Lost and Found...Love

Chapter 22

That BLOODY Clock

Draco Malfoy was noticeably absent at the evening meal on the day the students returned from their Spring Holiday break. Pansy Parkinson was sniffing into her handkerchief with Millicent Bulstrode patting her sympathetically on the shoulder. Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle sat further down the table, talking quietly with Theodore Nott.

The whole school knew, of course, about the attack at Professor Twigg-Jones' house and Lucius Malfoy's death. How she had overcome and captured Crabbe, Goyle and Macnair and then faced Lucius Malfoy and killed him.

Professor Twigg-Jones and Professor Flitwick had exchanged seats, to put some space between her and Professor Snape, who looked positively thunderous. Anna and Filius Flitwick were conversing in hushed tones.

The other houses kept glancing at the Slytherin students, but no-one was gloating or laughing. It was an almost unconscious, quiet show of sympathy for their fellow student's loss. Many remembered the aftermath of Cedric Diggory's death; but that had been a student, killed on Voldemort's orders. This was very different, but still, Voldemort was at the center of the drama.

As the meal progressed, the level of chatter slowly returned to the usual volume, until Dumbledore rose, after the dessert course was cleared, to speak to the students and staff.

"A brief phrase or two, if you would be so kind as to indulge your old Headmaster." He smiled warmly at them all.

"As most of you know, one of our students has had a death in the family. Draco Malfoy will be returning to us at week's end. I would ask all students to be sympathetic to Mister Malfoy without prejudice as to the circumstances of his father's death. I do not believe children should be held accountable for or judged by their parents' actions. Mister Crabbe and Mister Goyle should be treated with similar courtesy.

"Professor Twigg-Jones has also been through a traumatic experience and has asked no further acknowledgement of the last week's events. That is all I will say on the subject.

"You all look well rested and refreshed by your holiday, so we'll see you at breakfast, ready to start classes. Off you go!"

X # X # X

Snape immediately swept from the staff table and down the Great Hall, the Slytherin students falling in behind him as he led the way to the dungeons. The other house tables were slower to move and when the last of the Slytherins left the Great Hall an animated buzzing filled the air.

"I don't think Draco will come back," Ron surmised. "He's probably signing up with You-know-who, right now, to take his dad's place."

"Don't be daft, Ron," said Hermione. "He'll be back; he's Voldemort's best source here at Hogwarts to feed fresh information back to him."

"Snape looked right upset, though, didn't he? Fellow staff member kills father of his favorite student." Harry chimed in. "Self defense won't mean anything to him. So much for that old friendship going anywhere."

"Did you notice how they had separated their seats?" observed Ginny. "She couldn't move too far, but she really didn't want to sit next to him, obviously."

"I don't blame her," Neville agreed. "I've had him glare at me like that and it's not a look you want directed at you, if you can help it." He shuddered at the very thought, as the others nodded.

Just then Professor Twigg-Jones walked by, smiled wanly and waved, but continued on her solitary way.

"She looks awfully sad, like she's lost her best friend." Ginny whispered.

"You mean Snape? She's better off without him, if you ask me,' countered Ron.

"One good thing; she doesn't have Draco in any of her classes, so they'll only see each other at meals," Hermione said. "Still, it's going to be strange, she did kill his father."

"Who was trying to kill her, don't forget!" Ron reminded Hermione hotly. "Don't you go feeling sorry for Draco, or his family. They deserved this, for following Voldemort."

"I know, Ron, still..."

"Ron! You said Voldemort!" Harry was smiling at his friend.

Ron jaw dropped. "Blimey, I did." He looked around, turning red, as the others laughed.

"Still," Hermione continued her thought, "Draco might try something stupid, maybe with Voldemort urging him."

"Hermione, I think Anna has proved that she can take care of herself," Harry calmly suggested, but...maybe we should watch for signs of trouble. Quietly, of course."

"Ok, then let's alert the whole D.A., just to be safe," said Neville. "We'll just practice what Anna and Mad-Eye preach; 'Constant vigilance'."

"Right. Let's get going."

X # X # X

That Thursday, the sixth year N.E.W.T.s arrived from Flitwick's class a little apprehensive as to how Anna would be fairing. She'd seemed very subdued at meals, even missing a few during the start of the week.

