Before the Storm

Chapter 47

Harry inspected the heavy locket in his hands. So this was it – this was the locket that contained a fraction of Voldemort's soul.

He tried to prise it open, but it remained firmly shut. He pulled out his wand and tried Aberto and Alohomora, but nothing worked. Well, it wasn't necessary to open the locket to destroy it beyond repair. He placed it on the floor and tried 'Incendio'.

The metal did not even tarnish.

He tried every spell, jinx, and hex he knew, but nothing seemed to produce any sort of damage on the shiny gold surface, let alone the locket. Maybe he should ask Sirius for a way to destroy this thing.

He slipped it into his pocket, wondering what Sirius was doing. He could have followed him, but he knew Sirius had needed to be alone right then.

He looked around Regulus' room, hoping to find something, exactly what, he wasn't sure. How had Regulus found out that Voldemort had hid his soul in the locket? Dumbledore had told him that Voldemort would never have divulged it to anyone, not even his closest Death Eaters. Regulus must have been exceptionally brilliant at such a young age.

The belongings in the room gave an idea of what sort of a boy Regulus might have been. He had definitely been fond of Quidditch. Harry guessed he had played Seeker and there were several books about Quidditch including a very early edition of Quidditch Through The Ages and several more about the Appleby Arrows, which seemed to be Regulus' favourite team. Harry spent a significant time going through the books about the Arrows before he remembered what he had been doing.

More books on Transfiguration surfaced from the depths of the drawers, and under a pile of old robes under the dusty bed was a box with the same neat lettering as on the door: Property of Regulus Black. DO NOT TOUCH.

He couldn't help but snort at Regulus' pretentious writing. The revelation from Kreacher had completely changed his opinion on Regulus as a person, from being the Death Eater-brother of Sirius to one of the most courageous boys Harry knew of.

He pulled out the box and blew off the dust when the sound of the front door opening echoed faintly through the silent house. Abandoning the box, he stood up and rushed out of the room, sure it could only be his godfather.

Harry had had no idea how much his brother had meant to Sirius, for he had never spoken to him about his family, other than the brief introduction Sirius had given him on the first day he had set foot into this house.

He didn't know how he was to approach him – he had no clue on how to comfort someone, always having been the one needing comfort that was seldom provided.

He did know that Sirius always held him close during the few days after their visit to his parents' grave and he had found some semblance of peace in Sirius' embrace just three nights ago, when he had learnt of Dumbledore's death.

Harry thundered down the stairs calling out, "Sirius?"

What Harry saw instead was a flash of black robes disappearing behind the door that was slammed shut again, as if someone was hurrying out.

"Sirius, wait!"

Harry reached for the front door, pushing it open, and he froze in shock.

It wasn't Sirius but Snape, who was glancing behind him as he tried to run away.

"You!" shouted Harry, pulling out his wand and firing several Stunning Spells in quick succession, rage coursing through him in mere seconds at the sight of his loathsome face.

Snape had already deflected them and Disapparated the next instant.

"Harry!" yelled Sirius from afar, running as fast as he could towards him without slipping on the wet road.

"It was Snape! He was—"

"I saw him," interjected Sirius quickly, gripping Harry's arm. "Let's get out of here."

They arrived on the grounds outside Potter Manor and they hurried inside. Once they were safe, Sirius turned to look at Harry apologetically. "I shouldn't have left you there alone," said Sirius, pushing his sopping wet hair away from his eyes. "That was too bloody close."

Harry slumped into the sofa. "I think he was trying to get into the building. I called out your name, thinking it was you, but I apparently alerted him because he rushed out immediately."

"We can't use Number Twelve for Headquarters anymore," said Sirius, pacing on the carpeted floor. "With Dumbledore dead, it makes every one of us, including Snivellus, a Secret-Keeper."

"Why do you think he was there?" asked Harry curiously.

"He can't have known we were there at that time," said Sirius, thinking out loud. "And it looks like he didn't attack you, even though he could have," he added with a shudder.

"Everyone in the Wizarding World attended Dumbledore's funeral," said Harry. "He must have thought Headquarters would be empty. But why would he try to get in when there's nobody inside? Are you sure the Order isn't hiding some sort of weapon that Snape might try to get his hands on?" asked Harry snidely, which made Sirius sigh.

