Author's Note: Characters not ours. Story ours.

Remus paced the room waiting for his 'surprise' visit from the head of the C.T.S.. Remus had received an owl from Harry that morning telling him to expect them sometime before noon. It was eleven fifteen and he was starting to get antsy. He was more than a little startled when Severus walked through the door.

"What are you doing here?"

"I finished early. I thought we could spend some time together," Severus replied defensively.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I'm expecting Harry and Draco any minute. I need you to leave," Remus said, taking Severus by the arm and leading him to the Floo.

"Draco and Harry, hmm? Perhaps I should take Lucius up on his offer to include Percy."

"Have I told you your sense of humor is one of my favorite things about you?" Remus asked dryly, taking some Floo powder in his hand. "You'll have to apparate from Grimmauld, I'm expecting them any minute."

Remus kissed Severus briefly before throwing in the powder and pushing him in. The flames had just died down when there was a loud pounding on his front door.

"Counter-terrorism squad," Draco announced. "Open up!"

Remus opened the door a crack which Draco and Harry used as an excuse to barge right in. He closed and locked the door. All of them implemented privacy charms before settling in the den.

"I need protection for my mother," Draco blurted out before Remus could even offer tea. "That Bastard wants her to come back to help smooth over the scandal in today's Prophet. You of all people," he continued, looking up at Remus, "should know what it means when my father wants something."

"Unfortunately, I do," Remus replied amiably. "How do you propose we protect your mother?"

"She's staying with your mother-in-law. All I ask is that you give the house every protection that you can offer it. She'll do her part if it keeps That Bastard away."

Remus took a moment to ponder the proposition. Then, he channeled Severus. "You'll do your part if the Order keeps that bastard away," he clarified.

"I don't care who's doing what for whom. We all want the same thing, or at least have similar goals. Let's do what needs to be done and be done with it," he spat out. "What do you want to know?"

"Is that a serious question?" he asked, looking at Harry. "Draco," he said, glancing back, "you're to tell me everything you know. And you're to behave as an adult and not a petulant child if you want The Order involved in protecting your mother." He hesitated to add a reminder that a considerable favor was being done. "I don't think I have to tell you Narcissa would be far more useful to us if she were inside."

"I assure you, she wouldn't; especially as I have already managed to get in my father's good graces without her. She will not be dragged into the middle of one of That Bastard's plots again. I will not have it. With or without the Order my mother will be spared this time around."

His passion was worthy of appreciation, but instead, Remus felt a twinge of resentment that Draco had an option about the extent to which his loved ones were involved. He'd done his part, though. He'd gotten back in with his father. "Then speak. What have you learned?"

"He's been in contact with Greyback's old pack. He's setting out to incite them. Again, Remus," Draco said with a nod, "you would know better than anybody what the consequences of their participation would be. He's promising to keep them out of jail. All they have to do is what they've always wanted to do."

"What's that?" Harry asked.

"Go berserk and convince the world that werewolves are dishonest, blood thirsty beasts. What else?" Remus asked standing up and walking around the room.

"Many of the werewolves are likely to join up for fear of being killed," Draco explained, glancing in Remus's direction. "The dissenters will be destroyed. The remaining men will function as security and weaponry." Remus could help but cringe audibly, disgusted and hurt. Harry squeezed his hand. "The women will serve primarily as breeding stock."

"And they want this?" Harry asked in disbelief.

"It's a better existence than some of them have. Not to mention that most people will do anything to avoid being thrown into Azkaban or locked up in the bowels of the ministry."

"Are there to be specific attacks, or is your father simply handing them carte blanche?" Remus asked abruptly.

"For now he has them 'under control', but who knows how long that will last?"

Remus sighed and nodded. He leaned against a wall and stared at the two of them for a moment, seeing not grown men, but the boys they'd been during the years leading up to the Second war. They'd been hoping to avoid war, but everyday revealed something more despicable. A werewolf could serve as a massively destructive weapon. The men before him knew little more about the carnage that could be wreaked by a single wolf than did the boys he could swear he was looking at.

If Hermione lost the election, there would be war. And it would be ten times the Hell it'd been before.

Remus looked down at the ground and put his hand over his mouth. After a second, he cleared his throat. "What else?"