"She doesn't seem too sad, just...I don't know...strangely quiet. Is that the phrase I'm looking for?" Hermione asked, more to herself than anyone in particular.

"We'll soon find out," Ron replied, as the door swung open and the students filed into the classroom.

Anna was sitting at her desk, sealing a scroll of parchment. After attaching it to Wally's leg, she carried him to the window, speaking softly to him. Giving him a treat, she released the owl to fly out and start on his journey.

Returning to her desk, she sat on the front edge, facing the class. Smiling at them, Anna clasped her hands in her lap and heaved a sigh.

"I know you have a thousand and one questions and I promise to answer them, but first, I have a couple of things that I have to get out of the way.

"First: Anything you hear in class today is not to be repeated to anyone, except the other senior D.A. members not present in this class; Ginny, Luna, Katie, Dennis, that lot. They have a right to know, but tell them if they have any questions, I'll speak with them later.

"Second: I know all of you have been escorting me around the school, under cover, but right there with me, just the same."

The kids glanced at each other.

"We were that obvious?" asked Neville.

"No, but remember, my hearing is a bit better than most, so I heard you, even if I didn't see you. And thanks...it's a lovely gesture, although maybe a little overkill during school hours?"

"I told you!" Ron hissed at Hermione.

"Look, I understand your reasoning and if you all insist on doing bodyguard duty, I'll make it easier on you. I'll only come out of these rooms for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week, plus I'll only go to the teacher's lounge on my free break, on Wednesday afternoon. Not much potential for trouble then, during school, but after dinner and on the weekends, feel free to trail me around if and when I venture out. Make short watch periods and overlap so no one spends too much time out in the halls, especially if you're supposed to be studying.

"Mostly, you can do this on the weekends, as I hate being cooped up. It's good practice for all of you and I want you to really pay close attention to Hogwarts. I know that sounds strange, but get to know every nook and cranny."

"We know our way around, Anna; you won't give us the slip."

"Oh, I'm not going to do that. I know you've learned how to get from point A to point B, but what about in between. Remember Harry and Neville's little adventure at the bookcase? How may other places like that are there in Hogwarts? Places of concealment or for observing. Think about it. Keep an eye out from now on."

"Anna, only you could turn this into a lesson in progress or running practice session," laughed Harry. "And I know one of these days you'll explain why, too."

"Just know you territory, Harry, and all the advantages and disadvantages it has. That's all."

"Ok, we'll let it go for now. But, there'll be a quiz on this, I just have a feeling." Ron shook his head.

"Alright, you cheeky lot; let's see how good your powers of observations really are, then. Describe the front hall of Briarwood Manor." Anna leaned back, crossing her arms and looking around at the students.

"Gorgeous split staircase with a landing."

"Double parlor on the right."

"Dining room next on the right, toward the back of the hall."

"Two bedroom wings upstairs, going off from the balcony above the landing."

"Kitchen and side hall past the dining room."

"Big study and library on the left."

"That had a door into the room with the billiard table."

"And you could also enter that room from the hall, on the left, past the stairs."

"Also, the other side hall, at the rear of the house, which led to the walkway to the barn."

"Center table."

"Big paintings, landscapes, mostly."

"Mirror by the door of the study."

"Bloody big Grandfather clock in the right hand corner by the front door."

"AH, HA!" Anna shouted, which caused the students to jump. "It's that bloody big, ugly clock I have to talk about."

"What?"

"Raise you right hands! Come on, up, up!"

They raised their hands cautiously.

"Repeat after me: I solemnly swear..."

"I solemnly swear..."

"That what Anna is about to reveal..."

"That what Anna is about to reveal..."

"Will not be repeated... except to that lot I mentioned earlier..."

"Will not be repeated...except to that lot she mentioned earlier..."

"So help me, Aunt Hortenza."

"So help...Who?" "What?" "Aunt...who?"

Anna laughed. "My Aunt Hortenza, on my Father's side. Nasty old witch. Next to her, Neville's Gran is Mary bloody Poppins!"

