A/N: It's a miracle I managed to update. :)

Disclaimer: Okay, you know the drill… Don't own – don't sue!

"That which Voldemort does not value, he takes no trouble to comprehend. Of house-elves and children's tales, of love, loyalty, and innocence, Voldemort knows and understands nothing. Nothing. That they all have a power beyond his own, a power beyond the reach of any magic, is a truth he has never grasped." – Albus Dumbledore

December

o.O.o

The next few days are still a blur to me; everything had been so chaotic. Wizards and witches came in and out, mostly at night, and Mrs. Weasley never really came round to explaining to me what was going on, she was constantly moving around the house, putting up new charms, changing them, or fixing them if she saw a flaw that could be disarmed. And she dragged the large house clock everywhere with her. It was a particular clock that I hadn't seen before, but I had heard it was quite special. Each family member had its own golden hand, with descriptions all around, showing where each might be, such as 'home' or 'work'. Presently, the nine hands were pointing at 'mortal peril'. I could easily understand Mrs. Weasley's constant worry.

Mr. Weasley, on the contrary, I rarely saw; he left early and didn't come until late at night. I was told he was having problems at the Ministry, and that he hadn't been able to recruit for the past month. I also was told that the Ministry had been taken under control by Voldemort's followers. It was horrible, and the tension over there was becoming unbearable. It made me understand why he had been a bit hard on me that night. No wonder- his life was constantly at risk.

And both were so worried for their children. I could relate, I had been worried sick for Hannah myself, since I had left. And I hadn't had any news from my brother, so that worried me as well. I couldn't send a letter because if it was intercepted by a dark wizard, my undercover as a member of the Order could be compromised. I still found it bizarre to call myself so- I hadn't done much but sit around and comfort Mrs. Weasley, and being filled in with information none-stop about the Order's history, but nothing of the present. There hadn't been any actual duel-action. Not that I wanted any, but I felt I would be more of use if it were to be the case.

It had been another week before the meeting took place. For the past few days, I had been in good company with Nymphadora Tonks, a witch that I, surprisingly, had known at Hogwarts. Although she was a year older, and with her being in Hufflepuff, her and I becoming friends had taken a while. Breaking house norms weren't really seen in those days, which explains why our friendship had been hard to keep. I was pleased to have her at my side in the Order- it felt a lot more reassuring, although her clumsiness always made me wonder how she could possibly survive on the field. She was now pregnant with her recent husband, Remus Lupin, a great man, she said, but who had the misfortune to be a werewolf. Both statements left me dumbstruck. I would have never imagined her future to turn out this way.

When Lupin arrived a day later, I couldn't help myself to shy away. No offence but I had never been that close to a werewolf, and even if Tonks reassured me that he only changed at a full moon, I still kept my distance. They had a weird love thing going on, so when I was stuck with both in one room, I had a few excuses staked up in my mind to use as an escape. They really needed to solve whatever was going on; the baby caused most of their arguments. Tonks had opened up to me, told me about her problems and even if I listened carefully, the moment I met Remus, I told myself I wouldn't get involved. He was much older than her, which I restrained myself from saying out loud. And the way he looked at her gave me the chills. It was a loving look, of course, but there was something heartbreaking about it, like he already knew his fate. I didn't like it much, although he was very welcoming towards me, and seemed impressed by my capability to block out what I didn't want to hear, which was a scene he'd witnessed when he and Tonks fought- those unlucky times my excuses to leave weren't enough.

That day, a few more members came in for the meeting- Bill Weasley and his wife, Fleur Delacour, a French woman I found quite irritating, to Tonks and Mrs. Weasley's relief. And there was also Kingsley Shacklebolt, whom I had known way back in my Auror training. I had seen glimpses of him during the summer as a bodyguard of the Muggle Prime Minister on some newspapers. McGonagall came as well, but the grim expression she wore as she entered the house made me dread the meeting more than anything.

I had been sipping tea when she came in the kitchen, dropping her cloak swiftly, before giving me a long sad look, and disappearing out in search of Mrs. Weasley. I frowned, clearly confused. I was beyond tired of being left out; and having all those looks and stares at me with no explanation left me more than irritated. I finished my tea and headed outside for a walk; it was still early in the morning, and the meeting would only take place much later, in the evening.

