The sight of the Ministry of Magic was an unsettling while walking through its elaborate black marble entrance. For centuries many had grown fond of the intimidating authority lurking throughout the halls, knowing that there was a sense of order and power. But now it seemed to be the exact opposite. Everyone seemed to be a target, muggleborn or not. The ever slightest hint of disloyalty to the now corrupted government became a nagging fear behind everyone's tender minds. Most had learned to avoid it, taking jobs elsewhere. Some had adjusted to the strict rules of new higher ranking officials. Others had the misfortune of disappearing within the confines of this secretive community.
On this particular day there was a hustle and bustle of witches and wizards using the array of floo networks and scampering off to their massive workloads. It was the same as any other day, but the air was different, and she knew it. Most didn't recognize her presence, not that they should anyways. Boldly walking past the infamous muggleborn fountain she soon found herself occupying the small cramped quarters of the unique elevator.
"Department of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts." A woman's soothing voice echoed as the gates opened.
The hallways were nearly empty, still covered in black marble. Navigating her way through the endless maze of doors and such, she found herself standing in the doorway being greeted by an all too familiar friend.
"Audrey!" The young woman jumped up from her chair. Her hair immediately turned from sandy brown to a bright neon pink with excitement. She wore clothes that resembled a bounty hunter, but her job title essentially had her doing just that. Big leather buckled boots with dark brown pants tucked in, a simple red tank top with a grunge styled jacket and fingerless leather gloves enhanced her innocent yet intimidating appearance.
"Tonks!" The other woman cried back in a subtle French accent. It had been forever since she had seen her long time friend. They had lost contact over the years, not knowing the entire time if the other was alive and well. Audrey stood at the doorway embracing the sought after hug, taking in every bit of flooded memories by her fruity perfume, to the high shrill of excitement in her voice.
"It's been a hell of a long time Audrey! What have you been doing?" Tonks was eager to be reacquainted with her friend.
"Making friends with Death Eaters." The glimmer of sarcasm shined in her striking blue eyes.
"I see being an Auror hasn't set you back a bit, you look marvelous!" Tonks looked Audrey up and down.
It was true; she was at the prime of her life. She was a radiant specimen, lighting up any dark room she walked in. She was tall, nearing 5'7 without her usual heels. She had a goddess stature and looks. She was gifted with the softest dark brown hair, with an underlying tone of red when light shined on her every strand. It flowed down her back in beautiful waves, easily past her middle torso. It had taken her years to grow her hair to this length without a single drop of hair growth potion to aide her. She had fair, yet peach colored skin with tinted rosy cheeks and naturally dark pink lips. Her radiant icy blue eyes stopped any man in their tracks. She was curvaceous in all the right places, very much a sensual hourglass figure. But she was tone and muscular, stronger than most women her age and younger.
"How have things been around these parts? I have heard rumors but you never can tell—" The woman was beginning to ask but a soft grunt came from behind the desk in the room.
Both turning, not realizing how rude they were for not introducing Audrey they looked upon a crimson red haired man.
"Oh I am sorry Arthur" Tonks apologized. Smiling through his pudgy cheeks he was a man with innocence and calm that ran through his blood. Dressed in peculiar clothing, looked to be hamidowns, he made up for it in a genuine personality.
"Hello, I'm Arthur Weasley." He said, starting the introductions standing up with a hand drawn out across his wooden desk.
"Please to meet you. I'm Audrey Bardot." Shaking his hand she sensed he was a family man.
"That's a very French name."
"I'm very French." She responded with soothing charm.
"Please take a seat."
He gestured to at an empty chair. Both Tonks and her sat, Audrey's legs crossed ready to hear why she was summoned to this very office.
"I see you two know each other quite well." He said with a wide smile. Both of them instinctively looked at one another and laughed.
"We went to Hogwarts together." Tonks started, but Audrey cut in.
