Sorry for the update delay. This chapter was difficult.
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Chapter 21
Remus and Analise sat in headquarters of the Order and listened to the nervous babbling around them. Snape was leading the meeting and that seemed just fine with everyone else.
"Now, I have an idea." Snape said, raising his voice over all the chatter and waiting for it to fall silent.
"It will be dangerous." He continued.
"Doesn't matter. Dumbledore would risk his life to save any of ours. And I'd do the same for him. I'm sure all of us would." Remus volunteered and heard a murmur of agreement throughout the room.
"I'm happy to hear you say that Lupin." Snape said with an ironic smile and turned back to address the room again.
"We're going to make Voldemort come to us." Snape said with finality.
"How are we going do that?" Mundungus Fletcher demanded.
Analise's mind was racing as what Snape was asking clicked into place. She rose from her seat and the jabbering died down as all eyes turned to her curiously.
"You're going to use me." She said with certainty. One look at Snape's impressed expression told her she was right. She felt Remus stiffen next her but plunged on. "His Deatheaters are in Azkaban, he has no choice but to finish this himself."
"Exactly Analise." Snape said.
"We'll spread the word that I've heard what the journal said and Voldemort will come for me. Either to kill me or he'll want to hear the information himself. Hopefully the latter."
"What about the Finding Fire?" Arthur Weasley asked, not liking the idea of Analise as bait one bit. "Instead of using Madame Shimmer what about going directly to Voldemort?"
"It's inoperable. We've tried that. Wherever Dumbledore is being held, there are multiple anti tracking spells protecting it." Snape said gravelly.
"Any other ideas?" Snape asked.
The room fell silent and the members began shifting uncomfortably in their seats.
"I'm sorry to say I feel it's the only way. We have a slim to none chance of locating Dumbledore since we are unable to track him. The best option is to make Voldemort come to us." Snape said.
"Will you do it Analise?" Severus asked subtly.
The occupants of the room seemed to be holding their breath until she answered.
"Of course." She said resolutely as she glanced at Remus from the corner of her eye. He looks pissed, she though idly.
"Excellent. The Order thanks you. Now..." Snape began.
"What kind of steps will be taken to ensure Analise is not hurt?" Remus finally spoke up.
"That's a good question Lupin." Arthur agreed.
"She'll be guarded of course. Night and day. When Voldemort comes for her, we'll be ready to get him first. He'll probably bring Dumbledore with him as leverage and we'll have to go no further than the Three Broomsticks." Snape answered confidently.
"What if he kills her instead of going for the information?" Remus asked stubbornly.
"Then I'll have died for a worthwhile cause Remus." She answered softly, aware that everyone in the room was watching the exchange with great interest. "We'll talk later." She whispered so only he would hear.
She took her seat again and listened as Snape recounted the meeting, mindful of the fact that Remus was near his boiling point. Finally the meeting ended, although she wasn't sure that was such a good thing, judging by his glare.
Remus pulled her directly to the front door, completely ignoring everyone who was trying to talk to him, the second they were on the stoop he Disapparated them with a soft pop to her living room.
He pushed her determinedly into the arm chair as he stood over her in an intimidating fashion with his arms crossed as he stared her down.
"What the hell Analise? You're going to do it? You're going to put yourself out there like some kind of.....worm on a fishing hook." He demanded.
"Remus, it's the only way." She said quietly.
"You're bait Analise. I couldn't bear to lose you." He said softly.
Analise felt tears prick her eyes but she blinked them away quickly. Aww, he's so damn adorable. She rose from the chair and reached to cup his cheek tenderly.
"Nothing is going to happen to me. You heard Severus, I'll be guarded during the day and you'll be with me at night." She said.
"Remus it's the best way. He'll come to the Three Broomsticks, just like they did with Aunt Rosmerta but this time we'll be ready. We're prepared this time" She continued.
"I'm sorry. I'm just worried about you. I love you." He said.
"I love you too. It's kind of nice to have you worry about me. But everything will be fine. We're the good side. The good side always prevails." She said with nervous confidence.