They aren't mine. They belong to JKR, except for Hero, she's mine!
Chapter Two
Almost, but not Quite Admiration
Hero's laughter was still ringing as the key delivered them to the basement kitchen of number Twelve Grimwald Place. She laughed harder as she lost her balance and tipped into Snape, pitching them to the floor.
"Ah, I see that you have arrived!"
"Uncle Albus!' she squealed pushing herself up, using Snapes chest as leverage and throwing herself into his arms. "I'm so happy to see you again!"
"And I you, dear girl." he replied, returning her hug. "You look well."
"So do you Uncle!"
"How was New Orleans? Anything exciting going on?"
"N-noo, nothing worth mentioning anyway." she answered, eliciting a derisive snort from Severus. This was met with an inquiring look from Dumbledore.
"Yes, Severus?" he asked.
"Well there was this little matter of a voodoo ceremony, Albus." he answered, ignoring the daggers that Hero's eyes were shooting at him.
"What voodoo ceremony Hero?"
"Don't lets talk about that now, Uncle Albus." she said as she slipped her arm through his with her sweetest smile. "Why don't we sit down and you can tell me why you've asked me back."
"Of course, dear girl. Come sit." He led her toward the long table in the center of the room. Hero turned her head back toward Severus, and poked her tongue out at him.
"Severus, do join us. This concerns you as well." Dumbledore invited.
He rolled his eyes as he walked over and joined them at the table.
"Well Uncle Albus?"
"Given the recent events concerning Voldimort, I have changed my mind about your idea, Hero."
This was said quietly, so quietly that Snape felt a chill run up his spine. A sense of foreboding crept over him. He glanced over at Hero and was surprised startled at the change in her demeanor. Her playful expression had been replaced by an icy seriousness. The obnoxious, perky Hero had disappeared and had been replaced by Hero the Auror. Her blue eyes were expressionless, the witty sparkle gone. Her back was ramrod straight, hands flat on the surface of the table.
She stared at Dumbledore and in a quiet voice said, "Really?"
"Yes, please forgive an old man for his reluctance an worse, denial of the obvious" he responded quietly.
"Oh, Uncle." she murmured taking his hand.
"Tell us the latest news, Hero" he continued after a moment.
With a slight nod of her head, she said. "As you know, the activity in the States had increased over the summer and the beginning of the new school year at Hogwarts up until the time of the New Year. Then all of a sudden the activity stopped. I have been trying to gather information as to Voldemort's whereabouts but none of my informants have come up with anything. The only contact that I have not met is our friend, Albus. He has been out of town."
"When do you expect him back?" asked Albus his eyes twinkling.
"He was rather ........ um .......... mysterious about that. It's hard to say when."
"It's a wonder you trust him at all if he is so mysterious." Severus said.
"I trust him because he has earned my trust. And because He is not concerned one way or the other with Who does what to Whom as long as he is left alone in his own little universe. He actually gets a kick out of watching the years go by and seeing who will win whatever battle they are fighting."
"Ok so who is this guy?" asked Severus
Completely ignoring his question Hero turned to Albus. Snape folded his arms and slumped in his chair.
"When I get back to New Orleans, I will try to contact him again. His network of family is wide spread around the globe. I am sure he will have some kind of news for us."
"My dear it will be quite sometime before you can go back to New Orleans. I need you here to get us ready for what is to come. Am I right in assuming that there will be a certain amount of refinement needed of your plans?"
"Yes. The first thing I need to do is meet with The Order. When is the next meeting?"
"Tonight. Every one will be here, except for those on assignment."
"Will Potter, Weasley and Grainger be here as well?"
"What!" Severus interrupted savagely, snapping out of his sulking fit. "They aren't members of The Order, Miss Charen!"
Hero turned her head to him and said coolly, "They will be after tonight. "
"They are children Miss Charen!" he returned in the same icy tone.
Hero turned from him dismissivley. "Albus, what about this DA thing Potter started last term? Is it still active?"
"Yes, but now openly and under the tutelage of Professor Lupin. He has returned as our DADA professor."
"Why not Moody?"
"Surely you aren't entertaining the thought of including Potters's little club in this little scheme of yours?" Seveus interrupted, rage dripping from his tone.
