Chapter 9

Andromeda stumbled in on George and Harry in the gentleman's parlour.

"Well then that solves that question." She smirked. "There is an Order Meeting over lunch. I'll have Gilly serve you in here. If you're in here then you can listen in and we'll discuss the meeting later."

"How will we listen?" George frowned. "We even made a product called extendable ears and we still got caught."

"I'll cast one-way silencing charms on the door. So even if Moody sees you in here, he can't tell you're listening, which he shouldn't if I use Blood-tied magic to hide you. Thankfully there is that four-person table over there. Even if it is meant for cards rather than eating."

"Won't Ronnikin's be jealous?" George smirked.

"You won't tell him or I'll not give you a second chance." Andromeda warned.

George sighed, "Ruin my fun. It would be nice to rub it in."

Andromeda chuckled, "I'm sure it would but its best if you could feign ignorance while being apprised of the situation."

"So um…what's on the menu?" George asked changing the subject.

Andromeda smirked, "Chicken salad sandwiches and a crisp green salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I believe that family is being served mango and peach smoothies."

"Sounds yummy." Harry grinned.

"Very well. I shall have Fred and Hermione summoned here."

"Where are Ron and Ginny eating?"

"I've banned them from the kitchens and this room. With the dinning room occupied by the Order they shall be forced most likely to eat outside on the veranda if Sirius has finished repairing his precious Iris. If not, I'm sure the elves will find a place. Gilly can somewhat think for herself."

George nodded, "Well they can do as they are told or not as far am I'm concerned. Ron is being a poncy git and as for Ginny, she's a paper person without much personality."

"Very well. We'll critique the meeting after the sycophants leave. The Dumbledore-worshipping narrow-minded imbeciles." Andromeda muttered as she turned on her heel and exited the parlor.

Harry had been grateful for Andromeda's presence to distract him from contemplating George's questions and the kiss. He'd rather not consider what he'd just realised; he'd actually kissed the Gryffindor Beater back. What had he been thinking?

The door opening once more interrupted his thoughts…

A very smug Fred entered the parlour with a very flushed Hermione at his heels.

George raised an eyebrow, "We are truly of the same mind."

Fred snickered, "Indeed. However I think I have the lovelier choice."

"Perhaps, but I think mine will prove to be more intriguing."

"Don't talk about me like an object or like I'm not here you two." Hermione huffed.

"I'm not fond of it either." Harry grumbled darkly.

"Well we're going to have a private lunch and we get to listen in on the Order Meeting for once. Andromeda said she'd fix things so even mad old Moody wouldn't figure it out." George changed the subject even if he was contemplating what sort of a figure Harry had beneath those clothes.

It didn't take long for dishes to appear on the small table.

The four very hungry teens made their way to the table.

Soon they could hear the sounds of people moving around in the dinning room that flowed through the door.

"Merlin this is lovely!"

"Yes, if there was a room as fine as this why were we meeting in the kitchen?"

"Because Molly insisted on repairing this house the Muggle way. All it needed it was a team of persons skilled in transfiguration who had the patience for it." Sirius' smirk was almost audible.

"What is she doing here?" came Dumbledore's voice.

"Annie? She is my favourite cousin and this is still my house." Sirius growled. "Her daughter Seph is in the Order. Besides, I'm sure we'll need a healer at some point. Pomfrey is getting on in years. She solved the dilemma I had."

Moody snarled, "Tell me you didn't make a Dark Witch our Secret Keeper."

"Of course not." Came Sirius' smug voice, "I made her my Secret Keeper. It has to be someone I trust with my life and that is my cousin Andromeda. If you haven't forgotten she eloped and bonded with a Hufflepuff, a Muggleborn Hufflepuff at that. Annie can't be that Dark if you have someone like Seph in your ranks who is too much of a fence-rider to have an opinion of her own or to stand with her family. I'm surprised Seph isn't too much of a spineless prat to join the Order of the Phoenix."

"Now Sirius," Dumbledore chided, "that really is terrible of you."

Sirius snorted.

