Quote: "I try to help you as much as I can; what more do you possibly want from me?"

-Stephanie White

Passion Burns Deep Chapter Five

Grimmuald Place looked the same as ever. The kitchen was dusty and the table in the middle of the room still had the burn mark on it, courtesy of Fred and George themselves. But as Hermione looked around, she couldn't help but feel that something was missing. Without Sirius being there, the house seemed empty and lost of its old cheer. Sure Sirius had hated staying in that place, but he always tried his best to make everyone feel at home. Without Sirius, the house seemed dead.

"Ah, we've been expecting you, Hermione," as cheery voice came from the doorway. Hermione, who had been lost on her thoughts once again, jumped at the sound and looked quickly around. Tonks was leaning against the door frame watching her.

"Tonks!" Hermione exclaimed. "You scared me. How are you doing? Everything going fine with you and Professor Lupin?"

"Sorry to startle you. I'm doing well and Remus is getting along fairly, too; he just came back from visiting that gang of werewolves again, the poor man. Those vile creatures will kill us all if we're not careful".

"Is that why an urgent meeting has been called?" she asked her friend curiously. "Did Professor Lupin bring back important information about their plans?"

"No, sadly he didn't," she said. "But I expect you'll soon see why McGonagall called this meeting".

Surprised by what Tonks had just said, Hermione asked, "You mean they're actually going to let us sit in during the meeting!"

"Well," Tonks whispered, coming closer to Hermione, "Just between you and me, I heard McGonagall telling a few Order members that she was going to allow you, Harry and Ron to join if you wish to. I think the other DA members are going to be offered to join too if their parents agree".

"Wow! What made her decide on that?"

"I'm not for sure, but I think I heard something about having special jobs for all of you. She said that she knew Dumbledore had wanted all of you to join. I didn't hear all of it though".

"Wow!" Hermione said again.

When Dumbledore died, McGonagall not only took up position as Headmistress, but also was now acting as head of the Order.

The Order itself had taken some drastic changes. They now wore black robes with a red phoenix on the back of them to meetings, representing their fallen leader. They had more meetings and every thing was kept top secret. Harry wasn't even allowed to know what was going on; but he figured that this had to do with the fact that he still refused to tell McGonagall where they had went the night that Dumbledore had been murdered.

"But let's just keep that between us. Everyone else should have been here by now. Were they coming right after you?" Tonks stared worriedly at the fireplace.

"Oh, I left before all of them. They were still packing when I left; I suppose we'll be staying here for a little while. I'll have to go get my things from home sometime later".

"I'll go with you when you go. I love seeing how muggles live without magic, they're so amazing".

Hermione laughed and looked around the empty room.

"Is this where they're having the meeting?"

Tonks followed her gaze, "No, everyone else is up in the drawing room. Quite a turn out we have, too. I believe every member of the Order is here today, I've never even met most of them. McGonagall just sent me down here to wait on you and the others".

"Well," Hermione said, her gaze resting on the fireplace, "we won't have to wait any longer. I believe that's them now".

A cloud of soot rose into the room and Harry appeared. Looking at Hermione cautiously, he was pleased to see that she was in higher spirits now and that she had calmed down.

"Hey, Tonks," he said. "Nice to see you again".

"Same here" she replied. "I see you look as skinny as ever. Don't worry though; the Weasley's won't let you go hungry.

Harry laughed and turned around to face Hermione. She gave him an encouraging smile to show him that she wasn't mad anymore.

They were soon joined by the Weasley's and all of their luggage.

"Come on you lot," Tonks said above the noise. "We must hurry; everyone is waiting on us to begin the meeting. Just leave your stuff here and you can get it later. Neville and Luna are already here".

Surprised looks passed over everyone's faces. Before anyone could say a word, Tonks rushed them out the door.

"Everything will be explained in a few minutes".