October 1978

After her shower, Marlene spent the rest of the day trying to quell her anxiousness about the meeting.

She took a long walk through the peaceful parks of her district, which Emmeline informed her was called Hammersmith a week ago. She had lunch at a small café and flipped through a poetry book she found in the corner of a bookshelf. There was a lot of rubbish poetry, Marlene mused. But there was also good poetry too. And the good poetry was absolutely brilliant. Maybe that was just the romantic in her. She also visited a clothing shop and bought a few new pieces with her paycheck. Which was probably unwise considering Marlene indulged in retail therapy a little too often for someone living on minimum wage.

Marlene returned to her empty flat and made herself dinner for one. She really wished she had a record player and a couple records to fill her lonely apartment with music instead of deafening quiet.

Or Emmeline's cool voice. Lily's fiery comebacks. Hestia's bossy yet funny and generally useful advice. Mary's rowdy shouting. Benjy's warm teasing.

Sirius' brazen laughter.

Emmeline never returned back to the flat so Marlene didn't get the chance to tell her about the letter. But she was going. Nothing could stop her. It was 8 o'clock and the only thing that Marlene had left to do was choose an outfit.

She knew she was being daft for putting so much thought into it, but she figured that she wanted to make a good impression. Was that a silly thing to think about during a War? She didn't think so. Not really.

Ok, a little. But fashion brought her a tiny bit of joy and during times like these, people had to appreciate the little things that made life worth living.

She chose to put on a blue dress (Emmy would have said it was a bit too much, but Mary would definitely have approved), black tights, and a pair of comfortable Chelsea boots. She finished her look with a warm peacoat and a knitted scarf, as it was rather chilly out.

"I can do this. I am capable and bright and worthy and self-assured. Own your shit, Marlene."

She gave herself a small pep talk before apparating to Hogsmeade, unsure of what was to come. All she knew was that things would never be the same as they once were. She was sure of it.

It was bone chillingly cold.

Autumn was in full swing. The trees released their bright colored leaves onto the muddy ground with regret every time a blustery wind gust past by. White clouds dispersed from Marlene's mouth every time she released a warm breath into the icy wind.

She loathed herself for wearing a dress and tights.

But quickly forgave herself as this was time for her to summon her true confidence. Marlene often came off as very confident, but it was mostly "fake it till you make it confidence" rather than genuine. Not many people knew that about her. Maybe only Emmeline and her brother Danny. For someone so seemingly confident, carefree and talented, she was wracked with hidden insecurities that she had to stomp out she was getting better at it the older she grew. The more she accepted and loved herself, the more confident she was.

She wouldn't allow herself to screw her over. This was much, much bigger than herself.

Marlene wondered why the Professor and the rest of the Order chose the Hog's Head Inn as their meeting place. It had a shady reputation, to put it as politely as possible. Not even she had been in it, and Marlene loved trying out new pubs. It was off the beaten path and rather run down looking. Maybe that's why, because it was unsuspecting due to its unfriendly atmosphere.

She approached the decrepit wooden door of the Hog's Head Inn. She took a deep breath and knocked strongly. She waited for a moment before she saw an eye slot shift open. Unfortunately she couldn't make out any features do the darkness clouding the person's appearance.

"Name?" A deep, scratchy voice asked.

"Marlene McKinnon," she replied in a steady voice. She really hoped that this wasn't a death eater ambush. She was too young and unaccomplished to die. Honestly. That would be so rude and uncalled for.

There was a long silence and Marlene silently started saying her prayers while cursing Merlin at the same time.

"McKinnon, hey? Yes, that's you all right. Well come on then lass, in ya go," The voice responded gruffly and opened the door.

Standing before her was a tall, thin man with long thick, grey hair. His beard was also rather long and grey. He was an older man and grumpy in disposition. He also reminded Marlene of someone in terms of appearance, but she couldn't place it. Until she noticed that he had the exact pair of bright blue eyes that Professor Dumbledore shared. Was this a relative of the Professor? It would make sense. Apparently his family had a thing for beards.

Marlene glanced around the single – very dirty, very dingy – room with interest. There were a few wooden tables with nothing but melting candles sitting atop them. Not much as worth noting other than the bar area, which didn't even look that well stocked. The ground was like practically standing outside, for Merlin's sake.

