The Potter Timeline
Chapter 60 - The Order of the Phoenix...Reborn
"Immobulus!" Hermione uttered while flicking her wand.
The Whomping Willow, which had turned and threateningly raised its whip-like branches as the teenagers approached, suddenly froze, a few leaves falling to join a multitude of others on the root-riddled ground. Harry and Hermione were just about to head toward the tree's gnarled trunk.
"Good morning," a voice chimed from behind, startling them both.
They spun around to find Professor Dumbledore standing with his hands clasped behind his back while wearing a pleasant smile.
"Good morning, professor," Harry replied.
"Good morning, sir," Hermione added.
The old wizard stepped closer to them.
"This is a fine day for a secret meeting, don't you think?" he asked, tongue-in-cheek.
The teens chuckled.
"It's been many years since I was asked to be part of a potentially clandestine operation, and I must confess I'm rather excited at the prospect."
This made Harry curious.
"What exactly did Professor Lupin tell you, sir?" he asked.
"Only that there were matters of great importance requiring my assistance. Things involving the pair of you, as well as certain...'infamous' persons, though he declined to say which persons he was referring to."
Harry and Hermione nodded.
"Well, we mustn't keep our dear professor waiting. Shall we?"
The three headed for the trunk of the willow. Harry knelt and pressed the knob on the exposed root Lupin showed them the previous day. The gap opened, and Dumbledore led the way beneath the tree. After they arrived in the small chamber under its roots, the gap closed back. The teenagers then followed the headmaster down the passageway toward the Shrieking Shack.
"I had this tunnel dug out...many years ago so...Professor Lupin could reach his accommodations...in secret," the headmaster informed them, though he seemed out of breath while stooped over during their trek, "but now that I am older...and my back isn't as strong as it used to be, I realize...I should have made it a bit...taller."
Harry and Hermione chuckled.
The three arrived at the alcove and Dumbledore seemed relieved to be able to stand up straight again. But he paused only a moment to catch his breath before proceeding up the ladder into the lower level of the shack. The two followed, and as they appeared in the living area, they saw it had been tidied up.
The floor was clean, the wallpaper intact, the sofa seemed like new again, and was pushed against the wall with two small tables on either side. And the place smelled faintly of lemon. The old shack actually seemed comfortable now. But then, voices could be heard from inside the kitchen past the stairwell. It was Remus and Sirius.
Dumbledore moved toward the kitchen without hesitation. Harry and Hermione briskly followed the old wizard, curious what he would do once he saw Harry's godfather. Lupin apparently had not mentioned Black's presence at the shack during his discussion with Dumbledore.
Sure enough, the two men were sitting at the kitchen table conversing over cups of tea when Dumbledore walked in, Hermione and Harry rushing in behind him. No sooner had the headmaster entered than Remus and Sirius shot up from their seats staring wide-eyed at the man. Black appeared nervous for obvious reasons.
"Ah! Good morning, Remus. Good morning, Sirius," Dumbledore said pleasantly with a glance at each as though it was a normal meeting with old friends.
He then pulled out a chair and sat down at the table.
"I'd like a cup of tea myself, if you don't mind," he said, "Earl Grey, if you happen to have any."
Lupin and Black gawked at one another then looked at Harry and Hermione who returned their expressions. Lupin vaguely smiled at the headmaster.
"Of course...professor," he replied.
He turned and grabbed three more cups out of the cupboard and prepared more tea.
"Please, have a seat," Dumbledore said to Black with a smile while motioning toward the chair, "no need to stand on my account."
Sirius swallowed hard.
"Certainly...headmaster," he uttered in bewilderment.
Dumbledore smiled again.
"And no need for formalities either, Sirius," he said, "please, call me 'Albus' as you used to. I still consider you part of my Order, even if it was disbanded years ago. Not only that, but I still consider you...a friend."
The other four looked at one another in amazement. A very stunned Black sat down. Harry and Hermione took seats on the opposite side of the table, and Dumbledore continued.
"And how are you doing? No doubt it's been a difficult twelve years for you, though I must say you look rather well considering the ordeal."
Sirius stared at the man, uncertain whether his easy demeanor was real or feigned. But he managed to crack a smile, nevertheless.
