A/N: *peeks out from behind protective wall* Uhhh....*laughs nervously* Hi. *is immediately pelted by various odd objects* Hey hey....Watch it! Look it's not my fault it took me this long to get this out. My teachers suddenly decided to pile projects on me. Four of them, count 'um four and two of them due in the same week! Plus homework from other classes which doesn't help any. Oh well...at least I got this done.
Remember: Peace, love, and be a Marauder! I mean, why wouldn't you be?
Disclaimer: I have not, nor will I ever own Harry Potter.
/..../ means italics
#....# means Parsletonge
...... means Phoenixus
Chapter 15- The Question (Order of the Phoenix)
"Oh hell I don't believe this," Kit muttered as she stared at the parchment in disbelief. Seri read the results over her shoulder.
"You better believe it because it's true. Seventeen O.W.L.'s? I thought maybe sixteen but not seventeen. Congratulation, you won the bet," Seri shook Severus' hand. He grinned at her.
"Didn't know the boy had it in him did you? You shouldn't underestimate him or he'll surprise you. I guess that means we get the pleasure of seeing you two with tails, ears, and a wonderful new hair do, or should we say don't?" he smirked at her. Kit glowered at him.
"I hate you," she muttered. Seri snorted in laughter and Kit rounded on her.
"And I hate you too. You got us into this mess in the first place. Why did you have to go and make that stupid bet?" Seri smiled sweetly at her fuming sister.
"I have a request to make of the victors," she stated, ignoring her sibling.
"And what is that?" Harry asked curiously.
"That we be allowed to retain our normal forms until school starts. It'll be kind of hard to teach in a tail," she said.
"All of the other conditions apply, you'll still teach Harry?" Severus asked suspiciously. Seri nodded, blatantly ignoring her twin literally hopping up and down in outrage, the sweet smile still on her face. Severus thought about it, looked at Harry who nodded, and held out his hand.
"Okay, deal. You don't have to look like cats until school starts." Seri firmly shook his hand, grabbed her snarling sister and headed out the door.
"We'll see you two later, we've got lessons to plan. How about we start the day after tomorrow?" Severus nodded.
"Sounds good, we'll see you two then. Come on Harry," Severus looped his arm around Harry's shoulders and led him to their usual work area in the library. Seri closed the door smartly behind her and turned to face her scowling sister.
"It worked," she said simply. Kit stopped scowling at once.
"It did? They're really getting along?" she asked hopefully. Seri laughed and walked arm in arm with her sibling down the hall.
"Like a father and son dear sister, like a father and son."
********
Once his O.W.L.'s had been completed you would think that would be the end of his school work for the summer right? Well you're wrong. After discussing it with Severus they decided to continue his studies although with the added promise of healing, fencing and hand-to-hand combat lessons it was going to be a much slower go than before. Harry rolled his shoulders to work out some of the soreness, grunting in pain at each movement. He'd just got in from his first lesson with Kit and he was starting to regret having to learn hand-to-hand. Though, as he kept reminding himself, it would most likely come in handy. He winced as he rolled a rather tight knot.
"Let me childing," warmth sunk into Harry's tender muscles as two hands rested on his shoulders. He moaned as the hands expertly released the tension in the area.
"Where did you learn to do this?" he managed to ask, trying not to jerk as one particularly tight knot was loosened. Severus' hands continued to work as he spoke.
"Picked up mostly from Albus, he's much better than I am. Some comes from Seri and Kit. Massage is a part of healing you know so you will learn it." His touch became progressively lighter then he drew his hands away.
"Better?"
"Much," was Harry's muffled response. He sat up, stretched, then stood.
"Now it's your turn." Severus blinked at him in confusion.
"My turn?"
"Yes, sit down and let me give you a massage. Don't think I haven't noticed you favoring that left shoulder of yours. The only reason it wasn't taken care of before is because Dumbledore has been practically living at the Ministry for the last few days. Seri and Kit, if they're not working with us, are helping the Aurors. Like you said, I'll be learning this any way, why not start now? Now sit," he pointed at the chair and gave the older man a stern glare. Severus saw his point and sat, removing his robe to allow the boy better access to his shoulders. The second Harry began Severus /knew/, he /knew/ the boy had a gift. It was like he wasn't even trying yet his muscles eased and surrendered any tension they had.