She was not impressed.

1/10: Would not even get smashed at for free, complimentary of a cute boy.

But that didn't matter. She wasn't there to party, she was there to assist in kicking death eater arse and stop old You-Know-Who from fucking up the world with the Order of the Phoenix.

Speaking of those lot, where were they? The room was empty for the exception of her and the man that lead her to an empty table silently.

"So I reckon I'm the second person to get here? After yourself?" She asked politely, taking a seat in one of the shabby chairs.

"Get here? I own the place," he replied brusquely, walking to the bar.

Marlene winced. "Oh, I'm sorry. This is my first time attending…one of these things. I don't know much of anything at the moment," she replied honestly and took off her outerwear.

"You don't say, " he said sarcastically. "Did you just come back from a hot date?" He asked in a bad-tempered tone while taking a disapproving look at her, obviously not impressed with her appearance.

Marlene ran her fingers through her long curls with apprehension.

This was awkward. If the members of the Order of the Phoenix were all so surly and discourteous then this night was going to be much more difficult than she thought it would be.

The sat in silence for a while as Marlene tapped in fingers idly on the table. "You look like you could use a drink, lass," he said pointedly, with lack of concern.

Marlene sighed.

"I'm perfectly fine," she replied stiffly, starting to get fed up with the old man. "When will Professor Dumbledore and the rest of the members of the Order get here?" She asked, hoping the answer would be a concise "soon".

The man scoffed. "I suppose my brother will get here when he feels like it. He does whatever he wants anyway," he replied with resentment and took a shot of firewhiskey. He coughed loudly and poured himself another.

Marlene desperately needed a shot too. Maybe she should've taken him up on his offer.

So this was the Professor's brother? What a charming bloke.

Suddenly the pub door opened and Marlene straightened to brace whomever had come in. She noticed that Dumbledore's brother (What was his name? He didn't even introduce himself! Rude.) did not go to the door and question them, they just simply walked in. It must have been only her that needed proof of identification, most likely because she wasn't a member yet.

A young man and woman strolled in casually, holding hands. They were obviously a couple, and a fairly young one at that. They couldn't have be more than a couple years older than Marlene. Probably early to mid twenties.

The woman was round faced, with short black hair. She was wearing a friendly expression, which Marlene was thankful for. The man was about average in height and built, but carried himself with a very purposeful air. His shaggy brown hair fell into his eyes and the woman brushed it away loving. How too cute, she mused.

Marlene flashed them a welcoming smile as they sat down in the empty chairs next to her.

They both returned her smile with a grin.

"Hello, I'm Marlene McKinnon," she introduced herself warmly and gave each of them a casual handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Marlene. We're Frank and Alice Longbottom," the man replied steadfastly.

Marlene's eyes went wide and opened her mouth slightly in shock. Of course they were! She knew their names and faces very well. She ought to considering how often they were mentioned in the Daily Prophet. They were both highly talented and respected Aurors. Everyone loved them. Or at least those who were against Voldemort. Emmeline practically idolized Alice.

"Of course you are! Oh my Merlin! It's wonderful to meet you two in person. You guys are brilliant," Marlene said with enthusiasm as their faces lit up with amusement.

Alice chuckled. "We're not all that amazing. But I will sign an autography if you'd like," she joked lightly.

Frank rolled his eyes, but smiled. "How modest of you, dear," he added with sarcasm.

Marlene laughed. She liked the Longbottoms very much, even though she just met them.

"I might take you up on that, Alice. But not for me, for my friend Emmy," she replied as the door opened once again.

All three turned their gaze to an older man who seemed about Marlene's father's age. He was very sturdily built and had dark brown hair that had little streaks of white sprinkled about. He also wore glasses. Marlene thought he had a very welcoming aura, with an ordinary face and relaxed posture. He approached her and the Longbottoms, giving them a smile.

"Looks like we beat you, Bonesy," Alice teased as the man took a seat across from the table.

He laughed genially. "There's a first time for everything, I suppose," he replied quickly and turned his attention to Marlene.

"My name is Edgar Bones and it's lovely to meet you," he said kindly with an encouraging smile.

"I'm Marlene McKinnon and it's lovely to meet you too," she responded with similar kindness. Edgar, or Bonesy as Alice called him, was very warm and paternal. Marlene liked him too.