"You know I wouldn't keep anything from you on purpose," said Sirius, gesturing Harry to scoot aside and sitting down on the couch.

"Technically, you did keep the prophecy from me," pointed out Harry, "on purpose."

"I tried to convince Dumbledore that we had to tell you, believe me," said Sirius. "He wouldn't hear of it. Said you were a child and you needed to be kept away from the fight. I couldn't disagree with that."

Harry grew melancholy again thinking of Dumbledore, who had allowed Harry in on the knowledge of finishing Voldemort just the year after. He was warmed that Dumbledore had changed his mind and trusted Harry with the job even though he had no idea where to even begin searching for the Horcruxes besides the locket.

Which reminded him... He pulled out the locket and showed it to Sirius, whose face darkened at the sight.

"We need to find a way to destroy it," said Harry, avoiding mentioning Regulus for fear of upsetting Sirius. "I've tried everything I know of, but nothing works."

Sirius tried a few more complicated spells of his own to no avail. Harry could tell he was not at all interested or in the mood for it.

"Why don't we deal with this later?" said Sirius tiredly. Harry nodded in understanding and Sirius took the locket, intending to keep it in a safe place until they could deal with it.

They traipsed up the stairs and entered Harry's grandfather's study. Sirius kept it inside a drawer, but didn't use any magic to lock it. "Magic leaves traces. Sometimes it's better to hide things without magical means."

Harry was reminded of Dumbledore's words and he could understand what Sirius meant after having seen the magic of the cave.

"It's getting late," said Sirius. "Eat your dinner before you sleep."

"But, aren't you also—"

"I'm not hungry," said Sirius in a low voice, turning towards the door.

Harry stared at him, at a loss for words. He reached Sirius in two strides and hugged him.

"I don't know how to help you," mumbled Harry before breaking away from him.

Sirius smiled wanly. "You already are."

Harry nodded and Sirius squeezed the back of his neck comfortingly before leaving the room. Harry watched him leave and decided to head downstairs. He was at the door when a prickling sensation on the back of his neck made him turn around. His eyes involuntarily fell upon the drawer in which Sirius had kept the locket before he shut the door and left the room.

oOo

Tuesday, June 17

WHO IS THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX?

By Darius Deighton

The Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, has announced that an entire team of high-level Aurors have been assigned with the task of investigating the recent death and possible murder of Albus Dumbledore, late Headmaster of Hogwarts, Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.

Patrick Proudfoot, one of the senior-most Aurors, was part of the assigned Security team outside Hogwarts. He has given first-hand information to the Daily Prophet about the infiltration of the Death Eaters using a secret tunnel into Hogwarts by one of its own students, Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy, a Death Eater currently serving his time in Azkaban.

The only eyewitness to Dumbledore's murder was our Chosen One, Harry Potter, who is currently not available for any information.

His godfather, Sirius Black, agreed to speak on his godson's behalf and explained the events surrounding the assassination of Dumbledore by the hands of Hogwarts' own teacher, Severus Snape, who is now revealed to be a Death Eater and on the run. (The Full Mystery of Albus Dumbledore's Death Explained – Pg. 2)

More importantly, some of our readers are questioning the presence of three people who were not part of the Ministry-assigned Security team – Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody. While the public are grateful that they fought for the protection of our children in Hogwarts, we at the Daily Prophet have done some research on why these three specific people were present in Hogwarts on the night of June 12.

A little digging on our part has unearthed information about a secret organization, the Order of the Phoenix, which was founded by none other than the late Albus Dumbledore during the last war. This group, unauthorized by the Ministry, has been on the forefront of the fight against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, albeit secretively, rallying wizards and witches to their side to join the fight against the Death Eaters.

"This is welcome news," said a Ministry official who wished to remain anonymous. "Our minister is clearly not capable of handling the crisis that we are facing. We need more people joining this Order. They are doing much better against the Death Eaters than the Ministry."

Not all are appreciative of the efforts of this vigilante organization. "This is blatant undermining of authority," says Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. "The Ministry doesn't need interfering individuals and werewolves thinking they can do whatever they want, no matter how good their cause."

