*Chapter 1 - The Order Meeting*

A/N:

First of all I'd like to state that this fic will end up in slashy territory. If you don't like it, stop reading. Also I want to state that this fic steals several ideas from other authors. I've stated, where I can remember, who those authors are, but please feel free to message me if you know the names of those ones I couldn't remember. Please don't bother telling me I'm ripping off other fan fiction authors because really that's what fanfic is all about, if you put it that way.

12 Grimmauld Place, London, 11:30 pm

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and leader of the Order of the Phoenix rose to his feet and cleared his throat.

The noisy, crowded kitchen before him slowly quietened as conversations were hastily ended. Those who had been standing and chatting to one another in groups settled into chairs around the large scrubbed wooden table, others who were already seated straightened up and looked expectantly towards the head of the table where he stood, flanked by an empty seat on his left and a sallow-skinned man with shoulder-length, rather greasy looking black hair on his right.

"Good evening everyone," Dumbledore said serenely, "I hope you are all well. "Before we begin I'd like to thank Molly, on behalf of everyone here, for the delicious stew she whipped up at such short notice."

He bowed his head to Mrs Weasley, a homely-looking witch sitting near the far end of the table, who looked flustered yet pleased.

"I don't know what we would do without her excellent cooking, and her unshakeable, but very welcome plans to fatten us all up!" Dumbledore stopped to chuckle briefly, and was joined by several people. A call of "Hear hear!" came from the back of the room.

"Now, I'm sure you are all wondering why I have called a meeting at such short notice," Dumbledore continued once the laughter had died down "But before I - ah, Andromeda!"

Several people had turned around curiously as the kitchen door creaked open, and Dumbledore beckoned towards the woman who had entered. She was a kind-faced woman with soft brown hair pulled back into a bun, and as she closed the door behind her, she gave Dumbledore a brief nod, her heavy-lidded eyes conveying a shared understanding, before she settled into the empty seat at his left hand.

"As I was about to explain," the old wizard continued "a recent event amongst Lord Voldemort's followers was brought to my attention four nights ago."

The room was silent now, everyone giving their full and undivided attention to the Professor.

"At the time, I did not dwell on the matter extensively. It concerned me for the sake of the individual involved, but it had little to do with of Voldemort's plans or anything that would affect the Order of the Phoenix."

Dumbledore paused, turning to the man beside him.

"Severus, I believe you can describe what happened better than I. Will you speak?"

The sallow-skinned man nodded curtly in reply and rose.

"Last Wednesday, Draco Malfoy was initiated as one of the Dark Lord's Death Eaters." Severus Snape ignored the whispers and exclamations that followed his words, raising his voice to speak over them.

"Shortly before this occurred, he was informed of a mission he was to carry out when he returned to Hogwarts after his initiation. He was given the task in the hope that he would die attempting it."

"What was the task?" Remus Lupin, a man wearing a shabby over coat asked quickly, and several others nodded, turning back to Snape expectantly.

"His task was to murder Professor Dumbledore. I'm sure you can see why the Dark Lord would see this as a suicide mission for a sixteen-year old." Snape said dryly over the gasps of shock and horror.

"Shortly after this was announced," Snape continued "Narcissa Malfoy, the boy's mother sought to defend her son by speaking out. At the meeting, the boy was clearly terrified and seemed shocked that he was to receive the Dark Mark."

As several pairs of eyes flew to the brown haired woman beside Dumbledore, another voice piped up:

"He didn't know he was going to be initiated? That he was going to get the Dark Mark?"

The voice belonged to Hestia Jones, a rosy-cheeked woman seated across from Molly Weasley.

"No," Snape continued "It was an almost unprecedented event, for one so young to receive the Mark. Narcissa did not know what to expect, when she was told to bring Draco with her. His mission was clearly engineered to bring about his death - and hence the punishment of his father, Lucius Malfoy for the debacle at the ministry this summer."

"So what happened when old Narcissa decided to speak out?" came a gravely voice from Snape's right. "I'm guessing you're not here to tell us about the newest addition to your circle of friends?" Alastar Moody, the grizzled ex-auror chuckled mockingly.

"Narcissa begged the Dark Lord not to send her son on the mission." Snape said shortly, without looking at Moody. "For her troubles she was tortured cruelly, then killed."

There was a short silence and many of the faces in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place reflected shock. Once again, several glances were directed towards the brown-haired woman, who was staring at the wooden tabletop in silence.

"He killed her?" Remus Lupin said finally "Just like that?"

"Isn't that a little extreme?" Mrs Weasley said "Even for Him? To kill one of his own followers on the spot, just like that?"

"Not at all, considering her husband's failure. I imagine he decided, after Narcissa's outburst, that the death of his wife would punish Lucius doubly." Snape said emotionlessly, taking his seat again.

