Author's Notes:
Here's Chapter 130 for you!
I've been so sick the past month. That's what I get for getting a job working with pre-schoolers. Why can't they stop coughing on me?
Anyway, this chapter is a POV chapter with multiple different characters.
Also, thank you to everyone who voted on my Instagram for the name of Theo Nott's child. I appreciate your contribution.
Love, DW
PS Enjoy x
"Oi, Ron, are the signs ready?" George shouts from the top of the stairs, where his shop turns into his and Angelina's flat.
"Yeah, I'll set them off at eight," Ron calls back in boredom as he flicks through the latest Chudley Cannons Annual.
George gallops downstairs a few minutes later, ready to start the day in his typical colourful trousers and robes, and his hair lightly gelled back. He stands eagerly at the door, staring out to the empty street of Diagon Alley. "Today is going to be a great day," he mutters to himself, tapping his chest three times where Fred's Weasley clock hand hangs on a chain, always close to his heart.
At eight o'clock, the clock above Gringotts Bank chimes eight times, and George throws the doors of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes open, running outside to watch the windows. On cue, large signs unravel from the ceiling, along with red and gold confetti, which rains down like a magical snow globe. The whole display informs any passers-by that a 'back-to-school' sale is happening for one day only inside.
By noon, George's shop is so full of Hogwarts students stocking up for the next term at school that Ministry Officials are posted at his door, keeping an eye on the shop. The Ministry, shops, and Hogwarts are some of the only places where it's impossible to stick to the new rule of seven. It had been Ron's idea to fill the shop up with customers so George could sneak upstairs with his friends to talk to them about restoring the Order of the Phoenix.
George is stood at the tills, keeping an eye on everyone. At ten-past twelve, Angelina enters with baby Fred in a pram. Behind her are Alicia and Katie with her husband, Aster Edging. George greets his wife with a quick kiss, smiling at his sleeping son.
"I'll head up, meet you up there," Angelina tells him, levitating the pram up the stairs, their friends following after her.
Five minutes later, Lee Jordan and Oliver Wood arrive. George greets them with hugs, side-eyeing the Ministry Officials to ensure they're not weren't watching as he ushers them upstairs.
"Thank you all for coming," George smiles, clapping his hands excitedly.
"I'm not sure why I'm here," Aster Edging states, awkwardly stood behind where Katie is sat.
"Because Katie says you're cool, and you seem down with taking down the establishment," George states.
Aster glances down at his wife, "Is he serious?"
"Not usually, but I'm guessing he is right now. What's happening, George?" Katie asks. "It's twenty-past noon on a Wednesday; most of us are skipping lunch to be here." She adds.
All their friends now worked within the Ministry. Katie in the Department of Trade, Alicia in the Department of Media, Aster worked in the Department of International Trade, and Oliver Wood, after retiring from a brief quidditch career due to an injury, had joined the Department of Magical Games and Sports, where Lee Jordan also worked.
"I know, and I'm thankful. This is important." He thanks them. "So, you know how we all despise Minister Shacklebolt, right? For forcing us to marry and reproduce, for not taking the new Death Eater movement seriously, and now for this rule-of-seven." George explains.
The majority of the room nods or hums in agreement, except Oliver Wood.
"I didn't realise we hated him. I mean, besides all that, he ran the Order and helped take down Voldemort." Oliver states.
"Yeah, but since then, he's gone power-hungry. I've heard rumours that he's practically living in his office; he's completely paranoid. He's worried the rest of the world is against him because they wouldn't sign the trade deals. Then Hermione and Draco got MACUSA to sign them; now he's paranoid President Harris is plotting against him." Alicia explains, very knowledgeable since she works directly under Poppy Montgomery, the Head of the Department of Media.
"It's true," George admits. "Hermione told us about the meeting they had at MACUSA. The ICW is involved; Shacklebolt has broken a lot of Wizarding Rights. They're the ones who will be arresting him, but it's going to take a few years to gather enough evidence and witness statements to ensure the case sticks." George explains.
"So, Hermione and Draco are forming a New Order?" Oliver asks.
"It was Harry's idea, but Hermione and Draco are our main contacts to MACUSA and the ICW." He clarifies.
Lee Jordan shrugs, "Sounds fun, I'm in."
"Sounds fun?" Aster questions. "You Gryffindors are insane." He frowns.
"You were on the watchlist, weren't you, Aster?" Lee asks.
"Yes, but I was never involved with the Death Eaters," the Slytherin stands taller.
"Neither were the majority of the Watchlisters. Last time, it was the Order against the Death Eaters and Voldemort. We weren't very accepting of Slytherin's who wanted to help us, so they had few places to turn. Now, it's everyone against the Minister. It will be fun, but it will also be important. This needs to be done, and it's time that we all join together to do it. Join us, Aster, on the right side of history." Lee speaks.
