A/N- Hey guys! I'm back! As I had mentioned in the previous chapter, we are near the end of this story. I'm not sure how many more chapters are left, but it'll definitely be ending soon. There will be a few leaps in the story now. So do keep that in mind. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

1978 was recorded as one of the worst years in the last century. The death of Muggleborn 6th year, Mary MacDonald, signalled the beginning of the Great Wizarding War. It was no longer a covert operation of recruitment and occasional sabotage. People were dying everyday. No one was spared and no one was safe. Hogwarts had become a den of gloom and suspicion, threatening to catch fire at any moment. It was about that time that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore decided to summon a few of the outgoing students to his office.

"The Order of the Phoenix," he finished, looking over his half-moon glasses.

"You're asking us if we want to join an underground resistance against Voldemort?" asked James.

"That is the jist of it, Mr. Potter."

"Absolutely!" said James, moving forward with determination.

"I'm in as well," said Lily, looking grim.

"I wouldn't miss a chance to humiliate most of my family in the process," said Sirius with a smirk.

"I'd like to join as well," said Remus, looking tired but with a defiant glint in his eyes. Peter looked at his friends nervously and then nodded his head quickly.

In the end, everyone in the room ended up joining the Order of the Phoenix - Sia, Rowena, Bedelia, Anna, Dorcas, Marlene, Andrew and Benjy. Lily suggested that Dumbledore ask some of the sixth years as well, but he felt like that would be too much of a risk as most of them would still be underage.

"Merlin! I can't believe we've actually signed up for this," said Remus, contemplatively.

"I know! I'm so chuffed!" said Sirius with a bark of laughter.

"Really?" asked Lily, frowning at him.

"No, no. I think I get what Padfoot means," said James. "It felt like hell just sitting around and watching everything fall to pieces. Now, we can actually do something. Make a difference! Kick some Death Eater arse!"

James' enthusiasm elicited a few snorts and amused expressions but he had articulated what most of them felt. There was also an accompanying fear.

"I feel like a soldier going out for battle," groaned Anna. "And it didn't end very well for most of the soldiers in the World Wars."

"I'm scared too," said Dorcas, as Benjy sat beside her and held her hand. "This seems surreal."

"What happened to Mary was also pretty surreal," said Rowena, a frown creasing her forehead as she looked out the window. "I sometimes wonder if it was all a horrible dream."

"I'm still hoping that that's a possibility," said Benjy, laughing nervously.

"I can't wait till we graduate in June," said James. "I wish I could just take out my wand and go out onto the streets right now!"

"You might want to leave behind some of that Marauder instinct once we official join th Order, James. Imagine being on Voldemort's hit-list because of a strategically placed Dungbomb," said Lily, feigning a stern look.

There were many chuckles and snorts as James grinned sheepishly and Remus patted him on the back. Sirius laughed along but his eyes kept straying to the girl who hadn't spoken throughout the entire discussion. She was just sitting there, a vague look on her face as she twirled her wand around her fingers absentmindedly. Even amidst the death, doom and fear, Sirius' mind kept going back to their multiple almost-kisses. He'd barely had a chance to speak to her since then. It was as if their lives had been plunged into a deep and chaotic vortex. But he hoped that they would be able to spend some time together before school ended, and definitely when they were both working for the Order.

"Sia? Are you alright?"

Sia sat up on her bed to look at Anna's concerned face. Rowena and Bedelia were behind her, looking worried as well. It was the end of the week and they finally had a Hogsmeade weekend to look forward to. Even though it had many restrictions imposed on it, it was still better than staying inside the castle, afraid that the owl post would bring a letter of devastation during breakfast.

"Yeah."

"You've been awfully quiet the last few weeks," said Bedelia, tilting her head to one side.

"It's nothing. Just… You know, with everything the way it is. I can't help but…"

"I don't think anybody can help but think of the worst," said Rowena, softly. "And those you say they aren't, are in denial. These are dark times. But we have to fight in order to survive."

"And we have each other!" said Anna, grinning at them all. "No matter what happens, we'll stand by each other. Like always."

"This," said Bedelia, gesturing to the four of them. "Is our greatest strength."

"And our biggest weakness," thought Sia, fighting to get a smile on her face.

December 1978

James and Lily hid in a dark alley as shouts were heard nearby. They had barely managed to escape when Death Eaters had ambushed their usual patrol route. Avery and Nott were accompanied by two others whom they didn't recognise by their voices. It didn't matter because the array of curses shooting out of their wands was enough to keep the young Order members occupied. Avery had always been a good student, but Nott was a couple of years younger and had been a very quiet boy while James and Lily were in school. But their magic was definitely on par with the best of the Order. It took a lot of James' Marauder instinct and Lily's spellcraft to get them back to safety.

The alley was perfect for Disapparation, away from Muggles and difficult to spot by wizards. Just as they were about to disapparate, Lily felt a cold presence to her left. She turned and looked into the frightening red eyes of the wizard who had managed to tear apart an entire generation.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," came his silky voice.

James froze, an odd feeling overtaking him. He was the son of Fleamont and Euphemia Potter, incredibly wealthy, blessed with a sharp mind and boyish good looks. He had never wanted in any aspect of his life. He was confident, sometimes bordering on arrogant, charismatic and full of life. Yet, this was the first time he felt the crippling sensation of fear attack his very soul as he watched Lord Voldemort talk to Lily.

