Chapter 66
Remus paced the kitchen staring at the clock. It had been two days since Meredith had arrived home from Hogwarts after the Triwizard Tournament and informed him and the Tonks' that his worst fears had come true. Voldemort was back! He'd sent word to Dumbledore immediately that of course he could count on Remus's allegiance. Dora had immediately signed on. Andromeda and Ted had been hesitant, not having been part of the Order in the first war, however their daughter was an auror and therefore not about to stay away from a battle. Dumbledore had welcomed the support and told them all to stand by for instructions. The waiting was driving him mad. He glanced over at Meredith who sat at the table with a cup of tea that had not been touched. Like him she waited. She had put in for sick time at St. Mungo's until she knew what Dumbledore's plan was. God, how could this be happening? The one thing he had prayed his daughter would never have to face was upon them. He wanted her as far from this as possible but she wouldn't hear any of his objections to her being part of the fight. The knock on the door made them both jump. He held a hand out gesturing her to stay put. He drew his wand and went to the door.
"Who is it?" he called.
"It is I Albus Dumbledore," the old professor's voice said from the other side. "Head master Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and leader of the Order of the Phoenix." Remus opened the door to admit Dumbledore as well as Sirius, Andromeda, Ted and Dora.
"Come in Sir," Remus said.
"Thank you Remus," Dumbledore said. "There is much to discuss." Meredith rose as they all entered the kitchen.
"Meredith," Dumbledore greeted her. "Good to see again my dear. Please sit." The all gather around the table.
"So where do we stand?" Remus said.
"The old crowd is with us, as well as a few new members. Arthur and Molly are with us as well as Bill. Bill is working on pulling Charlie in as well. My old friend Arabella Figg, a squib who live's in Little Whinging will keep me informed of any happenings while Harry is with his relatives. Mundungus Fletcher has agreed to keep his ear out for any dark dealings he hears of. Mad Eye's working on recruiting Kingsley Shacklebolt and Hestia Jones. There were not part of the order first time around but they were both strong allies of our cause. "
"What's the 'order' sir?" Dora asked. Dumbledore gave an indulgent smile.
"When Voldemort first rose to power, he had a great number of followers, witches and wizards who shared his ideals as well as a number of dark creatures. In order to fight him I gathered a group of those who were willing to stand against him. I called our group, the Order of the Phoenix." Dumbledore reached into his robes and pulled out a photograph which he handed to Dora. Meredith leaned in to look. Remus and Sirius both looked over the girls shoulders to look. Remus felt a slight twist in his stomach as he looked at his old friends in the photo. Most of them lost in the war.
"My God Moony," Sirius said. "We look so young."
"We were young Padfoot," Remus said, his chest tight. He'd been 19 years old when this was taken. A year older than Meredith was now.
"Who are these people?" Tonks said pointing to the photo.
"Frank and Alice Longbottom," Sirius said sadly.
"Neville's parents?" Meredith asked. "What happened to them?"
"Tortured into insanity." It was Andromeda who answered. "My sister Bellatrix and that horrid man she married put them under the cruciatus curse along with Rudolphus's brother Radagast and Barty Crouch Jr. Alice and Frank are in the irreparable spell damage ward at St. Mungoes." Meredith looked up at that and met her Dad's eyes.
"Take it you haven't been to that floor yet," he said sadly. Meredith shook her head.
"No," she said. "I had no idea." Remus felt a small glimmer of hope that seeing all these people who had been killed might change her mind about joining the order. His hopes were dashed as new determination fell across Meredith's face.
"There's Hagrid," Sirius said. "And there's Sturgis Podmore, Emmeline Vance, Dadalus Diggle, and Elphias Doge. All of them survived and are with us."
"Hagrid left yesterday with Madame Maxime to broker an alliance with the giants. I can only hope that he will be able to get them on our side. Professor Snape has successfully managed to infiltrate the other side once again."
"Infiltrate?" Meredith asked.
"Severus used to be a Death Eater. Toward the end of the last war Severus turned against Voldemort and became a spy for the order. He was able to provide us vital information that saved many lives.
