to get involved. I sent Kreacher back. Lucius had overheard the conversation. He had confronted me, and he was the one who told the Dark Lord. I didn't mean to get Sirius killed! I am still in shock that Bellatrix was involved, too!"
Dumbledore sighed and said, "Ok, but I think you owe an apology to someone." He moved away to reveal Harry.
Mrs. Malfoy then saw Harry and said, "Oh, Mr. Potter! Harry, you have to believe me! I didn't mean for Sirius to get killed. I know you and Draco don't get along very well, but as his mother, I am telling you that I didn't do anything wrong!"
Harry then felt sorry for her for a moment, and he said, "Sirius would have wanted me to forgive you, but I don't know if I can." He then walked back to the doorway, where Professor McGonagall was comforting him with a hug and patting his shoulders, because Harry was crying.
Dumbledore then said, "Ok, alright, Narcissa, if I help you, and find out this just was all an act, then when you really need my help, I'll not be available to help you."
Mrs. Malfoy said, "Oh, no, Dumbledore, this is not an act!"
Dumbledore said, "Alright. You get some rest, and we'll talk some more tomorrow, including what to do with you. I think we may use you some in the Order, but you'll be under supervision just so you don't do anything stupid."
Mrs. Malfoy nodded and said, "Oh, thank you, Dumbledore, I promise I won't let the Order down."
Dumbledore left the room, with Harry sobbing right beside him, and Professor McGonagall following behind them. Snape had turned the other way to go back to the dungeons.
Professor McGonagall said, "Are you sure we can trust Narcissa Malfoy?"
Dumbledore said, "Trust me. When have I never had any tricks under my sleeve?"
To Be Continued……