Aster looks uncomfortable at being targeted for Lee's speech but shrugs, "If Katie's joining, then I'll join too. We're in this together, yes?" He glances at his wife.
Katie smiles, "Of course, let's take this bastard down." She stands, causing a very Gryffindor celebration of jumping and cheering with some high-fives thrown in for good measure.
"This is awesome," George grins. "Right, you'll all be sent a copy of the Quibbler in a week. Use the titles of every article to complete the crossword; that's how we'll pass on information." He explains.
"How spy-like?" Lee says in amusement.
"This is going to be fun," George confirms, showing his guests back down to the shop.
Usually, Harry would use his lunch break to get through some paperwork so he didn't have to leave late. Many of his colleagues revel that they wouldn't be home in time for dinner and used that as an excuse to have a quick pint in the Leaky Cauldron before heading home. Harry had been invited on numerous occasions, but he always turned the offers down. He preferred to be home in time to eat dinner with his family, bathe his sons, and read them a bedtime story. Especially now, with another child on the way, he had all the more reason to get home on time.
This Wednesday lunch, however, Harry spent his break rushing around the corridors of the Ministry, tracking down specific workers he believed would be helpful to the Order or willing to join. His first stop was an obvious choice. The Department of Registrations.
Harry enters the department office to find the desks mostly empty and assumes everyone else is on their lunch break. Alexander Vyner glances up as he walks up their aisle made by his workers' desks.
"What now, Potter?" He sighs, throwing his quill down on his desk.
"I just need a little chat, in private," he nods down to the blonde woman, working through her lunch, obviously pretending not to be listening.
"Lyra can be trusted," Vyner states.
"With everything?" Harry asks, raising his eyebrows and tilts his head up to hint that this 'little chat' will be about the Minister.
"She knows everything," Alexander Vyner nods.
Harry frowns, "You told her." He hisses.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't talk about me like I'm not here, Mr Potter," Lyra speaks from her desk.
"I apologise, Miss…."
"Calnan, Lyra Calnan." She stands, walking with her hand outstretched.
"Sorry, Miss Calnan, I'm just worried about what Mr Vyner has told you," Harry explains, shaking her hand.
Lyra and Alexander share a look, to which they both nod in agreement.
"Alexander told me everything when he informed me he wouldn't be home all weekend because the Minister needed him to stakeout the Portkey Department." She explains.
"Home," Harry frowns, piecing her statement together. "Oh, you two are… together?" He asks.
"Yes, we've been together for sixteen months, but Lyra is an important member of my department. She was the one who designed and created the Archive Map. I can't risk losing her expertise in the department if our relationship was made public and she had to be moved elsewhere." Alexander explains.
"Your secret is safe with me," Harry promises. "This may work in our favour anyway. The more, the merrier." He adds.
"Something is happening then, as a result of the announcement on Monday night?" asks Lyra Calnan.
"Not just because of the announcement, but it is pushing us to work faster. You know about MACUSA, yes?" Harry asks her.
"They want the Minister out of power."
"Yes, MACUSA is helping the ICW to arrest him, and we are getting a group together to help MACUSA do that," Harry explains simply. "A New Order." He adds. "Order of the Phoenix," he clarifies.
"I assumed," Lyra nods. "What do you think we can do?"
"Alexander, you've already helped with the questionnaires," Harry mentions. "I want to thank you for taking that risk. Now, we need people willing to help keep their eyes and ears open for any information that can help the ICW. There may come a day when we ask you to stand up and help us with something in particular, but we'll understand if you refuse. Our main priority is the eyes and ears thing." He explains.
"You want us to spy for MACUSA?" Alexander asks.
"That's about it, yes," he confirms.
"I think that would be fine," Lyra says. "I'm rather quiet within the Ministry; people tend to talk around me without realising I'm there. I hear a lot of what I shouldn't." She smiles.
"I already told Hermione that I would dive right in and help," Alexander states.
"Thank you," Harry grins; this was easier than he expected. "I don't need to tell you to keep this quiet."
"Of course not," Alexander smiles.
"Great, expect a copy of the Quibbler with further information in the crossword. You solve it using the article titles." Harry remembers to tell them.
Next on Harry Potter's stop is the Department of Magical Games and Sports to visit a few DA members. He enters to find the room joking around and laughing.
"Hi Harry, did Ginny tell you about the Harpies training session last night?" Cho Chang laughs as she greets him.
"No, she wasn't there."
"Oh yeah," Cho nods. "Congrats, by the way."
"Thanks," Harry returns her nod, glad they were on good terms.
"Anyway," Ernie Macmillan interrupts, "Their practice was interrupted by Ministry Officials." He grins.
"All because of the rule-of-seven," Zacharias Smith adds.
