Amos Diggory had asked her to come. Hannah Abbott was really going to be an Order member. She was both excited and nervous. She had already spoken to Dobby. They were some of the first there, and Amos had introduced her to someone named Mundungus Fletcher and a lady named Arabella Figg. Hannah busied herself by asking Dobby if he needed any help with the tea and refreshments. It would keep her busy and her mind off of why she was here.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mad-Eye Moody stumped up the walk to the front door of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. He rapped on the door with his cane, and was greeted by the elf. "Hello, Mister Mad-Eye! Everyone is being in the meeting room!"

The old wizard nodded, thanked the creature and handed him his cloak, and proceeded down the corridor. He entered the room, and seated himself near the door where he could closely examine the attendees for silver jewelry.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Nessa MacDougal moved fast for a granny. Her cane did not even slow her down. She swept into the room with a brood of Scots behind her.

"Let me find ya a chair, Nana."

"Oh for fuck's sake, lad. I can find me own chair," she said jabbing towards him with her cane.

"Would you like tea?"

Brody grinned at Hannah Abbott playing the hostess. "Hannah. This is my Nana. Nessa MacDougal. Mac works for Hannah at her bakery, Nana."

Hannah offered a polite hand. The woman had a mighty grip for looking so frail, but she was Mac's grandmother.

"Introduce the rest of us, mon," one of the Scotsmen with them said.

"Hannah, these are m'cousins Duff and Donnon. Tha's m'cousin Fingal and his sister Kenna. This is Hannah Abbott. She owns the bakery in Hogsmeade. She makes the tarts you lot have been enjoyin'."

Hannah was patted and shaken.

"Who brought ya, lass," Nessa MacDougal asked.

"Amos Diggory. He's become a good friend."

"Ya'll both sit wit us then. I like th'look o'ya." Nessa banged her cane on the floor. "Diggory! Over here, mon!"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Arthur and Molly Weasley paused on the pavement outside of Number Twelve. Arthur sighed heavily.

"Ready, Love?"

He held out his hand.

"Never," Molly answered. She slid her hand into her husband's and started up the stairs. She knew her children would be in attendance tonight, along with Harry, Luna, and the rest of her extended family. She'd been so ready to believe that with Harry defeating Voldemort, with the loss of her children for the war, that they'd have a quiet and peaceful existence. She wanted to see her children have babies, spoil her future grandchildren, and live out the rest of her days surrounded by her family.

That life looked farther and farther away now. "Do you think if I asked they'd go home?"

"I doubt it," he told her, holding open the door. "They're too much like their mum."

"Yes, well, they need to be more like their father," she said as she entered the house, immediately taking off her coat and hanging it on a hook by the door. "Or like neither of us." They'd both immediately joined the Order when it was created and had been lucky to survive the first war. Bill had a new son. Molly didn't want that danger for her family, even though she knew it was inevitable.

"Yes, well... If they were more like me, we'd still have the same problem, Love."

"I know," Molly said, stepping out of the way as Mundungus Fletcher strode past her. "I know." She held her hand out to Arthur with a sad smile.

He took her hand and they moved toward the dining room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Bill entered Number Twelve with a heavy heart. He couldn't believe this was happening again. Well, of course he could, but that didn't mean he wanted to. He wanted his son to grow up in a safe world. That wouldn't happen unless Bill stood up to stop it. He had left Fleur at home, both to distract her sister and because he couldn't ask her to fight.

There were several familiar faces once he entered the front hall, though he wasn't quite sure how he felt about that. Spotting a seat free near his mother, he skirted around Dung and made his way over.

"Hello, Mum." He leaned over to brush a kiss over her cheek.

"Bill," Molly said, smiling as he son pulled back. "How is my grandson? Is he getting fat? I can send over some biscuits."

He pulled a handful of photographs from his pocket and re-sized them before handing them over. "For you and Dad." He grinned at her. "I don't know how he'd like the biscuits, but I know Fleur would love some chocolate chip." As would I.

"I'll bake a batch tomorrow and send them over." Molly ran her finger over the picture of her precious grandbaby. She knew why Bill was here tonight. It was the same reason she and Arthur were. "Did Fleur stay at home?"

