Chapter 1

A Meeting and an Unexpected Event

Harry James Potter grew up surrounded by his father, James Potter a recognized auror known for his boldness, his godfather Sirius Black that even though was well-known as an auror people feared him for his troublemaking ways, and Remus Lupin a very nice man who shared the mischievousness of his two close friends; James Potter and Sirius Black.

Nearly ten years had passed since the day that "He Who Must Not Be Named" attacked the Potters at Godrics Hollows. The boy who lived was sleeping peacefully. His black messy hair covered his lightning bolt scar.

"Sir, Harry," a soft womanish voice said. "Harry… Sir."

Harry Potter opened his green eyes and sighed in frustration. "Twinkling… I am just Harry, not Sir Harry. I have told you to call me just Harry."

"Yes, Si… Harry," the house elf said timidly. "Si… Master Harry, Master Remus is waiting for Master Harry."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Thank you Twinkling, I will be there in a bit."

"You are welcome, Sir…" She gasped and started to hit her head hardly. "I am sorry… Master Harry… Twinkling won't call Master Harry, Sir Harry again!"

"Stop it Twinkling! Don't hurt yourself… call me Sir or Master, whatever you want… but don't hurt yourself, okay?"

"Yes, thank you Sir Harry… Sir Harry is so nice!"

"I… thank you Twinkling. You can leave now."

"Yes, Sir Harry," said Twinkling and with a pop she disappeared.

Harry shook his head with a smile in his face. He would have to talk to uncle Remus about Twinkling. He could not let her hurt herself every time she was sent to him. He washed his face, grabbed his glasses and went to find his uncle. Remus was waiting for him in the kitchen. He looked paler than usual but nonetheless gave Harry a kind smile when he saw him.

"Good morning Harry."

"Good morning uncle, are you feeling well?" Harry asked worriedly.

"Yes"

"Good. Twinkling told me you wanted to see me?"

"Yes… sit. I will tell you about it while we eat"

"Where are dad and Sirius?"

"They had an assignment last night and they got home late. They will be here in a bit. We have about an hour until we leave."

Harry had a lot of questions. He thought that the "assignment" that his dad and Sirius had last night, had to be about the children attacked by werewolves at Cotswolds. Harry did not dare to ask Remus about it. He knew this type of conversations were uncomfortable for him. This had certainly hurt him, and he didn't wish to bring past memories to him.

"Harry… are you listening?"

"Err… no, I am sorry."

"What were you thinking about? You seemed troubled."

"I…was just thinking about… Twinkling," said Harry nervously. "She hurt herself again and I told her that she shouldn't do it. I guess there is nothing I can do about it."

"Why did she hit herself?"

"I told her to not call me Sir Harry but just Harry, and then she accidentally called me Sir Harry and she hit herself."

Remus chuckled. "She feels distressed when she can't follow orders."

"I know. That's why I told her that she could call me whatever she wants."

"That was nice of you Harry." Harry smiled. "Now, let me tell you what I wanted to tell you. Today, you will go with us to Grimmauld Place…"

"Why? I have heard the three of you talk about that place, but you have never taken me there."

"Indeed, we haven't but we will be spending more time there and it is time for you to visit it. We will have meetings in there with other wizards and when you are with us, you will come. A lot of them want to meet you," said Remus smiling.

"Hmm… what types of meetings?" said Harry curiously.

"We can't tell you. It's confidential."

"But…"

"Why, the long face godson?" Sirius Black asked.

Harry turned around and saw his godfather standing with his arms crossed and a playful look on his handsome face. Harry smiled broadly and ran towards Sirius hugging him tightly.

"Someone is happy to see me… Moony what did you do to this poor child?"

Remus laughed loudly. It was the first laugh in days that Harry heard from him.

"I just told him that the meetings at Grimmauld Place are confidential."

"I don't keep secrets from Harry," said Sirius winking at Harry.

"Sirius," said Remus in a serious tone. Sirius rolled his eyes.

"Come on Moony, one day he will have to know about it. And I think that James will agree that it will be best to let Harry know."

Remus sighed. Harry looked confused. What were they talking about?

"Where is my dad, Sirius?" Harry asked trying to put an end to the conversation. He knew that at the end they would not tell him anything. He will have to find out by himself.

"He is getting ready. Harry… why don't you do the same? We have to leave in fifteen minutes."

