Also, some have asked about this in the previous chapter-- I did not make a mistake in writing "SPGW" rather than "SPEW".  I meant it to be "Society for the Protection of Giant Welfare" (A bit of a joke, lame perhaps.  Don't blame me, Harry's the one who thought it.)

Chapter 17.  Order of Business 

            Harry spent the morning and much of the early afternoon at the desk, in his room, working on new lists in his journal.  He now had a list of things he fears he may regret, as well as a start on a list of magic he'd like to learn. He also worked on different homework assignments and on reading through Defensive Magic to Avoid Death to peruse the use and erection of Perimeter Charms. 

Around noon, Hermione had joined him in his room and camped out on the sofa by the fireplace.  She had intended to work on her Potions assignments, but rather, had not been able to resist reading the new edition of Hogwarts: A History, after Harry gave it to her.   She would occasionally quote things from the book and Harry would make various noises to pretend he cared and not actually be struggling to keep his mind from remembering how it felt to be waking/dreaming beside her that morning.

Harry had told her about his talk with Ron that morning and she said she would wait to see if he actually managed to change his attitude towards her.  Harry had asked her why she didn't go into Diagon Alley either today or the day before with him, and she said that yesterday, she had to help prepare for the surprise party and as for today, she said that she had overhead Mrs. Weasley talking with Mr. Weasley last night about keeping Ron, Ginny, Fred and George busy and away from the Order meeting that night.  Hermione confessed she had been secretly hoping that she might soon be able to join the Order officially, since she was nearly of age, and liked to hang around to meet Order members on meeting nights.

About an hour before Harry expected Kingsley for training, he asked Hermione if she would help him try out his new boots, "C'mon, you can throw jinxes, hexes and curses at me and we'll see if the dragon hide can repel any." 

Hermione was impressed with the protection and advantages the boots afforded Harry.  She even mused about wondering if they made dragonhide vests and cloaks and other attire. 

When Kingsley arrived, he had Hermione stay and help him work with Harry to practice fighting as part of a team.  Harry and Hermione were to work together to fight Kingsley and after a while, seemed to be doing much better than he had expected.  After the fifth time in a row that they had disarmed, knocked out and bound him, Kingsley shook his head and said, "Enough of that, you two know each other too well.  You work together like a seasoned pair of Aurors."  He dusted himself off and continued, "Which just goes to show, that there is strength in numbers if you can all work together."

Hermione considered him for a moment and then asked, "Kingsley, are Aurors trained in basic Healing and triage?"

"Well, yes, they are.  It's the last bit of Auror training and is really very basic compared to the complicated spellwork and diagnostic charms of a real Healer.  Why do you ask?"

Hermione looked like she was already working out a plan for something, "Well, I was just thinking that it's all well and good to be able to have someone along to help you and fight with you, but if one person gets injured, then the other person is not only fighting alone but also has to protect whoever is injured and get them to safety while defending themselves." 

Harry knew exactly what she was talking about.  It had made it very difficult at the Ministry to try to run from Death Eaters while his friends were being injured and couldn't help themselves, much less him. 

Hermione went on, "Remember Ginny's broken ankle and Neville's broken nose?  Madame Pomfrey fixed those in less than a few minutes, each.  Learning how to do simple healing like that would really help in case … well, you know, in case it's ever, a, well, emergency."

"A very fine idea, Ms. Granger."  Harry was startled to hear Professor Dumbledore speak from the entrance of the practice hall.  Dumbledore nodded to everyone in the hall and went on, "I must agree that Healing, an art not taught at Hogwarts for several years, may be well suited to return as a NEWT offering this next term." 

Dumbledore reached into his robes and pulled out a tin of candy, popped one into his mouth and offered the tin, "Peppermint, Ms. Granger?  Harry?  Kingsley? No?"  He pocketed the tin again and as he sucked on the candy, mused, "Perhaps I can ask Madame Pomfrey if she might have it in her schedule to teach the course.  Hmm.  Perhaps…

"Well, Kingsley, how would you say the lessons are going?"

Kingsley looked at Harry appraisingly and nodded as he said, "Harry's got excellent instincts and uncanny intuition.  Two things that are hard to teach."  He looked directly at Harry now as he spoke, "Fine reflexes, a wealth of power, a quick learner and resourcefulness, too.  Even with just the short few weeks we've been working together, I've noticed rapid improvements in form, techniques and just overall abilities.  You're very gifted, Harry.  With practice, you'll only improve." 

