A meeting had been summoned for the Friday. With both Dumbledore and Moody gone, leadership of the Order of the Phoenix fell to Kingsley and Remus. The Weasley family, minus Molly, Ginny and Fleur, were gathered around the table alongside the other members. Kingsley stood at the door keeping watch. Rose sat nervously between Bill and Charlie. This was to be her official induction into the order, and she wanted to make a good impression.
With the old headquarters out of action thanks to one Severus Snape, the order met at a number of different locations. Some, like the disused cottage they were in now, had been used by the order during the first war. Fortunately its location had never been discovered so was safe for them to meet in. That was about the only thing safe about it however. Clearly no one had been there since the original downfall of You-Know-Who, and the pressure of the magical wards placed upon it had begun to show. The curtain of dust covering everything would be the least of their worries.
A rhythmic knocking sounded on the old wooden door, signalling the arrival of the last members. Kingsley opened the door and immediately grilled them with security questions. Passing the tests, they emerged from behind Kingsley, and Rose gasped. Stood next to the tired-looking older man with the sandy hair and scars, not dissimilar to Bill's, was a witch with bubblegum-pink hair that Rose knew very well.
"Tonks!" She leapt from her chair and rushed to hug the woman.
The two friends caught up, feeling as if they'd never been apart. They made their way over to the table, and as they sat down Rose's eyes bugged upon seeing the simple yet beautiful ring that rested on Tonk's left hand. Noticing where Rose's eyes had travelled, Tonks gave a sheepish grin and gestured to the man she'd walked in with. "Remus and I married earlier in the summer. Sorry Rose, we would have invited you, but with things the way they are at the minute…"
"I understand, don't worry," Rose smiled at both Tonks and Remus to reassure them. The two shared a look before Remus gave a quick shake of his head and Tonks shrugged in response, but gripped his hand nonetheless, rubbing her thumb over his hand in reassuring circles. As Rose opened her mouth to speak, Kingsley cleared his throat. "For those of you not aware, this is Rose Davis. Rose has recently returned from South America where she was a curse-breaker. She has decided to help us with our fight."
The meeting began. Discussions ranged from the ministry's recent muggle-born legislation, to the state of Hogwarts in the wake of the new school year.
"Minerva informed me they've made Snape headmaster"- dark looks crossed the faces of those present at the mention of the former potions master- "and he has employed the Carrows," Kingsley's low baritone sounded. "They will be conducting searches on the train for both muggle-borns and Harry."
"Speaking of Harry, I saw him the other evening," Remus announced, noticing the anxious faces of the Weasley family, "Ron and Hermione too. They're safe, "I can't tell you their whereabouts, and I can't tell you the nature of the mission Dumbledore has left for them; only that it has to be completed by Harry. He would not accept my help." Great sighs of relief could be heard round the table at the knowledge of the trios' safety.
The meeting was adjourned, with talk of another meeting in two weeks time to discuss plans of action and what individual members were able to accomplish. Rose had put herself forward for active missions if they became necessary; eager to help in any way she could.
She said goodbye to many of the members before spotting Remus helping Tonks into her coat. They hugged goodbye before Rose felt the need to reassure Remus, "you've done the right thing, Harry shouldn't have been as harsh in what he said, but I think it hit too close to home. He'll have already forgiven you, you should forgive him, and yourself." Remus blinked a few times before nodding and moving aside to let his wife say her goodbyes. After making Tonks promise to look after herself, Rose watched them both go.
She turned to find Mr Weasley so they could return to the Burrow, but found herself face to face with Bill, "what was that about?" he asked her. At her confused expression, Bill glanced at Charlie for back up.
"Back with Remus just then, about Harry" he prompted, stepping towards them.
Rose sighed before responding "my brother Jacob is a legilimens. It's how we communicated during his disappearance when I was investigating the vaults. He would give me clues, as well as warnings," seeing the awed way they were looking at her she added "I'm not as good as him, I can't read minds or anything. Just strong feelings. Remus was projecting some serious guilt which I was then able to focus on and saw a glimpse of what happened."
Rose looked between her friends; Charlie almost looked comical with his mouth hanging open. Bill on the other hand, was the picture of nonchalance. He was leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. After what felt like hours he pushed off the wall and stood in front of her "that's cool" he offered casually, giving her a friendly smile before handing her a slip of paper,
"This is where Fleur and I live. We've performed the fidelius charm on it and I'm the secret keeper. If you need somewhere safe, you are always welcome. See you soon Rose." With that Bill made his exit. Rose unfurled the bit of paper and memorised the address, before bringing her wand to touch the paper. Flames spread across the white surface and Rose quickly threw it into the long-dead fireplace. She stood and exited the house, where Charlie and the rest of the family were waiting.