J K Rowling owns all the rights to the books and the amazing characters she created. I write only to satisfy my imagination and use my creativity and make no money from my writings.

Chapter 5 – Christmas Dinner

It was soon noticed at St. Mungo's that Harry had disappeared almost immediately after he arrived. It was announced that he was kidnapped and eventually the Ministry would have to be notified but a "believable" story had already been prepared in advance.

It would be ironic but Molly Weasley would be blamed for Potter's disappearance and presumed kidnapping. Her screeching and loud threat concerning Potter had been heard by many at Hogwarts, including nearly all of the staff. Minerva McGonagall would admit that she had sent a warning message to Pomfrey telling her to take Potter to a place of safety due to the vengeful witch's threats and she had, their arrival at St. Mungo's had been witnessed and recorded but then Potter had just disappeared.

Since he didn't have a wand and was only wearing Infirmary pajamas it wasn't as if he could have run away on his own. For Merlin's sakes the boy wasn't even wearing any form of shoes or Infirmary-issued slippers.

Pandemonium broke out, the press had a field day and many theories were circulating. Fudge was going crazy, Dumbledore was furious and issuing orders right and left and Snape was soon worn to a frazzle due to going back and forth doing Dumbledore's assignments while having to keep Voldemort constantly updated.

No one knew where the kid was and it would stay that way. After about a week it was noticed that Neville Longbottom was missing. He hadn't been seen since Pomfrey had dismissed him from the Infirmary and he started making his way back to Gryffindor Tower. Luna Lovegood recalled seeing him and asking what had happened to him as did a few lower year Hufflepuffs who Neville tutored in Herbology.

From what could be pieced together, after his brief chat with the Hufflepuffs, who he told he was going back to Gryffindor Tower, he had not been seen again. Apparently he had never arrived at the Tower and even the portraits hadn't noticed him.

This was just another mystery to add to the ever growing list of the "disasters of 1995" and fear was quickly spreading through the school. Then Raisa Webbich, a rather nasty Ravenclaw 7th year and her best friend, 6th year Slytherin Mariah Waverly also disappeared. There was no reason why these two girls should suddenly disappear without trace – except for the fact that they were terrible bullies who had caused a lot of pain to many younger years during their time at Hogwarts, but no one really cared or thought that could possibly be the reason.

Fudge took the opportunity to discredit Dumbledore blaming him for all the deaths, disappearances and disasters and he did have a point. Dumbledore had done too many things to make Harry Potter's life a living hell and it was Harry Potter who was responsible for all the things happening at Hogwarts but no one knew that.

Sirius Black had sobered up enough to find out his "beloved godson" had been kidnapped or something like that. This was due to Molly Weasley having to flee for her life and hide out at Grimmauld Place until things cooled down. She was wanted for questioning regarding Potter's disappearance and Fudge was "looking for her" and not even her own husband knew where she was. This last fact was due to Dumbledore obliviating the existence of Grimmauld Place from Arthur's and the Twins' minds.

But Sirius' perpetual hangover and Molly's big mouth were not getting along. Kreacher would eventually gleefully report back all of the many fights between wizard and witch and one time they had actually started dueling and only the fact that Tonks had been staying at Grimmauld Place had saved them from killing each other - yet.

A joyful Kreacher couldn't wait for THE FINAL FIGHT wherein he was certain that one of them would kill the other and he didn't care which one it was. The other one would get in trouble and hopefully (but it was doubtful) Dumbledore would punish the "winner" for killing the loser.

It happened during the Christmas holiday when the Order of the Phoenix members assembled at Grimmauld Place to celebrate the holiday and have numerous meetings. Since the Black fortune was providing the Order with all its food and drink, Molly Weasley went all out and had ordered only top of the line food and drink.

She spent her days cooking and mostly staying in the kitchen which she had claimed as her personal domain. Several people dined at Grimmauld Place every day and not just because they were moochers like Mundungus Fletcher. Ever since Remus had died and Harry went missing, Sirius had sunk into such a depression that Dumbledore decided it would be best if Molly stopped antagonizing him. Their fights had become so bitter and nasty that Dumbledore was having the Order members who had "guarded" Harry Potter during the summer to now do the same for Sirius and Molly.