Harry blushed at the praise and could feel Hermione looking at him with pride.  "You… you're too kind, really.  I'm just often quite lucky."  He frowned, "Then again, I guess I've not been so lucky to get myself into the things I do."

Dumbledore smiled and said, "Very well, then.  You won't mind if I join you then for a while this afternoon?"

For the next two hours, Dumbledore filled the hall with conjured objects and had Harry and Hermione work together to maneuver the room as a sort of obstacle course as they would doge spells from Kingsley and Dumbledore would randomly animate objects to move about. 

Harry and Hermione were enjoying working together and dodging the spells.  Harry kept trying to take over control of the animated objects and send them after Kingsley but they always seemed to not want to listen to him. 

They called it quits and Dumbledore vanished all the conjured objects.  Kingsley looked at his watch and said, "Well, today sure flew by."  He shook his head then, "I know Harry's been studying all summer, but where did you learn all that, Hermione?"

Harry couldn't help himself and laughed, "Oh! She's been studying since she learned to read--she probably knows twice as many spells as I do."  He watched her face as she flitted from first thinking he was making fun of her to then looking flattered at the praise.  He thought, Hermione really would go spare if she knew that magic wasn't just limited to the spells you could read in a book.  Perhaps, he thought, he ought to tell her.

Dumbledore brought Harry out of his thoughts as he asked, "Harry?  Hermione?  Could I have a word with both of you for a moment?"  

Kingsley tipped his head as he left the hall and left the three of them alone. 

Dumbledore then conjured up three squishy armchairs and they all had a seat. He peered over his glasses first at Hermione and said, "Am I correct in assuming, Hermione, that you have been hoping to become an official member of the Order of the Phoenix?"

She glanced over at Harry who shook his head to convey that he had not told anyone her hope to join, "I am just assuming now, I know you have made a point to get to know many other members of the Order each Friday when they arrive and leave.  Also, your birthday in just a month and half means you are probably getting anxious and might wish to join before you have to go back to school.  Am I correct then?"

Hermione nodded sharply, "Yes, sir.  It's just I feel that I could better serve the Order's purpose if I were privy to information now, opposed to waiting until I am of age since I--"

Dumbledore held up a hand and said, "I agree.  I think you are indeed ready and capable to be a member and that it would serve us well if you were inducted before you return to Hogwarts."

Hermione looked stunned, momentarily, to not have been contested in her wish to join.

"However, as I have warned Harry, who is also attending tonight's meeting with the intent to join, there may be some resistance to inducting those who are young or underage."  Hermione looked over at Harry with narrowed eyes.  "I asked Harry not to tell anyone about our plan for him to join and I can see he kept his word and didn't even tell you."  Dumbledore gave an appreciative nod towards Harry. 

Hermione asked, "Do you mean Mrs. Weasley? I know she's upset that the twins are hoping to join tonight as well."  She looked at Harry, "That's probably why she wanted to get and keep us all out of the house today and this evening." 

Harry recalled what Ginny had said before leaving and said, "I don't know, Ginny said they were meeting the twins for dinner-- are you sure they are coming tonight?"

Dumbledore answered, "Yes, I am quite sure they mean to come tonight.  There are only a few times a year that inductions can be made.  The traditional wizarding holiday of Lunasadh is one of them.  I want you both to know that I am sponsoring both of you personally, tonight.  There may be some resistance at first, especially since most people believe that inductions must be agreed upon unanimously.  However, they are all not familiar with all the covenants of the Order.  Neither am I for that matter."  He smiled while his eyes twinkled and went on before Hermione could question him.  "If the Lead Light, myself of the Order wishes, I may call for an alternative induction if unanimous agreement by the present, current members cannot be achieved.  Now, as to what the alternative may be--we will not know until such time."

Harry had to ask, "Who decides?  Don't you already know?"

Dumbledore's blue eyes were twinkling again he smiled and answered, "I am merely the Lead Light of the Order.  The head is something else entirely."  He kept smiling as if this explained a thing.

Hermione nearly sputtered, "You mean there's another Head of the Order?"