"Thank you...yes...it's indeed been quite the ordeal...Albus. But I've...managed to keep somewhat sane...at least," he uttered, still surprised at the wizard's nonchalance over his presence. Dumbledore continued.
"I see. That's excellent news. And I imagine you'd never have thought your canine form would one day help you survive some rather nasty encounters with the Dementors, did you?"
At this, Sirius sat back in his seat staring slack jawed at the headmaster. Remus stopped what he was doing and spun around to gaze at the man himself. They both then looked at Harry. The teen grinned at them with a look of "I told you!" written all over it. The wizard did indeed know of Black's animagus form - and no doubt Harry's father's and Peter Pettigrew's as well.
Professor Lupin returned to the table and handed Dumbledore, Hermione, and Harry each a cup of tea. After taking a sip, the headmaster set his cup back on its saucer.
"Well, now. What information do you have for me and what can I do to help?" he asked with a smile.
The others looked at one another before Lupin spoke.
"Perhaps Sirius should first tell you what he witnessed in Azkaban concerning Lucius Malfoy," he said with a look at his friend.
Sirius sat up straighter in his chair.
"Yes," Black replied before clearing his throat, "I used my canine form to escape my cell and spied on the man..."
He went on to explain to Dumbledore what he told Harry and Hermione the day before concerning Malfoy's condition in the prison, his visitors, as well as the apparent plans to somehow kidnap or kill the two teenagers. When he finished, the four looked at the headmaster, waiting for his reaction. The old man stroked his beard and sat back in his seat in thought.
"Hmm," he said, "this is most interesting and...distressing for our two young pupils. Certainly, we must be on our guard in the event an attempt is made to execute this plan of theirs. Do you have any further evidence of this plot?"
"In fact, we do. Hermione, did you bring the photo with you?" Lupin asked the girl.
"Yes, professor," she answered, producing the picture from her pocket and laying it on the table.
Everyone leaned in to look. Sirius's face transformed into anger as he slammed his fist on the table to everyone's surprise.
"Yaxley!" he snarled, "I'd recognize that brutish face a mile away!"
"Who?" Harry asked with a furrowed brow.
"Corban Yaxley," Lupin replied, "an old friend of Lucius Malfoy's who was accused of being a Death Eater during the war but denied everything. It was rumored he escaped prosecution due to his family connections within the Ministry."
"He's an arrogant pureblood from one of the 'sacred twenty-eight' noble wizarding families," Sirius added with sarcasm, "I'm not certain to what extent my family, the Blacks, had dealings with them, but the Malfoys and Yaxleys were known to rub shoulders in the same circles of high wizarding society."
"And you say he visited Malfoy in Azkaban?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes," Black answered with a nod, "and I'd bet everything he was tasked with spying on Hermione and her parents during the summer."
"Well, he might be wealthy and arrogant, but he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Remus added, "this bright young woman noticed something was off with the man and had the instinct to take this photo just in case. Well done, Hermione."
Hermione's cheeks went pink as everyone nodded. Harry squeezed her hand and grinned at her. She smiled back.
"So, we have one face to look out for then," Dumbledore said, "as for Lucius's other visitors, I might ask, Sirius, if at some point I may extract some of your memories pertaining to these visitations inside Malfoy's cell. With those in hand, we might not only learn who and what to watch for, but your memories might also serve as evidence that someone within the Ministry is giving aid to Lucius outside the confines of wizarding law."
Remus and Sirius exchanged grins. Dumbledore continued.
"In the meantime, Harry, Hermione, I would ask that you not wander far from the castle until we have a better idea of what Malfoy and his 'friends' are attempting to do. And unfortunately, that would preclude any visitations to Hogsmeade. Understood?"
The pair nodded at him solemnly. The headmaster then looked at Lupin.
"Now, Remus, you mentioned another matter of importance?"
"Yes, professor. It concerns Sirius himself, and information we have that might prove he's innocent of what occurred twelve years ago."
Dumbledore had a slight look of surprise.
"Really? And what information is that?" he asked Black.
That fire re-emerged in Sirius's eyes as he placed both palms on the table with a steady gaze at Dumbledore.