"Okay," said Harry leaving the two friends alone. When he closed the door, he heard Remus say, "He is ten Sirius… almost eleven. We…"

"Harry! How are you?"

"Dad!" Harry smiled and hugged his dad tightly. "I am good and you?"

"A little tired but fine," said James. "Where are Sirius and Remus?"

"Err… they are in the kitchen… I will see you in a bit. I have to get ready," said Harry while running to his bedroom.

Harry knew that all of this of "We shouldn't tell Harry. He is too young" had to be about Voldemort. Why had he tried to kill him? Why had he killed his mother? He didn't know. He only knew that Voldemort hated him. He wanted to know why he had survived the Killing Curse. Harry knew that he could not ask his dad because by just mentioning his mother's name he would get sad. He could not ask Remus or Sirius because they wouldn't tell him anything even if he begged them. They were loyal to his dad. Even though he knew that Sirius wanted to tell him, he wouldn't do it until his dad gave him permission to do so.

After getting ready, Harry ran back to the kitchen where Remus, Sirius and James were waiting for him. Harry heard the three of them laughing. "I am ready." The three of them looked at him and smiled. "How are we leaving?"

"We will use a portkey," answered James with a mischievous look on his face.

"Is it authorized? Uncle Remus told me that portkeys have to be authorized by the Department of Magical Transportation," said Harry with a blank face.

Sirius and James gave Remus a scrutinized look. Remus laughed.

"Harry…" Harry looked attentively at James. "What Moony told you is right… but this…I…"

"Harry, can you keep a secret?" Sirius asked with a smirk.

"Yes," said Harry firmly.

"Do you remember what Remus told you about the meeting being confidential?" Harry nodded. "Well, the Ministry shouldn't learn under any circumstances about the meeting nor the portkey."

"I understand… I was just messing with my dad," said Harry cheekily.

Sirius and Remus started laughing loudly. James let out a sigh of relief and smiled.

"Prongs… He has it in him!" said Sirius.

"Harry, you own me one," said James arching an eyebrow playfully.

"I hate to break it, but we have to get going," said Remus. Harry turned to him. "Harry, at the count of three you will put your hand on the portkey, understood?"

Harry nodded as Remus levitated a slightly cracked wooden box and placed on a table. Remus looked at Harry and said, "One, two, and three!"

The four of them placed their hands on the wooden box. Everything around Harry started twirling with a pulling force, making him feel utterly dizzy. When he felt the door beneath his feet, he opened his eyes and saw that they were standing in a somber parlor.

"I know, not the most welcoming place… but either way welcome Harry," said Sirius with a gloomy face. Harry frowned. He didn't like to see him like that. He knew that his godfather childhood had been difficult, and he understood that it was hard for him to come back to the place where he had been mistreated.

"Harry," said Sirius bringing Harry out of his thoughts. "Let me take you to the library."

"Padfoot, we will be at the kitchen," said James.

"I will be there in a bit, Prongs."

Sirius looked at Harry and waved a hand for him to follow him. "In this floor we have the parlor, the kitchen and below it the basement. The library is on the third floor." Harry followed Sirius silently. Sirius then opened a black wooden door. "Here is the great Black family library," Sirius said with sarcasm.

Harry looked at it in awe. It was huge. There were rows of bookshelf's, and davenports. Harry looked around and saw that there were also paintings that were staring at him. Harry felt shivers run down his spine.

"Don't talk to them. They can be quite hostile." Harry nodded. Sirius looked at Harry sternly. "Don't touch the black leather books… we don't want you to lose a finger."

Harry looked perplexed. Sirius smiled at him wickedly. "It's a joke Harry, but do follow my advice." He winked at him and left.

"Sirius, you are back," Remus said.

"Moony I left for five minutes and you miss me desperately?" said Sirius chuckling. Remus rolled his eyes.

"You have no idea!" said James playfully. "Padfoot, do you think Harry will be fine in the library? We haven't finished cleaning the house."

"It is the safest place aside from the Kitchen. I told him not to touch the black leather books and to not talk to the paintings. It was quite amusing. He was perplexed."

"Why?" said Remus.

"Because I told him that with a stern look and cold tone, I have never talked to him like that. The best part was when I told him "Don't touch the black leather books… we don't want you to lose a finger.""

