That evening we had finally been allowed to sit down with the adults and ask them the questions they had otherwise refused to answer. Or at least, Harry asked the questions and the rest of us listened. Molly was very much against any of us being told anything, but dad pointed out that Harry deserved to know, Harry said he'd tell Ron and Hermione anyway, and Arthur reasoned that the twins were of age, and dad said that it was up to him whether or not I stayed to listen. That meant, in the end, only Ginny was sent out of the room.
We didn't learn much more than what we'd already gathered or surmised, which was a bit disappointing, though as everyone else went up to bed, I stayed at the table as Molly chased them away, frowning deeply and tapping my finger against the table. "What's on your mind Mia?" Uncle Remus asked me gently, seeing my expression and thinking it meant worry, tried to reassure me. "There's nothing for you to be concerned about. You're safe here, and you'll be under Dumbledore's protection at school. Voldemort won't get to you or any of us."
"It's not that, I'm just thinking." I murmured quietly before turning to look at everyone who was still there. Bill and Arthur, Remus and dad. "I know that you've all been guarding something, taking turns throughout the summer, and I'm wondering if this is the weapon you mentioned Voldemort wants." Bill looked at me quickly and out the corner of my eye, I saw dad smirk a little. "And before you try and tell me otherwise, I know it's not Harry you're talking about. He's got a different codename. This is something else."
"Mia…you really shouldn't…" Arthur began but I smiled sweetly at him.
"Don't worry, I won't tell the others about this, but I am curious. What could Voldemort possibly want that he hasn't already got? He doesn't need a weapon, his name is enough to instil fear in anyone who hears it. Well, most people. What I can't understand is what his next plan is. Since Harry survived, everything's been thrown off course for him. Of course there are things he'll clearly be aiming for. The ministry, Hogwarts, general mayhem and the annihilation of muggles, it won't be pretty. But how is he going to accomplish all that? Why's he staying quiet? He can't bring followers to his side without revealing himself. Until he shows himself to be returned and back to his full power, people won't be afraid enough to choose a side. Is that what he wants? To generate confusion and fear of the unknown?"
"You always where shrewd, Mia." Bill grinned at me from across the table as the five of us conferred. "But yes, in short, that's exactly what he wants. The further the wedge he can drive between people, the better chance he stands at taking over. It's how he did it last time, and I doubt he's one for picking up new habits. What we do know is that he's angry. Especially with you and Harry, so you both need to be careful. You two really did ruin everything for him." I hummed happily, rather pleased with myself as I continued to tap a finger upon the table.
"Well if that's the case, then he'd better be prepared for a real fight if he comes after me or my family." Thinking a little further, I then lifted my head in order to study everyone. "At the end of the year, once I leave school, I'm going to be joining you all in the Order. I can be helpful, I know I can. I have contacts in France and Bulgaria now, and I'm sure I can persuade them to join us. Also, I know of a few creatures who could be trained or persuaded to help us fight. We're going to need all the help we can get, and Uncle Rem…I know you're going to be keeping an eye on the werewolves. I want to help with that too." He smiled at me warmly.
"As much as I would appreciate your company Mia, I think it best if you leave the werewolves to me. They're mistrustful of outsiders, they wouldn't take kindly to your presence and would trust me less if I were the one to bring you." My face strained from worry at that, not liking the idea of Remus going in alone. "But I'll be alright, you don't have to worry about me."
"Still…do you want me to keep on sending you the wolfsbane potion every month? I know how it makes it easier for you, it's no trouble. I'm sure Dumbledore won't mind me sending it by owl if I properly prepare it. I can enchant the box to keep the potion at the perfect temperature, it'll work." Again he smiled and said that if I wanted to, he would not object to the potion but not to make things difficult for myself.
"It'll only be one more year then you'll be able to do whatever you like." Dad said to me, reaching out to brush at my hair. "Though I suppose I should be telling you to find yourself a career and a job."
"Work will have to wait. Besides, I more or less have an idea what I want to do. I quite enjoy magical research, so I'll probably do that and write books." I shrugged, flashing Bill a grin. "I'd like to travel too, so you'll have to show me the tombs in Egypt. Maybe I can be your apprentice for a while? Then I can go see Charlie and help him with the dragons, then continue east to see what it's like out there…we should go travelling." I then turned to Uncle Remus and my dad. "The four of us together. You two, me and Harry. He'd love that. He's never been anywhere before, not really."
"Sounds like a wonderful plan, Mia." Dad agreed before then looking at the time. "Perhaps you should go up, we have a full day of Doxy-spraying tomorrow, we'll have to be up early." Agreeing leisurely, I got up and kissed everyone on the cheek. Dad first, then Uncle Remus, then Arthur who smiled and patted my arm before finally Bill. Then I went upstairs, passing Molly on the stairway so I kissed her cheek and said goodnight as well before going up to my room, where Hermione and Ginny were waiting up for me. I'd invited them to stay in my room since it was the safest, and the moment I opened the door, they eagerly looked up at me.
"Did you tell Ginny?" I asked and Hermione nodded her head quickly.
"I won't tell anyone. I'll just play dumb. Did you talk anymore with them? Did they say anything?" Ginny questioned as I started to get myself ready for bed, picking out pyjamas as I smiled to myself.
"No." I answered dreamily, thinking about what it would be like to travel the world with my family. "Not really." I bet it would be wonderful.