"My family moved here when I was 12, and she was the only one who would talk to a French girl." They both nodded in memories. "No one wanted to talk to a girl who had transferred from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. I was someone not to be trusted, especially with the Triwizard Tournaments in our 3rd year."
"No one could look at her as a true Gryffindor." Tonks exclaimed loudly.
"Correction, no one knew how to handle me. I ran the teachers rampant. I think I lost out on half of Gryffindor's house points because of my— How did Professor McGonagall put it?" She asked Tonks.
"I believe she called it a revolutionary attitude." They both laughed reminiscing those lost memories. Mr. Weasley couldn't help but chuckle. They had obviously given the professors a hell of a time with their teenage antics. The pair reminded him of his mischievous twins Fred and George.
A soft pause occurred with them staring at one another in cheerful dispositions.
"Well as you may be wondering, we have brought you here for a very special reason Ms. Bardot." He finally spoke.
"Please call me Audrey." She quickly interrupted smiling. She didn't need to sound any older, even though she was barely twenty-seven.
"Well then, Audrey. Tonks and I wanted to offer you something, a position in a special group we have established."
Adjusting in her seat slightly, Tonks watched her every movement eager for a response.
"I unfortunately cannot bear any details right now." He said looking around the office for any unwelcomed ears. "But I can assure you it will be worth your wild!" He loudly whispered.
"Mr. Weasley, you are going to have to elaborate on some finer details."
"You know of Harry Potter right?" He asked.
She laughed, "That is like asking me if I know what a mountain troll is." She couldn't help but be amused.
"Right then, stupid question. Anyhow Harry Potter is currently enrolled in Hogwarts. A collective group of us, Aurors and such have created a very unique project."
"You are still horrible at the details." She responded sarcastically.
Laughing the now green haired woman leaned in closer, followed suit with Mr. Weasley. "We are protecting the boy." Tonks said in as hushed voice possible.
"What makes you think I am suitable for this job?"
"Because you are one of the best damn Aurors I have known and we need you!" Tonks pleaded before her friend, grabbing her hand. Mr. Weasley wanted to do the same but held back his tongue seeing he had no standing to beg.
"I am already highly wrapped up in gathering intelligence against You Know Who."
"We are doing just that Audrey, but gathered more intimate information." Immediately she was more alert and keen on the details of this offer. Tonks eyes searched within her own hoping to find a glimmer of hope of acceptance. "I can guarantee you will be more productive in your effort in this war with us than you would be on your own." It was true, her fellow Aurors were dropping dead with little expectation to survive longer than a year. Audrey had been lucky, surpassing her friends and their families as she attended more of their funerals than she weddings.
"Look if I cannot convince you now, at least join our meeting tonight in our secret quarters here in London." Mr. Weasley asked.
Both of them begged her with innocent looks, Tonks squeezing her hand to show her need for her friend's skill.
"I honestly don't know. I already have an extensive amount of work outside of here." She said looking down at her fingers, not sure whether she should accept the tempting offer.
"Come to the meeting. Decide for yourself after we inform you on everything. And if you decide to not join our ranks, then you can leave without us asking any questions." Tonks said with a final word.
After a long pause and heavy sigh she reluctantly agreed.
Walking down the street she held the piece of parchment in her hand with the written address.
"12 Grimmauld Place"
Looking around all she could see was a tall apartment styled building, nothing giving away any hint of this secretive inspected every corner, knowing it must have been hidden within numerous protective spells to keep muggles away.
Taking her wand out she muttered softly "Incendio." watching the parchment burst into flames and disintegrate into ashes.
Without warning, the two halves of the building began to stretch. The rumbling of the ground and the cracking of concrete rang in her ears, but no one besides herself seemed to have notice. Even the unsuspecting muggles living in lofts throughout the building didn't react to the trembles of the Earth. Her head tilted slightly, amazed by the level of the protection spells concealing the premises. The windows, door and everything else that had magically appeared before her was completely opposite than those that were surrounding it. Crooked, aged, the craft work of a wizard it stood entirely different from the lofts on either side of it.
