Chapter Twenty Eight
Reconvening the Order
Albus hadn't been surprised that the Dark Lord had at long last returned. Albus knew that it would happen eventually. Albus just wished it was at a time that the Slytherin brat hadn't broken ties with the youngest Weasley boy because of his own stupidity.
The twins didn't have the trust Weasley and Granger had earned through trials and tribulation but thanks to Ronald Weasley the two of them would have to work. Albus had made sure that Slytherin trusted the two of them beyond anything and anyone else. To have it all destroyed by Weasley's jealously left a bad taste in Albus' mouth.
Albus frowned he'd have to have Ginevra work on Potter over the summer. It wasn't ideal as the Daily Prophet would suspect her of using Love Potions after the debacle Weasley created. Unfortunately Albus couldn't afford to wait; Albus needed someone that Slytherin could relate the fear and hatred they both felt to his father to push Slytherin into taking a more active role in the war.
The Weasley girl at least had suffered at Voldemort's hand even if it was of her own doing. That gave Albus an idea. Manipulate Slytherin into connecting with the Weasley girl to connect over the fear of possession they would soon enough both be feeling.
Already the Family Magic caused both members of the Slytherin family pain when one of them was threatening the other one. Albus knew with a bit of Legimency Albus could plant false visions supposedly from Voldemort's own mind. Naturally then he would tell the Order of his fears that the Boy Who Lived was going to be possessed by Voldemort through the connection.
Someone would let it slip to Slytherin. Implanting the suggestion to Potter that he should discuss it with the one person who could possibly understand would be simple. Then he would leave the wooing (and drugging) to young Ginevra who would be eager to finally get her hands on the numerous vaults that the brat didn't known he possessed and the titles.
Of course, Albus would likely have to prove that what he said was true. An attack using a snake which would be blamed on Tom's familiar – Nagini. Ronald Weasley was fast becoming a hindrance to their plans.
Having his ex-friend die at Voldemort's hands would remind Slytherin why Voldemort was the enemy and must die especially if he hadn't forgiven Weasley at that point. The guilt he would feel for making his once best friend's last few months of life hell and seeing his dead but doing nothing would drive him further into Ginevra's arms. They would naturally comfort each other over the difficult time so it would be quite understandable if they fell in love.
Albus hoped to use Weasley's death to convince Fudge and the Wizarding World that Voldemort was back. Of course, none of the Weasleys could ever know that he was responsible from their youngest member's death. Albus needed them too much so could not afford Ronald's death to turn the Weasleys against him.
Albus would have to talk to Ginevra after the Order meeting about the latest plan. Speaking of which Albus was making his way to the Burrow for the Order meeting. The first in almost sixteen years thanks to Albus' carefully laid plans.
The Burrow was being used as a temporary headquarters until a safer base could be found. Albus hoped that Sirius would donate one of the Black family homes to them but unfortunately Albus couldn't locate the Animagus. Albus had Apparated to the cave that Albus had suggested Sirius stay in but the Black Lord was nowhere to be found although given the state of the half eaten food Albus didn't think Sirius had been gone long!
Albus Apparated to the doormat of the Burrow knowing that he would be dramatically late as always. Albus magicked open the front door and strode towards the kitchen where the Order would have convened as it was the biggest room the Burrow boasted. Albus didn't know how many of the old crowd would have returned after all these years but Albus hoped that his old friends would understand the importance of fighting for the Greater Good once more.
Entering the kitchen Albus could see that twenty-seven members of the Order of the Phoenix had returned. Albus observed the new faces of the eldest Weasley boys pleased that the next generation were willing to fight the good fight. Albus decided it was a good sign.
'Good morning,' greeted Albus calmly.
Albus donned his kind, gentile, friendly, compassionate grandfatherly visage which was all that many of the Order and the public ever saw. Albus' eyes and face expressed his seriousness, sadness and disappointment that the situation call for. Yet at the same time was strong and determined despite his age was still willing to lead them through the darkness and war that was sure to come now that Voldemort had returned.
'I am sure you are all wondering why I called you here,' Albus said gravely. 'It is my solemn duty to inform you that Voldemort has return-'
Before Albus could finish his statement chaos broke out at his announcement. Molly burst into tears as Arthur held her tight eyes dark, lips thin and a grim look at the pronouncement. Emmeline Vance went pale, a horrified look in her eyes.