"Ms. Evans, I've heard a great deal about you," he continued. "Quite gifted - I have an enormous amount of respect for magical prowess. It's a pity about your parentage. If only you weren't a mudbl-"

"Lily! Let's go!" shouted James, as he flung a handful of Dungbombs at Voldemort. The redhead looked startled, but it was nothing compared to the utter incredulity on Voldemort's face as he flicked his wand to get rid of the offending prank items. It was just that moment that they needed. Hands clasped together, they apparated back to Headquarters to report to Dumbledore as soon as possible.

"You flung our last stash of Dungbombs at Voldemort?" asked Remus, his face impassive and his voice only holding a hint of curiosity.

"I didn't know what else to do!" exclaimed James, going red in the face.

"I've never been more proud," said Sirius, wiping a nonexistent tear from his eye. "I wish I could have seen it. Voldemort bested by a Dungbomb!"

"That was exceedingly reckless, Prongs. I can't believe you two are still alive," said Remus, the corner of his mouth tugging upward into a smile. "Long live the Marauder instinct."

James grinned sheepishly as Sirius ruffled his hair affectionately. Remus chuckled softly and nodded at Lily, expressing just how relieved he was that they were alright.

"I can't believe you did that," said Lily, with a sigh, wrapping her arms around James in a warm embrace. "You stupid, toerag."

February 1979

More Muggles Die As He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Continues His Terror Rampage Across Great Britain

Aurors Frank and Alice Longbottom were part of a rescue team which managed to save a dozen Muggleborns and their families during the terrifying attack in Manchester. While the number of casualties was limited by the timely arrival of the rescue team, it still remains one of the biggest massacres since You Know Who began his assault. Sources have reported that the Longbottoms went face-to-face with the notorious Dark Wizard and managed to escape alive. It-

"What ruddy sources are these?" asked Alastor Moody, gruffly. He rustled the newspaper shut and turned to face the few members who had arrived before time.

"The Daily Prophet has been known to have underground reporters," said Remus, sipping his coffee.

"Who the bloody hell could've been there without us knowing?" growled Moody.

"I don't know why you're getting so worked up, Mad-Eye," said Hestia Jones, looking up from treating a nasty burn on Benjy Fenwick's left arm.

"Because it's bloody important! For all we know, there might be undercover Death Eaters working at that ruddy paper. We can never be too careful. Like I always say-"

"Constant vigilance!"

Everyone turned to see James and Sirius walk into the room with identical grins on their faces.

"You think that's funny, do you? How many Death Eaters have you lot faced between you? Not even a tenth of what I have! So I'd watch the smart comments, Potter and Black."

"Actually, I believe Prongs here managed to outwit Voldemort himself," said Sirius, in mock contemplation. "Twice if I remember correctly. Prongs?"

"Right you are, Padfoot," said James, feigning amazement.

"Don't get cheeky with me!" yelled Moody.

"Alright. Padfoot, Prongs, why don't you both get cleaned up," interrupted Remus, sensing a fight about to explode. "Alastor, don't take them too seriously. They can't help being utter prats."

"That hurt, Moony," said Sirius, shaking his head dramatically. "Come on, Prongs. I can tell when we're not wanted."

"Sometimes I can't believe that they're your best friends, Remus," said Hestia, snorting in amusement.

"I can," said Lily, entering from the other door, looking exhausted but determined. "He's the bloody mastermind behind all their schemes. Don't let that innocent face fool you, Hestia."

"I'm afraid Lily is right," said Remus, laughing lightly. "Rough night?"

"You wouldn't imagine," said Lily, sighing tiredly. "Enough of that. I heard that Jess is coming back soon."

"She should be here around Easter," said Remus, a small smile tugging at his features at the thought of his girlfriend, Jessica Parker, returning from America.

"I can't wait! I really miss her," said Lily with a happy sigh. "She's got such an odd sense of humor. It's utterly refreshing."

"Yeah," said Remus, staring at the fire with a soft expression on his face.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of the McKinnon family. Marlene was a brave and dynamic witch, who served as an invaluable member of the Order of the Phoenix. We raise our wands to her, and her family - all of whom were murdered by Lord Voldemort and his followers. Their loss shall only serve to embolden our purpose."

Dumbledore finished his speech and pointed his wand towards the sky. The Order members followed suit, a deafening silence accompanying the old wizard's words. Lily started shaking as she tried to contain the tears. Beside her, Dorcas had started weeping silently as Peter and Benjy looked on with pale faces. James rubbed his eyes furiously, knocking his glasses askew. Remus and Jessica stood silently, reflecting on the horrific turn of events. Arthur and Molly Weasley were there with their three little boys. Molly was also heavily pregnant with her fourth child. Sirius looked angry as he remembered the countless times they had all spent together in the Gryffindor common room, Marlene's tinkling laugh ringing in his ears. The stark absence of one Order member, made his skin crawl. Where was she? He hadn't seen her since the first Order meeting in the summer after they had graduated. Had she fled? Was she a coward? Was she alive? Why hadn't she written to anyone?

He gripped his wand tightly, his knuckles turning white with the force. Beside him, he heard the soft sobs of Alice Longbottom as she held on to Frank's arm.

Unfortunately, this was just the beginning.

It's difficult to transition into a different tone of writing but hopefully the effect wasn't too jarring. As we get closer to the end, the story does get darker and more grim.

Please leave a review to let me know how you like the story!

Cheers!