In the last few days I've spent here, I had fallen madly in love with the Burrow and its surroundings. I could easily see myself in Mrs. Weasley's shoes: living in the countryside, raising a bunch of kids, welcoming my husband home from work, sending off my first child to Hogwarts on his first day… I sighed, wondering when a day like that would come.

I had only walked up to a tree, and sat down, making myself comfortable in the light coat of snow on the ground. It was the time to relax, even if Mrs. Weasley constantly reminded me how dangerous the world was now. I was anxious for the meeting to be held; I had so many questions left unanswered, the mere thought of having them explained sent chills down my spine. None of what I would ask would be easy to hear, or explain, that much I knew. Somehow, I knew tonight would a decisive night for everyone. I had heard that plans would be put in action, and I knew that nothing was going to be an easy task. My eyes drifted to the sky; I blinked and stared, a little surprised when a shadow came over me.

"Yes?"

It was Bill, Charlie's older brother. I had met him briefly, but we didn't chat much, he obviously was more preoccupied with the meeting than I was. Oddly, his disfigured face didn't scare me; I thought it made him look even more graceful for all that he lived through. Mrs. Weasley had praised him so much that I knew almost everything about him before his arrival. There was much more to know, but I guessed I'd find out soon enough, if my status as a member of the Order would follow through the next few months.

He smiled gently, as if I was the nicest person around.

"Mind if I sit?"

I shook my head and scooted a bit to make room for him, where the ground was comfortable enough and not too cold. As he sat, the striking resemblance with Charlie was even more apparent. He had laid back and was enjoying the very little sunlight on his face. I took the time to observe him, until he opened his eyes and turned to me with infinite slowness.

"I heard you've met my brother at Hogsmeade," he said, stating it more than formulating it as a question.

"Yes, I have," I answered, tightening my cloak around me.

"Do you know what has happened to him?"

I didn't dare to meet his eyes. I felt stupid; everyone had asked me where Charlie had gone, but obviously, I did not know… we barely spoke the night of my departure. I felt helpless to have no answers to soothe their worries.

I shrugged like a child.

"We weren't on good speaking terms the last time I saw him," I confessed, finally rising my eyes to his.

He stared, taking in my expression. He probably was a good mind-reader, like his brother. Maybe some Occlumency classes their parents aren't aware of? I fought the urge to laugh at the thought. Even though I barely knew Charlie, I felt like in some ways, I knew him completely.

"What happened?" he asked, concern in his voice.

Those Weasley boys really knew what to say to try to dig out everyone's secrets…

"Oh it's quite a long story," I retorted, hating where this was actually going.

"I have time on my hands," he said, giving me an encouraging smile.

If I didn't know better, and if he weren't married, I'd think Bill Weasley was flirting with me.

"Honestly, it's nothing that could interest you," I insisted, thinking quickly of a way to flee.

"You would be surprised," he said with a casual voice.

I sighed. I had told my story to Tonks, evidently, and bits and pieces to Molly and Arthur, but laying out everything right now to Bill, of all people? Wasn't I complicating my life… I cleared my throat and started from the beginning. I didn't leave anything out. He had an aura of trust around him, and I felt at ease telling him, even though my head was telling me otherwise. At last, when I reencountered our last conversation at the Three Broomsticks, he frowned.

"He seemed quite preoccupied with something," I added. "I think the spy excuse wasn't really one- he only did that to throw me off, but I suppose what he was doing was for the Order?"

He nodded slowly, thinking.

"I believe it could be so- I haven't spoken to him since this summer. I thought he was back in Romania recruiting for us."

I nodded as well, trying to make connections.

"My mother has sent word for him, but I highly doubt he'll come here, especially if you say he's been dealing with some dark wizards," he said with a sigh.

I peered at him. "You miss him, don't you?"

He chuckled. "As much as you miss your family, I suppose."

"Well, you two seemed to be pretty close in your youth, you were the first boys in the family; surely you did everything together?"

He nodded, smiling. "We sure did."

I smiled back, unable to find any words to help him. We simply sat there, enjoying the little snowflakes that had begun to fall minutes ago; the clouds had taken the sun away. I didn't want to admit that I was cold, and I knew he wouldn't leave until I did, so I kept my mouth obstinately shut. I kept glancing at him, he was so calm about everything, and it struck me that he had probably made peace with a lot of things to be at that level. I still had a long before getting there. The clouds grew darker, and half an hour later, we were still sitting there, slowly freezing our arses off.