Severus sneered at the Order, 'be quiet,' the spy hissed. 'Aren't Gryffindors supposed to be braver than this!?'
Severus snapped ignoring that not everyone present were Gryffindors. Granting there were a lot of them who were Gryffindors thankfully as Gryffindor characteristics were the traits Albus looked for in all his followers. Albus didn't interrupt Severus knowing that the man could quieten the room for him.
'Yes, the Dark Lord has returned but it's no reason for you to lose what little presence of mind you possess!' sneered Severus. 'But what can one expect from-'
Albus cleared his throat interrupting Severus before he launch into what spiel he was going to. Severus had done what Albus knew he wold – quieten the room. Severus did have a talent for silencing a room as his years of teaching proved.
'Thank you, Severus,' Albus nodded at the Potion's Master. 'Severus is right Voldemort-,'Albus said pointedly.
Albus was not surprised at the flinches that followed that statement. It was amazing how something as simple as a name – not even a real name – could insight such respect amongst the common people which of course why Albus insisted on using it despite knowing that not saying the name would make the rest of the Order far more comfortable. Albus waited until the flinches stopped before speaking once more.
'-but in times such as these we cannot let our fear define us!' Albus continued. 'Fear in the face of oppression I have found has the tendency to bring out the best,' smiled Albus proudly causing everyone to sit up, 'or the worst. If you let fear control you let the fear control your actions you will end up actin like Fudge,' Albus said heaving a heavy sigh.
'What has Fudge done?' the werewolf asked scowling lightly.
Remus John Lupin as a werewolf held much distaste for the current Ministry with their many anti-werewolf laws. Fudge as the Minister of Magic who had passed many of the current werewolf legislation. What the werewolf population did not know was that Umbridge had never given Fudge any choice but it was doubtful Fudge resisted too much given popular opinion of Werewolves especially after Greyback's actions in the last war.
Naturally Dumbledore had claimed that he was unable to get any counter laws passed or the current laws repealed. In reality he didn't want to give the beasts their rights because they were Dark and dangerous creatures. True werewolves like Lupin could be decent but only if they fought against the beast every day of their lives which few would as it brought about magical stress and premature death forty to fifty years after being bitten. Hence, why Lupin looked so much older than he actually was.
Albus sighed sadly, 'Cornelius is in denial over Voldemort's,' Albus said stubbornly ignoring the flinches, 'return. He'd rather believe that I was after his job-'
'Codwallop,' boomed Hagrid.
'Ridiculous,' agreed the werewolf.
'How could he think that!?' demanded Molly incensed. 'Everyone knows that Albus has never wanted power!'
The other members of the Order except Percy Albus noted displeased were nodding along with what the Weasley matriarch was saying. Albus would have to watch Percy for betrayal if he chose the Ministry over him. Albus smiled slightly as though humbled by what his most loyal followers were saying.
Albus was secretly amused by the fact that they forgot that he was both the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamont and the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards. Offices that were fact more influential than being Minister of Magic without having to deal with trivial matters, being held accountable for mistakes the Ministry made or taking up the time being Minister would entail. Never mind the fact that he could get laws passed nationally and internationally with the support of the majority of the ICW or Wizengamot without the support of the public.
Of course, the general public thought that the position of Chief Warlock was mainly an archaic ceremonial title which is of course what Albus and the Wizengamot wanted them to think. No one wanted it to get out that the most powerful position could be only be elected from a small number of people with hereditary seats whilst anyone could run for Minister of Magic. It gave the people a semblance of democracy which stopped rebellions from the common people.
Albus cleared his throat again, 'I prefer the challenger of inspiring young minds.'
That was actually partly true although not in the way his followers might think. There was a reason Albus focussed so much attention to Hogwarts. Old minds were already set in their ways and beliefs. Young minds, on the other hand, were malleable with the right influences.
Hufflepuffs were by nature loyal once you had earned their trust. Earning their trust was not difficult. At least not for Albus Dumbledore as he was both the celebrated hero of the light, champion of the weak, and their headmaster.
