Recruitment: Part 3

With the news that Moody had joined the ranks of Sirius' secret team, Tonks and Shacklebolt signed up without need for further explanation from Sirius, which was a pleasant relief.

His next candidate, however, required a more intellectual touch.

Going through his usual pre-recruitment routine, he turned around to greet one of Harry's closest friends.

"Hello, Hermione", he said with a warm smile.

"Hello, Mr Black", although she did save that man's life, and knew that he was becoming a bigger part of Harry's life, she was still a bit shy of Harry's adopted Father.

"Please, you saved me when adults could not, the least you deserve is to call me Sirius, just Sirius".

Their even beginning to pick up each others mannerisms, as she smiled warmly at Sirius, nodding her assent.

"So, I understand Dumbledore has requested that I see you, to see if I can help in this secret project you have. Harry won't tell me a thing and the Twins are acting downright paranoid."

"At least they are learning to follow orders", all warmth departing from his face.

"Orders, Sirius?", her tone quickly matching his, with slow understanding dawning across of her face.

Reading her face like an open book, Sirius could not help but wonder, could she really be the brightest Witch of her age?

"Yes, orders", choosing to answer her question later into their conversation. "Now, tell me, what do you think about the Wizarding World?"

With her brow tightened into a frown, and with a deep breath, she launched into what Harry had warned Sirius was her 'lecturing mode'; Sirius braced himself.

"Well, aside from the obvious Pureblood ideologies, I firmly believe that the Wizarding World should be grabbed by the collective scruff of its neck and hauled into the 21st Century. A Muggle author once wrote that, 'any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic'. I believe that the Magic we possess is nothing but another facet of Science and Technology", she proclaimed those last 3 words with obvious reverence.

"Imagine the possibilities!", she enthused, "combining and studying both Muggle and Magical worlds in tandem. The Muggles have managed to split the atom, one of the smallest pieces of matter known to Man, while Wizards can create more matter through a simple Transfiguration spell; Muggles have posited that there are at least 11 dimensions, apart from the 4 we experience as humans, while Wizards can speak to the dead; Muggles can see billions of years into the past, while Wizards have Time-Turners".

Sirius sat in silent awe at the future Hermione was slowly proposing.

"I could go on and on and on, Sirius; but we as members of the human race, are so tragically flawed. This war against Voldemort is nothing new, it is merely a product of evolutionary biology, where man fights against man for the survival for the fittest. Unless we can see past our biological traits, we will eventually cease to exist, because this world simply does not have the resources to sustain such constant conflict. If we work towards a brighter goal, then Mankind will have a future beyond the stars".

"Worse, even without all the wars and bloodshed, Earth cannot sustain so many of us. All of us have to work together, or we will eventually perish on this floating rock", Hermione proclaimed fervently. "That's not all, Sirius. The Wizarding World is dying. Because of our self-imposed isolation, we will be squeezed out because there are simply too many Muggles fighting for those same limited resources. The rise and fall of Dark Lords only accelerates our diminishing numbers."

She inhaled again, "not to be arrogant, Sirius, but at least the Muggles are trying to reach for the stars, but will the Wizarding World ever set aside its own prejudices, and join the rest of Humanity?"

Sirius considered her words silently. He had never given much thought about his future, apart from keeping Harry safe. He had never pondered on what he could now see was the gradual decline of the Wizarding World. Truth be told, he could not even see past the death of Tom Riddle. But Hermione had made a believer out of him.

"That... was profound, and something I would never have conceived of throughout my research into the Muggle world."

"Oh?"

She knows what I already have planned. Damn, does Harry know how to pick 'em.

"When this war ends, let's see how much money I can throw into tearing down the walls that separate Muggle and Wizarding Worlds; and see if we can't help in Humanity's fight for survival, shall we?"

She could only manage a small smile.

They were both lost in their own thoughts for a while.

Seeing that Hermione already knew what he was up to, he decided to jump right in and ask, "so what do you know about combining Muggle technology and Magic?"