'It must be part of his healing gift,' he thought sleepily. As much as he tried to fight it he found him self drifting off even as Harry worked on his neck. With great difficulty he roused himself out of his stupor.
"Harry stop....." he moaned. Immediately the hands disappeared and Severus looked up. Harry was standing away from him with a frightened look in his eyes.
"I-I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm s-sorry," he stuttered, backing away even further. Severus rushed forward and grabbed Harry's shoulders.
"Harry you didn't hurt me. The only reason I asked you to stop is because you were putting me to sleep that's all," he assured. Harry looked up at him with still some uncertainty.
'Oh God he's still afraid of hurting any one close to him that he loves. He wants to love them, yet feels that he can't because something bad will happen to them. Oh how am I going to fix this?' Severus thought. Harry searched for any signs of deception in the older man's eyes and expression. He smiled in relief when he found only concern.
"Really? I almost put you to sleep?" Severus nodded.
"And almost made me forget why I came down here in the first place," he drew a book out of his pocket, "I want you to read this." He held out the thin, red book to Harry who took it.
"I'll read once I'm through with Advanced Defense," he said but Severus shook his head.
"No, I want you to read it now. All of it tonight if you can." Harry bewilderment showed but he nodded all the same. Severus seemed satisfied and swept out of the room. Harry watched him go before shrugging and plopping down in a chair. Once Harry opened the book and looked at the title he was even more confused: The History of the Order of the Phoenix. Now why would Severus give him a book like this? He turned the pages and began to read. Once he really got into the book he found it quite fascinating. Like one passage for instance:
The Order of the Phoenix was established by Merlin during a great war between several wizards of the age. He and ten of his closest allies created a council and used Merlin's phoenix to rank them. To do this they stood in a circle of around the bird and waited. The phoenix flew to Merlin first and allowed him to pluck one of his feathers, ranking Merlin number one in the and head of the council. He flew to each in turn and allowed them too to pluck a feather. Each feather turned into a different color except Merlin's.
And then there was this one of course:
Each position in the council was important. Just because some one was higher than you does not make you less important. Traditionally the head of the council is the first chosen. This person must have good listening skills and the ability to see all sides of an issue as he or she is the decision maker and peace keeper in the council.
Number two is normally number one's right hand man or woman. Number one can always trust this person to be completely honest with them. They are the strategist of the group and a good leader.
Number three usually worry about people's welfare. The person knows the health of each and every person under their command. They carry a lot of weight when they don't think someone is fit for battle.
Number four is the protector. He or she deals out the area of who is to protect what according to the other's capabilities. If someone can not moniker their area for some reason or another, number four takes over.
Number five is usually taken up by two people. One who has a cool head and can think logically under any circumstances. The other tends to be a bit of a hot head but a good fighter and spy.
Number six is where most had trouble with. Usually the most paranoid of the group he is the hunter. This lone wolf tends to track down people on his or her own, without concession from the rest of the council. If there is any disruption in the council meeting, it is mostly likely caused by number six.
Number seven deals with intelligence. They have a network of spies scattered every where, gathering needed information.
Now, as you can tell, this is only seven positions and Merlin's council had eleven people on it counting himself. In the original council positions two, three, five, seven hand two people to it. This was possible because the phoenix, instead of flying directly at the people, would fly and land in-between them. No council of the Order of the Phoenix has had more than ten. The practice of the phoenix choosing is still used today by the Order. If a new member is added they will gather in a circle and let the phoenix rate them again. Though only the new member would pluck a feather.
Other interesting facts came from this one:
The feather that is plucked from the phoenix is a means for the members to recognize one another. Usually it is worn strapped to the right arm. It will tingle and grow warm when near another member. It is not at all detectable by dark magic.
Each member also has what is called a focus stone. This stone must be pure and unflawed so that the member can focus their magic through it. Since a member normally has a large area to watch over, he or she may grind up smaller, flawed stones and sprinkle the dust over the area. Their focus stone will alert them to any dark activity there. An alternative to this is placing smaller stones in equal distances from one another in the area.
"This really is fascinating," he murmured to himself as he finished. He glanced up at the clock, eleven. Time for bed. He changed into his pajamas and took a quick shower. He tucked the red book under his pillow and blew out the candle. He was soon asleep.
