Chapter 50: Ianthé's First Order Meeting

It was the night of the first Order meeting after Professor Dumbledore passed away. I Side-Along Apparated with Viktor to a place that looked like an abandoned warehouse near the port of Blackpool. The two vials were safely in my pocket wrapped in a sock. The rest of the family Apparated in staggered groups so as not to attract much attention if there were spies. I shivered underneath my black velvet cloak.

Viktor rapped his knuckles on a rhythm on the thick metal door.

The door opened for Ianthé and Viktor. The interior began to change from an old warehouse to a huge cavernous room with a huge table and a fireplace.

Harry Potter was already there with his two friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. They looked worse for wear. They seemed to have not been getting enough sleep since the wedding.

Ianthé removed the hood of her cloak and several people (Order members) gaped at her.

"Miss Herze, what in the world are you doing here?" Professor McGonagall finally found her voice.

"The same reason you are, Professor."

Viktor pulled a chair and let Ianthé sat down.

"But you're still an underage wizard!" Professor McGonagall protested.

"I couldn't call her underage, Minerva," Uncle Alfonse joked, "Age belies talent."

Another knock was heard. Alexander Herze entered with a formidable air. With him was Great Uncle Scipio who looked ready to pounce on any Death Eater that would materialize in front of him.

Remus Lupin stood up, "The meeting is now in order. W need to clarify things to the younger ones present. Your questions, Harry."

Harry looked at Ianthé's father, "Who are you?"

Alexander smiled stiffly at him, "I am Alexander Herze. These people with me are majority of the Herze clan. All of us are now officially members of the Order of the Phoenix. We had been in contact with Albus Dumbledore since last year. This is Ianthé Herze, my daughter."

Ianthé stood up and nodded at the others.

"She spied on the children of the Death Eaters while in Hogwarts, and was in constant communication with me and also Dumbledore. She reported any sign of suspicious event that transpired or what might seem to have transpired last year."

"How come she did not know of the plan Malfoy had?" Ron Weasley spat.

"As a matter of fact, I did. I immediately reported to Dumbledore when I learned what Draco's task was. Draco had shown hesitancy in doing the deed and I alos quickly relayed that to Dumbledore. I tried to warn him so many times…." Ianthé's voice cracked. Her knees seemed to give in as she sat down again.

Viktor quickly rubbed her back with his hand.

"If Malfoy had been so hesitant, how come he succeeded?" Hermione asked

Ianthé breathed deeply, "It had been a grave error on my part. When Draco was in the hospital wing, he was determined to cut his ties from the Dark Lord. He needed help in that so I gave him something in my possession --- the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder."

"It was you?" Ron equipped.

"I thought it really was my fault but I learned something. Something came to me when I learned that it was not Draco who killed Dumbledore but Severus Snape."

"I still can't understand why Dumbledore trusted him," Lupin said venomously.

"Snape made an Unbreakable Vow with Malfoy's mother," Harry spoke.

Ianthé smiled, "He didn't make one."

"What?" Harry exclaimed.

"He made two. One with Narcissa, and one with Dumbledore. That's all I know."

The other members protested but Alexander raised his hand and the room quieted.

"We should get down to the more important matters. Dementor breeding had been detected last summer. Anybody with enough common sense would know what the result of that breeding will be. That is the one of the biggest problems we have so far."

"Why?"

It was Viktor who spoke, "Newly-formed dementors are more….. hungry… than the others…. And obviously, the amount of dementors would increase… The only thing that could maim the newly-formed dementors, or even kill them, is the Patronus Charm… a very strong Patronus Charm."

"Another problem we have encountered and might encounter are the werewolves under Fernir Greyback. What is your report on this, Lupin?"

"They are brainwashed by Greyback. Most of them already acquired Greyback's taste of blood even if there is no full moon. A few isolated werewolves are willing to help us."

Alexander Herze nodded, "We have a solution if the situation gets to its worst. It's one of Ianthé's contributions."

Ianthé stood up, "I know this would sound morbid, especially to Professor Lupin and also to the others. It was a simple solution and it was right under Hermione's nose, actually…"

Ron nudged Hermione.

"Guns."

"How can Muggle guns help us?" Hermione asked.

"To those who don't know what guns are, guns are a type of Muggle weaponry that fires metal bullets. Why not shoot them with silver bullets?"

"But that's barbaric!" Hermione protested.

"I know… That's why it would only be used if the situation would be totally bad."

"I, for one, want to shoot Greyback's head off…" Ron muttered loudly.

"It would mean murder but the best we can do is using the guns just to injure them…. I couldn't think of any other solution…"

"Next in our agenda are the giants. The good thing is there are only a few of them but one can create much damage."

"Rubeus Hagrid is still trying to win some giants over," Professor McGonagall reported.

"Any news on Voldemort?" Harry Potter asked.

"I don't want to steal everybody's sunshine here but according to the reports to me, he's been itching to do things taken from him during his thirteen years exile."

"You mean, what he's doing as of this moment is not enough?" Arthur Weasley finally spoke.

"Afraid not, Arthur. Minerva, will Hogwarts remain open?"

"The school governors see fit that it will remain open, but if the situation becomes worse, it might close by midyear."

"These three decided not to go back," Lupin added.

"I will not ask you for your reasons as you all are of age but be careful in anything you do. If you need any assistance, contact my daughter."

Harry Potter nodded.

"This meeting is adjourned."

The others stood up. Harry and his two friends also got up to leave but Ianthé got to them first.

"Wait," Ianthé grabbed Harry's arm gently.

"I don't know if I could really trust you or not… especially when you tried to defend Malfoy."

"I admit I defended him but not his actions. He's still a human being, after all. He was afraid to be killed."

"How can I trust you?"

Ianthé smiled at Harry and placed her hand on Harry's shoulder, "Because Dumbledore liked raspberry flavored jam."

Harry's tired eyes perked up to glittering emerald.

Ianthé handed him the sock, "I see you already have Dumbledore's pensieve. These two vials inside are his memories. The ones he left me before he went off that night. These two are the most important memories that he had. He told me to give it to you when the time is right. I guess now is the right time…."

Harry received the rolled-up socks, "Thanks. We might need your help on something."

"I think Dumbledore never told me about your big secrets. Just ask me some questions without divulging them entirely…"

"How much do you know about artifacts involved in very Dark Magic?"

"I guess you should consult my boyfriend over there…" Ianthé pointed out Viktor Krum, "I know a little bit but if you really want to know about those artifacts, Durmstrang's the place to go. I only fear that that place is now teeming with Death Eaters. If you want to go with us to our place, you need to Disillusion yourselves. Viktor might be of great help."

Harry looked at his two friends to consult them.

"It might be a good idea," Hermione commented.

"We have a lot of books that could help you, especially in Defense and Stealth. I would be happy to lend them to you."

"Whatever your decision is, mate," Ron clapped the back of his friend.

"Alright. We'll go with you."

"Better spend the night there."

"I guess that wouldn't hurt…"