Unexpected Love

Chapter 24.

I was back in Hogwarts now and lessons had resumed but I know Dumbledore was getting restless because he was acting different then he usually did and having secret meetings with different professors, I knew it was about the dark lord but I hadn't been told much of what's happening since the last meeting we had.

"Celia" Cora pinched me making me shoot my head up.

"What" I whispered

"Professor Mcgonagall is making her way over here" she said motioning towards the Professor walking towards the Slytherin table.

"Good evening"
"Miss Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore would like to see you in his office now" she hummed looking between the two of us.

"Yes Professor" I replied getting out of my seat.

I have no doubt in my mind that whatever he wanted with me was something to do with the dark lord. I hurried along behind Professor mcgonagall as she made her way to dumbledore's office. We stopped just outside the headmasters tower which was guarded by a large stone gargoyle which I assume needed a password.

"Sherbet lemon" mcgonagall exclaimed.

I stood onto the steps as it slowly turned up and left  me stood just outside a pair of big doors. I pushed them open and quickly took a glance around.
His office had a number of spindly tables upon which were sets of delicate looking silver instruments that wirred and emitted small puffs of smoke. Dumbledore also had a rather impressive collection of books which made up his private library. Beside his huge desk was a red and yellow bird which was perched upon a wooden stand.

I slowly trudged up a couple stairs and looked at the Bird more closely. But Suddenly it burst into flames.

"Oh my" I gasped taking a step back.

"Miss Malfoy" A voice rung behind me.

I quickly turned around.
"Professor I- it just burst into flames there was nothing I could do" I replied hastily.

"Do not fret"
"He is a Phoenix Miss Malfoy, they burst into flames when it is time for them to die and then they are reborn into the ashes" he spoke calmly putting his hand out towards the ashes.
The bird then suddenly appeared as small as ever.

"Awh" I spoke studying the animal.

"I expect you know why I asked you here" Dumbledore moved on.

"Is it about the dark lord sir?" I questioned pacing across the room.

"It is"

Soon the door was swung open revealing Severus looking anxious as he walked towards both of us.

"Ah Severus, just on time"

"Did you tell her"Severus asked in his monotone voice

"I was just about to"

"Tell me what"I turned towards Dumbledore.

"You will work alongside Severus as a double agent against the Dark Lord. Get him to trust you and Severus completely and to do that you must do a task many would be unwilling to do"

"And what is the task"I raised an eyebrow.

"We will speak about that another day" Dumbledore announced.

"But-"I turned to Severus and pleaded my eyes.
"Please"

"No. I will tell you when the time is right Celia"Severus spoke.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and looked at the both of us.

"You both must be careful. It is a dangerous task Miss Malfoy. Are you up to it"