Dumbledore had ordered Sirius not to come downstairs in his own house unless there was an Order meeting or Dumbledore was present. It was insulting, demeaning and totally uncalled for but it also protected Sirius' life as Molly had begun to actually threaten the man. To make sure Sirius obeyed, Dumbledore had spelled him to stay either in his room or in the room where he cared for Buckbeak.

Molly had refused to allow Sirius Black "in her kitchen" as well as bringing him the meals she so lovingly prepared – for others. Therefore so that the man could eat, the Order member on guard was responsible for seeing that Sirius got fed and was supplied with fire whiskey to keep him sedated.

Once again Molly "won" and Dumbledore had showed certain other Order members (like Snape) that they were subservient to him and whoever else he chose to favor. Molly ruled and although she couldn't taunt Sirius 95% of the time, she made up for it during the meetings with snide remarks, innuendoes and just plain cruelty. As "the poor woman is in mourning for her dead children" everyone was to be extra kind and understanding to her on orders of Dumbledore.

Nymphadora Tonks, Sirius' second cousin, was furious. More than anything in the world she regretted joining the Order of the Phoenix. She had been lured into joining by her Auror mentors, Alastar Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt as well as getting to know her favorite cousin once again. Instead she had constantly witnessed only the abuse and humiliation shown to him, Lord Black and the fact that his best friend, Remus Lupin had died and his godson was missing and it was partially Molly Weasley's fault.

Dumbledore ruled not only the Order but treated his followers with distain and had actually put that miserable Weasley bitch in charge of running a Black Family home while insulting Lord Black. Insulting Lord Black. He was her kinsman despite she and her Mother being disowned. She was one step away from resigning from the Order and she had a very bad feeling about the oncoming holiday. Just one more thing!

And then the one more thing happened. Dumbledore wanted every Order member to assemble for a mandatory Christmas dinner. Even he would not be staying at Hogwarts to preside over the celebrations. In all the years he had been a teacher, Deputy Headmaster and Headmaster he had never, ever missed the Hogwarts Christmas feast but this year was special and he would announce why at the Order feast.

Tonks had planned to spend most of Christmas with her parents, especially Christmas Day. She had to work that Day but she would be done with work at 6:00 p.m. and would then go to her parents' home. However, she like the other Order members who were Aurors were ORDERED by Dumbledore to come to Grimmauld Place for the feast and then the mandatory meeting.

She and the other Aurors arrived on time and dinner hadn't been held until they got out of work. The entire Order of the Phoenix was seated at the magically expanded table in the Black dining room. Dumbledore had already made his grand entrance and the table was groaning with food and expensive wines.

However, before anyone could begin eating, Dumbledore gave a short (for him) speech just dripping with propaganda and Dumbledore-ish platitudes. Dumbledore highly disproved of certain rites which he considered dark, such as anything that bordered on the religious. However, he considered his speeches as serving as saying "grace" or invoking familial rituals. Other people didn't but since he was Albus Dumbledore and they were not, they had to put up with it.

Finally he was finished, sat down and informed all assembled that they could be eating. Food was being passed around and that was when Tonks noticed that Sirius was missing. "Where's Sirius?" she asked loudly.

There was silence for just a second until Molly Weasley's loud screeching voice answered the question saying, "You know perfectly well that I will not allow that drunken, miserable excuse for a wizard to sit down at my table and eat my good food."

A gasp was heard coming from many and Snape looked over to watch Dumbledore's expression. Just as he thought Dumbledore had a very slight smile on his face and the twinkle in his eyes was brightening.

Tonks looked at Molly Weasley with a very evil glare on her pretty face before dangerously saying, "First of all this is NOT YOUR TABLE NOR DID YOU PAY FOR THIS FOOD AND DRINK. IT BELONGS TO THE HOUSE OF BLACK AND IS THEREFORE LORD SIRIUS BLACK'S TABLE AND…"

"I WILL NOT BE TALKED TO IN SUCH A MANNER ESPECIALLY BY A FREAKY, SLUT FROM A DARK FAMILY," Molly yelled out.

Mundungus Fletcher started eating quickly as well as stuffing food in his large pockets as he knew that the explosion all expected to eventually happen was going to and he really wanted to have a good Christmas dinner.

