Hey how are all my dolls and fellas out there today? I bet you thought that I had abandoned you and this story right? I want you to not ever think such a thing, no matter how long it takes for me to update this story. I am so sincerely and absolutely grateful and honoured that so many of you enjoy this story. I enjoy writing it just as much as you do reading it believe me. However, this next phase of the story deserves the best ideas and the best writing capacity. I wanted to ensure that I did justice to this story before I updated. Sooooo I am happy to introduce to you chapter 132 – the beginning of the end of Voldemort as well as the beginning of many other things that you will see in due course. I hope you will enjoy this chapter. I am sure I will hear either way. Laters!
Tonight is the first night of the many meetings which the order will be hosting at No. 12 Grimauld Place. Harry arrives down to the kitchen where he finds Sirius cooking him breakfast. As he walks in Sirius turns and smiles softly at him and says, "Good morning Prongslet. How are you this morning?" Harry, who pulls out a chair at the circular wooden table to sit down on, rubs his scar absentmindedly and says, "I`m ok Padfoot. How are you?" He then pours himself a glass of orange juice from the jug on the table. Sirius walks over to Harry with a plate of English breakfast. He sets it down in front of him before taking a seat across the table from him. He pours himself a cup of tea from the pot on the table and says "I am great Harry. The sky is blue, the grass is green...what more could we ask for?" He smiles over at Harry before taking a sip from his cup. Harry reciprocates and asks "So what are your plans today then?" Sirius swallows his tea, places his cup on the table, picks up the daily prophet as he says "Well we have that order meeting later so Lily has instructed me to keep an eye of those cakes she has in the oven. Why do you ask Harry?" Sirius flicks through the paper as Harry finishes his breakfast and says "Oh no real reason...it`s just that..." Sirius lifts his eyes from the paper and smiles as he says "Yes, Harry I`m listening..." Harry smirks at his godfather who returns his eyes to the paper and says "Well we haven't really spent much time together since the holidays started Sirius so I guess I was sort of hoping that maybe we could play some quiddtich today." Sirius drains the remainder of his tea, shakes his head as he rises from the table saying "Not today Prongslet but I promise we will do that really soon ok? Are you finished?" Harry nods his head as Sirius carries his plate over to the sink. Harry sighs as he leans back in his chair. Sirius smiles to himself. He checks the time on his watch as he turns to face Harry saying "Why don`t you ask Ron to play quiddtich? You aren`t short of team mates now that all the Weasleys are here." Harry glanced at Sirius sideways. He stood up, pushed his chair into the table and leaned over on the back of it. "I know Sirius but that is not the point." Sirius keeping his eyes on the oven and his watch says "So what is the point kid?" "I just thought it would be cool for us to have a game...like we used in the old days. I understand though that the order comes first..." Sirius, stunned by this remark says "No Harry, you are what is important. However, Voldemort always did have rotten timing. He always knew how to mess things up for people but I promise we will have a game before you head back to Hogwarts. It's just right now things are crazy and these cakes better be worth it..." Harry smirks as he shakes his head. "Finally! Halleluiah! Lily`s precious raspberry and white chocolate muffin cakes are ready." Sirius exclaims cynically. Harry walks over to where Sirius is standing. "Are you not supposed to take them out to cool Padfoot?" Sirius suddenly jerks his head in Harry`s direction as he looks at him sharply. "You Know what? I do believe I am. Thanks Prongslet. Is Hermione training you to house work already?" He winks at Harry as he gingerly removes the cakes from the oven. "No actually. I just have gotten used to seeing your head on your shoulders so I would hate for you to lose it." Sirius smiles cynically at a grinning Harry. "Have you heard the news?" Sirius asks. Harry looks at Sirius perplexed, urging him to continue. "We are going to have some more company." Harry`s eyes widen with shock. "Are you serious? Well who? We soon won`t have room to breathe here if Dumbledore keeps inviting all of England to stay" Sirius laughs lightly and says "I hear ya kid. However, Dumbledore feels it`s prudent that some people do. He has asked Neville and his grandmother to come and stay. His grandmother is one hell of a witch. Nobody should under estimate that woman but death eaters always seem to..." Harry smirks at this. "...Cedric and his dad are coming. In fact Cedric is going to be our new order member..." Harry nods his head in approval. "Cedric is a really cool guy and a great wizard." Sirius nods his head saying "I agree completely with you Prongslet. He comes from great genes. Finally Dean Thomas and his family are coming here too..." Sirius sees Harry is stunned by that revelation. "Well that is...I mean...does Dumbledore know that he and Arielle broke up? Because if he does then clearly he doesn't care about sticking us with two mopping teenagers." Sirius laughs heartedly at this. "Harry, Dumbledore is concerned in establishing the order of the phoenix. Therefore, his primary concerns are finding the best witches and wizards to fight for the cause of bringing down Voldemort. Dean`s parents are essential to this order so I think both Dean and Arielle are going to have to find some way of living together." Harry leans his head against the wall behind him. "This blows Sirius." Sirius approaches him, places a hand on his shoulder and says gently "This is a war Harry. We need to stick together and plan ahead." Harry inhales deeply as he shoves his hands inside his jeans pockets and mutters "I guess."
