Chapter 2
Two Surprises
That night began as a jubilant celebration for the Order as it seemed almost every member had crowded inside the kitchen to not only exchange information on Voldemort's whereabouts, but to mainly enjoy the gigantic buffet provided by the Weasley family. During the remainder of the time when Voldemort's name was indirectly mentioned, Harry tried to occupy his mind as well as his emotions by conversing with his best friend, Ron. 'You sure you're alright, Harry?'' Ron asked right before he bit a large chunk off of a chicken wing. 'You just seem very tense, not to startle you.'' 'I'm fine,'' Harry reassured his close friend, though in reality he knew he was far from fine.
'Harry,'' Ron started apologetically, 'I…er..We're sorry, Hermione and I, I mean, we-
'Forget it,'' Harry interrupted. He gritted his teeth in an effort to contain his anger and barely managed a friendly smile towards Ron. The two sat there on opposite sides of the magenta couch, staring awkwardly into space in hopes that the other would spark a perhaps more comfortable conversation. You see, the relationship concerning the three Gryffindors had become highly strained after behind Harry's back, Ron and Hermione had sworn to keep the Order a secret, even if that meant shutting their closest friend out of Order activities. Don't, however, think too harshly of the two. They only acted the way they did, in such secrecy, to protect Harry, not hurt him.
Harry's thoughts drifted off to the unknown scheme of Fred and George.
'What are they plotting?'' He inquired calmly to himself. Ron directed his attention from the enticing buffet full of scrumptious treats to his best friend. 'I'm sorry, mate… what did you just say?'' 'Who's plotting what?'' Ron scratched his forehead, his eyes focused intently on Harry. 'Er.. well..I…I can't tell you,'' Harry stammered. After all, Ron and Hermione never bothered to include him in on their important secrets, so Harry decided he would do the same in retaliation.
Ron studied Harry's defiant expression. He appeared a bit insulted and was about to open his mouth to speak when an eerie sound left him frozen in his tracks. Harry heard the noise as well, as did the entire Order. All eyes scrutinized the half-open door, which was carved with the Black family crest, and was gradually creaking open to momentarily reveal the dim lit streets beyond. Auror, Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody took two cautious steps towards the open door, equipped with a wand in one hand and firewhiskey in the other. Suddenly, a hook-nosed figure entered the silent room, wearing black layers from neck to toe, their matted, greasy hair covering their gaunt face like a pair of curtains.
Harry, nor Ron, didn't require a closer examination to know who this complicated being was for the hateful stare and mocking sneer said it all. The intruder was most indeed Severus Snape, the snarky potions master that took pride in giving out free detentions as if they were personal invitations to a birthday party, like anyone would go. Ron and Harry, to Hermione's distaste, always argued upon the matter of whether Snape hatched from a basilisk or toad egg, seeing that both were relevant theories in the case of Professor Snape.
'Didn't your parents ever teach you to knock, Snivellus?'' snarled Sirius, who had pushed his way through the shocked crowd of witches and wizards, over to where Severus now stood.
'Actually, Black,'' Snape began, 'It may have escaped your perfectly watchful notice, but you left the door open.'' 'That's a terrific way to hide from public view, Black, leaving the door of your hidey hole wide open.'' 'I do hope you don't make the same mistake,'' he finished with a sarcastic grin. 'Hmm.. I suppose Azkaban can never deprive you of pure arrogance, I suppose.''
Sirius looked absolutely furious, meanwhile Snape's lip curled into a triumphant sneer. 'Dinner?'' suggested Molly Weasley.