"I heard the charm that tracks magical bodies was malfunctioning," Harry nods. "Anyway, Zacharias, I heard Willow Matthews from Department for Transport was looking for you," he shrugs.
Zacharias frowns as he tries to think why the Head of Transport would need him.
Harry winks at Cho, hoping she'd understand that he's lying and needs help.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you, Zach. Just before Liam went on his break, he asked if you would get the transport paperwork for that international Quidditch match we're trying to organise." Cho thankfully helps.
Zacharias Smith sighs, sliding off where he was sat on his desk, and leaves.
"What's that all about then, Harry?" Cho asks, crossing her arms, unimpressed at having to lie to her colleague for him.
Harry glances around at the familiar faces. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important, and I want you all to know that you can refuse, and there will be no bad feelings."
"This is worrying," Cormac McLaggen states.
He hadn't joined the DA under Harry, but Ginny had promised he was trustworthy. He had joined the revived DA while Harry was hunting Horcruxes and had fought at the Battle of Hogwarts.
"The rumours that have been going around are true. MACUSA is working to remove Minister Shacklebolt from power. They're working with the ICW, who will handle the arrest and trial." Harry explains.
"Arrest and trial?" Ernie's eyes widen. "Has he broken any laws?" He asks.
"Yes, quite a few of the ICW's Wizarding Rights," Harry explains. "MACUSA needs more information, so we're forming a New Order. Hermione and Draco are the leads, they've publicly shown their hatred for him, and they got on MACUSA's radar. We looking for people to basically spy within the Ministry." He finishes.
"Spy on Shacklebolt?" Cormac asks.
"On the Ministry, and on the Heads of Departments. Anyone who is close to the Shacklebolt and has been given their own power through his Ministerial role." Harry clarifies.
"Yeah, seems simple enough. It doesn't seem like there will be much risk either." Ernie shrugs in agreement.
"Is there any risk?" Cho asks.
"We might need people to stand up and do something specific, but you can refuse. We've got plenty of people who are willing to risk more." He answers.
"Fine, count me in." Cho agrees.
"Me too," Cormac states.
"Why did you make Zacharias leave?" Ernie asks.
"He left us during the Battle of Hogwarts, which was his choice to make, but I don't trust him not to turn his back on us again if he gets scared." Harry harshly states.
"Fair enough," Ernie shrugs. "I'm down for committing treason." He grins awkwardly.
Harry shakes his head, "You'll receive more information through the Quibbler; solve the crossword using the article titles." He finishes.
Ernie groans, "I hate crosswords."
Harry leaves the Department for Magical Games and Sports feeling accomplished, but with his half-an-hour lunch break over, he heads back to the Auror Department, prepared to get a hand cramp from filling his paperwork out too quickly.
Hermione knew exactly how to convince her colleagues to join their new Order of the Phoenix, and he was currently napping in the carrier, strapped to her chest. The professors of Hogwarts will be back at the castle and in high spirits from the lack of students screaming and running around the castle.
"Oh, Hermione, I didn't know you were due for a visit," Horace Slughorn says in surprise as Hermione floos into the staffroom.
"We're just dropping in for twenty minutes or so. We don't want to keep you too much," Hermione explains. "But we brought presents." She adds, holding up a hamper she had made to sweeten the deal.
"Lovely!" Filius Flitwick slides off his armchair and rushes over to inspect the contents of the hampers. "Nice, you brought those muggle biscuits I like." He opens a packet of hobnobs.
"There's some good teabags in there too, Filius. If you want to dip them." Hermione points out.
Filius nods, "I wouldn't normally dip a biscuit, but hobnobs do have the structural integrity to withstand a bit of tea dipping," he explains, popping the kettle on with a flick of his wand as he grabs the teabags.
Professor Darius Cain is sat in the back of the room, pretending to read a newspaper, shaking his head at Filius' antics.
"Hey, Darius, I've got a bottle of whiskey here for you, the good muggle stuff," Hermione explains.
"Are you trying to bribe us?" Darius asks, folding his paper up.
"Bribe you?" Hermione laughs. "No, of course not."
"But you do have ulterior motives," Darius states, standing and walking towards her.
There is no use in lying to Darius Cain; he trained as an auror under Alistair Moody and was undercover for five years. He knows when someone is lying.
"My visit has ulterior motives, but Scorpius is here to 'bribe' you; the gifts are because I thought you all deserved some treats before the next term starts," Hermione explains.
"Give us this sweet, little bribe then," Aurora Sinistra holds her arms out for Scorpius.
Hermione gently unfastens him from the carrier, passing him over to the Astronomy professor.
"Here we go," Filius announces as he levitates cups of teas into the hands of the various staff members who are sitting around the room. "Proceed, Hermione."
Hermione glances at each professor; the only missing faces are Minerva, Hagrid, Neville, Pansy, and Jonathan.