Dumbledore motioned for silence again, then began to speak again, this time without rising to stand.

"I'm sure you see why I didn't consider this to be vital news at first. I intended to mention it to the Order in due time, that a Death Eater had been murdered, but it was not a particularly serious matter. Other than my concern for young Draco and the danger he might pose to those around him when he returned to school to attempt to kill me, I did not dwell on it."

Dumbledore paused again, and turned to the brown-haired woman.

"That is, until I received an owl from Andromeda this morning. Andromeda?"

Andromeda stood slowly, finally turning her gaze on the room. Despite her kind face, her eyes were sharp, alert and coolly calculating.

"Many of you here know me, and do not need to hear this, but for those of you who are strangers, you will need to know a little about me before I continue with the story."

She waited for a moment or two while her audience either nodded, looking intrigued, or muttered among themselves.

"My maiden name was Black, and before I met my husband Ted," here her eyes lit upon a portly, cheerful looking man beside her, and a brief smile illuminated her face "before I met my husband Ted, I was very close to my two sisters, Narcissa and Bellatrix Black, now Malfoy and Lestrange."

The few people who hadn't heard this story before looked very shocked, and even frightened and wary at this, but Andromeda continued talking, ignoring the growing stony expressions that were forming on several faces.

"We grew apart, my sisters and I, as I began to realise the falsity of the pureblood prejudices I had been brought up to believe." she said, speaking more softly now. "I eloped with Ted when I left Hogwarts, and as a result I was disowned from my family. I have not spoken to my sisters since that day."

Andromeda hesitated as the other Order members began to whisper among themselves. She turned to Dumbledore, who nodded reassuringly, and she began to speak again, cutting the whisperers short.

"Draco Malfoy was brought up hearing my name said in shameful whispers. He'd heard my story, most likely in adults conversations listened to through keyholes, and like his parents, had held me in utmost contempt - despite never having met me. I was shocked when, on Wednesday evening, he came knocking on my front door."

"What?" came several exclamations, and Dumbledore had to motion for silence before Andromeda could continue.

"The boy looked frantic and ill. He said he had no one else to turn to, that he had been trying to track down my whereabouts for more than a day. He certainly looked as if he had been on his feet the entire time, with no sleep or food. I let him come in."

"As soon as I had sat him down, he began to beg me for protection. He had fled from the Dark Lord, he told me. His mother had been killed, he had been made a Death Eater against his will. He knew no one else he could turn to that he could trust."

"I immediately wanted to take him to the Headquarters. I wanted to speak to the headmaster right away; the boy would undoubtedly be followed to my home if he really was fleeing from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. However Draco reassured me that his master would not know he had fled, not yet. He had been too frightened to speak against getting the Mark, and had waited until he was dismissed before he ran."

"I settled Draco down in the spare room before I contacted Dumbledore. Draco wanted to stay with me, but I knew my home was the first place they would search, once He found out that Draco had defected."

Dumbledore nodded kindly to Andromeda, who sat down. The old man rose to his feet again.

"When I last spoke to young Draco late last night, he was wracked with grief for his mother, and terror for his own plight. He rather reluctantly admitted to me - he was hesitant to speak ill of his parents or their decisions - that he had always been intensely afraid of Voldemort, and had never wanted to join his followers, even when he came of age, despite his parents wishes. That is not to say -" Dumbledore continued, as Moody harrumphed loudly, "that he did not agree with Voldemort's philosophy; of the superiority of purebloods, and their right to rule. Indeed, despite Mr Malfoy's attempts to fool me, it is clear he still holds those beliefs."

"He would barely look or speak to dad while he was in the house when I went round yesterday." Nymphadora Tonks spoke up, looking disgusted. Several witches and wizards shook their heads, looking similarly disgusted.

"And here my dilemma lies." Dumbledore said, casting his benign blue-eyed gaze over the group of people seated before him "I have a frightened, but angry and dark young man under my care. He has no wish to follow Lord Voldemort any longer, indeed he expressed murderous wishes towards him several times during my short meeting with him. I have offered him shelter and protection for the current time, and I have called you all together to discuss whether we should continue to shelter the boy, and if so, help me to decide where he should stay until term begins."

"You mean you think he'll be safe at Hogwarts?" Molly Weasley asked, concern etched on her kindly face.

"Yes." Dumbledore said firmly "And I already have several ideas on how to protect him from his pro-Voldemort classmates. It is his summer residence I am mainly concerned about. He cannot stay at Andromeda's home, and I do not wish him to spend time alone, lest he fall into dark thoughts and begins to doubt his decision. It was a difficult choice, and the sooner we can show him that he will not be rejected, or in danger, the better. He cannot remain here; he could be unsupervised for days at a time."

"You mean he's here?" Moody growled "At Grimmauld Place? A Death Eater in our headquarters?"

