Same Disclaimer
Ch. 13 The Order
"Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny, I need to talk to you" Sirius said, just then fully displaying his namesake. "I want each of you to open the package with your name on it. And Ron, I know you have two, but all will become apparent soon."
They tore open their packages and gasped. Inside each was a dark red cloak, a scroll of parchment and for Ron, a new wand. The cloaks had giant Phoenixes on the back and were thick yet light. The scrolls, once unrolled were found to contain invitations into the Order of the Phoenix with an attached pardon for any possible wrongs they might commit as members. The group fell silent as they each looked at each other.
"I know it's a bit much in the beginning to take in" said Sirius. "Should you accept—but I should tell you what you are accepting first before you sign the parchment. The Order of the Phoenix is a secret group of Witches and Wizards dedicated to upholding the light of good magic. We have fought dark magic since we were formed in 40 B.C. to fight against Queen Cleopatra who, as you now know, was a dark sorceress. Since then we have been fighting evil and developing magical innovations in our spare time to help in our fight. The only people who know about us are the Aurors, the Minister of Magic, and fellow members. Nobody to date has turned down an invitation. Membership is determined by the core of your wands. Ron got a new wand tonight because it is the wand that is meant for him. Each of you has a Phoenix core in your wand. Harry's and Hermione's cores came from Fawkes, Olivander didn't know about Hermione's wand because she got it in France while on holiday. I know that Ginny's came from Blue Wing the Great, shortly before he died, he single-handedly dispatched Rasputin, and Ron's has come from Fawkes' twin brother Stephan who fought for the Giants in the war—odd bird if you take my meaning. There is a members meeting tonight and you will each have to pass a test specifically designed to the purpose you will play in the Order."
"What happens if we don't pass the test?" asked Ron who was always worried about tests.
"We will relieve you of any memory of the Order. Although I sincerely doubt that you will be able to fail your test Mr. Weasley."
"Are there any membership dues asked Harry. Are there any special privileges that we get? Do we get any special training?"
"Yes actually, when you come of age your due will be to rotate in for one year as the recruiter. Its my year so here I am. We do have special privileges, like that pardon, but you only get one pardon unless the Minister of Magic has declared open war on evil. You will get special training, specifically for Ron and Ginny, perfecting their animagus forms. Ron does not have far to go at all because on his visits Hermione has been making him learn how to transform before they can make out. Ginny and Harry have left no time for studying anything other than each other!" Sirius said with a voice that indicated that he whole-heartedly agreed with their behavior. "Furthermore, you will all learn to apperate and shielding charms. Once again, Ginny has the most to catch up on here--Sirius winked at Harry and Ginny—finally, you will have to be able to hold your own against one of the members in a duel."
"Is that why you went to Azkaban?" asked Harry.
"Yes, that and the crime that I was charged with was too public to use that to expose the Order. I wished to use it every day, but I knew I could not. I was even allowed out of Azkaban 4 times a year to attend meetings because Dumbledore knew I was innocent and pulled out a lot of favors."
"Can we wear our cloaks at school" Ginny wanted to know.
"What part of secret do you not understand twit" snapped Ron.
"The rest of your questions will be answered at the meeting, come to it please, dinner will be served and you will meet the rest of the members."