"He's sending them to attack the Orphanage of war veterans this Saturday night."

Remus's eyes fell on Harry. They stared sadly at one another. He felt faint and suddenly found himself fighting a profound need to lie down. He sighed again. "Who are the individuals appointed to carry out this attack?"

"Hutchison, Gordan, and Beasley."

"Bloody Hell," Remus whispered.

"Who are they, Remus?" Harry asked.

"They're Greyback's prized proteges. He personally infected all three and raised them as his 'children' within the pack. They are vicious, ruthless, and effective," Remus said sitting back down. "Anything else, Draco?"

"I've been given a list," he replied, pulling a piece of parchment out and handing it to Remus. "I'm to put everyone on this list under constant surveillance because of their histories of undermining the Ministry. "

Remus looked down at the list in his hands. Unsurprisingly, his name was first, followed by every member of the Order and the D.A., including Hermione Weasley and exempting Severus. There were a few other names on there as well.

"Your official brief?"

"Find evidence of their links to organized terrorism."

Remus stood, still and quiet. The names on the list, naturally, were not those of terrorists. But terrorism was subjective, he realized. That was a lesson he'd learned conversing with Severus. "No one thinks what they're doing is 'evil'. It's always on behalf of the 'greater good,' and it's mostly a matter of what is 'great' and 'good' to that individual." Severus had perpetrated enough falsehoods to know that truth with perfect clarity. "What I'm doing now is what's best for me. It works out because it's what's best for you. But it may not be best for everyone. So we're terrorists."

He hadn't really looked at it that way.

"Well, I suppose you're onto something, then," Remus remarked, staring at Draco. He began walking around the room again, thinking aloud. "Press conference might work. Or perhaps an Order meeting. We meet, words slips of the location. That'd spawn the first act of aggression. We'd be wanted criminals, though." He sighed, eyebrows raised. "Wouldn't do for Hermione's campaign manager to be arrested," he mumbled, though the new information made him want to go to Malfoy and rage.

"I'll eventually need to hand over someone," Draco said. "But I figured you could work it out amongst yourselves."

"Thank you for that consideration," Remus said wearily. "Anything else?"

"No, but I'll pass word through Harry when I get more information."

"Thank you," Remus said. Draco nodded his head in response and rose to leave. Harry stood, but seemed reluctant to go. "Go, Harry, it wouldn't be good for you to appear to be fraternizing with the enemy. I'll be fine," Remus concluded, giving him a small smile. Remus walked them out and apparated directly to Headquarters, extremely glad that Severus was free for the day.

He found Severus in the sitting room beside the fireplace, reading a potions journal. Remus knocked lightly on the door frame. Severus looked up and smiled at him. "It's incredibly nice to see you," he said, patting the seat beside him. He tossed the journal on he table beside the couch. "Come. Sit," he commanded, winking.

"We've got problems," Remus responded, grimly taking a seat in the chair opposite Severus.

"The three of you weren't together long enough for that," Severus replied cheekily.

Remus gave him a look. "I'm serious. I'm on a watch list and Lucius is in with Greyback's old pack again. They're planning on attacking the Orphanage this Saturday night."

"Do you know who?" Remus told him. Severus swore and stood up to pace. As absurd as it was, Remus couldn't help but smile; he'd rubbed off on Severus just as much as Severus had rubbed off on him. "What's the plan?" Severus asked standing in front of Remus's chair.

"Haven't the foggiest," Remus said, running his hands through his hair. "If we send Order members to protect it, Lucius will know there's a leak and do everything in his power to stop it. We would also be condemning whoever we sent; even if they survive the skirmish they'd most likely be taken in as co-conspirators. Every member of the Order save you is also on the watch list."

"I guess he can keep an eye on me himself," he remarked, obviously referencing Malfoy. "I'd go back, but if I start sniffing around right after you've just met with Harry it's going to look suspicious. I suppose we could . . . well, make an actual terroristic threat. We're going to have to force the orphanage to step up security."

"I beg your pardon?"

"We're going to anonymously tip off the Prophet. They'll be forced to tighten security. It may not be the best solution, but it should be enough to prevent the worst."

Remus nodded. "It's enough," he replied. "This whole affair is getting nastier than I imagined it could."

"I'll confess I'm not unsurprised. Lucius is quite demented, in some ways more so than the Dark Lord ever was."