That caused laughter all around, Mary Poppins being a well loved children's story in both Muggle and Wizarding homes. Of course, only the Wizarding world knew it was the true story of a witch who loved all children and had been Nanny to Muggle children as well as little witches and wizards for years.

"Now, that said, I'm going to tell you what really happened, so get comfortable; this is going to take a bit."

And making herself comfortable, Anna started telling them the whole tale, from the beginning; right after they had all port keyed home.

X # X # X

"Just then, Christopher yelled for me to watch out and I thought he saw Lucius was coming in the front door, so I spun around, holding Winky up with my left arm and I pulled out my wand with my right hand, but I saw the door was still closed. At about the same instant I heard this CRACK!"

"You don't mean to tell us..." Hermione had her hand to her cheek. "Not the clock?!?"

"Too right, that bloody, honking grandfather clock was crashing to the floor and Winky and I were the only things in the way of it's descent into a pile of kindling."

"What happened?" "How?" "Did it?" "Are you saying..."

"Yes, yes, the clock is what did all the injuries to yours truly. And broke my wand. I did take a second to toss Winky, bless her heart, rather unceremoniously out of harm's way and I tried to roll clear myself but didn't quite make it. Late as usual! Old 'Father Time' caught me, but good!"

Stunned silence. Anna looked around at the open mouths and wide eyes.

Five...four...three... two...one...she thought...now!

It began with a snort, a giggle, several Ha!s, then generalized hysterical laughter broke out across the room. Anna just sat there, waiting patiently, shaking her head, until it settled a bit, but just as she started to try and say something, she glanced up at Christopher's smiling face and he nodded and winked at her and that was all it took. She started laughing, too. One of those jags; when she tried to stop, someone would catch her eye and she'd be off again, tears rolling down her cheeks, sides hurting. Everyone wound up gasping for breath, but finally settled down.

"Now remember," Anna continued when she found her voice, "you're sworn to secrecy. I have to try and maintain my reputation. I can't have the Slytherins finding out about this. Bad enough all of you won't soon let me forget my downfall, much less that lot!

"Too right." "We promise." "Mum's the word!"

Hello...Sister, dear.

"Where was I...ah, well, after assessing the damage, I sent Christopher off to update Albus, more to get him off my back about not moving with my injuries than anything."

"I've since figured that out, you naughty girl." Christopher injected, wagging his finger at her. The students grinned at him and nodded.

"Sorry, dear, but I had a job to do. You realize that now, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. Once an Auror, always an Auror. Proceed."

"Thank you. Anyway, I thought if I could keep Lucius occupied, help would come and he'd be captured, too. Maybe. And that was a big maybe."

"That's why you took your gun with you, isn't it?" Neville asked.

"Precisely, Neville. My wand was useless, but I had my gun in my pocket, if needed. I was hoping I wouldn't have to use it, but it became obvious, very quickly, that Lucius was not about to be captured, if he could help it. He did make it clear, however, that he wasn't leaving without me, dead or alive."

"Why did he want to take you? Is being the D.A.D.A. teacher that dangerous?" asked Harry.

"No. Apparently, Lucius was going to present me to Voldemort as a gift - one less Auror to worry about - and also I was to be Draco's first killing spell victim at his marking ceremony."

"What!" "How awful!" "Draco's A Death Eater?" "Blimey" "Will he dare come back?"

"Wait, wait, everyone. I don't believe Draco had any idea his father was planning all of this. I truly believe he would have been as much a kidnapping victim as I. He'd have had no choice, no say in the whole thing."

"Why wouldn't he go along with it? Like father, like son." Seamus muttered.

"Much as he dislikes me, I don't think Draco could just kill me, not without a lot of pressure from his father...and Voldemort. Moot point, as the party was canceled. For now."

"How can you be sure Draco hasn't become a Death Eater since that night?"

"I just don't' think it's happened yet. Voldemort is smart enough to figure out Draco has to make up his own mind, now, about this. Trying to pressure him would just push him away. Although, he probably is assuming Draco will come straight to him after school is over, this summer."

"He might force him," Justin shrugged, "even without his father being there."