Just then Samia comes running into the kitchen shouting for Sirius. She runs over to her father shouting excitedly "Daddy! Daddy guess what!" Sirius who is back sitting at the table reading the paper looks up and says "What is it sweetheart?" She jumps into his lap as Sirius wraps his arms around her securely. "Tonks showed me and Kyrah a picture of a dress we should get for our birthday next week but Uncle Regulus won`t take us into Hogsmeade to buy it." Sirius sees Tonks and Regulus entering the kitchen with Kyrah in tow as he says "Well I am pleased Uncle Regulus has enough sense to say no. Tonks, love, what are you playing at?" Sirius asks anxiously as Tonks sits opposite him and pours herself a cup of tea. "I just thought it would be a nice idea to buy them a birthday present Sirius. I guess I was wrong." Sirius releases Samia as she runs over and stands by her sister next to Harry. Sirius orders them to leave and they reluctantly do so. He then turns his attention back to Tonks. "Tonks, I have no problem with you buying the twins a birthday gift. Honestly, I thank you sincerely for thinking of them but seriously...taking them into Hogsmeade is beyond nuts. Surely you can see that." Tonks dips a biscuit into her tea and says "I really don't to be honest Sirius...I mean..." "Hold it right there Tonks. Those kids are only eight years old. They are not old enough to use Hogwarts magic." Tonks quirks an eyebrow "So?" "So? Are you for real? I am not letting you parade my daughters around Hogsmeade. You can do what you like with your own..." "Sirius nobody is talking about parading anybody. The girls just need to get a break from here. They are just kids Sirius..." "Well I am pleased you can see that." Sirius says firmly as he glances over at Regulus who smiles weakly and then walks over to the patio door, looking out at the garden. "Sirius maybe it would be ok if the twins went to Hogsmeade. I mean Voldemort is only back a short time. I`m sure he has better things to do than hang around in Hogsmeade." Harry interjects forcing Sirius to take his eyes off his brother. "Harry, Voldemort is as slippery as they come. I know you know this. Nobody is leaving this house unless it is necessary and if we do then we leave in groups. You may call me what you will but that is the way we need to play. The last time Voldemort ran the show we were all scurrying about like terrified sewer rats. Well, not this time. This time we need to be ten steps ahead of the snake at all times." Sirius says as Regulus pulls down on the door handle and walks aimlessly out into the garden. Tonks, Sirius and Harry gaze after him anxiously. "Is he ok?" Tonks asks concernedly. Sirius shakes his head. "I don`t think so. Will you both excuse me please?" Sirius asks rising from the table and glancing at Harry and Tonks respectively. "Of course Sirius." They reply. Sirius smiles and mutters "Thanks" as he follows his brother outside.