A screaming fest broke out between Tonks and Molly and a lot of profanity was spewed out by Tonks and much slander, accusations and bigotry was yelled by Molly. Snape kept watching Dumbledore to see how long he would allow this to go on before he stopped it - and sided with Molly.

"This is an official Order meeting so Sirius should be here," Tonks yelled only to be told by Moody to "Quiet girl, Dumbledore's in charge and this is just a Christmas feast. Sirius will be allowed to attend the meeting – after the feast is over."

"IT'S SIRIUS' FUCKING HOUSE," she screamed.

"But it is also the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix," Dumbledore finally said softly. "I am the Leader of the Order and Sirius is one of the members of my Order and is subject to my commands. He voluntarily gave the use of his home to the Order and for me to use as I see fit. I have assigned Molly Weasley as the official housekeeper of the Order and thus she is in charge of the running of the house."

"BUT IT'S HIS HOUSE…"

"Which I am in charge of," he said raising his voice slightly. "Molly is quite correct in saying that Sirius' behavior is…not acceptable. That is why he is forbidden the use of his so-called home - which he has always hated – until he learns to control his outrageous and disturbing behavior. After the feast and just before the meeting commences, you may take a plate of food up to Sirius and then he may attend the meeting."

"THAT ISN'T FAIR!"

"In my opinion it is and I expect my orders to be followed as given. In fact," he actually purred his eyes beginning to twinkle madly, "I believe an apology to Molly is required, then to me then to the members of the Order."

"&%*#%&#&""?#( (* ( ""++** was the only reply Tonks gave as she turned and left the room. Before the she could slam the door behind her she heard the laughter, the loudest of which was screeching cackle which belonged to Molly Weasley.

Tonks had never ever been so angry, so mad, so embarrassed and infuriated in her entire life. She blindly made her way to the door but then suddenly stopped directly in front of the portrait of Walburga Black. Throwing caution to the wind, she went up to the portrait and whispered softly to it.

"Before the Lady Black starts yelling at this dishonorable, filthy half-breed daughter of a disgraced blood traitor, please listen to what I have to say in regard to the most infuriating, abominable and detestable insult that was just given to the Ancient and Noble House of Black. It is so bad that even one such as I must take offense to the original house of my traitorous Mother's ancestors."

The curtains hiding the portrait wiggled a bit which Tonks took to mean the portrait would listen. So Tonks poured out what had happened and it was noticeable that her voice was shaking whether from anger or sadness or both.

"I will be quitting that miserable Order of the Phoenix this very night. I don't know why Sirius stays and obeys but he does. I think he took an oath on his life and magic when he joined the Order after he graduated Hogwarts so that he can't disobey Dumbledore."

"However, since he can't – and probably wouldn't want to anyway – avenge the insults, I humbly ask that the Lady Walburga perhaps order her miserable old house elf to maybe…banish all of the food and drink in this house starting with the Christmas dinner that your own son and The Lord Black has been denied eating?" she asked hopefully.

"Also, could you have the elf close down the Black account with the vendors who supply this house with food, drink and supplies? It is Black money – probably from the main vault – which is funding Dumbledore's Order of blood traitors and…"

"I advise you not to do that portrait of an old hag," said the voice of Alastor Moody. "If you do I can almost guarantee that the house elf will be killed, your portrait destroyed and Sirius will just be forced to reinstate the vendor accounts."

Tonks was about to yell something at Moody but he beat her to it. "And you girly…well you are in so much trouble that you'd be much safer finding Voldemort, marching into a Death Eater meeting and demanding that he gets down on his knees and give you the world's greatest oral sex."

"MOODY!" she shrieked in outrage at the vulgarity.

"Sorry but you know I tend to curse when I'm angry. However, the fact remains that Dumbledore wants you to come back to the dining room and give some very thorough, groveling and embarrassing apologies to…."

"HELL NO. THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL, HADES, GHENNA…"

"You don't have a choice girl. Albus Dumbledore owns you body, soul and magic."