Bill nodded. "Gabby didn't want to babysit and we didn't think Mad-Eye would appreciate a screaming infant." He knew his mum hadn't cared for Fleur when they had first announced their engagement, but he was glad she had come around.

"This is no place for my grandson, Bill," she said, leaning into him as the room started to get increasingly louder. "This is just an initial meeting, anyway. If Fleur wants to join later, you can fill her in."

Bill nodded. "This is really happening then, huh?"

Molly looked over at her son with a sad look on her face. "However much we wish it weren't."

"Then we best hear what old Mad-Eye has to say then." He sighed and turned his attention to the grizzly auror.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Draco felt like the figurative wolf in a flock of sheep - only he knew none of these people were sheep at all. Daisy and Darby had brought Daisy's father Daniel Penshaw by the office this week. He was a solicitor like Darby. Her father had been Daniel's brother. He was the other Penshaw at Penshaw and Penshaw. Daniel had spoken to him at length, and Draco had agree to come to this.

He'd had no idea what he was getting into. These were the people that he had been against the last round. He was in Harry effing Potter's home. The house-elf had looked at him like he was the second coming of Voldemort. Darby had whispered the house used to belong to Sirius Black, and that had sent Draco's head absolutely spinning. He wanted to explore now, but he somehow doubted Potter would allow that.

Ginny helped Dobby carry in a few pitchers of butterbeer. The house-elf hadn't wanted to float them for fear of knocking into someone. Dobby was right, as the little dining room at Grimmauld Place was full to the brim.

It was odd, getting to be in the thick of things this time. Her parent's had begged her to stay out of the first battle. That decision was made easier for her after the death of her brothers. How would she be able to tell them that she wanted to go off and put herself in danger? She couldn't. She'd focused on her healing studies, making sure that if she was called on to help those actually doing something, she'd be able to.

Smiling at the people gathered, she turned back to grab the rest of the things from the kitchen. She stopped dead, Dobby actually running into the back of her legs. She blinked three times.

Draco was sitting at a table with a bunch of blond people and his assistant Daisy.

He was at the meeting.

In Harry's house.

Draco smiled sheepishly at Ginny when she spotted him. He lifted one hand in an awkward wave. He could tell by her face that this was a shock. Draco got up with his hands up like she was a wild animal or something.

"Now, Gin..."

They were so many eyes on them right now. Draco glared at the group and ushered her into the hall.

"I swear to Merlin, Draco," she said in hushed tones, "that if you are planning on some sort of spy mission, I will hex you until you are unable to talk!"

"What? No! No hiding. Everyone's going to know what side my bread is buttered on this time."

That did not seem to soothe her.

"I'm not afraid to be who I am anymore."

"Well, in public, I am afraid! For you! They know who you are and you make no attempt to hide it. It puts you in danger, and I don't like you in danger. Haven't we had enough danger this year? I know that you want to help, and I get it, but sometimes it's better to do it in different ways."

Ginny blinked at herself. She sounded exactly like her mother had, trying to convince her to stay out of the war.

"I'm not going to do anything crazy. And yes, I mean crazy for normal people and not Slytherin crazy or Malfoy crazy or Black blood crazy, but I am one of the driving forces behind a school trying to break down stereotypes and blood prejudice. I think I am already a target, love."

She looked down at her feet, the murmur of noise from the dining room behind her centering her a bit. "I know," she said, looking up at him with a small smile. "I'm proud that you're doing what you're doing with the school. I talk it up to everyone I meet, but I still don't think I'll ever get to the point where I don't worry."

"Hey," Draco said pulling her into a hug and kissing the top of her head. "I made it this far being a stupid prat. No one's managed to kill me. I'm actually using my brain these days, so I think I'll be all right."

The house-elf... oh what was his name... Donny? Dotty? Doody? Dooby? No - Dobby. Dobby was staring at him hugging Ginny.

"Dobby's staring at us," Draco whispered. "And I think he wants to hurt me."

Ginny pulled back and looked down at Dobby, the scowl on his face making her grin. "It's fine, Dobby."

"Harry Potter does not like Mr. Ferret."

She couldn't stop the laugh that bubbled from her chest. She clapped a hand over her mouth and looked at Draco with smiling eyes.

