The Order was at the hub of a hectic meeting. Remus Lupin stood at the head of an elongated table, pressing the palms of his hands into its edge and glaring at a spot in the wood before him. Frustration coursed through his veins as the various members bickered relentlessly. This was not how the first key congregation of the Order of the Phoenix, in years, was supposed to come to pass.
Three of the chief associates were missing in action. Arthur Weasley hadn't mentioned the reason as to why the trio needed to pay the Alexander residence a visit. The whole situation was not helping to cease Lupin's aggravation. He knew about The Hunter's desire for Hermione. What he didn't know was why, the bloody hell, Arthur and Molly had let said woman stroll out with Harry and Ron. Remus knew this was wrong of him to judge. He knew perfectly well that Harry and Ron were two of the most essential aurors in the ministry. Hermione could hold her own, as well. More than hold her own, to be honest. The bird was damn robust.
The Order of the Phoenix, itself, has always been represented by a large variety of folk, ranging from wizards to squibs. Many members could be viewed as motley and unlikely heroes. Number 12 Grimmuald Place had only been returned to its rightful position as the Orders' headquarters a mere two years ago. It had been replaced with another location after Sirius' death. The edifice, luckily, had remained hidden under the Fidelius Charm during the absence. The Black Mansion was set in a run-down area of London, naught but a mile from King's Cross
Looking around the diverse members, Remus couldn't help but cringe at the great number of losses the Order had suffered due to the abundance of rogue Death Eaters and the upsurge of The Hunter. The higher ranked members, however, did not experience a large amount of deaths. The central members that still remained were: Minerva McGonagall, new head-mistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Dedalus Diggle, member of the Advanced Guard who favors a violet colored top-hat which tends to fall off his head when Diggle gets excited; Arabella Figg, a squib whose obsession with felines has drove Lupin bonkers; Rubeus Hagrid, served to help with a Giant dilemma as well as keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts; Kingsley Shacklebolt, member of the Advanced Guard who serves a great purpose due to his influence in the Ministry; Nymphadora Tonks, a metamorphagus and auror who nearly failed Stealth and Tracking; yet, is a key part of the Order's spy work in the Ministry; Arthur Weasley, discreetly recruiting for the Order in the ministry, as well as gathering information; Molly Weasley, decontaminating Grimmuald Place; Bill Weasley, helping to decide which side of the war the goblins are on; Charlie Weasley, helping to train dragons in Romania to fight on the Order's side of the war; and Alastor Moody, whose position is looked upon cautiously by others, for obvious reasons.
Fortune appeared to have been with the Order and luckily higher Order members remained. The losses, however, included: Percy Weasley, turned to the Dark and was killed by Voldemort himself by means of the Killing Curse; Elphias Doge, passed on due to old age; Mundungus Fetcher, was killed when his nature as a crook got on the bad side of selected Dark people; Hestia Jones, captured and tortured for information, her inability to cooperate lead to her courageous downfall; Sturgis Podmore, passed on while serving time in Azkaban on false charges against the Ministry.
The younger members, also, provided similar services of great importance . Most importantly, Harry Potter. Having killed off the threat of Voldemort and fulfilled his prophecy. Ron had aided his best mate in the captures of a mind-boggling quantity of Death Eaters since concluding both of their auror training. Hermione, though a trained auror, hadn't been around. This would change as of now. She was back and playing a substantial role in the Second War. This still did not provide Remus with the information as to why she was out gallivanting at a stranger's house. He voiced this case for the third time, to anyone who would listen.
"Hermione needed to pick up a package at the residence," Fred supplied, when no one else went to answer. "She should have been back by now, actually." He looked at Remus while trying to keep any concern for the witch out of his eyes. The last thing he needed was to make Lupin more bothered than he already was.
"A package?" Remus lifted a sandy, brown eyebrow and ran his hand through his hair. If he didn't know any better, he'd swear the gray hairs were popping up by the second.
"Yes. A package."