More and more people seemed to enter the tiny room, filling it was noise and laughter. Things had taken a much better turn for the best in comparison to when it was just her and Dumbledore's git of a brother.

Marlene spotted an older gentleman wearing an outlandish hat, a tiny jumpy man with a large purple top hat that was equally outlandish, and a giant man with thick brown hair come in together. They gave the four sitting down acknowledging nods, but took their own seats at a different, empty table. They were chatting very rigorously, obviously distracted in a debate of some sort. They were so busy that they didn't even notice Marlene. She wasn't sure what they were discussing. It had something to do with magical creatures, though.

Two men who looked extremely familiar entered next. They were slightly older than Marlene, but she recognized them from Hogwarts. The Prewett brothers. They were known for their boyish charm and extraordinary magical skills. One was slightly taller and broader than the other, but not by much. He was the older one, Marlene recalled. The older boy had thick, dark auburn hair while the younger's was a light ginger. But both had lively hazel eyes that twinkled when they caught the sight of her.

They took a good look at Marlene, and then the younger one whispered something into his brother's ear. They laughed loudly and approached her together. This should be interesting.

The older gave her a welcoming smile and reached out his hand. Marlene took it with ease.

"Gideon Prewett. Damn glad to have ya," he said warmly and cracked a bright, slightly crooked smile. Marlene had to admit, he was rather charming.

"Marlene McKinnon. Bloody great to be here," she responded just as friendly with a light laugh. He smiled even wider at her, raising an eyebrow. His hazel eyes were sparkling with laughter.

He turned to Frank and said in an obviously joking tone, "I like her. Can we keep her?"

Frank chuckled. "Easy mate," he replied, giving him a look that Marlene couldn't decipher as she barely knew them.

The younger boy also gave her his hand. Just as she was about to shake it, he brought it up to his mouth and kissed the top of it gently. Marlene looked at him with surprise.

"Hello, my fair Marlene. My name is Fabian, but a beautiful woman such as yourself can call me anything you'd desire," he said seductively, a disgusting attempt at flirtation.

"How about 'that-shite-won't-get-you-shagged'," she retorted with a wink and pulled her hand away.

Gideon and the Longbottoms laughed loudly (and Marlene saw Edgar stifle a chuckle) but Fabian gave her a sheepish look and rubbed the back of his neck. He was obviously embarrassed with his pathetic display. Poor, clueless chap.

"Oh. Then can you show me what will?" He replied with immaturity, looking at her expectantly.

Alice and Frank scoffed at the same time.

"Oi, leave her be. It's her first meeting. Can't have you lot scare her off before it even starts," Alice said with authority, defending Marlene.

"Thanks, Alice, but I can handle them myself. Nothing my wand can't take care," she said jokingly, but gave the brothers a warning look.

"Ooh, I like a feisty bird," Fabian said flirtatiously, leaning towards her.

Gideon rolled his eyes over exaggeratedly. "You like any bird that gives you a bit of attention, twat."

Fabian turned to smack him in the back of the head. Gideon responded with a similar assault.

And then they started full out wrestling each other on the floor.

Boys, Marlene thought disdainfully with a hint of amusement and rolled her eyes. Though they seemed harmless. And she rather liked Gideon, the older brother. He was a bit silly like his younger brother, but had this alpha male aura that she quite appreciated in a man.

It kind of reminded her of…No, she wouldn't say his name. It was like comparing apples to oranges. And as much as she such appreciated a good apple, she really wanted to bite the orange.

"Doe!" Fabian called out joyfully, catching sight of her immediately as she entered the pub.

Dorcas?! Dorcas Meadowes? Yes, that was definitely her. Her silvery blonde hair was tied up in an intricately braided bun and she was wearing a daring shade of dark violet lipstick.

So this was the War connection. Everything fell into place for Marlene. Dorcas was a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Her "co-workers" were also members. She asked her to accompany her on a mission.

This was the "details".

Oh.

"Hey there, Fab," she responded back. She immediately caught sight of Marlene and broke out into a broad smile. "Mars!" She shouted with glee and wrapped her arms around Marlene's shoulders from behind.

