Chapter 9: Behind Closed Doors
If Harry had thought dinner was rather noisy, then the Order meeting was positively chaotic in comparison. It was as if the members had been carefully restraining themselves for the last hour, and were now trying frantically to make up for the lost time. Harry was surprised that he and his friends hadn't had better luck eavesdropping on the past meetings; it seemed impossible that the hubbub of the group wasn't carrying up to the bedrooms. On the other hand, so much was going on at once, that it was quite difficult to make out any one conversation in particular.
He was thankful for the commotion, however, because it allowed him to remain unnoticed as he tried to adapt to the surroundings. The room seemed utterly changed. The lights had been dimmed significantly and the dining table, once covered in a myriad of platters and dishes, was now empty, save for a few elbows and drumming fingers. The members of the Order, who had evidently switched seats after the meal, were gradually settling down again. Harry noticed that the nearest empty chair, which was at the very end of the room, was pushed back from the table. He slowly lowered himself into the chair, trying not to draw any attention to himself. Luckily, nearly all of the faces were now turned eagerly towards the far end of the table, where Professor Dumbledore was sitting quietly. Within seconds, all of the agitated voices had been silenced and Dumbledore cleared his throat decisively.
"Welcome, and thank you all for coming. Before we begin, I must once again thank Molly Weasley for an excellent meal! And now, to business!
"We have several matters to discuss tonight, and some of our number have requested a chance to speak, so I'd like to start with an update from our Special Alliances agents. Remus? Would you like to start?"
"Really, it all hangs on Fudge," Lupin explained as he leaned forward. "Almost everyone I've spoken with seems quite agreeable. If the Ministry is willing to get rid of the restrictions and introduce some werewolf rights legislation in the International Magic Confederation, we are guaranteed the support of the European Werewolf Alliance. Toulouse Guillaume even hinted that he has some influence with the Werewolf Union of America..."
As Lupin continued, Harry was surprised yet again to discover how much he didn't know about the wizarding world. It had never occurred to him that other countries must have some form of government for their magical communities. Indeed, he hadn't spent much time thinking about foreign wizards at all, but now that their world was threatened, it made perfect sense that countries would team up against the common enemy.
Lupin's report was followed by reports from Bill and Charlie Weasley. Bill gave an update on his communications with the goblins of Gringott's Wizard Bank. Harry came to understand that the goblins, who had at last agreed to join forces with the wizards, were currently working on defense and protection projects, though Bill did not elaborate on what these 'projects' might be. Charlie, Harry learned, had arrived from Romania this morning to make his report. Though he spent the majority of his time there working with dragons, he had also been acting as a sort of ambassador.
"I was able to meet with some representatives from the region," he told them, "And I'm happy to say that the Eastern European Magical Council has agreed to form an alliance." There were nods of approval around the table as Charlie continued. "The councilor is waiting to meet with you, Sir." He addressed himself to Dumbledore, who nodded seriously.
"Thank you, I'll contact Mr. Bezeanu at once. Now, before we go on, I'd like to make a few reports of my own. First of all, I'd like to assure you that Hagrid is doing well, and he asked me to give you the good news: The giants have chosen to join us." At his words, several people gasped quietly, while others seemed to sigh with relief. Harry, for his part, was more interested in what had become of Hagrid. What did Dumbledore mean 'doing well?'
Dumbledore went on to inform them that, unfortunately, the Centaurs were as hostile as ever, and were refusing to have anything to do with humans. The Merpeople, however, were more than willing to help in any way they could. "So," Dumbledore said, "We're doing rather well, I'd say, as far as gaining support goes. What news do we have on the Intelligence front?"
The meeting continued this way for quite some time; members took turns sharing their information, while the rest sat quietly listening. Kingsley Shacklebolt brought the Order up to date on his Ministry assignment to locate Bellatrix Lestrange, who was wanted for Sirius' murder. Tonks spoke next, revealing her recent appointment to the Ministry's Covert Operations, where she was working in cognito to gather evidence against suspected Death Eaters.
Finally, the discussion made its way around the table to Snape, who was sitting to Dumbledore's left. The greasy Potions professor hesitated a bit, as the Order members shifted restlessly in their seats. To Harry, it seemed like this report was the one the group waited for with the most anticipation, and he realized suddenly that he too was anxious to hear it. Wasn't Snape spying on Voldemort's meetings for the Order? If anyone knew what Harry needed to know, it was Snape. And so, the young man sat with bated breath as he waited for the professor to start.
