May 27, 1978
May twenty-fifth found the Marauders – including Peter – and Lily and Althea inducted as official members of the Order of the Phoenix. The next day, Sirius and James began their Auror training and Remus was gone on a mission for Dumbledore (he had been gone since the twenty-first). Althea had no clue where he was or what he was doing, and it terrified her but she tried to keep from worrying too much. Lily, was doing her best to keep busy and that ended up with the two girls spending a lot of time together more often than not with Molly and Arthur Weasley (unofficial Order members) and their little ones Bill (8), Charlie (6), Percy (2), and Fred and George who were just under two months old.
Althea found that she quite liked the Weasleys; they were a nice family, if a little bit scatterbrained and eccentric. It was a shame, that they were deemed as 'blood traitors' and that their lives were in danger because neither were against Muggles (in fact, Arthur, Molly's husband had a strange fascination with them). The twenty-seventh of May, proved to be the most interesting day yet for Althea since graduating Hogwarts. Her original plan for the day had been to visit the Weasleys, and play with Percy or the twins but she ended up not going to the Weasleys because Dumbledore had Apparated into the middle of her living room scaring the daylights out of her.
Althea pressed a hand over her heart, staring at her former Headmaster warily. She trusted him; if she didn't she wouldn't have joined the Order, but his sudden appearance had startled her and she could only guess that he had some stupid mission that he wanted to send her on. Dumbledore smiled, eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles.
"Good morning Miss Morgan, I hope I did not interrupt anything important," Dumbledore said.
"You didn't," Althea assured him. Hastily she added, "Sir."
"Good, good. I apologize for my sudden appearance, but there is a rather important matter that I need your help with."
Althea arched her eyebrows, staring at him skeptically. "And what would that be?"
He smiled, "I'm glad you asked Miss Morgan. You do not have to help, if you don't want to but you were the first person I thought of." Althea only nodded. "We need safe houses for Order members. I was hoping that you'd be able to help with finding good places for a safe house, and that you would lay the protection charms."
"How many safe houses?"
"At least two."
She sighed, crossing her arms over her chest and looking down at the ground. As far as missions go, this didn't sound very dangerous but if Death Eaters found out then it would be. It was a risk, but everything involved a risk now. Plus, she felt like she needed to do her part to stop Voldemort. If setting up safe houses was the way to go then she would do it.
"I'll do it," Althea said. A smile flickered across Dumledore's face before being quickly extinguished. "Am I the only one to know about this?"
"No. Gideon and Fabian Prewett, Molly's brothers know as well," Dumbledore admitted. "You three are the only ones that know."
"Good. The less people who know the better," Althea murmured. "When do you want me to start?"
"I take it that you agree, then?" At Althea's nod Dumbledore smiled; she certainly had grown spirited since her days at Hogwarts. "As soon as you are able to. Preferably by tonight, at the latest I would say tomorrow. Is that agreeable?"
"Of course, it is," Althea said. "It doesn't matter where the safe houses are, does it?"
"No."
"Good," she hummed. She smiled, "Guess I have some work to do."
After Dumbledore left, Althea headed to her bookshelf grabbing several atlases so she could plot out the best spots for the safe houses that Dumbledore had in mind. Two wouldn't be enough, she suspected. The Order wasn't exactly a small organization, and the safe houses could maybe be used to house those who weren't in the Order too. She'd have to run that idea by Dumbledore first. Althea sketched out a map of Muggle London, deciding that she'd set up two houses there, one in Diagon Alley, and one in Dover (a city near the sea). Maybe, if there were time and a need she could establish more safe houses away from London. She put the atlases back and grabbed her paper, detailing the locations of the safe houses and the spells that she would use. Althea glanced down at her list, committing it to memory and then threw it into the fire. Tonight, she would get as many safe houses done by herself as she can.
Spinning on her heel she Apparated first to Diagon Alley. When she had been much younger, the streets had always been filled with color and laughter. Now, it was completely different. The streets weren't packed as they normally were, and everyone was quiet and sullen as they shuffled toward their destinations. Althea frowned, finding it sad and looked down at the ground brushing by Bellatrix Lestrange. She kept her head ducked, hoping that the other girl wouldn't notice her – if she did, that would spell trouble. It was a known fact that Bellatrix was a Death Eater – she hadn't exactly tried to hide it. Lightning flashed through the sky, and the rumble of thunder that followed made Althea jump and hurry toward a small, abandoned house.