Hesitating, she forced herself to walk up the crooked steps to the front door, looking down both directions of the street. Without warning the door flung open and a full figured red headed woman stood before her clasping her hands together in excitement.
"Oh good you're here! Come now we mustn't be out in the open!" The cheerful woman ushered Audrey through the door and into the entrance of dramatically gloomy house before her. The dark dust covered the wallpaper that barely clung to the walls, peeling at every crack. Paintings of displeased men and women were staring down at her, whispering to one another as she walked further into the house, some even screaming profanity. Her every footstep creaked on the rotting wood floors and cobwebs covering every inch a spider could reach.
"Let me take your coat." The woman said offering a hand to her. Audrey smiled in response slipping out of her petticoat. Underneath she had dressed in a dark maroon old English shirt, opened at the cleavage of her breasts, hanging off her shoulders delicately. A dark green corset with gold trimmings and clasps hugged her waist with dark brown skin tight riding pants and tall black peasant styled boots with a impressive five in heel.
Shoes clicked on the old wood floor as she continued to look around. The plump woman behind her looked at her, envious of her youth and good looks.
"My name is Molly, Molly Weasley. But you can just call me Molly." She said grinning ear to ear at the woman before her. Her fire red hair matched her deep rosy cheeks.
"I'm Audrey Bardot." She said putting her hand out to shake.
"Put that away dear, we are family here." Molly embraced the tall woman in her arms giving her the most comforting welcome she had ever received. Though the warm nature of the woman's welcome quickly was forgotten as Audrey felt her massive breasts squish her small frame. Taken aback by the upfront gesture, she timidly returned the hug.
"Now then. I will show you to the dining room. We just started so you haven't missed much."
Molly scurried down the hallway where it was revealed that there were a great number of people within this secretive group. None had seemed to take notice to her standing there, all of them in a great debate of something unknown to her.
"Ah hem." Molly attempted to grab their attentions. No one acknowledged her polite interuption.
"Ah hem!" She said louder and more abruptly.
Instantly they all turned heads staring at Molly and the woman behind her.
"She has arrived." Molly said stating the obvious.
Audrey stepped forward ready to introduce herself but before she could an unknown lanky man had already started walking to her with his hand drawn out.
"Ah Miss Bardot, how good is it we meet." He said calmly. She sensed everyone knew of her, but found herself ill prepared not knowing a single person besides Tonks and Mr. Weasley.
The man who shook her hand firmly seemed to be of simple nature. Light sandy brown hair that was parted and slicked back. A think mustache and dark animalistic eyes that seemed to possess a secret hidden behind them. Wearing an old cardigan with a simple button shirt underneath, dress pants and leather shoes he seemed to enjoy the finer, more simplistic qualities of life.
"My name is Remus Lupin. Welcome to The Order of the Phoenix." He seemed excited with her arrival. "Please have a seat." He gestured with a warm smile to a chair next to Tonks.
Everyone was studied her as she made her way to her seat. Some were smiling; others were cautiously watching her, not knowing whether she was trustworthy enough to participate in the secret meeting. An older man with a glass eye moving wildly own held onto his heavy walking stick, not shying his penetrating gaze at her. Another man in traditional African dress attire stood in the corner, hands crossed in front of him watching the scene of people as well as her. Tonks couldn't stop smiling her hair a bright neon orange and Mr. Weasley sat in the corner flipping through the Daily Prophet not paying too much attention. You could on occasion hear him giving a slight gruff of frustration every so often to whatever he was reading.
Soon they went around the table introducing themselves.
"Well if it isn't Miss. Bardot herself in the flesh." A familiar cracked voice came from the entrance to the kitchen.
There stood her the only woman who she would call a second mother, Professor McGonagall. She had aged a bit since Audrey had graduated from the school, but was in the same dress robes as always with a crooked witch's hat placed perfectly on her head. She had her thin framed glasses sitting on the edge of her nose and her warming smile casted down on Audrey.
