XXXXXX

The next morning Mr. and Mrs. Weasley informed them all that Dumbledore was having a meeting today at 12 Gimmauld Place, the headquarters to the Order of the Phoenix. When they arrived and headed into the kitchen area, Lupin was already there and sitting next to him at the long table was Tonks. Mad-Eye was standing in the corner with Kingsley, Bill Weasley was there as well and got up to greet his parents when he saw them. Lastly, Snape was standing off to the side with the usual look of distain whenever he saw Harry.

Harry ignored him as he took a seat, Hermione right beside him. They kept looking at each other without really meaning too, the events of last night still fresh in their minds. Once everyone was settled, Dumbledore stepped into the room, in front of the table and addressed them all.

"Good morning to you all." He began. "As you all may know we have a new Minister of Magic. Now I know the problems we had with them last year but I do believe it is in both our best interests to have trust and cooperation with each other. After all, it is Voldemort we are both supposed to be fighting."

They all nodded in agreement before Harry spoke up.

"Sir, I met the new minister last night. What do you think of him?"

"He's a good man. He's aware of the danger we are all in as long as Voldemort is out there. I believe that he will be more willing to work with us than Cornelius was."

Dumbledore then motioned for Snape to come over.

"Now, I believe that Severus has some important information he needs to share."

Snape came before them all and began to speak.

"The Dark Lord has been trying to recruit anyone he can to join his army. As of a few days ago it appears the Dementors have joined them."

Murmurs than were heard all throughout the room as they were all disappointed but not surprised by the news. Harry shook his head as he thought back to his conversation with Scrimgeour, he certainly didn't bring this up during the talk. And he wanted him to tell the papers that the Ministry was doing a good job.

"What will happen with Azkaban?" Ron then asked.

"No wizard will be able to get anywhere near Azkaban." Snape responded. "It now belongs to the Dark Lord. From what I understand he is now using it as his permanent base."

Moody and Lupin looked at each other. That was going to put the Order at a severe disadvantage. They were going to have to find someplace else to hold the criminals they were able to catch. The meeting went on for several more minutes before Dumbledore walked over to Harry and whispered to him that he needed to speak to him in private. They walked out into the hall and the elderly wizard frowned, not knowing how to tell him of the news.

"Harry I'm so sorry to tell you." He began. "There was an attack on your aunt and uncle's neighborhood a few nights ago. They didn't make it...they were killed, Harry."

His eyes widened.

"All of them?" He breathed. "Even Dudley?"

"I'm afraid so."

He placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Are you alright, my son?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I just…I don't know how to feel about this sir."

"It's alright, you don't have to feel anything."

They were both silent for a moment before Dumbledore sighed before speaking again.

"Harry, I believe I own you an apology."

"Me? For what?"

"About the prophecy. When I first heard of it, I admit I was glad a potential vanquisher of the Dark Lord existed. When it came clear you were the boy referred to in the prophecy, I did intend to use you…but once you came to Hogwarts and I watched you, I saw you for the person you are, I found myself hesitating. Finally, I had to tell you about the prophecy as it did concern you, but now I am no longer pleased that it was made. I wish it had not made foretold. Or at least wish it did not include you."

"I wish that too." Harry responded.

"You will have to face him eventually Harry. And that time may be growing closer than we think. I have asked Severus to help train you-"

"Wait a minute, Snape?"

"Yes. He will be the new Defense teacher this year."

"What about you? Why can't you teach me?"

"Because Severus is the better one to do it."

Harry sighed heavily and looked at the floor when hearing the news. Snape hated him and last year having to take lessons from him didn't work out so well. Dumbledore frowned when he saw the teens reaction and attempted to make him feel better about it.

"Severus is very good at spells. If I didn't feel that he was the best one to be teaching you, he wouldn't be."

"What do I do?" Harry then asked in frustration. "What do I do when I finally come up against Voldemort?"

"You will do your best. That is all that can be asked."

However, when he thought of his friends, of all the people that were depending on him Harry knew that simply trying his best wasn't good enough. When the Order meeting was over and they all left, the day was finished for most of them but not for Snape. When nightfall came he found himself traveling to Azkaban to see the Dark Lord. Several members had gathered before him, Lucius and Bellatrix included when a loud 'pop' went off and they looked over, surprised to Jugson standing before them with a cloaked figure standing behind him.

"Jugson?" Bellatrix questioned. "I thought the ministry captured you."

"They did."

He then looked at the floor nervously, knowing full well the Dark Lord did not tolerate failure.

"He released me." Jugson continued. "He wanted to come here, said he wanted to join us."

"Who?"

Jugson sidestepped out of the way and they all found themselves starting at a young man, no older then twenty with a ball of curly red hair. They knew him because he had a high rank position within the ministry, but Lucius Malfoy knew him for another reason.

"If it isn't Percy Weasley." Lucius smirked. "The son of a muggle loving blood-traitor."

Immediately Percy's face darkened and he stepped forward angrily.

"Arthur Weasley is no relation of mine. I hold no claim on any of them." he spat in a voice filled with hate and fury. "I hate them all."

Voldemort, who had been silent this whole time got up from his seat and walked closer. This caused Percy to swallow nervously as he calmed down a little.

"You came here tonight, against your family…against your father. I admire that, young Weasley."

Percy nodded a little as Snape looked on in shock. He knew of him from his days at Hogwarts. He was a member of the Weasley family. None of those self-righteous Gryffindors would ever join the side of the Dark Lord. Unthinkable. Voldemort walked a circle around Percy as the hairs on the back of the younger man's neck stood up. Now that he was face to face with the Dark Lord himself he didn't know what to expect next.

"So, you say you hate your family?" Voldemort questioned. "Why?"

"Because they've made me feel like an outsider." Percy's voice shook a little. "Because they care more about Harry Potter than me. They chose him over me."

A sick smile came over Voldemort's face as he looked on at Percy.

"So I choose myself and my loyalties over them." He finished.

"So what is it you desire from us?"

Percy swallowed again, but answered this time with much more conviction.

"I want power. I want to be your most devoted follower…your right hand man."

This caused laughter from everyone in the room, sick laughter, all except for Snape. It was cold and chilled Percy to the bone but he knew that he wanted to be here. There was no going back. Voldemort himself looked pleased by the answer.

"Ambitious." He began. "I honestly never thought a Weasley would be joining my ranks."

"Wait a minute my lord." Lucius interrupted. "He works for the ministry. His family is devoted to Dumbledore. How do we know he isn't some kind of spy?"

Voldemort looked from Lucius back to Percy.

"Because I have a plan." Percy responded. "A plan to get rid of Dumbledore."

That intrigued the Dark Lord as he had been wanting to get rid of the old fool for decades, however it was much more easier said than done. As much as he hated to admit he was a great wizard in his own right. But maybe this young mind could bring something knew to the table. Percy smiled when he realized he had his interest.

"Fool-proof."

"I'm all ears, Percy Weasley." Voldemort smiled. "What do you have in mind?"