Author's Note: Just want to respond to some questions. At this point I don't know how much of the original story will be changing. My primary purpose for doing this revision was to address some spelling and gramatical errors that appeared with alarming frequency in the story originally, as well as to expand on a few scenes which, upon review, were a bit thin. Other than that I don't expect there to be a major shift in the story.


Chapter 08: The Order of the Phoenix

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As the Marauders were getting ready to leave the Great Hall and follow their fellow Gryffindors up to their dorms, Professor McGonnagal came walking over to them, wearing an expression that was a cross of sterness and amusement.

"Just a moment." She called. They all stopped, noticing the look on the face of their Head of House. They stood for several moments before all the other students had cleared the hall. "Professor Dumbledore wants to see you in his office." The Marauders exchanged looks. They were sure most of the teachers had already figured out that they were the Marauders. They only hoped that Professor Dumbledore would find it humorous.

They followed Professor McGonnagal into the corridor to the stone gargoyle that marked the entrance to the headmaster's office.

"Canary creams." She said and the entrance opened. The Marauders exchanged looks of amusement at the choice of password. They stepped through the entrance and made their way up the stairs.

"Ah, the Marauders. Do come in. We were just discussing you." Dumbledore said, with a twinkle in his eyes. Professor Snape was also there, his face red with anger, as well as Professor Lupin and Sirus, both red from laughing.

"Headmaster, I demand they be expelled for this!" Snape snapped.

"Oh come off it Snivellus." Sirus said, "It was only some good natured fun."

"I quite agree Severus. And you must admit, it was original." Professor Lupin said, smirking.

"I think that considering everything we're going to have to face, we should be allowed some fun, Professor." Harry said.

"I quite agree Harry. Just try not to do any permanent damage to anybody or the castle." Dumbledore said. "And Severus, I must ask your word that you will not reveal the identity of the Marauders to anyone. If I am not mistaken, their nicknames are taken from the animagus forms. These need to remain secret for as long as possible." Snape grumbled his reluctant agreement. Dumbledore turned back to the Marauders. "The reason I have asked to see you is to address the issue of where you shall be receiving your advanced training. Obviously it cannot be done in full view of the rest of the school. You will report to the third floor corridor on the right hand side for those classes."

"But Professor," Hermonie said, "You just announced that that area was off limits to all but members of the Order. Won't it look a bit odd if we go there?" Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling.

"True, quite true. That is why it has been decided that you seven will become probationary members of the Order. This will give you the authority to be in that area. You will not receive full membership however, until you have progressed further in your training. Follow me please."

Dumbledore led Snape, McGonnagall, Lupin, Sirus, and the Marauders out of his office. A few minutes later they arrived at the door to the corridor in question. Dumbledore opened the door and they stepped in. Harry, Ron, and Hermonie, who had seen the corridor in their first year, gasped. It had been completely transformed. It now contained a large room, with several smaller rooms off to the side. On the floor of the main room was a painting of a giant phoenix. A large circular table sat in the middle surrounded by about six dozen chairs. Most of the seats were occupied. The Marauders recognized some of the occupants of the room, including Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill Weasley, Charlie Weasley, and Mad-Eye Moody. Professors Snape, McGonnagal, and Lupin all walked over to empty seats and sat. Sirus also took a seat.

"My friends, it is with great pleasure that I introduce to you seven new members. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, and Neville Longbottom." Dumbledore said, and then turn to the seven. "Please raise your right hands and repeat after me."

"I, your name, do solemnly swear to uphold the honor and virtues of the Order of the Phoenix. I will use my powers and my position to protect the innocent and to battle the darkness wherever it is found. I will gladly sacrifice all that I have, including my life to ensure the victory of the Light over the Darkness." The Marauders all recited the pledge. As they did so, they were surrounded to a red/golden light similar to the one that protected them during the battle in Diagon Alley. A voice spoke.

"Behold! The seven have come. They have pledged their loyalty to the Light!" The normal school robes they wore now transformed into robes worn by the other members of the Order. After a few seconds the light disappeared. Several members of the Order looked at each other in confusion and awe.

"And now, if you would take your places at the table." Dumbledore said. They walked over to the empty seats and sat down. As they did so, the rest of the Order broke into thunderous applause.

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Twenty minutes later the meeting broke up. Harry and the rest of the Marauders stayed behind after everyone else left to examine the training complex. There was a room for practicing dueling, a room for potions, a gym, and two general classrooms. After a few minutes, the gang decided to head back to the Gryffindor tower. They reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, who beamed.

"Ah, seven Gryffindors in the Order of the Phoenix." She said, smiling, "The rest of the houses will be so jealous."

"Merlin." Harry said and the painting swung open to admit them. They climbed through the portrait hole and made their way into the Common Room.

"Well, that was certainly exciting." Fred said, settling into a chair.

"Yeah." George said, agreeing with his twin. "Though I'm a little surprised mom didn't raise a rucus when Dumbledore announced we were going to become members of the Order."

"I'm sure she did." Harry said, grinning. "But this time she probably did it to Dumbledore privately. How he managed to calm her down, that's my question."

"Don't know, mate." Ron replied. "All's I know is, anyone who can win an agrument with mom when she's got her Irish up, is someone Voldemort better be very afraid of." Harry smiled at his friend's use of Voldemort's name. Since he arrived at the Burrow earlier in the summer Harry had been trying to teach the rest to use his name instead of that ridiculous 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Name' crap.

"Very true." Harry said. The Marauders then turned the conversation to more lightly matters; namely planning their next pranks. After about a half hour, Harry yawned.

"Well, I think its about time I turn in." he said, standing up. The rest of the Marauders nodded their heads in agreement and got up.

"Sleep well, Harry." Ginny said, placing a soft kiss on his lips.