The Butler, Obeying
"Undertaker?"
"That's right." Bellatrix nodded. "Is the name one you recognise, young mistress?"
"No. And you don't remember anything else?"
"I'm afraid not, young mistress." Bellatrix sighed.
"I'll poke around the soul collector archive and see what I pull up." Tracey offered.
"Thank you, Tracey." Daphne nodded. "For now, though, we must remain focused on our goal. I want this war over as quickly, and as quietly as possible. The last thing we need is whatever remains of the order, or the ministry butting in.". Daphne thought for a moment.
"Sebastian, you're certain that no Death Eaters were left at the ministry."
"Absolutely, young mistress." Sebastian nodded.
"And their robes, masks, wands?"
"All have been destroyed, young mistress."
"Excellent. The Ministry won't be interfering with us then." She nodded. "Very well, Sebastian. I want to know what the Order is up to. If they're even still active."
"Very well, young mistress. I shall return shortly." Sebastian said, with a bow, and with that, he left. Daphne turned to Bellatrix.
"Bellatrix, I would like you to clean the manor, top to bottom, then lay the table."
"Yes, young mistress." Bellatrix bowed.
"Tracey."
"Yes, young mistress." The housekeeper grinned.
"Uh… Stay away from sharp things."
"Aw."
12 Grimmauld Place, London
Since Dumbledore's death, Molly Weasley had appointed herself the head of the Order of the Phoenix. Currently, she was stood at the head of the table. Several of the order members looked uncomfortable. It was obvious that they thought that Molly didn't have what it took to lead the order. Molly cleared her throat. "Thank you all for coming. I would like to begin by-"
"'Ere, 'ang on a moment!" Mundungus yelled. "Who put 'er in charge then?"
"Well, Mundungus, I did." She said, simply. "If you have a problem with that-"
"Well, yeah, I do actually." said Mundungus. "Ya see, I'm a businessman. Plain and simple. And in my line of work, ya learn to judge character real quick, see. Are they 'onest? Are they gonna snitch as soon as I turn me back? And you, Molly. I reckon that you're one of those what would give someone up. If it meant saving your own skin. You're nuffin like Dumbledore."
"I'm every bit as capable of leading the order, just as Dumbledore did, thank you, Mundungus." Molly replied, her face flushing into the trademark Weasley red.
"Well, sorry Molly. I don't believe that to be the truth, so I'll be on me way now." Mundungus said, and with that, he stood, and made his way to the door. Molly stared at him with contempt. She drew her wand and shot a stunner at him. Mundungus collapsed to the floor.
"I am perfectly capable of leading, Dung." she spat. "Though, I do wonder how much help you'll be. Dumbledore should've never kept you around."
"Daphne Greengrass is as dark as they come." Molly spat. "She's taken over the school. She's only seventeen! A child! And she's running Hogwarts. Before you know it, the dark arts will become a mandatory subject."
"Molly, you're overreacting. Daphne's not dark. Trust me." Sirius said.
"I agree. Molly, do you not think that we're fighting a battle we have no need to?" Lupin asked calmly. Molly's eye's narrowed, and her voice quivered with anger.
"No need to? Remus, she's a dark witch! A Slytherin!"
"By that logic, I am a dark wizard then?" Snape asked, coolly.
"No, well yes, but no… Severus, what I'm trying to say." Molly began.
"Save it, Molly." Sirius said, calmly. Molly sat back in her chair, glaring at the other members. How dare they question her? The Weasley's were one of the oldest families in the country, and renowned for being light. They'd learn to respect her position. She would lead the light in the war against the dark, and she'd drag them kicking and screaming if she had to.
Above them, a figure sat in shadows. 'It seems that the Order is fractured. I doubt they'll either help, or hinder us.' Sebastian thought to himself.
Greengrass Manor, Lake District
"What news have you, Sebastian?"
"The Order are a mere shadow of their former selves. Molly Weasley is attempting to lead them." said Sebastian, as he poured the tea.
"Molly Weasley?!" Daphne scoffed, taking the cup from Sebastian. "She's hardly the ideal leader."
"My thoughts exactly, young mistress." nodded Sebastian. "And it seems, one that is shared by many members of the Order. Even Mundungus Fletcher."
"It must be a real circus over there, if even Fletcher is taking a stand."
"Indeed it is, young mistress."
"They didn't happen to mention anything about our mysterious 'Undertaker', did they?"
"I'm afraid not, young mistress." Sebastian said, shaking his head. "Perhaps Tracey has had better luck in the Soul Collector Archive?"
"Hmm, perhaps… Tracey!" Daphne called. After a few moments, the housekeeper appeared, perched on the window sill, swinging her legs.
"You yelled, young mistress?"
"Ugh, have you found anything on this 'Undertaker'?"
"Not a lot. There's a statue of him, but that doesn't really help."
"A statue? Does he look familiar at all?" Daphne asked, suddenly excited. The thought of curing Neville's parents, of being able to do that which the healers said was impossible was riveting. They weren't the most noble of goals, but then again, she was a Slytherin. The thought of achieving that which others couldn't was too enticing.
"No… Though, even if we had seen him, he'd probably have been under a glamour."
"Dammit." Daphne muttered. "So, we've got nothing?"
"Nothing we didn't already know." Tracey shrugged. "He's got long hair, carries a scythe and wears long black robe's.". At this point, she dissolved into a fit of giggles. Daphne and Sebastian glanced at each other. They were used to this happening on a daily basis. Daphne merely held out her teacup for Sebastian to refill. Sebastian poured the tea, whilst Daphne examined her nails. When the cup was filled, he handed it back to her. Daphne took a sip.
"Darjeeling Tea, imported from India, young mistress."
"Thank you, Sebastian.". Tracey's giggles slowly subsided. Daphne looked over at her. "Are you done?"
"I think so." Tracey said, her breathing heavy from laughter. "I just remembered something funny about the Undertaker."
"What's that?" Daphne asked.
"His robes… They… They..." Tracey said, desperately trying not to break into a fresh wave of laughter. "They made him look like a giant bat!" she finished, losing her battle, and breaking into her trademark maniacal laughter. Daphne stared at her, shock etched into her face.
"What did you just say?"