"I can't imagine Harry's face. You will have to show me that memory," James said smiling. They started laughing hard, but their laughs were cut short when they heard a shrieking noise. They took their wands out but lowered them when they saw Albus Dumbledore.

"Boys," Albus said bowing his head in acknowledgment. "You are earlier that what I expected." He looked at them with twinkling eyes. "Is there something you wish to tell me, James?"

"Yes, Albus… is about Harry."

"It's been months since I last saw him, how is he?"

"He is great. He is a bit taller now," James say joyfully.

"I am glad. I also wanted to talk you about Harry. What do you want to tell me?"

"Is regarding the securities measures, Albus," said Remus.

"That's been taken care of. No need to worry boys."

"Thank you Albus," said James.

"No need to thank me. Harry's security and wellbeing is also my priority, James."

"He is been quite anxious. He has this crazy idea that he might not get into Hogwarts," said Remus.

"He will be surprised then," said Albus smiling. "I wanted to propose some things to you my boys. The first is about Harry. I wanted to know James, if you will let me give him private lessons? The first year's curriculum includes Potions, Charms, Defense against the Dark Arts, History of Magic, Herbology, Transfiguration and Astronomy. I would like to work with him on Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense against the Dark Arts. These are difficult times, and Harry must learn to control his magic and developed it in a secure way."

"I am sure that Harry will be pleased to learn from you. It will be an honor."

"The honor will be mine."

"Your second proposition, Albus?" asked Sirius curiously.

"There will be a dueling class from grades one to seven, and I was wondering if you three would like to take charge of it?"

The three of them looked at him wide-eyed. "Albus, are you sure?" said Remus.

Albus chuckled. "Yes, I am."

"Putting the three of us together at Hogwarts? It could end badly. I don't know about Remus and James but I have a reputation to keep," said Sirius smirking.

Remus gave him a pointy look. Albus smiled at their exchange. "Then, I must oblige. Hogwarts needs a lively atmosphere."

"That's settled then," said Sirius enthusiastically. Remus and James nodded in agreement.

"When would the classes be?" said James.

"They will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 7 to 9:30. I gather those are the days you and Sirius don't work?"

"Yes, we don't work on those days but sometimes we get called on duty when there is an emergency."

"I know. If there comes a time during the term when you two cannot attend, I will gladly take charge."

"Would we have to live at Hogwarts?"

"Yes, you could. But if you don't want too I would understand."

"We will think about it and we will let you know, Albus" said Remus.

"I don't think you can say no, Remus."

"What do you mean?"

"I want you to be the Defense against the against the Dark Arts teacher."

"I don't know what to say," said Remus nervously. "I am not capable of doing it."

"What are you talking about Moony? You have been Harry's tutor and he is doing great. You are a wonderful teacher!" said James.

"James is right, Remus. You are a great wizard and a great teacher; don't let your insecurities ruin your judgment. I am sure a certain boy named Harry would be happy to hear that you will not only be his dueling teacher but his Defense against the Dark Arts too."

Sirius and James chuckled at Albus tactics. "I will take the job. Thank you Albus," said Remus smiling softly.

"No need to thank me boy. Now I wanted to talk to the three of you about Narcissa Malfoy." The three friends looked confusedly at Albus. "As you know Sirius she has lived with Andromeda for the past two years. She came to talk to me last week. She wants to join the Order, and she got my approval."

Sirius was shocked. "You trust her, Albus?"

"Yes, I trust her. Lucius left her two years ago. She had a difficult time coming to realize and accept the truth about her husband. It was hard for her. She wants Draco to let go of the prejudices that his father thought him."

"Someone is coming," said Remus suddenly.

Members of the Order started entering, nodded, and took their respective seats. Alastor entered followed by Tonks. "Tonks I told…"

"Remus!" said Tonks enthusiastically.

"Tonks," said Remus with a guarded expression.

Tonks frowned at him and looked at Sirius who gave her a thin smile. "Sirius, my mom is waiting for you at the hallway. She wants to talk to you."

Sirius headed to the hallway and saw Andromeda talking to Ted and Narcissa. Ted was the first to notice him and waved a hand.

"Is nice to see you Sirius," said Ted.

Sirius smiled at him. "Andy, Narcissa," said Sirius in acknowledgment.

"Narcissa wants to tell you something," Andromeda said.

"Sirius… I know that I must have asked first but we had nowhere to take him. Draco is at the parlor. Is it all right for him to stay there?"

