Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Muggle-born's
Chapter 1: Recruiting
The war in the wizarding word was at an all time high, the Order of the Phoenix was at it's wits end. Their numbers were dying quicker then they could recruit witches and wizards. Dumbledore, as the leader of the Order of the Phoenix, sent out his members every month to recruit muggle-borns from England. Muggle-borns were in high demand since they hadn't been allowed to enter the wizarding world since Voldemort had come into power. Any witch or wizard opposed to Voldemort's views counted themselves lucky to wed a muggle-born.
There had been proof that an offspring of a witch or witch and a muggle-born turned much more powerful. The proof was the offspring of pureblood James Potter and muggle-born Lily Potter, Harry Potter. He turned out to be the strongest wizard since Merlin himself. James himself had recruited muggle-borns years ago and had been one of the luckier ones, he had found Lily Evans.
It was 1999 and Harry Potter had just turned 18 years old. It was once again time to search for muggle-born recruits. He had been hearing stories from his mother and father for years about how lucky they had been that they had met. His anticipation was so high that he could barely pay attention to Dumbledore's speech.
His best friend, Neville Longbotton, elbowed him in the ribs to get his attention. "What?!" Harry asked, his voice giving away his irritation. He had just been trying to visualize how his recruitment would turn out. He had begun to see it as a fantasy of sorts, some grand adventure.
"I was just getting your attention because Dumbledore's done talking. He's about to give out our assignments." Neville grinned at Harry's embarrassment. Harry noticed that everyone was looking at him and he blushed crimson.
"Sorry." Harry mumbled and noticed his parents smiling at him to soften his embarrassment. "I was just distracted with other things."
"Other things indeed." Neville joked.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled madly, "Now that I have everyone's attention," Harry flushed again. "I would like to distribute assignments. Mr. Longbottom, you will be looking in downtown England. Mr. Ron Weasley, you will be searching around the train station and a one mile radius all around. Mr. Weasleys," Dumbledore looked pointedly at the twins. "You two will be looking around England's shopping center. While you Mr. Jordan are assigned to the East Residential. Ms. Tonks, I would like you to take the West and Mr. Lupin may take the South. Finally, Mr. Potter will be assigned to the North Residential. You all have your assignments. You may leave." Dumbledore turned back towards some of his older members, officially dismissing the younger members.
Everyone given an assignment left the conference room, some anticipated their job while the others were nervous of the outcome. Neville was the most nervous, he felt that something was going to change and he wasn't sure it would be altogether good.
It was surprising for everyone involved that both Remus and Tonks were being sent on this mission as well. Since none of the other adults were being sent out, but Remus didn't look bothered so Harry let it go for now. He assumed that Dumbledore probably knew something everyone else didn't. He always had that look of 'I know something you don't know.'
The twins were off in their own world, probably hatching up some new weapon for the Order of the Phoenix. They were the main weaponry wizards, they happened to be quite bright when the need arose. If was also odd for Dumbledore to send them since he usually prepared to utilize their skills. So he never sent them on missions outside of headquarters unless the asked, for risk of being injured.
Ron looked anxious to start his assignments. Quite odd for the youngest boy of the Weasley family. Who tended to be lazy and held no determination to do anything worth while. Harry and Ron had never gotten along because of Ron's jealousy of Harry's fame from being a powerful wizard. He was actually close friends with Neville Longbottom, whom he had known since practically birth. Since they were both born around the same time.
"Aren't you excited?" Harry startled Neville with his enthusiasm.
"Not really. Are you?" Neville asked even though he already knew the answer. Harry had been talking about the recruitment for the last month. Telling and retelling the story of his mother and father.
"I can't wait to go. Right now Remus is getting everything prepared so we can be on our way."
"Naturally. How are we getting back to headquarters?"
"Well… I believe Remus is taking out some brooms, you know the new ones. The ones the twins imbedded with cloaking spells. We are to fly to our designated areas because Voldemort has been paying closer attention to apparations. Remus doesn't want to risk it or any muggle-borns we may find." Harry explained.
Neville nodded hesitantly, he had never excelled in flying. He much preferred his feet planted firmly on the ground.
Harry noticed the sick look on Neville's face that was slowly turning green. "Don't worry. Remus is bringing out the broom with the self sticking charm, so you can't get off unless you choose to." That seemed to calm the boy up.
"Thank Merlin. You know I'm no good."
"Yes, but Moody thinks it's necessary we all learn just in case that's our only option. Which is why he has us use them whenever possible."
"I know, but I don't seem to be getting any better." Neville whimpered.
Before Harry could console his friend Ron popped out of no where. "Quit your whining Longbottom. The world doesn't revolve around you or Potter here, no matter how famous he may be." Ron sneered.
"Oh Ronnekins, what ever will we do with you?" Fred joked.
"I don't know Fred. Maybe--" George began.
"We should give him a taste of…"
"His own medicine."
"Great idea George."
"Thank you Fred. Now what shall we do?"
Fred smiled conspiratorially at his brother before whispering something sinister in George's ear and his grin widened. As George's smile grew, Ron's face turned red until he resembled a tomato.
Finally Ron couldn't take it anymore and left in a hurry. The guys laughed at Ron's quick departure.
"Thanks, I know he's your brother and all, but sometimes he can be a right git for no reason."
"Don't mention though."
"As his brothers we know--"
"Better than anyone how much of a--" Fred grinned.
"Jealous part he can be." George finished.
"Jealous?" Neville asked.
"Yeah, he wishes that he had more money. Ron has always been kind of ashamed of our family because we're poor. So he's jealous of you and Harry because you guys have lots of money and of course Harry is famous." George explained.
Harry nodded in understanding. "It makes sense, but it's not excuse for his behavior." Neville nodded in agreement.
"I think that another reason why Ro doesn't like Harry is because Ginny like him and he must be feeling replaced." Neville offered.
Fred nodded his head, "Very insightful Neville." He praised. "Come on, I think Remus is ready for us." Fred gestured to Remus as he ushered them over.
"Is it time to go yet?" George asked.
"Yes, you all remember your assignments and how long you can stay out?" Remus looked pointedly at Harry when he asked and everyone nodded.
Neville thought for a second, "Wait… how long are we staying out?"
Remus looked at his watch, "It's noon now so we should all be back here by seven. Any later and you're at risk and should find shelter immediately. As you know Voldemort's death eaters are searching for muggle-borns as well. If you don't make it back you are on your own until morning, at that time you should send your patronus to headquarters so we can you're still alive. It will be assumed that you are either severely injured or dead if no patronus is sent. Is that clear?" At everyone's affirmation he dismissed them.
At that Harry was quick to move, he couldn't wait to see what would happen on his first recruit mission. Would he be like his father and find the woman he was supposed to love or would he find someone he wasn't? Would here be no muggle-borns out there for him to find? So many questions past fleetingly through his mind.