"Severus," the old headmaster held up a hand " Hero is always serious when it comes to her work. Do calm yourself, my boy"
"Look, sir." he reasoned patiently, well as patiently as he could, "I am sure that Miss Charen here is quite a fine Auror, and furthermore I hesitate to question you-"
"Then don't." Hero interrupted, unruffled still, but her eyes were flashing in anger.
The kitchen door flew open as three students, arguing loudly, barged into the room.
"You are such a prat, Ron! Honestly! You are going to fail your N.E.W.T.s!" a bushy haired girl was yelling.
"What business is it of yours then, miss bossy knickers?" the red head yelled back.
"Well if you are going to have that sort of attitude-"
She was cut off by a tall, dark haired boy with glasses. "Hold off you two, we have company!"
The arguing pair visibly paled as they noticed the group at the table
"Sorry, sir." the dark haired boy said to Dumbledore. "They're at it again." The now silent pair had the grace to look chagrined.
The Headmaster laughed. "Harry, Ron, Hermoine, come and meet our guest. Hero, this is Ron Weasley, Harmoine Granger and Harry Potter.
"Hello. I'm Hero Charen. Nice to meet y'all." she said, shaking each of their hands.
"Likewise" Hermoine said, "You're from America?"
"Yes, New Orleans to be exact." she answered, sitting down.
"Oh! I've been there!"
"You have?"
"Yes, for the Mardi Gras, when I was eight years old." Hermoine replied, as she took the seat that Snape had just abandoned. "I loved it!"
"I'm glad you liked it. What about the two of you, ever been to New Orleans?" she asked as the boys sat down across from them.
"Nope, nowhere"
"Me neither. Wow! You're pretty!" Ron boldly answered, eliciting a short laugh from Hero
Snape let out a loud snort and strode from the room.
'Ignore him" Hermoine said, 'He's always like that."
"I know, he was my Professor too."
"Oh, you went to Hogwarts then?
"Yes. I graduated eight years ago."
"Cool!" Ron enthused. "Did you play Quittich?"
"Children." interrupted Dumbledore "Miss Charen is tired. There will be plenty of time for questions later on tonight at the meeting."
"We're allowed to attend the meeting tonight?" Hermoine asked Dumbledore, surprise evident on her face.
"Yes, I requested your attendance" Hero answered for him. 'And yes, Ron. I was a beater for Griffindor."
"Hermoine, perhaps you would be so kind as to show Miss Charen to one of the spare rooms?" he turned to Hero "You look tired my dear, perhaps you might sleep? The meeting will start at eight o'clock."
"Yes, Uncle." she said, kissing him on the cheek. "I could use a nap. See you tonight."
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
"Everyone, your attention, please." Albus Dumbledore said to the small crowd that had gathered in the kitchen. "Everyone, please take a seat and we will begin tonites meeting. Very good. Thank you."
Hero, conscious of the curious stares, took a seat beside Dumbledore as he began to address the meeting.
"I know most of you are curious about the new faces here tonight."
His statement was met with nods.
"Mr.'s Potter and Weasley and Miss Grainger are here at the request of Hero Charen." he continued, indicating for her to stand. "And this is Hero Charen, who has recently returned from America. Hero, please meet Authur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Nymphadora Tonks, Fred and George Weasley, Bill Weasley, Remus Lupin, Mad Eye Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt. You know Seveus Snape, of course and Minerva McGonnagal from your time at Hogwarts. Hero, why don't you explain why you are here?"
"Yes, thank you Albus. It's nice to meet you all." she answered as she arose. "I'm, Hero Charen and I'm here to help in the effort against Voldemort."
"And how do you intend to do that, Miss Charen?" Snape asked, eyebrow raised.
"I think that we are getting a little ahead of ourselves, Severus." Dumbledore interrupted. "There are non-members here at present."
"Why are those three here then, Albus?" Remus Lupin asked
"Because I am going to make them members of The Order." he replied quietly, stunning the entire room.
"Albus!" shrilled Molly Weasley "You cannot be serious! I won't permit Ron or Harry for that matter to be admitted. They are underage!"
"Only by a couple of months or so, Molly. Believe me, I have given this much consideration. I feel that Ronald is ready for the responsibility. Harry is more than ready, as is Hermoine. Consider all that they have been through the last six or so years."
"I don't like it Albus! They should be studying, not fighting in a war!"
"I agree with my wife" Arthur interjected "Albus you are going too far."
