Shepard expected far worse from Apparition considering how Dumbledore described it. While it wasn't remotely pleasant, it reminded her of the N7 training about sub atmospheric drops. It seemed like it was an eternity ago.
They stopped in front of a building which was constituted by the same pattern of doors, windows and stairs copied and pasted.
"The headquarters of the order of the Phoenix are at 12, Square Grimmault" Dumbledore said with an expecting smile.
Before the eyes of Shepard, a another set of door and windows appeared out of nowhere. Shepard approuved with a nod.
"Nice camouflage. I wish I had something like that for my ship."
Dumbledore seemed a bit disappointed about the lack of reaction but then proceeded to guide her guest to the door. Just before oppening the door, he suddenly stopped as an idea came to him.
"Shepard, a bit of warning. Witches and wizards are at the same time incredibly good to adapt to most of new situations but can also be very stubborn in their way. For them, you will be a Muggle because you don't have a wand. Being a battle hardened veteran will probably not mean much to them because you have fought in muggle war. You may also face suspicion of working for Voldemort, especially because of your appearance. Red glowing eyes tend to be the mark of dark witches and wizards."
"Okay, so if I understand correctly, you are telling me that your people will either feel superior to me or be afraid of me..." The commander pinched her nose in desperation. "Did you actually tell them that I could be a potential ally ? Because if they are going to react like that to a potential asset with your stamp of approuval, it is no wonder why you can't recruit anyone in your ranks. Please, at least, tell me that you warned them about our coming today ?"
"Yes. Yes. Yes. And, yes."
The curtly reply surprised Shepard. It was so different from the usual relaxed demeanor of the old wizard. However, Dumbledore had went to great lengths to find a general for his war. Knowing that your own side could antagonize a potential major help would explain any kind of nervousness. The wizard finally opened the door and stepped inside, followed by Shepard.
The old house disgusted the Commander on a fundamental level. It was old, dirty and made mainly from wood. She much prefered the clean and sturdy floor and walls of metal from a spaceship. All of this house and its decoration seemed to screamed "Backwatered barbarians".
*I wonder if that what the other races of the Council thought of us. That would explain a lot about their way of treating us.*
Dumbledore lead her to a closed room and opened the door. The commander entered in the kitchen, taking in her surroundings. Everything was just as old as the rest of the house but it was at least clean. Several people were seated at the long table in the middle of the room. Every conversation died down immediatly after Shepard's entry and more than one wand were pointed at her.
She slowly raised her hands to show she wasn't armed. With what Dumbledore told her, she didn't want to be at the receiving end of a curse because of a misfire. The old wizard followed her and almost all the wands dropped down except the one held by what appeared a mutilated veteran.
"Good morning, everyone." The old man seemed oblivious to the tension in the air as he introduced the newcommer to the rest of the Order."Please welcome Commander Jane Shepard, Spectre of the Citadelle and N7 Alliance Marine."
"Commander, meet Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Remus Lupin, Dedalus Diggle, Hestia Jones and Sturgis Podmore. They are the Advanced Guard, the most skilled of our fighters."
When their names were spoken, they noded their head or raised their hand. Shepard took care to open a file for each member. Cerebral cybernetics were a wonder to assimilate new informations since your memory was transformed into an actual computer.
"Alastor, you can lower your wand. Commander Shepard is not a threat."
"That remains to be seen." The old Auror grumbled but he nonetheless put away his wand.
Moody gained some points in Shepard's book for his suspicion. Dumbledore had filed her in on Voldemort during the few days they spent at his home. On the brink of war, being wary of newcomers who appeared out of nowhere should normally be a given.
The young black-haired witch, Hestia Jones if Shepard recalled correctly, tried to break the tension slowly settling in the room.
"So, Dumbledore told us about your summoning but he was still very vague about where you come from."
"I'm from the year 2186. Different dimension or time travel, I can't be sure. In my universe, we don't have magic but we have biotics. I guess you would consider that as magic but it actually is very advanced technology and science."
Shepard had a pang of emotion as Mordin came to mind. He would have been so excited to be able to study people breaking everything known in physics and chemistry...