"Not enough," Sirius said running his finger lightly over James's face in the picture.
"Severus was able to maintain his cover of loyal Death Eater and his former master was never aware that one of his most loyal followers had turned against him. He has made contact with Voldemort and the Dark Lord has accepted him back into the ranks, which will give us an advantage."
"Albus," Sirius said. "You know I have my doubts about Snape."
"Yes, Sirius," Dumbledore cut the other man off. "You have said as much, several times. However, my position stays the same. I trust Severus."
"Sir," Sirius said. "How can we know where Snape's true loyalties lie?"
"I will say no more on this matter," Dumbledore said. "It is done." Remus watched Dumbledore and Sirius with a heavy heart. He understood where Sirius's mistrust came from. Too many years of being blood enemies. However he could also see that Dumbledore was adamant in his decision and would not be swayed.
"Now that the Order has come back together, we will need a place to gather. Sirius has offered his old childhood home for us to use as headquarters."
"Grimmauld Place?" Remus said. "I thought you'd never go back there." He had never been in Sirius's childhood home but with what he knew of Sirius's home life he was a bit shocked that Sirius hadn't burned it to the ground upon his mother's death.
"Might as well get some use out of it," Sirius grumbled. "All the spells that old bat put on it to repel muggles and make the place unplottable make it an ideal place for a secret organization to meet."
"I quite agree." Dumbledore said. "Now Meredith, Nymphadora. You have both stated that you wish to be a part of the Order. This will mean following my orders, to the letter and without question. It will also mean putting yourselves in the direct path of danger. This is not a decision you should make lightly."
"I'm in," Dora said firmly.
"So am I," Meredith said. Remus glanced at Sirius. His friend's face was mixture of emotions. Sadness, fear, but more than anything it showed pride. Maybe Sirius could feel pride, but Remus could feel nothing but fear.
"Good," Dumbledore said. "Because things are only going to be more difficult this time. The Minister as you know, is refusing to accept that Voldemort has returned and is doing everything in his power to make sure no one else believes it either. That is why this time what I will need, even more than soldiers, is spies."
"Spies sir?" Meredith said.
"Yes," Dumbledore said. "During the first war the Ministry was with us, and we had many resources open to us as far as information went. This time we must rely on ourselves to find out what Voldemort's plans are. That is why I will need people I can trust in places where such things might be known. The Ministry," he looked at Dora, "St Mungo's" Meredith, "The papers, both magic and Muggle," Ted and Andromeda "And of course, I will need someone underground." Remus sighed. No doubt he would be asked to be the envoy to the werewolves. No doubt Fenrir Greyback was already spreading his poisonous beliefs amongst the werewolves who lived outside society.
"Why St. Mungo's sir?" Meredith spoke up. "The Ministry has no influence there, it's privately funded. Plus, I can't really see Voldemort trying to take over a hospital. The Ministry yes, the paper's maybe, but a hospital?"
"You are quite correct Meredith," Dumbledore said. "I have little reason to believe a direct assault on St. Mungo's is the first item on Voldemort's agenda, however, I will need a set of eyes and ears in place to report any mysterious deaths or injuries. As a healer you are in a unique position to report these to me." Remus relaxed a little. At least Dumbledore had no plans to put Meredith on the front lines. Yet.
"Now, as secrecy is vital, headquarters has been placed under the Fidelius Charm. I will be secret keeper for the order." He reached into his robe and pulled out a white card.
"If you will all read this and memorize it," he handed it to Andromeda who read it and handed it to Ted. It was passed to Sirius, then Dora, then Meredith then himself.
"HEADQUARTERS OF THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX CAN BE FOUND AT NUMBER 12 GRIMMAULD PLACE"
Remus read the card and then handed it back to Dumbledore who set the card ablaze with his wand.