Dumbledore drew out his tin of candy again and popped another mint into his mouth.    Harry and Hermione both declined a candy and were waiting impatiently for him to answer.  He leaned back in his chair then and said, "The head of the Order lies within an object.  It has been imbued with the brains, wisdom, magic and knowledge of the founder of the Order."

"But I thought you were the founder?"  Hermione contested.

Dumbledore smiled and shook his head, "No, I am not.  Many and most of the current members may believe this as few of them have ever seen an alternative induction and fewer still, knew another leader ever to have existed."

"Who—then who was the founder?" Harry asked as Hermione nodded along.

Dumbledore studied them for a moment and closed his eyes for a moment, "The full story, I suspect I will be telling everyone tonight, if indeed, an alternative induction is required.  I will defer the details of the Order's origin until then."

Dumbledore then held up his hand and pulled out a pocket watch.  He flipped it open and said, "Both of you should come with me to the kitchen now, members are due to arrive shortly."

Harry and Hermione took the pair of wing chairs in the corner by the fireplace once they reached the kitchen.  There they saw Remus, Kingsley, Moody and Tonks, already gathered at the table.  Harry saw Remus's and Kingsley's faces as they entered, and figured, if they hadn't been ushered in the door by Dumbledore himself, they would have been asked to leave. 

Hermione leaned over to Harry once they sat down and asked, "How long have you known you'd be joining now?"

Harry watched Professor McGonagall arrive and be seated and he looked at Hermione and then away before whispering evasively, "A few weeks now." Harry was now consumed with thoughts of what Dumbledore had said about possibly having to share the prophecy details with some people to gain support for his induction.  Remus—he had to know.  Harry had almost wanted to share it with him several times already.  Moody, yes, he would definitely be one to not to wig out over it.  Who else? 

Harry looked at Hermione, she was watching other members filter in who would glance curiously over at the pair by the fire, be seated at the long table and then begin to whisper.  I should tell her.  There's no way I can keep it form her and I don't think I would if I could. 

Harry felt an overwhelming need to have Hermione know; to have her know what he could always sense resting upon his shoulders and to tell him that there a way and that she would help him find it.  For a brief moment, emotion swelled within him and he had to turn away from her and keep it in check.  He wasn't sure if it had been the urge to cry or scream but whatever it was, he needed to lock it up now.

Harry saw Sturgis Podmore, Emmeline Vance, Bill and Mr. Weasley all enter the kitchen then.  Mr. Weasley did a double take as he saw the pair in the corner and then headed over towards them.

"Harry, Hermione!"  He looked about the kitchen, Harry presumed scanning for Mrs. Weasley, and then back again.  "Have you seen Molly at all?"

Harry quickly assured him, "She's still out with Ron and Ginny."

Mr. Weasley looked significantly relieved at this.  He looked around and then grabbed a spare chair and pulled it up beside Harry.  "Listen, I know the twins are hoping to join the Order tonight.  They told me and Molly overheard last night that they were invited to pledge for membership tonight."  He looked about the room again, "I'm just going to assume you are both here for the same reasons.  Now, I know Dumbledore probably thinks you're both ready and all, and in truth, you likely are.  We all heard how you kids took on twice your number in Death Eaters and held your own for a while, but really, you'd be doing your part by just going to school and letting us handle everything.  If you two join now, then, next it'll be Ron wanting--"

Dumbledore cleared his throat and Mr. Weasley was silenced as Dumbledore began to talk, "I think we need to begin.  Let's start with old business first.  The Ministry?  What news have we?"

Several people had hazarded glances over at Harry and Hermione, clearly disappointed not to hear why they were there yet as Kingsley spoke up first, "My top priority assignment remains searching for Sirius.  I believe Amelia suspects I am doing something else with my time, however, and not dedicated fully to the search."

"Why is that?" Dumbledore questioned.

"She informed me this morning that the Minister has made appropriations for increased funding for the search, meaning increased personnel on the search.  She seemed very interested in watching my reaction to this.  Albus, I've been thinking, she would probably be quite supportive of what I am doing if she knew; she may even wish to pledge, as well."  He glanced for a moment at Harry and Hermione, "If we're ready to begin spreading our numbers, I can think of a few others in my department who may be willing."

Dumbledore just nodded and looked over to the next person, "Emmeline?  What news have you?"

