CH29: Spies

The next morning found Harry sitting at a table in the Great Hall, reading through the Daily Prophet. Apparently it wasn't only his friends who were making a big deal out of the new Order of the Phoenix – the entire world was in a tizzy over it. Harry guessed it wasn't a bad thing. The people who were in charge now didn't seem to be doing such a good job; a change in leadership couldn't hurt.

"Daddy!"

Sam jumped out of her seat at the end of the table and ran up to embrace a tall man waiting in the entrance. Harry turned around in his chair to get his first look at the famous Mr. McAlister. As soon as he did, his eyes widened.

"You!" he gasped. It was the Death Eater who worked for John and Marigold.

"Hello again, Mr. Potter," said Anthony McAlister calmly. His family gave him strange looks.

"You two know each other?" Amanda asked, confused.

"We've met," Harry answered shortly.

Anthony gave his wife a smile. "I met Harry while doing some work for my new job."

Amanda shot him a look that plainly said they would talk about this later.

So would he and Harry.


"What's going on?" Harry hissed as soon as he got Anthony alone.

"As I told you before, I work for John Bakon as a spy. I'm part of the ... well, it's not very big yet, nor well-known, so you have probably never heard of it – "

"The Order of Fire," Harry cut him off.

Anthony's eyes widened. "How do you – Never mind, I'm not sure I want to know. Anyway, John approached me several weeks ago and asked me if I'd be willing to take this position. We had worked together in the Magical Law Enforcement Department during the previous war."

"And you decided to take it." Harry was aware that his Order was working on setting up intelligence rings in the wizarding world – he'd approved the plan himself – but he didn't like that his godfather's brother-in-law was involved.

"Only temporarily."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "You are going to temporarily take the Dark Mark?"

"I haven't taken it yet, Harry. I'm due to next week, but I'm not going back. John doesn't need me anymore; he has got several more permanent spies set up now."


October 19, 1996

Harry checked to make sure his hood was pulled up over his face before entering the Hogshead. It was the shadiest bars in all of Hogsmeade, but no one would care if he walked around in a black cloak, so it was ideal to do business. He spotted his companions seated at a shadowed bar in the corner of the room and walked over to them.

"Hello," he greeted, sliding into his seat. His friends briefly inclined their heads. "We've got to make it quick, I only have an hour."

"We've managed to set-up spies within the Ministry and the Order of Light, who report any news directly back to us." John's voice came from underneath his own raised hood. You've already read the briefs on them, right?" Harry nodded. "Good."

"Any luck with infiltrating Voldemort's circle?" They flinched and shook their heads.

"Not yet," said Marigold. "But we are working on it. It should be easier now that the Ministry has admitted the Dark Lord is really back."

"Good."

"Now," she changed the subject. "We are working on our Headquarters ... "


Dear John and Marigold,

I am back in Hogwarts for now. Please contact me as soon as you can.

The world is on fire,

Harry


"You wanted to talk to me, Headmaster?" Harry asked when he entered the office.

"Yes, yes, hello, Harry." Dumbledore looked up from his work and smiled at his former student. "But I thought I told you to call me Albus?"

"Old habits die hard. You wanted to something?" He need to rush this meeting along, he was supposed to be meeting John and Marigold at the Three Broomsticks in one hour.

"Right, right. I just had a small question about – "The fireplace in the corner of the room flared to life and Cornelius Fudge stepped out.

"Albus! I need your – "He stopped abruptly, staring at Harry in shock. Another figure emerged from the fireplace behind him, ramming the unmoving Minister in the back.

"Oomph!" The new arrival said, but Fudge didn't hear him.

"Hello, Mr. Minister. How delightful it is to see you." Harry picked up a small jar from Dumbledore's desk. "Lemon drop?"