Then it started to rain. She ducked into the house, keeping a watchful eye on the streets as everyone rushed to find shelter. Bellatrix remained where she had been standing for some time, a frown on her face. The older woman looked around, and when she didn't find what she was looking for she Disapparated. As soon as Bellatrix was gone, Althea sagged a relieved breath escaping her. Then she turned to the house.
"Cave inimicum!" Althea shouted, waving her wand. Protego totalum.
Her skin tingled as her magic took effect, and with a small smile she Disapparated. The first safe house in Diagon Alley was secure, at least for now. She didn't think that anyone would come near it since it was abandoned but even if they did, she had put two very powerful protection spells on them. She then Apparated to a house in Dover that belonged to Arabella Figg (a Squib and Order member). Althea placed protection spells, and Muggle-repelling spells around the house, and just as quickly as she appeared she had disappeared. She only had two more safe houses left, but those would have to wait until tomorrow. Maybe, she'd bring back-up with her.
Althea sighed, running a hand through her hair. She had Apparated to her apartment, but looking at it now it was too quiet. More than anything, she didn't want to be alone. But Remus was gone, and James and Lily weren't an option (the two couldn't be separated and when they were together they acted entirely too couple-y), so that left Sirius and Peter. She immediately abandoned the idea of visiting Peter; she didn't know him that well and something about him was suspicious to her. So that left, Sirius. Maybe, she could convince him to go with her tomorrow to do the last two safe houses. Then she shook her head. No, Sirius needed to concentrate on his Auror training.
Althea bit her lip, and then a smile crossed her face. She could go to Gideon and Fabian! Dumbledore said they knew about the safe houses, and having more than one eye could be useful. She padded into the kitchen; she'd ask them tomorrow if they'd mind helping her. If they didn't, then she'd go to Sirius and see if he would help. She just had a bad feeling about tomorrow.
The night passed rather uneventfully, and when she woke up Althea felt well-rested and ready to go spell the last two safe houses. The houses belonged to a Squib in the Order who primarily resided in the Muggle world. She had bought the two houses and graciously gave them to Dumbledore for the Order to use. Althea wrapped her arms around her middle, staring hazily at the floor. Anxiety crawled through her veins causing her stomach to toss and turn, as it clenched uncomfortably. Something bad was going to happen today; she just knew it. But she couldn't dwell on it. She had a job to do.
Slowly Althea changed her clothes, her hands going surreptitiously going to the necklace that Remus had given her around Christmas. Her fingers wrapped gently around the cool metal of the wolf pendant and for some inexplicable reason her eyes began to water. Sniffling, she wiped at her eyes with one hand, while the other tightened its grip around the necklace. Really, she knew why that she was in tears. Merlin, she missed Remus so much. Truthfully, they hadn't been apart for very long but it was jarring to go from seeing him every day to suddenly not seeing him at all. It didn't help that she didn't know if he was okay; he was surrounded by other werewolves trying to sway them from joining Voldemort and that automatically put him in danger. It hurt, not knowing if he was truly okay or not.
She inhaled shakily, letting the pendant drop to rest against the warm skin of her breastbone. She would have to worry about him later; right now, she had two more safe houses to go secure. She couldn't afford to be distracted (any more than she already was). Althea grabbed a light jacket, zipping it up and tucking her wand into one of the sleeves well within easy reach. She looked around her apartment for a moment, insuring that she hadn't forgotten anything or neglected to grab something. Then turned on her heel and with a large crack Disapparated to go find the Prewetts.
Admittedly, she wasn't very close with either Gideon or Fabian but she was close with their younger sister Molly so she was confident if she asked for their help they would readily offer it. Gideon and Fabian weren't bad people, Althea knew that, and she also knew that they were fiercely loyal especially to the Order. Althea pushed open the rickety door to Gideon's and Fabian's ramshackle house, looking around curiously. She knew that the two Purebloods could afford better accommodations than this especially in the middle of nowhere but, she thought that was exactly the point. The last place anyone (like Voldemort or his Death Eaters) would think to look for the two would be here.
"Gideon?" Althea called, walking into the living room. "Fabian?"
"Thea?" a confused voice asked, popping his head out of the kitchen. By his voice, she knew that it was Fabian. "What are you doing here?"
"I need your help," she confessed, tucking her hands into the pocket of her jeans.
The redhead's hazel eyes glimmered with interest as he strolled into the living room. "What with?" he asked, tilting his head to the side curiously.
"Safe places," Althea whispered. She looked at Fabian, "I know that Dumbledore told the two of you. And honestly, I don't feel safe in Muggle London by myself. You-Know-Who has proved he has no qualms over killing Muggles."