"Now that I have let you all in, the first official meeting will be tomorrow night at seven o'clock sharp. Some of you, may wish to keep some things there. Toothbrush, change of clothes, things like that as I suspect many of our meetings may be at odd times and will go late into the night. As we speak I am having the Weasley's relocate themselves to headquarters." He stood up then and placed his hands on the table.
"One last thing before we part company," Dumbledore said. "I must ask that none of you tell Harry any of what has been discussed tonight, or will be discussed by the order."
"You're going to keep him in the dark?" Sirius asked.
"Yes," Dumbledore said. "It must be this way."
"Sir," Meredith said. "I would think Harry would need to know everything. He's the one Voldemort has targeted above all else."
"And it is for that reason that Harry must not know what the order is doing." This declaration was met by disdainful looks from Meredith, Remus and Sirius.
"I understand you feel I am in the wrong on this but you must trust me, this is for the best." Remus sighed and nodded. After a few minutes, Sirius and Meredith did as well.
Remus stood outside Meredith's bedroom door watching as she cast a shrinking spell on that which she considered essentials and put them into her old Hogwarts bag. Merlin, was it not just yesterday that she was packing that bag with school books. Now, she packed it like a soldier packed his duffle when going off to war. Bianca, ever the sentinel stood atop her cage watching her mistress. Four pairs of socks, three pairs of underwear, sneakers, two t-shirts and an extra pair of jeans. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, cleanser. In the small pocket she tucked two keys. One was to her vault at Gringotts, the other the opened the other vault at Gringotts which Sirius had opened for her. Lastly she held her photo album in her hands for a moment and tucked it into the bag. She pulled the drawstrings of the bag closed. She gave Bianca's head a soothing stroke and grabbed her jacket.
"Meredith," he addressed her. She glanced up from putting on her jacket and slung her bag over her shoulder.
"I'm ready," she said.
"No you're not," he said. She looked confused.
"What have I forgotten?" she said.
"It's not what you've forgotten," Remus said reaching into his pocket. "It's what I remember." He slapped the photo of the old Order on the dresser. Meredith gave him a hard look and looked down at the photo.
"Edgar Bones," he said pointing to a dark haired man. "The Death Eaters killed him, his wife, and their two teenage daughters." He pointed to a woman with long black hair. "Marlene McKinnon. They killed her, her parents, her brothers, and her five year old son."
"If you think that's going to deter me," Meredith said stepping away, "You're mistaken. All you've done is strengthen my resolve."
"Fabian and Gideon Prewett, the best duelers I've ever known. It took five Death Eaters to take them down. Dorcas Meadowes, Voldemort killed her personally. Caradoc Dearborn, we never found his body. Benjy Smitwyck, we only ever found pieces of him."
"Why are you telling me all of this?" Meredith snapped. "You think I don't know what I'm getting into?"
"You DON"T know what you're getting into! You are not a soldier and you were not there the first time. You didn't watch your colleagues die in front of you. You didn't face death every single day knowing that at any second the curse you were too slow or weak to stop could send you to join them."
"So what do you expect me to do Dad?" Meredith said her jaw clenched and her hands in tight fists. "Did you think I could just sit, safe at home while my friends, my family are fighting against the most dangerous wizard who ever lived? You think I don't know what Dumbledore wants you to do?"
"Yes," Remus said. "Getting the werewolves is part of Dumbledore's plan and I am uniquely suited for the task. But you're not a fighter Meredith. You're a healer and you have a choice. The people in this photo," he grabbed it and shove it at her. "They chose to stand against Voldemort and now they're dead!"
"Oh and you think I'll be spared if I don't walk down the street holding a sign saying "Voldemort Stinks". I was there when Harry came out of the maze Dad, clutching Cedric's dead body. I'm not saying Diggory was my dearest friend, but I knew him. He was a good, bright, decent kid and Voldemort had him killed for no other reason than he was in the wrong place at the wrong time! You think I don't know the same could happen to me? Or you? Or Sirius? Or Dora? I know it could happen Dad. And I will not stay back where it's safe while the people I love are killed around me!" The fire in her eyes, the determination in her voice, the firmness in her stance. It was all too familiar.
