Chapter 11

Charlie looked around the room where he and Louise had spent the last half hour setting up chairs facing a small podium.

"You think someone'll show up?" she asked.

"Hope so. People said they would."

As if on cue seven people appeared out of nowhere, holding an old football. It took a few seconds, but eventually everyone was on their feet looking around.

"What is this place?" one of them asked.

Charlie cleared his throat to get their attention, and the seven people turned around to face him and Louise.

"We're in an unplottable place near Stradă Bazilisc."

"Are there others coming as well?"

"We hope so."

And more people did come. Charlie guessed that there finally must have been about a hundered or more gathered, including Walter and the bosses for the other nationalities.

The first one he and Louise had told about You-Know-Who was Walter. He didn't need much convincing before promising to talk to the others in charge of the other nationalities, and they had promised to talk to their teams. They had also spent much time talking to their own teammates, and as far as Charlie could see, he had actually managed to convince most of them that You-Know-Who had really come back.

Walter rose. "I guess you all know why we're here. I'll pass the floor over to Mr. Charles Weasley, since he has more information on the matter than I do."

Charlie got to his feet. "Hello everybody. I'm Charlie Weasley. To those in my team I want to say sorry for pestering you about this meeting like I have, and to the rest of you; thanks very much for coming. By now I guess that you have heard that You-Know-Who has returned; otherwise you wouldn't be here. The reason why we have called together this meeting, is because we need your help."

"Who's 'we'?" a blond witch Charlie had never seen asked. From the sound of her accent he decided that she must be from Finland.

"The Light side," he replied. "We need people abroad, as many as possible."

"But are we even sure that You- Know-Who is back?" another wizard asked. "We don't have any proof, do we?"

Charlie had expected that reaction. "Harry Potter has seen him."

There was a few seconds stunned silence.

"How do you know that?"

"When? Where?"

"No way, that can't be true."

Charlie felt that this was the apropriate time to interrupt. "Please calm down, and I'll explain everything. I don't know if you're familiar with the Triwizard Tournament. It is a competition between three wizarding schools here in Europe, and this year it was the first time in over a hundered years that it was held. The tournament at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ended a few weeks ago."

"But what does this tournament have to do with He Who Must Not Be Named?"

"I will come to that. As some of you already know Harry Potter attends Hogwarts, and on the day of the third task he was Portkeyed to a churchyard together with Cedric Diggory, the other champion competing for Hogwarts." Charlie knew how it must sound, but he had to tell the truth. "There a group of Death Eaters and You-Know-Who waited for them. He killed Cedric and tried to kill Harry, but he got away and managed to Portkey himself and Cedric back to Hogwarts."

Charlie fell silent, and looked out over the room. Most people were sitting in stunned silence, while others whispered amongst themselves.

"And 'ow iz et that one such as you has come to know these?" a French wizard asked. He studied Charlie as if to try and determine wether he was lying or not.

"My youngest brother goes to Hogwarts, and he's friends with Harry."

"Harry, as in Harry Potter?" a witch in one of the back rows asked.

"Yes."

"But how do we know that he's telling the truth?" the same witch asked. "He might just be after pubicity."

Charlie couldn't hold back a chuckle. The mere thought of Harry being publicity hungry was laughable. "I assure you, ma'am, that Harry isn't the least bit publicity hungry."

Now a witch in the third row stood up. First she looked at Chrlie and then around at the others. "But let's say that You-Know-Who really is back. What are we supposed to do?"

"Well," Charlie said, glad that he was prepared for this question, "first of all we need to know how many at the reserve are interested in joining the Light side. We need people with all sorts of skills. Meditrained witches and wizards will be useful, and also those with knowledge in potions. We'll also need spies and messengers too, and I'm sure I have forgotten something."

"But why haven't our Ministries informed us about this?" the same witch asked.

"Because they won't believe that He is back," Charlie explained. "Harry and Professor Dumbledore, Hogwarts' Headmaster, have tried to talk to Mr Fudge, the English Minister of Magic, but he refuses to listen."