Sirius finds Regulus sitting on a wooden swing, hanging from an oak tree, which was conjured for the twins. Regulus has his back to the house so Sirius lightly taps his shoulder as he stands in front and faces him. They both smile sadly at one another for a moment before Sirius breaks the silence. He looks around at his surroundings and says "it is weird being back in the old place isn`t it?" Regulus softly nods while looking at the grass beneath him. "I mean I know I never in my wildest dreams imagined ever living here again. Now look at me..." Regulus smiles wryly meeting Sirius` eyes momentarily. He places a hand on his brother`s shoulder as he says gently "Regulus I understand how difficult it must be for you. This place doesn't have many happy memories for me either. Are you sure you are cool with being here?" Regulus nods curtly as Sirius removes his hand from his shoulder and jumps up on a branch of the tree. Regulus looks at him warily saying "We agreed together Sirius that this was the perfect place for the order. I still stand by that. It`s just that sometimes, you know, I just remember something that happened in some area of the house and I feel like..." "Like you are back living with mom and dad? I have those same feelings Reg." "Yeah, but Sirius you have a wife and kids. You can escape the horrors of your past. You left this place when you were sixteen...I never had the chance to escape. I feel trapped." Regulus bows his head despondently. Sirius eyes his brother pensively. There was some truth in what he said but now Sirius felt it was the time to open up to him completely. "I hear what you are saying mate and I whole heartedly empathise with you. I`m sorry that I left you. I just didn`t see that I had any other choice. I was selfish. Mom and dad made my life hell. Dad especially with his torture chamber. It seemed like you had it all going for you. The only son that they really wanted. I was dead to them. I didn't want to stay and give them the satisfaction of killing me off..." Regulus jerks his head up suddenly, sadness etched in his eyes. "Sirius you were my way out. I always believed that I would be ok so long as you were around. I know that you had to leave but you have got to believe me when I say this. They brain washed me. They had given up on ever getting you involved with Voldemort that they were not going to let another son disgrace the Black family name. I had no choice. I didn't have the guts that you had back then to say no. It didn't help that I was in Slytherin I know. It was easier for them to give up on you I guess since you were in Gryffindor." Sirius inhaled deeply. He never heard his brother speak so passionately against their parents before. During those times Sirius knew he did what was best for him, not realising that Regulus too needed his help. How was he ever going to square things with his kid brother? After all, Sirius did abandon him unintentionally. "Regulus, I had no idea you felt that way back then. I`m sorry I let you down..." "No Sirius don`t. I didn't tell you all of this to guilt trip you. I just wanted you to understand how I felt because I never really told you before. It's only since the house has been full again that all of these memories occur to me. I thought I had them buried but I guess not well enough." "I understand Regulus because for years I suffered from nightmares about the torture I got from dad. I even had them after I married Shari. Then one day I just said enough. I was not going to let him ruin any more of my life than he already had. I am much stronger than he is. I am a better man than he ever could be. I know you are too Reg. I also know that you can defeat your own horrors if you keep reminding yourself of the man you are. You are a good man Regulus with a great capacity to love and do beautiful things in this world. I am always going to be here for you when you need me. I promise you on my life that I will not abandon you again." Sirius hopped off the tree. Regulus reciprocated Sirius` warm smile as he stood up and hugged his brother tightly.
