Chapter Eight

Harry and Jenny walked up the worn steps, staring at the door. Its black paint was shabby and scratched. The silver door knocker was in the form of a serpent. Lupin pulled out his wand and tapped the door once. The door cracked open.

'I was here ages ago.;' Jenny whispered to Harry 'When Sirius was still living with his parents and they wanted to meet with my parent to discuss something. James took me upstairs to Sirius's room. I met Regulus that day.'

Harry smiled and walked through the door.

'Don't go far inside Harry and don't touch anything' Remus warned.

Inside was almost total darkness. They could smell damp, dust, and a sweetish, rotting smell. Jenny walked just behind him. They heard hurried footsteps and Ron's mother, Mrs. Weasley, emerged from the door at the far end of the hall. She was beaming in welcome. Harry noticed that she was thinner and paler then he remembered.

'Oh Harry, it's lovely to see you!' she whispered, pulling him into a rib-cracking hug. 'You are looking peaky; you need feeding up!' She turned to Jenny and examined her 'You must be Jennifer Potter. Kingsley was telling us about your job for MACUSA. That's very nice to meet you!' Mrs. Weasley hugged her too. 'Come, come. The dinner is ready I hope you are hungry.'

'Lately I am hungry all day long' Jenny smiled to Mrs. Weasley and both she and Harry followed her to the kitchen.

The rest of their escort came with them. It was scarcely less gloomy than the hall above, a cavernous room with stone walls. Most of the light was coming from a large fire at the end of the room. A long wooden table which stood in the middle of the room was full with food. At the end of the table Sirius, Mr. Weasley and his eldest son, Bill were talking quietly. When they entered the kitchen, Sirius looked at the door and immediately stood up.

'Harry!' Sirius said hurrying forward to greet him and pulled him into a hug. A minute later he let him go and turned to Jennifer with a big smile.

'It's good to see you again Paddy' Jennifer said throwing herself into his arms. 'You have no idea how much there is to tell. Both you and Moony have to hear that.'

'You've change Little Pumpkin' Sirius stroked her cheek. 'I'm dying to hear this story of yours. But first… Harry why haven't you listen to us?'

'It was my call' Jen told before Harry could start 'Leave him, that's not his fault.'

'But…' Sirius started

'Oh please. Can you start to chide us later? We are hungry, right Harry?' Harry nodded smiling and they sat down.

Some time later, Harry left the kitchen with his friends – Ron and Hermione – and went upstairs. Jennifer stayed at the kitchen with a big cup of the tea.

'So the Order is running again?' Jenny asked looking around again.

'Yup. Harry told you about You-Know-Who?' Jen nodded so Remus continued 'After this the Order was up again and Sirius offered this place to HQ.'

'And I've been stuck inside' Sirius added bitterly. Jenny looked at him with a question in her eyes. 'The Ministry of Magic's still after me, Voldemort knows that I'm an Animagus, cause Wormtail told him. There's not much I can do.'

'I'm sorry. I can imagine how you fell. Are you recruiting?'

'Do you wanna join the Order?' Sirius smiled 'That's great we need people who knows how to fight!'

'Actually I won't be fighting for some time you know. I'm pregnant and I'm not going to risk, but still I can be an asset. And I know some people who would love to fight against Voldemort.'

'Who are they?' Remus asked

'For instance Tomas O'Shea, attention he is son of Voldemort.' Everyone gasped in surprise. 'Then I'm sure Alexia would like to join the fight this time, Nate of course, Al's kids, and Regulus.'

'Regulus is long dead Jen. Al didn't want to fight last time, why would she…'

'Regulus is alive Sirius. I know that I married him. And Alexia didn't fight last time because she was pregnant with your kids. They are in New York now.'

Sirius and everyone else was looking at her incredulously.

'I think you have to explain us few things Jenny' Remus said calmly.