"This is not an easy conversation for me to have with the majority of you. Specifically, those of you who were my professors when I was a student, but this is far too important for me to keep a secret. I have no expectations that any of you will want to join, but the offer is there if you wish." She begins, and all her colleagues listen with interest. "As you may be aware, Draco and I were invited to MACUSA by President Harris to discuss the trade deals." Hermione pauses, and a few professors nod with acknowledgement. "Well, that was a ruse. Our true purpose was to provide MACUSA with vital information on Minister Shacklebolt and his Marriage Decree."
Filius gasps, almost spilling his tea down the front of his shirt, "Hermione, are you spying for the Americans?"
Darius Cain barks out a laugh, "It is foolish of you to think there aren't already plenty of Ministry spies working for MACUSA, Filius?"
Filius frowns, "I know that, but our Hermione and Draco?"
"We're already on the Minister's bad side," Hermione explains. "I used to have a lot of respect for Kingsley when he was the leader of the Order, but since he became Minister, he's let the power get to his head. He wants to be remembered as a great post-war Minister, who helped Britain heal, but he's gone about it the wrong way and broken quite a few laws along the way. He's hurt a lot of people, and Draco and I are working with MACUSA and the IWC to ensure he is punished accordingly."
"The IWC are involved? Good," Darius nods.
"We're not working alone, though," Hermione continues. "I didn't want it to come to this, but Harry has convinced me that we need to revive the Order. Many of our friends, who were members of the DA, have agreed to join the New Order. We are now informing passed members of the Order and allowing them to decide whether they would like to join us in removing Minister Shacklebolt from power." She finishes.
The staffroom remains silent for a few seconds after Hermione finishes, and she doesn't know if that's a good or bad response. Finally, Horace stands with a deep sigh.
"I said I was done with teaching, and then little Scorpius came along, so I came back for a year. I also said I was done with the Order, but I will stand up and take responsibility if I'm needed. I regret not doing as much as I could have last time around. I will not have the same regrets this time." Horace states.
"Thank you, Horace. Draco and I truly appreciate everything you've done for us," she smiles.
"I think what you are doing is commendable, but ultimately foolish and will not end well, I would know," Darius Cain claims. "However, I do believe it is the right step forward, and I will play whatever role you need me to play."
"Well, I think," Filius begins, not wanting to be one-upped by Darius. "That when Hermione puts her mind to something, no one can stop her. Especially not when she has her friends around her to help. It would be foolish for any member of the previous Order not to the New Order, as they are missing out on being a part of something truly great."
Hermione smiles, "I appreciate the faith you have in my abilities, Filius."
"Nonsense, I don't need faith when I've seen the evidence with my own eyes," Filius tells her.
"What exactly would our role be within the New Order?" Septima Vector asks. "We aren't within the Ministry and can't spy for MACUSA.
"It's is mainly insurance that Hogwarts is on our side. We might not ask any of you to do anything, but we would know that you all have our backs if anything goes south." Hermione answers.
"When you teach at Hogwarts, you become part of a family that may not always get along but always protects each other," Aurora Sinistra claims, passing Scorpius back to Hermione. "When Albus asked me to join the Order during the first war, I made a promise that I would always be ready to stand up for what is right. Therefore, when Voldemort returned, I didn't think twice about joining the Order again when Albus asked me once more. Now, the threat may not be as severe, but what Kingsley Shacklebolt did with the Marriage Decree was wrong, and so I will stand right beside you and the rest of the Order once more." She promises.
One by one, every professor in the staffroom agrees to help the New Order's fight against Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt. It's an emotional scene as a few of her colleagues hug her in assurance they'll be there for her, Draco and Scorpius. Hermione hopes she never has to call upon any of the Hogwarts Professors to fight any of their battles. Still, it's reassuring to know that so many strong and powerful witches and wizards are on their side.
"Have you spoken to Hagrid yet?" Horace asks as Hermione is saying goodbye.
"Not yet; I have a rock cake for him, though," she grins.
Horace laughs, "He'd have joined the Death Eater's for a good rock cake." He jokes.
"That might be a little too farfetched," Hermione shakes her head amusedly, strapping Scorpius back into her chest carrier.
The walk down to Hagrid's hut takes longer than it ever used to as a student because Hermione strolls, letting memories upon memories flood back to her along the way. By the time she arrives, she feels warm and beaming with joy as she remembers helping Buckbeak escape execution with Harry.
"'Ermione, wasn't expecting you, or the ickle one," Hagrid says as he opens his door. "Come in." He steps aside.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I've brought a rock cake," she passes him the parcel wrapped up in cooking parchment and string.
Hagrid giggles excitedly, unwrapping the large cake, and takes a massive sniff as he tears it in half, "Smells amazing, you want a piece?" He asks.