"It's not safe for you to go along," Fabian said with a nod. "Sure, Gideon and I will go with you. Just give us a moment. He's visiting his girly friend."
"Girly friend?" Althea smiled, "I didn't know that Gideon had a girlfriend."
A crooked smile appeared on his face, "Well, yes generally when one is at war they try to keep their private lives hidden." Althea flushed. "They haven't been together long. A few months, maybe. But they are madly in love – it's actually kind of gross." He looked at her, hazel eyes glimmering with laughter and mischief. "They aren't as gross as you and Remus, though."
The flush on her cheeks darkened, "S-Shut up Fabian."
"Nah," he shrugged. "I have mischief to create."
"You sound like James and Sirius," Althea grumbled.
"I think he'll end up taking that as a compliment," a huskier and slightly deeper voice commented. Althea whirled around coming face to face with the other redhead. "What are you doing here Thea?"
"She needs our help," Fabian said. "Well, I'm sure that she could handle it on her own but it's not safe to be alone, right Gideon?"
"Of course not," Gideon snapped, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, when are we leaving?"
"Now, if you're ready." Althea said, looking between the twins.
Fabian shrugged, and Gideon's mouth rose in a half-smile. Then they turned to Althea identical grins on their faces.
"Yeah, we can leave now." They said in unison.
She rolled her eyes, and with a crack Disapparated trusting that they would follow her. She appeared in the back of a dark alley, just beside one of the safe houses. There were two louds cracks next to her as Gideon and Fabian appeared, and she pressed a hand above her racing heart. They had scared the crap out of her. She had of course known that they would follow her, but being in Muggle London made her nervous. One would think that the Muggle world or at least being surrounded by Muggles would ease her nerves because it'd be safer, but it wasn't. It was as dangerous if not more so.
Voldemort's dislike of Muggles was well-known, and there were frequent attacks on them. Fabian wrapped an arm around her shoulders, guiding her toward the house with Gideon walking slowly beside them. For once the two redheads were silent, and all traces of their previous happy dispositions had faded being replaced by a more somber demeanor.
Gideon nudged Althea, "Nothing's going to go wrong."
At first she believed him. She had charmed the first house, making the protection spells so strong that it'd be nearly impossible for any enemies of the Order to break-in. It had been as they walking to the second house when everything suddenly went wrong. Althea screamed, ducking as a jet of green light shot over her head. If she had been standing upright it would have hit her right in the head. Her wand slid from her sleeve into her hand, as Gideon and Fabian looked around their surroundings. There were several loud cracks as they were surrounded by Death Eaters, many of whom Althea didn't recognize but some of whom she did. Bellatrix Lestrange was there, so was Antonin Dolohov, and Timothy Yaxley. Yaxley had a cocky smile on his face as he eyed the three members of the Order.
"What are two blood traitors and a Mudblood doing in London?" Bellatrix cooed. "Shouldn't you all be dead by now?"
Fabian didn't reply, at least not with a clever, witty retort. "Stupefy!"
Gideon reacted at the same time, throwing up a shield spell that barely managed to hold up against the curses and hexes the Death Eaters were sending toward the trio. Althea ducked another spell, probably meant to kill her. Of course, it had been from Yaxley.
"Alarte ascendare!" Althea shouted, flicking her wand.
Yaxley's eyes widened in surprise and a startled shout escaped his mouth as her spell tossed him high into the air. He fell to the ground with a sickening crunch, but managed to somehow wobble back to his feet even as blood trickled from his mouth and he held a broken arm to his chest. She quickly disarmed him and using a summoning charm obtained his wand, which she stuffed into her pocket. Yaxley paled, a dangerous glint flickering in his eyes but then quickly Disapparated. He knew he was useless at wandless magic. The other Death Eaters were much slower to move; Fabian and Bellatrix were still battling fiercely while the battle between Dolohov and Gideon looked to be almost over with Gideon as expected having the upper hand.
"Bombarda maxima!" Fabian shouted.
The wall behind Bellatrix exploded, caking the street in dust and rubble. Bellatrix stumbled forward, as rock fell toward and around her and with a crack Disapparated before she could be crushed by the weakening structure. After Bellatrix fled the rest of the Death Eaters soon followed suit, leaving the trio alone and exhausted. Althea leaned against Gideon, who was closest to her, wiping at her dirt stained cheek and was surprised as it stung and her hand came away with blood.
Gideon sighed, raking a hand through his red hair. "That could have gone better I think."
