Title: Carpe Diem

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I own nothing and no one in this story. The magical world belongs solely to JK Rowling.

Summary: After the disaster at the Ministry and the death of one of their number the Order of the Phoenix struggles desperately to regroup, but tempers are frayed, alliances are questioned, and a Dark plot emerges that threatens to bring the Wizarding World's very last hope to its knees…

Notes: Set right after OoTP, it looks at the war from the POV of a few of the Order members, but focuses mainly on Dumbledore and Snape.

"Would you lie for it? Cry for it? Die for it? Would You?"

I Believe- Bon Jovi

"So, shall we revise?"

Nymphadora Tonks started at the sound of the deep voice. She was sitting on the dusty kitchen floor of no.12 Grimmauld Place, her back against the equally dusty wall, elbows resting on her drawn-up knees, propping her head up on her hands and struggling to stay awake.

In the centre of the dank room was a large semi circle of mismatched chairs, only two of the seats were still occupied, however, as the previous denizens had become restless with the long hours of discussion and had strewn themselves across the kitchen.

"Yes, Albus, let's start with ministry security." Moody commented from his usual position beside the door. He was the only Order member who never took a seat, instead choosing to act as a sentry, electric blue eye constantly whizzing about the room.

"Right." From the end of the kitchen opposite to Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt sighed and stopped pacing just long enough to go over the Ministry's intricate layout, the Floo grates, different floors and the Minister's latest reports.

Tonks ran a hand distractedly through her bright orange hair, try as she might she simply could not concentrate; she had been up most of the night on surveillance duty and was now absolutely exhausted.

Following Shacklebolt's comments various other Ministry officials, including Emmeline Vance and Arthur Weasley, spoke of the developments in their respective departments.

Dumbledore listened intently from his Transfigured armchair at the centre of the arc of chairs, chin resting on interlaced fingers and head cocked slightly to the side. "Very well." He said when the others had stopped speaking, voice betraying none of the fatigue he must have been feeling. "And what of the other end of the spectrum?"

In unison thirteen pairs of eyes darted to the shadowy fireplace and in spite of herself Tonks sat up a little straighter.

Bathed in shadow and leaning against the mantelpiece Snape had been so utterly silent that his presence was almost forgotten by the other members…a very uncommon occurrence indeed.

Now for the first time Severus spoke, voice as sharp as ever, "The Dark Lord seems entirely focused on regrouping his forces after the disastrous escapade at the Ministry." He allowed himself a small smirk at the reaction of those around him to the still very raw memory of Black's death. "Naturally, he places great importance on alliances-"

"And that's where Greyback comes in, I suppose." Tonks' stomach had made two great leaps in the last thirty seconds, first at the reference to Sirius, and second at the sound of Remus' quiet voice.

Remus Lupin was leaning against a long dinning table pushed against the wall. In the days since the battle in the Ministry, Lupin's hair seemed to have doubled in greyness and his robes hung more loosely than ever.

"Why, yes Lupin." There was a pronounced sneer in Snape's voice and the tense anticipation in the room suddenly skyrocketed. "He seems to think that employing the service of a few dozen bloodthirsty monsters would serve his purpose quite nicely."

There was a collective intake of breath at Snape's indirect, vicious attack on Remus.

Very, very slowly Lupin raised his chocolate brown eyes, locking them with Snape's black ones, but made no response, whether from sheer exhaustion or, more likely, simple common sense he decided that he was not going to take the bait.

Moody, however, was incensed. "And that's exactly why he values you, Snape." He growled.

Without even realizing it Tonks had risen to her feet and Remus had moved away from the table toward Moody, both anticipating a fight.

"What would you know of the Dark Lord's opinion of me?" Snarling in rage Snape had stepped out of the shadows to face Moody.

"I spent my entire career hunting filth like you." Mad-eye had left his post, stalking into the room…

"And look where that got you." Snape's voice was pitched low and laced with venom. "A paranoid old fool, remembered only for his cruelty…"

"That is quite enough!" The sheer dynamism in Dumbledore's voice made everyone present jump. He wasn't shouting of course, Dumbledore never shouted, but his voice was filled with forceful authority. "Now, I was under the impression that I was in the presence of mature, reasonable adults…evidently I was mistaken."

Remus and Tonks exchanged a quick glance as Moody mumbled something inaudible.

"I am very aware of the fact that you are all under great strain but we are the Wizarding World's last hope, I simply cannot stress this enough…however, if anyone feels that this responsibility is too much for them then by all means…leave."

It came as no surprise when no one moved. There was a beat of silence before Minerva McGonagall said softly, "You know we're with you every step of the way Albus…"

Twinkling blue eyes swept in her direction. "I do know Minerva, thank you. Now, I believe the meeting has come to a conclusion. Severus, will you accompany me back to my office? To the rest of you, thank you all for your time and patience this evening, I will inform you of the next meeting in due course."

With that the members of the Order of the Phoenix filed silently out of the room, leaving behind only Mundungus Fletcher, asleep in his chair.

This is not the way I wanted it to go at all! I can only hope it wasn't that bad…please tell me what you think!