Our reporter learnt from a Ministry insider that this organization was also part of the scuffle in the Department of Mysteries surrounding the mysterious prophecy about Harry Potter last June, during which the three aforementioned parties were also present.

A trusted source revealed to us that one Dedalus Diggle and Elphias Doge are the only other living members of the previous Order sixteen years ago and can be assumed to be active members currently also. (The Fate of the First Order of the Phoenix and its members on Pg. 6)

Whether they are government-authorized or not, we can sleep a little safer with selfless people like them fighting against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Sirius looked up from that day's Daily Prophet at a disgruntled Mad-Eye, who had shown him the front page as soon as he had arrived.

"What does it matter?" asked Sirius. "The Order may be a secret organization but the Death Eaters surely know about us."

"Are you thick, Sirius?" said Tonks, with a raised eyebrow. "With the public knowing about the Order, it's only a matter of time until they start digging around for the names of the other members."

Moody nodded at Tonks approvingly, "Which makes it harder for us to recruit new members, let alone keep them."

"New members?" said Remus, looking drawn out and ill with the full moon around the corner. "We haven't increased in number for a year."

"Percy has expressed an interest in joining," said Bill, a smile gracing his handsome face. "I never thought I'd see the day he would willingly want to join a 'vigilante' organization."

Charlie, Fred, and George burst out laughing.

"Well, besides Percy," continued Remus, "I don't see who would want to join us."

"I agree," said Fred with a dramatic sigh. "The pay's terrible."

"What pay?" murmured Lee.

"And taking into consideration the odd working hours and no job security," said George, continuing in the same tone of voice as his brother's, "it's a miracle we have twenty-odd members willingly volunteering."

Everyone was laughing by the time Kingsley and Arthur joined the gathering in Doge's house. Sirius had immediately warned the entire Order of Snape's attempt to get inside Number Twelve. They had decided to use Elphias Doge's house for the time being, as it was the only one that could accommodate all of them.

"The Minister is really put out by the article on the front page," said Kingsley, taking a seat at the dining table. "He's ordered us to investigate who else is in the Order."

"That's very convenient for us," said Catherine, looking relieved. "You can give them false leads, like you did for Sirius."

"It's not that simple," said Kingsley, shaking his head.

"Who is this 'trusted source' that the Daily Prophet says they've talked to?" asked Sirius.

"It's Mundungus," said Kingsley with a grimace. "He let slip in Azkaban that he's part of a secret organization to a guard who leaked the news to the Daily Prophet. I'm guessing the guard was bribed to get more information out of Mundungus, which explains how the names of members of the Original Order are well-known by now."

"The guard must have used Veritaserum," said Fred. "Mundungus isn't one for disloyalty."

"Thank goodness you Obliviated him when you did, Sirius," said Arthur. "We'd all have been exposed by now if Dumbledore hadn't suggested it."

They lapsed into silence in honour of Dumbledore, and it took a loud yell from George to disrupt the sombre atmosphere. Apparently, he had been having a Golden Snidget in his pocket, and the poor bird had pierced his chest with its sharp beak.

Everyone surrounded Fred and George, clamouring to get a look at the rare bird, when Sirius turned to Dedalus. "Where's Hestia? Shouldn't she be back from work by now?"

"Didn't she tell you?" said Dedalus. "Hestia's gone to visit her sister in Sussex. She said she'd need some time after that werewolf attack."

"It was my fault for taking her in the first place," admitted Sirius for probably the hundredth time. He still blamed himself for her injury. If only he had alerted some of the Order instead of going inside that pub…

"Don't bother, Sirius," said Dedalus, waving away his apology. "What's done is done. It was no one's fault but Greyback's."

Dedalus frowned in disgust at the name of the werewolf. He sighed and mumbled to himself, "She was truly traumatized, my Hestia. She doesn't need any more of that in her life. She's had enough already…"

Sirius' eyebrows knitted in worry. "What do you mean?"

Dedalus looked up, eyes widening just a fraction. "Oh, it's nothing. I – I shouldn't..."

"What's happened to her before, Dedalus?" pressed Sirius.