********
"Harry," a voice whispered, shaking his shoulder. Harry batted the hands away and turned over.
"Harry," the voice called again, this time more insistent. Harry forced his eyes open and turned back over, blinking at the light of Severus' candle.
"Severus? What is it? Is something wrong?" he asked groggily. The candle's light cast an eerie shadow on the Potions Master's face.
"Get up," he commanded quietly then the light disappeared as he swept out of the room. Grumbling, Harry did as e was told. He pulled on a robe, put Octavian in his pocket and checked to make sure both Rowena and Hedwig were asleep. Grabbing his cane and lighting the eyes, he headed into the living room. Severus was sitting in one of the chairs, waiting. He rose when Harry entered.
"Follow me," he ordered, not letting Harry voice his question. Harry sighed and jogged to catch up with the man. Severus was acting strangely but Harry trusted him; if he was acting this way it was for a reason. They headed swiftly and silently through the long dark corridors of Hogwarts. Severus didn't let it show but he was surprised that they boy made absolutely no sound in his passage beside him.
'That boy must have learned from me, I know I've heard the students mutter about how quiet I am. My little fire child,' he thought in amusement. He summoned his impassive mask and pushed that thought away, returning to the project at hand.
"Put out your light," he whispered under his breath. Harry did so immediately, just as they rounded the corner to Dumbledore's office. They stopped in front of the stone gargoyle and Severus tapped the gargoyle's eyes. It leapt aside and they moved quickly up the stairs. Once in the office Severus moved over to the bookcase on the right wall.
"Sev what are you doing?" Harry finally dared to ask.
"Tonight there's going to be a meeting of the Order. I want you to be here but I don't want the other members to know," Severus explained as he studied the bookcase carefully.
"Does Dumbledore know?" Harry asked.
"Why of course I know Harry," a voice from behind them said cheerfully. Harry whipped around while Severus continued to study the bookcase, "When Severus suggested it I thought it was a good idea. The maroon one child, The Return of Sherlock Holmes," he said to the Potions Master. Severus shook his head.
"You think that as many times as I've read that book I'd remember," he said, his tone exasperated as he pulled the book out. The bookcase slid aside to reveal a wooden door, with no doorknob. Harry watched as Severus glided his hands over the door.
"Aha," he tickled the wood just below where the door knob would normally be and stood back. The door quivered and swung open.
"Come on Harry." Severus led him through the doorway. It was a bedroom, undoubtably the headmaster's bedroom since it was part of his office. It was circular, like his office, the floor covered in thick, colorful rugs. The four-poster bed was pushed against the back wall, facing the door. On the right was a window and Harry could just see through the curtains the Hogwarts' grounds. Next to the window was an enormous chestnut chest of drawers and mirror with several odds and ends covering the top. On the left side of the bed was one of the biggest wardrobes Harry had ever seen. Though, on reflection, Dumbledore was the headmaster, he had to dress for several different occasions. A little over from the wardrobe was another door. Leading to, Harry assumed, the bathroom.
"What do you think of my humble abode?" Dumbledore asked. Harry looked up at him and smiled.
"It's nice, though I don't know why I'm here," he admitted. Severus stepped in.
"You are going to stay in here while the meeting is taking place. We've charmed it so you can hear what's going on in the other room, but they can't hear if you make any noise in here," he injected, "All you have to do is sit back and listen to the show because I promise that's what it's likely to be." He turned his head.
"They're here, come on Albus. I'll get you when the meetings over." Both men hurried out, closing the door behind them.
Harry stood there for a moment, trying to figure out what just happened. He was dragged out of his bed by Severus at one o'clock in the morning, that much was certain. He'd been told there was a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix tonight and Sev wanted him to be here for it. Okay he knew that much but why, why did Sev want him there?
#Something bothering you young master?# a voice from his pocket hissed. Harry jumped, startled out of his thoughts. He sat in a near by chair and lifted the albino snake from his pocket.
#Nothing that I know of Octavian. There is a meeting in the next room and I'm supposed to be listening to what happens during it, that's all,# he said back. The snake looked at him with his bottomless black eyes for a moment, then turned his head toward the door.