Her lecturing mode back in place, she continued with what Sirius considered the most thought-provoking interview he had yet, "it's a common misconception that Muggle technology and Magic will not work together. If that were true, biological life, which is based on chemical reactions, would cease to exist. The harnessing of chemical reactions are but one aspect of Muggle technology. Take the Muggle gun for example", she graced him with a sly grin, which he promptly returned, "the standard Muggle gun is based off a series of mechanical movements and chemical reactions. Basically fire, harnessed into a small explosion, propels a piece of small metal into a target. Wood-burning fires exist in Wizarding homes, do they not?", she asked rhetorically, "then the same principles apply to a gun".

"Excellent, I'm making you the head of our new Research and Development Department to see what can be done with combining both Muggle and Magical worlds, with funds in Gringotts, under your name, if you wish to join us. Should you choose, you can join us in more explosive activities".

Hermione was about to give her consent when he held his hand up to stop her. "Before you agree, there are 2 more problems that you must be made aware of".

Sirius revealed the truth behind the Horcruxes, and the fate the befell Harry. He wanted her input and participation in the hunt and destruction of those evil objects, after having so ably demonstrating her intelligence.

"Finally, there is the matter of your age. You will need your parents consent."

"Please," she snorted, "as if a Muggle's consent ever mattered in the Wizarding World. My parents might as well not exist in the eyes of Wizarding law. With all due respect to Mr Weasley, even he views Muggles as nothing more than a fascinating past time. Even then, since I'm a mudblood, I'm already a target. Whatever I do in the fight against Voldemort or his Death Eaters will be nothing more than self-defence".

With that last statement, Hermione made her Oaths and Vows to the Order of the Phoenix, with a hastily summoned Dumbledore acting as the Binder of her vows.

As the glow from her Oaths and Vows slowly faded, Sirius couldn't help but pull one over Hermione, "oh, as the new head of my R&D Division, you are now in charge of the Twins"

"I HATE YOU!"


Filthy, buggering, shite, I should have palmed this off onto Remus, as he cringed in the face of the verbal tornado that was Molly Weasley.

At least I had the foresight to invite Remus, the entire Weasley clan, Moody and Dumbledore to this interview.

"Absolutely not!", screeched the Weasley matriarch, "the rest of you are old enough, but Ron and Ginny are children! I simply cannot have them running around with such dangerous weapons!"

These old arguments again, Sirius groaned internally. Looking towards Dumbledore, he saw the older Wizard slowly nodding his head while approaching Molly Weasley. I solemnly swear to never prank Dumbledore for handling Molly.

It took the combined persuasive power of Remus, Dumbledore and Moody to rehash the same old arguments before Molly finally relented, with the express warning to Ron and Ginny that they behave and obey all instructions given to them, lest they face all their childhood embarrassments revealed at Hogwarts via a Howler.

Before long, the 2 youngest Weasleys were members of the Order.


It had been a long day, and it was now 11 in the evening but his day was not even done yet, not with those bloody time-zones.

Tough luck, Padfoot. Time is not a luxury you have, not with Tom having been in hiding, and preparing, after all these years.

Sirius downed 2 Pepper-Up Potions, followed by a Calming Draught coupled with a quick cold shower. Feeling refreshed, he quickly dressed into the finest three-pieced pin-stripped suit that Saville Row's tailors could produced.

Grabbing the International Portkey that Dumbledore had managed to procure for him on such short notice, he felt the familiar pulling sensation.

He promptly landed in a heap on the sunlit International Portkey Hall, within the Department of Magic of the United States of America, Washington D.C.

"Lord Black, from the United Kingdom?", came a pleasant voice from somewhere above his head.

"That's me", as he tried to recover his dignity from Portkey travel.

"Don't worry about it, Lord Black, I've seen Magical Monarchs that have made a bigger mess of themselves, you did admirably," she whispered conspiratorially, "now, may I have your wand for identification, please?" After a quick wave of her wand against his, she flashed a dazzling smile at Sirius before announcing, "enjoy your stay in the States!"