Dedalus looked upset, pursing his lips as if trying hard to keep from revealing anything to Sirius. He adjusted his top hat before speaking. "It's not my place to tell, dear boy."

When Sirius was about to open his mouth again, Dedalus interjected, "She's like my daughter, Sirius. I would never give away her secrets."

"I wasn't going to ask you that," said Sirius, shaking his head. "I do understand."

"Please don't question her," said Dedalus in a low voice. "If she thinks you need to know, you will know it from her."

Sirius nodded and watched Dedalus move towards Doge, wondering what it was that had traumatized Hestia in her life before. She seemed perfectly fine to him; she had never exhibited anything from her behaviour that could indicate otherwise.

Was it that wayward fiancé of hers that had done something to her? But it didn't seem plausible to him for some reason. The man ran off, but they had been in love for Merlin's sake, enough for him to propose to her, before whatever illness afflicted his mind to leave sweet Hestia. Nothing else but him having gotten a screw loose in his head explained his elopement.

oOo

"I won't bite," whispered Greyback hoarsely. He pushed his lips to hers, biting down forcefully and drawing blood. She could feel the warm liquid trickling down her chin. Her heart was pumping fast; she felt faint. He was biting her! And he was a werewolf for Merlin's sake!

She tried with all her might to push him away, but he had the upper hand with her hands in his powerful grip.

Hestia's vision blurred and she swayed on the spot. She felt him draw back for breath and all she saw was a charming boy in front of her instead, with brown hair and blue eyes that were darker than hers.

"I love you," she heard herself saying.

"You know I do too," he said with a grin, placing a hand on her very pregnant belly. She could sense something was off in the way he said it. She had a feeling she ought to know he was lying.

White fog enveloped her vision again, but a few seconds later, she could feel a deep throbbing pain in her stomach. Her heart rate quickened. What was happening? Where was he?

She called out his name, but there was no sound but her own anguished groans of pain. She couldn't stand; her legs felt weak but also like lead. Something was very wrong.

What was happening to her baby? She prayed her baby would be safe, please let her be safe, please…

But the pain was so intense that she collapsed on the floor, feeling her robes get wet. Her panic mounted and she screamed for her mum, for her sister, to please help her. There was a piercing, sharp feeling below her belly, and she began to sob, for she knew something was seriously wrong…

"Mum! Demi! Help, help…" she said, her voice cracking at the end.

Someone was shaking her vigorously. "Hestia! Hestia! Wake up!"

Hestia's eyes snapped open and she gasped for breath. It took a moment to look at her sister in a dressing robe to know that she had only been dreaming after all.

Hestia closed her eyes in relief and was aware of the warm wetness inside her eyes. She tried to hold herself back, hoping the tears in her eyes would not spill.

"Are you okay?" asked Demetra with a frown.

Hestia nodded wordlessly and opened her eyes. It was clear that Demetra didn't believe her.

"It's almost time for breakfast anyway," said Demetra, gesturing her to follow before walking outside of the small guest bedroom. Hestia saw a thin streak of sunlight penetrating through the foggy clouds outside her window. Deciding that her sister was right, she threw on a dressing gown and followed her to the kitchen area.

Hestia sat atop a stool beside the counter, accepting gratefully the cup of tea that Demetra pushed towards her.

"It wasn't about…her. Was it?" asked Demetra reluctantly. Her face was etched with sympathy when Hestia nodded.

"You know, maybe you should get some help," suggested Demi tentatively.

"I don't need help," said Hestia immediately. "It's just because I was scared after having talked to you about Greyback last night. It's been ages since I got nightmares about her."

"It's not just the nightmares. This has affected you more than you know."

"How?" asked Hestia, hurrying to add, "And don't say that I have no romantic life of my own as your only reason."

"But it's true," said Demetra dolefully. "You'll be thirty-two in a few days, and I see almost no hint that you ever plan to find someone and settle down."

"I am settled down," argued Hestia. "I have a good job and…and…"

"And that's it," finished Demetra, nodding sagely. Hestia was always annoyed when her younger sister played the mature card.

"Gwenog isn't settling anytime too and you're always fine with her," pointed out Hestia.

