Lily's hands were folded gently on rectangular, furnished table. It was a deep russet color, mixed with deeper browns and lighter. The table was pushed up next to another, one of nearly different color. The Order was deprived of sitting area in the Shrieking Shack, especially space, so most of the members gathered around the table rather than sit.

Dumbledore was speaking quietly and thoroughly, as if speaking with a monotone voice, except with more feeling. "Knockturn Alley has run a bunk." He said, "They've raided Diagon Alley, stealing supplies from any valuable shops: The Apothecary, Quality Quidditch Supplies . . . I fear that Voldemort is planning to invade Hogwarts."

Marlene McKinnons, a stout blonde who had been a Gryffindor in their years at Hogwarts, spoke up. "Planning what, Professor? The only thing there that could possibly interest him is the muggle-borns, blood-traitors, and you. It would be rather idiotic of him to use all of his forces to break into a school that is near invincible."

Dorcas Meadowes, a familiar visitor in the house these days, shook her head at Marlene, disagreeing silently. The black-haired lady barely spoke a word, but when she did, it was most listened to, especially since she is one of the best witches in the Order. She sat to the right of Lily. "Marlene — don't you see? Voldemort wants to break into Hogwarts. He could recruit more Death Eaters from the Slytherin party, attempt to defeat Dumbledore—and even if he didn't kill Dumbledore, he'd have broken the spells guarding the school. He'd have shown how powerful he is."

"I've seen that, Dorcas." Said Marlene icily. She didn't like to be wrong very often, Lily had gathered the first week of Hogwarts all of those weeks ago.

"I heard Hogwarts isn't his only goal." said a raspy voice. The owner was a lanky blonde, staring down at the members from the back of the room. Caradoc Dearborn continued unmoved by the startled stares that had turned to him. "He's gathering werewolves."

A sudden uneasiness settled over Lily, a vivid feeling that churned her stomach in circles and circles. Lupin. The name had popped into her mind the moment she had heard the name of his being. She couldn't fathom thinking that he was a traitor . . .

She wasn't the only one that had thought of Moony, though. Many of the members had turned to look at him with questioning stares. His face was a light green color, as if he was going to be sick. She would've been convinced that Lupin was completely innocent if it weren't for his expression. She didn't know what it meant. Guilt? Disgust? Surprise?

"What do you mean?" James spoke up. He stood behind Lily with his hands massaging her shoulders.

Caradoc frowned. "Voldemort's bargained with the werewolves that for every muggle, muggle-born, and blood-traitor they capture, they have the right to. . . ."

Lily's stomach jumped again. To kill them? She glanced to Lupin again. His face was in his hands and his shoulders wobbled a bit. He wasn't crying, was he? She turned her head to look at her husband, wondering if he saw exactly what she saw. He stared down at her when she turned. Pain was flashing in his eyes.

This explained everything: the odd behaviors, the sudden outbursts of anger he had been showing over the past week . . . Had Voldemort bribed him with his wolfy desires?

After a few more minutes of discussion, Dumbleodre adjourned the first October meeting.

A/N: So . . . sorry for not updating. In a way I'm a hypocrite: I hate it when my favorite stories don't update, and yet I don't update my story. Heh. Life has been a little chaotic and I've been focusing on my life. And I've been reading this amazing book on World War II (as the history dork I am) and I'm going to watch the show after I'm finished with the book.

Would you like to be a lovely mate and update? (Hehheh, that rhymed)
~ChuddleyCanons~