#This meeting you speak of, I believe it has begun.# Harry listened carefully and found that he could hear what was being said in the next room quiet clearly.
#I think you're right, thank you for bringing it to my attention.# The snake bowed his head and slithered onto the table, curling up to sleep. Harry concentrated, tuning into what was going on in the next room. By the sound of it the meeting was well under way, right into an argument.
"I tell you he's not ready! He's too young for this kind of responsibility!" the craggy voice of Alastor Moody thundered, followed by a rather loud bang. By the sound of it, Moody had slammed his hand on the table.
"It won't matter what you think Moody, if you're out-voted by the council. It's everyone's decision, not just your own," Severus replied acidly.
"Don't talk to me that way Death Eater and you will listen to what I have to say!" Moody roared. Harry growled in his throat as the man's statement touched a nerve.
"Watch your mouth Moody or are we forgetting who got themselves locked in their own trunk for a year," Severus snapped back. Apparently it had touched a nerve with him too.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen please. Can we save this part of the discussion till later? We're here to decide on whether or not to allow Harry Potter to join the Order of the Phoenix," Dumbledore reminded. Harry almost fell out of his chair. Join the Order of the Phoenix? Him? Harry was almost inclined to agree with old Moody. He didn't think he was ready either.
Oh? And why is that young master? A feminine voice from behind him asked. Harry whipped around to stare at Rowena sitting calmly on the window seal.
Rowena? He clamped a hand over his mouth when a strange trill came out. Rowena made a sound that could only have been laughter.
Yes, young one, it is I. We are speaking the same language, it is part of you becoming a phoenix, she explained.
What language is that?
Right now, Phoenixus. It is a gift. A part of what you are. Harry groaned and fell back into the chair.
Why me? Why am I the one with all these gifts? Why am I so special? Rowena left her perch on the window and settled on his shoulder.
Because it is your destiny, that is why.
Wonderful, he said sarcastically. She tugged his hair in a scolding manner and nodded toward the other room. Harry tuned back in.
".......can't you see? He's ready, as ready as he'll ever be and we need him! Haven't you noticed we're still one person short? God Moody, you have no idea what he's been through. Every time I think about it, it astonishes me that he didn't crack, go over the edge. But he didn't, he's made of sterner stuff than any of you realize, that even I realize. He's already shown countless times that he's mature and selfless. They boy threw himself in front a gun for me dammit! It that doesn't show selflessness then I don't know what does," Severus concluded his impassioned speech. In his mind's eye Harry could see the Potions Master glaring around at each person in turn, then sitting down. He was warmed by the man's words, he was glad the other man thought he was ready for this.
"I'm glad you brought that up Snape, he did throw himself in front of a bullet didn't he? That just shows carelessness. No one in there right mind would do that for someone if it meant sacrificing their own life," Moody pointed out smugly. He's got a point, Harry thought glumly. I really was being careless. But it had been the only thing he'd been able to think of to do at the time.
"It was the only thing he'd thought he could do at the time!" Severus shot back, almost mirroring Harry's own thoughts. "He had to improvise. Besides Moody, I'd throw myself in front of that bullet or curse for Albus, Harry, even you." That got him, Harry thought in satisfaction. He could almost see Moody sputtering.
"Let's take a vote," Dumbledore declared before either wizard could resume the argument. "All those in favor, raise your hand." Silence. "Very well, all those opposed." Again the silence. "Right, then it's decided. Now on to other business....."
"What?!?" Harry exploded, jumping out of the chair. His shout startled Octavian awake and caused Rowena to let out a screech of indignation at being treated so roughly. She ruffled her feather, gave him a sharp bite on the ear and flew out the window.
Sorry, he called after her. Then he looked down at the snake.
#Sorry I woke you Tave,# he apologized. That snake blinked at him.
#That's alright young master,# Tave hissed at him. Harry plopped back down in the chair and suddenly realized just how tired he was. Not surprising, he'd only had three hours of sleep before Severus had brought him to the meeting. He fought off sleep fiercely. He wanted to find out if he'd been accepted. Part of him wanted to join, would be overjoyed if he could. Another part was petrified; no, better not to join. Stay out of people's business and don't get any one hurt in the process. Harry sighed as sleep began to over take him. He didn't really have a choice, he wanted too help. He had to help. Curling up in the overstuffed chair he let sleep's warm arms claim him.