"It's all yours, Hagrid," she turns down the offer.
Hagrid takes a large bite out of one of the halves and hums appreciatively, "This is great," he mumbles, spitting crumbs onto the floor as he speaks.
Scorpius giggles, flapping his arms around towards Hagrid.
"Does the little man want some?" Hagrid asks.
"Scorpius isn't onto solid foods yet, but thank you, Hagrid." She quickly declines. "I think he just wants you to hold him." Hermione removed her son from the carrier, passing him over to Hagrid, now sat on his bench.
Scorpius reaches up, grabbing a fistful of beard and pulls.
"Ooh, that's a strong one," Hagrid winces, struggling to pull his beard out of Scorpius' tiny grasp.
"Sorry, Hagrid," Hermione helps prise Scorpius' hands open. "I don't know why he's started pulling hair. Draco and I have had to tie ours back." She explains.
"It's all part of the learning process, innit?" Hagrid states. "Babies have gotta learn how to grasp."
Hermione smiles at how understanding Hagrid has always been. He's such a sweet man and will be eternally grateful for how protective he has been over her, Harry and Ron.
"I still struggle to believe he's part Malfoy," Hagrid admits. "He was such a nasty boy, not that I should say that, as a professor."
"It's true though, Draco was a bully, but we also antagonised him quite a bit. We've all matured since then." Hermione explains. "I will never forgive Kingsley for the Marriage Decree, but it did allow me to see a different side of Draco, fall in love with him, and we got the most precious little boy," she tickles her son's stomach. He grins, kicking his chubby little feet out.
"It was an awful thing for him to do," Hagrid agrees. "He's changed since Albus trusted him with taking over as leader of the Order."
"He has," Hermione nods. "The Marriage Decree was actually illegal, as well. It goes against multiple of the IWC's Wizarding Rights."
"Really? Why aren't they doing anything about him then?" He asks.
"They are; they're working with MACUSA to remove him from power and have him arrested." Hermione states, and Hagrid stares at her, trying to judge if she's telling the truth. "And Draco and I are helping them to do it, with the help of the Order, of course." She adds.
Hagrid's eyes widen, "You are serious. Hermione, this is dangerous. You must think about little Scorpius. What will become of him if you and Draco are arrested for treason?" He asks.
"If it comes to that, we have family who will be willing to take him. I have an uncle with a magical daughter, so he'll be fine with raising another magical child." She states.
Hermione and Draco had reluctantly discussed this just the previous night. They realised they were at even more risk of being arrested for treason and plotting against the Minister if they were ever found out. Even more so as the leaders of the New Order. They'd gone through all possible options, and her Uncle David seemed like the most appropriate. Her parents already had enough on their plate with Lauren, Craig and the twins. Harry and Ginny, who are Scorpius godparents, already have two sons, with another child on the way. Hyperion was also another good option, but he lived too far away from Hermione's family.
"You've thought about this," Hagrid mutters. "Does Minerva know?" He asks.
"No, not yet. We'll tell her in due time."
Hagrid nods, "I will help in any way I can. I trust you, Hermione."
"Thank you, Hagrid. That means more than you know." She hugs her friend.
In Percy's opinion, he had been given the short straw when it came to convincing people to join the New Order. He had to take the day off from work to travel the length and breadth of the country, visiting old members of the Order, who had retired from their professions and convince them to leave their relaxed life of retirement and risk their freedom for the third time by helping a bunch of barely twenty-year-olds take down the Minister of Magic. It sounds more and more insane each time he thinks about it.
"Why aren't you at work?" Audrey, his wife, asks as she enters the kitchen of their Ministry Starter House to find him sat munching toast at the table.
"I took the day off," he shrugs.
"I thought you were eager to work your way back up the Ministry?" She states, making herself a cup of tea.
"I am, but I have some business that needs attending to today." He says, trying not to sound suspicious.
"Why are you acting so suspicious?" She turns to face him.
Well, shit. "Look, there's no need for you to get involved in my business. You made it quite clear that I shouldn't get involved in yours." Percy claims.
Audrey glares, "You were the one complaining at Christmas that we needed to be more involved in each other's lives because we'd been married eighteen months and didn't know each other." She repeats his words back to him.
"Yeah, and look where that got us. I used to never see you, sometimes for days. Now you're always around, and we're still always arguing." He complains.
"Well," she sighs, looking away. "This will all be over soon." She announces.
"You mean…"
"Yeah, I'm pregnant. I found out Monday."
"Two days ago, why didn't you tell me?" Percy asks.
"I'm telling you now." Audrey snaps then she takes a deep breath. "I've got the first healer appointment on Saturday if you want to come."
"Of course, I want to come; it's my child." Percy grins. He feels the need to hug his wife, but she would never allow him that. "Well, I hate to leave right now, but I've got a long day ahead."