"His occasional stints in Azkaban haven't helped," Remus added, pulling Severus down to sit on the arm of the chair. He leaned against him and relaxed a little as he felt the man begin to play with his hair. "We might actually have to fight another war."

"Very possibly," Severus agreed. He stood and pulled Remus up from the chair, wrapping his arms around him. "But I'd rather not think about it right now. The world could go to hell tomorrow. " He kissed Remus. "The only sensible thing to do is enjoy the present."

As Severus kissed him again, Remus heard someone clear their throat at the door. Remus turned around to see George walking into the room.

"I hate to interrupt, but I have news," he said, pouring himself a drink. "I'm being followed."

Severus glanced at Remus, smiling slightly. Especially at a time when things were at their most dangerous, Severus appreciated the presence of someone who Remus was sure Severus regarded as 'another genius'. "You're definitely being followed," he confirmed.

"Too bad they chose the ugliest bloke in the world to do it. Would it be too much to ask to be tailed by some beautiful bird?"

Remus laughed. "At least you know what yours looks like. The rest of us have yet to notice anything."

"Maybe they started with me first," George suggested.

Severus shook his head. 'They've been tailing Remus for weeks now."

Remus looked over, surprised. "You didn't seem particularly aware of it when I mentioned it earlier."

"I wasn't aware of the watch list," Severus explained. "I only knew he was tailing you."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Remus asked, hurt. He could think of no reason Severus would keep that from him.

"Because there was no point in telling you. You're clever enough to figure such things out on your own."

Remus's jaw tightened and loosened immediately. He was hurt, but he knew he shouldn't have been. Severus was stressed and, as a result, curt. "Still, Severus. You might've told me."

Severus nodded. "Nothing to do about it now," he answered. For a split second, Remus wondered what else Severus knew that he wasn't sharing.

"If that's settled, I need something from you," George said to Severus. Severus raised an eyebrow curiously. "Veritaserum." George read the next question in his expression. "I think it's a good idea to have stores available at all times. I'm sure you already have your own. The Order should have stock, too."

Severus nodded. "It was done in the past. You're correct that it's getting to a point where we'll need stock." He looked over at Remus and sighed, exhausted and annoyed, it seemed. Remus suspected the suspicion on his own face to be the culprit for Severus's annoyance. He sighed and stood. "Alright. I'll take care of it now. I could use some quiet time."

"Sorry to ruin your afternoon," George called after Severus as he left the room.

Remus looked at George and chuckled. "You've made his day. Believe me. He needs a distraction from all of this."

"Aren't you supposed to be the one providing 'distractions'?"

Remus rolled his eyes. "In a perfect world, yes. But this is far from perfect. And Severus is worn out."

George nodded. "Wanna talk about it?"

Remus raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? I know it can be uncomfortable . . .."

George shrugged. "Not so much since Charlie started having trouble. He calls me on the Floo Network almost everyday. And he's lonely."

"I've never known Charlie to favor company."

"He doesn't. He favors animals. And blokes. So it's too bad you're taken. You two would be perfect together."

Remus gave George a stern look though he was highly amused. "Behave," he scolded. "Besides, your brother is a bit young for me."

"Oh, age is just a number, Remus!" George insisted cheekily. "The fact is that I know you lack a friend to talk to in all of this. You've not one person you can trust to tell what's going on between Severus and Malfoy and The Order. Not counting Severus, of course."

Remus nodded, relieved to learn someone was willing to listen. "Your brother isn't the only soul who's lonely right now." George nodded, unsurprised. "Sometimes he doesn't come home." Remus stopped for a moment and stared at the doorway, afraid someone might listen. Severus would likely be mortified if someone overheard them. "I'm jealous," he sighed. "My fear and worry trump that, though. Fortunately."

"Would Severus be bothered by your jealousy? "

"Not as much as I am. Jealousy drives me mad. I'm mad enough as it is," Remus said, running his hand through his hair. "It doesn't help that I know it's rather irrational. I see what Lucius does to Severus; both the visible marks and . . . the less noticeable affects."

"Is Severus regretting teaching you Legillimency yet?"

"Probably."

