"There you are, darling," said Harry, as he sat down at the booth across from Ginny. "You look lovely tonight."
"I just came from a meeting," said Ginny, putting down her mobile. "Otherwise I wouldn't be so dressed up."
"Did you get in touch with Chessa or Gornie?" asked Harry.
"No, but I did get to talk to Cedric," said Ginny, as Harry shook his head. "He can let the elves know what's happening."
"Glad to know that our eight-year-old son has everything under control," said Harry.
The pub was buzzing with patrons, laughing and drinking pints of beers. Other than some of the faces in the pub, it was still the same place Harry visited all those years ago with Hagrid prior to his first year at Hogwarts. Everyone knew that hidden underneath the warm atmosphere, the Leaky Cauldron was also known for it's covert rendezvous and meetings. It was a place known for keeping secrets within its Medieval wooden walls. For Harry, it was an ideal place for him to discuss an important issue with the most important people in his life.
"How was work?" asked Ginny, checking her phone once more in case Cedric had texted her that the house was on fire.
"I wish I could tell you," said Harry, sipping his beer.
"You can," nudged Ginny. "You basically tell me everything already."
"I'm waiting for the right time," responded Harry. Ginny raised her eyebrow, but before she could respond she saw Ron and Hermione entering the pub. Harry turned to face the pub's entrance and waved them down. Although she was happy to see them, Ginny was also surprised as she was under the impression that tonight would be just her and Harry.
"Did you invite them?" asked Ginny, with Harry simply shrugging his shoulders.
"Well, this is a nice surprise," said Hermione as she sat next to Ginny. "We weren't expecting you, Ginny."
"Same," said Ginny, glaring at Harry, who remained unperturbed by Ginny's frustration.
"She's with Mum and Dad," said Ron. "They're watching her at our flat."
"Harry, what's going on?" asked Ginny, getting irritated at the thought of being the last to know what was going on.
"There are a couple of things I need to talk to you all about," said Harry. "I figured to less you knew beforehand, the better."
"Well, ten points from Gryffindor for the idea!" huffed Ginny. "Harry, what's so important that you need to be so secretive?"
"I'll start with Hermione," said Harry. Ginny looked at Hermione, who looked like a teenager who had been caught sneaking out of Hogwarts at night.
"Well?" asked Ginny, slightly exasperated by her husband's antics.
"I'm pregnant," said Hermione, taking a deep breath before revealing the news. Ginny's blue eyes grew large and her mouth dropped open. When she turned to Ron, Ron shook his head to confirm the news.
"Oh, 'Mione," said Ginny, grabbing Hermione's hands. "That's wonderful! Wait, Harry, did you already know about this?"
"I had a hunch," said Harry. "I saw her dart to the toilet at the Ministry. I didn't want to assume anything, but when I called Ron,he confirmed it with me..."
"Can I get you lot anything to eat or drink?" asked a barmaid. Ginny continued to look both amazed and confused at the news as the barmaid took their orders.
"Wow," said Ginny, finally responsive after the barmaid left. "I can't believe it."
"Neither can we," said Hermione. "But, here we are."
"Here we are," chimed Ron, grinning ear to ear.
"Have you told Mum?" asked Ginny, as the barmaid returned with their drinks.
"Not yet," said Ron, taking . "We'll probably tell them tonight when we get back."
"Here's to you two," said Harry, raising his glass to Hermione and Ron. "You two are bloody brilliant parents, so number four is going to be very loved."
"Thanks, Harry," smiled Ron. The evening went by with Ginny and Hermione discussing her pregnancy as well as stories of their children adjusting to new siblings. Soon the group ordered supper and once they were done eating, there was a round of firewhiskey for Ron and Harry, with Ginny and Hermione sticking to pumpkin juice. Despite Ginny's initial surprise at seeing Ron and Hermione, she was glad for the company.
"So," said Harry. "There's another reason why I wanted to meet up tonight."
"What it is, Harry?" asked Ron, finishing the last of his pie and mash. Harry inhaled deeply, preparing himself for the news he was about to reveal to the table.
"I know things have been slow this past month for the Aurors," said Harry. "However I suspect something more troubling is on the horizon. Something as troubling as what we saw at the Battle of Hogwarts during the Voldemort Reign."
"Harry," said Ginny, trying not to let fear creep over her. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, Gin," said Harry, trying to stay calm and collected. "We need to reunite the Order."
At that statement, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny sat back in their seats in perfect synchronization. Truthfully, none of them wanted to remember that battle as it marked the end of their childhood. The thought of their own children being involved in a battle like the one at Hogwarts filled them with fear and dread. Suddenly, Ron slammed his fist down on the old table in frustration and made a thud that was loud enough to silence the pub temporarily. Once Harry cleared his throat, then the noise came back.
"Ronald!" scolded Hermione. "What was that about?"
"We agreed," said Ron, his voice trembling. "That the Order would only be called if there was one-hundred percent certainty that we faced the same threat again."
"And I'm telling you, Ron, we are facing that same threat," said Harry. "After all those arrests we made at Dover Street, more people are going to retaliate and the Ministry is going to be divided."
"Harry," argued Ron. "If we call the Order, we are placing our families in danger."
"I know," said Harry. "But if we don't act now, more families will be placed in danger, and it's the Order's job to protect these families."
"But the Ministry," said Hermione. "Surely, you and I could have some sway, and Kingsley..."
"Hermione," said Ginny, catching on with Harry's plan. "Why do you think the Order was started?"
"To step in where the Ministry couldn't," said Hermione.
The four of them sat in silence at the terrible realization. The worst part was that they could not predict when all of this would happen. What did they know, and what they silently agreed on, was that the Order of Phoenix had to and was going to return.