Chapter 1. Meeting the Order

The heavy fog on the streets of London seemed thicker than usual in this part of town. It would have suited a forgotten forest in the north, but miles from the Thames in the old and narrow streets, this thickness was out of place. Severus Snape thought about the death eaters unknowingly serving his purpose to betray their lord once again in secret and swallowed a smirk. Making such a show deliberately called for attention despite the Dark Lord's explicit orders to hide in the tall grass. Merlin, the man loved to express himself in dubious pictures! "Hide in shadows," "wait in the tall grass," "make their minds foggy," – Snape could not stop his vivid imagination associating old schoolmates. The town's image as if it was covered in tall grass, with Goyle trying a pointing charm in vain. Or Crabble hiding in the shadows with his massive, rounded build… He would need a big shadow indeed! Avery could not cast such a fog; he probably could not even cast Lumos without the help of the Malfoy house-elf, so who was the fool this time?

His cautious steps led him to Grimmauld Place sooner than he thought despite the weather. He knew this neighbourhood like the back of his palm. His mood was reasonable compared to his normal one; surviving another day raised his spirits wonderfully in his dire circumstances, and his venomous thoughts helped his conscience. Now it was time for the other set of pathetic idiots. He recalled the address, and the building obediently showed up to let him enter unnoticed.

Snape had already put down his cloak when Molly Weasley walked up the stairs from the kitchen and stopped abruptly, startled by his presence.

"Sweet Merlin, Severus, we didn't hear the door!" – she whispered, catching her breath before she motioned him to the kitchen – "I'll be back in a minute, just make sure the kids behave."

Snape laughed at the thought of a bunch of well-behaving Weasley kids in the house. Indeed, it was more than common sense would suggest that someone could achieve it, but he stepped aside and let the mother do her job. Looking around in the now well-kept kitchen, he had to admit that he liked the witch more than anyone else who might show up tonight. The werewolf was finishing up his dinner, ironically mostly vegetables. Snape hid his amusement and glanced at the corner where the detested Mundungus Fletcher feigned sleep.

"Remus" – he nodded.

"Severus" – came the measured reply – "How are you?" – Lupin added the obligatory question.

"If only someone took the trouble to collect the golden goblets thrown around by the entrance, I would have nothing to complain about."

Lupin searched his face with confusion for a second before Mundungus shot out of his chair and rushed for the door.

"That was uncalled for." – The werewolf eyed him with a strange expression, somewhere between a poorly repressed laugh and a scowl.

Snape just listened through the kitchen door left ajar. Sure, like hell, Mundungus scrambled through something heavy and noisy and woke the portrait of that abhorrent Black woman; screams and swearing filled the entrance. A few minutes later, Black and Molly showed up with wary faces. He could only wonder why…

"Sirius, Severus has arrived," – Molly Weasley said pointedly, and the brat nodded to him like a scolded kid.

- Severus.

- Dog.

It was less than a moment before Black launched at his throat while Lupin threw himself between them. Molly screamed her calming tirades in the most counterproductive manner. Snape stepped back, ready to take in the entertainment. Wand in-hand, he only wished for fewer witnesses. To make his long-time enemy lose his head was always a delight.

Unfortunately, Dumbledore chose that exact moment to enter the kitchen with Mad-Eye Moody.

"What are you doing again?" - The old wizard began like they were in a Hogwarts corridor some 20 years before. "We have greater problems to discuss today; everyone put personal injuries aside."

Severus only waited for his adversary to calm before he put his wand away.

In a few minutes, the others calmed Mundungus, too, and called everyone to proceed and take their places by the kitchen table that Molly cleaned up for them. No one asked him to sit with them, but that was all right with him. The door opened again, letting in the most unlikely version of a young woman; pink hair and tiny nose. Quick on her heels came Auror Kingsley, who received a heartfelt welcome.

"What did we miss?" The woman looked cheerfully around – "Do you remember me?" –she added, looking at Snape. She would have tried for a handshake if she hadn't fallen through a nearby chair.

Severus' brows shot up in amazement. It was hard enough to envision one of his clumsiest students passing her Auror exams some time ago, but being reintroduced was incomprehensible. "They must be joking" - he shook his head slightly and decided to stay in the corner by the hearth, losing the last bit of inclination to join this Muppet Show.

A common thief, a werewolf, a young loser, a failed old git with one eye, who spent all his last year in a trunk; Mama Earth herself, and an ageing manipulative bastard sat with Kingsley Shacklebolt, who at least remotely looked like a fighter. Snape's stomach churned at the thought of what he was to tell them.

The door opened again, and Arthur Weasley arrived with his second son. Maybe Bill Weasley might count as useful one day too, but as yet, he seemed too young for the war that his father was too old and far too jovial to take part in. At least Snape saw them that way. He shook his head again. The long-time not seen Hestia Jones silently came in and, taking the last seat by the table, she rested her chin on her hands. Snape's attention turned back again on Dumbledore, who must have been talking about that Potter kid for a while...

