The Big Dipper

The Ridgebit Dragon Sanctuary

Ursula paced back and forth in the entryway of Black Manor, waiting on her important guest. So much had happened recently that she was overwhelmed, with Draco's task and its potentially lethal consequences weighing heaviest on her mind. Three soft taps sounded on the front door and she wrenched it open at once, revealing the tall, thin figure of Albus Dumbledore.

Dumbledore, recognizable by his waist length silver hair and beard, wore a long black traveling cloak and pointed hat, and gave Ursula a small smile, adjusting his half moon spectacles as she opened the door. She noticed then that his other hand was blackened and shriveled; it looked as though his flesh had been burned away.

"Hello Ursula," he greeted, gazing down at her.

"Professor," said Ursula, inclining her head. "Please, come in."

She pulled the door wider, allowing him to step inside and remove his hat and traveling cloak. Dumbledore looked around the somewhat dusty entryway with great interest. Ursula had removed all of the paintings, for what she claimed were for redecorating reasons, but was really to ensure no eavesdropping.

"Your great aunt invited me here once for tea," said Dumbledore, fondly recalling the memory. "She served lemon cake with tea."

Ursula smiled, but she didn't have a reply. She led Dumbledore into the sitting room, offering him a cup of tea as he sat in one of the tall armchairs.

"So, Ursula, what is it you wish to talk about?" said Dumbledore, dropping three sugar cubes into his tea and stirring. "Your letter was appropriately cryptic."

"Thank you. There are several matters I wish to discuss," said Ursula. "The first is that I would like to offer up Black Manor as a safe house for the Order, if and when it is needed. I don't believe anyone else remembers it exists, and as it is mine according to Cassiopeia's will, I believe my aunts and uncles will remain focused on Corvus Manor."

"Your offer is most appreciated," said Dumbledore. "I am aware that several runes were inscribed at the gates and around the house. What other protections does the house currently have?"

"With all due respect, Professor, I would like to keep the manner and number of enchantments a complete secret, even to you," said Ursula. Dumbledore smiled.

"Of course," he said.

"As to the next matter —" began Ursula, but Dumbledore held up a hand and she fell silent.

"I admire your courage in being ready to defy Lord Voldemort's orders, but I would rather you didn't have to for a matter such as this," he said. "I am already aware of what your cousin has been tasked with doing."

"Oh." Ursula hadn't been expecting that. "Snape told you, then?"

"Yes, Severus came to see me just hours before I received your owl," replied Dumbledore.

"So... what? Surely you can't expect Draco to go through with it," said Ursula, "but the Dark Lord will kill him if he fails."

"Although I can almost guarantee Draco will not succeed, I know he will not be punished for his failure," said Dumbledore. Ursula narrowed her eyes. There was no way even Dumbledore could guarantee such a thing, particularly when Voldemort had so expressly said the opposite. "In fact, I would go so far as to encourage you to assist him, so that he might not put his fellow students in danger. Perhaps you can even steer him back to the right path."

"That's the goal," murmured Ursula, more to herself than to him. "But... you aren't afraid that he might succeed?"

"No, Ursula, I am not," said Dumbledore, observing her over his half moon spectacles with piercing blue eyes. "I am afraid I cannot explain further, but suffice it to say Draco will neither succeed nor suffer for his failure. I have my own plan at work."