"You too", he grinned back stupidly.

'You too?' Fuck, did I just splinch my brain via that Portkey, realising how vapid his reply had sounded, or did Snape fuck up my potions on purpose?

Quickly exiting the building, he hailed a taxi, giving directions to a building somewhere in a place called Virginia.


He arrived at a non-descript building, paid his fare, and exited the vehicle.

Passing through doors that looked too thick to be normal, Sirius felt as though he were walking into a trap.

Walking past a quartet of guards wearing unusual, dark-coloured clothing that flanked the entrance, he recognised the objects slug across their chest as rifles. Powerful ones, if my memory serves me right.

Strapped to each left thigh was a gun, or pistol, as Hermione had quietly corrected him, over the course of dinner the previous day.

One of the guards mumbled to himself.

They know I'm here.

Pausing right after the entrance, he took the time to observe his surroundings.

The furniture was plush, well-appointed and understated, yet somewhat disproportionate. Realisation dawned upon him, they're all designed to be used as shields against an attack.

Behind each of the four pillars that surrounded the foyer discretely stood a pair of similarly clad guards.

He was certain that those were the only visible defenses to the building.

Wonder how long Tom would take to conquer this building, he mused.

"Welcome to DarkWaters Incorporated, Lord Black, Mr Thompson will see you in his offices right now, " said a no-nonsense blonde that appeared seemingly out of thin air, "if you would follow me, please".

Taking a whisper-quiet elevator up to the top floor, he was ushered in through a similarly disproportionate door, which was flanked by another quartet of similarly dressed guards.

Merlin's bloody bollocks, do the Muggles manufacture these beasts?

"Mr Thompson, Lord Black is here".

As the door shut silently behind him, Sirius again scanned the room. The decor was what he had already come to term as paranoia chic.

Behind the heavy wooden desk rose a trim, middle-aged man, with steel grey, short-trimmed hair, wearing a simple dress shirt with his sleeves rolled up.

"Lord Black", as he extended his hand.

"Mr Thompson", as Sirius shook his hand firmly.

Both eyed each other like coiled serpents, ready to strike.

Looks like we'll both be interviewing each other.

"Coffee or Tea?", Thompson asked, as the blonde receptionist from before, wheeled in the tea service.

"Water is fine, thank you".

As the receptionist left, the sheer danger and obsessive paranoia in this room made Sirius silently cast all the Wards that he was able to, while doing it silently, and with his wand under the table.

"You're an interesting man, Lord Black"

"And you have a unique company, Mr Thompson", Sirius parried.

Silence reigned supreme as both men sipped their chosen drinks.

"Let's cut this bullshit chest-thumping, shall we?", Thompson's curiosity finally giving in.

"Indeed, let's".

"You're not a Member of the House of Lords; you have not entered or exited this country in the last 10 years, and yet seem to have appeared in Washington D.C. in the past few hours; the only mention of you are from English newspapers warning about the escape of a mass murderer, of which whose picture bears a striking resemblance to you; your sizeable bank deposit into our company's private accounts come from entirely legitimate sources; our past correspondence was delivered by an owl of all things; and you come into my office completely unarmed. Just who and what are you, Sirius Black?"

Showtime.

"I am entirely who I say I am. However, what I am cannot be easily explained. Now, I'll say this very slowly", as Sirius slowly raised his empty hands, "do not be alarmed".

In a flash, 2 things happened.

Sirius transformed into Padfoot; and Thompson had a pistol pointed exactly where Sirius head would have been if not for his transformation.

Padfoot cocked his head, and let out a puzzled, "Aroo?", before transforming back into Sirius.

Thompson had seen many conflicts, death, gore and inhumanity, and it took him all of 2 seconds, by Sirius' count, to respond, "I see".

