We now begin to near the plot...
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Wards Begin to Fall
The Order of the Phoenix was considered the most important, underground organization to fight Voldemort since the war had begun. Only recently had rumors begun floating about the Order, and were members being targeted. People said it was run by Dumbledore itself. No one knew the exact location of where they met. Some said it was a grand castle on the coast of England. Others said that they met in an underground, high-tech muggle headquarters somewhere in Ireland. Quite a few felt that the Order met in a customized, super warded cave off the shores of Bangkok.
If you ever asked an Order member to verify these stories, they'd laugh, and laugh, and laugh. Some would laugh so hard, that people would edge away and claim they'd gone mad. The truth was, the Order did not meet at any of these very conspicuous inconspicuous places that everyone liked to assume. One Sirius Black would often complain loudly at meetings over the fact that they're meeting place did not even have a good spot for his motorbike.
The truth was, the Order of the Phoenix met in a very shady pub, right at the basement. This pub was called the Hog's Head, and was run by an even shadier fellow by the name of Aberforth. Hardly anyone would place the man as the brother of Albus Dumbledore. Even fewer would assume he worked for the side of light once having stepped into his shanty little pub.
"Good evening everybody," said Dumbledore gravely as he stepped out of the fireplace.
"Evening Albus," said Elphias wearily.
"Albus," said Minerva curtly.
All around the room, weary exchanges of greetings were heard. The war was taking a toll on everyone. Despite having recently gained an upper-hand on the Death Eaters from Dumbledore's new spy, Severus Snape, who was artfully tailing behind the man, it was still an uphill battle.
"Snivellous is here," muttered Sirius angrily to Remus.
"He's on our side Sirius," reminded Remus gently.
"Doesn't mean we have to like him," said James.
"And there's no proof otherwise," said Peter squeakily. Inside however, he was squirming. One false move now and Snape would catch his duplicity. He was lucky all Death Eaters were offered the ability to wear a mask at the meetings, otherwise he'd have been caught much sooner.
"I have some bad news," said Dumbledore, taking his seat. Snape stood behind him, clearly uncomfortable at the hostility he was receiving from the Marauders and Moody.
"How bad?" asked Emmaline, her brown eyes steely.
"Voldemort has declared a desire to go after children," said Dumbledore gravely. The twinkle from his eyes was gone.
"Children?" asked Minerva quietly, a horrified look in her eyes.
"He wants to kill kids?" asked the Prewett brothers in unison, their eyes wide as they thought of their own nieces and nephews.
"That bastard," muttered Sturgis Podmore.
"Why though?" asked a disturbed Elphias Doge.
"He wants to kidnap the children related to the Order and raise to them to use against us," said Dumbledore gravely.
"No!" cried an aghast Arabella Figg, her hand clapped over her mouth.
"That's monstrous!" cried Remus, thinking of Fenrir Greyback and the proximity he would have near the children.
"I'm afraid so, Severus has informed me we have reasons to fear that Dolohov, Bellatrix, Mulciber, Rodolphus and Rabastan will be targeting the families," said Dumbledore.
"They won't be heading after Molly, will they?" asked Gideon, clearly worried.
"They'll head after anyone who had a connection to the Order in anyways," said Severus in a clipped tone, "So yes, the Weasley's are in danger."
"What method of action should we take from here then?" asked Fabian gruffly.
"I suggest strengthening the wards around the houses of the Order, Edgar in particular yours, what with Susan having been born only a few months ago. I also suggest fortifying the charms around the Lovegoods now that Marlene and the rest of the McKinnons are dead," said Dumbledore tiredly.
"What about us? Voldemort wants our sons dead," said Frank, indicating himself and James.
"I believe as long as Harry and Neville remain at all times in their homes, then they'll be safe," said Dumbledore.
"We last updated the wards around the houses seven months ago, when should we begin re-updating?" asked Dedalus nervously.
"What about Andromeda and Ted? They're related to me after all," said Sirius with worry.