"There's no choice here Dad," she said. "Not for me." For a moment they stared each other down. He was reminded of when she was eight and determined to stay with him on the full moon. She would not be swayed despite the danger any more now than she was back then. A sudden crash was heard downstairs.
"Remus!" he heard Andromeda shout.
"Stay here!" he yelled at Meredith rushing out of the room. He hurried down the stairs and felt an immediate sense of dread. The back door was open and Sirius, Dora, Andromeda and Ted had all gathered on the back porch. His wand was in his hand as he joined them. There were six of them. Hooded, in masks, wands ready to attack.
"Lupin," he recognized the voice of Antonin Dolohov.
"What do you want here?"
"Now, now," another death eater said, this one he thought was Yaxley. "No need for harsh tones. Just come to give yeah a friendly little warning from our Master."
"Friendly," Sirius scoffed.
"Deliver your message," Remus said coldly.
"Any and all who stand against the Dark Lord shall be destroyed. Any and all who attempt to protect Harry Potter shall be destroyed. Join us now and your lives will be spared."
"We will never join you Dolohov!" Sirius shouted. "You tell you master that he shove his threats."
"Thought you'd feel that way Black," Yaxley said. "Be smart about this Lupin. You don't stand a chance against our master. Be smart for your little girl's sake." Remus tensed as he sensed Meredith behind him. He moved to stand in front of her attempting to block her from the death eaters view. Sirius, and Tonks did the same.
"Be a shame to see that pretty face ripped to shreds. Greyback's been talking bout paying your girl a visit. You know he likes to have fun with the pretty ones before he changes them."
"Sirius, no!" Remus said as Sirius raised his wand. Though he wanted to do worse to the man who had threatened Meredith, he did not want to risk provoking the death eaters.
"Meredith get inside," he said firmly. "You tell your master that we will never join him."
"Pity," Yaxley said. Remus sensed the danger and was already firing counter curses when the first curse flew past his head. Sirius, Andromeda, Ted, and Dora were likewise firing back. Dolohov came at him and he fired back deflecting Dolohov's curse. He sent a stunner which sent Dolohov backwards. He was able to glance around him and saw Sirius fighting Yaxley. Andromeda, Ted and Dora were likewise engaged in battle with three death eaters he had not identified. Meredith! Where was Meredith? He saw his daughter across the yard attempting to block an attack by a death eater. Avery, he thought. He recognized the stance. Meredith was holding her own keeping her attacker at bay but he could see that she was weakening quickly.
"No!" he shouted as Avery fired a curse that caught the side of Meredith's neck making her fall backwards in pain. He raced to her side firing every curse he knew at Avery. Sirius and Dora, having likewise downed their opponents also rushed to Meredith's aid. Dora dropped to Meredith's side as Remus and Sirius battled Avery.
"Enough!" Yaxley, having regained consciousness shouted. The fighting ceased and one by one the death eaters disapparated with a pop until only Yaxley was left.
"You will regret this," the death eater said. "This is not nearly over."
"Run along Yaxley," Sirius barked. "Your master's calling you." Yaxley sent one final glare at Meredith.
"Until we meet again," he said snidely. "INCANTE INFLAMARE!" Remus watched in horror as the house caught fire.
"Bianca's in there!" Meredith shouted. Before anyone could stop her she had raced into the house.
"Meredith come back!" Remus raced after her. What could that girl be thinking? He covered his face against the smoke.
"Aguamenti!" he shouted cutting a path through the flames. The house was lost, no doubt about it. Aguamenti could not save the house, but it could buy him time to get Meredith out. If not for his enhanced wolf sense he might not have spotted her through the smoke rushing up the stairs. He quickly followed.
"Meredith!" he shouted. He found her in her room. The flames were coming closer and the bedspread was already ablaze. Bianca was screeching in terror. Meredith quickly unlocked the cage and pulled the owl out, wrapping her jacket around the owl.
"Meredith!" he shouted to her. "We have to get out of here! Take my hand!" Meredith glanced around her at the bedroom she'd lived in she was six which was now completely ablaze.