"It's not really a package. Is it?" Remus threw Fred a glance that was daring the younger man to lie. Fred was a horrible liar when against a friend.
The younger man looked from one place to another, eying his father, "No."
"What is it then?"
The perturbed red-head, sighed in exasperation, "C'mon, mate. They'll be here within the hour. Don't get your knickers in a twist. My dad would of said something already if he didn't think that 'Mione should be here before that fussing begins." Sparing another glance at the riled up crowd who continued their bantering, "Not that the fussing has gone on hiatus."
Remus paused from his annoyance to chuckle deeply, "Quite right. What's gotten to Ginny?" He cocked his head toward the youthful woman.
Following his gaze, Fred looked to his sister. She seemed antsy about something. She kept sneaking peeks towards the room's door. George was currently raising an eyebrow at her, which was wiped away by her elbow to his ribs.
"Don't know. Ay Gin!," Few people actually spared the time out of their precious arguments, to glance towards the owner of the shout, "C'mere" Ginny looked at Fred like he had gone mad.
"Guess you're going there," Lupin smiled a bit and laughed.
Instead of answering, Fred lifted himself from his seat with a disturbed groan. He sent Remus a lighthearted glare before marching down to where his sister presently sat. He knelt down, becoming leveled with her eyes, and smiled at her broadly, "All right, Gin?"
"All right, Fred. I'm just…why aren't they back yet? They've been gone far longer then it should of taken. They grab…the package, and leave," Ginny glanced around in case someone was eavesdropping. She knew her parents wanted the trio to be here when current events came into discussion.
"She's right, Fred," George leaned over from Ginny's left side, "And you know it. They should have been back."
"Maybe those two chaps, Nora and Ralph Alexander, kept them up. Hermione speaks highly of them. They were like parents to her. Like Mum and Dad," Fred tried to encourage them along with himself. Truth was, he was out of his mind in worry for Hermione. Sure, he could play what happened earlier between the two of them as a one-night stand. Or, should he say, one-day; however, he harbored an incredible amount of anxiety knowing she wasn't safe right now.
At that moment, the main entryway to the room was thrown open. In the doorway stood the missing trio, all bearing grim expressions to Fred's dismay. There was no child in sight, either. 'Perhaps she dropped James off with a maid? For the meeting,' he thought to himself.
"'It's about time you three showed up," Remus smiled brightly to hide his giant relief that they could finally get this show on the road.
"Yeah, we ran into a spot of a delay," Harry said. He put a supportive arm around Hermione's waist, "We're going to need a crew at number 56 Peach Lane."
Anyone who looked at Hermione could tell she was suppressing tears with all her might. She looked like she had just went to hell, gave the devil a back massage, and came back. Forcing a smile at the entire faction of Order members, she said, "We've got work to do."
"Yes, we have," Lupin nodded before directing Hermione, Harry and Ron into seats around him. Fred returned to his seat at Lupin's left. "'Mione, as wonderful as it is for all of us to see you well again, I must ask for you to explain yourself." The smile on Lupin's face reflected nothing but sympathy and need for understanding.
Hermione bit her lower lip, catching Fred's insistent gaze and smiling slightly to assure him of her wellness, "Harry and Ron escorted me to the residence of Ralph and Nora Alexander. They are the parents of my ex-boyfriend. We dated since I was seventeen and when I was eighteen and Jayden Alexander was nineteen, we had a son. He is three years old and was staying with his grandparents while I visited the Burrow."
"Where is Jayden, Nora, Ralph, and the boy?," Tonks asked from her place next to Kingsley.
Hermione sighed, "Jayden and his parents were all muggles. Jayden was killed by the Death Eater McNair back when James, our son, was younger. Tonight, when arriving with Harry and Ron at the Alexander's residence, we found the elderly couple…dead." Tears threatened to fall down the gorgeous brunette's cheeks, "And James has been taken."