Marlene laughed at her actions and turned around in her chair, giving Dorcas an equally enthusiastic greeting. "Doe!"

Those paying attention the greeting looked slightly confused.

"You two know each other?" Edgar asked with surprise as the others waited for the two girls' responses.

"Yeah! We became friends after she snogged my boyfriend at the time," Marlene replied simply without realizing how terrible her words could be misconstrued. She immediately paled and failed her arms, as to signal that she wanted to take it back.

Everyone looked appalled.

"No! It's not what it sounds like," Marlene shouted out in defense, trying to explain.

Doe laughed, rolling her eyes at Marlene.

Marlene gave Doe a helpless look and attempted to sort it out. "It wasn't like that. Er, it's a bit complicated…Basically my ex-boyfriend cheated on me with her outside a pub randomly, but she didn't know about me! Or that he was dating anyone. The wanker. So I ran into them by chance and dumped him after I saw them snogging. And then Doe and I started chatting and got along well, so we went to a cosmetics store because Doe had this lipstick I wanted and then…," She paused as everyone continued to give her confused looks.

She sighed. "This isn't making sense to any of you, is it?" She said exasperatedly, rubbing her forehead.

"Nope," Fabian replied with a lost grin, looking from Marlene to Dorcas.

"Basically, Doe and I met under odd circumstances, in which she was completely innocent, and now we're mates of some sort," Marlene finished as easy as she could.

Dorcas nodded. "What she said. Except we're not 'mates of some sort', Mars, we're mate mates!" She added, tugging on one of Marlene's curls with annoyance.

Marlene laughed and shooed her hand away from her hair. "So this is what you were talking about that night, Doe. Do I owe you the thanks of having the privilege to be allowed at this meeting?" She asked curiously. She remembered Dorcas talking about something about proving herself. Maybe Dorcas scouted her out?

The shorter blonde rubbed in neck and hesitated. "Sort of," she said vaguely.

Gideon sat in contemplation for a bit before making a realization and interrupting. "Oh, you're talking about that tosser from the Leaky Cauldron? " He said cleverly, picking up the mention of a pub.

Marlene nodded vigorously. "Yeah, sounds like him," she said with disgust. Fucking Alec.

"He cheated on you? What an arsehole. You're too good for him, Marlene," Alice replied, shaking her head with disapproval at Alec. She gave Marlene a comforting rub on the shoulder with one of her delicate hands.

Frank nodded in agreement with his wife. "Good thing you broke it off."

Marlene laughed nervously, a little shocked and slightly embarrassed about the fact that she just laid out her personal life to almost strangers. That was Marlene for you.

"'Too good for him'?," she quoted. "You lot don't even know me yet," she said self-effacingly. "I could kick kittens in my free time for all you know," she quipped. "I don't, though. I'll even take Veritaserum to prove it."

There was general laughter before someone responded back to her.

"We know you well enough to like you," Edgar replied with a smile. "I can just tell that you're a good person. And a fun one at that," he added kindly. The rest of the Order members nodded in agreement.

Marlene almost cried. How pathetic. She was really being overemotional. But after spending all day being lonely (especially going from Sirius to no one was quite a daunting shift) and just being distant from her good mates in general, to being greeted and welcomed so warmly by the members of the Order…It was brilliant.

The Order would give her inclusion, mates, family, and a greater purpose that she desperately desired.

She made up her mind right there at that moment. There was no way she was not going to join them. She would even duel Dumbledore himself.

He'd totally destroy her arse, but it was the meaning behind that statement that mattered.

"Are you tearing up, Marlene?" Gideon asked in shock. "God, you're a softie," he teased her gently and gave her a pat on the shoulder. "I'll have to remember that," he added.

Marlene shrugged his hand off and stuck her tongue out at him. "Oh shut up," she replied airily. "And what do you mean you'll 'have to remember that'?"

Gideon smirked at her and gave her a sweeping look.

Why did self-aware arrogance and cockiness turn her on so much? Ugh, she really didn't understand herself at times. Or most times.

"Oi, watch it, Gideon," Dorcas said giving him a shove. "You got another thing coming if you even think about messing – or shall I say messing up– my mate."

"Same," Alice and Frank responded at the exact same time. It was kind of creepy how in sync they were.

Edgar laughed at Dorcas' and the Longbottoms' quick responses.

