Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews.

Chapter 5 - The Spymaster of Hogwarts

The lessons were beginning to get tiring. The boy glanced at his friend, who looked helplessly at him. Sighing, Mark turned his attention back to Cho Chang. He hated Survival Skills class, not because he didn't agree with the concept, but because the teacher was very fussy.

"Professor Chang," Mark raised his hand. "I can do the laundry charm. May I be excused for the rest of the class?"

Cho Chang moved to him. She looked at the pile of clothes in front of the boy, which had been his previous week's laundry pile. She frowned. It was clean but not very neatly pressed.

"Practice the ironing spell until the creases are all gone," she said, and moved to inspect some other student.

Mark groaned. He really didn't think he would be bothered about crumpled clothes if he were trying to survive. However, he didn't have much of an option, and kept casting the spell. Finally, three quarters of an hour later, when he still hadn't succeeded in it, the teacher dismissed them, and Mark rushed out of the classroom.

"I'll see you later, Gabby," he called out to Gabrielle, and ran in the direction of Ginny Weasley's chamber.

Harry had departed from Hogwarts and everyone had believed he had left to his old master again. Ginny had been devastated at Harry's departure, and no matter how much Mark tried to tell her, she wouldn't dare believe him that Harry was out there working for them.

But now he had something more than words and faith.

Mark paused outside the room and knocked thrice. He waited a second, and then knocked thrice again. Within seconds, Ginny opened the door. Mark nearly gasped at the sight of her face. It looked as if she hadn't slept for days, or eaten anything. But still, there was a forcefulness in her which intimidated Mark. Gulping, Mark followed her to a chair.

"Professor Ginny, you should read this," Mark handed her a letter. "If this doesn't convince you that Marcus Flint is spying for us, then nothing will."

Ginny looked at him, hope fleeting through her face for an instant, as she grabbed the letter and read out loud. "To the S of H." She looked at Mark curiously.

"Just a joke," Mark muttered shyly. "It stands for Spymaster of Hogwarts."

Ginny grinned at him and continued reading. "The Monarch is planning to send an envoy to Hogwarts to convince the Lady to agree to his demands. This will be accompanied by an increase in the intensity of the siege. You must convince the Lady not to give in. There's a new wave of rebellion in the South. I'm trying to find out more about it. Send Fawkes at precisely four in the morning."

Ginny remained still for several moments before smiling.

"I told you," Mark piped in helpfully. "Marcus is completely on our side."

Ginny turned to Mark curiously. "How does he do it?" she asked. "In less than a month, he's won such strong loyalty from you and Gabrielle that you'd stand up to Professors Wood, Chang and I so publicly."

"He's a good man, Professor Ginny," said Mark seriously. "Give him a chance."

Ginny chuckled at the boy's attempts. She got up and poured them both some juice.

Mark smiled as he accepted the drink from her. They were close, the two of them, ever since Ginny Weasley has stormed into his house and rescued him from Lucius Malfoy and taken him to Hogwarts. They often spoke of their personal fears and doubts to each other. His smile faltered. "You're not going to accept Malfoy's proposal, are you?" his voice broke. "How can you do that?"

Ginny reached forward and pulled the boy into a hug. "Oh, Mark," she said softly. "I don't want to, you must know that."

Mark asked in a small voice, "Why not Marcus? He loves you, you know."

Ginny smiled sadly. "Such loyalty," she smiled. "I have no doubt about that, but I am afraid I can't… I can't love him back, not in the way he deserves."

Mark hesitated. "Is it because of - Harry Potter?" Ginny's expression answered him. Mark hesitated again. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Anything you want," said Ginny.

"Have you ever felt he's near you?" asked Mark curiously. "Harry Potter, I mean. I know he's dead but have you ever felt he was alive and with you? Is there anyone else who gives you the same feeling as Harry Potter used to?"

Ginny gasped. She narrowed her eyes. "Why would you ask such a horrid question?" she asked, and got up.

Mark drew back at the sharpness of her voice. He looked at her back regretfully. "I'm sorry, Professor Ginny," he said sincerely. "But please think about what I said. If there is someone like that, shouldn't you give them a chance?"

"You speak of things you know nothing about," Ginny said. "Don't raise this topic again, Mark."

Mark sighed. "I won't, not after today. But just this once. Please."

"Very well," said Ginny, giving up. "Why do you ask such questions?"