"A little demonstration if you would, Commander Shepard ?" Dumbledore asked gently.
Shepard's hands glow blue before she managed to lift a glass on the table. She did her best to hide how much it has been demanding for her. Biotics weren't her strong suit even more when it would need to be as precise as this. She had always admired the control Liara or Samara had on their powers.
Dumbledore thanked the commander. The others weren't that much impressed by this bit of levitation, why would witches and wizard would, but they definetely perked up at the showcase.
"This is some fine wandless magic" Lupin said. "Not many could pull this off as easily."
*Dumbledore is a conniving bastard.* Shepard though.
Since her introduction, the old wizard never missed an occasion to call her "Commander", emphasizing her military competence. Furthermore, judging by Lupin's reaction, Dumbledore asked her a demonstration to cement her position as a witch rather than a Muggle.
"Dumbledore, while I don't argue with your friend's competence, I fail to see how it would help us. We need far more than just one more fighter." Shacklebolt intervined.
The leader of the Light interrupted Shepard before she could even start arguing.
"This is is the reason I called this meeting. Unfortunately, Commander Shepard already had to fight a long and cruel war in her own universe for the last three years. Because of that, she isn't willing to fight with us."
Moody snarled at the announcement.
"Something I completely understand and support." Dumbledore said while glaring at the old Auror. "When I decided to try the ritual, the risk of a unwilling summoned was of course considered and judged acceptable. We have been very lucky to have Commander Shepard. While she won't fight on the battlefield, she isn't against helping in other ways. This is why, I propose Commander Shepard to become the strategist of our Order. I would delegate every operationnal power to her. She would be the one to plan how we will wage war on Voldemort."
As soon as Dumbledore pronounced the word "strategist", whispers among the Advanced Guard started. He put an end to them by raising his voice as he continued his explaination.
"This proposition is not only for you but also for Commander Shepard. I don't intend to force her into servitude. If she agrees, she will do so willingly. If she refuses, I will still provide her a home and money to live as long as necessary. What do you think of this proposition ?"
"I will take up from here." Shepard butted in before anyone, anger filtering in her voice. "Dumbledore. Go to hell. Seriously. You can try to sweeten it as much as you like, you are just trying to enroll me in a war I don't want to take part in ! I know you are desperate but you can't expect to dump all these responsabilities on my back just like that. Beside, even if I would agree to help you, you can't demand to your men to just shut up and obey me like that. They don't know me or my capacities. I'm not from your universe so I don't even have the same attachement than you to your world."
Everyone in the room exchanged embarassed glances. They found themselves in the awkward position of agreeing with Shepard while also wanting to defend Dumbledore's opinion since their natural tendencies were to align on their leader's position.
Moody opened the hostilities with his usual tact.
"I don't know her and I should take order from her ? Hard pass."
The discussion then delved into the pros and cons of having a military veteran in the Order. Shepard or Dumbledore didn't intervine, both of them prefering to let the Guard express freely their opinions. It lasted almost half an hour but after half that time, they already knew what the verdict was. While the Advanced Guard reconized the tactical advantage Shepard could be, they weren't willing to accept her without any proof of her competence. At last, Dumbledore called for attention.
"Everyone, please. I think the conclusion is obvious to everyone. I had hoped for a different outcome but I will respect your opinion. Shepard, as much as I like to have you in my house, it would be best if you stay here. It is better protected and you wouldn't be alone."
The wizard seemed to have aged a few years during the discussion. Shepard understood too much how hurtful it must be for him to have an ally dismissed. He had hoped she would take some of his burden off his shoulders.
"Now, if you would be so kind as to leave us for the rest of the reunion. The Order have much to discuss on our next move. Someone will pick you up and help you settle in."
A silver bird erupted from his wand and flew throught the roof after a few whispered words from Dumbledore. Shepard left the kitchen, the door closing itself behind her. She heard footsteps coming down then a young boy arrived. He had messy black hair and green eyes far too much reminiscent of her own to Shepard's taste.
"Hello. I'm Harry."