She couldn't help herself and before she knew what she was doing, they were embraced in a deep hug, one she had been in search for ever since she left the castle.
Striding over the her chair, the older woman graciously placed a comforting hand on her shoulder wanting to know more about what had happened with one of her favorite pupils.
"I do hope you have been well dear." McGonagall said through her aged crows feet. Audrey nodded with her stunning smile, one the boys had always fancied when she was in school. They both quickly began to describe the inner details of their lives over the last 10 years.
Suddenly unexpected slamming of a door stopped their heartfelt conversation. Briskly walking into the room was another man she was unfamiliar with. He was tall, dressed all in black with cascading dress robes that billowed in behind him as he walked. Medium length greasy black hair framed his square face and crooked nose. He looked as though he was in a constant state of smelling something putrid.
"You're late Severus." Remus mocked.
"I am fully aware of that. Thank you." Severus snapped barely glancing at him as he sat at the chair directly in front of Audrey. He didn't seem to notice her, or maybe he didn't care. But either way he made no intention of introducing himself.
"Can we hurry this along? I have students to discipline upon my return." He sneered as he tapped the goblet with his wand. Looking up at Remus he sipped the now filled glass.
"Still torturing students are we?" Remus joked.
"It's more pleasurable than you would think."
"Well then, let me introduce you to Ms. Audrey Bardot." He said with his hand gestured in her direction. For the first time since his dramatic entrance he looked at her. His eyes trailed up and down before muttering in a hushed annoyed tone and faint smile.
"Charmed."
"As am I." She retorted back. Her head slightly cocked, not the least bit satisfied with his ill mood towards her. He had taken notice of her sarcastic remark and held back a lashing of words.
"We have opened this meeting tonight to hopefully introduce a new member to The Order." Remus said looking down at her. "I am sure you have plenty of questions. Feel free to ask as I go along. Now then, as I am sure you are aware, Harry Potter is attending Hogwarts. All of us here in this room have taken a special interest in the boy and the circumstances of his existence. The Order was created during the first war to provide protection against the Dark Lord himself."
"I have heard of this army during the first war, I hadn't the slightest idea it still continued. Are you actively fighting against You Know Who?" She inquired.
"Not quite as literal as you put it. We more so are trying to destroy his army from within the core." His hand was moving along with the intensity of his words. "We as many other witches and wizards have noticed the Ministry begin to buckle under the stress of Dark Arts. Myself and the others here are attempting to give back the power it's lost."
"I don't mean to offend anyone here, but you surely must have realized the Ministry is corrupt?" She knew of the people working behind the scenes in the of the infamous wizarding government.
"Unfortunately that seems to be the case. Luckily Kingsley and Arthur work closely with Fudge and the Ministry, giving us on few occasions new leads that may help us resolve a possible threat, but so far Fudge himself has been quite erratic and fairly unpredictable."
"Yes I have heard the stories." She muttered. She worked with a man back in France whose family was suddenly vanished in the night and never to been seen or heard from again. No one knew of his exact location, whether he was hiding in the country side, sharing a cell in Azkaban, or completely eliminated from existence.
"With Fudge on the verge of a meltdown, we are trying to keep what little order in the Ministry that we can. But he has grown to even mistrust Dumbledore. Now he has gathered a presence at Hogwarts, putting his faith in some unfavorable characters."
"I have read Fudge's influences on the Daily Prophet. It always seems like quite the scandal with the stories I read."
"Unfortunately they are quite accurate with their reporting on Umbridge."
"Daft woman..."A snort of contempt came from Mad-Eye. By the looks of everyone's faces she had made more enemies than not, especially in this room.
"Is she really that bad?" Audrey couldn't imagine her be given so much power and control if she was that incompetent. On second thought, the whole damn Ministry seemed to be incompetent.