"You offer a service that Magical England requires. Unfortunately, our own government is in denial. I, for the want of a better word, represent a group of vigilantes that seeks to protect all of England from a Magical terrorist group. In short, I need your services as mercenaries".

"We prefer the term 'private military contractors', but if the shoe fits, and the price is right, who gives a damn?", Thompson gave a simple shrug, "and I know just the man for the job. He's just come back to HQ after another operation of ours."

He picked up his phone, pressed a single button and spoke tersely, "Amanda, Avery, now."

The men settled into waiting for the mysterious Avery. To entertain Thompson and himself, he had: transfigured Avery into a cat; cast his strongest shield and dared Thompson to shoot him in the face; and finally reduced Thompson's desk into a pile of splinters with a Reducto Curse.

"That's coming out of your deposit", said the former Navy Seal, with a wide grin, "and it ain't exactly cheap".

"And I'm not exactly poor", the Marauder countered back, with an equally wide grin.

"Dick."

"Pillock."

There was a short knock on the door and in strode a dark-skinned man, as lean and as graceful as a panther, interrupting their friendly banter.

With one swift glance, the man who could only be Avery, assessed the room and the destroyed table, turned towards Thompson, and with a nod, said, 'Sir'.

When Thompson returned the nod, Avery seemed to uncoil himself into a less aggressive posture.

"This is former Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson, once a fearsome warrior for the Army's Green Berets. A specialist in unconventional and urban warfare. His hobbies include being a real pain in the ass against his targets, and cross-stitching."

"Avery, you have now been assigned to Lord Black here, for a special operation in the UK. You are to follow his orders, or to any of those of which he chooses to delegate said responsibility to. Finally, because of the special nature your operation, you will receive the pay grade of that of any former Captain with your combat qualifications, that is currently working for our company. Now, you know I'm not a man who likes to bullshit, but there's a reason for the rise in pay grade. You will be exposed to some creepy voodoo shit, and will likely have to fight against some weird crazy voodoo shit. If you find that your current operation is unacceptable, you may resign with 1 months' notice. Am I clear?"

"Sir, yes, Sir".

"He's all yours, my Lord, oh, and help yourself to the armoury, it's all part of the service we provide", Thompson winked.

Ever the Marauder, Sirius couldn't help but pull one more prank. Summoning a heavy pouch of Galleons from his specially charmed suit, he placed it on a nearby shelf, "consider this the first payment to what I hope will be a wonderful working relationship", Sirius winked back. "Future payments will come by more conventional means".

Let's see him try to figure out how to convert Gringotts gold into Muggle currency.


"I want 5 sets of 5 of your favourite hand-held weapons."

"Sir, yes, Sir".

"With 1000 rounds of ammunition per weapon."

"Sir, yes, Sir".

This could be fun...

"And 5 sets of 5 of your favourite man-portable explosive weapons".

"Sir, yes, Sir".

"With 50 rounds of ammunition of whatever you call them for each explosive weapon"

"Sir, yes, Sir".

Not a crack. Amazing.

"20 sets of whatever it is the hell your guards are wearing, and I mean everything, excluding any weapons. I don't care about the size".

"Sir, yes, Sir".

"Have all the equipment neatly stacked and completely covered in cargo netting in one single net, in the foyer and ready to move in 1 hour."

"Sir?"

Gotcha.

"You heard me. Now, move, we are due to arrive in London in 1 hour and 15 minutes".

Speechless, the soldier just ran down the corridor.


Despite what Sirius thought was an impossible timeline, Avery had it done with 5 minutes to spare.

His toys were all neatly stacked and bundled into a pile the size of a Muggle van.

"Excellent work, Avery. Now for the fun part. You can either place your hand on my shoulder, or you can hold my hand, in case you're scared."

Not taking the bait, Avery replied, "shoulder's fine, Sir".

"If you say so," he simply shrugged.

With one hand one his shiny new toys, and another on his wand, he willed all his power into the Apparation spell.

