As soon as Harry reached the common room he asked, "You guys ready?" He was dressed in black muggle cloths underneath his robes, as were the rest. He also, like the rest, had an amulet in the shape of a phoenix on a chain around his neck. They were, of course, out of sight, safely tucked underneath their shirts.

"Right," said Ron. He was, like Harry, carrying a broom

"As can be," added Brian. It had been a while since they had actually participated in a mission.

Hermione said nothing.

Being students, they didn't get to take on much of an active role, and instead concentrated on school.

Now, several weeks before graduation, they were getting ready for a reconnaissance mission of sorts. It had been deemed safe enough for them, and they were available. Most other Order members were busy at the moment.

Snape had informed Dumbledore at the last meeting that Voldemort was gathering support in Norway, making some sort of deal with a group there.

They already had at least one small encampment there, and the Norwegian government (the magical one) was not listening the their warnings. The Order decided on a preemptive strike.

They would, hopefully, also gain proof. The Aurors main job was to fight -the Order's was to gain information. When, where, who, and above all, how to stop Voldemort.

Luckily for Snape, the information hadn't been given to Snape directly, but rather through one of *his* spies. He was forced to tread delicately these days -Harry didn't know how the man could stand the tension.

Harry led the slightly apprehensive group through the dark school corridors to where the others were waiting. Catching sight of the others in the room he smiled at Sirius and Remus, moving to their side.

Arabella spoke up, "You all ready? Then lets move." Harry had learned that she wasn't much for idle chitchat, or wasting time; Although she had indulged him with a few stories of his parents. "I've set your portkeys -they'll switch back as soon as you use them."

The portkeys- their amulets. Each was keyed to their owner, so no one else could use them. Normally they were all set to an Order safe house.

Harry grabbed onto his and felt the familiar lurch. His eyes moved around a bit fast at first, surveying his surroundings; He was still a bit unnerved by portkeys.

They were in Norway now, outside a manor.

From now on they communicated through prearranged signals. They didn't want to use spells to communicate, not knowing if the 'enemy' had a way detect that sort of thing.

They all moved in silence.

Arabella, Sirius, Brian, and Maya were going to go inside and see what information they could find. They all quickly drunk their invisibility potions, which hadn't been easy to come by; They had an hour before it wore off.

Hermione and Mundungus would wait here.

Harry and Ron mounted their brooms and took off flying low, keeping watch.

Minutes ticked by, while they listened to every sound. Watched every shadow.

About a half hour after they had arrived, Ron hit Harry on the shoulder to draw his attention. Someone had just apparated to the front of the manor, and was currently walking towards the entrance.

He caught sight of blond hair. He felt a cold disquiet sweep over him; Beside him Ron tensed with hatred.

Why would Lucius Malfoy be here? -But of course, he was a Death Eater. After his failure last year due to the trio, and he and his son had disappeared, some had assumed that Voldemort had killed him. Apparently not.

Harry watched Malfoy disappear through the entrance.

More waiting. Watching.

Harry was beginning to get anxious. He checked his watch and swallowed. The potion should be wearing off about now.

He looked at Ron, who looked back. Ron had seen him look at his watch.

Harry's seeker reflexes caught something at the edge of his vision, and he head snapped sideways. It had been a flash of light.

He knew Ron was alerted to his change demeanor, and his friend's eyes followed his to the window he was watching. It was now dark; Nothing could be seen.

Then the window shattered. The shards burst outwards and a dark object followed them, being hurled rapidly downwards by gravity.

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Author notes updated