"Mum, Dad, please!" Ron interrupted "I want to join, I want to fight You Know Who. You weren't much older than me when you joined! I'm not a kid anymore!"
"We want to join, too." Hermoine and Harry said in unison.
"Mrs. Weasley, " Hermoine said in a reasoning tone "we are always with Harry, and Voldimort is after Harry as much as he is after everything else. I would think that you would want us to be able to defend ourselves against him. Harry has been very lucky so far, but it's getting worse now! Voldimort is desperate and he may try anything!'
"Very well said Miss Grainger" Albus commented. "She has a very valid point."
The Weasley's couldn't argue with what Hermoine's observation. After a moment of consideration, Molly returned to he seat and Arthur nodded his consent.
"Very good, then." Albus said turning to the trio "Ronald Weasley. Hermoine Grainger. Harry Potter. An established member has presented you as candidates to The Order of The Phoenix. Be warned that what happens here to night is of the utmost secrecy. Anything you learn or do on behalf of The Order is a forbidden topic of discussion with anyone other than another member. Is this understood?"
Yes, sir." they answered in unison
'Good, then if you would please stand up and everyone would please form a circle around our new candidates? Hero, please fetch the goblet and Severus, please get the necessary potion from the cabinet?"
After a few minutes, a circle of members surrounded the trio.
"Members of The Order of The Phoenix, I present to all present three worthy candidates for admission to this order. Being familiar with the accomplishments of the candidates and the honor and bravery that they each have shown in the defense of our world and our kind, do you accept these three before us as candidates?"
"We do." they answered in unison.
"Very well. Hermoine Grainger, Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter. Do each of you desire to be admitted as a Member of The Order of The Phoenix?"
"Yes, sir." they answered.
"Do you solemnly swear before all gathered here that you will keep secret the business of this order, and will never disclose and knowledge of its dealings and activities?"
"Yes, sir" each answered.
"Do you swear allegiance to your fellow members, and swear to obey The Order's duly elected leader or his appointee?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you swear to defend the lives of your fellow members even at the sacrifice of your own, no matter what your personal feelings toward any member, should you be called upon to do so?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then drink from this goblet, the potion that binds us all together as a brotherhood." He handed each the goblet and they sipped from it. Severus stepped into the circle after Dumbledore sipped from the goblet and took it from Dumbledore. He sipped from it and passed it to Tonks on his right.
After all had sipped the potion, Dumbledore smiled at the three newest members of the order. "Welcome to The Order of The Phoenix. You are now marked as such, as you will notice if you look at your right shoulder. Remember your pledge to us."
"Yes, sir."
"Very good, then. Let us all take our seats and Hero can answer Severus' question."
"I am an Auror, and have been in New Orleans for the last few years as part of the Diplomatic Branch that acts as liaison between the Ministry and non- magical local government there. I have also, since the return of Voldimort been acting for The Order in gathering information against Voldemort and his cult." she began after they had all settled in. "Very useful information."
Snape folded his arms and looked away.
"I have come up with a plan to defeat Voldimort." she continued causing all around the table to look at her in surprise. " It still needs some refinement, but if it meets with Albus' approval, I believe that we can defeat Voldimort by this time next year."
"We would all be very interested in hearing this plan of yours, Hero." Snape said in an icy tone.
"I believe that we need to be more pro-active in this war. Stop and think about it for a moment. We are magical, yes. As is Voldimort. We are also human, as is Voldimort, only I think that we have a tendency to forget this fact. We know, through Tom Riddle's diary, that Voldimort is half muggle."
"Yes, yes" Snape interrupted "We know all of this."
"If you would be so kind as to let me finish, Severus? Thank you. As I was saying, I was raised as a muggle in America and I have kept up with the latest in muggle technology as well as the lack of advances in potions, charms and spells in this world. Through my contacts and following of the recent attacks as well as an in-depth analysis of the prior war, I noticed an interesting thing. Voldimort only uses things magical. I have also noticed that there is a rather appalling bunker mentality amongst us wizards. This has caused the Light side to fall behind in this war. This is unacceptable to me."
"As it is to us, Hero." Minerva piped in
"Apparently not, given the lack of aggressiveness in the fight."
"That's unfair!"