"More so than words can describe Miss Bardot." Remus looked down at his hands, as if he were still trying to accept the ill fate of Hogwarts under her control.
"We feel that if we can eliminate key factors to the Dark Lord's survival we may very well have a chance in defeating him. We have begun to infiltrate within his circle of Death Eaters."
"Infiltrating his circle is nearly impossible." She stated.
"But that is where you are wrong." His eyes brightened as he watched her face contort in confusion.
"We have spies within his army." Remus smiled and looked at Severus, but he ignored his fellow friend in rude response. Audrey's gaze narrowed onto the greasy man as well. Before she could stop herself, words were beginning to fly out of her mouth.
"Really now?" She muttered with a sense of sarcasm lurking behind her thick accent. But seeing his attitude thus far it wasn't that far of an unrealistic thought.
Snapping his cold stare at her he began to size her up with his words. "It would serve you best if you not mock those who are in higher rankings."
"I'm sorry." She covered her mouth trying to shield her uncontrollable rude laughter. But she wasn't the only one guilty of laughing, everyone else was caught trying to control their suppressed giggling.
Remus, forcing the smile from his lips continued trying to continue on in a more serious note. "As I was saying, Professor Snape is a spy within the Dark Lord's army. He has been providing us very important details to You Know Who's plans. He has also been feeding Him with lies to throw off his true allegiance with us." His smiled appeared again, but this time it was dark.
"And how did you become a spy for him? He is very particular with who he lets into his trusted circle" She couldn't imagine the man before her being the Dark Lord's right hand man. But then again, his all black attire, horrendous attitude and evil glares were convincing enough.
"I have known the Dark Lord Himself personally for years."
"How does he not know you are fighting against Him?" She asked Snape directly.
"Given the circumstances that you have not been here and obviously know very little, I can say that I have won over his trust."
"Yes but he must know that you are coming back here reporting all his plans to us." She stated, challenging him.
"He thinks I am spying on The Order itself my dear." He snarled at her while he rubbed his temples to control his annoyance towards her.
"Essentially you are a double agent within this war. And what stories are you telling him then?" She said never once breaking her gaze from him.
"I don't believe you are privy to hear them." He snapped back at her shooting daggers with his black eyes.
"Then why am I here?" She said with a quick response.
McGonagall chimed in not wanting this bickering to go on any further. "We are in dire need of your help in the function of The Order and for the protection of Potter."
"Why are you insisting I join your forces?" Her curiosity was peaking. How her name and knowledge of her background became known to this group was still a mystery to her.
"Don't make yourself sound so special." Mad-Eye muttered under his breath as he took a swill from his silver flask. Snapping her head she looked at him.
"Again, why am I here? You all seem to have your clique." She demanded in a more harsh tone.
"Don't let these men here fool you Miss. Bardot, we do indeed need your help." McGonagall tried desperately to calm all of them. "As much as we would like to not involve any more innocent lives into this rather morbid situation we are unfortunately left with no other choice. The Dark Lord has indeed risen to power more so than before and we are losing our numbers rapidly. I hate to have someone as young as yourself involved in this nonsense, but we are in need of someone who possesses your skills."
Audrey took in a deep breath, trying to sort out all of her thoughts. They were asking far too much from her. Her entire work outside this house involved her own studies and army against You-Know-Who but the people involved in her work have slowly disappeared from her life through death and other unfortunate things. She had planned on continuing to fight with her own numbers, but knowing she would eventually be left to fight alone was a grim thought that had haunted her severely for the last year.
"This Potter boy," She said now looking over at her old professor. "He has quite the reputation."
"Quite." McGonagall agreed.
"What would be my role here if I so choose to join?"
"You will join myself and some of the others at Hogwarts looking after the boy and ensure that things go according to plan." McGonagall said with a serious tone to her voice.
"I cannot simply just walk in and have no one question my being there especially with Umbridge in power."
"That is where Albus comes in." Remus began to explain.
"Dumbledore is a part of this?" She said looking around.