George chuckled. "Well, seeing as he's both incapable of communicating his emotions on this matter and capable of hiding everything from you, I think he had to teach you for fear of breaking this time. And I think he's letting you in on more than you think."

"Anoddstatement," thought Remus.

"Because I think he has to tell someone. And he trusts you most because he loves you most."

Remus fought a small smile for a second, but gave in shortly. "Perhaps you're right," he conceded immediately. No point being self-deprecating; it was obvious Severus loved him implicitly. "As for a bit of Order business, I need you to leak some information to your friend at The Prophet."

"Excellent," George said rubbing his hands together. "What's the scoop?"

Remus proceeded to explain to George the threats, both real and fabricated, against the Orphanage. Then he outlined the plan he and Severus had come up with. George poured both of them a drink.

"I can't believe Percy is involved with someone like that," George said dispiritedly. "Is there really nothing else we can do?"

"We can't incite a war and we can't let Hermione lose," Remus explained. "But we can't let an act of war be carried out." He sighed. "So this is the best we can do, insofar as I can see."

"Bloody Hell. Well, I'll get back to the shop and get in touch with my source. Hopefully luck will meet us in the middle this time. I'll see you at the debate tonight." With that proclamation, George downed his drink and walked out.

o0o

Thunderous applause erupted in the Great Hall as Headmistress McGonnagal took to the podium to announce the beginning to the Hogwarts Debate between Hermione Granger Weasley and Percy Weasley.

"Thank you. Thank you. Quiet down, please," she urged. They complied readily. "Welcome to our Ministerial debate. Let us meet our candidates. Current Director of International Magical Cooperation and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Percy Weasley."

More thunderous applause. Minerva permitted it.

"Professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Member of the Boards of many advocacy groups, including the Society for Tolerance of Vampires, the Society for Distressed Witches, and the Campaign for Greater Freedom for Wizards, Ms. Hermione Granger-Weasley."

Severus covered his mouth and smiled. More thunderous applause for Hermione . . . no more than Percy, but still . . .. Severus's eyes met with Lucius's. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. Severus nodded, as though in agreement.

"Joining me on the dais tonight are my colleague Fillius Flitwick and Ministry Official Delores Umbridge." Minerva wore years of annoyance with Umbridge plainly on her face though she tried desperately to hide it. "Tonight we will be asking questions submitted by you, the audience. The rules are similar to our previous debates: we will allow thirty seconds for answers and fifteen seconds for follow-ups. You will hear the following sound . . .," she trailed as a bell sounded, "when the candidate has run out of time. Please hold any applause until the end of the debate. Thank you." Applause erupted again as Minerva retreated to her seat on the dais. "Our first question is for Director Percy Weasley and it comes from Official Umbridge."

"Director Weasley," she said sweetly; "If you were elected Minister, what steps would you implement in order to protect our citizens from predators of less than innocuous origins?"

"I would implement a registry for individuals whose abilities, learned or . . .," he paused looking for the right word, " . . . accidentally acquired, would prove useful in carrying out terrorist activities. Furthermore, I would ensure that all acts of terrorism would be punished swiftly and justly."

"I'd like to comment on that," Hermione said quickly. Her eagerness came as no surprise to Severus.

"Fifteen seconds, Ms. Weasley."

"I will confidently read between the lines and remind you there already exists a Werewolf Registry maintained by the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures which is a branch of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, which you head. Surely your Department is doing a fine job maintaining that registry. To create another would be redundant and wasteful."

It was everything Severus could do not to drop his jaw. Percy was going to be slaughtered.

Minerva cleared her throat. "Mr. Weasley?"

"I think in light of recent events, however, that it is clear that the current registry is out dated and under regulated. My proposed plans would eliminate the current registries in favor of more comprehensive ones as a measure of public security."

Severus wished Hermione had a chance to respond to that. Unfortunately, they had to move on. "Our next question comes from Professor Flitwick."

"Ms. Granger." Hermione smiled. "This question expands somewhat on the idea of a comprehensive registry. 'Given the state of security in the Wizarding World, what is the harm in developing a detailed registry documenting the whereabouts of creatures known to associate with terrorists?"