*********
Harry woke gradually to find himself leaning against something warm. A deep breath identified the warm entity, Severus. The man had a unique smell, a mixture between fresh soap, and mint leaves, one of his favorite ingredients in his potions. Severus shifted slightly, pulling the boy closer to him, not noticing the other had awoken. Harry lay there, enjoying the feeling of being near someone who cared about him. He sighed in content and scooted closer to the man. Severus looked down.
"Ah, so you've finally decided to return to the land of living fireling. Did you sleep well? Here, let me get breakfast," Severus started to stand but found himself unable to. Harry had a firm hold of his robes and didn't seem willing to let go.
"Okay, I'll just order it from here then," Severus' voice told he was greatly amused as he pulled the bell pull. Winky appeared, bowing to both of them.
"Hello sirs, is there something Winky can get you?" she asked in her high, squeaky voice. Harry was surprised to see Winky, usually Dobby insisted watching over them personally.
"Where's Dobby Winky?" he asked. Winky's face fell.
"Dobby is not feeling well sir, Dobby is sick. He has elf flu," she said sadly.
"Tell Dobby that both Harry and I hope he fells better soon. Would you please bring us breakfast if you will Winky," Severus directed. The house-elf's happy expression returned.
"Of course sir! Breakfast for two and message for Dobby! Right away sir!" The loud crack signaled her exit.
"I guess she finally adjusted to being here. She was a mess last year," Harry thought aloud. Severus nodded in agreement.
"Yes, I remember seeing her. She was a sight." Harry settled back against the Potions Master and allowed his mind to drift. Something was nagging at him, something he wanted to ask.
"Oh!" he sat up. Severus looked at him in concern.
"What is it?"
"I just remembered. How did the meeting go last night? Did they vote me in or not?" Again the two sides of him warred for domination. One wanted to know, the other was too frightened to want to know. He took a deep breath. Balance, he must find a balance.
"Oh you want to know how the vote went?" Severus restated. Harry rolled his eyes impatiently.
"Yes, obviously. So?" he urged. Severus rocked back and forth, choosing to stare at the ceiling instead of the teenager.
"You're in," he stated simply. It took a few moments to register but a grin slowly spread across Harry's face.
"I am, your serious?" At Severus' nod Harry almost tackled him, giving him a fierce hug. The Gryffindor chased his coward deep inside him. He was in.
"Easy, easy, I sort of need those ribs," Severus wheezed. Harry let go, grinning at the man sheepishly.
"When do I join?" was his next question.
"Tonight. There will be another meeting, Fawkes will rank you and you'll take one of his feathers. From then on you'll attend all meetings but Harry, I need to know. Are you sure you're ready for this?" He had to know. Even though he'd said all those things about the boy the night before he needed to hear it from him. Harry's gaze locked with his.
"Yes Severus, I am." he confirmed and prayed that he was.
*******
"This meeting will come to order," Dumbledore's voice boomed out over the Great Hall, attracting everyone's attention. The guests stopped their conversations and turned up to the staff table. There were little over a hundred people gathered at Hogwarts, all apart of the Order but only the select nine at the front being part of the council. The rest were the soldiers, spies, and leg work of the organization. If they were about to receive another commander, they had a right to know. Dumbledore gazed out over them, mentally checking to see if any one was there that should not have been. Finding no one he decided to proceed.
"It has been the decision of the council to add a new member to it. You all know him or at least of him. He has proven his worth more times than can be counted. He is Mr. Harry James Potter," Dumbledore swept an arm and a side door opened. Harry, Severus by his side, marched up to the headmaster.
"Scared?" Severus asked from the corner of his mouth.
"Petrified." They stopped before the older man and bowed respectively.
"Now Mr. Potter. Do you wish to become apart of the Order of the Phoenix?"
"Yes sir I do."
"Do you promise to protect the wizarding world with your life and help retain the light?"
"Yes sir I do."
"Very well then. Council members gather in a circle." The members rose from their seats at the staff table and did so. Severus stood beside Dumbledore and Harry stood by Severus.
"Then let the ranking begin. Fawkes!" Dumbledore held out his arm. A haunting tune began piping into the hall, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The tune became louder and louder until in a burst of flame Fawkes appeared on Dumbledore's arm. He continued his song for a few more moments before finally letting the last note quiver and die. He blinked at them wisely.