The old Auror sighed heavily. "He tricked me – again. When he first started the Order he made everybody promised on their life and magic that they would obey him in all things. Most didn't think and swore because they thought it was a lark and that Albus Dumbledore would never abuse the oath. They were wrong and that is one of the reasons Sirius acts the way he does. To come back to Britain to be near Harry and not be turned over to the Aurors, Dumbledore reinforced the oath. I don't know what it contained but…well you see what Sirius has to put up with."

"Now when I started recruiting people, like you lass, I made Albus promise that he would change the wording of the oath and not …well basically enslave people. He hemmed and hawed but then promised. He did change the oath, however, he slipped in a new part about you abiding by the bylaws of the Order. When you swore on that it means you swore to follow everything in the bylaws. Guess what's in the bylaws?"

"Probably that we agree to do everything on the list on our life and magic so he still got the same oath only sneakily?" Tonks said.

"Yes. And that is why I've been sent to bring you back because you will be doing everything Dumbledore is commanding including apologizing to that Prewett/Weasley Bitch even though you've done nothing wrong."

"I'd rather die!"

"No you wouldn't but you just might do so or at least lose some or all of your magic and then wish you were dead."

"And you let this happen to me?"

"I will swear on my life and magic that I didn't know otherwise I wouldn't have let you and those other three kids join up. I only just found out when I received a copy by owl sent by 'anonymous' and confronted Albus. He laughed at me. He admitted it was true but necessary for the Greater Good and I just wouldn't understand. He then caught me off guard and hit me with a spell so that I can't warn anybody else."

"You just 'warned' me."

"Yes but I can only do that because you are already in the Order."

He looked at her with sadness in his old eyes before saying, "I'm sorry. I can't make it up to you and if you want to hex me into next week you can and I'll not try to stop you. However, you have to come back to the dining room and provide…the Christmas entertainment. Snape's been sent to fetch Sirius so he can witness your…punishment. You never know with Albus and his 'sense of humor' or the 'rewards' he bestows on his favorites. I think this will be a reward for Molly cooking Christmas dinner or something ridiculous like that."

"I hate you Moody."

"I know and I don't blame you as I hate myself. I failed you and others because I wasn't as vigilant as I should have been. I apologize to you now for what you will have to go through but," he whispered, "I will help you and Sirius get some revenge on the old bitch, I swear."

With that said Moody escorted Tonks back towards the dining room only to see Snape helping an obviously drunk Sirius Black down the stairs. Snape had been sent to fetch Black and inform him about the "apology" his foolish cousin was going to give and that Dumbledore thought Sirius should witness and then advise her to behave herself.

"Consider it a Christmas present Severus that you get to be the one to bring down Sirius to witness the humbling of his House, his cousin and…well to reinforce the lessons which he simply refuses to learn" Dumbledore had whispered to Snape.

Ordinarily there would be nothing Snape would enjoy better, but not when it involved Dora Tonks. She had been his student after all and despite being a relative of one of his mortal enemies… well he didn't hate her as much as he usually would have. The damn girl was a Hufflepuff for Merlin's sake.

She had been tricked into becoming an Order member just as much as so many other innocents had been. The Marauders deserved to be enslaved by Dumbledore but others…well they hadn't and they lost their lives and the lives of their families due to Dumbledore's inept leadership and manipulations.

Snape had had to swear allegiance to Dumbledore in order to save Lily (which Snape now knew Dumbledore had no intention whatsoever of doing) and then to give an oath to protect Harry Potter as "that was all that was left on this earth of his Lily. It was the only thing which had kept him out of Azkaban.

However, Snape had been able to get out of swearing the Order oath because, as he told Dumbledore, "I will be obliged to swear to the Dark Lord that I am not an Order member" and Dumbledore had accepted it. He probably didn't believe it which was why he had made Snape swear the special oath regarding protecting Harry Potter. But he got much of what he wanted.

It had been Snape who had sent the anonymous copy of the bylaws to Moody hoping that now that Moody knew he would find a way to warn people despite the oath he had been tricked into taking.

Merlin how Snape hated oaths.

When Snape had been sent to fetch Black, he had actually felt pity for the wizard. Because he was Severus Snape he told Black why he was being fetched and then told the man he pitied him. He really did on this occasion but he also knew that Black would hate to be pitied by the likes of Severus Snape so Snape did get to have a "present" after all.