"Merlin, Gideon. Are you some sort of vile fiend or what? Do you have an arrest warrant that I should know about?" Marlene asked jokingly, wondering what was with the reactions.

"Oi! I don't know what's gotten into them. They know I'm a decent bloke," Gideon defended himself and threw up his hands, looking around.

"He's a bit of a git, but even I have to admit he's a good chap," Fabian supported with a backhanded compliment.

"Thanks Fa – git?!" He shouted and Fabian gave him a challenging look. They started hitting and wrestling together soon after as Marlene watched idly.

"Are they always like this?" She asked to no one in particular, pointing a thumb at the two.

Dorcas laughed. "Yeah. But really, they're brilliant lads. Gideon's really not a bad bloke; he's actually incredible. He just has a habit of not being able to keep it in his trousers," she replied good-naturedly with a tinge of disdain. Marlene thought that it sounded like Dorcas was speaking from experience. Ah. She wasn't about to get into that right now. It wasn't the time.

Marlene nodded in understanding. "So is this the entire Order?" She asked conversationally, giving the room a glance.

"No," Frank replied knowledgably. "There are about ten more of us, not including Dumbledore or Moody."

"They'll show up soon I reckon, you know how they are," Alice spoke to the others. "Although Fletcher won't be showing any time soon," she added with a laugh.

"Why not?" Marlene asked.

"Fletcher is a very…shady man of questionable reputation despite the fact that he is a dedicated member of the Order. He was banned from the Hog's Head Inn for some sort of smuggling deal that went down a few years ago," Edgar replied, filling Marlene in.

Marlene wasn't going to judge this Fletcher man yet. At least not without knowing the truth behind the matter. It felt wrong of her to write off a fellow banned–ie without hearing their side of the story. People will ban you for anything nowadays!

"Oh speaking of the rest of them, here they are!" Alice announced, touching Marlene's hand to get her attention.

Marlene spotted a tall, thin yet slightly muscular man with a buzz cut come in first. He had the most amazing bone structure and caramel toned skin. He wore a hard, unemotional look on his face. Marlene could just feel strength and intensity radiating off him. She was glad he was on their side rather than on Voldemort's.

Next to the man was a very petite girl who also seemed to be radiating a similar sort of power. She had a slightly toned build, with a dark pixie cut and a face that looked exactly just Emmeline's.

Huh.

EMMY?!

NO FUCKING WAY. OH MY FUCKING MERLIN. HOLY FUCKING BLOODY HELL SHITE FUCK.

Marlene was screaming like mad inside, but she was left speechless.

After the initial shock, she felt nauseous and dizzy. And livid.

God I am so bloody daft, Marlene berated herself. She couldn't understand what she felt or why, just that she was swept up in a hurricane of very extreme, very conflicting emotions.

Emmeline caught her glare as she looked for an empty seat with her mate (boyfriend?!) and returned it with an cool look.

She sat down at an empty table with the man, ignoring Marlene completely.

That pissed her off. Very badly.

She wasn't going to make a scene. The Order wasn't here to witness or deal with interpersonal relationship issues. They were here for one reason: to stop Voldemort. And besides, she didn't want to make a bad impression by raging like a lunatic in front of everyone. She needed to draw her resolve and handle it calmly and maturely at the moment. Whether she would handle it the same way later, she wasn't quite sure.

She simply called out to the table.

"Emmy, please stay for a bit after the meeting is over. I need to have a friendly...chat with you," she said sternly, doing a better job at keeping composed than she initially thought she would.

Emmeline nodded back. That's it.

The man sitting next to Emmeline only made a very slightly, nearly undetectable reaction in shock – widening his large brown eyes faintly– and then the two went back to conversation amongst themselves, talking so low that Marlene couldn't make out what they were saying in the distance.

Everyone around Marlene looked to her in surprise, waiting for an explanation.

When she didn't responded, Fabian did.

"Did you just call Vance 'Emmy'? You know her?" He asked what everyone was obviously wondering.

Marlene slouched in her chair and drew random shapes with her finger on the wooden table. "I don't want to talk about it, " she said sulkily.

They exchanged looks, but Marlene didn't notice. She was looking down at the table, lost in thought.