"Peter Pettigrew is in fact alive, professor, and he's right here, inside Hogwarts."
The headmaster again appeared surprised...but pleasantly so.
"Indeed!" he uttered, "and where is he at present?"
"In the Hufflepuff dorms, inside the third-year boys' room," Lupin threw in.
"He's been a rat this entire time, his animagus form as you...perhaps already know, headmaster...Albus," Black added.
"A rat? Hmm," Dumbledore replied, "actually, I did not know that, Sirius. I knew of your animagus form and that of Harry's father, the stag..."
This information intrigued Harry. He glanced at Lupin who smiled back. The headmaster went on.
"...but perhaps it's because he is a rat that he escaped my notice all those years ago. A creature quite smaller than a dog, a deer, or a...werewolf, would allow one to evade danger more easily. That would seem to suit Pettigrew well, I think."
"Indeed, Albus," Sirius continued, "and that's most likely how he escaped notice after the incident at Godric's Hollow."
"And for all these years, apparently," Dumbledore finished.
Lupin stared at the headmaster with a furrowed brow.
"So...you believe Sirius is innocent, then?" he asked.
"Though absolute proof of that is not yet revealed, Remus, I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt," he said while looking at Harry's godfather, "one does not quickly dismiss the character of someone who demonstrated bravery and loyalty at great personal risk, despite whatever accusations are laid against him. Your character, Sirius, is the main reason I've had my doubts over your guilt."
Sirius grinned broadly and the others returned the expression, particularly Harry. The headmaster continued.
"However, while I have had such doubts, others, particularly those in the Ministry, are thoroughly convinced you are guilty and will not hesitate to immediately re-imprison you if you are caught. We therefore need undeniable proof of innocence before you can be revealed to the world. And if, as you say, Peter Pettigrew is still alive, he may provide such proof. The question is, how do you know he's here at Hogwarts?"
"With this," Lupin said while placing the page from The Daily Prophet on the table, "that's a second-year Hufflepuff student you see there with the rat in his hands. His name is Ronald Weasley. Peter has been his 'pet' this entire time and the boy apparently doesn't know it."
Dumbledore gazed at the moving image of the Weasley clan carefully.
"And you are certain this is in fact Pettigrew?"
"Yes, Albus," Sirius said a nod and a fierce look, "I'd recognize that mangy rodent in a heartbeat."
Lupin smiled.
"Well, we're nearly certain it's Peter, professor," he said to temper Black's statement, "but we're not one hundred percent sure. If he could be apprehended, and we find he's missing a toe, as we suspect, then we'll know we have our man."
Dumbledore nodded while laying the paper back on the table.
"I see. Unfortunately, according to Hogwarts' by-laws, neither I nor any of my staff is permitted to confiscate a student's personal effects unless it can be shown that said effects present a danger to said student, his fellow classmates, or the school at large. Without some definitive proof ahead of time, I'm afraid, Remus, Sirius, I cannot simply walk into Mr. Weasley's dorm and take his rat from him."
The two men grimaced at one another. But Harry was bursting at the seams. Now was the moment.
"Actually, professor," he said while retrieving the Marauder's Map from his pocket and laying it on the table, "we do have definitive proof."
The three wizards stared at the parchment in puzzlement. Harry then retrieved his wand and pointed it at the map.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," he uttered while tapping it.
A stunned look appeared on both Remus's and Sirius's faces. They exchanged this look before Remus snatched up the parchment and gazed at the message on its face.
"Where did you get this, Harry?" he asked very pointedly.
Harry was surprised.
"Fred and...George. They nicked it from Filch's office their first year," he told them.
Remus handed the map to Sirius who stared at it momentarily before laughing.
"Ha! I can't believe it! After all this time! What memories this brings back, eh, Remus?"
Now Harry and Hermione exchanged puzzled looks.
"You two know about the Marauder's Map?" Hermione asked.
Lupin crossed his arms and leaned on the table.
"Yes, young lady," he told her with a smirk, "we do."
"How?" Harry asked.
"Because we made it, Harry," Sirius replied, "this is our map."
Hermione's face lit up.