"So, you're not going to tell me what you're doing?" She asks.
"No, I'm sorry."
"What if I already know?" She smirks.
"Know what?" He laughs, doubtful.
"About Hermione and Draco's visit to MACUSA. They're taking down the Minister, right?" She grins.
"How could you possibly know that?" Percy asks, concerned.
"Come on, it's easy to piece all the rumours together to figure out what's actually going on." Audrey chuckles. "I guess I'm right too. So, what is their plan? You must have come up with something on Monday night. You were at the Burrow long after the rule-of-seven was announced for everyone. You must have been planning something."
Percy doesn't see any point in attempting to lie or hide the truth now, so he briefly tells her their plan, "We're reviving the Order, to collect information on Kingsley, to feedback to MACUSA and the IWC."
"Why haven't you asked me to join? I work within the Ministry." Audrey reminds him.
"Do you want to join?"
"I might as well. I do hear a lot within my department." She admits.
"Right, well, great. Now I really must get going. I'm trying to convince previous members to re-join." He finally admits. "And, I know this is never going to work out," he motions between the two of them. "But I am genuinely happy about the baby."
Audrey actually smiles, "You're welcome, I guess."
Percy stands for an awkward moment before just leaving. His walk to the Estate gates comprises of panicking about finally becoming a father and having to visit so many well-respected wizards and witches today.
His first stop shouldn't be too difficult since they were well acquainted. He apparates to a small Scottish village, walking towards Andromeda Tonk's cottage, where she had moved with Teddy after the war. There had been too many painful memories of her husband and daughter in their old house, and she needed to keep herself together for Teddy.
When he knocks on her front door, she answers with flour streaked across her face and an apron tied around her waist.
"Percy, hello, come in. I'm making scones." Andromeda leaves him to follow her and close the door behind them as she returns to the kitchen. "How are you?" She asks.
"Well, I just found out I'm going to be a father," is the first information that comes to mind.
"Congratulations, Molly must be thrilled."
"She doesn't know yet, but I'm sure she will be," Percy admits.
"I'm not sure why you're telling me before your mother," Andromeda frowns, a little confused.
"I just found out ten minutes ago," he explains.
"Oh, you're still in shock," Andromeda chuckles. "Sit down; I'll get you some water."
"Thanks, Andromeda," Percy accepts the glass of water as he sits at her dining table. "Is Teddy at the Potter's today?"
"Yes, he spent the night, but he's coming home ready for lunch. That's why I'm making scones. He loves them." She explains, placing the tray of scones into the oven.
She takes a seat opposite Percy. "I mean no offence, Percy, but you've never visited me before, and I doubt you came all this way to tell me you're expecting. What's happening?"
"The Order is reforming to tackle Minister Shacklebolt's abuse of power. We're working with MACUSA and the IWC." Percy explains.
"Oh, what can I do?" Andromeda asks.
"I'm here to ask if you would like to join the reformed Order," Percy asks. "We don't need you to fight against Kingsley. None of us wants that; he used to be one of us. We just need people to stand with us against his tyranny." He explains.
"Kingsley has turned his back on the Order, and so the Order must stand up against him, show him that we're still here against wrongdoers and we're not backing down," Andromeda states.
"So, will you join?" Percy asks the questions.
"Of course, I will."
"Great," Percy stands. "I'm glad. Be on the lookout for the Quibbler. Further information will be given in the crosswords. You can solve it using the article questions." He informs her as they walk to the front door.
"I will, thanks, Percy."
Percy walks through the village, a smile on his face. That's one down, many more to go, and a long day ahead of him.
Five hours later, Percy is stood on the porch of his brother's French cottage on the outskirts of Èze, a commune near the city of Nice, where Fleur's parents and sister lived.
"Here, Perce," Bill says, walking out of his house with a tray of iced lemonades.
"Thanks, Bill." Percy takes a glass, sitting down on one of the porch chairs. "Where's Fleur and Victoire?" He asks, having not seen either of them since arriving.
"They're visiting her parents in the city. I stayed back to finish some work on the cottage. It was a right mess when we first moved in. This was Fleur's great-grandmother's cottage, and no one has lived here since she died about forty years ago." Bill explains.
"It looks great from out here," Percy comments, leaning back in his seat and just relaxing for a moment. It had been a long day for him, and this was the first time he had been able to sit back.
"How are things back home? We get the Daily Prophet here, but mostly we hear the news through the French newspapers." Bill admits.
"How much French do you know?" Percy asks.
"Fleur translates, but I am learning." He chuckles.
"Well, you did right to get out of Britain when you did," Percy assures him. "This new rule-of-seven being extended to every citizen means we can't even have family dinners. Mum's distraught, of course." He explains.