"The boy is no longer a Death Eater-"

"He bears the Dark Mark!" Moody barked "Once a Death Eater-"

"Yes Moody, we all know your views!" Snape hissed "But this is a sixteen year old boy we're -"

"And you weren't much older!" Moody shot back

"I have not played you wrong thus far!" Snape spat

""Thus far? You see Dumbledore, he -" Moody stood up

"Silence!" Dumbledore bellowed, and Mad-Eye fell back into his seat, exchanging a hate-filled glare with Snape.

"Draco Malfoy has been in a room upstairs since last night." Dumbledore announced calmly "He has been awaiting my decision as to where to send him. By his own permission, his wand was taken from him."

"But what about our intelligence! Our blueprints!" Moody roared, making the people nearest him wince. "We've been keeping them in the building with a Death Eater!"

"All are under lock and key and magical protection." Dumbledore replied "But again, this is another reason he cannot continue to live at the headquarters, at least while he is unsupervised."

"He shouldn't be here at all! You said yourself he still follows the ideas of pureblood supremacy!" Tonks spoke up, shooting her mother a scowl.

"He's still a child, there's every chance once he's taken from his parent's influence-" Molly began, and Dumbledore settled back into his seat as the rest of the Order members began muttering and arguing among themselves.

"Albus, I don't think we should offer him protection." Moody said "He's made his bed, now let him lie in it, I say!"

"Mad-Eye, he's only sixteen!" Tonks exclaimed, staring at her mentor "I'll be the first to admit he's nasty piece of work, and he shouldn't be near our headquarters, but he can't help what he was born into!"

"These are hard times, and he can't be trusted!" Moody snapped "The Order is not a refuge for stray Death Eaters," his eyes rested on Snape "and we are putting ourselves into a position where we can be infiltrated by letting scum like that amongst us!"

"Alastor, I appreciate your caution but I must remind you that we are only offering him protection, not membership to the Order of the Phoenix." Dumbledore cut in.

"Albus," Remus Lupin addressed the headmaster "If you tell me that you are certain that the boy is sincere in his wish to change sides in this war -"

"I am," Dumbledore inclined his head to Remus "beyond a doubt. The boy watched his mother's torture and death at the hands of his so-called 'Master'. He has no wish to serve him in any way."

"Then I offer you my unconditional support." Remus said "If it is your wish that the boy be protected, then I will do everything I can to help."

The room descended into troubled muttering.

After a minute or two, Molly Weasley, exchanging a glance with her husband spoke up.

"Professor, I think it goes without saying that Arthur and I agree that Draco should be offered protection, as long as he is truly sincere about his change of sides. And were it anyone else, I'd welcome him into my family as if he was one of my own." she spoke apologetically "But as things stand, I have to consider my own children."

"None of them would be pleased to hear that we would even consider letting him into our home." Arthur continued apologetically.

"I certainly don't want him to have an influence on Ginny or Ron." Molly added

Many people nodded their heads in agreement.

"I can't see him comfortable at The Burrow, given his prejudices." A short, stout old woman chipped in, and several people nodded.

"Indeed." Dumbledore said solemnly "Thank you for speaking Molly, Arthur - Genevieve." he nodded at them in turn. "It's true, I wouldn't want anyone to take him in against their will, although I'm sure he would learn much about his prejudices if he stayed under the care of those who he holds such beliefs against. In fact, it is my hope to place him with such people in order that he learn something valuable this summer. Severus - " Dumbledore turned to Snape abruptly "Why don't you fetch Draco? I think he should have a say on where he should live during the summer."

There was an uncomfortable silence for a few moments.

"What about Professor Snape then?" Hestia Jones said, breaking the mood once Snape had swept from the room. "Wouldn't he be a good role model? As another who broke from the dark side?"

Several people, including the Weasleys, looked relieved and approving at Hestia's idea, but Dumbledore was already shaking his head.

"I'm afraid it simply isn't suitable. As an extremely valuable spy, I'm sure you can image why it would be catastrophic for Severus to be found harbouring Draco. Also, I fear that it would be a little to close to home. I trust Severus implicitly, but he is neither willing nor able to provide the type of support and guidance Draco needs, never mind the fact he is rarely at his home."

The Order members fell to murmuring among themselves again. Finally Dedalus Diggle spoke up.

"Albus, I feel that I should say that I'd be willing to take the boy in if no one else will. But have you thought about letting the boy stay at Hogwarts?"

"Thank you, Dedalus." Dumbledore said "I wanted to consider all options before putting my own idea forth for consideration. Ah -" Dumbledore turned towards the door as it began to open and Professor Snape stepped through, holding it open for a second figure.

