Chapter 17: Moody's Discovery

================================

The Marauder's heads whirled around at the sound and let out a collective gasp. Standing in the Gryffindor Common room, having obviously overheard their conversation was their trainer, Mad-Eye Moody. His one good eye was looking directly at Harry while is magical eye roamed across the faces of the rest of the Marauders.

"Moody!" Harry exclaimed, and then his eyes narrowed. "If you utter one word of this to anyone…" Moody chuckled.

"Relax Potter, I have no intention. In fact, I'd like to help you." Moody said, matter-of-factly and grinning slightly. "I tend to agree with you. I've said it before. You seven are the most powerful wizards and witches I've ever been involved in training. And you are more wise than many my age." At this the Marauders began to beam.

"You said you could help with a base of operations?" Ginny asked after a moment. Moody nodded.

"I have a friend. He's a muggle soldier, special operations to be exact." Moody said. Ron, Ginny, Fred, George, and Neville looked confused. "Special operations soldiers are sort of a muggle version of the Order. They are the most elite of all muggle soldiers, trained to conduct small unit operations against overwhelming odds and doing so covertly. Much like you seven are discussing."

"And this friend can help us?" Harry asked. "How?"

"He is the commander of a special unit, elite even by special operations standards. It it's a small team made up of special operations personnel from several countries. They operate across national borders, combating terrorist organizations and conducting other black operations. They're called Rainbow. Though those of you who have ever read a Muggle newspaper may have heard them referred as the Men of Black." Hermione gasped.

"You mean they actually exist! I thought it was some over imaginative reporter!" she said excitedly. Moody shook his head and proceeded to tell the tale of Rainbow.

"But how do you know them? And how can they help?" Neville asked.

"I met their leader some years ago. Being as high up in their intelligence apparatus as he was, he was privy to the existence of our world. Occasionally we have had to have dealings with them. Anyways, about a year ago the decision was made to relocate Rainbow to a more secure location. I think it would be the perfect place for you."

"But what about the rest of the muggles there?" Hermione asked.

"The members of Rainbow all carry the highest security clearances there are. True, most aren't aware of our world. But to answer you're question, have any of you taken a good long look in the mirror lately? Given the proper tutoring, you could easily pass for soldiers of 20 or 21." The Marauders glanced around at each other. Moody was of course correct. All had grown up rather quickly over the last few months.

"My plan is to reveal your true identity to their leader and perhaps his deputy. As far as the others are concerned, we can place a disguise charm on you so that no one would recognize you. I'll leave the cover story as to why you are there up to their leader." Moody said. "Additionally, we can place you all under the Fidelius charm. I'll be your secret keeper." The Marauders looked at each other and discussed the idea telepathically.

"What do you think guys?" Harry asked.

"It sounds like a good idea. My only concern is that even with the Fidelius Charm, we'll still be traceable when we are away from wherever this Rainbow is located. On top of that, Moody would still be able to give us away if he wants to." Hermione said.

"Isn't there someway we can make it so he can't?" Ginny asked. "What about a contract, like the one we signed?"

"That's a good idea but in order for it to be any good, it would have to have an oblivate or Avada Kadavera curse. Moody isn't going to be afraid of anything less. Assuming we can get him to sign." Ron said.

"I think he'll do it. Hermione, is there someway to make a person unplottable?" Fred asked.

"I think so. But I'll have to look it up." Hermione answered.

"So are we agreed? We're really going to do this? With Moody's help?" George asked. They all nodded to each other. They turned back to Moody who had been watching the silent discussion with interest.

"Obviously you seven have more power then you have let on, if you can communicate telepathically. Good." Moody said, smiling again. "Never let the other guy know exactly what you're capable of. Have you made a decision?"

"We'll do it." Harry said. "On one condition. We want you to sign a magical contract that you will not reveal our secret to anyone unless you receive permission from the group." Moody thought for a moment.

"Agreed. Though you may want to use the Obliviate Maximus curse instead of the normal Oblivate charm. It is much harder to break."

Harry went over to the table and grabbed a piece of parchment. He wrote quickly, and then cast a silent spell on it. Then he handed the parchment to Moody to sign, which he did.

"Now, you seven start working out your plans. I'll arrange for my friend to meet you at Christmas time, after your N.E.W.T.S." Moody said, then turned and left.

The Marauders grinned at each other. Christmas was going to be even more interesting then they had thought.