"It's too late!" Remus shouted. "It's lost." Meredith's eyes landed on the bag she had packed earlier and she quickly grabbed it. Remus grabbed her elbow and apparated out, taking Meredith and Bianca with him. He let out a groan as they landed on the grass.
"Good god, Moony!" he heard Sirius shout.
"Meredith!" Tonks shouted. Remus glanced up and realized a stray flame had caught Meredith's hair. Tonks quickly put out the flame but not before a large chunk of the beautiful red hair had been burned away leaving nothing but singes. Meredith set Bianca on the ground and reached up to touch the cinders where her hair used to be.
"Meredith your neck," Andromeda said. Remus leaned close and saw a nasty looking burn on Meredith's neck.
"Avery," he said with clenched teeth.
"Amongst other things," Meredith said weakly.
"We need to get you to the hospital," Tonks said. Meredith was not listening. She was staring up at the house. Remus followed her gaze and could not help but feel tremors of anger and sadness fill him. The house where he'd brought Meredith after he took her from the orphanage, the house where he'd watched his daughter grow into a young woman, the house which held the happiest memories of his adult life was lost in a torrent of flames. He stepped to Meredith's side and wrapped his arm around her. He was in mourning for what he had lost that day but he had to be strong for his daughter.
"What will we do now?" she said so softly he barely heard her over the roar of the flames. Sirius came up behind them and put his arms around both of them.
"First we're going to get your neck looked at," Sirius said. "Then we're going to salvage anything that can be saved and you two will move into Grimmauld place."
"Thank you Sirius," Remus said. He turned to Meredith. Bianca had flown up and was resting on Meredith's wrist. She met his eyes. Her eyes were tired and sad but no one ounce of the determination had faded.
Meredith had not wanted to go to the hospital. Sirius had joked about healers making the worst patients and while it was entirely true, it was not why Meredith had not wanted to go. This was St. Mungoes. Her work, her life. To enter it as a patient felt like just another defeat. Hadn't she had enough of that? She'd never felt so unsteady. She had nearly been killed that night. When that death eater had come after her she'd been momentarily paralyzed. All her defense against the dark arts training had failed her and all she could do was just try to block her attacker. Not since the Dementors had their icy hands around her throat had she felt such fear. The pain from the hex Avery had sent to her neck was nothing though to the pain she felt as she watched her home burn down. The house where she'd grown up, the only home she'd ever known was gone. All she had left in the world was in the duffle bag she had packed. Everything else, her bed, all her clothes, her books, her jewelry, it was gone. While she knew all those things could be replaced, the sense of security she had once known she could never get back.
"Here we are," Dora said leading her to the door of the hospital. Meredith stared at the door which was labeled EMERGENCY. Her stomach clenched. She couldn't go in there.
"Wait," Meredith said. "Not this way." She led Dora to the employee entrance. Dora gave her an odd look.
"This is my work," Meredith said firmly. "And that's how I will enter." Dora sighed.
"I can't go in this way," Dora said. "You promise me, you'll see a healer and come right back out."
"I promise," Meredith said. She turned to the door. "Meredith Lupin, signing in." Once the door had allowed her access she slipped inside and immediately found her way to the 2nd floor where she knew Parminda was working. She spotted her colleague speaking to another HIT. Parminda looked up and Meredith caught her eye, pressing her finger to her lip. She gestured to a corner. Parminda quickly made her way over to her.
"Meredith," the other healer said. "Are you all right?"
"I need your help," Meredith said. "I don't want anyone else to know I'm here." Parminda looked concerned and took her into a small room.
"What's happened?" Parminda asked once she had shut the door behind them. Meredith pulled the scarf Andromeda had loaned her away from her hair and neck.
"Oh my stars," Parminda said running her wand over Meredith's neck. "Who hit you with a stinging hex?"
"Doesn't matter," Meredith said. "Can you fix it?" Parminda bit her lip.