"Security is not nearly as bad as it is sensationalized to be and if it were, the Ministry would be shooting itself in the foot to acknowledge its complacency particularly after the most recent war. Director Weasley also lacks concrete evidence proving any of these elusive 'terrorist acts' were perpetrated by the people who would be most effected by a new registry. We know nothing of the persons behind these acts. Plots are constantly 'foiled' these days, but there never appears to be much news past the point of an arrest. Have we ever learned the fate of anyone accused of a terrorist act in the past six months? The fact is, there is no hard evidence for any organized terrorist groups in Great Britain. In fact . . .." She was cut off by the bell.

Severus could tell by the expression on Lucius's face that Percy was completely prepared for that response. Perhaps Hermione had her work cut out for her, after all.

"Mr. Weasley?"

"As we all know, the Ministry has many Departments which must maintain some degree of confidentiality and classified information not available to the public. There are quite a number of organized terrorist groups. To acknowledge them fully would put the public at risk and lend credibility to the notion that certain groups are inherently bad." Severus could not imagine where Percy was attempting to go with his convoluted statement. Was Lucius high? "The truth of the matter is that not every werewolf is bad on an individual basis. In fact, I'd wager most of them are fine, upstanding citizens - most of the time. There are times, however, when he loses his Free Will and is overcome by a beast. Would it be in the best interest of the public to eliminate a list which informs us of nothing more than the locations and names of creatures which prey strictly on humans?"

"I can understand the desire for a registry for Werewolves, but they are not the only group you're seeking to include on your registry. Animagi are also included, as are people of giant and goblin descent. Why would anyone need to know where they are all of the time?"

Percy pursed his lips and stared, annoyed. "I don't know where your information is coming from. There are no such proposals."

The bell sounded again and Minerva cleared her throat. Hermione and Percy were glaring at each other. Fortunately, candidates were required to surrender their wands before debates. Severus leaned over to say something to Remus, who was playing the part of humiliated lover well, only to be interrupted by McGonnagal.

"Yes. Well, this next question comes from Delores Umbridge."

"Mr. Weasley, what is your position on Muggle relations?"

"As the current Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, maintaining a distance between the Muggle community and our own is integral to the security of our society. Historically, Muggles are unaccepting of Magical practice and it is best we continue to remain in separate societies."

An excellent way of smoothing over harsh facts; he would prohibit unions of Wizard and Muggle, Wizard and Beast, and Wizard and Being. He wondered if Hermione would realize that.

"How separate can our societies truly remain as inter marriage rates continue to climb not only with Muggles, but with other sentient beings as well? Wouldn't it be prudent to move towards improving relations with all communities? What good could possibly come from continuing to ostracize everyone around us?"

"At a time when our people are in such danger, Ms. Granger, it's imperative we practice extreme caution. Surely you understand it's only temporary."

"So you say," she snarled.

"Ms. Granger, I'll remind you not to speak out of turn," Minerva reminded her. Reluctantly, Hermione nodded. "Next question from Delores Umbridge."

"Ms. Granger. Would you favor a program wherein werewolves would report to the Ministry for incarceration three days a month and vampires would be restricted to their own communities?"

"Absolutely not," Hermione answered without hesitation. There were a few murmurs throughout the crowd. Severus noticed Remus stiffen and sigh, annoyed at their reaction. He let it go reluctantly, though, choosing instead to focus on Hermione. As a political candidate, she was a breath of fresh air, blatantly honest and unapologetic. Remus was certainly enjoying watching her, eschewing his deadpan in favor of a proud grin. He hardly acknowledged Severus's presence.

Severus hated missing out on the moment.

"I see no point in it. Those communities are co-existing quite well with our own right now. The non-profit Blood Banks are thriving. My family donates once every three months. Many others - wizards, muggles, and half-bloods alike - do just the same. The Magical Community came together on the 'issue' (such as it was) of Vampire/Human Relations. As for werewolves . . . Wolfsbane and mating. Perfectly sensible solution."

"Am I correct in assuming you endorse the mating of werewolf to human?"

"Of course I do," she responded quickly. There were more murmurs throughout, these louder. Even the most tolerant of witches and wizards found that particular coupling a difficult concept to embrace though they wouldn't know the difference if they weren't aware of the werewolf. Severus wasn't sure Remus would let it go as easily a second time.

"Minerva," Percy said, "might I respond?"

"Of course," she replied.

"How do you suggest we go about ensuring the werewolves are taking Wolfsbane, mating, or both?"