"Because sweetie," said the sleepy voice of Gwen, who entered the kitchen, "I love my job and you just don't."

"I do love my job," said Hestia hotly. But Gwen simply yawned loudly, irritating her in the process.

"Face it, sis," said Demi, her lips pulling down. "You hate your job."

"Or possibly, her job hates her," said Gwen grinning. "You've never been promoted in seven years."

"You haven't been promoted in that long either," said Hestia, not giving in without a fight.

"I'm the Captain of my team," said Gwen proudly. "It doesn't get much better than that."

Demi high-fived Gwen, leaving Hestia to sulk in the corner.

Oh, who was she kidding? She did despise her job, but not enough to loathe it. Could she imagine herself doing this job forever? Maybe. It would be a boring life, but it wouldn't be too bad.

A small part of her gave a long-suffering sigh to even think about that path ahead.

There was a tapping sound on the window and Demi opened it to let the owl in. She paid for that day's newspaper and the owl took off.

"...You should consider a change of job. Right, Demi?" Gwen turned to look at Demetra, but she didn't reply as she was busy scanning through an article so fast, her eyes were racing from left to right. Gwen went up to Demi and took one look at the paper before asking loudly, "Who is the Order of the Phoenix?"

Hestia was certain her stomach had flipped.

Gwen's eyes widened at the sight of Hestia's expression. "Do you know them? You do, don't you?"

"No," said Hestia quickly.

"But you looked like you did," said Gwen, looking at her curiously. "How could you know anyway?"

Hestia opened her mouth, but she was shocked when Demi answered, "Because of Dedalus."

Demetra looked worried and Hestia did too when she realized she should not have known that.

"Show me the paper," said Hestia. Demetra laid it on the counter and Hestia joined her cousin, Gwen, reading the article.

"Sirius Black is in the Order?" wondered Gwen aloud. "Can this man be more exciting?"

Hestia bit her lip to keep from commenting and continued to read the article. She was worried because Dedalus' name was now publicly associated with the Order along with Doge. If You-Know-Who hadn't known then, he surely did now.

"How come Dedalus never told us he was in this Order?" said Demi with a skeptical look on her face.

"You knew about this, didn't you?" said Gwen, rounding on Hestia. "I saw it on your face."

Seeing no point in lying, Hestia conceded, "It's because I am in the Order."

Gwen's eyes widened. "It really does exist?"

"Of course it does," said Hestia. "That's why I'm visiting the both of you out of the blue. We need more members."

Demi began to laugh like Hestia had said something mental. Gwen, the oldest of them all, looked at Demi disapprovingly and the latter tried to rein in her mirth.

"What? You believe this hogwash?" said Demi, amidst hiccups of laughter. "Secret organisation! Ha! It sounds like something out of a book."

"It is true," said Hestia in an irritated voice. "I've been part of it for nearly two years now. Dedalus introduced me to them."

"Why would Dedalus not tell me then?" scoffed Demetra.

It was Gwen who beat Hestia to the reply in a quiet voice much unlike her usual boisterous one. "Because you have children – a family of your own – which means you'll have more to lose."

That shut Demi up and plunged them into silence.

Hestia spoke tentatively, "I never thought of that. I planned to ask both of you to join us. Derek too," she added, referring to Demi's husband.

"No," said Gwen firmly. "Demi won't be joining."

Gwen glanced at Demi as if for confirmation, who nodded, still looking a bit confused.

Hestia turned to Gwen. "Then would you—"

"No."

"Why not?" said Hestia. "We need more people on our side. We're fighting for the freedom of everyone, including yours."

"I can't," said Gwen. "Not to sound arrogant, but I'm too famous. There is no way I can keep down a secret like that. I'm sorry, Estie," added Gwen quickly when Hestia looked to argue. "But I have too many practice sessions with my team to help you with this."

Hestia was thoroughly put out. This was not going the way she had intended at all. It was no surprise Gwen was choosing Quidditch over this. She was absolutely crazy when it came to Quidditch. Hestia could understand that, but to not even consider helping them in a war didn't sit well with her. If her own family were dead set against joining, she wondered how in Merlin's name they were to recruit more members.