"Of course," Bill nods, then shakes his head. "Kingsley was such a nice guy when I knew him. We often worked together for the Order, and I never suspected he would turn on everyone like he has. He was always talking about what he would do if he was ever Minister, and most of it was equality laws. He wanted to start where he believed it all began and remove the houses from Hogwarts."
"Really?" Percy's brows raise in surprise.
"Yeah, he had it all planned. Students would dorm with their year, and the younger five years would have a group of seventh years to act as prefects. To be honest, I agreed with him. Splitting children up at such a young age and making the four houses compete against each other for house points just breeds hatred and negativity between the houses." Bill states.
Percy nods as he thinks it through, "It definitely seems promising, not that I've heard anything about him pushing this idea forward. Although, he has made Muggle Studies mandatory up to OWL level, so he is working towards more equality."
"Yeah, it's just a shame that the rest of his laws are taking so much away from us. Well, away from you," he clarifies. "What with the Marriage Decree and now this new rule-of-seven."
"Exactly, and he seems to have it out for Hermione and Draco," Percy adds, remembering why he was visiting his brother in the first place.
"I read about that. The French papers don't hold anything back," he laughs. "Apparently, Kingsley thinks they're working with MACUSA to take him down?" He continues laughing. Percy stares at Bill, nodding in confirmation. "Wait, that's true?" Bill's eyes widen. "I hope they know what they're doing." He shakes his head.
"They've got a large support group behind them," Percy announces, and Bill frowns in thought. "We've revived the Order. A lot of the old members have agreed to return. I've spoken to Andromeda, Daedalus Diggle, Hestia Jones, Augusta Longbottom, and they're all back in. Mungdungus Fletcher declined, but are we surprised." He rolls his eyes.
"Well, if I can help with anything from here, let me know," Bill tells him. "Fleur, too, I assume." He adds.
"Thanks, that's why I was here. To ask you both to join." Percy admits.
Bill rolls his eyes, "Of course, my brother would have ulterior motives to visit me."
"Well, while I'm here, I might as well tell you that Audrey and I are expecting," Percy announces. "A child," he adds.
Bill laughs, standing up to hug his brother. "I assumed it was a child; congratulations, Perce. You're cutting it a bit short, aren't you? The two years are up in six weeks." He pokes fun at him.
"I know; I was kind of hoping we'd be unpaired and I could marry someone else. She's not exactly the most caring person I've ever met, but at least this will all be over soon. As soon as the baby is born, we'll be processing the divorce." He admits.
"That's such a weird thing to say out of context, isn't it?" Bill thinks aloud. "I'm glad something is being done about Kingsley."
"The IWC is involved too because he's broken various of their Wizarding Rights. He's going to be arrested once they have enough evidence to convict him." Percy explains.
From inside the cottage, they hear the fireplace light up, signalling the arrival of someone by Floo.
"That's probably Fleur and Vic," Bill states. "She'll talk your ear off for hours if you don't go now." He chuckles, leading his brother into the house.
"Percy, hello, how are you?" Fleur asks, hugging her brother-in-law and kissing his cheek. Her accent seems to have gotten stronger after moving back to France.
"I'm very well, thank you. I just popped in for a chat with Bill, but I really need to be going now," He explains.
"Of course, I'm sure you're very busy. We'll see you soon." She calls, walking into the kitchen with Victoire in her arms.
"Don't be a stranger," Bill says, hugging his brother.
Percy assures him he won't before stepping into the fireplace and flooing home, reading to take a nap after an exhausting day.
While his wife was at Hogwarts, trying to convince their colleagues to join the reformed New Order, Draco invited some of his friends over for brunch, intending to do the same. He knew Blaise and Pansy would agree, although Pansy would make him work for it. His main challenge would be convincing Theo Nott to join. Even at Hogwarts, he liked to keep to himself, and now that he was a lawyer, he rarely socialised with his old Slytherin friends.
Pansy is the first to arrive, with Philip and Phoebe holding a finger each on the left hand while she carries a cake in her right hand. "Alright, alright, we're here. Go play." She tells her children, who both totter off into the living room where they knew Scorpius' toys were kept.
"They need to stop growing," Draco states, watching them run off.
"Oh, I know, they're fourteen months now." Pansy places the cake on the kitchen table. "When is everyone getting here?" She asks.
"Any minute now," Draco checks the kitchen clock.
"Pansy want tea?" Mitty asks her.
"Go on then, Mitty," she agrees.
"Can you make enough for everyone?" Draco asks, and Mitty agrees, popping the kettle on.
"I'm never usually this early," Pansy mentions sitting at the table.
"You're never usually early," Draco jokes.
"Hey, do you want my help?" She punches his arm.
"Ron told you then."
"Of course, he did; he can't keep a secret to save his life," she laughs. "I'm a little surprised I've been invited to join the coveted Order of the Phoenix." She shrugs, trying to brush off her insecurities.