Mark hesitated. He knew he was on dangerous grounds. But Ginny was right, he felt a strong loyalty towards Harry, and knew he was in the right. "I do have a reason," he said firmly. "I didn't know he was a wizard when I knew Harry Potter. To us, he was the boogeyman of the neighborhood. Parents would tell children to stay away from the weird Potter boy who -"

"Don't, Mark."

"Well, they used to," Mark continued. "Then one day, Harry's cousin and his friends were beating me. He stood up for me. Harry Potter, I mean. He told Dudley to get lost and pick someone his own size. He allowed the bullies to chase him and get away from me."

"That sounds like Harry," said Ginny fondly.

"The thing is," Mark leaned forward seriously, "I knew he was supposed to be someone bad because that's what people told me about him. But the Harry Potter I met wasn't the same Harry Potter everyone spoke of. He was different, he was good. Then, I came here and found out just how good he truly was. Marcus Flint makes me feel the same way."

Ginny Weasley drew back, as if she were slapped across her face. She stared with disbelief at what the boy had said.

But Mark wasn't done.

"I am alive because somebody needs to destroy Voldemort…"

"I know Flint was a Death Eater because everyone says he was. But the Marcus Flint I met isn't the same person everyone speaks of. He is different, he is good. Why can't others see that?" He felt nearly on the verge of tears at his final question. It just wasn't fair to Harry Potter. He didn't deserve all that had happened to him.

Ginny walked closer and embraced the boy. "I know he is good," said Ginny softly. "He reminds me of Harry too," she admitted. "But I try not to think of it. Nothing good can come out of it." She kissed the boy's forehead. "Now, you must promise me never to raise this topic again."

Mark looked despondent. He had hoped to make Ginny realize she was being unfair to herself and Harry. But he had failed. He sighed and promised what she asked.

"Someday you will find out just how good Marcus is," Mark whispered sadly. "But I promise I won't speak of this again."

"Between the two of us," Ginny added lightly, as she walked out with Mark, "I think Marcus has a very cute bum. Though, not as cute as Harry," Ginny smirked at the reddening boy, "or you."

"Professor!"

"You asked for it, kiddo," Ginny ruffled his hair.

Mark snorted. He had at least managed to lighten the Lady's mood.

Early, the next morning, Mark was sitting in the staffroom with Ginny and Gabrielle. They had decided to limit the number of people aware of their clandestine operations to those who trusted Marcus Flint. Flitwick had been a close call, but his insistence on accepting the Monarch's latest terms, had turned Mark Evans against him.

"Dear S of H," Mark read out for everyone, when Fawkes flashed in with the latest letter. "Some good, some great and some bad news. Good: Elphias Dodge of Flourish and Botts is harboring three Undesirables." He looked excitedly at Ginny. "I am making plans with him to move these people to Hogwarts. They will be at the Whomping Willow before breakfast. Ginny will feel their arrival. Fawkes will need to cry a bit." Mark was confused.

"Phoenix tears can heal," Ginny contributed.

"Oh, nice," said Mark, looking with an impressed expression at the phoenix. Fawkes trilled smugly. "Bad news: The Monarch is keeping plans of the impending attack on Hogwarts close to his chest. Bellatrix Lestrange is overseeing it." Everybody was disappointed.

"He tried," Ginny said. "The good news definitely outweighs the bad. Go on."

"The great news: Don't tell…" Mark read ahead and his eyes nearly popped out. "Shit!" He hastily crumpled the letter and gulped. "I should have read alone first."

"Mark," Ginny said warningly, holding her hand out for the letter.

Mark looked disturbed.

"Mark," Ginny's voice became a bit darker.

Sighing, Mark unfolded the letter. "The great news: Don't tell Ginny or Gabrielle yet, as I don't want to give them false hope," Mark sighed. He was a fool to have not read it alone, but he could hardly leave them hanging at that. Perhaps, he could leave it before reaching the really sensitive bits.

"They might have a niece."

"What!" Gabrielle yelled, and Ginny blinked blankly.

Mark gulped. "Fleur had managed to escape, she lived long enough to deliver a baby in a muggle hospital. The baby was supposed to be placed in an orphanage under the name Victoire Wessels, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W Wessels."

"How does he know?" Ginny whispered hoarsely.

Mark continued. "One of the Undesirables to be sent your way is Mundungus Fletcher. Ginny will know who he is."

"I do," Ginny said.

