disclaimer: i'm really getting sick of writing disclaimers... what idiot is going to think that i came up with harry potter? fine, whatever, harry potter and all related characters are trademark of jk rowling... don't i sound professional...

The Simple Flame of a Candle

Chapter III

Chloe's eyes blinked open gently, awakened by the soft light pouring over her face, as well as the furry sheepdog standing over her, licking her face.

"Toby," she smiled, "not exactly the kind of morning shower I was planning on..."

As she stood up and pushed the blankets from her lightly clad body, she felt the toll of lack of sleep. Wrapping a soft robe around her, she headed downstairs, hearing the quiet murmuring voices of her guests conversing gently, the black and white dog at her heels. She opened the back door to allow the border collie out for business, and was still yawning while her canine companion trotted back in. As she entered the kitchen, Chloe was slightly surprised to find but two of her guests.

"Morning," she greeted pleasantly.

"How did you sleep?" Remus asked softly, pouring her a cup of tea.

"You mean the two hours I spent with my eyes closed?" she smiled. "Toby woke me with a good-morning kiss..."

"Who the hell is Toby?!" Sirius growled protectively. Chloe's smile simply grew wider as she looked pointedly in the direction of the sheepdog laying on the floor. "Oh," he replied quietly, slightly embarrassed, while Remus stifled a laugh.

"Where's Severus," Chloe asked nonchalantly, sipping her tea.

"Said something about reporting to Dumbledore," Sirius answered, putting forth the impression that his caring for the Potions master was quite limited. Chloe just about choked on the tea she had tried to swallow.

"You let him go alone?" she practically yelled, standing up. "What the fuck is wrong with you???"

"He can take care of himself," Sirius responded dryly.

"Not against a mob of pissed off, bloodthirsty, vengeful death eaters!"

"Why are you so bloody upset about him leaving?" Sirius challenged.

"Because, I don't know if this even dawned on you, Mr. Intelligence, but we are supposed to keep an eye on him! Why the hell did you think the Order informed you on his whereabouts?" Chloe didn't normally have a temper, but when she was angry, one had to watch for sprouting flames. Literally, when she got angry, she started things on fire, magically... "Oh, that's right, Sirius, the Order never did inform you because you are supposed to lay low for a while, the definition of which you cannot possibly fathom, and you come gallivanting out here for a joy ride!"

Sirius had been staring at her straight in the eye before, but now, he felt like a young child who had gotten caught doing something naughty. His dark eyes were glued to the wooden surface of the table, his heart aching from arguing with one of his best friends, one of his only friends left in this world...

"He left maybe ten or fifteen minutes ago," Remus said very delicately, trying to calm the raging air. Chloe's look softened as she channeled Sirius's mixed emotions of bitterness, regret, and sorrow.

"Maybe we can still catch him," Chloe said quickly, her anger blown away.

"Let's not be too rash, or blow this so far out of proportion that we're in hysterics," Remus spoke gently. "Chloe, do you have an owl?"

"She likes to hang out in the attic," she said quietly, sitting down once again at the table.

"I'll send an urgent note to Dumbledore. Severus may be in his company by now, and we'll all earn a little piece of mind."

As Remus made his way to the attic, he hoped whatever had gotten under his companions' skin would soon be resolved.

In the kitchen, Chloe and Sirius sat in silence, neither of them touching the now cold cups of tea in front of them. Chloe glanced up at Sirius; he was watching her almost sadly, his soulful eyes holding something, maybe... fear?

Chloe gently place her hand over his much larger one, a small but meaningful gesture. She wanted to offer comfort, but what was he so desperately afraid of?

"Alright, urgent letter sent to Dumbledore, check," Remus stated, returning to the kitchen, taking a seat next to Sirius. By now Chloe was bustling about, washing teacups, wiping counters, purposely trying to keep busy.

"Kitten, I don't think Moony made that big of a mess by just putting on some tea..." Sirius commented.

"I'm anxious, I clean when I'm anxious," she returned stiffly, "so shove it." Remus stood again, gently removed the cloth from her hand, and put a hand on her shoulder.

"The kitchen is spotless; why don't you go upstairs and get dressed." Obeying this advice, Chloe came back down after throwing on a pair of muggle jeans and a black tank top, just in time for the arrival of Dumbledore letter. After reading it carefully, Remus smiled contently.

"See, nothing to be worried about," he said. "Severus is with the headmaster now, and will be accompanied back here..." He paused.

"What?" Chloe prompted.

"How do you feel about company?"

"Pardon?"

"Since over a dozen wizards and witches appearing at Grimmauld Place for every meeting might seem suspicious, Dumbledore was hoping on having the Order meet here..."

"Oh," Chloe said, "okay."

"...tonight..."

"Oh," she said softly, "crap."

She was quiet for a moment, thinking of having the likes of Mundungus Fletcher in her home, but then, anything for the Order...

"Aw, what the hell," she said. "Why not."

"This should be interesting..." Sirius remarked with a smirk. Chloe sighed.

"I'm sure it will be."