"No, I doubt he would risk having an unwilling follower, especially one who could be harboring any resentment. Better to bide his time. Draco will come of age soon and summer holiday leaves him out in the open, to be contacted at Malfoy Manor. Waiting six weeks or so isn't that long for such a prize."

"What happens if he does join?"

"I don't honestly know. I do know he's really confused right now; mad at his father for being so stupid as to get killed by me, mad at me for killing his father. And, again, mad at this father for what he did to his mother."

"What? What happened?" Lavender gasped.

"Before Lucius came after me he'd beaten Narcissa into unconsciousness, for refusing to abort the baby she's expecting. Draco's going to be a big brother next fall."

"You're kidding?"

"About which, the beating or the baby?"

"Both."

"Nope, both are fact. And that information stays here," pointing to the floor, "too, people!"

"How do you know all of this stuff?" asked Hermione. "Who told you?"

"Professor Dumbledore told me, at St. Mungo's. He learned of it from Professor Snape, who he'd sent to Malfoy Manor, to break the news of Lucius' death to Draco and Narcissa, as Head of Slytherin House and family friend. He arrived right behind the Healer from St. Mungo's that Draco had summoned after finding his mother on the floor in the parlor."

"Poor Draco." Hermione breathed.

"What?" Ron cried.

"I mean it, Ron! It must have been awful for him, finding his mother and then learning his father was dead and that Lucius had been the one to do that to his mother. I mean, he's not my favorite person in the world, but I wouldn't wish that on anybody. Would you?" she replied hotly, hands on her hips.

"Well, no, I guess not. Sorry." Ron replied sheepishly.

"Well said, Hermione," Anna agreed. "Now, that news stays here, too, unless...when Draco returns, and it becomes school gossip or common knowledge, then, the silence ban on that bit, only, is lifted. Fair enough?"

The students nodded, still trying to absorb what they'd just heard.

"Wouldn't it be better to do a memory charm on us?" Harry asked.

"No. I want you to know all that happened and why. From here on, there are no secrets where Voldemort is concerned. If it affects one of us, it affects all of us.

"Now, the hard part, but, from my standpoint probably the most therapeutic: here's where I tell you what happened between Lucius and me in the garden.

X # X # X

Next thing I knew, I was in St. Mungo's. End of story. After hearing, later, all the other details about Lucius, Narcissa and Draco finding her and what Lucius had done to her; I was less inclined to harbor too much guilt. Having to kill another human being is an awful thing to be forced to do, even to save your own life, but I've made an exception in this case. Maybe that's callus, but it's the way I'm going to handle it, for my own peace of mind."

"Frankly, I think you were too easy on him." Harry smiled at her. "Too bad you couldn't have captured him, along with the other three and sent them all back to Voldemort, wrapped up in ribbons, with a nice little note about what they'd been up to and he could have dealt with them."

"Right, Harry," Neville agreed, grinning. "But still, the three that are back in Azkaban will do well to stay there if Voldemort tries to break them out again, don't you think?"

"They're probably planning on doing just that, Neville," Anna nodded her head, smiling. "Safer in than out, I'd bet. Now...without further ado, it's time for today's lesson."

Moans and groans greeted that statement, until they saw her pointing to her clock on the desk and the bell rang, signaling the end of lessons for the day.

"See you at dinner!"

X # X # X

Draco did return the next weekend and entered the Great Hall with Professor Snape, who walked him to his place at the Slytherin table and then proceeded to his own seat at the staff table.

The rest of the school were making an deliberate effort not to turn and look towards the Slytherins, but those who were facing in that direction kept the others notified of what transpired.

Pansy Parkinson moved to sit next to Draco, pushing Gregory Goyle down the bench and turning her back to him, devoted her attention exclusively to Draco. Vincent Crabbe, sitting on the other side of the table, exchanged looks with Gregory and shrugged. Pansy whispered in Draco's ear and gave Vincent a withering look. Draco nodded and ignored his two friends, obviously to show he blamed their fathers for the failed attempt at kidnapping Professor Twigg-Jones.

Crabbe and Goyle were at a loss as to what to do or say, so they devoted themselves to their dinners, which they ate in silence.