"I've been assigned to the committee to coordinate the Hogwarts Express.  We've had extra allocations this year and nearly twice the number assigned to oversee this."  She looked uncomfortable for a moment and watched the tabletop as she said, "The Minister, er, has suggested we examine alternative methods of transportation for, high risk students."

Harry was quite certain he would fall into this classification and then heard Dumbledore ask, "Did he mention, Emmeline, who he felt was high risk?"

The stately-looking witch was now clearly agitated and fidgeting with a groove in the wooden table as she muttered, "The majority of muggleborns and, er, Harry Potter." 

Harry could sense Hermione just itching to say something and obviously, Dumbledore did as well for he asked, "Hermione, do have something to say?"

Harry watched her eyes flare as she said, "Well, as for Harry and myself, it would be ridiculous to remove us from the train.  The Express rarely has any teachers or adults aboard and, well, Harry especially, as two of the older students, we're well suited to help if something were to happen to the Express.   Besides, it would only help deter the Express from being a target if people knew that these targets were not aboard.  However, separating off the muggleborns only makes them an even more concise target. 

"As for Harry," she looked over at him, "you could just say he's not going to be aboard.  I'd say he could go the ride under an invisibility cloak but I think many students would wonder why he wasn't to be seen."  As she finished she seemed to realize that she'd gone off a bit and Harry marveled at how she always spoke her mind.

  McGonagall spoke up then, "Ms. Granger is correct, in that we generally do not send staff to chaperone the train.  It is generally the responsibility of the Head Boy and Girl to oversee it.  We would likely be able to send a few people to make the trip with the students."

"Argh! You've nothing to worry about," Moody growled, "as long as the spawn of Death Eaters is still riding the train, then the train is safe."

Emmeline Vance looked slightly unnerved by the reactions from Hermione and Moody and hedged, "Well, I think the Minister wants to make a show of doing something for the children's safety.  He said he would rather make an effort for nothing than do nothing at all and be blamed for not being proactive."

Several other people voiced opinions after this and Harry saw Hermione sitting back and her mind working feverishly.  He had an idea and leaned over to Hermione, "If Fudge cares so much about seeming to make an effort, but we don't want to single anyone out, then why not make it optional.  Like portkeys you can sign up to take?  Then, well, then we can see by who signs up, if there's a pattern—like Malfoy and company all opt out of the train ride, then there's probably a reason." 

Hermione looked at him and nodded, "Yes, Harry that's an excellent idea."

"I agree," Mr. Weasley had heard and now seemed excited at the idea and called out over the chatter, "Albus!  Harry here has a splendid idea!" 

The noise quieted down and the next sound that Harry heard, made his head ache instantly, "Arthur! What in the world is going on here?"

Harry saw Mr. Weasley freeze at the shrill sound of his wife's voice and dared to peer around him to see her standing with the kitchen door held open, with her hands on her hips, and a disgusted look on her face.

She barely had time to seethe before Fred and George, pushed in through the door behind her, "Mum—you're blocking the way."

She rounded and held out her arms wide and nearly screamed, "YOU ARE NOT JOINING THE ORDER!"

"Sorry we're late Professor, but Mum jinxed us and we couldn't apparate here."  Harry heard one muffled twin call out as Mrs. Weasley tried to push them out the door.

"Molly!"  Dumbledore strode over to the door and Mrs. Weasley stopped and turned to face him. 

Mr. Weasley was up and got between Dumbledore and his wife and he put his hands on her shoulders.  Fred and George slipped around her and scuttled off over by the pantry.

  Mrs. Weasley then breathed out in a deathly whisper, "What gives you the right—to tell my boys they can come here tonight?" Harry saw her glaring at Dumbledore and felt very glad he had never been on the receiving end of that look.

Dumbledore remained calm and Harry knew this was what he had been expecting to happen.  "Molly, please, have a seat and I will explain everything."

Mr. Weasley ushered her to a seat at the table facing away from Harry and Dumbledore said, "Perhaps some tea, Winky?"  The elf cracked over and a pot of tea and several cups appeared on the table before she cracked away. 

Dumbledore watched Mrs. Weasley breath deeply for a few seconds and then he stepped back to stand beside Harry's chair.  "Well, it seems it may be appropriate to switch on to some new business."  He peered around the room as nearly everyone turned their chairs to get a better look and inched forward to hear what the great wizard had to say.