"We need to re-update immediately, I suggest this week. I think the Tonks will be fine, they already are heavily warded to protect themselves from the wrath of the Lestranges, I believe," said Dumbledore.
"Alright, what age group are they targeting?" asked Alastor, watching Severus suspiciously.
"I believe they're targeting babies and toddlers, children who can easily be manipulated," said Severus in response.
"Do you have any idea where they might keep them, Severus?" asked Minerva.
"I am unsure, currently Headquarters is set up at the mansion of a Death Eater, though due to the Fidelius I am unable to say which, however, that doesn't mean they won't use any obscure place, I doubt the Dark Lord can handle children in his residence," said Severus curtly. A few people snorted at that.
"The sick son of a bitch first ruins our mental health, then deprives of us our lives, and finally emotionally tortures us, and now he wants our kids?" asked James harshly.
"That's the gist of it Potter, glad you could keep up," said Snape rudely.
"Severus," said Dumbledore warningly, as James made to stand.
"James," said Remus warningly.
"Anyways, I suggest you head home and fortify whatever wards you can, we have little time to prepare," said Dumbledore.
"Do you know when they'll attack?" asked Aberforth gruffly.
"They're preparing, I suspect the attacks will begin in the next few weeks or so," said Snape brusquely.
"Well, let's be fortified to take them down," said Moody.
Molly Weasley woke up on a normal Sunday morning in mid-March, unaware of how her life was about to change for the worse. She was now four months pregnant with her seventh child. Her six sons were all ecstatic about the new addition. She had given up hoping for a girl, and was now comfortable with the idea of a seventh boy. Yet she was finding it difficult to alter the name Ginerva for a boy.
She headed downstairs and began to make the morning tea and breakfast for her family. Baby Ronald wouldn't wake for another hour or so, and she had the entire morning to herself. Her short, red brown hair was pulled back in a small pony tail out of her eyes. She pulled on her favorite blue apron, the one that matched Arthur's eyes, and began to prepare a lavish breakfast for her family.
As she headed downstairs, she saw Errol, her brother's owl. Immediately, she frowned and took the letter from the owl. If her brothers sent letters, it meant they were about to embark on a dangerous mission. She didn't like to think of them in a dangerous situation.
Dear Molly,
We have reason to believe we found a nest of vipers in our backyard. We plan to dig them out with a few other friends today. Don't cook dinner for us tonight since were going for a firework show, send a Patronus like we taught you to if anything goes wrong and you need help. Have fun cooking,
Love,
The Prewetts
The letter made her frown. Vipers obviously meant they were going after Death Eaters, and they were doing something dangerous. She bit her lower lip in worry, and glanced out the window, half-expecting the Death Eaters to show up on her doorstep.
Ever since they had told her that Death Eaters may target her, she had been twice as paranoid. Bill, Charlie and Percy were all trained to Floo to Muriel's in case of danger. Both Bill and Charlie knew to grab the nearest baby and go. She'd grab the farthest. Percy was far too young to Floo with a baby. Arthur returned earlier from work in case of emergency, but that didn't make her any less scared.
She glanced over at the red stone that now stayed in the kitchen, permanently above Arthur's clock. The brighter it burned, the stronger the wards were. She felt relieved seeing the bright, familiar orange glow, and set to making breakfast.
"Good morning mum," said Bill, an hour later. He had come downstairs with the now fully dressed twins, Charlie and Percy.
"Morning Molly," said Arthur, beaming at her. She smiled back. Her men were amazing, getting up together and coming downstairs.
"Morning Arthur," she said, kissing his cheek.
"Breakfast ready yet?" asked Charlie eagerly, bouncing over to see the pancake stacks.
"I get first pick!" cried Percy, chasing after Charlie.
"Boys, settle down!" cried Molly, turning around from her husband. Arthur could be heard chuckling.
"Waah!" cried Baby Ronald from upstairs.
"I'll get it," said Arthur jovially, turning to fetch his son.
"Alright, and I'll sort out the breakfast situation," said Molly with a smile to her husband.
Amidst all the chaos, nobody noticed the first signs of flickering on the red jewel.