At 5:00 that evening members of the newly established order of the phoenix began to arrive at Grimauld Place. Harry and company were upstairs watching television and they were instructed to keep an eye on Remus and Tonks` twins. Downstairs Dumbledore had arrived with Snape, Mc Gonagall and Moody. Inside the meeting room everybody rises from their seats upon seeing Dumbledore enter. Dumbledore waves his hand up and down signalling that that is unnecessary. He sits at the top of the table in between James and Snape. "Is everybody ready to commence this meeting?" Dumbledore asks as he addresses the room. Everybody murmurs that they are and thus the first order meeting begins. "Ok well the first item on the agenda, apart from thanking you all for your immediate support, is to welcome our newest and youngest order member today. I have no doubt what so ever that he will be a vital asset to the order. I hereby welcome most sincerely Cedric Diggory to the order of the phoenix." Cedric smiles sheepishly as the room rings out in applause and "congratulations." His father rubbed his back swiftly as Cedric reciprocated his smile. After a few moments Dumbledore addresses the room again, bringing his attention to the marauders. "Earlier when we spoke you agreed to suggest to your sister and her family that they come and stay here. Do the rest of the family concur with this decision Lily?" Lily turns to James on her left. He smiles at her warmly as he takes her hand. He then looks to Dumbledore and says "Yes Sir we do. This house is open to anybody who is in need of refuge from Voldemort. Even though Petunia has made it abundantly clear on several occasions how she feels about Lily and I, we feel that it is prudent that she and Vernon take heed of this advice for their son`s sake if nothing else." Dumbledore nods his approval as his former student smiles wryly at him. "Now before we go any further I wish for you James to enlist Harry into this meeting if you would be so kind?" There were low mutterings around the room. "Is that wise Albus? I mean...he is just a boy." Molly states fervently which earns her mutters of approval. Lily eyes James anxiously who squeezes her hand in recognition that all will be fine. "Molly, love, how often have we been through this? Harry is not your son. Therefore if Dumbledore requests his presence during an order meeting then he must have his reasons." "Sirius, Harry is not my son but I do care about him." Molly said flatly. "And you think that I don`t?" Sirius asked hotly. "I did not suggest anything of the sort." "Dam straight because if you did then you would be way off." Dumbledore interjects saying "Sirius please calm yourself. Now before I ask for Harry to join us I would like to know how you would feel about another house elf living here. I understand this also concerns the Weasley family of course." Sirius looked around the room and it appeared nobody objected to this idea. "It is fine Albus. I just hope that Kreacher can tolerate it." Regulus stepped in saying "Don`t worry I will square things with Kreacher." Sirius and Dumbledore smiled admirably at him. "I do appreciate that very much Regulus. As a matter of interest to you Sirius the elf who I intend to invite here is Dobby. The same elf who saved your life many years ago. I feel he will be a vital asset to the order." "Well then Dumbledore say no more. Anyone who saves my life is welcome here for as long as needs be." Sirius added grinning. Light laughter was rung around the room as James left to bring Harry downstairs.
James knocked lightly on Harry`s door before entering. He had the biggest room on that floor which he shared with Ron. They both had large four poster beds which had Gryffindor coloured sheets and duvet covers. The walls had pictures of their favourite quiddtich teams as well as pictures of their friends from Hogwarts. The walls were painted a cream colour and the borders were papered maroon and gold. The window was long and wide. It had the view of the long, never ending back garden. The permanent quiddtich pitch which the marauders promised him and Rob stood erect in plain sight from the third floor bedroom. The long, Gryffindor coloured curtains blew softly against the summer breeze blowing in through the open window. Harry was sitting on his bed with Ron playing chess while Arielle was beside Hermione on the two seated maroon couch next to the window looking through magazines. Harry looked up at his dad and reciprocated his smile as he asked "Are you ok dad?" James stepped further into the room as he said "Yeah, champ but Dumbledore wants to see you now." Everybody looked at James instantly. "Why?" Harry asked curiously. James eyed his son cautiously. He shoved his hands into his pockets as he rocked backwards on his heels and said softly "I think its order business champ. He is waiting for us so please come with me." He looked then to Ron, Hermione and Arielle as he said "I'm sorry but Dumbledore only requested Harry`s presence for now." Ron nodded his head in comprehension as Hermione said "We will stay here James. Don`t worry about us. I will ensure that the others do the same." James smiled appreciatively at her and said "Thank you Hermione. I'm sure we won't be too long." They smiled at one another as James and