From where we sat, we had a beautiful view of the Burrow, and looking at it comforted me. I felt safe here, and was glad I had joined the Order- not only because I could fight, but because I could fight with people I cared about, and fight to protect those I loved.

When I couldn't take it any longer, I got up, shivering. I looked down, wondering why Bill was still sitting, when I realized he was sleeping. I held my breath, seeing for the first the face of one peaceful. Although I didn't want to, I had to wake him up, for obvious weather reasons. I shook him gently, and his eyes opened. Deep green eyes looked into mine. I had such a startling flash I backed up and fell down. He blinked, and got up to help me.

"Are you alright?" he asked, pulling me up to my feet. My eyes were a bit blurry: another headache.

"Yes, yes, I'm good," I said, rubbing my forehead, trying to get rid of the sudden vision and pain. "It's just… you look so much like Charlie. Normal, I know, but I'm not used to…"

He made a saddened smile. "I know. My mother reminds me all the time. It's hard, especially having him gone so long."

I nodded. He glanced at the house.

"Are you ready to go in?"

I nodded again, and took the arm he was handing out to me. We slowly made our way back inside, and once our cloaks off, we gathered in the kitchen, along with Tonks and Fleur, and made ourselves some tea to warm up. I hadn't been a big fan of Bill's wife- I had never had any liking to French people. Their ways annoyed me more than anything. I could not, and would not keep a very long conversation with her. No doubt she was a strong witch, but I personally disliked her, and restrained myself from telling so to Bill. I tolerated her only because she had been woman enough to stay with Bill after his attack with a werewolf. I had heard of that story one night when Molly was feeling slightly mournful and sad, and was glad she had stuck to him. He needed support, and I could see they loved each other very much, she was nice and very helpful, but her refined ways just completely shut me off from liking her in any way.

It was soon dark outside, and I could feel the tension rising, everybody was getting ready for the meeting, and late incomers were ushered up to clean and be fed, as so to be fully apt to participate in the meeting. Molly had made some pork with mashed potatoes and gravy, serving it with peas and carrots, and was giving away plates to everyone, giving me three by mistake. Evidently, she had a lot on her mind.

The meeting was set in the living room, the windows were shut and a large table had been put into place, along with the large Weasley clock, set high enough for everyone to see. We slowly gathered, and as everyone got into place, and plans were laid out on the table, a few quills here and there, ready to be used, Arthur got up and looked down on all of us.

"Let's begin. As of most of you already know, we have anew member," he nodded in my direction, "Julia Conelly, and she will be part of the Order as long as it is needed. Now, for the main plans, we have a few problems at Hogwarts, as you may have heard of, and I will let McGonagall explain more properly."

The witch got up, nodding in thanks to Arthur. "Hogwarts is not safe anymore, and the Ministry is only doing us harm, because it is dominated by undercover Death Eaters. We all know who they are, and what they are. They are trying to get rid of anyone of Muggle blood, by all means. I have presently two of those teaching at my school, the Carrows, and their presence only perpetuates horror amongst my students. I know getting rid of them is not an option for now, but I strongly feel we should concentrate our concern on the Ministry of Magic. Arthur works alongside his worst enemies, along with Kingsley, we are all risking our lives to find a way to dismantle this growing power and destroy Voldemort for good."

"Destroying the Muggle race… that sounds a lot like Hitler. Are you sure Voldemort is not related to him?" I asked, more to myself, but unfortunately said it much louder than expected.

Every head turned to me. I sheepishly shrugged.

"Sorry, just a thought."

I saw that McGonagall had suppressed a smile, and I felt much less of an idiot at seeing that someone understood me.

Molly quickly went on. "As Minerva said, we must be aware that infiltrating the Ministry is hard enough, so we have come up with a few plans to -"

The front door suddenly burst open. I whirled around, and gasped. The figure that stood in the door frame looked at me with a knowing smile. I froze, as if I'd been hit by a gigantic wave.

"Sorry I'm late," he said to the general assembly. Every single head turned to him.

"Oh my god," I whispered.

A/N: I am BACK! Ohhh reviews please; how I have missed them so... :D