"It is my hope tonight, to sponsor a small, select group of young people to seek induction into the Order of the Phoenix."  Mrs. Weasley puffed herself up in order to gather steam to begin a new rant but was hushed by Mr. Weasley muttering to her to be silent and let Dumbledore speak.

Dumbledore smiled gratefully at him and went on, "Most of you have all met, at some time, each of the four people I have here tonight."  He turned to the corner and said, "Hermione Granger and Harry Potter," then gestured to the back of the room where the twins stood, sending a wave at Harry, "and Misters Fred and George Weasley."  Dumbledore motioned for Fred and George to come over by the fireplace. 

 "Several of you have asked if we would be inviting new members to pledge tonight and I asked each of you to hold off until later on expanding our numbers.  I have not felt an urgency to expand out numbers and feel that at the moment, while Lord Voldemort's" several people shivered at the name, "numbers are so low, we have an advantage.  These four, however, all have unique qualities to offer with their service to the Order and I am personally sponsoring each of them."  A huff could be heard from Mrs. Weasley and several members looked uneasy at this.

"Fred and George here, were privy to a large amount of the Order's private dealings last summer by incorporating the use of several of their very own inventions, which, with their membership, they would be willing to provide to the Order.  They also have approached me with several other services and products they wish to offer."  Fred and George each took deep bows and Harry saw Mrs. Weasley looking at them smugly.

Dumbledore then turned to Harry and Hermione.  "Hermione, has been a model student in her years at Hogwarts and has continually exceeded the dedication and achievement expected of her level.  She is, undoubtedly, one of the finest witches to study at Hogwarts for a fair number of years.  She is, of muggle parentage and for the summer, has been residing here at Headquarters.  She turns of age this September and wishes to become a member before heading back to school."  Harry saw Hermione flush with the glowing introduction and felt himself smiling, too.  She snuck a look at him and he gave her a wink.

"Harry, you all know," he sank back as he hadn't seen his own introduction coming and felt himself flush as Dumbledore went on, "has been one of Lord Voldemort's top targets for, approximately, his entire life."  Harry clasped his hands in front of him and studied his fingernails. "Harry has been undergoing intensive training with several of you for the past few weeks and will continue this training over this next month.  He has, as you all well know, continually been found himself on the frontline of several major events leading up where we are today.  Today, as we have been since the public and Ministry have accepted the return of Voldemort, we remain upon the brink of war. We have had success in crippling Lord Voldemort's supporters and their abilities to aid their lord.  However few followers he has, he will not remain quiet for long.  We only wait for his first strike."  Oh please, let him stop there.   He felt it was really quite embarrassing to hear such descriptions of ones self and then to hear how they were only waiting for Voldemort to strike.  I need to train. Hard.  I can't let this go on for long.  I need to end this war before someone else I know gets hurt.   "Harry, I should also tell you, is well aware of what you all know about the prophecy."

His stomach dropped and he suddenly felt the scrutiny of every eye in the room upon him.  He felt Hermione staring at him and knew he'd be lucky to end the night without her forcing him to tell her everything. 

This last statement had set off a few murmurs and several people stirred but it was then that Mrs. Weasley couldn't hold back any longer. 

She stood up and the her chair went crashing backwards and she shrieked, "How could you do that?  He's a child!  We agreed he was too young to know!  Albus—this is an outrage!!  Someone has to stop this and I don't intend to allow—"

Dumbledore raised his hand and her mouth snapped shut.  Harry suspected it was not entirely of her own volition.  Harry felt his head aching even more now and also imagined he could hear the voices in his head trying to soothe him.  He sighed and crossed his arms as he leaned back into the chair. 

"This is my case for sponsoring these memberships.  You all know the procedure.  I will ask for anyone with substantiated objections,' he looked squarely at Molly, "you may calmly present your reasoning before it is put to vote.  Molly, I believe we all know you have something to say."  Dumbledore waved his had towards her and her mouth snapped open now.  He also waved over more chairs and he, Fred and George all sat down.

Mrs. Weasley stood and, still taking deep breaths, walked over to face the table and those now by the fire.  Harry thought she looked much less dangerous now that she had been given the floor and free reign to speak. 