"Please Parminda," Meredith implored her friend. "I don't want anyone else to know that this happened. It's just too embarrassing. Please can you just put some ointment on it and let me leave." Parminda stared at her hard.
"Okay," Parminda said finally. "Wait here, keep the door closed. I'll have to go to the supply closet."
"Thanks," Meredith said gratefully. She sat still on the hospital bed as Parminda left to get the supplies she would need. With any luck she'd be able to get her wound taken care of and no one in the hospital would have to know about it. She glanced at her watch. Parminda had only be gone a few minutes but it seemed like an eternity. She'd promised Dora she would not be that long. Her hands twisted in her lap as she waited. She hated this. She hated waiting. Waiting left too much time to dwell on things. She reached up and touched her hair where a large chunk had been burned off. It was a small thing but it caused such pain in her. It would grow back. Stupid to dwell on it. Her thoughts went to her dad. They'd been arguing just before the attack. She knew he didn't want her in this battle. She understood but she just couldn't give him what he wanted now. If anything she hoped this last attack had made her dad understand, that like it or not she was in this. She jumped as the door opened. Her heart sank as rather than Parminda, a very worried looking David entered. Parminda was behind him, looking guilty.
"He cornered me in the supply closet," Parminda said quietly as she began dabbing ointment on Meredith's neck. "I had to tell him. I'm sorry."
"Not your fault," Meredith said, staring at her lap, unable to look her boyfriend in the eye. David was quiet as Parminda tended to Meredith's wounds. He gently reached up and touched her singed hair. Meredith sighed. She knew she would not be able to get out of here quickly.
"There," Parminda said as she finished bandaging Meredith's neck. "It should be completely healed in about three or four days."
"Thanks Parminda," Meredith said. She looked at David. She recognized the look in his eyes. She sighed.
"Parminda," she said. "My friend Dora is waiting for me at the employee entrance. Can you let her in and tell her I'll be a few minutes."
"Sure," Parminda said recognizing the tension in the room, she quickly excused herself. Once the door was shut she felt David's hands cup her face.
"What happened?" he asked her. "I don't see or hear from you for almost four days and when I do you're sneaking into the hospital for burn treatment and you don't want anyone to know? What's going on Meredith." Meredith stared at him.
"I can't tell you," she said. He looked stunned.
"Meredith," he said. "Why can't you tell me? I'm your boyfriend. I care about you."
She wanted to tell him. She wanted so badly to tell him. She wanted him to take her in his arms and kiss her and make her feel safe like he always did. But she couldn't. It was too dangerous. She thought about the Bones' and the McKinnons and all the other families who had been ripped apart by the first war. Voldemort knew she was against him now. He would come after her eventually. And he would not hesitate to kill anyone she cared about to get to her. She couldn't let that happen to David. She was in this, but he was not.
"It's too dangerous David," she said. She felt the white hot poker of agony stab her in the gut as she continued to speak.
"I can't see you anymore David," Meredith said. David stared at her, a mixture of shock, hurt, and sadness.
"You're breaking up with me?"
"I care about you too David," Meredith said. "But I'm in something now, I can't tell you what, but being with me means you could be hurt. I can't let you get hurt."
"Meredith, if someone's hurting you, tell me. We'll stop them." Meredith laughed.
"I wish you could David. Believe me. This is bigger than you and me. I wish I had a choice in this but I don't." David was quiet for a long moment. Meredith hated hurting him but it was the only choice. David finally sighed.
"Well, we had a good run didn't we?" he said. "It's not as though either of us had a wedding and babies in mind." Meredith pursed her lips. She could tell David was putting on a front. She knew it hurt him that she was ending things but she remained resolute.
"I'm sorry," she said placing her hand on his. David sighed and squeezed her hand.
"Listen," he said. "Whatever you involved in, just know that I'm here if you ever need me." Meredith smiled sadly.
"Thank you," she said. He stood up and gently kissed her forehead.
"Goodbye Meredith," he said. Meredith sighed sadly as she watched him leave.
"Goodbye David," she said.