"As you can see, we are short three members tonight. Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin and Professor McGonagall were unable to attend this meeting but were kind enough to send a sample of their hair. That will be placed where they normally stand. Now, let's begin." Dumbledore lifted his arm and Fawkes took off. He circled the group before landing in the center of the circle. They waited silently, anticipation thick in the air. Fawkes seemed to be waiting, or maybe he was weighing a decision, Harry wasn't sure.
'Maybe I shouldn't be here,' the coward said timidly. The Gryffindor inside of him shooed the coward away but even that part of him was beginning to get nervous. Suddenly the bird launched itself at Dumbledore, landing neatly at his feet. The headmaster smiled fondly at his pet. Fawkes gazed around at them again before taking off once more. He landed in between Severus and Harry.
The hall broke out in a deafening storm of clapping and stamping. Harry smiled weakly and crouched down beside the animal.
"May I?" he asked quietly so only the bird could hear him. Fawkes blinked and scooted closer. Harry reached out but his hand hovered.
"Where do I take it from?" Fawkes turned his head and pointed to his back. Harry drew in a deep breath and plucked the feather. It immediately turned gold and stiffened. He slowly stood back up, not aware the hall had quieted again. He turned to Severus who was beaming at him proudly.
"It's your's now childing," he whispered. Harry watched him for a moment longer then thrust the feather into the air for the for everyone to see. The cheering broke out again, louder than before.
********
"So, Mr. Potter," Moody began. After the ceremony they had settled down to eat. The council sat at the staff table while the others ate at the student tables. When they had seated themselves, Moody had insisted on being next to Harry, which only made him nervous; he knew the man didn't approve of him being there.
"Just Harry sir, please," Harry directed, hoping beyond hope to break the ice. Moody eyed him.
"Mr. Potter," the man persisted to call him, "I have a question for you. If your group is being driven back by the Death Eaters what would you do?" Harry blinked several times in astonishment. How was he supposed to answer that? At that thought, a mental image appeared, a chess board. The Death Eaters the black pieces and his people the white. Harry sat back, studying the image carefully. Not enough information.
"Am I out-numbered?" he asked. Moody looked surprised at the question.
"No, no you're evenly matched."
"Anti-Apparation spells?" he continued.
"Yes," Moody answered. By now their little game had caught the attention of the rest of the council, who turned to watch the preceding. Harry steepled his fingers.
"In that case I would either half my group up, sending one part ahead. They'd would hide themselves and wait for the other half to be driven into the area. Once the Death Eaters reached past a certain point we could stun most of them collectively. The other possibility is that I'd half the group and send them around to the rear of the Death Eaters. Since they're advancing, they won't be protecting themselves from behind, making easy targets." A long silence followed his answer. Harry shook himself, the mental image disappearing. He looked over at Moody only to find himself the subject of the man's scrutiny. Finally Moody broke the silence with a grunt that could only be of acceptance and turned back to his food.
"Good answer Harry," he said. Harry smiled, feeling proud that he'd been able to prove himself to the man, or at least gain his trust.
"Well done fireling," Severus whispered in his ear. "I was so scared the first time he asked me that I must have stuttered for a good two minutes before actually getting my answer out." Harry chuckled and turned to his food.
*******
"This Harry, belongs to you." Harry accepted the leather arm band from Dumbledore. He held up his feather to it and it magically stuck itself to the band. Rolling up his sleeve he draped it over his upper arm. The leather snapped up and magically sealed itself seamlessly. It fit perfectly. He slid the sleeve back down over it, enjoying the warm sensation it caused on his skin. Dumbledore raised his goblet.
"To Harry, may he be with us a long time," he proclaimed and drank. A 'here, here' ran through the members and they too drank. Severus watched Harry closely, eyes twinkling.
"May you be with us for a long time childing, a long time."
A/N: HahahahHAAAAA!!!!!!!! I finished! Take that teachers, you thought you wouldn't let me finish this, did you? Ha, I showed you. It's only *checks datebook* one week and 2 days late. Nahhh, *sticks out tongue*. Yeah I know it's childish but I don't care! Now onto my thank you's.