Gryffindors saw him as their and the whole world's hero. The hero they sought to emulate in their lives which Albus naturally encouraged. The general whom they go to their deaths for because he worked for the good of the whole world.
Ravenclaws were more difficult considering they believed what their precious books told them to. Hence, why Albus even before he became Headmaster had begun regulating what was found in the school library. Madam Pince hated it but after explaining how dangerous and seductive he could convince the school governors not to overturn his decision which had become even easier since the Slytherin brat had got Malfoy sacked from being a school governor.
Unfortunately most Slytherins were too suspicious to trust anyone especially a Gryffindor. Albus was wary of them and worried that their poison would spread throughout the school so Albus spread rumours about their evil and deceptiveness. People forgot that Death Eaters, Dark wizards and criminals came from all three houses. It was Slytherin who was forever considered evil so the other three houses ostracised them and the few that refused to ostracise Slytherins were painted with the same brush.
'Cornelius, is acting out of fear,' Albus said cutting across the outrage. 'Fear makes us do terrible things. Cornelius will learn in time that Voldemort is back. What will happen will happen all we can do is face it when it does.'
'Too righ',' agreed Hagrid with a cheer.
Percy was shaking his head and scowling, 'I'm sure that the Minister has good reason for not believing that He Who Must Not Be Named is back. What is your evidence? Have you seen him?' Percy asked clearly scared of him.
Albus kept his face calm not letting it be shown how furious he was that a Weasley who had always been loyal to him was questioning what he was saying. Albus knew that Percy Weasley was exceptionally loyal to people of authority but up until now that had been him. Albus could not allow Cornelius Oswald Fudge to poach one of his followers!
Albus knew he had to nip this disloyalty in the bud before it had time to take root. If he did not Weasley would begin questioning him which was something that Albus could not have. If Albus could not stop this loyalty he would have to encourage Molly to cut ties with her third son before he infected his flock.
'PERCY!' snapped Molly at her third son. 'The Headmaster,' Molly said emphasising the word, 'will have plenty of evidence. If he chooses to share it with us is not up to you! I thought I'd raised you better than this than to question your elders!'
Percy wore an expression of such hurt and his embarrassment was clear from his red ears. Albus was sure that this was the first time the third Weasley brother had been told off by his mother as Percy had always been considered by Molly to be her most well behaved son and had followed his mother's beliefs and ambitions perfectly. Albus hoped this new experience would stop Percy from questioning him.
The older two Weasleys brother shared a look with one another clearly not pleased with how their mother had treated their younger brother. Albus hoped that Percy's line of questioning hadn't caused them to have their own questions about Albus always being right. Albus decided to interject before any more questions were thrown his way.
'Molly,' Albus said gently. 'I have no problems with Percy questioning me,' Albus smiled genially at the young man. 'As to your question Percy, no I have not seen Voldemort since he fell fifteen years ago.
'I know that Voldemort has returned because I have evidence that Voldemort through his emersion into the Dark Art's has managed to cheat death. I would rather not explain how as it would be extremely damaging should it get back to Voldemort that I know,' Albus said looking imploringly at the young man.
Percy nodded reluctantly and still frowning, 'yes, sir.'
Albus went on, 'Severus has informed me that the Dark mark is back and burned tonight.'
Percy seemed shell shocked, 'you're a Death Eater, sir.'
'Severus has my complete trust,' Albus reassured the young man. 'Yes he joined Voldemort when he was younger than you but he has since repented and turned spy for me at great personal risk.'
Percy nodded, 'has it happened before.'
Severus appeared to be deciding how much to say, 'it's been growing stronger for months as it did three years ago.'
'So it couldn't just be unconnected to You Know Who as I'm sure Minister Fudge believes if it's happened before,' Percy suggested.
'PERCY!' roared Molly.
'Molly,' Albus quietly calmed the irate red head down. 'Percy is just being curious. There's no shame in that.' Albus shook his head at the young man hiding how furious he was at the young man, 'no, both three years ago and this year were times when Voldemort was getting stronger.'
Percy still seemed unhappy but looking at his mother apparently decided to drop it. Albus would have to speak to Molly about her son's behaviour. Albus was sure that Molly wouldn't want the rest of her children to be corrupted by Percy's unflappable loyalty to the Ministry.