"So, you're Moony!" she said while pointing at Lupin, then pointing at Sirius, "and you're Padfoot!"
The two wizards looked impressed.
"Well done again, Hermione," Remus said, "I must say, you're one of the brightest witches I've come across in quite a while."
Harry thought about the message on the map as well.
"So, that means my dad was...Prongs?" he asked.
"Yes, Harry," Lupin answered with a smile, "and now you know who Wormtail is as well."
"It was your dad's fault that this map got confiscated in the first place, Harry," Sirius threw in with a smirk, "the four of us were sneaking back into the castle after a trek into Hogsmeade late one night when Filch appeared from around a corner, waiting for us. To this day, we still don't know how he escaped the map's detection that night and where he appeared from. Thankfully, James was just able to close the map before the old grouch snagged it from him. But we never let your father live that down."
Harry and Hermione exchanged grins. Dumbledore, who had been watching all this with curiosity leaned in closer to view the message on the parchment's face.
"So, what does this map of yours do?" he asked.
Sirius laid it down and unfolded it, revealing the various levels of the castle. Everyone stared at the little banners and footprints of numerous students and staff moving about. Dumbledore nodded.
"Very clever. I now see how the four of you, and the Weasley twins, were able to evade detection for so long. Now, I imagine Peter appears on this map in the Hufflepuff dorms?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said while unfolding the section revealing the interior of Hufflepuff.
He then pointed at the small banner inside Ron's room.
"There he is."
The headmaster leaned over and squinted at Peter's name. He nodded and sat back.
"Excellent. With this, I have the proof I need to legally confiscate the rat. But it must be done with discretion and the upmost care."
"Agreed," Lupin said, "a simple freezing charm should keep Peter from attempting to escape. Then, once he's secure, he should be made to transform back into his human form. The question is, where can he be securely held?"
Dumbledore thought for a moment.
"The Room of Requirement should suffice, I think," he said, "I'll transform it into a holding cell. That will ensure Pettigrew's confinement until we've informed the Ministry Aurors of his existence."
"What's the Room of Requirement?" Harry asked, Hermione seeming equally curious.
"It's a secret room in a particular spot inside the castle, Harry," Lupin told him, "It's enchanted to become whatever it needs to be for the person who knows how to open it. A very useful room, to say the least."
At these last words, he looked at Dumbledore.
"Precisely," the headmaster replied with a smile, "now, as for how to proceed. I would suggest, Remus, that you and I find Mr. Weasley and tell him what we intend to do. I would prefer that he let us into his dorm room himself. And Harry, if you'll accompany us, I think it would set the boy's mind at ease if a fellow pupil were with him during our capture of Pettigrew."
"Yes, sir," Harry said with a nod. Dumbledore continued.
"In the meantime, Hermione, if you'll send an owl to our friend at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Auror Purvis, and let him know we require his discreet assistance in a matter related to the case of one...Sirius Black."
At this, everyone looked at Harry's godfather whose eyes went wide. The headmaster went on.
"I think that should get his attention and draw him away from whatever search efforts Fudge has him engaged in. Then, once James arrives at the school, we'll officially hand Pettigrew over to the Department and I'll open a case before the Wizengamot to question him."
The others exchanged looks of elation. Dumbledore continued.
"If Pettigrew's confession confirms that he was the guilty party of the events on the 31st of October 1981, then, Sirius, I would suggest you turn yourself in. We'll make sure that Auror Purvis is the one who takes you in. Afterwards, I'll open an official trial for you this time into which the evidence from Pettigrew will be admitted. If all goes well, you'll mostly likely be exonerated of all crimes and set free."
Black gazed at Harry and Hermione with an enormous smile of relief, then gave Lupin the same. The three beamed back at the man.
"So, this man Purvis can be trusted then?" Lupin asked.
"Absolutely. I and our two young pupils here got to know James quite well during his residence at the school last year. I consider him one of the most honorable and trustworthy Ministry officials I've ever met. I believe he'll do the right thing in this matter."
The others nodded. The old wizard went on.
"Now, before we put our plans into operation, I would like to take this opportunity to christen our little group here officially. After some careful thought, and because of some very important information I have received during the past two years..."
The headmaster gazed at Harry at these words.