-" ... all measures of security. I believe I placed him well, but under the circumstances... " the old wizard's voice trailed off, and he sent a questioning look towards his spy by the hearth.

He pushed himself from the mantel, ready to begin his tale, but Black had to interject:

"I cannot see why he could not stay with us. Already a week has gone off the summer; he must be eager to leave that house. "

"He has to stay with his relatives. I already explained why..."

"Am I not his relative then?" The dog looked annoyed. "He must be grieving, scared, and lonely, and we are to stand back and leave him to suffer through it all with those muggles! I cannot just..."

" Padfoot, this is for the best." Lupin put a calming hand on his friend's arm. "We all trust Albus to know what is good for him. You're not the only one who loves the boy!"

"…but he is my godson!"

"…and I love him like he was my own son, you know that!" Molly added empathetically – "But I trust Albus, and we will get Harry here as soon as it may be. Right?" she shot a questioning glance over Dumbledore.

"Of course, Molly, dear, of course!" The old wizard jovially smiled at her. "After he spends some time in his family home, I'm sure he will be pleased to get your invitation."

Snape could not fathom how they would do that. To hide Lily's child was one thing, but moving him was always dangerous; why the hell could none of them look further than their noses? No imbecile prat ever died by a less-than-friendly household, he should know… Although living with Tuney must be a chore, Severus mused for a second before giving a mental shrug. Serves the prat just right. Moving him could kill him; Tuney only made his life a particular type of hell. It was not up to sentimentalism, but judgement, in his opinion. However, his opinion never counted.

"And meanwhile, the children may write to each other" – Arthur Weasley hurried to point out clearly to calm his wife – "probably even send sweets and other…"

"The owls are watched." – Snape lost his patience – "Would you endanger us all for the kids' affairs? Can't you see what's going on?"

"Actually, Severus,"- Albus turned to him calmly with an amused glint in his eyes – "we gathered here tonight so you may fill us in. What's the state of things?"

Dumbledore looked at him above his glasses with a clear intention to search his soul, but it was just the same. He didn't need to empty his thoughts; he used Occlumency in this past month again like second nature.

"Unsurprisingly, they are gathering forces." – Snape began – "The old supporters gathered for the Dark Lord's call, as I believe I foretold you months ago, but the second circle is battered." – He looked at Kingsley Shacklebolt in the eye. – "Avery, Crabbe, Malfoy, Monstro, Nott," – he shot a look at Black. – "Your darling cousin, Bellatrix, will be among the firsts to leave Azkaban in a couple of months if the outside finances Malfoy promised are ready to be used, and the Dark Lord may empty the prisons."

The uproar around the table stopped him in the middle.

"Impossible!" – The young Weasley cried – "The Dementors…"

"We are in a position to know it is hardly impossible, is it?" – Snape gazed again at Black – "And it will happen. As soon as the crowds get confused enough." – He looked back at Dumbledore – "The Dark Lord dreamt up a plan even the Malfoy fortune is unlikely to buy for him; part of recruiting is gathering funds. Still, the discrediting campaign could start soon, as is plain to see…"

"Do you mean the Daily Prophet?" – Arthur Weasley interjected.

"That's simply disgusting!" – The young Auror-girl from Hufflepuff needed to say. Snape rolled his eyes and tried to forget how much he hated to have her in class. It was perplexing to see her at an Order meeting. Surely, they were not this young fourteen years ago…? – He mused while Tonks went on with her rants.

"It is only the way it used to be." – Dumbledore silenced everyone with a smile. – "I may very well be sent away from the Wizengamot too, I have no illusions, Nymphadora dear, while my presence among the chocolate frog cards prevails intact, I say, just let them do it!"

While the Hufflepuff girl wiped a silent tear and Molly mumbled discontentedly, Snape stared at the old wizard through narrowed eyes and realized this was precisely the way Albus wants things to evolve. He will enjoy the freedom to move relatively undetected if he gets deprived of office…

"Tricky" – He smirked – "Cunning old man… now I'll have one more thing to hide when the Dark Lord searches my mind." The thought was unpleasant, but somehow Occlumency came even more naturally recently than before. Although he always had a good understanding, discerning other's opinions and motives seemed now effortless. He pushed the thought aside to explore later. If he changed at all, if he talked to anyone at all, that cannot distract his mind at such a disagreeable place.

"Do they have other plans than destroying my reputation, gathering funds and prepare to break out of Azkaban?" – Dumbledore turned back to him.

"Minor attacks on ministry-workers, not yet clarified…" - Snape drawled. – "Although I would probe Rochester with an Imperius-test if I were to guess." – Arthur only nodded. – "…and of course he is searching for the boy as always" – Lupin, Black and Molly winced as one. – "He does not expect to find him easily, so it has been suggested to look for other sources of his …origins…"

The Headmaster raised an eyebrow, and Snape readily reacted to Dumbledore's Legilimency with a memory of the Dark Lord asking about the prophecy again.