"He is the one who started it dear." Molly said looking up from her knitting with squinted eyes and a smile.
She sat back in her chair. Few things surprised her these days but this in its entirety was shocking her at every corner.
"Albus has made an arrangement that you will be a teacher's assistant. I believe they call it an "intern" in the muggle world. Am I right Arthur?" Remus continued as he looked to Mr. Weasley. He nodded in agreement.
"And which lovely teacher will I be assisting this year?" She was hoping it would be McGonagall.
"Professor Snape."
Immediately her head shot in the greasy man's direction as he began arguing adamantly against the idea.
"I will not house this, this—" He looked at her trying to find words. Her arms immediately became crossed and she gave him a hard stare waiting for him to continue.
"This school girl will not be in my lab ruining the order of things!"
"I am far from a school girl." She argued back with him.
"I will not allow you to trample your way into my class." He hissed back at her.
"I would waltz not trample…" She snapped at him. He seemed taken aback by her response. It wasn't what he was expecting or anyone else for that matter. Everyone at the table snorted in laughter, yet the two of them continued their venomous slashing with ill words.
"Her attitude enough would make a mandrake shut up." He snarled under his breath.
"As if someone's attitude hasn't"
His gaze hardened, both of them not moving an inch nor breaking eye contact.
"Severus, she is really quite the lady you know." Tonks said jokingly.
"I would have never guessed such a thing. Why is she the only one qualified for this position? I thought we were looking for someone to protect the boy, not be his girlfriend." He asked annoyingly with almost begging for a different outcome to the end of this meeting.
Her eyebrow immediately shot up. "I am far from being interested in boys Professor. If I had an interest it would be in a real man, not that you would qualify to fit that description nor have any knowledge of what that entails."
"You are testing—"
"Severus! Enough of this feuding. Dumbledore wanted her because she is the best Auror out there besides who is in this room." Molly stood up with her metal knitting needles pointing dangerously close to his face. "I will not have you trample over Miss Bardot like she is one of your student! You will deal with it like the rest of us or you will learn to suffer in your own misery because you simply did not get your way!"
Seeing the once even tempered woman nearly behead him with her needles not only took Audrey by surprise but everyone else in the room as well. Immediately Audrey knew she was one to never cross, knowing her motherly instincts would kill anyone who stood in her way.
"Do not talk to me about sacrifice Molly!" The already tense room suddenly turned nearly violent with everyone's temper raging.
A sudden thud echoed the room. Mad-Eye tapped his heavy walking stick on the floor attempting to grab everyone's attention."If it's Dumbledore's orders then we should follow them precisely."
"Mad Eye's is right you know Severus." Remus said now attempting to calm the situation.A deathly quiet was now hovering over the room, not a single word spoken just the creaking of the old house.
"Fine." He snarled back giving her one last glare.
Finishing the last of his goblet he stormed out of the room, not a single word spoken as he left.
"Oh dear. I foresee this becoming quite the arrangement." McGonagall spoke softly.
"When do I pack?" Audrey asked through a forced smile.
Everyone looked at the newest member of the Order with a smile. Molly chuckled slightly and sat back down to finish her knitting acting as though nothing had happened. An awkward tension never left the room from that point forward.
It was a rush of memories as Audrey walked up to the front entrance of the castle. Hogwarts hadn't changed in the slightest. The dark grey stone had aged some more with ivy plants growing up towards the high wings of the castle. The area surrounding it was filled with brilliant greens and wildlife. There was a hustle of students enjoying their times on the grounds and practicing their casting of spells on anything or anyone they could find. The air was crisp and fresh, but with it being only October, it was still warmer than it could be.
"How yer doin Miss?" Came a deep and friendly voice. Turning around she expected a man to be behind her, but found herself completely caught off guard. Standing there was a giant nearing 12 feet in height. He was massive, in every sense possible, almost unnaturally. His shoes alone were the length of her arm. She half expected him to eat her, but his friendly conversation was quickly changing her perspective of his daunting figure.