Draco Malfoy looked gaunt and unhealthy. His hair was stringy, his skin pallid, and there were dark smudges under his eyes. He was wearing a rather dirty looking black robe with the left sleeve rolled up to the elbow. His forearm was heavily bandaged.

"Have a seat, Draco." Dumbledore said kindly, conjuring one out of thin air beside him. Draco, who had been glancing around the crowded room with an expression of intimidation and fear on his face, hurried over and dropped into the proffered seat gratefully, now staring only at the table in front of him. Eyes followed his bandaged arm until it was out of sight under the table.

"We were just discussing where to put you for the rest of the summer." Dumbledore said conversationally, and Draco looked up uncertainly, then seemed to shrink backwards into the seat when he became aware of the many eyes fixed on his face, some of which were hostile and cold.

"We had already decided the homes of some of our members were unsuitable," Dumbledore continued "as are our headquarters and Hogwarts."

"Forgive me for asking Dumbledore," Kingsley Shacklebolt, a tall black man leant forward from his place several seats away "but why can't the boy stay at Hogwarts? Surely its safe? And you can watch over him yourself, for the most part."

"Few teachers stay at school over the summer," Dumbledore replied "and I myself am often away. No, it would be a lonely summer indeed, and although I have considered it, it has only strengthened my conviction that there is somewhere more appropriate for Draco to stay."

"Where then?" Tonks asked simply

"Before I say, Draco, is there anywhere that you would like to suggest?"

Draco looked down at the table hurriedly and muttered something.

"I'm afraid there is no chance of you staying at Hogwarts." Dumbledore said firmly. "I wish for you to have company of your own age this summer. If that's all?" he paused for Draco to shake his head, then continued jovially "Well then it's a good thing that I have received several pleading letters from another boy your age desperate for company!"

There was a pause, where Draco looked up at Dumbledore suspiciously. His lips began to form the words 'who?' when Molly Weasley made a noise of contempt.

"You can't be serious, Albus!" she exclaimed "The boys are enemies at school! And I thought we agreed he was to come and stay with Ron very soon!"

A look of dawning comprehension began to materialise on Draco's face, shortly followed by horror and disgust.

"I will not," he said stiffly "live with Potter!"

"In case you are forgetting, Draco" Dumbledore said sternly to him "you came to me for help. And help you have been offered."

"But - I don't want -!"

"Albus, his guardians are muggles!"

Draco looked doubly horror-struck.

"Molly," Dumbledore said loudly, cutting of Draco's further complaints "I am well aware of Mr and Mrs Dursley's status, as am I of our discussion where we agreed that Harry would stay at The Burrow at the end of the summer. Draco -" he spoke more kindly now, as Draco really did look upset "I am well aware of your views towards muggles, and I think it is about time you spent some time with some, so that next time you air your views they will be supported by experience, not hot air. I understand you do not get along with Harry at school, but I assure you he is rather likeable, if one makes the effort to get to know him."

"Yeah right," Draco snorted, seemingly shocked enough to forget his audience, several who looked enraged at his attitude towards Dumbledore. His sneer was somewhat muted by his tired, sickly complexion, but it was still there. "I suppose you think he'll be happy to see me?" he added derisively.

"Not at all, Draco, not at all." Dumbledore said pleasantly "But I have every faith that, this time around when you try to befriend him, you will be more tactful in your approach."

While Draco looked shocked that the headmaster seemed to know so much about his first meeting with Harry, Dumbledore capitalised on the ensuing silence by using it to wish everyone goodnight. Draco wordlessly mouthed protests, but the headmaster moved away from the young Death Eater as Mrs Weasley confronted him, looking fierce.

"Albus!" she whispered furiously "Harry's summer is bad enough, having to stay with those ghastly relatives of his, never mind you dumping his school rival - a bully! - on him, in his own home!"

"Molly," he placated "Draco will benefit from the heavy protection on Privet Drive, get an insight on a side of life he has never known before, and most of all benefit from Harry's example. As for Harry's relatives - Draco needs a strong hand."

"Is that what you call it?" Molly bristled "Albus, I've told you my views on how those - people - treat Harry!"

"Harry is comfortable with his relatives enough to complain about them, it's not unusual-"

"Harry doesn't complain about things lightly, headmaster!"

"And Harry, despite being exceptionally kind-hearted, is also a teenager. Have none of your children ever come home spouting praises for their friend's mothers, whilst complaining about their own treatment at home?"

"That is a completely diff-!"

"Molly, I'm afraid I have to leave now." Dumbledore stopped her, gesturing at the now almost empty room. "I understand your concerns, but I have every faith that staying with Harry will have a positive effect on Draco."

He turned to go.

"Come now Draco," he called briskly "we have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow!".

As Dumbledore and Draco left the room, Molly sank down into a chair.

"But what of its effect on Harry?" she whispered.

April 2011 -