"I'm sorry to offend, Minerva, but as unfair as you think my statement is, it is the truth. Look," she held up her hand to stop another interruption "I know that there were a lot of casualties suffered in the last war. And I am sure that some of you consider the aggressiveness used as a major reason for those tragic losses. Times have changed though. The muggle world has advanced, but the magical world has remained the same as it has been for the last few hundred years, with some exceptions in the area of potions and charms. Voldimort has spent the majority of his time trying to find a way to comeback. He has finally succeeded in obtaining a physical body, but that effort hasn't allowed him the time to keep up with muggle advances. More to the point, he has no desire to do so, given his masquerade as a pure blood."
Here she paused, and looked at Dumbledore "Go on, Hero."
" It's his biggest vulnerability. That and the fact that his followers don't know his true name or the fact that he is not pure blood. Am I right, Severus?"
"Yes." he answered, eyeing her thoughtfully
"So here is the basic idea. Keep in mind that it needs some refinement, but here it is. Use muggle methods and technology to track him, and eventually use what we learn to lay a trap for him and destroy him once and for all"
The room erupted around her. Severus watched Hero calmly allow the ire and indignation of the wizards to wash over her. He found that he could almost admire the young woman. Almost.
"You can't possibly be serious!"
"I don't know anything about this muggle tecno-whats-its"
"You are out of your mind, your father would be furious!"
"Enough! Everyone please take your seats!" Dumbledore said in his loudest voice. In silence the group complied.
"Albus, this is outrageous! " Minerva said acidly "You can't really be considering this course of action?"
"I think that, as surprising and farfetched Miss Charen's idea is, that she had raised some very valid points." Severus said quietly, earning a look of surprise from Hero.
"Thank you, Severus."
"But," he continued "other than the fact that you were a student of mine and are a witch, you have been away from our world. Why should we trust you?"
Hero placed her hand on Albus' shoulder. "Because my father died fighting Voldimort, because I am an Auror, because I am a member of The Order and because Albus trusts me and thinks that this is the right thing to do."
"Hero is right." Albus cut in "She is right on all counts, although I wasn't prepared to accept it myself until recently. But we need to be open minded enough to allow some of the non-magical world in. Our isolation is our weakness and Voldimorts. We must defeat him once and for all. If we don't there is a very strong possibility that we will lose this time."
"
Chapter Two
Almost, but not Quite Admiration
Hero's laughter was still ringing as the key delivered them to the basement kitchen of number Twelve Grimwald Place. She laughed harder as she lost her balance and tipped into Snape, pitching them to the floor.
"Ah, I see that you have arrived!"
"Uncle Albus!' she squealed pushing herself up, using Snapes chest as leverage and throwing herself into his arms. "I'm so happy to see you again!"
"And I you, dear girl." he replied, returning her hug. "You look well."
"So do you Uncle!"
"How was New Orleans? Anything exciting going on?"
"N-noo, nothing worth mentioning anyway." she answered, eliciting a derisive snort from Severus. This was met with an inquiring look from Dumbledore.
"Yes, Severus?" he asked.
"Well there was this little matter of a voodoo ceremony, Albus." he answered, ignoring the daggers that Hero's eyes were shooting at him.
"What voodoo ceremony Hero?"
"Don't lets talk about that now, Uncle Albus." she said as she slipped her arm through his with her sweetest smile. "Why don't we sit down and you can tell me why you've asked me back."
"Of course, dear girl. Come sit." He led her toward the long table in the center of the room. Hero turned her head back toward Severus, and poked her tongue out at him.
"Severus, do join us. This concerns you as well." Dumbledore invited.
He rolled his eyes as he walked over and joined them at the table.
"Well Uncle Albus?"
"Given the recent events concerning Voldimort, I have changed my mind about your idea, Hero."
This was said quietly, so quietly that Snape felt a chill run up his spine. A sense of foreboding crept over him. He glanced over at Hero and was surprised startled at the change in her demeanor. Her playful expression had been replaced by an icy seriousness. The obnoxious, perky Hero had disappeared and had been replaced by Hero the Auror. Her blue eyes were expressionless, the witty sparkle gone. Her back was ramrod straight, hands flat on the surface of the table.
She stared at Dumbledore and in a quiet voice said, "Really?"
"Yes, please forgive an old man for his reluctance an worse, denial of the obvious" he responded quietly.
"Oh, Uncle." she murmured taking his hand.
"Tell us the latest news, Hero" he continued after a moment.