She crossed her arms over her chest and with a look at Harry, Hermione and her boys, she began, "This, war, of which we are upon the brink, is not a game.  It is not for children."  She looked squarely at each of the pledges as she spoke.  "You may think you all know what it means to be in the Order.  You may think you know how to take care of yourselves and believe you would enjoy being a member and fighting what you think is evil." 

She stood before Fred and George and had to close her eyes for a moment and calm herself before saying, "Your father and I have agreed to take up this fight because of how much we love you, our children and family.  We mean to protect you from having to deal with this, until such a time, as you have no choice.  Fred, George, you two have never taken a thing seriously before in your lives and I can't imagine you don't think it would great fun to try out your pranks on others in the name of war, but, you don't understand the sacrifices you may have to make."  Harry could see Fred and George looking ready to argue with her but Dumbledore laid a hand on Fred's arm to keep their silence.

Mrs. Weasley then looked over at Dumbledore, "Albus, I don't know what you think you are doing, but using children in this war is just not acceptable.  You may think they are ready because it is what they say they want, but you need to remember that children often want things that they are just not ready for.  They need to be told 'no', sometimes for their own good." 

Dumbledore merely nodded his head once and Mrs. Weasley moved over to stand before Harry.  "Harry, dear," her face softened and when Harry ventured a look at her face, before turning back to stare at his lap, he saw her face filled with sadness and a fierce protectiveness.  Her hand reached out to the side of his face for a moment and then she said, "Hermione, dear, I at least can understand why it is, you want to join that you feel you need to take action so that you may remain in the wizarding world.  You are such a bright young girl, I am quite sure your mind would only be an asset here.   But, dear, there simply isn't anything you can do for us while you are in school.  You're best helping us by minding your studies so that when you are of age and out of school, then you will be even more of an asset." 

She turned back to Harry then and was worrying her lip and shaking her head.  "Harry, look at me dear," Harry raised his head up and met her eyes.  He could see and feel the protectiveness she felt for him.  He met her look with calm determination as she spoke in barely over a whisper, "Dear, this isn't fair for you." Nothing's fair for me.  "You don't have to do anything you don't want to do."  Does that include die?  "You shouldn't have to do this."  You have no idea how much I do have to do this.  "You're far too young to be jumping into the middle of all this and you've already have enough of your life affected by You-Know-Who.  You just concentrate on school and let the adults handle this now; you seen far too much already." 

"Have I?"  He said it before he could stop himself.

"Harry…"Dumbledore spoke softly.

Harry went on, "Have I seen far too much already?"  His voice wavered as Mrs. Weasley drew herself back up now and was ready to argue her point but he went on darkly, "I think I've hardly seen anything yet."  He grew to feel defiant as he still met her in the eye.

"You don't know what you're talking about!"  Her voice was rising now.

"Molly, if that is all you have to say, then…" Dumbledore stood up between Harry and Mrs. Weasley and Harry dropped his head into a hand and rubbed his forehead in an attempt to calm himself.    She doesn't know everything.  This is why Dumbledore felt it might be necessary to share the full prophecy with others.

"Harry," Hermione's whisper brought him back to the room, "I think we're supposed to let them have their say and then we can speak for ourselves after they've all had their say." 

Harry knew she was probably right and that he shouldn't have said anything, but it was so frustrating to just sit there and be patronized as if he didn't know what he had to do.  As if he didn't know that the more time he wasted, not training and not getting ready to be one capable of vanquishing Voldemort, then the more time Voldemort had to destroy lives; especially the lives of those close to Harry. 

Harry knew it was only a matter of time and planning before Voldemort had his next plan to make his life hell.  Plotting, it's what dark lords do.  Harry looked around and thought of his friends:  Ron, Hermione, the twins, Ginny, Neville and just about anyone who had been in the DA with him and supported him last year; they were all in danger if they were known to be his friend or even to just support him.  He could see the lines of war had already begun to be drawn at Hogwarts.

Mrs. Weasley was seated again now and Dumbledore asked, "Is there anyone else who like to voice an objection to the induction of these pledges?" 

Harry saw Mrs. Weasley elbow Mr. Weasley and give him a warning look so that he cleared his throat and tentatively stood up, while looking between his wife and Dumbledore, "Arthur?  Please come and have your say."

