Footnotes

Entry #16: February 24th

It had been more than a month since Lucius was given detention for using James, but Emma was still feeling down, no matter what any of us did to cheer her up.

"Everything is fine now Emmy, Lucius isn't going to do it again."

"That's where you're wrong, he's Voldemort's servant now, nothing is going to stop him from begin as loyal as he possibly can. Who knows when he'll strike again," Emma said shaking her head. She was lying with her head in my lap and I stroked her hair trying to calm her down. It was Sunday and we should have been doing homework but none of us felt like it. I let all the air of my lungs in a heavy sigh trying to find the words to help my girlfriend feel better. Finally I just leaned forward and kissed her head.

"I'll be right back okay?" I told her sweetly. She nodded weakly and let me up. I passed the message along and then went straight to the Headmaster's office. On my way there I bumped into Professor McGonagall.

"May I ask where you are going Mr. Black?"

"I was on my way to see Professor Dumbledore ma'am," I told her stopping to talk with her. She informed me that Albus was in a meeting and wouldn't be out till dinner. I explained to her why I needed to see him and she just pursed her thin lips.

"You'd better come with me," She said nodding. I did as I was told and followed her up to the Headmaster's office. Once we got to the door she knocked and then pushed it open revealing a ton of heads that turned to look at us as we walked. I recognized most of the teachers and several Aurors from the Ministry of Magic. They all had very grim looks on their faces. I tried to not make a noise as I took my seat beside Albus.

"Welcome Sirius, to the Order of the Phoenix."

"The Order of the Phoenix?" I asked. Professor McGonagall nodded. Dumbledore cleared his throat and stood up. All eyes fell on him.

"The Order of the Phoenix is designed to protect those of us who need it. Like Voldemort and his Death Eaters the opposing side needs someone to provide help and to fight back."

"So we're like crime fighters?" I blurted. Moody laughed roughly. I always was afraid of the twins' godfather.

"Young Mr. Black, we are far more than 'crime fighters'. We are keeping the Wizarding World safe," He barked. Everyone nodded.

"Where do I sign up?" I asked. This only got more laughter from Moody. Albus got up again and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"It's a good thing you came today because we were just talking about expanding the Order."

"I think you should, because the whole reason I'm here is to find a way to keep my friends safe. We're about to enter the real world and there's talk of a war starting and I want to be able to fight for the ones I love," I replied. Many heads (photograph or not) nodded in response to my comment. Albus merely smiled.

"And that's how the Order came to be. We'll be having a meeting next week. Please feel free to bring anyone interested," he told me. I nodded and left. I was so happy that I ran back to the common room.

"Em, we've got our answer, we can fight now!" I called as I pushed open the porthole. I noticed it was quiet and that no one was talking. I ran to the fireplace where everyone was crowded around Emma.

"What is it?"

"Her epilepsy came back and we're pretty sure her cancer did too," Remus whispered solemnly. I just stood there shell shocked. This can't be! It's not suppose to be this way! What are we going to do?