Fred began to get out of his chair in an instinct to go over and embrace the visibly shaken woman, but was pushed back onto his arse by Lupin's firm grip. The older man whispered gently, "Not now."
"We'll send a crew to the site immediately," Moody said, purposely looking away from the girl. He detested emotion.
"First off, did you three notice anything off besides the obvious persons missing and dead?" Remus asked.
Harry took over before Hermione could attempt words, "Yes, the entire house was torn apart on its inside. The living room couches were severed and the door was blasted to pieces. Everything was thrown all over the place, as if the Death Eaters were looking for something."
"The only thing 'Mione noted that was missing was a photo." Ron said.
"One of myself, Jayden and James." Hermione added, "The photo had been there earlier this morning when I dropped James off and made for the Burrow. Like I told Harry and Ron, Nora commented on the picture every time I've stopped by. Since Jayden's murder, anyway."
"Right. And Arthur has filled you in about our current threat, I presume," Lupin insinuated. When the trio nodded sullenly he continued, "Then, Hermione, you know that we have a basic idea who has taken your son. What we need to do is organize the Advanced Guard for his retrieval. That means we will send in: Diggle, Shacklebolt, Tonks, and myself. This, however, isn't nearly enough. So, the new Advanced Guard will also consist of: Ron, Charlie, Fred, George and Bill Weasley. As well as Potter. We will all be dispatched instantaneously after receiving word from Neville and Luna from their departments. They will be set to work immediately on finding your son. You, Hermione, of all people know the power of those two's locating skills. All will be well." Remus did his best to smile reassuringly.
Fred watched as Hermione glared at Lupin. He knew instantly what she was bothered about. The girl had never been great at sitting back on the sidelines and watching the others do all the work.
"But, Remus. I can help. Why can I not go after my own son?" Hermione stood up in irritation and disbelief, "I have the right to be out there and not sitting on my arse here."
Arthur stood and leaned slightly over the table, "You must understand, Hermione. The Hunter is after you. We cannot, under any circumstances, let him get what he so much desires."
"And you all think I'd give in? Just submit to the torture and pain to sell out you all? No amount of torture could make me betray my friends and true family. It doesn't matter if I am imprisoned by this Hunter that you all are riled about. The bastard has my son! How can you keep me here?" Hermione was yelling in frustration at the situation. Tears rolled down her cheeks as her depression came out in anger.
"Hermione, we understand-"
"No you don't."
"-that you're upset. We cannot, however, let you go into the devil's lair with a hot head." Arthur pleaded the young woman with his eyes to comprehend.
"Why the bloody hell not? I feel as if I could murder anyone who gets in my way with my bare hands. Haven't you heard of a mother on a mission?"
A few members let out weak chuckles at her sarcasm. Fred was willing Hermione with his mind to understand and stay where its safe. He would go, along with the Advanced Guard, and bring James back to her. She didn't need to endanger herself. Why did she have to be such a- such a Gryffindor! Bravery can sometimes be a cover for madness.
Remus shook his head as Arthur sat down in his seat, "Hermione, you are to stay here. Where you can be in the Orders' watch at all times. It's too great of a risk. We do no doubt your loyalties or strength. The Order will be of greater benefit with your mind working here in headquarters."
Hermione almost cried out in irritation. How could these people, her friends and family, do this to her? She wanted her son. She wanted him in her arms, forever safe. "Fine." Hermione plopped back down in her seat and took deep breaths to calm herself. She felt strangled where comfort should be. She needed comfort. "May I be excused?"
Remus looked up from a conversation he was having with Fred and nodded. Before leaving, Hermione shot a pointed look in Fred's direction. He had been eying her even in the midst of his debate with Lupin. Upon receiving her glance, he excused himself as well. Trying to not make himself seem too eager to be out of there, yet most likely being unsuccessful. When he stepped out of the now raucous room, he looked down the hallway to his right. No Hermione in sight. Buggar, he really didn't want to go on a man-hunt right now. He just wanted to see how she was.
