Friendship and Beyond 22/?

Rated: R contains mentions of rape and torture, although not actual scenes. Possible HP/SS in later chapters, also HG/RW.

Authors Notes: I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, that would be JKR. Subject matter not for children, although nothing too graphic, but be careful when reading just to be on the safe side.

Choosing Sides

The four of them were still discussing Lucius' proposition and it's implications while making their way back to Hogwarts. Just as they crossed over the warded barrier near the Shrieking Shack the headmaster, looking at them seemingly disappointed, met them

"If you four will follow me please." Dumbledore said after staring at them in silence for a few seconds.

Without waiting for an answer he turned around and started to make his way to the castle. Since they could only assume that the headmaster wanted to talk to them about their little unplanned excursion the students followed him looking chastised, although both Harry and Severus were inwardly wondering what the old coot was up to now. Usually the headmaster didn't show his hand so straightforwardly.

They walked in silence, ignoring the students watching them as they went. Once they entered the headmaster's office Harry was surprised to see most of the Order there, including Minerva, Remus, Mad-Eye, Tonks, the Weasley's and others. All present were looking exceedingly sober, giving the three students and Snape variations of a blank stare.

"Have a seat." Dumbledore suggested moving so that they could do so. Once everyone was settled the headmaster leaned back in his desk chair. "Although we have had our differences in the recent past" Dumbledore began. "I still believed that we were essentially on the same side."

"Who are you to decide we've switched sides, Dumbledore." Harry asked angrily.

"Harry! Don't speak to the headmaster that way." Molly Weasley exclaimed in shock at Harry's abrupt manner with the headmaster.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Weasley, but there are some things that you aren't aware of and I don't want to get into them right now." Harry said, looking around at those gathered. "As to us switching sides, do you really think we would do such a thing?"

"Harry, you met Lucius Malfoy. For what reason could you possibly have had to do so?" Remus Lupin asked looking wary. "You aren't exactly on good terms with the Malfoys. Did Professor Snape set up a meeting between the four of you?"

"Of course not!" Hermione snapped, horrified at the very implication. "You trust Professor Snape, Headmaster. You know he wouldn't do such a thing."

"Up until two weeks ago, I never thought I would have to worry about the loyalty of the three of you either, but here you are resorted into Slytherin and mouthing off to your teachers." Albus explained regretfully. "What are we to think?'

"Perhaps that the students have a genuine cause for complaint." Snape suggested, much to the astonishment of the others. "Either way we were about to inform you of our meeting with Lucius, but you met us before we could go about finding you."

"Very well, Severus, children. I would be interested in hearing what Lucius wanted to speak to you about."

"Me too." Mumbled Tonks who had been standing over to the side of the room.

Ron of all people told the order about their meeting with Malfoy. Once they got to the part about voluntarily collapsing part of the wards, Moody vocally disagreed, only to be silenced by Dumbledore, who looked like he was considering the idea.

Reluctantly Snape convinced everyone that an ambush would be the best hope they would likely have of taking Voldemort out once and for all. Although by the end of the meeting most of the Order agreed, they were all weary of unforeseen dangers inherent in the plan, considering it's success depended on Malfoy's trustworthiness.

At first the Weasleys didn't want Ron, Hermione of Harry anywhere near where the Death Eaters would enter Hogwarts from, even after Harry mentioned the prophesy. It seems Dumbledore had been keeping things from more than just Harry.

Arthur pointed out that the trio would likely find a way to be at the battle either way, and at least if they were there with permission then the Order could attempt to protect them. After further planning the trio left more worried then they were when they originally entered the headmaster's office.

"I guess we'll just have to work around them, then." Hermione assured the others quietly. They had been each silent, only to look up grinning at each other. "I mean, when have we ever sat back and let the Order handle it?"

"True but what can we do?" Ron asked.

"Do you think Snape would teach us to defend ourselves against dark magic?" Hermione wondered aloud, looking at Harry for confirmation. "I don't want to have to depend on Dumbledore to protect us."

"We'll never know unless we ask." Harry answered as they headed for the Slytherin Common Room.