'Yes, sir,' Percy bit out.
Molly continued to glare at her son, 'Albus, what are you going to do about Fudge? He can't be allowed the stay Minister if he's going to do nothing about He Who Must Not Be Named.'
'Mother,' Percy interrupted. 'You can't say that! You can't even talk about it! It's … its treason what's this is.'
'Percy Ignatius Weasley!' snapped Molly. 'DO NOT TALK ABOUT THINGS YOU CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND! You weren't there in the last war! I will not allow He Must Not Be Named to take the rest of my family,' sobbed Molly, 'just because Fudge is too cowardly to do anything to face
'He won't, Mollywobbles,' Arthur promised.
Arthur took his wife into his arms giving Percy a look that was telling the boy to shut up. Percy did sinking down into his chair looking guilty but still conflicted. Albus frowned at the boy not liking Percy's sudden bout of disloyalty at all.
'We have something we didn't have before,' Albus said gently.
'What?' sobbed Molly.
'Warning!' Albus said gently. 'We have time to prepare for the coming war. As to Fudge when the truth comes out which it will eventually the public will turn against him and he will be forced out of office.'
Albus could see from the corner of his eye that Percy had frowned at that comment and opened his mouth to say something but had apparently thought better of it. Albus was glad that even if he still had doubts he was not saying anything. Albus' eyes connected with Molly's both thinking that something was going to have to be done about her third son.
'You should become Minister,' Molly said sniffling.
'I have never wanted to be the Minister of Magic,' Albus said kindly. 'Elphias would be a far better candidate.'
'Do you know Voldemort's current plans?' questioned Lupin.
'I have a good idea of what he will be doing and I expect to have more information soon,' Albus said.
Albus doubted that Voldemort would wait long to call his followers. If what he suspected correct and his guesses usually were that Voldemort was recovering from the taxing ritual. Voldemort would call the Death Eaters back he did not feel that his followers would not see him as weak.
Severus would naturally return to his old master. Albus had every faith in the dark wizard's ability to persuade Voldemort that he was still loyal. Severus would report back to Albus everything that happened in that meeting which would give Albus a better idea than his suspicions what Voldemort was planning.
'The first thing that Voldemort will be doing is securing and renewing alliances. Thus, we have to cut off the routes of support that Voldemort had in the last war,' Albus said. 'Hagrid and Olympe will be going to try and convince the giants to stay out of the war.'
'Dumbledorr,' Olympe said accent thick. 'What do we doo should der be Death Eaters der?'
Albus stopped himself from sneering at the half-breed. Quite frankly he couldn't care less what happened to her but he was not going to say as such as he needed her. The realisation that Olympe Maxine the headmistress of Beauxbatons was a half-giantess had made Albus realise that he needed to place more international restrictions on half breeds and creatures. In Britain a half-breed such as her would never have been allowed to hold such influence over young minds as the half-giantess did.
'If it is possible to avoid being discovered but I do not want you to sacrifice your lives,' Albus said gently. 'I'd like you to leave as soon as the school term ends.'
'Remus, Voldemort will once again attempt to ally himself with Greyback,' Albus said grimly. 'Can I ask you to go to the Packs and try to convince them that Voldemort will never give them their freedoms?'
Remus nodded, 'I can try but few like humans so it will be hard to convince them when Voldemort promises them so much even if they are empty promises.'
'Finally, Voldemort will be securing the Dementors support so that he can break out his most loyal followers,' Albus continued. 'Sturgis apply for a transfer to become one of the wizard Aurors stationed out of Azkaban. Keep me informed of any strange movements either Death Eaters of Dementors make.'
Sturgis was a little pale at the thought of going to Azkaban but nodded his ascent. Albus was glad that Stugis understood how important it was to have someone keeping an eye on the activity of the Dementors. Albus hoped that they could stop the most loyal and insane Death Eaters from escaping Azkaban where they would want revenge for their imprisonment on the innocent populations of magical and muggle Britain.
'William I want you to approach the goblins about maintaining their neutrality,' continued Albus.
The eldest Weasley nodded, 'I don't think the goblins will want to get involved in a wizarding war.'