This is going to hurt, were his last thoughts before they spun away from the foyer of DarkWaters Incorporated.


With an almighty bang, Avery, Sirius and his recent purchases crashed onto the floor of the International Portkey Hall.

Both men promptly vomited onto the elegant marble floors.

"Lord Black! I'm surprised to see you so soon, although this isn't the normal Apparation point for domestic users", she continued on cheerily.

"'msorry", was all he could manage.

"Don't worry about a thing, I assume you'll be heading home with your guest and your shopping?".

Weak smiles from the 2 hapless men were all she received.

"Don't worry about the mess, I'll take care of it. And Lord Black? Thank you for visiting America", batting her eyelashes before he felt the familiar pull on his belly.

Fuck.


Home, finally.

Both men looked too dazed and seasick to be of any use, so they just flopped onto twin piles on the front foyer of Number 12 Grimmauld Place.

"Told you you should have held my hand".

"I'll take that under advisement, Sir".

"OK, orders. Take any room that looks unoccupied. If anyone asks, said I sent you. I have a meeting to attend at 9, so be ready by 8. If a portrait screams at you, should you deem it fit, use any means necessary to silence it, just don't make too much of a mess. Do not shoot anything that looks even remotely like a creature. Moody is too expensive, and Harry loves Dobby. Breakfast is in the kitchen. If a red-headed woman screams at you, just give her one of your scary looks."

"Sir?"

"That one."

"You can sit here for as long as you like to recover. I'll see you at 8".

Too lazy and simply too tired to move his ordnance away, he simply linked the bundle to the house Wards.

Just one more potential recruit, as he collapsed into his bed.


He was woken up by screams, screams that he had long learnt to be the collective sounds of Molly Weasley and his Mother's portrait.

Casting a Tempus charm, he discovered that it was exactly 7 am.

Avery, only Avery could cause such precisely timed mayhem.

Quickly performing his morning ablutions, and donning fresh robes, he decided to face the proverbial music.

As he descended the staircase, he found Avery standing by the door to the kitchen, feet spread apart and arms held behind him, in what Sirius surmised was Avery's 'at ease' stance. "Sorry to wake you, Sir".

"Don't worry about it, and just ignore the damned thing," casting a glance at his Mother's screaming portrait.

"Which one, Sir?"

The Super Soldier does have a sense of humour, that realisation was the only entertaining part of breakfast he would enjoy.

"Follow me".

Walking into the kitchen, he cast a quick Sonorus Charm and yelled, "Silence!"

Even the portrait stopped screaming.

Hmm, maybe being Lord Black really does have its uses.

"This is Mr Avery Johnson, and he is here as my special guest", he said, glaring at the Weasley matriarch. Turning to the teenagers, "all of you will address him in the manner in which he deems fit to be addressed, is that clear?" Heads nodded. "Finally, I'm sure all of you will all have noticed the massive bundle in the front foyer? Don't deny it, I felt you two probing it through the house Wards", the twins had the gall to grin at him. Fine. "What you may not know is that that bundle is the property Mr Johnson, and as punishment for tampering with the property of my guest, in my house, you two will have the honour of storing that entire bundle in the basement, without magic". The twins finally paled.

Sirius silently dared Molly to question his punishment.

Turning away from the shocked members of the Order, "Avery, a word before breakfast?"

"Sir, yes, Sir".


Both Avery and Sirius Apparrated just beyond the Wards of Hogwarts.

Avery immediately set off at a brisk jog, ostensibly to recce the School grounds.

You've put this interview off long enough, be the bigger man.

Why can't Remus or Dumbledore do it? He argued with himself.

Because this whole thing was your bloody fucking idea.

He found himself deliberately slowing his pace. I really really really hate this, he whined.

Before he knew it, he was at the entrance to the Headmaster's office.

The Gargoyle slid back.

"Ah, Sirius my dear boy, you're here slightly early?"

"Just reminiscing about my time spent at my alma mater".