"He escaped with Fleur and was with her until the hospital. Then, he distracted their pursuers, allowing a muggle to take the baby with instructions to be left under that name in some orphanage in South London. I am trying to locate her."

"This is unbelievable," Ginny whispered. She realized Gabrielle was in tears and she hugged the girl. "We have a niece!" she said delightedly.

Mark looked at their happiness and sighed, hoping Harry managed to find the baby. He read the rest of the letter in silence and decided he could slip away. "Fawkes, come with me," said Mark. He walked out of the room.

He followed the instructions in the letter and found his way to the former office of Albus Dumbledore. He was stopped by a stone gargoyle. Sighing, Mark turned to Fawkes. "A lift?"

Fawkes trilled and carried the boy over the grotesque statue, and the bird and the boy found themselves in the office. The boy looked around. Dust covered the many items littered around in the room, as if it hadn't been used for years. He knew it hadn't been. There were scores of portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses, all staring down at him. There were silver gadgets. On the table was a pile of paperwork and a bowl of lemon candy.

Mark blinked.

All the portraits blinked back at him.

"Hello?" said Mark.

"It's been a while since anyone has been here. I am Armando Dippet, a former Headmaster of Hogwarts," a dark haired wizard remarked.

Mark nodded politely. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Mark Evans, the Spymaster of Hogwarts. I'll be using this office from now on."

There was a flurry of protests from some of the portraits, although most were amused. Mark shrugged. "The way I see it, nobody uses this place. Though Ginny controls the wards, she hasn't been sworn in as Headmaster, so you don't have any allegiance to anyone."

"Indeed," Dippet was looking with amusement.

"Which is a pity," continued Mark, "as someone just informed me what a valuable resource is being wasted. I mean, of course, you guys, with all the places you can secretly obtain information from. Also, as you all have sworn loyalty to Hogwarts, I can trust you." He shook his head, and then his demeanor changed. "You!" he shouted at Albus Dumbledore's calm portrait. "You - you -"

"Oh dear," said Dumbledore gloomily. "What other mistakes have I made that Minerva hasn't thoroughly chastised me for?"

"Albus!" the portrait of Minerva McGonagall rebuked. "Let the boy speak."

Mark paused. "I have given my word not to." He glared at McGonagall. "Just to make things clear, I'm not very happy with you either. It's got something to do with Harry Potter. You should have had more faith in him. And Dumbledore, let's not even get started on what you have done to him!"

The effect was instantaneous on the mention of Harry Potter. An atmosphere of complete seriousness and dejection descended over Dumbledore, McGonagall and several others.

"I am establishing my base here," informed Mark. "Fawkes is my main source of information. It would help if I had your assistance as well. My aim is to simply help one Fawkes trusts to protect Hogwarts from its foes." He beckoned to Fawkes. "The bird is evidence of my truthfulness."

Fawkes trilled, a bit affronted at being called a mere 'bird'.

Dumbledore chuckled, but then he looked sadly at Mark. "The memory of my portrait doesn't stretch back to the final week before my death, although I have been informed of the circumstances that led to my death. I can think of several things I might have done to generate such animosity from you, young man."

"Yeah? Well, you chose the worst out of them," Mark snapped.

All the portraits seemed extremely amazed at the boy's anger at Dumbledore. But Mark didn't heed them. He turned to the letter again, and then to Dumbledore. He asked seriously. "Where is Harry Potter's wand?"

The boy and the old man in the portrait stared at each other for a long time. Finally, Dumbledore sighed. "In the third drawer to the left. There is a trick compartment, which is opened every time a lemon drop is removed from the bowl."

Mark gaped with an open mouth. He chuckled, which was followed by a chuckle from Dumbledore. Quickly, he retrieved the Holly and Phoenix Feather wand that belonged to Harry Potter and wiped the dust off it, almost reverently. Then, he turned to the phoenix.

"Can you take this to Marcus Flint, Fawkes?"

The phoenix trilled and vanished in a flash of red and gold flames.

"What!" "Marcus Flint!" "Why, you little treacherous -"

Mark leaned back, not wanting to explain the situation to the portraits.

"Silence!" Dumbledore's voice boomed over everyone. He faced the boy for several seconds silently. Then, he croaked in a horrified voice, "What have I done!" Then, the greatest Headmaster of Hogwarts shocked all his predecessors.

Albus Dumbledore wept, holding his head in his hands.