With a slight nod of her head, she said. "As you know, the activity in the States had increased over the summer and the beginning of the new school year at Hogwarts up until the time of the New Year. Then all of a sudden the activity stopped. I have been trying to gather information as to Voldemort's whereabouts but none of my informants have come up with anything. The only contact that I have not met is our friend, Albus. He has been out of town."
"When do you expect him back?" asked Albus his eyes twinkling.
"He was rather ........ um .......... mysterious about that. It's hard to say when."
"It's a wonder you trust him at all if he is so mysterious." Severus said.
"I trust him because he has earned my trust. And because He is not concerned one way or the other with Who does what to Whom as long as he is left alone in his own little universe. He actually gets a kick out of watching the years go by and seeing who will win whatever battle they are fighting."
"Ok so who is this guy?" asked Severus
Completely ignoring his question Hero turned to Albus. Snape folded his arms and slumped in his chair.
"When I get back to New Orleans, I will try to contact him again. His network of family is wide spread around the globe. I am sure he will have some kind of news for us."
"My dear it will be quite sometime before you can go back to New Orleans. I need you here to get us ready for what is to come. Am I right in assuming that there will be a certain amount of refinement needed of your plans?"
"Yes. The first thing I need to do is meet with The Order. When is the next meeting?"
"Tonight. Every one will be here, except for those on assignment."
"Will Potter, Weasley and Grainger be here as well?"
"What!" Severus interrupted savagely, snapping out of his sulking fit. "They aren't members of The Order, Miss Charen!"
Hero turned her head to him and said coolly, "They will be after tonight. "
"They are children Miss Charen!" he returned in the same icy tone.
Hero turned from him dismissivley. "Albus, what about this DA thing Potter started last term? Is it still active?"
"Yes, but now openly and under the tutelage of Professor Lupin. He has returned as our DADA professor."
"Why not Moody?"
"Surely you aren't entertaining the thought of including Potters's little club in this little scheme of yours?" Seveus interrupted, rage dripping from his tone.
"Severus," the old headmaster held up a hand " Hero is always serious when it comes to her work. Do calm yourself, my boy"
"Look, sir." he reasoned patiently, well as patiently as he could, "I am sure that Miss Charen here is quite a fine Auror, and furthermore I hesitate to question you-"
"Then don't." Hero interrupted, unruffled still, but her eyes were flashing in anger.
The kitchen door flew open as three students, arguing loudly, barged into the room.
"You are such a prat, Ron! Honestly! You are going to fail your N.E.W.T.s!" a bushy haired girl was yelling.
"What business is it of yours then, miss bossy knickers?" the red head yelled back.
"Well if you are going to have that sort of attitude-"
She was cut off by a tall, dark haired boy with glasses. "Hold off you two, we have company!"
The arguing pair visibly paled as they noticed the group at the table
"Sorry, sir." the dark haired boy said to Dumbledore. "They're at it again." The now silent pair had the grace to look chagrined.
The Headmaster laughed. "Harry, Ron, Hermoine, come and meet our guest. Hero, this is Ron Weasley, Harmoine Granger and Harry Potter.
"Hello. I'm Hero Charen. Nice to meet y'all." she said, shaking each of their hands.
"Likewise" Hermoine said, "You're from America?"
"Yes, New Orleans to be exact." she answered, sitting down.
"Oh! I've been there!"
"You have?"
"Yes, for the Mardi Gras, when I was eight years old." Hermoine replied, as she took the seat that Snape had just abandoned. "I loved it!"
"I'm glad you liked it. What about the two of you, ever been to New Orleans?" she asked as the boys sat down across from them.
"Nope, nowhere"
"Me neither. Wow! You're pretty!" Ron boldly answered, eliciting a short laugh from Hero
Snape let out a loud snort and strode from the room.
'Ignore him" Hermoine said, 'He's always like that."
"I know, he was my Professor too."
"Oh, you went to Hogwarts then?
"Yes. I graduated eight years ago."
"Cool!" Ron enthused. "Did you play Quittich?"
"Children." interrupted Dumbledore "Miss Charen is tired. There will be plenty of time for questions later on tonight at the meeting."
"We're allowed to attend the meeting tonight?" Hermoine asked Dumbledore, surprise evident on her face.
