So here we have another chapter.

Last chapter we had some diner party times and Lily and Snape i France...

and a little McGonagall romance!


Chapter 9:

The guests talked away for what felt like the whole evening. Eventually Molly and Arthur stood, "we ought to be getting little Bill home." Arthur smiled at the group, "thank you for having us." He shook hands with Charlus before pulling his cloak on and helping his wife with hers. Milly brought a sleeping Bill into the room, ready to be taken home. "Good night everyone." The rest of the Weasley family had quickly followed after them.

Tessie and Muriel quickly made their exit, in the hope that they might get home before it got too dark. Elphinstone had also left relatively quickly as he had to get up early for work.

Some moments after Arthur and Molly had left Charlus smiled at his guests, but turned to his son, "James, why don't you and your friends go play in the next room for a few minutes."

"But dad," James began.

"No, James. Please go." Charlus said firmly. James nodded before leading Marlene, Alice and Frank out of the room. They hid behind the door, intent on hearing what they were missing. "Well, my friends, I ask you to hear out the reason you were all gathered here. Albus, if you will…"

Albus Dumbledore stood to his feet, "friends as you are aware there is a darkness over our land. A dark wizard – who as of yet has refused to come into the light – has been attacking muggles and muggle-borns alike. Voldemort has very little respect for human life except that of the pure-blooded wizard." Dumbledore stopped for breath. The witches and wizards in the room watched and listened in silence. "I propose that we stand united. I wish to start a secret society that will fight against Voldemort and his followers until they are defeated."

"I'm in!" Fabian said abruptly. Many in the room giggled quietly at how fast he had come to his decision. His mother, however, frowned.

"I know many of you work at the ministry and are already fighting," Dumbledore continued, "but I and others, I might add are beginning to doubt the ministry."

Charlus added, "I am unsure of how long the ministry will stand if Voldemort comes out into the public eye."

"We offer you the chance to join us. We already have friends who are willing but we wished to give you the opportunity as well."

"It's a lot to ask, but I have always believed that we are strongest…"

"When we are united. Yes we know Charlus." Louisa said.

"Louisa, you know we would never ask if we didn't think it necessary," Dumbledore smiled sadly.

"I know, Albus. It's just – it's just, I just became a grandma." A tear fell down the woman's face. Percival put his arm around his wife.

"Do we have to tell you today, Dumbledore? Or can we think about it?" Percival asked.

"Take as long as you need dear friend. All I must ask is that you not speak of it with anyone else."

"Very well." Percival turned towards his sons, "boys, you are both of age, it is your choice what you do."

"But Percival!" Louisa cried.

"My dear wife, they are adults," Percival said.

"Well, if they are fighting then we have to. I will not have my children fighting in a war that I won't." Louisa said, strongly, although tears continued to fall down her face.

"How about we go around the room and state our position. I will begin." Charlus said, holding tightly to his wife beside him, "as old as I am, I will fight."

Dorea smiled at her husband, "I will fight by my husband's side."

Old Mrs McKinnon was sat near Mrs Potter and she had a resolved look on her face, "I am willing to what I can."

Mrs McKinnon's daughter-in-law smiled and touched her hand to the old lady's knee, "I will fight."

"As will I," said Mr McKinnon.

Fabian nodded, "I'm in."

Gideon laughed, "bring it on."

Lucretia and Ignatius looked at each other, "we will join."

Percival smiled at his wife, who nodded her response, "as will we."

McGonagall smiled, "I will fight."

"I will fight even if it means dying just like my Franklin," Augusta answered.

Soon the entire group had agreed and Dumbledore nodded, "thank you dear friends. You are not alone. There are others. We will be called the Order of the Phoenix. We will meet often to discuss possible courses of action – but that must wait until we can find a headquarters. If any of you have any idea where we could meet, it would be appreciated."

Charlus smiled, "well there is our London house. We hardly ever use it."

"Can we go see it tomorrow? We'd have to put extra enchantments upon it but I don't see why not." Dumbledore smiled. "Of course, it goes without saying that this must be kept absolutely secret."


James looked at his friends, "I want to join," he whispered.

"Me too," replied Marlene.

"They won't let us," Frank said.

"Maybe when we're of age they will," Alice hoped.

Soon their parents came looking for them; it was time to go home. They all agreed that they would spend the day together tomorrow down by the pool. "This time we might actually wear our swimming costumes," the girls joked.

"Sounds awesome," said James, winking at Marlene.

Marlene merely shook her head with laughter.


When Marlene arrived home she quickly grabbed a piece of parchment and a pen.

Lily,

I don't know how much I can tell you about tonight – not by letter anyway. It was a fantastic evening. To be fair, I've had a great week with James, Alice and Frank. James is so funny. We've had such a lot of fun. Yesterday we swam in James' pool – we were fully dressed. The boys had pushed us in. James' house-elves have had a baby. It is the cutest thing I have ever seen. They even let me hold him. His name is Mippy, after James' elf that died last year.

Tonight was so good. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall came. I met a bunch of Alice's family. Do you remember hearing about baby Bill? He really is as cute as Alice said. Her cousin Gideon is rather gorgeous! Although, so is his twin brother Fabian for that matter. They're nineteen. Not long out of Hogwarts. They both work for the ministry. Gideon works at the British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters and Fabian works at the dragon research and restraint bureau. Just think, one sporty and the other addicted to danger. Oh it's just delicious.

James says Sirius should arrive any day. I think he is anxious to see him. Although it's been so much fun, just the four of us, I do miss Sirius. I hope he arrives before I come to visit you. I can't wait to hear all about France! I've got so much to tell you too.

Lots of Love,

Marlene. Xxxx


Please review...

As for the next chapter...

I am thinking... some Sirius time...