"...I think it's time that a certain organization be brought back to life. I would therefore like to dub this small group of ours the new...Order of the Phoenix, re-birthed from its ashes, if you will."
The other four gawked at one another in astonishment, then gave this look to the headmaster. Dumbledore continued.
"This is merely the beginning, of course, and in due time we may recruit both former members of the Order, those who are still living, as well as some new faces, as the need arises."
"So...things have become that dire, then, Albus?" Black asked mystified.
"Perhaps not so dire at the moment, Sirius, but from what I have learned, they may well soon be."
Dumbledore again stared at Harry at these words. Harry could only imagine the headmaster was thinking of what his older self had told him about the Horcruxes.
"Does that mean Voldemort is on the verge of returning again, in bodily form?" Lupin added.
"I wouldn't say 'on the verge', Remus, no. But it has come to my attention he is attempting to do so. With the information I possess, Sirius's testimony concerning the present activities of former Death Eaters, as well as their apparent plan to target our young students here, I think it safe to err on the side of caution and formulate a strategy to counter the Dark Lord. With what we now know, it would be foolish to simply sit around and twiddle our thumbs while our enemy makes plans and acts on them. If the Order can disrupt or delay these plans, or even abort them entirely, I think the effort worthwhile. With many lives potentially at stake, it is not only our right, but our duty to act."
The others again exchanged looks.
"Agreed, Albus," Black said with a nod.
"Yes, agreed," Lupin added with the same.
Harry and Hermione both nodded.
"Excellent!" Dumbledore uttered with a smile, "let me thus welcome you back, Remus. And, Sirius, if all goes according to plan, I hope to welcome you back to the Order...as a free wizard cleared of all blame."
Dumbledore now looked at the teenagers.
"Hermione? Harry? Welcome aboard."
The two grinned at one another.
"You will, of course, only be operating within the Order in a limited capacity, as you still have much schooling and training ahead of you."
The two nodded again. The headmaster then looked at Lupin and Black.
"As they've both demonstrated brightness of mind and excellent deductive powers, not to mention having already faced our enemy, I think it would be wise of the Order to include them in our meetings and activities."
Sirius reached over and squeezed Harry's shoulder, smiling broadly while giving him a look of pride. Harry grinned back at the man. The headmaster continued.
"Now, Harry, Hermione, there are a few things I need to discuss privately with Remus and Sirius. So, if you'll excuse us?"
"Yes, sir," they answered while rising from the table.
"But, before you go, might I hazard a guess that Mr. Weasley will be in the Great Hall for lunch today?"
"Probably, sir," Harry replied.
"Very well. You, Remus, and I shall approach him then. Let's meet at the Hall at around...12:15?"
Harry nodded.
"Excellent," the headmaster said with a smile.
The teenagers smiled at Lupin and Black who returned the gesture. They then left the Shrieking Shack.
~HP~
After the pair exited the chamber underneath the Whomping Willow, and once they were out of its reach, the old tree came back to life with a shudder. As Harry and Hermione headed toward the castle, Harry thought about what just transpired.
"Wow," he uttered, "the Order of the Phoenix, the same group my parents were part of. This is incredible."
"I know," Hermione replied, "and yet scary too. Things must be more serious than we thought, if Dumbledore is resorting to that measure."
"Well, you heard what he said. Besides this supposed plot to come after us, I'm guessing the information he's referring to is what my older self told me about Voldemort's Horcruxes."
"Not to mention the centaur's prophecy, Harry. Ronan specifically said you'd fight Voldemort again, remember. Perhaps Dumbledore wants to bring others in to help with that, if possible. And since Professor Lupin and your godfather showed up, he must figure this is the opportunity to do so. We just have to do our part to prepare for it as well."
Harry nodded and grimaced.
"Right. I guess I just figured none of this would happen for several years yet. Now, with Dumbledore reactivating the Order, it feels like it's just around the corner, and I feel nowhere near ready."
Hermione took his hand in hers and gazed warmly at him.
"Neither do I, Harry," she said, "but we will be. I'm sure of it."
Harry, grateful once again for his supportive friend, stared into her pretty brown eyes and smiled back.
"So am I."