The sound of sirens reached their ears and they straightened up. "We better go," Althea said, grabbing onto Gideon.
He spun quickly on his heel, Fabian quickly following suit as they Disapparated. They Apparated to Lily and James's rental house, startling the couple who had been snogging on the couch. James shouted, yanking away from Lily and falling onto the floor his glasses askew on his face, while Lily gasped her cheeks blushing bright red. Her embarrassment was quickly replaced by horror and worry as she took in their appearances.
"Are you okay?" She asked, rising to her feet, an out of place frown on her normally serene features.
"Peachy," Fabian quipped sarcastically, pressing a hand to a wound his forehead and grimacing when it came back with blood. "You wouldn't mind owling Dumbledore for us would ya?"
"Sorry about him," Gideon apologized, skirting by Lily and standing in front of his twin with a concerned look on his face. "He gets cranky when he's injured."
"You would too," Fabian grumbled as he narrowed his eyes.
Lily looked away from the two of them, her lips twitching with amusement. "Are you okay Thea?"
The girl jerked, as if started that she was being addressed and then after a moment she nodded. She wrapped her arms around her middle, watching hazily as Lily tended to the wounds of Gideon and Fabian while James owled Dumbledore and the other members of the Order. She didn't react when Dumbledore Apparated into the living room, or as the other members of the Order arrived. Instead she slunk toward the small window, quiet as a church mouse and an apathetic expression on her face. Sirius, of course being observant as he was, waved off James's words and approached Althea. The two had of course been friends but they had never grown quite as close as she was with Lily, so to find him suddenly approaching her after breaking a conversation with his best friend startled her a bit.
"Are you okay, Thea?" Sirius asked, dark eyes brimming with concern.
"Yeah," she croaked, voice hoarse. She blinked then tried again, "Yeah. I'm fine, Sirius."
"Good. If you weren't I think Moony might kill someone," he smiled trying to ease the tension in the room.
Althea's lips twitched but she didn't smile. "Maybe. If he ever comes back."
"He's going to come Thea, you don't need to worry about that," Sirius assured her, wrapping an arm around her. "He wouldn't just up and leave you. He loves you."
She didn't answer. She didn't feel the need to; she knew that Remus loved her, she didn't doubt that for a second. But she also knew that right now the Order came first, and for the time being she wouldn't be his primary concern. That was fine with her, because Voldemort needed to be stopped. That however, didn't mean that she had to like it.
Sirius sighed, "Thea, you know that don't you?" Apparently, he had taken her silence as a bad thing.
"Of course, I do Sirius, I'm not daft," Althea snapped.
Sirius grinned, ruffling her hair. "Good. Cause you're the best thing that's ever happened to Remus, aside from him becoming friends with me."
Althea rolled her eyes, while a different voice said, "I think I'd like to disagree with that Padfoot."
Her heart jumped, and she peered around Siriu's bulkier frame to see one Remus Lupin standing there near the doorway. He looked a little worse for wear with bags underneath his eyes, and a few scratches on his cheeks but that didn't matter to her because he was here. Althea shot toward him, wrapping her arms around his waist and he chuckled returning the embrace and dropping a kiss to the top of her head while Sirius groaned that they were entirely too cute and he might get cavities. Althea didn't answer, too preoccupied with the fact that Remus was here.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, voice muffled against his chest.
"Dumbledore told me what had happened," Remus answered his voice near a whisper. "I got here as soon as I was able, and in light of what happened he also made me put my mission on hold." His arms tightened around her, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," she answered. "Dirty and I have a cut on my face, but other than that I'm okay."
Remus pushed her away from him. "Tergeo," he mumbled. His eyes fell to the cut on her cheek, "Episkey."
The cut sealed up and Remus drew her back into his arms, unconsciously curling his body around hers as if trying to shield her from something. Althea smiled, happily curving her body toward him as she rested her head over Remus's chest, his heart steadily pounding in her ear.
"Hey, Remus, I think we all need to go on a vacation," Sirius said loudly, a grin on his face that had Althea rolling her eyes.
"Now?" Remus sighed. "Honestly, Padfoot this isn't the best time."
Sirius pouted. "But vacations are fun! And it looks like your girly-friend needs one."
"Sirius, be logical. We are in the midst of a wizarding war, and you think it's a good idea to go on vacation?"
"Well when you put it that way, yes."
This chapter is one of my longest chapters, so I hope you enjoy it. There is also a little foreshadowing to a future event which I'm wondering if anyone would notice. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and feel free to leave a review.