Harry left the room. As they approached the ground floor James turned to Harry saying "Harry I want you to promise me that you will oblige Professor Dumbledore in whatever request he makes of you. I don't know what he will ask of you but I promise I will be here for you through it all." Harry eyed his father seriously and replied "Ok I promise." James smiled meekly at his son as they made their way into the meeting room. As James turned on the door handle he could feel his son`s anxiety so he placed a securing hand on his shoulder as they walked in together. Harry immediately met the gentle eyes of his mother. They both shared a soft smile. Beside her sat his transfiguration teacher who in turn smiled at him admirably. Remus, Sirius and Regulus sat alongside her who also offered him their support through mannerism. Dumbledore stood up and smiled warmly at Harry who reciprocated. "I appreciate you joining us Harry and I apologise from disturbing you from your friends." Harry shook his head and said "It`s cool sir. I was just playing some chess with Ron. We can finish up later." Sirius conjured a seat beside him and Remus as he beckoned Harry over to him. Harry smiled broadly at his godfather as James relinquished his grip on his son. Harry made his way over to the newly vacant seat and sat down, smiling in turn at his guardians. "Are you ok Prongslet?" Sirius asked softly. Harry turned to Sirius saying "Yeah, I`m cool Padfoot. Have you got any idea what this is about though?" Sirius shrugged his shoulders as Remus said "I think he has a mission for you Harry." "A mission?" Sirius and Harry cried incredulously. Remus tapped his index finger against his lips, signifying for them to keep quiet. Dumbledore then addressed Harry. "Harry I am sure you are quite possibly wondering why I invited you here this evening." Harry looked at his headmaster and said "Actually sir I have gotten quite used to your random requests after all this time." Dumbledore and the marauders laughed lightly but Lily reprimanded her son. "Harry please watch your manners towards Professor Dumbledore." "Lily, Harry is perfectly accurate in what he says. I have I will admit over the years asked a lot of him and Harry has always graciously obliged me in every way." Harry and Dumbledore shared a humourous smile together. "I fear that I ask too much of you Harry once again and I would comprehend completely if this time you did not feel like a challenge." Harry eyed Dumbledore with great curiosity. Even though he did yearn for a quiet life, he knew perfectly well that while Voldemort was around, such a thing would cease to exist so he answers his headmaster in a tone of Potter politeness. "Professor I will do whatever it is you ask of me especially if it will signify the end of Voldemort once and for all." Dumbledore gazed at his young student admirably. The majority of the room were muttering their own responses about Harry`s defiant statement. Sirius and James smiled proudly at one another while the rest of his family exchanged anxious glances. "Harry what I ask of you is far more extreme than I have ever requested before. It may appear reckless and in some way superfluous but I feel strongly about Voldemort`s demise just as much as I know you do. The request I ask of you Harry is this." He rests his elbows on the table as he joins his hands together and rests his chin on them as he says "Harry I would like you to recruit some of your fellow Hogwarts piers and together establish a young wizard army. I trust your judgement therefore I know you will acquire the best Hogwarts has to offer. I selfishly add that I would like you to name yourselves Dumbledore`s Army." Jaws dropped and uproars surround the room. Harry stared at Dumbledore wide eyed and stunned as Sirius and James exchanged similar looks. "Albus you cannot be serious. This is completely reckless and well frankly its stupid." Lily exclaimed aghast at what her former headmaster had just asked of her son. Dumbledore and Harry continued to look at one another bemused. "Lily is right Albus. Harry is just a boy. Why don't you just induct him into the order altogether?" Molly cried angrily. "Now just hang on a minute. If Voldemort is raising an army then I want to fight." Harry exclaimed which earned him a clap from Sirius. He turned and smiled at his godfather who winked proudly at him. "Harry please think about this..." Lily begged of him. Harry stood up, walked down to her and said "Mom I promise I will be fine. This will be a positive way to bring down Voldemort. I know it will take time and we need to be prepared but I know some of the best witches and wizards at Hogwarts who are geared to fighting him. Professor Dumbledore I accept." Dumbledore stood up and clasped Harry`s shoulders tightly as he said "I thank you Harry for trusting me once again." He removed his hands as they shared one last smile before Harry left the room. As Dumbledore sat back down on his seat, Lily thumped James on his arm. He massaged his arm as he turned to his wife for an explanation. "You could have tried to dissuade him James. Instead you sat there like an idiot." Sirius leaned back in his chair with his hands behind his head saying "Prongslet is a true marauder Lily love and that is something you can never change."