A/N: This one doesn't follow the last book. It doesn't have any d/g interaction, either - I may do something longer with the same plot (probably not, but you never know.) But I think I'm getting better at this writing more thing :)

Prompt #31: 8/8/17

1105 words, according to Google docs.

Arthur Weasley sighed in resignation. "You know how this move will play out, right? We'll be sacrificing so many Aurors in one go. We can't afford it, Remus."

"Arthur, it's the only way to catch them off guard, and you know it." The werewolf was slouched in his chair, running a bony hand through his tangled hair.

"But what will we tell the Aurors that go on the mission? That they'll die, and they should say their final goodbyes tomorrow?"

"We'll let the Aurors choose for themselves." He gestured towards Moody. "Do you have the list?" The other Order member nodded and gruffly cleared his throat.

"None of you will like this," he intoned gruffly, sweeping his gaze across the eleven people seated in front of him.

"Go on," Tonks encouraged, leaning forward in her seat.

"Hestia Jones," he began, touching the tip of one gnarled finger the parchment as he read. "Dennis Creevey. Joel Stuart. Beatrice Napper. Hannah Abbott." The names continued, Moody naming twelve in total. He paused after the twelfth, casting a dark look at the Weasleys. "And, of course, Ginny Weasley."

There was instant uproar, Arthur Weasley leaping up with both hands flat against the table and his wife furiously arguing with Minerva McGonagall.

"It's the only way, Molly," the professor was saying urgently. "Please, you have to understand - "

"Not my daughter!" Arthur bellowed, slamming a fist down on the wood. "I won't allow it! She's way too young anyway - how in Merlin's beard did she make it on the list?"

"Quiet!" Throughout the hubbub, Dumbledore had been sitting calmly at the head of the table, but now he stood, his voice commanding but reasonable. Everyone shut up quickly. "We are all adults, yes?" he asked mildly, gazing at each Order member in turn. He was greeted with reluctant nods. "Good." He sat back down. "Then behave like one." There was an uncomfortable silence, punctured only by occasional deep breaths - as if a few people were trying to keep their tempers in check.

Moody was the first to speak. "Each person nominated will be given the choice of whether or not to participate," he said quietly. "It is their choice, and their choice alone whether to accept. If they are of age and have made their decision, family members cannot change it. But," he paused for effect, "we need as many people as we can get."

His explanation was greeted by yet another silence.

"Who wrote the list, Albus?" Molly had spoken, her voice trembling slightly. Arthur reached for her hand, clasping it in his own.

"Myself and Minerva," Dumbledore responded.

"And when will they be expected to have a decision?"

"Tonight."

"So little time," she murmured, casting her gaze down numbly at the table. Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"Well, if we have nothing else to discuss - "

"Wait!" It was Charlie who spoke this time, his lips set in a tight white line. "How likely is it that this mission will...will fail?" Everyone knew what he was asking.

"Very likely," Dumbledore responded gravely, his deep blue eyes grim. "We can only hope."

"Do you know which Death Eaters will be there?" Lupin asked.

"Yes," Moody responded, surprising them all. "Yes, I have a pretty good idea."

"Who?" Bill asked urgently.

"Well..." Moody began, suddenly fiddling with his cane. "Severus said that McNair would be there, as well as Yaxley, Lestrange, and - " He coughed, lowering his head slightly before completing the list. "And Malfoy."

"Which one?"

"The younger one."

ooo

"Please, Gin-bug. There's just too much risk involved - "

"I've made up my mind, dad. I want to do this."

"But think of us, Gin, if you won't think of anyone else." Her mother.

"The Order needs me to do this, mom." The redhead pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "I really don't see what a big deal this is - "

"Big deal? Big deal?" Her father's tone was disbelieving. "Ginny, this is a suicide mission!" His voice choked up slightly with the last few words. "Gin, we can't loose another child." Her mother, who had been dabbing her eyes with a hanky, placed a trembling hand on her only daughter's arm.

"Please, Ginny."

The young woman looked desperately at both parents, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I know all of this, mum! Do you know how hard it was for me to decide? I - I know you need me here. But I know the Order needs me more. Don't you understand?"

Her parents gazed at her unhappily. Her mother moved forward and flung her arms around her daughter, burying her head in her shoulder. Her father quickly followed and Ginny let herself melt into their embrace. "I'm sorry, mum. Dad."

ooo

She managed to leave the room without completely breaking down, but coming close to it several times. Knocking on the door to the kitchen, she waited with baited breath, tapping her toe impatiently against the uneven ground. Moments later, a soft "Come in," sounded and she opened the door, stepping gingerly inside. She was greeted with the sight of Dennis and Dumbledore quietly conversing, each seating at the table.

"I'm really sorry about this, Dumbledore, but..."

"I understand, Dennis. This is a terrible decision that no one should have to make." He smiled a tired smile. "Thank you, Dennis." The younger boy exited through the door, brushing past Ginny as he went. Ginny smiled at him, too.

"Dumbledore?" she asked, stepping into the light of the dim lantern hanging from the ceiling.

"Come in, come in, Ginny." His tired smile strengthened somewhat and he gestured to the seat Dennis had vacated. "So, have you made your decision?" Ginny nodded, sitting down.

"I have, sir. I - I want to participate in the mission." Dumbledore's expression was hard to decipher, but his eyes twinkled kindly as he took in the young woman before him.

"I'm assuming, Ginny, that this decision was not made easily, nor lightly."

"You're correct, sir."

"Then I applaud your bravery and wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you, sir." He smiled gently.

"You may go. I will have an additional meeting for those who choose to accompany you later on. Expect a Patronus."

"I will sir. Thank you." She left the room, closing the door softly behind her and leaning against a nearby wall, her knees suddenly weak. He was going to be there - him with the angelic white-blond hair and aristocratic features - and she might end up fighting him to the death. "What have I signed up for?" she asked herself quietly, pushing off the wall with one hand.

The empty corridor gave no answer.