"Well, if he doesn't he must have good reason not to."

A black-haired wizard rose, and turned to the witch whose question Charlie just had answered. "But what if Harry and this Headmaster is right? What if You-Know-Who is back? Then we're all in danger."

The witch eyed him. "I'm sure my family has nothing to worry about. We're purebloods, and he'll know that."

"Don't be too sure about that. He might go after everyone who's not on the Dark Side."

"No, you really think so? He didn't last time, did he?"

"No, but it might be different this time. We don't know what he's planning."

"So you believe that he's back?" a short witch with black hair asked, addressing the previous speaker.

"Yes. It was only really a matter of time, wasn't it? Come on, a wizard as powerful as that doesn't just... die."

Now one of Charlie and Louise's team mates rose. "I for one am not staying here for much longer. I'm going home to my family!"

This comment was immediately responded to by yet another wizard Charlie had never seen. He looked as if he could have come from Greece or Turkey. "Ah, but maybe this is a good thing that he is returned. The last time, this You-Know-Who, he did not bother us to tolerate outsiders or no. Perhaps he has changed. We must give him the opportunity to show us first, is this not correct?"

Charlie and Louise's team mate shook his head vigorously. "No way! I'm not staying until it's too late."

"But he might have changed now."

Charlie cleared his throat. "Excuse me. I'm sorry to disappoint you, sir, but he has not changed at all. Why else would he kill Cedric and try to kill Harry?"

The Greek wizard turned to Charlie. "Perhaps he is trying to kill this Potter because he tried to kill him those many years ago? What if he will stop with the killing after he gets the boy? It would be a small prize to pay for the safety of the Wizarding world."

Charlie shook his head, appaled by what the wizard had said. He exchanged a glance with Louise, who arched an eyebrow. "I don't think he will stop. He is too greedy to make do with just killing Harry."

Louise rose. "Charlie's right. If anything I think You-Know-Who will be even worse than before. He'll want revenge on Harry, and he won't care how many he'll have to kill to get what he wants. And what I think he wants, is power. He wants what he once had, more than that, at any cost."

Charlie sent a thankful thought to Louise, knowing that she was probably right. Why would He be satisfied with killing Harry? If he managed to kill the boy there was nothing stopping him from rising to power once again. Being who he was, You-Know-Who was bound to have revenge on his mind, not only on Harry. The Wizarding world was in danger, and Charlie wanted to take part in the fight.

When the meeting finally ended it was almost two o' clock in the morning. Louise and Charlie took one of the Portkeys back to the reserve, and went to bed.

"I think it went quite well," Louise said sleepily.

"Yeah. Remember that we have to contact the Order tomorrow, to have some of them watched."

"Later today, you mean?"

"Details." Charlie bent over her and gave her a light kiss on the cheek. "Good night."

"Night."

Louise was on her broom, flying towards Ireland. She was on a mission to see the Druids, and truth be told she was getting nervous. She had never done anything like this before, and was sure that she would fail. But it was Order work, and it had to be done. That it meant going back to Ireland for a couple of days was a bonus. She would stay with Elfrida, which she was looking forward to.

After a couple of hours in the air she descended, and once she was under the clouds she saw Ireland. The Green Island. It lay like a green quilt under her, and she smiled. Ireland would always be special to her. Home.

Louise landed in a secluded spot south of Dublin, and gathered her broom and bag before Apparating in the small kitchen of a house. She rapped herself hard on the head with her wand, and felt the DisillusionmentCharm wear off.

"Elfrida?"

She didn't get any answer, and decided to check the other rooms. She didn't find Elfrida, but to her relief she saw that everything looked like she remembered. It gave her a reassuring feeling, and she smiled to herself. It was nice being back in Ireland, and it would be even better to see Elfrida again; the woman who had raised her.