"Do you know Dearborn too?" Gideon asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

"Who?" She said distractedly, bringing her gaze back to the group of people looking at her intently.

"I'll take that as a no," Frank replied for her. "The bloke talking to Vance," he explained shortly.

"No, I don't," she said faintly, now drawing eights into the table.

"Marlene, are you…ok?" Alice asked with genuine concern. Alice gave off a tough, older sister vibe that Marlene quite liked. But she couldn't help her. Not with this.

Marlene shrugged. "I don't know," she replied honestly.

Edgar gave her a "sad, concerned father look" and she knew she had to snap out of it. She didn't need or want pity. She just wanted to know why her best mate was acting the way she was. And why she didn't include her or at least attempt to. But she couldn't make any assumptions without getting the full story. She would have to wait until after their talk before making any decisions.

It just hurt. A lot. More than her Auror denial, even. More than the last disastrous year of her relationship with Alec and its eventual messy break up. More than anything she ever felt personally in her life. It was difficult to breathe properly.

"I'm fine," Marlene tried to say in her most convincing voice. "Now all we need is a unicorn to walk through the door and I'll officially be shocked," she joked but it came out flat.

The door opened again. It wasn't a unicorn that entered, but it might as well have been. That's how badly it caught her off guard.

No descriptions were needed; she couldn't mistake those two even if they were a mile away.

Benjy and Hestia came in together, laughing loudly over something Hestia had just finished saying. Benjy's dreamy face was twinkling with light laughter and Hestia nudged him playfully.

Marlene's head filled with even more colorful curses and this time she was struck stupid. Emmeline being there sort of made sense in some fucked up way that Marlene was too frazzled to fully connect.

But Benjy and Hestia? That made no goddamn sense.

What the actual fuck.

They saw her and had to gall to give her sheepish looks.

I'm sorry, but again, what the fuck?

She felt that similar emotional hurricane seethe inside her all over again. Marlene sat there completely dumbstruck and watched the two join Emmeline and Dearborn's table. Marlene tried to eavesdrop on the conversation, but could only make out one word said by Emmeline.

"After."

If Emmeline thought that Marlene would also like a word with those two, then she was goddamn right.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the door opened for the final time. She watched eagerly with a sense of dread building inside her. She had a bad feeling. She really hated that door.

And that feeling was confirmed when she saw the Marauders enter the pub nosily.

The motherfucking Marauders, all four of them.

Remus was rolling his eyes at something James said while Sirius and Peter laughed loudly. James wrapped his arm around Remus' neck, just over his shoulders, in an apologetic physical affection while still laughing. Remus eventually cracked a grin, but it left once he caught sight of Marlene's piercing glare. He coughed once to draw his mates' attention, in a very poor and obvious action in Marlene's opinion, and the rest of the lads made eye contact with her.

James paled slightly, and immediately mussed up his hair nervously. Remus looked sheepish and shrunk slightly. Peter didn't give a toss, looking clueless as ever. And Sirius looked a bit taken aback at first, but shoved his hands into his pockets and returned to a relaxed, careless yet elegant posture.

BASTARDS!

Bastards, the lot of them!

And to top the shit pile off with a shit cherry was seeing none other than her second best mate, Lily Evans, walking in behind them.

That lit a fire in Marlene that was very hard to calm. It had been so long since she'd seen Lily in real life. Her shiny, red hair glistened even in the dimly lit pub and her beautiful face was full of laughter.

She looked quite busy indeed.

Being a liar.

When they met each other's eyes, it felt like the room froze. There was nobody else. Just her and Lils. Lily looked away, hiding her reaction and followed the boys to a table silently.

She felt someone tapping her back and then the breath of warm air tickling her ear.

"Are you really all right? You look like you've just come across a dementor," Dorcas whispered quietly.

Marlene shrugged and looked far away for a while. She didn't even notice Professor Dumbledore and the tall, grisly looking man with a single vivid blue eye apparate in.

"It sure feels like it."

A/N:

This chapter is so uneventful, ha. Sorry about that, but I feel like the Order members have to be laid out very concretely so I can mess around with them in more detail later. This story is probably going to be like 60 chapters omg. But it's going to pick up a lot after I finally get the set-up out of the way. If there's anything you particularly like/dislike about the story, I'd love feedback!