"Er, well, I guess, it's just that Molly and I both feel, that we, as adults, are not doing our job if we have to rely on young people to fight this war."  He turned to look at them, "We are all so proud really of each of you and everything you've done for yourselves.  It would just make all of us, I think, much happier to know you were still enjoying being children and not trying to, er, take on the burdens of adulthood."  He looked nervous as she finished and glanced back at his wife he was staring intently a corner of the ceiling.  "That's all."  Mr. Weasley hurried to sit back down. 

Dumbledore rose again, "Is there anyone else?"  He peered over his half-moon glasses and at each member of the Order of the Phoenix.

Harry heard a cough and a scrape of a chair and looked up to see Lupin stand and raise his hands up as he looked at Harry, "I'm not necessarily against this.  But, I think I just need to say one thing."  Lupin always looked so tired and worn and Harry felt that the death of Sirius was still taking its toll on him, as it sometimes did to Harry.  Lupin's mouth curled up on one side as he said, "I recall sitting at this very table with all four of you just about a year ago and you all wanted to know why you couldn't join the order then.  We gave several reasons, some of which, obviously, no longer apply.  The one that still does, is the one I'll remind you about now: to become a member of the Order of the Phoenix, you are staking your life on your beliefs.  You must believe in the mission of the Order enough to be willing to give your life.  It's not that I don't think any one of you wouldn't do that, actually, I am quite sure, you each would.  But, I think some of use may wonder if you are too young to know the true value of what you may have to give up.  That is all I have to say."  He gave each of them a look and then sat down.

"Anyone else?"  Dumbledore asked.  "All right then," He turned to George, "You've heard the objections, now you may each have a turn say a word in counterpoint.  Mr. Weasley?"

George rose up, as did Fred, they looked at each other and nodded once before plunging in, "Right, we'll just speak together--"

"--since we always do anyway."

"Look Mum, Dad, we know what you've been saying--"

"--Mum, you actually make this easier as you finally gave a list of your reasons rather than screeching and shrieking--"

"Yeah, actually, that's right.  'Cuz we know this isn't just a game."

"Or just a fine opportunity to blow things up."

"Although that is a bonus."

"Definitely."

"As for taking care of ourselves--"

"We know we can do that, we've been taking care of each other for years now." 

"I know you and Dad want to protect us and think we're 'children'--"

"--but we're not.  We're eighteen now."

"And if half of our family has already taken a side in this war--"

"--then our entire family is already marked as that side."

"We might as well take our stand."

"There is no choice to make."

"We're quite serious about that."

"Quite." 

"If you hadn't already been in the Order, we'd still want to do this."

"But you are and anyone who knows our family, can guess our loyalties."

"Right, so we just want to make it official."

"So we can help defend ourselves and not rely on you to do it."

"Plus, we have talked with Professor Dumbledore and he agrees that can make a difference."

"Have something to offer."

"Yeah, that all our goofing off and inventions are just a waste of time but can actually be a cover for a more covert operation."

"We've been working on it for a few months now."

"We've had the ideas and all for a while."

"We'll do what we want anyway, really."

"This is just a technicality, per se."

"For I ask you, what is mischief?"

"But a soldier without a purpose."

"So, we say--"

They chorused together, "--give us a purpose!"

Harry hadn't really been listening to the twins.  He had been replaying over and over Mrs. Weasley's arguments and countering her points in his head.  He had to keep reminding himself that he should only use the facts that the Order currently knew in his arguments, if he wished for a successful standard induction.

"Thank you very much boys."  Dumbledore stood then and smiled at them as they sat back down. 

He turned to Harry and then Hermione and Hermione made to get up first as she said, "I'll go first." 

But Harry put a hand on her elbow and drew her back and looked at her and said, "May I?  Go first?" 

She nodded and Harry stood and looked at Professor Dumbledore who gave Harry a warm smile and nodded and said, "After our pledges have all had their say, then we will be proceeding with the voting for our standard induction.  Harry?" 

Harry walked over, closer to the kitchen door, where the twins had stood and spoke.  His counterpoints were running through his head over and over in an increasingly more frenetic pace.  Until, that is, he looked up and saw every single person at the kitchen table staring avidly at him, his face, his scar, and even his clothes.  His mind faltered for a moment seeing everyone looking at him and watching him.  He saw Tonks mouth, "Nice boots!" and then saw Lupin's grim face and remembered why he was up there.