After establishing that she wasn't anywhere inside, Louise went out into the small garden on the backside of the house. There she found a figure on her hands an knees, weeding.

"Elfrida, hi."

The old woman looked up, and her face broke into a big smile before getting to her feet. She wiped her hands on her apron before giving Louise a hug. "It's lovely to see you again, dear!"

"It's great to see you too."

"Come on, let's get you settled." Elfrida led her back through the small house. "Not much have changed here, I'm afraid."

"So I see. But it's good that it hasn't. I've missed this place."

Elfrida walked into the guest room. "I thought you could sleep in here,"

"My old room!" Louise said happily and put her bag on the floor beside the bed. The room was small, like the other rooms in Elfrida's house, and a feeling of homecoming washed over her.

"Now that you're settled I thought I'd make some lunch."

"I'll help."

Louise followed Elfrida into the kitchen, and while they cooked she answered questions about how she had been since the last letter they had exchanged.

"And how's Charlie?" Elfrida asked eventually.

"He's great. He's in Transylvania, trying to get the vampires to join our side."

"I sure hope that he will succeed."

"Me too, we need as many on our side as possible."

"When will I meet this mysterious man?"

"I don't know. But I'll defenitely take him with me next time I come visit."

"I'm looking forward to meeting him. But now tell me, why are you here? You didn't say much when we fire-talked earlier."

"I know, sorry. I couldn't, in case someone was listening. I'm here to talk to the Druids and try and make them join the Light side."

Louise proceeded to tell Elfrida about what had happened at Hogwarts during the Triwizard Tournament. When she was done, Elfrida sighed.

"And I thought that he was gone."

"Yeah, didn't everybody," Louise replied.

"It's a good thing we've got Professor Dumbledore. But how did you get involved in this in the first place?"

"Charlie's family is involved, so I sort of got thrown in all of this because of that."

"Just be careful, I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Don't worry, I am careful. And nothing has happened, so I don't think there's any real danger just yet."

Elfrida pursed her lips. "You never know with the Dark side."

Had it not been for his assignment Charlie would have enjoyed his broom flight, but now he had other things on his mind. He was on his way to Transylvania to meet Count Dracula, and the mere thought of being surrounded by vampires was enough to send shivers of fear through him. Although he had been living in Romania for the past years he had never been to Transylvania, and with good reason. He didn't like the prospect of having his blood sucked, but now there was nothing he could do about it. He hadn't even protested when Dumbledore had asked him to try to make the vampires join the Light side. Because when Albus Dumbledore asked you to do something you did, no questions asked.

Tying the vampires to the Light side was very important since You-Know-Who would probably try and make them join him, and Charlie hoped that he hadn't already been there. But with his luck he probably had, and in that case he was sure that he was done for.

When the compass that was tied to his broom told him that he was close to his destination Charlie descended. And what met him was not a very encouraging sight. He saw a huge stone castle on the edge of a cliff, and shivered inwardly. He got a sudden urge to ignore his instructions and go back to the reserve, but it had to be done.

He laned on the courtyard, and noticed a tall, stocky figure standing by the large wooden doors of the castle.

"Who are you?" it asked. It's voice was hollow, almost icy.

Calm down, breathe! It's not worse than your first Quidditch match. Yeah? Who're you trying to fool? Like a Quidditch match could be worse than this... "My name is Charles Weasley. I was sent here by Professor Albus Dumbledore of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Welcome, Mr Weasley, we have been expecting you. Follow me please."

Charlie shivered as he entered the castle, met by its chilly atmosphere. And suddenly a thought hit him; he was alone in a castle full of vampires. He gulped, trying to push those thoughs aside as he followed the creature through the castle. After a few minutes they stopped in front of a double door, and Charlie took a deep breath as they opened. At the far end of the large room someone was sitting on a kind of throne. When Charlie got a closer look at him he saw that it was a thin, pale man with long, black hair. He gulped.

"Sir," his guide said, "Mr Charles Weasley. Mr Weasley, Count Dracula."