"Yes, I requested your attendance" Hero answered for him. 'And yes, Ron. I was a beater for Griffindor."
"Hermoine, perhaps you would be so kind as to show Miss Charen to one of the spare rooms?" he turned to Hero "You look tired my dear, perhaps you might sleep? The meeting will start at eight o'clock."
"Yes, Uncle." she said, kissing him on the cheek. "I could use a nap. See you tonight."
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
"Everyone, your attention, please." Albus Dumbledore said to the small crowd that had gathered in the kitchen. "Everyone, please take a seat and we will begin tonites meeting. Very good. Thank you."
Hero, conscious of the curious stares, took a seat beside Dumbledore as he began to address the meeting.
"I know most of you are curious about the new faces here tonight."
His statement was met with nods.
"Mr.'s Potter and Weasley and Miss Grainger are here at the request of Hero Charen." he continued, indicating for her to stand. "And this is Hero Charen, who has recently returned from America. Hero, please meet Authur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Nymphadora Tonks, Fred and George Weasley, Bill Weasley, Remus Lupin, Mad Eye Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt. You know Seveus Snape, of course and Minerva McGonnagal from your time at Hogwarts. Hero, why don't you explain why you are here?"
"Yes, thank you Albus. It's nice to meet you all." she answered as she arose. "I'm, Hero Charen and I'm here to help in the effort against Voldemort."
"And how do you intend to do that, Miss Charen?" Snape asked, eyebrow raised.
"I think that we are getting a little ahead of ourselves, Severus." Dumbledore interrupted. "There are non-members here at present."
"Why are those three here then, Albus?" Remus Lupin asked
"Because I am going to make them members of The Order." he replied quietly, stunning the entire room.
"Albus!" shrilled Molly Weasley "You cannot be serious! I won't permit Ron or Harry for that matter to be admitted. They are underage!"
"Only by a couple of months or so, Molly. Believe me, I have given this much consideration. I feel that Ronald is ready for the responsibility. Harry is more than ready, as is Hermoine. Consider all that they have been through the last six or so years."
"I don't like it Albus! They should be studying, not fighting in a war!"
"I agree with my wife" Arthur interjected "Albus you are going too far."
"Mum, Dad, please!" Ron interrupted "I want to join, I want to fight You Know Who. You weren't much older than me when you joined! I'm not a kid anymore!"
"We want to join, too." Hermoine and Harry said in unison.
"Mrs. Weasley, " Hermoine said in a reasoning tone "we are always with Harry, and Voldimort is after Harry as much as he is after everything else. I would think that you would want us to be able to defend ourselves against him. Harry has been very lucky so far, but it's getting worse now! Voldimort is desperate and he may try anything!'
"Very well said Miss Grainger" Albus commented. "She has a very valid point."
The Weasley's couldn't argue with what Hermoine's observation. After a moment of consideration, Molly returned to he seat and Arthur nodded his consent.
"Very good, then." Albus said turning to the trio "Ronald Weasley. Hermoine Grainger. Harry Potter. An established member has presented you as candidates to The Order of The Phoenix. Be warned that what happens here to night is of the utmost secrecy. Anything you learn or do on behalf of The Order is a forbidden topic of discussion with anyone other than another member. Is this understood?"
Yes, sir." they answered in unison
'Good, then if you would please stand up and everyone would please form a circle around our new candidates? Hero, please fetch the goblet and Severus, please get the necessary potion from the cabinet?"
After a few minutes, a circle of members surrounded the trio.
"Members of The Order of The Phoenix, I present to all present three worthy candidates for admission to this order. Being familiar with the accomplishments of the candidates and the honor and bravery that they each have shown in the defense of our world and our kind, do you accept these three before us as candidates?"
"We do." they answered in unison.
"Very well. Hermoine Grainger, Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter. Do each of you desire to be admitted as a Member of The Order of The Phoenix?"
"Yes, sir." they answered.
"Do you solemnly swear before all gathered here that you will keep secret the business of this order, and will never disclose and knowledge of its dealings and activities?"
"Yes, sir" each answered.
"Do you swear allegiance to your fellow members, and swear to obey The Order's duly elected leader or his appointee?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you swear to defend the lives of your fellow members even at the sacrifice of your own, no matter what your personal feelings toward any member, should you be called upon to do so?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then drink from this goblet, the potion that binds us all together as a brotherhood." He handed each the goblet and they sipped from it. Severus stepped into the circle after Dumbledore sipped from the goblet and took it from Dumbledore. He sipped from it and passed it to Tonks on his right.
