Chapter 2: Interlude: The Safety Measures

Albus Dumbledore arrives at the Ministry of Magic, wondering why Alastor Moody asked him to come so fast. And to bring along Severus Snape. "Probably just an excuse to lock me away, Headmaster." Snape suggests. "Moody never liked me."

"Nonsense, Severus." Albus replies. "I trust you and that's enough for everyone in the order."

"Welcome." Alastor Moody tells the visitors. "Headmaster." He says to Albus in respect. "Snape." He says to Severus in contempt.

"Alastor, you sounded too urgent when you called for us." Albus comments.

"Oh, right." Mad-Eye replies. "Do you remember when Sirius Black fell through that arc?"

"Yes." Albus sadly answers. "Too bad he had to die."

"That's the point." Moody replies to the shock of Albus and Severus. "He seems to have come back. And he brought friends. We want you to see if they're who they claim to be."

Albus Dumbledore asks Moody to lead him and Severus to them. Who they see causes the two Professors to gasp (even Snape betrayed that emotion) in shock.

"Surprised to see me alive, Snivellus?" James asks while Snape performs Legilimency on him.

"I see all those years of death have done nothing to change that attitude of yours, Potter." Snape comments.

"And I see you're still the same Slytherin git from the old times." James replies.

"James. Severus. Please stop arguing now!" Lily asks.

"Sorry, Lily." Severus replies. "For that and for, you know"

"Calling me a mudblood?" Lily asks with a demanding tone.

"Yes, Lily. I'm sorry for that, too." Severus replies. He then goes to see Sirius but Moody stops him. "Don't worry about him. The dog has already proven himself while isolated from the others."

Snape gets the hint and procceeds to the other Black. "Regulus, it's been a long time."

"I'll say, Severus." Regulus replies. "Remember how Cousin Narcissa and Cousin Bellatrix and I encouraged you after Potter and his Marauder friends bullied you?"

"You're Regulus Black indeed." Snape plainly states.

"I guess this settles everything." Dumbledore comments.

"Actually, Albus, Regulus Black knows something that might help us to defeat Voldemort once and for all." James replies, making the ones afraid to say the V-name cringe.

"Don't say the Dark Lord's name, Potter!" Snape yells.

"Grow up, Severus." Lily mock-scolds her former friend.

"And what do you want with Dumbledore, you Death Eater scum?" Moody asks with a demanding tone.

"That's between Dumbledore and myself." Regulus replies.

"It's okay, Alastor." Dumbledore replies. "Leave him to me."

"Okay." Moody grudgingly replies.

"Not so fast." Lily spats. "Albus Dumbledore, did you really leave my son to live with my sister and her stupid husband?"

"I had to, Lily."

"Then we'll pick him first and then you and Regulus may talk about whatever he wants." Lily demands and Albus decides to accept.

I've decided to make this interlude chapter. Please review.