"Mama, I'm hungry," said a sweet, little voice, breaking Hestia's train of thoughts.

"Sit down with your Aunt here, sweet pea," said Demi to her daughter. "Mama will get you breakfast right up."

The five-year-old climbed up onto Hestia's lap and snuggled into her. Hestia smiled at her niece. "Did you sleep well, Di?"

"Mm-hmm," nodded Di against her chest, eyes already closed as she fell asleep in her embrace. Hestia kissed her favourite niece's head and held her close, rocking her unconsciously.

"Di and Alex are very much looking forward to playing Quidditch with you both this evening," said Demi with a smile.

"How did you get your little Ravenclaws to get their heads out of their books?" remarked Gwen jokingly.

"I can't stay," said Hestia, gently stroking her niece's head.

"What? You said you would stay till the weekend," said Demetra.

"I know," nodded Hestia. "But there's no point staying here now that I know you both won't be joining after all. There's work to do."

The lump on her lap wriggled to get a good view of her face. "No, please stay, Auntie Estie. I'll give you my Pygmy Puff."

Hestia smiled apologetically. "I would love to stay darling, but Auntie has work to do."

"Please?"

Hestia felt her heart clench at her niece's angelic face, but she remained firm. "I'll come by another day, okay?"

Di nodded after a moment of indecision and threw herself onto Hestia, hugging her tightly.

"I can't believe this," said Gwen, staring at Hestia. "You could never turn down Di when she turned on her puppy eyes! Something's up with you!"

"Nothing's up with me," said Hestia honestly. "I'm just busy."

"Busy with what? Or should I say, whom?"

Demi choked on her tea and spluttered. Hestia merely laughed. "Is it that hard to believe that I'm genuinely busy?"

"Yes," chorused Demi and Gwen, as if it was obvious.

"Tell me the truth," said Gwen. "Are you seeing someone?"

"No, I'm not," said Hestia calmly.

"So you fancy someone," stated Gwen.

"I don't—fancy–," mumbled Hestia, her voice getting caught in her throat.

Demi squealed in delight, jerking awake the child in Hestia's arms, who stuck both her fingers in her ears. Demi ignored her daughter. "Who is it? Is it someone we know?"

There was no way Hestia was answering the truth to Gwen, of all people, so she shook her head mutely.

"Great!" said Gwen. "What's his name?"

Hestia would rather hex herself than answer that. "I've got to be going," she said hurriedly, placing little Di on the stool and walking up to her room. She took her wand from the bedside table and packed her bags with a sweep of her wand.

"Come on, tell me. It's unbelievable someone even caught your fancy," said Gwen, leaning against the doorframe casually.

Hestia refused to reply and walked past Gwen to the kitchen again, with her duffle floating behind her. Gwen hurried to catch up with her.

"It's not important because I don't think he would ever see me that way," said Hestia, bending to kiss her niece.

"You've got to do something about it, Estie," said Demetra. "I know you. You'll never open up to someone on your own, ever. That's not always going to help you. What if this person actually likes you and thinks you're the one who's not interested?"

Hestia could hardly believe that was possible. "Then we'll go on our separate ways," she said simply.

"And that's okay? Are you mental?" shrieked Demi.

"What's stopping you?" asked Gwen. "Is he already in a relationship?"

"No," said Hestia.

"Is he someone you work with?"

"Yes," said Hestia, catching herself by surprise. She had never meant to reveal that.

Gwen was smug about the fact that she had caught her bait. "Someone in your office, huh?" she smirked. Hestia sighed in relief at the fact that Gwen had misunderstood.

"Yes, now I'll be going," said Hestia, turning to leave.

"Someone's very eager to see him at work," grinned Demi. "Is he good-looking?"

"How would you rate him on his looks?" asked Gwen, crossing her hands on top of the counter. "Not as good as Sirius Black? Or better than him? Which, I reckon, is just not possible."

Hestia felt her cheeks glow. "Better," she said, faking a cough to hide her smile.

She Disapparated as soon as she heard her sister and cousin squeal in delight.

oOo

A/N: I am so very grateful to my lovely beta evadnekapaneos. The amount of effort she puts in is very remarkable. A big thank you for taking the time to help me :)

Until next time.