"Hey, I trust you with my life, Pansy. I want you to join and help me to do some good for once."
"Is he being self-deprecating again?" Blaise asks, placing Pandora down on the kitchen floor, and the toddler walks over to Draco, holding her arms up to be held.
Draco leans down to pick the girl up, then throws her gently into the air, catching her in his arms. Pandora giggles the whole time, gripping onto his arms once she's safely enclosed in them. "Hi." She speaks.
"Oh, hello, Pandora," Draco smiles.
"Hi," she repeats.
"It's her favourite words at the moment," Blaise laughs.
"I'll take her through the play with the twins," Draco says, walking into the living room where Philip and Phoebe have proceeded to tip the entire toy box over and spread the toys around the whole room. "Looks like you're both having fun." He places Pandora down.
"Hi," Pandora walks over, waving her hand in Philip's face.
Philip leans away from her, looking uncomfortable, "No," he tells her.
"Hi," Phoebe takes Pandora's attention away from her brother by running over to hug Pandora. "Ball," she says, picking up a ball and throwing it up in the air.
Pandora laughs, falling onto her bottom, and Phoebe finds it so funny, she throws herself down as well.
Draco decides to leave them to play, sending Mitty in to watch them while he talks to his friends.
Back in the kitchen, Gregory and Theo have arrived and are sitting at the kitchen table with Pansy and Blaise, sipping at the teas Mitty has made for them.
"Did you not bring Augusta?" Draco asks.
"She's at nursery today," Gregory explains. "Megan's Portkey back home is booked for seven o'clock tonight, so I'm spending the day getting the house ready. It's just easier with Augusta at nursery." He adds.
"Megan loved the letters you'd written for her," Draco comments. "I'm glad she's coming back. After the Minister's newest announcement, I wasn't sure if he would bring her back."
"Neither would we, but her boss got the Minister to sign her release forms so she can return to Britain," Gregory says.
"Good for nothing," Theo mutters.
"What was that?" Pansy asks.
"The Minister," Theo speaks up. "He's good for nothing. I've been working nearly fifty hours a week defending watchlisters from having to pay fines because they entered the Leaky Cauldron, and there were already too many watchlisters inside. Now he's extended the rule-of-seven, I don't seem my hours going down any time soon." He complains.
Draco smiles, "What if I told you, there is a group of people working together, along with other organisations, to do something about the Minister?"
"I would say you're all insane if you think it'll work. I see him nearly at least once a week in the Wizengamot courts, and he's slowly losing his mind. He had my witness thrown out of court a few weeks ago because the witness supposedly winked at the Minister." Theo pulls a face. "He thought my witness was conspiring against him and had him arrested."
Draco's smile widens, "Hermione and I are working with MACUSA and the IWC to remove the Minister from power. You're a lawyer, so you must have noticed he's broken many Wizarding rights." Theo nods in agreement. "Well, the IWC is going to arrest him and put him on trial, but they need more evidence and witness statements. You've heard of the Order of the Phoenix, no doubt." Theo nods again but slower as he takes everything in. "The Order is reforming, with new and old members coming together to keep an eye on Minister Shacklebolt." Draco finishes.
Theo rubs his face, obviously exhausted, "What is the time frame for his arrest?"
"MACUSA said that it should take two years, but I'm sure with the more people helping, the more evidence we can gather and the quicker he can be removed," Draco explains.
"I don't really want to put my job at risk like this; Lisa and I are expecting our second child in October. I do have so much information I think will be useful. As I said, I see him usually once a week in the courts, and I've noticed his behaviour change. I can easily make notes and pass them along." Theo states.
"I didn't know you were expecting again," Pansy says.
"It was quite a surprise. We only had Mathias last October." Theo reminds them.
Pansy wiggles her eyebrows at Theo, who just rolls his eyes. "Grow up, Pansy."
"So, do I take it that we're all joining the New Order?" Draco asks.
"Do you even need to ask?" Blaise jokes. "Of course, we are." He stares at Theo and Gregory.
"Megan has already agreed to help you and Hermione with whatever you talked about at New York, so I'll help as best I can." Gregory agrees.
"I already said I would," Theo reminds them. "Just don't ask me to do anything more than making notes. I don't want to stand out." He adds.
"You won't need to, Theo. We have other's who will stand up if needed." Draco promises him.
"Now that's sorted out," Pansy stands up. "Anyone for cake." She accios a knife from Draco's kitchen and slices the cake into five pieces for them to enjoy with their teas.
The five friends spend another twenty minutes catching up on their lives and make promises to get together for another one in a few months. When they've all left, Draco waves his wand around the living room to tidy up all the toys left out by the toddlers. While he's waiting for Hermione and Scorpius to return, he sets about making dinner for the night and wonders how well the rest of them had done in convincing people to re-join the Order.
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