"We need to talk in private soon." – Dumbledore reflected – "Also, Kingsley, do you think we can strengthen the Ministry's defence?"

If Shaclebolt was surprised or confused, no one could tell. "It would be foolish if they attacked the Ministry, but the Aurors' department is still on our side… mostly. I'll invent some story about why they should keep an open eye. What should we watch?"

"I would suggest the Department of Mysteries." – Dumbledore told him – "Hopefully, we'll hear more details in time?"

Snape only nodded.

"I cannot imagine why they would attack the Ministry though…" – The Weasely kid cautiously chimed in – "Kingsley is right; He would be a fool to do so. There cannot be a reason to…"

"He is far from being a fool." – Snape replied calmly. This Weasley has always been brighter than the rest in his opinion – "Your lack of belief is his greatest ally."

"Merlin's beard! We might believe you, but no one else will!" – Arthur Weasley cried – "How are we to organize anything if the Ministry refuses to believe he came back at all?"

"That's something we should talk through at length, Arthur" – Dumbledore nodded – "Thank you, Severus, I'm sure so much news came with a heavy price…"

The word "price" triggered a hazy memory, and Snape grimaced, pushing it back to its place. Dumbledore was as skilled a Legilimens as his adversary, and he wanted these thoughts for himself whether he met some foreign entity or just passed out, the same.

"I was late," – he said instead, braving the old wizard's probing eyes – "such insolence never goes unnoticed." He grimaced again, thinking of his day-long struggle to get his body under control after bearing the Cruciatus curse repeatedly, and he let some of these thoughts leak towards Dumbledore until he nodded knowingly with a small glint of something… commiseration? Severus Snape dismissed such a ridiculous idea. He turned and walked back to the hearth.

All the chatter following his report left him annoyed but not disappointed. Not any more. He knew they never reached an easy understanding. Bill Weasley was a rare surprise, though; he never supposed a Gryffindor would show any intelligence, much less cunning but maybe not everything was just completely lost… Otherwise, the whole affair was loud and chaotic.

Dumbledore offered each and every one of the Order the privilege to share their thoughts. A long time passed before the old wizard really spoke up again. He listened to everyone, noted and nodded only to end the discussion with his own opinion, which was not up for any further debate. In Snape's view, the "good wizard" and the "bad wizard" might differ in some of their methods and intentions, but now both reduced themselves to war leaders, and he could feel how much they both just wanted to win. Not that he did not, the thought only led him back to the choice he made recently… Silently standing in the corner, he knew well that no one paid him any attention anymore and that his expression was unreadable, and Dumbledore was busy… he had to wait for solitude and peace to examine those thoughts.

Snape reminded himself that patience was a virtue and kept a straight face while by the table. All attention went for Potter and how to watch over him. They appointed guards and made schedules; Snape grimaced again. "How like Dumbledore to guard his golden-boy with an impotent squib and a stupid thief!"- he thought but also knew that whatever protection the boy may get, the best he could offer was to stay far away from his neighbourhood.

Finally, Dumbledore stood from the table, made Molly agree to stop her kids from betraying them all via owls, and Snape could give in to the urge to take his leave while he had his temper under control.

"Heading back to Hogwarts, my boy?" – He managed to keep his face straight while the old wizard eyed him with a curious smile – "All right, I will not force you to wait upon me, but I believe we need to talk soon."

"Is there something more I can do for you, Headmaster?" – Snape's suspicious nature did not like this show. Albus already asking for a later meeting; what did he want now?

"Maybe," – Albus shone with one of his widest smiles – "or maybe there's something I may do for you."

"Sir? I'm not lucky enough to understand your meaning."

"Aren't you?" – Dumbledore's eyes pierced in his with unblinking intensity – "I can feel some kind of change, Severus, I cannot name it, but I'm sure you have a lot to tell."

"I have agreed to all your plans, I have done everything I had to, are you questioning me now?" – Snape hissed in shock.

"On the contrary! I've never been more sure about you." – The old wizard smiled –

"Something in your demeanour, shifting… I'm only curious. Won't you humour me?"

Snape tried to burrow Malfoy's mask of elegant nonchalance.

"I might on one of my better days, sir. May I leave now?"

"Why, of course, my dear boy, just have your retreat!"

As Dumbledore turned away with obvious amusement to follow Molly upstairs, Snape looked around the kitchen. No one seemed to hear them, only Lupin stood close enough to chance to eavesdrop, but he was… Heaven and Earth! Was the werewolf pining after the Hufflepuff-Auror? Knowing her penchant to break whatever she grabbed, the wolf might finally get what he deserves! With a wicked grin, Snape turned on his heel and left as unnoticed as he arrived.