A/N: Finally, an update. Sorry it's taken so long. I can't believe I have 60 reviews! Yay!
Thanks to the people that reviewed! Roswell4ever: Thanks, I tried to make it exciting! Celeste: Sorry it took so long. And look, you get your name mentioned, hehe. Malfoychic: I've updated! Sorry it took so long, I'll try to update every week again. Dark_Dragon: A new fan, hehe. Thanks for reviewing!
I'd like to throw in some advertising as well. After this, go check out Malfoychic's story, "Reactions." It's a great Draco/Hermione story so far! For those Lord of the Rings fans out there, Celeste has a new story about Aragorn/Arwen, a romance that Tolkien didn't tell us enough about.
Anyway, please don't forget to review!
Chapter 14
"The Order of the Phoenix? Draco asked as Fawks flew from his perch and sat on the headmaster's desk.
"Is it named after Fawks?" Harry asked before the headmaster could speak.
"Well, any phoenix in general," Dumbledore responded.
"What exactly is a phoenix?" Draco asked as the red and gold bird walked around on the desk.
"It's a bird," Hermione started before Dumbledore had a chance to explain. "Phoenix's are immortal. When it is time for them to die, also heal about ever 500 years, they burst into flames and then are reborn from the ashes. Their tears wounds," she said, giving her usual textbook answer.
"Hermione's is exactly right. We chose a phoenix because according to ancient Chinese legend, phoenixes are known to be enemies of snakes, which is a metaphor of what this organization is," Dumbledore paused before continuing. "The Order of the Phoenix is a council made up of witches and wizards that are willing to help fight against Voldemort," Ron, Hermione and Draco flinched, "But our main goal right now is to protect Hogwarts and the students."
"When did this council form?" Ron asked, getting over the Voldemort mentioning.
"A year ago, when you were in your fifth year. Luckily, Voldemort chose to remain silent after his reincarnation. He did not attack anyone or anything, but is silently gathering his followers again," the headmaster let the words sink in.
"Whose part of the council?" Harry asked.
"All the Hogwarts staff, Remus Lupin, Siris Black, Arthur and Molly Weasley to name a few," Dumbledore answered.
"My parents?" Ron said in disbelief, "They never mentioned anything at home!"
"Everyone is sworn to secrecy," Dumbledore said. "But with this new threat on you, Hermione, Professor McGonagall and I thought it was time to tell you four about the Order. After all, the four of you play a key role in our plan."
"What do you mean?" Draco and Ron asked at the same time.
"We need the four of you. Draco," the headmaster looked specifically at the blonde boy, "It is no secret that the parents of the students in Slytherin are mostly Death Eaters. We need you to find out which of those students do not want to follow in their parent's footsteps, and get them to join our side," Dumbledore then turned to Hermione.
"Hermione, you are the brightest student in your year, and we will need your talents in this war." Hermione blushed at the compliment, but looked seriously at Dumbledore.
"We need you to study with Madam Pomfrey and learn as many healing charms and spells that you can," he finished. Hermione nodded, feeling proud to be needed. Dumbledore looked at Ron.
"Your parents, Bill and Charlie are involved in getting the word out that Voldemort has risen. We need your help as well. Keep your eyes and ears opened around you…especially in class. We may have a spy within us at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said. Ron nodded. Lastly, Dumbledore turned to Harry.
"And Harry…. It is no doubt that Voldemort is still after you. He didn't attack you in your fifth year because, like I said before, he is regrouping, gathering strength and followers. There is no doubt in my mind that he tried to kill you sixteen years ago because he knew that there was something powerful about you; something that could threaten his reign of terror. We still need to discover what that power is…but in the meantime, we need to keep you out of danger," Dumbledore turned his gaze away from Harry. Harry ran his hand through his black hair as Dumbledore spoke again.
"None of you must speak a word of what we have said to anyone other than each other. You are all excused," Dumbledore said. The four students nodded in unison and rose from their chairs, exiting the office. Harry and Ron immediately headed to their dormitories, eager to discuss all that they had discovered. The incident with Crookshanks had been cleaned up, and the students were allowed to return to Gryffindor tower. Draco and Hermione walked hand in hand as they decided to go the library to talk.
They sat down at the farthest table from the door and said nothing for a few minutes, letting what they had heard sink in. Draco broke the silence.
"I'll be fighting against my own father," Draco spoke in a whisper. Hermione took his hand again.
"It will be fine. This is for the good of the wizarding world. The Minster of Magic isn't doing anything to prepare us for the war to come, but Dumbledore is. As long as we have Dumbledore, nothing too bad is going to happen. Yes, some people may have to fight against their own family members, but it is all for the better," Hermione said, stroking Draco's hand gently. Draco smiled at her.
"Thanks, Hermione. You're right. Everything will be fine. The sooner You-Know-Who is taken away from power, the better. Whatever it has to take, I'm willing to do it," Draco said, giving Hermione another smile as Madam Pince announced that the library would be closing. With all the excitement of the day, Hermione didn't even realize how late it was, around 9 o'clock. Madam Pince ushered Hermione and Draco out of the library. They left and stood hand in hand outside the library doors.
"Well, I better go to Gryffindor Tower…They might think something has happened to me if I don't," Hermione said, trying to sound cheerful about her situation.
"All right…I'll see you tomorrow, Hermione," Draco said, kissing her softly on the cheek. Hermione smiled and let go of his hand, heading down the corridor. Draco watched her till she disappeared around a corner. Turning, he walked down the opposite direction, and was ready to go to sleep.
A/N: For once, not a cliffhanger! Go me! : ) Also, I DO NOT know what the "Order of the Phoenix" really is. Anything said in this chapter is purley guessing at what it could be. I have NO idea what it really is.
Anyway, don't forget to review! My new goal is 75 reviews. If I get at least 5 reviews, I promise to update soon!