Dracula bowed his head slightly. "Please step forward."

As Charlie walked through the room he felt the assembled vampires eye him. He wondered if he should look at them or not, and decided not to. Instead he looked straight ahead, feeling his heart race even more than when he had been standing outside the door.

As he was standing in front of the chair the Count started talking.

"We have been expecting you."

His voice was soft but it had a dangerous edge to it that almost made Charlie look away.

"You must have heard that the Dark Lord is back," he started, trying not to let his insecurity show.

"Yes. We were told so by Professor Albus Dumbledore."

"He thinks that you will be useful in the war against You-Know-Who. That is why I have come here on Professor Dumbledore's behalf, to ask if you will be willing to help us."

Dracula eyed him in a way Charlie thought almost predatory, and he had to use all his will power to not stop looking at the man in front of him.

"Why does he think that it would be useful to have us on your side?"

Charlie had expected that question. "Well... the more people we can tie to us, the less people the Dark Lord can tie to the Dark side."

There was a mumble amongst the assembled figures, and Charlie waited until they were quiet again. "We understand if you need some time to think this through."

"What is in it for us?" Dracula asked.

Here goes nothing. "Well, you will be living here in Transylvania, in peace. We will make sure that no one will disturb you like before, and that your reputation will improve. Isn't that what you've always wanted?"

"What if we would like to join the Dark Lord?" Dracula asked. "What if he has already been here and proposed us an offer? And what if we do not want our reputation to improve?"

"Then I ask you to still consider our offer. Of course it is up to you, but if you help us, I am sure that people will look differently upon you."

"What will be expected of us if we join your side?"

"Well... Professor Dumbledore thinks that you will be useful as spies, since you are used to moving around in darkness. I'm sure he can find other tasks for you as well, but that was what he asked me to tell you."

Dracula nodded. "Very well. We will consider your offer. Professor Dumbledore shall have the answer by tomorrow noon at the latest."

"Would you like me to stay until you have come to a decision?"

"No, that will not be necessary. We will contact him when we have reached a decision."

Relieved Charlie exhaled. At least he wouldn't have to stay the night at this horrible place.

As if the Count had read his mind, he said, "Now if you'll excuse us. You will be escorted back to the castle entrance."

"It was good of you to let me come and talk to you," Charlie said as the man who had met him stepped up to him.

The count smiled slightly. "Let us just say that the good Professor can be convincing."

Nothing more was said. Charlie followed the man out of the castle, and as he, relieved, kicked off from the ground he filled his lungs with fresh air.

Louise was nervous, but tried not to let it show. But she wouldn't be surprised if the Druids could feel it anyway.

"Er... is everyone here?"

Several nods affirmd this.

"Good. Thank you so much for coming. I presume that Professor Dumbledore has told you that I have something important to tell you, so I need you to listen to what I have to say."

When she had shared her news there was a slience, and she could sense the shock of the assembled Druids.

"If the news come from Professor Albus Dumbledore himself it must be true," the High Priest said eventually.

"Yes, I'm afraid it is true. And we need people on our side to fight You-Know-Who," Louise explained, "Professor Dumbledore thinks that you will be able to help us."

"But he does understand that this request requires careful consideration?"

"Yes, he does. But he would like you to have made a decison by tomorrow night."

"I do not think that this require much time. Give us a few hours and we will give you our decision."

"Where do you want me to wait?"

"Outside." The High Priest motioned towards the doors. "Someone will come and get you when we are done."

Louise was escorted outside, and sat down on a bench under a tree. There she remained for four hours, until one of the Druids came to get her. She was taken back to the hall where she had talked to them earlier, and the High Priest beckoned her to step closer.

"We have now discussed the matter, and we have reached a decison."

Louise felt her heart beat a little bit faster, and hoping they would say yes, she mentally crossed her fingers.

"We know what damage the Dark Lord caused during the last war, and we don't want that to happen again. Therefore, we have decided to join the Light side."