"You ought to respect our leader more." Minerva McGonagall sniffed.

"When he earns it. I'm sick of being bossed around in my own House. Grimmauld Place is my birthplace. Meeting here and using Grimmauld as a Headquarters is a privilege, which I think most of you lot have forgotten. Those who refuse to accept that I am Lord Black and the owner of this place can clear out, that goes especially for Molly."

"Now Sirius you know that because Ronald is Harry's best friend that he is in danger hence why he and his family are here." Albus corrected firmly.

"I could care less." Sirius mumbled.

"How old are you?" McGonagall snapped, "This house isn't a toy to fight over like children."

"Sirius is right, this is his house therefore it is his right to extend or revoke invitations. Especially, to those made without his consent. He is the Head of my House and has reinstated myself and my family to its authority." Andromeda sneered.

"Slytherins have no respect for authority." Kingsley muttered exasperated.

Andromeda's voice was full of disdain, "Does this meeting have a point or is it's only purpose to discuss how unacceptable my position as Secret Keeper is?"

"If you are all quite finished with displays of posturing, perhaps you would be interested in hearing my report?" came the familiar quiet, firm and sharp tones of Severus Snape.

The four Hogwarts Students eavesdropping winced and shivered.

"Of course Severus." Dumbledore said kindly.

Snape sniffed, "The Dark Lord has managed to unite most of his old servants who are free. He's sent ambassadors to the giants, the Veela, the werewolves and the vampires. He is hopeful his return to power will revive old alliances and invite new ones. He sent an Executioner from the Department of Magical Creatures to the giants and Lucius to the Veela Court. We're having difficulty contacting the Elven realm. Greyback has already joined the ranks. As an ally rather than a servant his removal from Wizarding affairs after the Dark Lord's disappearance was ignored. I have forgotten who was sent to the vampire coven."

"Voldemort cannot be allowed to contact Avalon. As for the Vampires they choose to stay out of Wizarding affairs and so the Ministry leaves them alone. We've already sent Hagrid to the giants. The Veela are a historical neutral people and we have no one to send. They ignore wizard or witch allies without Veela blood. We shall have to send Remus to talk to the werewolf packs once more."

Remus snorted, "Any pack loyal to Greyback will side with Voldemort to hopefully gain some sense of power or autonomy. Since the Werewolf Registry was enacted the packs have become more angry with the Ministry. They will not side with us because we can offer them nothing. Especially in light of the legislation that Umbridge is trying to pass that will force werewolves to reveal their condition to employers and force employers who hire them to pay high taxes. Also she has listed occupations we are banned from. The legislation also calls for us to be sterilized and to be forbidden to have children."

Remus shivered and then continued, " Corey's pack is already talking about relocation, they have children and they are a neutral pack as long as they side with no one Greyback has ignored them. With Lord Belby's support there are few voices raised in protest. Few will speak for us and insist we only wish to live in peace."

"Are you refusing to talk sense into them?" Moody growled.

"Just stating my opinion that talking to them will do no more good then last time. Things for us have not gotten any better. Since Voldy's return it has only gotten worse for us." Remus retorted, "I see no point in wasting my time or anyone elses. Besides, many packs view me with suspicion because I spoke for the Order and the Order did little for us." Remus retorted.

"Lupin is right." Snape sneered, "Greyback speaks for a majority of the packs because they see him as The Alpha. If he has sided with the Dark Lord they will follow suit. It is useless to speak with them. Those who are not loyal to Greyback and wish to leave will to remain safe from both the Ministry and the Dark Lord."

"So you're giving up without even trying?" Kingsley asked, his deep voice thick with displeasure.

"I see no reason to bother them when they have already made a choice. I refuse to go." Remus said crossing his arms.

"Now Remus," Dumbledore chided, "This is not the time for obstinacy."

Remus snorted, "I won't go and they won't listen to any of you either so forget it. I am your expert on werewolves. They won't change sides and we have nothing to offer that is worth shit."

"Remus you could try." Came Mr. Weasley's familiar placating tones.

