A/N: Welcome back everyone! I know things are a bit slow moving right now, bear with me! I'm still writing in my notebook trying to figure out if this is a multi story series or if I can make myself get to the point fast enough. We will see. As always I do not own Harry Potter.

Chapter 2: McKinnon Manor

Once everyone was through they made their way to the formal dining room. They saw that most of the Order was already there just waiting. Each of them took a seat and began conversing with each other as they to settled into wait. It wasn't long before all conversations came to an abrupt halt as Alvus Dumbledore, accompanied by Alastor Moody, strolled in. Taking a seat at the head of the table he waited until Alastor settled into his seat at his right hand. Then he spoke.

"Good evening, I hope each of you has enjoyed your day. Tonight, hopefully, we will not need to interrupt your evenings for too long." He smiled at each of them his crystal blue eyes full of his customary twinkle. "Now, Alastor has informed me of a development regarding the possible Death Eater safe house. We will get to that update shortly. First has anyone else anything to report?"

Slowly everyone gave a brief update on the progress of each of their personal tasks. Unfortunately it didn't take long as very little had changed. The longest report being a quick update on the newest attacks and violent raids they had levied against their muggle counterparts. All in all it was a disheartening and depressing report.

"Thank you everyone for your hard work. I know it seems to be a very bleak situation and it is easy to feel as though we are losing. The difference we make is not always obvious. So long as we continue to fight however, hope is not lost. We must remember each victory, no matter how small. Now, let us move onto our newest development. On a Ministry sanctioned mission, Alastor as well as Misters Potter and Black have discovered that their target is in fact a Death Eater safe house as we had thought. They have also confirmed that while usually rather vacant it is used monthly as a meeting place. It also appears that the building is being used to house an as of yet unidentified weapon for Lord Voldemort." Whispers and murmurs broke out at this and he merely raised his hand making them quiet down before he continued "Currently four Death Eaters stand guard over it. One of which is reportedly a member of the inner circle."

Here everyone waited a few moments to insure that he was in fact done. Then as expected the majority of the people in the room descended into chaos. Albus took the opportunity to amuse himself watching everyone's reactions. One young wizard in particular intrigued him. Not that anything he did was particularly extraordinary or anything per se. There were many other adults out there that would manage a cool head or at least to keep from trying to shout over everyone else, no it was undoubtedly possible… just not for this particular young man. Sirius Black was talented in many ways. Self restraint was not one of these talents.

As usual Dumbledore's musings were correct. Sirius was in fact still stewing in rage. His molten steel grey eyes blazed with a passionate fury. He was just managing to hold his tongue only because there was still a small bit of hope that Dumbledore would sanction the infiltration of the safe house, Ministry approval or no. James was predictably a tad more visibly composed. The set of his jaw his only real tell. Both men's bodies were tense enough to snap. Finally Albus moved to speak but someone else was faster.

"Everyone needs to shut it! We've only got part of the story. So perhaps we can grow up and get the rest before we start peacocking about. All you lot trying to show who's got the loudest voice. As it is that does not actually make your idea the best, or the smartest, or in any way better!"Lily erupted. The room fell silent.

"Thank you Mrs. Potter. You are of course quiet right. All of our information was collected and confirmed just a few hours ago. Nothing else has been otherwise verified any further. Our people will need time to get everything checked out. All this information was gathered by means of an overheard conversation between Death Eaters. Though tempting it may be prudent to put a pin in it until such a time we can properly verify. However I am aware not everyone here agrees. So I bring this to each of you." Albus sparkled at the assembled members.

"I don't understand what is to be gained by waiting?" Sirius stated, his voice measured but steely. His effort to to be reasonable was actually quite admirable.

"The layout of the building for a start. Never know when something like a map can be afterall." Remus replied rather pointedly at his best mate. Sirius actually did look contrite though still a bit annoyed.

"Aye, I agree with the lad. Can't even take a peek through those walls however. Damn wards. Never had that happen before." Moody growled.

"Would there be something registered in the Ministry. Blue prints, permits… anything?" Lily asked.

"Careful Lils… Your muggle is showing." Marlene smiled at her friend fondly. "There would likely be something. However magic makes that kind of moot. Merlin's balls this place has at least three secret passages, two hidden rooms and an entire floor that wouldn't be on the official records."

