((Alrighty. Well, I am going on vacation, so this will be the last update for a little bit. You reviewers are my heroes! I only wish that everyone who actually read this would review, but I am thankful to have you guys! I would have stopped updating if you hadn't reviewed way back when! Okay, so, here's the last chapter for a bit! It's a bit cheesy, and another awful title, but whatever. Soundtrack for the Chapter: The Eels – Fresh Feeling.))

(First Week of February – Year Two)

Thirteen – Two Toasts

Dear Sirius,

School's out in a few months now. Last time we talked things weren't exactly smooth. Should I even bother to attempt another conversation before I join you in the "adult world", or should I give up now?

Your "Not-Brother"

Dear Regulus,

Yes, please do give up.

Sirius

"I think it is time we catch the Death Eaters by true surprise," Dumbledore addressed the present Order members.

"Last month, Voldemort was notified of our attack right away. He knows who some of you are now, and things, by my own fault, are going to become rather dangerous. I apologize for placing those involved in such a predicament. However, this upcoming mission that I have sketched out in my rather scattered, old brain might just possibly prove worthwhile… I'll tell you what I think, and we will work together to perfect the plan in these upcoming weeks. Hopefully, by the time I wish to execute it, it will be flawless…"

They were all sitting at the kitchen table of Sirius's apartment. They had been silent for a while now. Dumbledore had finished his idea, and had sent them off to ponder it. They had been pondering for quite a bit.

"What do you think?" Peter shakily opened up. "Do you think it'll work?"

James could barely shrug. "I don't know."

"It seems risky." Sirius agreed. But it didn't stop a sly smile from appearing on his face. "But since when did we ever think that joining the Order wouldn't be? I mean, if we're going to go out, why not go out with a bang, right?"

"There are just so many things that can go wrong…" Lily surmised. Everyone knew that the last thing she wanted was another mishap, like the last time they tried to "surprise" the Death Eaters.

Dorcas, however, had a crafty glint in her eye. "I've got some ideas that might help patch those risks right up, though, I hope. Problem solving has always kind of been my thing, you know?"

Marlene nodded. She had been the one in the deepest thought-induced trance of all, but now a determined look was set on her face. "Each of us has something to give to this, I think, and that is why I feel it will work."

Peter snorted. "Not me. I don't know why Dumbledore asked me to join the Order in the first place."

The table seemed to give a synonymous sigh of exasperation.

"Oh, buck up, Peter," James churned. "She's right. This is no time for modesty. Each of us has to give all we have into putting this plan in action."

"Exactly." Marlene agreed. Peter just looked more distressed than ever.

Despite this, Sirius's smile had grown to an almost dangerous point. "If we manage to pull this off…"

"We will manage to pull this off." Marlene interrupted, merrily.

"As I was saying," Sirius continued. He conjured up seven mugs of butterbeer, and raised his own. "When we manage to pull this off, we will be one step closer to winning the War for good."

"One step closer to making an actual difference!" Dorcas laughed.

"One step closer to getting a normal life back." Lily rolled her eyes.

"One step closer to stopping the darkness from spreading!" Remus chimed.

James raised his glass. "One step closer to saving the daylight that is left in this world…"

It was silly, and yet serious at the same time. The friends clinked their mugs, and though each was still nervous in his or her own way, the future suddenly seemed to be less scary of a prospect.

Dear Sirius,

We are more alike than you think, in more ways that you know. One day you and your little friends will realize that. Cheers.

Regulus

((To come in about two weeks: Dumbledore's mission for the Order, a face-off between one Marauder and a dark figure from his past, and too much more following that. See you all soon!  ))