Yes! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!

"However, we will not participate in any fights," the High Priest continued. "Druids do not believe in fighting. But we want to know if Professor Dumbledore thinks we can be of service in any other way. If so we will be happy to join the battle against The Dark Lord."

"I will talk to the Professor about that, and see what he says."

"Excelent. Well, I believe that this was all. Talk to the Professor about our offer, and ask him to contact us as soon as possible."

Louise nodded. "I will. Someone will contact you again, and thank you so much for doing this."

When Bill and Yasmin entered Grimmauld Place Bill immediately sensed that something was not right, and as Remus came to greet them his fears were confirmed.

"Have you heard what's happened?" was the first thing he said, trying to make himself hear over Mrs Black's ranting.

Bill shook his head, trying to swallow the lump of worry that had made its way up to his throat. "No."

Remus ushered them further into the house. "You-Know-Who showed himself at the Ministry last night, with a group of Death Eaters. Ron, Harry, Hermione and some of their friends from Hogwarts were there too. Harry thought Sirius was in trouble, but it turned out to be one of You-Know-Who's tricks. He just wanted Harry to come and pick up a prophecy that involved the two of them, but his plan didn't work out. Dumbledore came just in time, and You-Know-Who fled. And now no one knows where he is."

Bill's first reaction was that he had one thing or another to say to Ron and his friends. Why had they followed Harry to the Ministry in the first place? It was pure luck that they had been saved by Dumbledore. If he had not shown up there was no telling what could have happened, and the more Bill thought about it the more relieved he was that his old Headmaster had been there.

"But why did he choose the Ministry? Is Sirius all right?"

Remus swallowed. "He... died," he said in a voice that cracked slightly.

"What! How..."

Remus swallowed. "His cousin Andromeda hit him with a curse, and he fell through a veil."

"That's..." Bill couldn't find any suiting word. He hadn't known Sirius particularly well, but it still came as a shock. "I'm so sorry Remus." He wished he could say something else, but what could he say to one who had just lost the second of his best friends?

"Me too," Remus answered solemnly before turning and walking upstairs. Bill looked after him, before being brought back to reality by Yasmin.

"Who was that?"

"Remus Lupin, an Order member."

"And Sirius?"

"A friend of his. Also a member. We should go find Mum and Dad, come on."

Bill led her through the house until they found his parents in the kitchen. Many other Order members had already arrived.

"Finally!" his mum exclaimed as they entered. "Did you hear what happened?"

"Yes, Remus told us. Where are Ron and the others?"

"They're back at Hogwarts. None of them were seriously injured, nothing that Madame Pomfrey can't cure. But Tonks, and some others who were injured, are at St. Mungos."

Bill let out a shaky breath that he did not realise he had been holding. At least they were all right. "And no one knows where You-Know-Who went?"

His dad shook his head. "No. No one will find him unless he wants to be found. By the way, shouldn't you introduce us to your friend?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Yes, sorry. This is Yasmin, a new Order member. She works with me at Gringotts."

"Yes, of course! Professor Dumbledore mentioned you, welcome to the Order. I'm Mr Weasley, Bill's father, and this is my wife Mrs Weasley."

Yasmin smiled brightly as she shook hands with Bill's parents. "It's good to finally meet you, Bill has told me so much about you. We worked together in Egypt."

"How's Remus taking it?" Bill asked once the little greeting ceremony was over.

"I don't think he has realised that Sirius is gone," his dad said, his smile suddenly gone.

Bill sighed. "Poor Remus. First James and now Sirius."

"Where is he now?"

"He went upstairs when he had talked to me and Yasmin, so I guess he's in either his or Sirius' room."

Half an hour later dinner was served, and there was still no sign of Remus. During the meal everyone was unusually quiet. Sirius was the first on the Light side to die, and even though Bill never knew him very well he was affected by his death. It was like a sign, saying that now things were for real.