"Fair enough I suppose." Lily replied with a deep blush.

"I'm sorry to say but that is very likely the case." Alice Longbottom agreed, a small blush coloring her cheeks.

The members continued to go back and forth. Many where still leaning towards waiting. Others had firmly set themselves up in Camp Sirius. Albus looked very contemplative, his customary twinkle dimmed slightly and one hand carding through his rather impressive beard, the other motioned for quite.

"I believe in this case we ought to let the chain of command in the Auror office handle the decision. Our eyes and ears on the inside have access to whatever documents or plans are available and more bodies to accomplish the mission. After the successful retrieval of the weapon we will revisit our involvement." Dumbledore decided.

From there the meeting continued. Though they had not taken any real action and many were visibly frustrated. None more so than Sirius Black and somewhat surprisingly, Peter Pettigrew.

"What more do they need to do? What more do we need to learn?" Wormtail whined exasperated and seemingly stressed. His eyes though were hard and angry.

"Knowing more can only be a good thing Peter." Lily smiled kindly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

After a brief moment Peter smiled and slipped out from under her hand. Quietly the group made its way back through the house and waited their turns to use the floo. At James' inquiry everyone save Peter, agreed to head back to the Potter's place. They chatted and asked on Peter's mother's condition happy to hear she had at least not been getting worse. They each slowly made their way to their intended destination. Lily and Remus stayed back just a bit longer to talk to Peter.

Peter's mother had been ill nearly as long as the Marauders had been friends. He spent most of his time now taking care of her. Remus was especially sympathetic of his friends situation as his own condition often kept him at less than his top form. Not for the first time he couldn't help wondering what Mrs. Pettigrew's ailment was. It wasn't his business obviously, but he couldn't help but worry for his friend and his mother.

He knew she was a very cheerful, caring woman. James, Sirius, and he himself had only met either of Peter's parents half a dozen or so times usually at St. Mungo's or King Cross, and even a few times at the Leaky. Admittedly it had been quite some time since Remus had seen Sherry Pettigrew.

Sadly Marcus, Peter's father, had been killed the summer before sixth year. Peter had understandably been a nervous jumpy ball of anxiety for weeks after. The Marauder's had of course done everything they could to help him through his grief. Still it had taken a very long time and for awhile they had all worried he wouldn't survive the ordeal. Remus very seriously doubted his friend would survive the loss of his mother. The two were infinitely closer then Peter had ever been to his father.

"Tell your Mum we said hi, and we hope she feels better soon. Come over when you can? Your poor Mum's been ill much more frequently lately and we haven't seen you much… even if it's just a few minutes here or there?" Lily graced him with a small understanding smile. Hope shone through her gaze.

With the way things were lately she often found herself worried for her boys. Peter most especially as she rarely saw him anymore. It was easier when she could physically see them. She often found great comfort in the fact that usually all she had to do was look around her table to reassure herself they were safe, happy, and healthy. That is all she wanted for all of them.

At Peter's small and slightly sheepish nod Lily graced him with a full smile and followed after her husband through the floo. With a relieved smile the young women stepped into her home. Remus was usually quick at following her so she got out of the way and stepping out of the floo. The feeling of safety that flooded over her while at home was as precious as it was important. Safe, surrounded by the men she counted as family, it felt as if no harm could ever come to them here.

Once everyone was seated Lily set about making a simple, quick, and easy dinner. Once everything was made everyone piled their plates high as they all tucked in chatting as they ate. They ate a lot and rather quickly. It was clear that the men were feeling particularly tired and hungry. It was little wonder really Remus was coming up on another full moon in just a few days. The other two were simply tired after a long shift of surveillance and an emotionally trying order meeting on top of it all. Plus Sirius had a large case of indignant frustration. Once he and Remus were finished eating they stood and placed their dishes in the sink. They each dropped a kiss each on Lily's cheek and with a pat on her husband's back they said their 'good nights' and headed to their own rooms to sleep. With a tired sigh the couple stood and with a flick of her wand she set the dishes to washing themselves and their way to their own room. They both went about their nighttime routines quickly. Together they slipped into bed. Curling up together with Lily wrapped around her husband they quickly drifted off to sleep.

yes though were hard and angry.

seemingly stressed. his frustrated. none h the mission. after sion. his rather impressive beard