Ron, Hermione, and Harry stood on the staircase of Grimmuld Place, craning their ears in the direction of the kitchen. Despite the events that took place at the end of the school year, Mrs.Weasley still insisted they not be allowed to hear the proceedings of the Order. It was because of this that they had taken it upon themselves to stay informed, feeling it was not only a right but a necessity. They had not discerned much, but it was not from lack of trying.

"I do wish George and Fred would pop in, I bet they'd have a couple pairs of extendable ears on them..." sighed Ron.

"Ron, you should know by now that the Order will have charmed the door." admonished Hermione.

"Doesn't stop me from trying, they might have forgotten this time!"

In response, Hermione merely let out a small, exasperated sigh.

The door of the kitchen wheeled open, as if in response, black robes billowing out from it. In an instant, the three teenagers pulled back, pressing themselves as close to the wall behind them as they could.They were no longer concerned with eavesdropping, yet were too afraid creeping back up the stairs might alert someone to their presence. Other figures began emerging from the kitchen.

"I came to deliver the news, and now, if you will excuse me, my dungeons await!" snapped Professor Snape.

"Surely, you would like a cup of tea after the evening's events, Professor?" said Molly Weasley in a motherly tone, but the trio noticed her eyes held a look of fear.

Dumbledore placed a wizened hand on the witch's shoulder, "Molly, I'm sure Severous is quite tired."

The look in her eyes grew more distressed. "I just...the more people protecting Head Quarters,the safer it will be." was all the woman could choke out.

"Now, Molly, you know perfectly well this place is unplottable." spoke Mr.Weasley, a kind look in his eye.

"When He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gets it into his head to kill a Muggle, do you think a thing like that will stop him?" and with this, Mrs.Weasley began quietly sobbing and went back to the kitchen.

"Professor, if there is nothing more to discuss, I will be returning to Hogwarts." sneered Snaped.

"Ahh, Severus, I do believe that is all, I do not believe anything else needs to be said here tonight."

The three teenagers on the staircase all felt as though Dumbledore was glancing in their direction as he said the words, though they couldn't see his face. Ron gulped silently at the thought, causing Hermione and Harry to throw disapproving looks his way. Wasting no time, Professor Snape threw some floo powder into the fireplace and was gone with a loud "Hogwarts!" Other members of the Order of the Phoenix filtered out of the house as well. Hermione, Ron and Harry made their way up the staircase when they decided it was safe.