He looked down for a moment to calm his thoughts from being a rushed, garbled mess of sentences and then looked up and at Mrs. Weasley.  He figured she was the one to be convinced and meant to address all her arguments.

"Mrs. Weasley, you said it wasn't fair to me to be here.  I'd say it is my choice to be here but as Fred and George said, I also feel there really isn't a choice to be made. 

"I think, that perhaps you believe it was Professor Dumbledore's decision to get us to join tonight.  You just told him that using children in this war is just not acceptable.  I don't think that's his choice to make."  Harry was thinking of how so many of his fellow classmates, also 'children', had had no problems taking sides in the debate of Voldemort's return. 

"I think that Hogwarts was ahead of the rest of the wizarding world in choosing sides for this war.  While the Order had to work in secret last year, students were declaring their allegiances openly."  He was thinking of Malfoy and company's tendency to wax poetic about the virtues of the Dark Lord. 

Then he thought of the DA.  "In fact, we," he gestured at Hermione and the twins, "even drew together a group of student who believed in Voldemort's return last fall."  He saw several wince at the use of the name.   "If you think Voldemort would think twice about using students to do his work, then I think you're wrong.  I can think of several classmates who would be willing and proud to be his minions of Hogwarts." He was getting slightly irritated with all the people wincing and shuddering whenever he said Voldemort's name.  That's rich; they can't stand to hear the name and want to tell me, I'm not ready to be here.   

"Voldemort has used and planted professors there and I'm sure you recall he had no compunctions about trying to use and kill an eleven-year-old girl to try to get to me."  He knew it was a bit of a low blow to Mrs. Weasley to remind her of Ginny, but as Harry thought about it, it was more and more ridiculous to think that Hogwarts wouldn't be a likely front of the war.

Harry was only talking to Mrs. Weasley and forgot there was a whole table of people listening.  "Mrs. Weasley, I know you think that joining the Order is like joining the war.  But I think you're wrong.  As long as Voldemort wants me dead, I think the war will come to me, whether I'm in the Order or not.

    "You say I've seen far too much in my life already," he looked over at Mr. Weasley, "and that I should enjoy being a child still.  You say I shouldn't have to do this."  He swallowed and found the words just coming to him.  "I don't think we've seen the worst of him yet and as long as he's around and wanting me dead, then I don't see myself exactly enjoying being a child."

He remembered Lupin's comment and looked up at him and said, "Remus, you asked us if we could know the value of what we may lose."  Our lives.  My life.  'Neither can live while the other survives'.  I don't have much of a life to lose.  He closed his eyes at the thoughts in his head for a moment and then said, "I'd say I don't," he paused, "have much to lose, that is."  He felt freer just saying that.  Like admitting it out loud made it easier to accept.

Just as he said that, he saw Kingsley, Tonks, and Mr. Weasley all jump in their seats and he saw Tonks pull back her sleeve to look at her watch.

In a flash, the kitchen door flew open and in swept a blur of billowing black robes and an owl that flew directly to Dumbledore.  Harry, who had drawn his wand at the sudden entrance, was now locking eyes with a snarling and seething Snape.

"Severus!"  Dumbledore was up and glancing quickly up and down the parchment in his hand. 

"I've been summoned!"  Tonks called out. 

Kingsley added, "As have I."

"I don't believe it," Mr. Weasley was staring at his watch, "but I seem to be getting called in, as well."

Dumbledore looked back at Snape, "Is everything all right, Severus?"

Snape was still glowering at Harry as they both stood facing each other with their wands out.  "I imagine," he snarled, "you're all being called in response to the Dark Mark that was just released over Northampton."  

Harry heard Hermione and several others gasp.  Then Snape got a malicious gleam in his eyes as his lips curled back and he bared his teeth and he spat out, "Thanks to Potter's inability to control his mind and his body—Ms. Granger no longer has a home."

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Author's note: I have a Yahoo group, HP_AoF, (the website on my bio profile) where I also post my chapters.  (For those times when FF.net just decides to shut down and leave us all in fanfic-withdrawal.)  I also will upload any relevant files to this site.