Chapter 19- Unbeknownst

Once the sun had set and the moon crept up over the hills a steady darkness befell the neighborhood. Street lamps, though visible, were dimly lit and shone just about the sidewalks. The apartments and flats that lined the streets rang of silence often found in a family neighborhood later into the early April evenings.

A cold wind quickly sped up across the district dropping temperatures and quickening steps. Sliding from behind a nearby building with a fast pace and a lowered head was a man. His long cloak billowed out behind him causing his arms to close around him and his speed to accelerate further.

The man stopped abruptly outside of number 11 and number 13 and stared intensely at the place. His gaze swiveled sharply from side to side and then he began walking directly between the two homes until suddenly he disappeared.

Inside Number 12 Grimmauld Place the man silently hung up his dark cloak and headed towards the lit room at the end of the hall. The kitchen had always been a place of gathering for the members of The Order. The room had just seemed to fit. It's warm and slightly "cozier than the rest of the house" appeal had pushed them there in the first place. Now, however, even the atmosphere had been changed by the simplicity of the unknown.

None of the members had the slightest idea of what was going on. Severus had yet to fill them in, and that is exactly what they were waiting for. Dumbledore's right hand man would soon be walking through the door to introduce them to their fate, and to the expected fate of the wizarding world. Once he finally graced them with his presence there was silence. The floor was open for him but his audience would be a tough crowd to please.

"Severus, please take a seat," Molly quickly rushed over from her place at the stove. "Would you care for a cup of tea at all?"

"No, I shouldn't be long, hopefully."

Molly Weasley, with her tired hair and run down face, was clearly disheartened at her attempt at hostess. Severus had never seemed to grace the Order with a pleasant manner. His snarky remarks and cold exterior did not help his cause with those who questioned his loyalty. But whichever side you were on you could appreciate the information he brought to the group. It had consistently helped with improving the progression of bringing the Dark Lord down.

The other members continued to stare at Snape as he slowly found a comfortable place to be seated. Once he did, however, he gave no indication of making a speech. His mouth remained shut and the little move he managed to make was to push back the slick pieces of hair falling around his eyes.

"Severus, the reason you came here…" waiting for a response Arthur Weasley started, "Well, are you going to let us know what's going on?"

"Yes, of course. My news…" Snape began, "The young Draco Malfoy came to me in my office late the other night. He brought quite the news. It shocked even me. He told me that a girl he was seeing claimed to have been behind the massacres at Beauxbatons."

As a look of shock and a rumble of whispers paraded through the room Snape continued on with his explanation. He told of her dreams and the out of body experience she had. He told of the powers she had unexplainably held. With the more words he spoke the more stunned the looks on members' faces became.

"The Dark Lord had been looking for the witch or wizard that committed this heinous crime all year. His search has diminished and I believe the girl is safe. But I will keep my ears open as I'm afraid that if he finds out about her he may use her as a weapon."

"But who is she?" a voice called out from the table. "Why haven't we heard of her before?"

"Because, it's Aliana Moxley," Snape replied.

All of the heads in the room turned to look at the woman in the back of the room her mouth open in complete shock and her eyes full of hatred.

A/N: This one is out much faster than the last!! Although it is short, I'm sure you appreciate the quick update. There's not much going on in this one but a bit of a surprise in the end. Let me know what you think… Keep reading and reviewing.