"A meeting was called nearly a week ago," Snape began in a low voice, "It was rather typical, but again, I thought it best to replay certain portions of it for the Order. I believe some of the information might be of use…" He glanced pointedly at Shacklebolt, and then lifted a small pensieve to the table. Harry was on the edge of his seat as Dumbledore twirled his wand over the contents of the vessel. Then, to his surprise, he heard an eerily familiar voice break the tense silence of the room. Voldemort.
"…Because of that old fool," the voice said, "I'm forced to get the prophecy from another source. However, they've managed to block my connections with the boy for the time being, and I must take measures to get the information directly from the source. Lucius, you know my wishes on the subject of Hogwarts. You will set to work immediately!"
"Yes, My Lord!"
"And I've had word from Lestrange that she will be returning shortly. It seems that the Ministry's efforts have been in vain; they haven't managed to locate her, so she's able to return to the family home. Goyle, Nott! You will be aiding her in her work there.
"Wormtail, summon Nagini! I have other instructions for her." Within seconds, Harry could hear the arrival of the Dark Lord's serpentine assistant. He listened attentively as Voldemort began to speak to the snake in harsh tones, but almost immediately, the dialogue was cut short and Snape began to speak again.
"Basically, that was all I got. The meeting ended shortly after the reptile left. However, I thought Shacklebolt might be interested in that infor—" Snape looked up suddenly as Harry threw himself forward in his chair, causing the table to shudder slightly.
"Professor! Please…" Harry hesitated as he received a cold glare from Snape, but he swallowed and turned to Dumbledore, "Maybe I can…if I could just listen to the rest of the meeting I could…I could translate…" He noted with displeasure that all eyes were now on him, and Snape was not the only one looking angry. Mrs. Weasley had nearly fallen out of her seat when she realized that Harry was sitting beside her; she hadn't turned to face him until he spoke, but at his outburst, she had whipped around immediately with a furious look in her eyes.
"Meeting! Harry James Potter! What in the world are you doing in this meeting? You were told very clearly to get upstairs and—" Harry shrunk back in his chair, wincing as the irate woman's face grew steadily more red, but to his immense relief, Dumbledore cut her off.
"Molly, I'm sorry I didn't mention it immediately, but I've given Harry permission to join the Order." Mrs. Weasley was staring at him as if she was about to be sick, but he seemed not to notice and continued on, "Considering the current situation, I believe that it is in everyone's best interest that he is fully aware of the facts."
"Albus! He's too young!" she argued desperately, but the old man only nodded sadly.
"I agree, but it is vital that he know what is going on, and I have a suspicion that he might be a very useful member." He turned his eyes to Harry, who spoke without even thinking.
"I am not too young," he said quietly.
"You are certainly too young for this," Dumbledore said, "And so are all the rest of us. Now, Harry, do you think you could translate Voldemort's…conversation for us?" Harry merely nodded, and so Dumbledore turned back the pensieve. He seemed to ponder it for a moment, before swishing his wand over it for the second time.
"… summon Nagini! I have other instructions for her." Everyone was watching Harry, but he hardly noticed, as he perked up his ears and waited to hear the all-too-familiar voices.
"Nagini, my pet! I have work for you."
"My greatest wish is to serve, My Lord."
"My greatest wish, Nagini, is to get to Harry Potter." Harry could hear the anger in his voice, and was barely able to repress a shudder. "I wish for you to go to Hogwarts. Report back to me with every shred of information you can collect on the little brat. Find out who he loves. I will destroy them. Find out who he hates. I can use them. Discover his deepest fears and his loftiest dreams. Find his weakness, Nagini, and then return here to me! If I can't get to Harry Potter, I will make him come to me."
The speaking stopped, but Harry remained staring blankly at the pensieve, unable to move. His world was crushing around him for what seemed like the hundredth time. He had expected Voldemort to take advantage of him, to bait him, to use his friends and loved ones as playing pieces in his twisted games, but to hear it directly left Harry in a breathless panic. He felt like an empty shell, his heart had dropped away. But finally, he managed to pull himself together enough to look up at Dumbledore stonily.
"What did you hear?" the old man inquired gently, and though his throat felt dry, Harry tried to answer.
"He told…Nagini…to come to Hogwarts and…and told her to…" Harry felt a torrent of anger rise up inside him, and he gripped the table fiercely, trying to keep his anger from surfacing.
"Nagini?" Lupin asked softly, looking quizzically at Snape, who looked equally confused.
