Heir Of Gryffindor
Chapter 14 - Storm Clouds Approaching
McGonagall approached the door, waiting for it to open. Dumbledore opened the door and let McGonagall come inside, in his night clothes. "Hello Professor. I thought I would meet you tonight. Come on in. We have a bit to discuss, no?" he said, heading towards his desk. "Yes, yes and I believe it originates with you and your wild schemes Dumbledore!" she demanded and even though she was irritated, she sat down in the student chair. She waved away his lemon drops.
"To the point then. Minerva, things are getting darker, day by day. In fact, remember Vivian Welding?" he asked and Professor McGonagall nodded. That was the girl who had courted Tom Riddle, who had turned into Lord Voldemort. "What about her?" she asked. "Well, you know that she was under a spell that she nor her daughter could not be found by him. I do not know who cast the magic, but Voldemort found them. And Vivian is dead."
"No!" cried McGonagall. "But - " she tried to speak but couldn't. "Yes, I'm afraid so. The new Gryffindor that joined your house, Tess, is her daughter. I was too late to save Vivian, but I was in time to save her. And, I have asked Harry to try to take her under his wing. The two are not dissimilar." he said.
"B-but he- you-know-who. . . h-he's Tess' father?" she said incrediously. Dumbledore nodded softly. "Yes, I believe so. She has an uncanny appearance to him. However, I believe in the proper environment, she could be very different from Tom. And, I have an assignment for you." he said.
"What is it?" she asked suspiciously. Dumbledore smiled. "Its nothing too difficult. A spying job, that's all. But I need to fill you in on some information. After Harry was born. . ." said Dumbledore, telling her of the prophecy, and he could see tears prickling in her eyes, then he told her of what he had told Harry earlier.
"You would be proud. He's chosen to buy the old shrieking shack - don't worry Minerva, I only charged him one galleon for it. He's going to, if I'm not mistaken, to form his own Order of the Phoenix. As I just told you, only he can defeat Voldemort, and I aim to do my best to help him. But, in order to do that, I need to know their plans. And you are the ideal person Minerva." he said and there was a smile on his lips.
"Me? Why me?" asked Minerva, surprised. "Your cat form. It makes you, if played correctly, irresistable. However, you need to practice your cute act up and relax a little. If you stand stiff as a board and look as severe as you did the night the Potters died, you will be found out straight away. Even so, it may happen. Your just going to have to convince Miss Granger that your not."
"Well, that certainly sounds easy." said McGonagall sarcastically. "I mean, this is going to be impossible Dumbledore. Hermione Granger has a picture perfect memory not to mention that kneazle. . . as soon as I show up, that kneazle is going to throw a fit." she said.
"Maybe, but what if you chose a different student to work on first? Perhaps Miss Lily? She seems to have a soft spot for animals, since she did stress about her baby foxes being allowed. Minerva looked thoughtful. "Yes. . . that's not a bad idea. . . alright, I'll try but no promises Dumbledore." she said. Dumbledore beamed. "Thank you. I worry that things will be getting worse shortly. And the more information we recieve, we can plan." he said. "Don't you agree?" he asked behind his half-moon glasses.
"Yes, your right. Alright, I'll attempt to . . . let my hair down as the saying goes. Ugh, this is not going to be my cup of tea. . ." moaned Minerva. Dumbledore stood and patted her shoulder. "It won't be as bad as you think more than likely." he said, walking her to the door. "Dumbledore, are you sure about Harry?" she asked, fearful that her student could be hurt if not killed by that monster.
Dumbledore nodded, smiling softly. "Minerva, from the first year here, he proved that he had what was needed to defeat Voldemort, and each year later, he's faced the challenges. He will succeed, I can tell it." he said, his confidence making her feel better. "Sleep well Dumbledore." she said, closing the door behind her. He faced the closed door. "Sleep well, Minerva. And good luck."