"I shouldn't have to bother with a useless embassy to the packs when my talents can be used for other means."

"Besides arguing with me about my Secret Keeper and Snape's report do we have any other purpose other than insulting my best friend?" Sirius thundered.

"I'm sure there," an unfamiliar voice began.

Andromeda cut them off, "I suggest you eat so those of you who work at the Ministry can return without arising suspicion. I believe Arcturus is already being watched."

"Unfortunately." Mr. Weasley muttered.

Then the adults went silent aside from small unimportant conversations and chewing noises.

The four turned to their own meal helping themselves to the plate of sandwiches or dishing themselves bowls of salad. There was water and juice to drink to their preference.

It was some time before Sirius stormed in Andromeda and surprisingly Remus at his heels.

"Sycophants." Andromeda muttered darkly.

"That pompous git! Still inviting himself to authority in my house and trying to boss us around. I really have no respect for Albus Dumbledore right now! No wonder Fudge thinks he's stirring up trouble! If Harry and Snivellius hadn't swore Voldy was back I'd have sworn that was what the old fool was up to!" Sirius pulled out a wooden pipe that had a lion carved into the bowl that surprisingly resembled him, added a pinch of tobacco and lit it. He proceeded to puff away at it.

Then Sirius threw himself in the chair that Harry had vacated when George summoned him out of it.

Andromeda pulled out a small black pipe with vines carved into it and lit it before she sedately sat on the settee.

Remus lit his own pipe, it was white and the bowl was carved like a wolf's head. His smoke smelt of chocolate. He took a seat on the chair matching Sirius'.

Gilly appeared to pour them drinks and set them on the black marble coasters before Disapparating with a pop.

The adults sipped their preferred beverages and smoked in brooding silence.

Harry spoke after a while having finished his meal. "So um…are they always that bad?"

Sirius snorted, "They can be worse. Albus is always trying to have his way and McGonagall sides with him. Moody and Kingsley usually echo them. The others can't have an opinion that Albus hasn't given them. Blind sheep following a stubborn arrogant shepherd."

"Sycophants." Andromeda sneered.

"How many times did I have to say that meeting with the packs was stupid?" Remus growled.

"Bit surprised that Snivellius agreed with you."

Remus blushed, "Maybe he feels bad that he forced me from Hogwarts…I had hoped to… never mind." He glared at Sirius, "You know that stupid so-called prank of yours has caused me nothing but trouble. Severus was my friend was helping me with Potions when you pulled that stunt of yours. He stopped being my friend and only spoke to me to insult me. You really should have told him that it was all your idea."

"He couldn't be friends with us!" Sirius whinged, "He would have kept Lily to himself and then we wouldn't have Harry!"

Remus glared, "He never liked her above a friend and he saw her like a sister you pea-brained nit-wit. Besides, he likes blokes, which you and James might have learned if you had one iota of sense between you. Thanks to you, I'm still single and I've got grey hair from being unmated and having James and Lily murdered."

The four teenagers were stunned and silent.

"I think you two have forgotten our audience." Andromeda reprimanded them coolly.

"Snape was friends with my mum?"

"They were so inseparable they might have been twins despite not looking alike. They grew up in the same small town and went to Muggle school together. It wasn't until they got to Hogwarts that they were finally separated first by their Sorting into rival Houses. Later it was because Severus hung around with Muggle-hating future Death Eaters like Andromeda's cousin Evan Rosier and Regulus. There were other reasons too but Sirius and James' bullying didn't help matters. Seriously, what harm could being childhood friends be? If they were going end up together because they were so close, you and James might have had the same fate. Considering that your grandfather was his mother's eldest brother."

"The bloods too close." Sirius grumbled. "His mother and his great grandmother were Blacks. Besides, I don't like blokes, I like witches thanks.'

"Yeah well I blame my being alone at thirty-five on you." Remus muttered darkly taking drags on his pipe.