Albus nodded, 'that is a relief to hear but regardless I want you to talk to them.'
'Of course, sir,' nodded Bill.
'The second task is I want known Death Eaters watched whenever possible. Gerrard I want you to publicly distance yourself from me. Listen to any new Bills that the Dark faction is bringing in and do everything possible to counter them.'
Gerrard nodded, 'of course, Albus, but I don't like pretending to think that you are wrong.'
'Mundungnus, keep an ear out in your circles,' Albus said. 'I want you to report directly to me should you overhear anything of interest.'
'Finally, keep an ear out for those who are not satisfied with Fudge especially in the Ministry,' Albus said. 'We want to be recruiting because it is certain that Voldemortwill be!' Albus said grimly pleased to see the nods of agreement.
'I shall use Fawkes to contact you four the next meeting,' Albus concluded.
The third Weasley son disappeared up to his bedroom with a frown on his face whilst his family watched with varying looks of concern and anger from Molly. The Order began to leave chatting with friends and agreeing to meet up at a later date. The werewolf came up to Albus.
'Albus,' Remus called. 'Can I have a word … err … about meeting with the werewolves.'
Albus gave the werewolf a piercing look gathering that the talk was actually about Black. Albus nodded hoping that the werewolf would have the information Albus needed. Albus needed Black both for his closeness to Tom's spawn, his money and properties.
'Of course,' Albus agreed quickly. 'Arthur, is there a spare room I can use?'
Arthur nodded, 'the twin's room will be free. First floor, first door on the right.'
'Thank you, Arthur,' smiled Albus.
Albus made his way up to the first floor hearing the tap, tap sound of the werewolf's feet upon the wooden staircase. Albus saw a light coming from the cracks under one of the door which must be Percy's room. Albus and the werewolf entered the indicated room and Albus closed the door behind him.
'Do you know where Sirius is?' asked Albus.
The werewolf blinked in shock and then frowned, 'that's what I was going to ask you. Are you really going to hide the fact that Sirius is innocent from the Order!?'
'I was planning to explain to the Order that Sirius was innocent but when I turned up to the cave he was staying in he wasn't there,' Albus said. 'Do you have any idea where Sirius is?'
'No I haven't heard from him since March,' Lupin frowned clearly concerned about his friend. 'Where the hell has he gone!?' Lupin demanded agitated.
'I plan to speak to Harry tomorrow,' Albus said.
Lupin nodded, 'if anyone knows it will be Harry. Sirius might have come to celebrate Harry winning the Triwizard Tournament – it's the kind of thing Sirius would do,' Lupin said sounding relieved.
Albus nodded, 'well Remus I have to be off.'
'Yes, of course,' Lupin agreed.
Albus and the Werewolf walked back down to the kitchen. A scowling, angry Molly and placating Arthur were sitting drinking tea. The Weasley couple looked up as the last two members of the Order who was not their son walked in.
'Molly, Arthur that will be us going,' Albus said smiling.
'Arthur, Molly,' nodded Lupin.
'I'll see you two out,' Molly said.
The three of them walked towards the door. The werewolf left quickly to get prepared for his trip to the Werewolf packs leaving Albus and Molly outside the door. Molly turned to Albus fire in her brown eyes.
'What did you leave out?' demanded Molly.
'The brat will spend a few weeks at the Dursleys. Just enough time that he is absolutely desperate for affection so his little argument with your son and Hermione. Soon as he's desperate enough I will bring him to the Burrow where I want your daughter to work on him. I'll be speaking to her today about her role.'
Molly didn't look happy about having Voldemort's heir staying with her for the majority of the summer holidays. Molly never did like having the Slytherin brat in her house corrupting her children but she put up with it for the Greater Good although she did make sure that he had little interactions with anyone but Ronald who knew that the evil the boy was. Molly pursed her lips at the summer plans but nodded.
'Additionally, you have to rein in Percy,' Albus said scowling. 'I do not appreciate being questioned. It will lead to others questioning me. If they begin questioning me they will look to other darker options.
'If Percy cannot be reined in you should seriously think about cutting him off to prevent him corrupting your younger children!' Albus finished harshly striding off to leave the woman to think on what Albus had said.