X # X # X

Professor Twigg-Jones entered the Great Hall from the side door and slid into her chair just as dinner started. After the main courses, she stood, walked around the back of Dumbledore's chair, bent over and whispered in his ear. He nodded and she left by the same side door.

The D.A. members exchanged looks, but Neville leaned forward so the group could hear him and whispered, "She's still not feeling quite up to snuff. I had tea with her today, and I know she puts on a brave face for us, but she's still a little depressed. Uncle Christopher says it's a natural reaction and he's trying to help her work through it."

"Look. Draco just noticed she's left," observed Hermione. Draco and Pansy were whispering and looking toward the staff table.

"Well, at least he hasn't lost his ability to put that stupid smirk on his face," sneered Ron. "He probably thinks she's scared to face him, the git."

"Ron, don't be silly, he's not that stupid," Hermione relied, "Egotistical, yes, but stupid, no."

"I've been watching that cow, Pansy, drape herself all over Draco. He loves every minute of it, and then some, I bet." Ginny added, with a wicked grin..

"Ginny!" gasped Hermione.

"What? You don't think so?"

"Of course I do, I just wish I'd said it first."

The girls dissolved into a fit of the giggles, while the boys looked at each other and shrugged. Un-noticed by the D.A., Draco says something in Pansy's ear and they grinned slyly at each other.

X # X # X

Narcissa sat at the secretary desk, quill poised over the piece of parchment, as she gazed out of the window, her mind miles away. Shaking her head, she brought her thoughts back to the task at hand. She'd caught herself day-dreaming a lot lately, mostly about the baby; she was hoping for a girl.

But, she really needed to concentrate and finish the last few thank you notes to those in the Wizarding community who had sent her letters of condolence. The list wasn't very long and it was a chore she despised.

She had gotten over her bitterness about those 'friends' who were suddenly so solicitous of her and her future. Where had they been all those months when Lucius was in Azkaban and she had sat alone for days? The nosy hypocrites. So she had composed an upbeat, positive, almost relentlessly cheerful standard reply which she was copying and sending to them all. After a determined half an hour she was done. Finally!

She dropped the quill and stretched her long, thin, pale fingers. Standing, she turned, thinking she would go the kitchen for a bite to eat, when she looked up and gasped, hand flying to her throat.

"Bella!"

"Hello, sister, dear."

"I didn't hear you come in."

"You were concentrating; scratching away, busy, busy."

Bella strolled over to the table and looking down, reached out and picked up one of the notes, smiling slightly.

"Always doing the socially correct, well mannered thing, aren't you? Thanks you notes, how quaint."

"Did you notice? There isn't one addressed to you, Bella, as I received no apparent sympathy from you or any other member of Lucius' 'band of blood brother's'."

"Hardly surprising, considering his unauthorized, failed attempt at kidnapping that bitch Twigg-Jones deprived our Master of four followers."

"Ah, but the sympathy I speak of was not about his loss, but mine. Your Master could have shown me some token consideration. But, then, realistically, I didn't expect any.

"Oh, but he is concerned about you, Narcissa, dear...and your baby. How will you survive? I, myself, have volunteered to help with the child when it arrives and of course, Draco has a place reserved for him at our Master's knee. The Dark Lord will be his surrogate father, and continue his education when he leaves Hogwarts this year."

"But...he has another, final year to go before graduation." Narcissa looked at her sister through narrowed eyes.

"Draco will be ready to join us as soon as he comes of age next month. This will be his last year at Hogwarts."

"And with what authority are you making that statement. I'm his mother and he will complete his education. I won't hear of him not finishing school!" Narcissa's voice was rising and she was aware of her sister starting to smile at her, which made her even more upset. "That's the final word on that subject. I won't entertain any other suggestions about my son's education. Not until he graduates and then it will be his decision."

"His decision can be made after his birthday next month, sister of mine. When he comes of age you won't be able to say or do anything about his future. His future is at our Master's side."

"Get out!"

"Temper, temper, little sister. I'm only..."

"GET OUT!" Narcissa picked up the ink well from the desk and threw it at Bella, who Disapparated, leaving only her ringing laughter echoing around the room.

Narcissa slumped back down on the chair and buried her face in her hands, crying.