They released Ted from the hospital after another couple days, leaving them only a few more before the attack would supposedly happen. To say the rest of the muggle defenders were surprised when Ted and Meda called an emergency meeting was an understatement. They hadn't exactly kept their conflicted feelings about being part of the movement a secret. And after everything that had happened, Andromeda feared most of them wouldn't show. But to her surprise, everyone was there.
Once everyone had arrived, Lily tuned to both of them. "It's good to see you've made a full recovery, Tonks. Is this meeting about what happened to you?"
Ted shook his head, before glancing at Andromeda. Her heart pounded, but she knew he was right. For once, she had to take the lead.
She took a deep breath, then said, "The Death Eaters are planning to attack Hogwarts."
Everyone in the group exchanged dark, confused glances, some of them directed at her. She had no doubt they wondered how she knew that, but none of them seemed able to voice their concerns.
Finally, Shacklebolt said, "That's impossible. They'd never get past Hogwarts defenses."
Andromeda and Ted exchanged a glance. Shacklebolt was right. Hogwarts was a fortress, and even if the Death Eaters could get passed the defenses, they'd have Dumbledore to contend with, not to mention a slew of other powerful Witches and Wizards.
But the fear in Rabastan's voice had been unmistakable. He believed Hogwarts would be in danger on March 21st, and that was enough to convince Andromeda that somehow, Voldemort and the Death Eaters had found a way.
"They're planning something," Andromeda said finally. "On March 21st. We need to be ready."
A tense silence followed her words, until Lily asked, "How do you know this?"
Andromeda's heart constricted. She'd expected this question. The problem was, she didn't have a good answer. Admitting the truth would be a death sentence to Rabastan, but no lie she came up with sounded remotely believable. Which left her only one option.
"I can't tell you," she said. She addressed the whole room, but her gaze never left Lily's. "But I need you to trust me."
Lily's eyes narrowed, and a dark shadow passed over her face. Andromeda couldn't help but think of the letter she'd sent Lily. She'd told Lily not to open it unless something happened to her or Ted, but she wondered if Lily had ignored her wishes and read its contents anyway.
"Did your sister let something slip?" Potter asked, sounding suddenly agitated. "Or your fiancé? Sorry, Ex-fiance," he amended after Ted shot him a glare.
"Not possible," Sirius answered before Andromeda could say anything. "Andromeda severed all ties with them months ago." He sounded so confident, but when he glanced back at her, his confidence faltered. "Didn't you?"
Andromeda carefully masked her emotion. She had to squash any rumors Rabastan was her source, or once again, it would be a death sentence. "Of course, but I'm still a Black, and the younger sister of Bella Black. No door is truly closed to me. Ever." As she spoke, she tried to match her sister's sinister voice, and it worked. A chill fell over the room, and everyone leaned away from her. That was okay. They could avoid her, fear her, or even hate her. So long as they believed her.
Lily shook her head. "So we're supposed to defend ourselves from an unknown attack based off of information from an unknown source." Her voice bordered on hostile. Andromeda was reminded of the way Lily used to talk to her. Back then it had terrified her, but now she didn't even blink as she replied:
"Yes."
Lily stared her down, but when Andromeda held her ground, she seemed to win Lily's trust, albeit grudgingly.
"Very well," Lily turned so she faced the crowd. "Everyone in favor of trusting Andromeda's tip and preparing for this attack?"
Silence followed her words, then, slowly, Potter raised his hand. He was followed by Olivia, and then the rest of the Marauders. Then Ted's friends, and then one by one, everyone else raised their hands.
Andromeda felt something shift within her. She couldn't quite identify the feeling. It was both terrifying and humbling and awe-inspiring all at the same time.
Last of all, Lily raised her hand, then said, "Very well. We may not know what we're preparing for, but that doesn't mean we can't prepare. Hogwarts is our home, and it's time we proved that, once and for all."
The tension that had filled the room dissipated at her words as a different emotion filled the room. Despite the uncertainty, Andromeda couldn't help but hope that somehow, they'd pull through this in one piece.