"The snake," Harry answered sharply. 'Why am I so angry?' he asked himself, but almost immediately he answered himself again, 'All Voldemort wants to do is destroy you and everything you care about—starting with the people you love! No reason to get upset, is it?'
"Harry," Dumbledore began, pulling Harry away from his thoughts, "Can you repeat what was said?" Harry nodded. He would have no trouble remembering those words—ever. So, he took a few calming breaths and began to echo the dialogue.
"My greatest wish, Nagini—" Harry stopped almost immediately as he caught the looks of the people all around him.
"In English, Harry," Tonks instructed softly. But when Harry tried again, he was still unable to repeat the conversation in anything but Parseltongue—snake language. He was ready to give up when suddenly a pad of paper and a quill slid towards him. He looked up to see George Weasley with his usual grin on.
Without a word, Harry took the quill and began to write, word-for-word, what he had heard. He tried to ignore his silent, ever-watching audience, but felt his blood rush to his face as he hurriedly scrawled the haunting words. When he had finished he threw the quill down and slid the pad down the table. It stopped abruptly in front of Professor Dumbledore. The headmaster wrinkled his brow as he picked up the pad and began to read.
Around the table, the eyes of the listeners grew wide. Harry blocked out the words, trying frantically to keep himself from exploding with anger. 'How dare he threaten my family!' Harry found himself thinking, "If he so much as charms even one of them, he will pay!' He shook himself mentally, and wondered how in the world he was planning on repaying the Dark Lord. Then, once again, he was brought back to reality by the sound of Dumbledore's voice.
"We must address this at once. We are fortunate to have heard this conversation. Now we can prepare to defend against this intrusion." He turned to Professors McGonagall and Snape, "I will meet with you both later to discuss strengthening the protections on Hogwarts, and perhaps we can get the assistance of our friends from Gringott's. It sounds as though Voldemort has already made plans with Lucius Malfoy to infiltrate the school." Dumbledore proceeded to go around the table, making requests and arrangements with several Order members. One-by-one, each person silently accepted their orders, until finally, Dumbledore's gaze rested on Harry.
"Mr. Potter, I wish for you to lead a select group of students in defensive skills. I seem to recall you having a small club—the D.A.? I think it is a good idea to set up a system of defense. You will teach and supervise several students from each house, who will in turn assist the remaining members of their house."
Harry stared at Dumbledore for a moment, wondering how the headmaster could expect him to return to Hogwarts after hearing what would happen. However, Harry could not bring himself to decline, and so he gave in at last and nodded numbly. Looking satisfied, Dumbledore turned back to the group and closed the meeting.
"…and I will inform you all of the next meeting. Take care and see you all then! Thank you." The members began rising slowly, some murmuring quietly, but most stayed as silent as Harry. He noticed Mrs. Weasley turn towards him, but he hurried quickly from the room, fearing another reprimand. As he walked through the doorway, he was stopped by a hand and he looked up to see Remus Lupin.
"Hold up a bit, Harry," Lupin said, "I wanted to tell you something." As he spoke, Fred and George walked by and hesitated slightly.
"We're staying up with you and Ron…" Fred offered, "If you're going up…"
"I'll walk him up in a second, Fred," Lupin assured him, and so the twins walked on through, leaving Harry alone with Lupin. "Harry, maybe I shouldn't have asked Dumbledore to let you join—"
"No," Harry blurted, "No, I'm glad he let me come tonight. Thank you."
"Well…I just think, maybe it was a bit much tonight…" but Harry shook his head wearily.
"No, really," he insisted, "I was expecting to deal with that anyway, I just…didn't want to believe it." Lupin nodded quietly. "Anyways," Harry continued, "How is it that I could join so soon in the first place? I thought you said I had to have a license to apparate and occlumency…"
"Well, as far as the apparation goes, you can't apparate in this house anyways. And as for the occlumency bit, it turns out you don't need the lessons anymore. That's why Snape didn't use the potion; you have already completely guarded your mind." Harry was at a loss for words. What did he mean? He had been terrible at occlumency!
"Remus…what…how…?" Lupin shrugged in response to Harry's surprised expression.
"Come on," he said, "I want to get to bed." He threw his arm over Harry's shoulders as he led his towards the stairs, and though Harry felt the weight of his friend, he couldn't help noticing that it made him feel somehow lighter at the same time. Wordlessly, they made their way upstairs and Lupin bid Harry goodnight.
Harry robotically went through the motions of changing and finally collapsed into his bed. He lay there for a long time, staring at the dark ceiling and listening to Ron's snores, but he had no idea how late it was when his eyes finally shut and he fell into a restless slumber.