"I suggest that we trust adults to make responsible choices. If - and only if - the law is broken is it the Ministry's duty to intervene. In that case, we would treat them like any other criminal."

"Why not head that off at the pass with preventative measures?"

"Detention for crimes that might be committed?" she asked.

There were whispers among the crowd.

Percy swallowed audibly. Lucius's jaw tensed. "That isn't what's being discussed."

"Ms. Weasley, Mr. Weasley. I'll remind you to stick to the format as it was laid out initially. Let's move on to our next question. Professor Flitwick?"

"Ms. Weasley, where do you stand on goblin rights?"

"I believe they should have them," was all the reply she gave. Severus laughed out right, earning a glare from Remus.

"Would you care to respond, Mr. Weasley?" Minerva asked.

"It is my belief that goblins, presently, maintain adequate rights and the Ministry is, of course, highly supportive of that community." Very diplomatic.

"Delores?"

Unamused by Minerva's casual use of her first name, Umbridge posed her question. "Mr. Weasley. What is your opinion of the newly formed Counter Terrorism Squad?"

"CTS is integral to the security of the Wizarding Community. They're a proactive measure."

"Measure against what?" Hermione asked derisively. "For all the so called growing threat of terrorism, the past twelve months have actually been the most peaceful on record since the second fall of Voldermort."

"How peaceful things are month-to-month isn't indicative of how peaceful things will be next month." Percy caught Lucius's eye. Lucius nodded. "There have been reports of organized meetings the details of which I will not go into. Suffice it to say, they are pursuing terroristic objectives and CTS is merely a group comprised of tolerant, competent individuals assembled to ensure those groups do not gain a stronghold."

Hermione snorted. "Why, exactly, aren't these terrorist organizations public knowledge? I've sought them out."

"With limited resources. Ms. Granger, I assure you, the Ministry knows exactly what it's doing."

"Indeed," Hermione mumbled. "Did the ministry know what it was doing when Bartimus Crouch Senior was allowed to remain Imperiused for the better part of a year? Did the Ministry know what it was doing when it put Harry Potter on trial for casting a Patronus charm to protect himself and his cousin from Dementors? Dementors that were sent to Little Whinging on Delores Umbridges's orders? Did the Ministry know what it was doing when it appointed Delores Umbridge as Hogwarts High Inquisitor?" She paused to take a breath. "I would guess not on that last one as the position has been permanently dissolved."

The Great Hall erupted with thunderous applause. Clever point though she was making, Hermione's eagerness to attack Umbridge could be harmful in several ways. Severus watched Remus and Lucius's eyes meet. As he watched Remus glare, Severus began to suspect he was only half-aware of that fact. Minerva made one half hearted attempt to silence the audience before letting them wear themselves out.

"There was a time when those actions were completely justified," Percy began as the crowd quieted reluctantly. "It's unfortunate that liberties were stripped many years ago, but it had a place. Delores did a fine job while that position existed." Delores smiled at Percy and turned to look at the crowd. "As for Potter's trial - again, liberties had to be stripped. You'll recall that situation was rectified immediately." he reminded her. "Barty Crouch . . . the Ministry hasn't denied mistakes were made. This vigilance I'm exercising now is the only way to ensure no one is Imperiused again. Surely you support such an effort."

"Not when such efforts kept people like Stan Shunpike, who was also Imperiused, incarcerated for almost a year. Nor did it prevent other innocent bystanders from being pulled into compulsory service under Voldemort or imprisoned in Azkaban."

"And at the time, we didn't know what the threat was nor did we have any reason to believe there was one. Blame the Ministry all you'd like, you're making our case for us. We must be vigilant."

"Actually, we did know what the threat was. It was Voldemort. The Ministry simply refused to accept it."

"Ms. Granger, as you weren't employed at the Ministry, you have no first-hand knowledge of how we handled You-Know-Who, nor are you prepared to handle any such threat. You simply lack experience."

"I may not have been employed with the Ministry but I am certainly not lacking in experience dealing with mad men, Voldemort, in particular."

The bell sounded. "Please remember to stick to the format," Minerva reminded them. Percy was turning redder by the second. Lucius was staring intensely. Remus was at the edge of his seat. "Professor Flitwick?"