After all had sipped the potion, Dumbledore smiled at the three newest members of the order. "Welcome to The Order of The Phoenix. You are now marked as such, as you will notice if you look at your right shoulder. Remember your pledge to us."
"Yes, sir."
"Very good, then. Let us all take our seats and Hero can answer Severus' question."
"I am an Auror, and have been in New Orleans for the last few years as part of the Diplomatic Branch that acts as liaison between the Ministry and non- magical local government there. I have also, since the return of Voldimort been acting for The Order in gathering information against Voldemort and his cult." she began after they had all settled in. "Very useful information."
Snape folded his arms and looked away.
"I have come up with a plan to defeat Voldimort." she continued causing all around the table to look at her in surprise. " It still needs some refinement, but if it meets with Albus' approval, I believe that we can defeat Voldimort by this time next year."
"We would all be very interested in hearing this plan of yours, Hero." Snape said in an icy tone.
"I believe that we need to be more pro-active in this war. Stop and think about it for a moment. We are magical, yes. As is Voldimort. We are also human, as is Voldimort, only I think that we have a tendency to forget this fact. We know, through Tom Riddle's diary, that Voldimort is half muggle."
"Yes, yes" Snape interrupted "We know all of this."
"If you would be so kind as to let me finish, Severus? Thank you. As I was saying, I was raised as a muggle in America and I have kept up with the latest in muggle technology as well as the lack of advances in potions, charms and spells in this world. Through my contacts and following of the recent attacks as well as an in-depth analysis of the prior war, I noticed an interesting thing. Voldimort only uses things magical. I have also noticed that there is a rather appalling bunker mentality amongst us wizards. This has caused the Light side to fall behind in this war. This is unacceptable to me."
"As it is to us, Hero." Minerva piped in
"Apparently not, given the lack of aggressiveness in the fight."
"That's unfair!"
"I'm sorry to offend, Minerva, but as unfair as you think my statement is, it is the truth. Look," she held up her hand to stop another interruption "I know that there were a lot of casualties suffered in the last war. And I am sure that some of you consider the aggressiveness used as a major reason for those tragic losses. Times have changed though. The muggle world has advanced, but the magical world has remained the same as it has been for the last few hundred years, with some exceptions in the area of potions and charms. Voldimort has spent the majority of his time trying to find a way to comeback. He has finally succeeded in obtaining a physical body, but that effort hasn't allowed him the time to keep up with muggle advances. More to the point, he has no desire to do so, given his masquerade as a pure blood."
Here she paused, and looked at Dumbledore "Go on, Hero."
" It's his biggest vulnerability. That and the fact that his followers don't know his true name or the fact that he is not pure blood. Am I right, Severus?"
"Yes." he answered, eyeing her thoughtfully
"So here is the basic idea. Keep in mind that it needs some refinement, but here it is. Use muggle methods and technology to track him, and eventually use what we learn to lay a trap for him and destroy him once and for all"
The room erupted around her. Severus watched Hero calmly allow the ire and indignation of the wizards to wash over her. He found that he could almost admire the young woman. Almost.
"You can't possibly be serious!"
"I don't know anything about this muggle tecno-whats-its"
"You are out of your mind, your father would be furious!"
"Enough! Everyone please take your seats!" Dumbledore said in his loudest voice. In silence the group complied.
"Albus, this is outrageous! " Minerva said acidly "You can't really be considering this course of action?"
"I think that, as surprising and farfetched Miss Charen's idea is, that she had raised some very valid points." Severus said quietly, earning a look of surprise from Hero.
"Thank you, Severus."
"But," he continued "other than the fact that you were a student of mine and are a witch, you have been away from our world. Why should we trust you?"
Hero placed her hand on Albus' shoulder. "Because my father died fighting Voldimort, because I am an Auror, because I am a member of The Order and because Albus trusts me and thinks that this is the right thing to do."
"Hero is right." Albus cut in "She is right on all counts, although I wasn't prepared to accept it myself until recently. But we need to be open minded enough to allow some of the non-magical world in. Our isolation is our weakness and Voldimorts. We must defeat him once and for all. If we don't there is a very strong possibility that we will lose this time."
"