"Don't worry. I will tell Kreacher to take him to the library."

"Thank you… Sirius I am sorry for everything that I did to you in the past."

Sirius nodded and went to tell Kreacher to take Draco to the library. It had been years since he had seen Narcissa. He knew that she had been living with Andromeda but never went there since he knew she was living there. He didn't know if he could trust her, but Andy believed in her redemption and he knew that she knew her better than anyone. He couldn't trust her yet, but he could give her the benefit of the doubt. He got back to the kitchen and noticed that Minerva and Snape weren't there and smiled because he wouldn't have to see Snivellus scowl at him.

"Now that everyone is here, let's begin," said Albus. "As I notified everyone before, Narcissa Malfoy will be joining the Order. She will be initiated today… Narcissa, could you please step in?"

Narcissa stood up and walked confidently to Albus. It had taken her a lot to stand where she was now. "Albus, I would like to say something first, if it is okay for you?" Albus nodded and she directed her gaze to the crowd that was staring at her. "I understand that some of you don't trust me, but be aware that I am joining the Order of the Phoenix wholeheartedly. I will do everything in my power to serve its cause." Everyone looked at her in silence.

"Thank you, Narcissa. Could you please take out your wand? We will begin the initiation."

Narcissa and Albus took out their wands and raised their hands, wands pointing to the air.

"I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore head of the Order of the Phoenix accept Narcissa Black as a member of the Order of the Phoenix who will join the light, and serve it faithfully and bravely."

"I, Narcissa Black oath to serve the Order of the Phoenix with bravery and loyalty."

Suddenly from both wands a red light erected forming a flaming red phoenix, which let out a soothing cry. Narcissa's name appeared in silvery letters. The phoenix sang and the name formed a small luminous ball that flew slowly to the peak of the flaming phoenix. The ball stopped right in front of the phoenix peak and started getting brighter and brighter until it disappeared. The phoenix sang once again while raising its wings and vanished leaving a peaceful silence.

Harry was sitting down staring at a painting when he heard a knock on the door. If it where Sirius he would have entered by now. So, who could it be? Harry thought.

"Come in," said Harry.

A boy with blond hair and pale skin stepped in with an old house elf. The boy looked at him nervously.

"Master, this is Draco Malfoy," the house elf said. "Lord Black instructed me to bring him here."

"Thank you, you can leave now." The house elf mumbled something rapidly and left.

Harry looked at Draco and smiled. "Hello, my name is Harry Potter but you can call me Harry."

Draco gave him a hesitant smile. "Yes, I know. You are famous."

"I guess I am even if I don't want to be," Harry said frowning. "Are your parents here?"

"No, I just came with my mother, my aunt, my uncle and my cousin."

Harry nodded at him. Draco smiled slightly and looked around staring at the paintings.

"You see the one of the snake and the wizard?" said Harry.

"Yes"

Harry walked to the painting and Draco followed him automatically. "The wizard seems mute, but the snake has been staring at me."

"They look strange," Draco said worriedly. "I…"

"Can I tell you a secret?"

"Yes"

"I can speak to snakes. They whisper things; they ask for my help." Draco gaped at him. "I think she wants to tell me something."

"Harry! I don't think…"

Harry ignored him and looked at the snake. "Hello, there."

"Hello, boy."

"Harry, st…," the snake hissed at Draco and he took a step back.

"Do you need something?" said Harry to the snake.

"Yesss boy I am trapped. I want to get out of here. Can you help me?"

"I think I can."

"Thank you."

Harry stared intently at the painting and started thinking on how much he wanted to free the snake. He felt magic ran through all of his body and saw how the snake started getting out of the painting.

"HARRY!" said Draco.

Harry heard Draco shout his name and snapped out of his reverie. He saw Draco's panicked face. Harry looked at Draco's feet and saw that the snake was ready to bite.

"What are you doing? STOP!" said Harry to the snake.

The snake hissed at him, "Stupid boy."

The snake opened its mouth reading her fangs to attack. Harry started panicking. The snake moved rapidly striking at Harry's ankle and moved slowly towards Draco. Harry started bleeding rapidly, but saw that the snake was approaching Draco and felt a rush of magic. The snake was suddenly set on fire and vanished leaving black particles on the air. Harry started shaking uncontrollably his scar hurting painfully. He started screaming in pain and collapsed.