"Fred," A small voice whispered from the opposite end of the hall, causing him to spin hastily and sigh in relief just at the sight of her.
"Hermione."
"Come, this way. Where we can't be overheard." She walked towards him, took his hand firmly in hers, and headed off in the direction of the stairs.
"We haven't been assigned rooms yet," He piped in. He quickly cleared his throat to get rid of his nervously shrill voice.
"I didn't think so." Hermione said, coming to a stop at the top of the stairs, "C'mon." Before he could ask where she was planning on going, she had pulled him, forcefully, into a closet and shut the door.
Noiseless pitched black space was all that greeted him. Fred barely noted that Hermione was feeling the walls for something. Unexpectedly, a line flicked on, casting shadows throughout the small area. The light was extremely dim. He expected they could of just used their wands for a brighter light. Neither made to do that, so he left the situation alone.
Fred took in the sight of her at a snail's pace. Not wanting to miss a detail. Hermione simply stared at him back. Eyes wide and capable of making him melt. "It's so good to know you're okay," He admitted.
Hermione almost smiled, her captured son held her back, "You were worried?"
"Very."
"Why?"
Fred wasn't expecting that question. He wasn't even ready for it. What she meant to him was something he had yet to figure out. "I-I don't really know. You just weren't here nearly as quickly as you should have been. I got anxious." He felt like he was admitting a grave crime, instead of a silly feeling.
"Now, really isn't the time, what with everything that's happening, to get into our feelings for one another. But, I just wanted to tell you that this afternoon…it meant something to me." Hermione bit her lip and stared into Fred's azure eyes.
Fred couldn't keep a smile off his face. Strangely, he was happy right now. It was an awful thing, being happy in the center of a horrible situation, but he was. He didn't think he was the type to want to be there for someone for a long-term thing. Hermione made him want to take the plunge. Which was entirely queer due to his only knowing the grown-up Hermione for a day. "It meant something to me, as well."
Hermione's lips smiled, which was all he asked for. He didn't need it to reach her eyes, yet. Those were being filled with unshed tears. He just needed the smallest of signs from her that there could be happiness in even the darkest of times. That smile was his light.
"Good." She whispered, "'Cause I need to kiss you real bad."
Fred's eyes widened comically at her admission, "W-what?"
"I'm upset, I need to get things off my mind and you are the ticket."
Fred raised an amused eyebrow at her, "Are you using me?"
"Nope, just taking advantage of services already available for my needs."
This had Fred laughing in disbelief that Hermione Granger had just said that, "You're something else, you know that?" He let his body take over from there. Pulling her into him and wrapping his arms, securely, around her waist. His lips crushed into hers and he pushed her back into the closet wall. A moan slipped from deep in her throat and just heated Fred further. He was more than willing to let her let out any frustrations she had, upon his body. "Love, you do know that pushing your problems to the back of your mind will not make them evaporate, right?" He whispered, pulling away for a second.
"Yeah, yeah, c'mere."
Downstairs, Harry was debating with Ron. The red-head was saying that someone needed to keep track of Hermione. She was bound to get into some sort of a row being cooped up in the mansion while a bunch of others went out searching for her son. Harry was shaking his head, "She'll be fine. She's not an idiot. Once her anger has subsided she'll logically evaluate the situation and sit down and cope."
"Not before she destroys the entire house."
"She's not psychotic."
"Yes she is. She's worse then a woman at that time of the month."
"Maybe she is a woman at that time of the month and current shit is just adding to the fire?" Harry questioned with smirk.
"You know what happens when 'Mione gets mad. She's more powerful then people give her credit for. She's not just a bloody know-it-all. She's a witch. A damn powerful one."
"Everything is going to be fine. We'll all deal. Neville and Luna will know the exact coordinates of James' location within the next three hours. The Advanced Guard will swoop in, kick serious Death Eater arse, and come back with James." Harry convinced himself that this was the way everything would go. Optimism, people. Optimism is vital.