"Very well." She muttered still gawking at him.
"Name's Hagrid, I'm the gamekeeper 'ere."
She was still in awe not realizing how rude she was for not responding.
"Oh let me take your bags for ya." He said grabbing her trunks with his one hand like they were rag dolls. They were easily fifty pounds each, but the weight of them both didn't bother him in the least bit.
The large wooden doors opened as they both walked through them. It was quiet except for the occasional laughter of students walking by. She would have thought she'd forget her way attempting to find a classroom, but instantly was relieved as a flooding rush of memories jolted her to remember every things place. Once you learned you never forgot.
Hagrid looked to be the perfect size for the castle as if it were built solely for giants.
"Now then. Dumbledore be expectin' ya. I'll go ahead and take yer stuff to yer room while you go meet with him." He turned around and smiled down at her.
"Thanks but that's really unnecessary."
He bent down to her level, her eyes widening in response and her breath caught in her chest.
"Don't tell no one, but I know who you are Miss." Her eyebrows rose immediately not sure if she needed to take it as a threat.
"Is that so?"
"Ahhh you are the great Audrey Bardot, worst hooligan to ever cross dem halls here. You got a reputation around these parts with the staff 'ere." His eyes were full of life and energy, reassuring her he meant no harm. Hagrid smiled at her and winked. The intense fear for her life suddenly vanished when she realized he was the friendliest giant she had ever met and probably will ever meet.
She smiled back not knowing exactly what to say. "Go on then. I got yer stuff."
'I wasn't that bad.'
But on second thought she had a reputation just within the years of her attendance here. Granted she may have done quite a bit during her stay here, but this Potter boy seemed much worse. Especially with his well known trio. Shaking her head she walked up the moving stairs and found herself at the all too familiar massive stone gargoyle.
Slowly it began to turn and reveal a set of hidden stairs behind it. Stepping onto the first step, she worked her way up as it continued to rotate.
Knock knock
"Enter." Came a soothing voice from behind the door.
Opening it slowly she remembered his office all too well. Endless amounts of books showered his stone walls, mystical instruments and wizarding tools scattered here and there, their uses unknown to her. His large wooden desk stood just before her with a large over sized bird, better known as Fawks the Phoenix sitting beside head was tucked under its wing, not acknowledging her entrance. Ashes from its birthing still sat at the bottom of its golden perch.
"Ah Miss Bardot." He said looking up at her with his renown twinkle in his eye. A wide smile and warming welcome allowed her to feel comfortable once again like she did every other time she was in his office. His long silver grey beard was tied with a set of charms, his grayish blue robes and deep blue eyes were all too familiar. He hadn't changed his attire too much since the last time they met, but he had aged a bit just as McGonagall.
"Headmaster." She spoke softly with a equally warm smile.
"Do sit down."
"Thank you." She sat in the tall wooden chair just in front of his desk. He finished what he was writing on the parchment before him before rolling it up and tying a black ribbon around it. Placing it in his drawer he looked up at her through his half moon glasses with fingers intertwined.
"It is pleasure to see you again." He said with a smile.
"It is great to be back. It's just a different feeling this time."
"How so?"
"Well for starters I haven't been here in nearly a decade, and when I was here you were often trying to pick up the pieces in my life."
Chuckling to himself he was remembering her time here as well. "You were a troubled child. You did not possess direction that every child should be granted."
Nodding her head she agreed with him. It was true; she didn't have much guidance by anyone really. The teachers within these walls were her substitute parents, even when it was summer and she didn't have much to look forward to. Professor McGonagall often sent her care packages knowing the upcoming hellish three months were bound to be miserable. It was a reminder that she had something to look forward too, people to depend on.
"But against all of those who doubted you Miss. Bardot, you have become quite the extraordinary witch." His gaze was penetrating her soul deep within.