"And I trust your friend has enjoyed the sights of Hogwarts, too?", his eyes twinkling.

Damn it, have the Marauders ever pulled a prank that went unnoticed by the old coot? Also, note to self: after destruction of Dark Lord, destory Albus' ability to twinkle his eyes.

Before Sirius could answer, he swept in.

"What is he doing here? I was led to believe that this was on Order business, Headmaster", disdain and a lifetime of hate boiled barely above the surface.

"Good Morning, Snape".

Sirius' attempt at civility was rewarded only with Snape's trademarked sneer.

"My boys, this is Order business, but before that, I believe Sirius has something to ask of you, Severus. Please, hear him out".

Recognising the order for what it was, Snape gave a single nod.

For Harry, because you're now an example to him, Sirius thought, as he slowly drew in a deep breath.

"Severus Snape, I'm sorry for the wretched things I did to you when we were in Hogwarts. I was a bully, plain and simple. I used to hate you for childish reasons, like which House you were sorted into; but that turned into pure bullying, simply because I needed an outlet against my childish rebellion, and you were the easiest target," Sirius took another breath, "but even that is no excuse. I participated in the event that led to you losing your friend".

Sirius soldiered on,"if you do not see it fit to forgive me, at least work with me in destroying Tom Riddle".

His face, forever unreadable in times like these, quietly uttered, "I may forgive, but I will never forget. As long as you fight the Dark Lord, so will I".

Sirius slumped back into his chair, emotionally spent. At least now, they had a détente.

"Excellent!", said Albus, who was wearing a positively beatific smile as he was closer to Severus than most would ever suspect, and knew what a significant event this was for Snape's inner healing, "now on to Order business? I believe that Sirius has formed a team that would serve most superbly in our efforts."

"Snape, what are your most impartial thoughts of Tom Riddle?"

Although shocked by the use of the Dark Lord's Muggle name, ever the consummate spy, he gave his opinion in his most detached tone, "he believes in the superiority of Magic; that Muggles exist only as chattel, to be used and abused; he knows how to rule only through fear, not through kindness; he attracts what Muggles would call sociopaths and murderers to a cause that simply is not self-sustaining."

"Now, indulge me Snape, what would you do if Tom were in the position you now physically stand in?"

Resisting the urge to sneer and call Sirius a complete fool, he continued with his stony-faced, "I am no fool, I'm vastly over-powered by the 2 of you. However, neither of you have palmed your wands like I have. By my observations, it would take you half to one second to draw your wands and to begin casting. I have my back to the corner, against the window; I'm 8 paces away from the exit, and I can destroy the Gargoyles with an overpowered Blasting Curse; I'd have 2 seconds at the most to start running, before you'd decided to activate the nastier Wards of Hogwarts", he finished his assessment with a gesture a Dumbledore.

Suddenly, that twisted grin Black always wore after a successful prank appeared. Snape held his tongue.

"And what would the Dark Lord do about that?", he said, gesturing at the red dot that appeared on Snape's chest. "You are a half-blood, are you not?"

Greasy git, vampire or bat of the Slytherin Dungeons, people assumed many things, but no one would consider him stupid.

He almost had a smile, but to most, it was still a sneer that would make 7th year Hufflepuffs cry, "He wouldn't have a clue how to react. High calibre sniper rifle, hidden somewhere either in the Forbidden Forest or Quidditch Stands?"

"Maybe", Sirius grinned, although secretly surprised at the depth of Snape's knowledge.

"And I take it you wish to use Muggle technology against the Dark Lord?"

"Yup", said Sirius, with a cavalier attitude.

"And I am to assist you by spying for your team?"

"50 points to Slytherin!"

With a billowing of his robes, he swept out of the Headmaster's office with a sneer, but not before answering, "I'm in".

He finally had his team. Now to prepare for their training.


Author's note: that was an incredible 24 hours for me. I'm done introducing the main characters, and then it's off to display their playground. This might take a while, as they require me to do a complete replanning of the story arch.