"If I hadn't gotten locked up in Azkaban maybe I'd be bonded and have a few kids. If the Dark Lord never reared his ugly head maybe James and Lily'd still be alive. There are a lot of what ifs Remus and then there is reality. Don't blame me for your relationship issues." The canine animagus retorted.

"Fighting amongst ourselves does no good." Andromeda reprimanded them. "Now did you finish repairing Iris?"

Sirius grumbled, "The damn monster loving git lost a few spark plugs and about six bolts. Remus'll have to pick them up. I'll write a list for him."

"What makes you think I'll be your errand mutt either?" Remus growled.

"I was going to ask!" Sirius snapped. "Merlin! I hate being cooped up here! I hate this place! I hate every bit of it. I hate the mad old bitch my mother who used some sort of permanent sticking charm to attach herself to the wall. I hate that Dumbledore talked me into claiming the place! I hate that disgusting Kreacher who hasn't a good thing to say. He's lucky I'm not my mother and I don't use the Cruciatus as punishment! I've been sorely tempted but I'm sure that bitch Molly would turn me in for it. She already hates me for reasons I can't fathom!"

"So what did you four do today?" Remus asked changing the subject.

"We repaired the drawing room." Harry offered.

"Hermione and I replaced all the furniture." Fred smirked.

"I said that black and silver were a superior choice and Andromeda agreed. She changed your ebony to silver." Hermione tossed back.

"Merlin they're like Lily and James. They had to redo the entire cottage and they couldn't even agree on the same wall colour." Sirius groaned.

"Andromeda uncursed a clock that attacked her. It hurled bolts at her. I opened a music box." George admitted ruefully.

Sirius groaned, "Not that music box."

"Don't worry. I closed it in time, now it's laced with protective charms. I did remove something that didn't belong in the drawing room. I'll be examining it and seeing that it is dealt with. It was something that Regulus died for. It must have some purpose, a dark purpose. I'll deactivate it. I believe it was Slytherin's so I would prefer not to destroy it."

"I'll leave the Cursed Family heirlooms to you, you and Bella were the best at wielding Dark Magic." Sirius waved his hand in a dismissive fashion.

"It's not cursed…and it's not just Dark. The object is evil and I would never use the word lightly. Since I'm stuck here for interim, I would like permission to move my potions lab and my research lab here. I can look over the room Remus has and see if I can add any more protections. I would like to also bring Ted. I think that once we have the House set to rights you are going to have a complete physical. Then Ted and I will discuss treatment. Twelve years in that ghastly place are bound to leave physical and mental scars, we'll help you deal with them." Andromeda said coolly.

"I don't need to let some mind healer play with my brain. I'd rather have it left alone."

"Consider it my payment for being secret Keeper. You asked me for a favour. I want you to agree to healing in repayment for accepting that duty I will make myself usefully by stepping in as Mistress of this House, its healer and a second brewer. As talented as Snape is, he has to deal with enough orders as it is. I will take care of our needs as far as that goes, so it is one less thing for the man to deal with. If Snape won't listen to you just take veritaserum and then let him question you. It's simple enough to brew but it will take me a while to finish it. I have recently deceased Bogart to harvest. Perhaps, I ought to have offered Snape some of it."

Remus frowned at her, "I've captured Boggarts before but you killed one?"

Andromeda shrugged, "The spells I used aren't illegal but regulated. I am out of my Boggart supplies. I'll give you a list of my spells and incantations later. I am surprised that with Lyall Lupin as a grandfather it's no wonder you have a knack with them."

Remus muttered and puffed on his pipe.

"We're all rather morose aren't we?" George shook his head. "Since the idiots mostly left what's the plan?"

"We could tackle another room. Why don't the boys take on receiving room? That parlour doesn't need to be pretty just functional and that case we should leave it for the sycophants. Hermione and I have things to discuss so we'll fix up the ladies parlour that is opposite this. As long as Persephone is going to act so spineless she can share the receiving room with the bootlickers." Andromeda said rising and putting her pipe away as well as finishing the last of her wine.

Hermione followed full of questions.

The two adults and three teenagers sighed and headed to do something about the room to the right of the front door.