He always had a way with words forcing the recipient to realize their full potential of a witch or wizard. He was actually the reason she became an Auror. His guidance throughout her roughest years, and him expanding her knowledge of such complicated fields of magic enhanced her ability to become one of the greatest Aurors with stats to her name that people could only be jealous of.
"I shall assume you know what your position is here then?"
"Actually I know very little as to what is expected from me Sir." Audrey said quietly.
"Ah well then, where shall we begin?" He quietly got up and walked over to the tall window beside his desk. Looking out he watched the grounds below him trying to produce the right words for an explanation. "Potter is our weapon. He is what will destroy the Dark Lord." Placing his hands on the edges of the window he continued. "It is our duty as Aurors, and members of The Order to protect the boy from all harm. Severus as you may know is a spy within both of the armies. What I expect from you is that you assist Severus in any way he sees fit, while you keep an eye on the boy as well." He turned to look at her for her response.
"I hardly expect Severus to require my help Sir. The boy I can handle, but that man is an entirely different situation." She found herself defensive, and Dumbledore sensed it as well.
"We cannot lose either one of them. It is imperative that they both remain healthy and well enough for when the time does come that they both can fight against the Voldemort."
"So you want me to assist this man for whenever he has a rough day?" Sarcasm on top of her defense was now hinted at the tone of her voice.
Peering down his half moon glasses he looked at her, walking closer now with his hands behind his back.
"Being a spy for His army is not what you would expect Miss. Bardot. It requires a great deal of strength and healing. He is in dire need of someone to protect him when he cannot do it for himself. He needs a reliable source to turn to for when things take for a darker turn" Taking in a deep breath, he continued. "I know that Severus is a man of a rather ill outlook upon life, but what he gives The Order is invaluable. He is training Potter in Occlumency which I know you posses those abilities as well. I'm afraid Voldemort has gained access into Harry's mind whether he realizes it or not. So far the result of it has been neutral, but I'm afraid with time it will turn deadly."
His eyes twinkled once again as they both remember he himself teaching her throughout her last three years in the castle that very skill. She knew just as well as he did the dangers to a open mind. It ended many young and old lives simply because they couldn't secure their secrets.
"Professor Snape needs someone who can assist him in teaching his Potions class so he may rest and do whatever he feels necessary to regain himself fully. Knowing your potential in all of the subjects taught here, I naturally assumed you would do wonderfully as an assistant to his class. But I also have some rather unfortunate news I am afraid wasn't briefed with you before your arrival."
Oh Lord, what else could this man throw at me? She thought to herself.
"You will not only be assisting Severus, but you will also be assisting Dolores Umbridge as well."
"That was not what I agreed with." Her eyes bulged out.
"I am afraid that it seemed to be a rather sudden change in plans. But when she received word of your arrival and apprenticeship here she insisted you join her class as well."
"Professor I have heard stories about this woman, and if any of them are true then I will—"
"Ah hem" Came a tiny squeak from behind her. Turning around she found herself gazing at the woman she was just about to verbally bash. There stood before her was an incredibly short woman, dressed in a pink wool suit, perfectly curled hair, bright airy lipstick with a grin that exuded only evil from each corners of her mouth.
"Ah Professor Umbridge, I was just informing your newest assistant of what would be expected from her within this term."
Umbridge smiled at the young woman holding her petite pudgy hand out revealing her perfectly manicured pink nails. Standing up, Audrey easily stood a few inches over her. Forcing a smile she tried to find words for this woman.
"Pleased to meet you Miss?"
"Audrey Bardot."
"Albus I assume you have informed her on my latest decree?" A soft chuckle slipped past her lips.
"Not yet Dolores, we haven't made it that far into conversation. She has yet to see the castle since she left when she became of age." His comforting smile soothed the savage beast before Audrey.
"Well then, we must not waste valuable time Professor." Clasping her hands together she smiled again at Dumbledore and then at Audrey. "Come now, I shall show you to your room."