Hi Readers, I decided to update quickly because I love this chapter. Apologies for the cliffhanger. Please review!
The legendary mass of ancient towers and turrets that was Hogwarts was as welcoming as ever. We all flooed into Professor McGonagall's office, a place that we had been trying (and failing) to avoid since our first year.
"It's good to see that you're all well", our old Professor said earnestly in her Scottish accent. "Go on ahead to Dumbledore's office, I'm still waiting on a few more people."
"Thanks Professor", Remus said.
"It's Minerva now, as I am no longer your Professor. I think that each of you have earned the right to call me that." She replied with a quick smile before ushering us out of the crowded room.
When we entered Dumbledore's office, I was surprised by how many people I knew that were in the Order. There were the people in my year, Hagrid the half-giant who as always took up half of the room, Aberforth Dumbledore, owner of the Hog's Head, Minerva McGonagall the Scottish Transfiguration Master, Alastor Moody, his glass eye surveying all of us with mistrust, the twins Gideon and Fabian, Frank Longbottom, Professor Tyrell, Arthur and Molly Weasley who were the red haired couple from the wedding and Dorcas Meadows, a Hufflepuff who graduated two years ago.
We were also introduced to other people. Benjy Fenwick and Caradoc Dearborn were a pair of Ravenclaws who became well-respected Aurors. Dedalus Diggle worked in the Portkey Office. Edgar Bones was next in line to be head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Elphias Doge was a curse-breaker at Gringott's. Sturgis Podmore was an Unspeakable working in the Department of Mysteries and Mundungus Fletcher was an expert in dark or illegal items ranging from potions ingredients to cursed watches.
Dumbledore had gathered a wide range of people who were each experts in different fields. Each person there was trusted. Each person there was capable of surviving in battle. Each person was prepared to lay down their life to restore peace. There was a heavy atmosphere. The Order were a family in a weird way. It was one of the few places where you knew you could trust everyone in the room but you also knew that they might not make it to the next meeting.
"I'll never understand why you young ones want to join", Moody, ever the encouraging one, said gruffly. "To join is to die. You're foolish, the whole lot of you. Arrogant, over confident toe rags who think that they'll be heroes who'll kill Voldemort. You think that the situation is bad at the moment? It hasn't even started yet and I doubt that you'll live to tell the tale. So tell me, why the hell are you here, risking your necks when you could be safely tucked away at home?"
James stepped forward, meeting Moody's harsh gaze. "I'm not about to sit in the side lines whilst innocents are being killed."
"What if you being in the Order puts your family at risk? Want to go home to find the Dark Mark and everyone you love a cold corpse?" Moody growled, painting an unnecessarily vivid picture.
"My family are already dead. All who are left are here in this room", Alice responded coldly, her cool blue gaze harsh and unforgiving.
"Arrogance gets you killed", Moody warned. "As does talking back when you should just shut up."
"Yes Moody, these children are naïve. They believe in rules. They think that just because they're on the right side, the good side, means that they'll win. And they're not the only ones who believe that. They'll soon witness the horrors. They'll soon lose their innocence but each of these young adults has earned the right to be here today", Dumbledore said calmly, flashing Minerva a glance. The witch nodded.
"James Potter", She began, "Top of the class and definitely arrogant but you would be unable to find a better leader. He knew from the moment that he saw the heir to the Dark Black family and a girl who hated him that he would love them unconditionally. How he knew, no one knows, not even him. James Potter is as persistent as they come and will fight for his morals or die trying."
"Peter Pettigrew", She announced, "A boy who follows orders. He will try hard for the order and will do his very best. He may be quiet, you may not notice him but in the middle of a battle he's the boy who defends your back."
"Sirius Black", Minerva continued, ignoring the many gasps as the Order learned that it had a Black in its midst. "Many of you will distrust him for his name alone. Sure he too is arrogant, but he was raised to be. Yet he rebelled against one of the strongest families in our world and won, something which not many can do. He has in his own right, already fought a war. He is naturally talented and Sirius Black will be first in line to fight the Death Eaters. For him, it's personal."
"Alice Longbottom", Minerva said, "A kinder hearted girl you will not find. Nothing will change her sense of good and wrong because they are imbedded so deeply in her. She's talented and will not fall at the first hurdle."
"Lily Evans", Minerva called, sounding as though her speech was written down in front of her. "She was faced with prejudices from the moment she set foot in our world. Branded unworthy of her magic, she rose to the challenge magnificently and excelled in everything she did in Hogwarts. If you need a friend, call on Lily Evans."
"Remus Lupin", She said, meeting Remus' surprised eyes, "A werewolf. Submitted to some of the worst prejudices in the wizarding world. Branded a dark creature but has not given in to the easier option and chose to fight the Death Eaters even though the people he is fighting for hate him. A hard worker, loyal, smart and definitely not innocent to the horrors in our world."
"Amy Griffon", She announced loudly. I felt myself blush as every head turned to face me. "What doesn't kill her makes her stronger. Amy Griffon never let the death of her father define her. She rose above it. She has been blessed with talents that the Dark Lord himself does not possess and I have never seen a better duellist for her age. You will not find a more stubborn or determined person and mark my words, she won't give up until Voldemort is dead."
"Thank you Professor", Dumbledore said softly. "I agree with every word Minerva has said and Moody, do not doubt the young for they will be the wise one day."
"If they survive", Moody added darkly, always happy to point out the probability of our untimely deaths. We wisely chose to ignore him.
"As everyone is present, we shall commence with the meeting", Dumbledore decided, and everyone turned to give him their attention. "A spy has revealed that Rosier and Avery have accepted the Dark Mark. They are not to be underestimated in battle, and of course, as Death Eaters, Aurors are permitted to use Unforgivables on them."
This announcement caused the crowd to burst into angry muttering. Another two bastards to add to the list…great.
Before Dumbledore could utter another word, the mutterings changed from furious to shocked and apprehensive as a bright patronus entered the room. It was a lion.
"James!"It cried in the tones of Charlus Potter, "Death Eater attack at Potter Manor. Twenty of them. We're alive at the moment. We love you."