"Mr. Weasley. What is your definition of 'security'?"

Severus raised his eyebrows. That was an interesting question. Unfortunately, it went unanswered as a Ministry employee rushed onto the stage and whispered in Minerva's ear. Eyes wide, she addressed the crowd. "Our apologies, but this debate will have to be rescheduled. Mr. Weasley is needed at the Ministry."

Hermione scoffed. "I'm sure."

The man handed Percy a piece of paper. "Ladies and gentlemen . . .." Percy grinned, smug and self-satisfied. If he was in on the threat, Severus imagined, he was the world's worst actor. He suspected, however, Percy was both ignorant and too dull to realize that the wake of a terrorist threat is no place to be smug. "There has been a terrorist threat made against the Veteran's Orphanage."

His announcement was met with pandemonium. Owls swept in dropping off the Special Edition Prophet to those who still bothered to subscribe. Hermione, it was no surprise, was one of them. He looked over at Remus who had his head in his hands.

The Hall emptied out quickly leaving only Order members and Hogwarts staff. Minerva dismissed the teachers and motioned for everyone else to follow her to her office.

"Percy couldn't get out of there fast enough," Hermione said.

"Lucius looked horrified," Severus added.

Remus looked at Severus, annoyed. "Not surprised you noticed," he mumbled, audible to everyone.

Severus sat, quietly absorbing Remus's frustrations as he'd grown accustomed to doing.

"Yes, well, we need to decide how we can make this development work in our favor," McGonnagal said.

"If I may?" Dumbledore queried, holding his hand up to get everyone's attention.

"Well, you're going to anyway," Minerva replied.

"I am correct in assuming the Ministry only learned of this threat after it was published in the Prophet?" Albus waited for confirmation before continuing. "Perhaps this would be a good time, Ms. Weasley, to point out that, this being the case, the Counter Terrorism Squad is doing little to reveal any potential for terror. An anonymous tip to the newspaper makes them look a bit...superfluous."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "That's a great idea," she acknowledged.

"And not something Percy will expect," Remus added.

"But Lucius will," Severus supplied.

Remus scoffed petulantly. "Severus would know what Lucius expects," he snarled through clenched jaw, refusing to regard Severus.

"I can take care of Lucius," Luna said casually.

He'd forgotten that she'd joined them. "So much for the objectivity of the press," Severus mocked.

"It's amazing how easy it is to be objective by merely printing the truth. Unlike The Prophet, I don't have to make things up in order to sell papers," she responded seriously. Severus noticed Hermione turn around to hide her laughter. "I can run an exposé on him and the Weasley campaign. I'll do one on Remus and Hermione as well. We'll make it a double issue. With Remus and Malfoy on the cover, it'll sell faster than Harry's edition."

"Will Lucius expect that?" Remus asked petulantly.

"As vain as he is, I expect he would," Luna answered not having fully caught the question.

"Luna's not incorrect," Severus began tactfully, not wanting to exacerbate the situation. "But I doubt he would expect The Quibbler to print these particular truths at any rate. He will not respond well, Miss Lovegood. He would not be above hurting you."

"You would know about hurting people," Remus mumbled

"I do," Severus mistakenly replied, "and I know because of friendship."

"Friendship?" Remus spat. "You call that a friendship?" He laughed and shook his head, keeping his voice low.

George cleared his throat. "Severus! This evening would be a fine one for catching up with Mr. Longbottom here and myself," George said, putting his arm around Neville.

"I'm merely explaining that untoward behavior isn't the only way to gather information," Severus continued.

"Seriously, man!" George shouted, grinning. "Let's get the hell out of here."

"One moment, Mr. Weasley," Severus said, standing up. "Luna, please consider the consequences very carefully before you start a fight with Lucius Malfoy."

Luna walked up to him and looked him in the eye. "I've been a 'guest' of Lucius Malfoy before. I know exactly what I'm getting into."

Severus sized her up. He'd forgotten that The Dark Lord had held her captive as a means of controlling her father. He'd heard that even Bellatrix had been unable to satisfactorily break her. He nodded his head once before turning to Remus. He sized him up too before leaning down to whisper in his ear.

"And no, I don't generally call it friendship. I call it an assignment. I'll see you at home." That said, he followed George and Neville out of Minerva's office.