"Well, right back at him, the scarred bastard," Draco snapped before throwing his nose into the air and pulling Ginny back into the room the meeting would be in.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ron walked into the dining room, relieved that they hadn't started yet, it would seem that he was a tad early for once. He scanned the faces of the people there, not recognizing some, but nodding at the more familiar ones. His eyes fell on Draco Malfoy sitting next to his sister and he scowled. This would appear to be an even more uncomfortable experience than he had previously anticipated.

He tried sitting next to an unfamiliar blonde girl but was told the seat was taken. He looked around for another empty seat and found one next to Harry.

"Lo, mate," he said as he sat down next to him.

Harry looked over at Ron, nodding at him slightly as he sat. "Ron." He could tell the meeting was going to start soon. Everyone was taking their seats, speaking in hushed whispers. Everyone except Mac's grandmother, that was. The woman was not shy and her voice carried through the room. "Team looking good this year?"

"Yeah, been well." Ron, too nervous about the meeting that was forthcoming to talk about Quidditch, turned to Harry, testing a rumor he had heard, "So, Luna?"

Harry turned and looked at Ron, slowly raising an eyebrow. Were they really going to have this conversation? "Yeah." He looked up as someone else entered the room. Harry recognized him from the Ministry, but couldn't remember the bloke's name. "So... Susan?" He smiled at his best friend.

Ron smiled slightly at the thought of her and nodded his head, "...yeah."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Justin was feeling more than a bit awkward when Astoria Dolohov walked in and waved at him like he was the one that had invited her. Her sister was shuffling in behind her with her head down. Or at least he supposed that was her sister. She had the same body type Dolohov had. Their hair was alike only Dolohov's was lighter. Well, and Dolohov looked like she actually brushed hers.

Justin just took a chair near the back, nodding at the folks he recognized - like Hannah. He was not surprised at Hannah being here. She was a fighter whether she knew it or not. She was just a bit more passive about it.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Tonks stood in front of Number Twelve, Bishop and Joscelin on either side of her. She handed them the slip of paper that had Harry's address scrawled writing on it. She was nervous and a little excited. It would be good to see some of the people she hoped were inside.

Bishop read the piece of paper, grinning as a house appeared between two others in front of him. Passing the scrap of parchment to Joscelin, he said, "Here you are, mate."

Eyes scanning over the scrap, Joscelin peered up a moment later and grinned. Turning his gaze to Tonks, his smile went a bit lopsided as he said, "ladies first," eyes bright as he looked at Bishop then. "You too, twinkletoes."

Tonks snickered and took Bishop's offered arm. "Come along, you two. Behave until we're in the appropriate company. Watch out for the umbrella stand, and there may or may not be a screaming woman." She looked around to make sure there weren't any people wandering about, then led them to the front door.

As they crossed the threshold, Bishop and Joscelin kept Tonks upright despite the way her feet automatically sought out the elephant foot umbrella stand. There were already a large number of people assembled. "So, is there a secret handshake? Do the pledges have to rush?"

"I do think there's something about honey, feathers, and singing old show tunes, but that's only if they really like you," Tonks replied as she received significant looks from a few people. She had a feeling she was going to get cornered after the meeting.

Though he had scanned all those present, mind already turning over what he was seeing, Joscelin met Tonks' gaze with a crooked smile. "I don't recall having signed up to hear about what you both do when you're alone."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Luna stood out of the way, mentally taking notes of who came and went. Molly Weasley looked at her as if she wanted to drag her out of the house and away from the danger. Harry had been looking at her the same way since he'd agreed that she could come.

They both would just have to deal with the fact that she was there and she was staying.

There were a lot of people she recognized. People from the DA. Hannah Abbott and Justin Finch-Fletchley.

Mad-eye Moody was there, of course. As well as all the Weasleys. Molly was giving each of her children the same look she'd given Luna.

There were a few surprises as well. Draco Malfoy, for one. She could see by the expression on Harry's face that he wasn't thrilled with that. Daphne Greengrass, the witch accused of trying to kill Ginny, was another. Luna was sure that there would be a lot of surprises that night.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

People had stopped talking. Daphne looked up. She had been trying to keep herself as small as possible, but there was no hiding for her from who had walked into the room. She stood nervously. Astoria grabbed her arm and pulled her back into her seat.

"Don't make a scene."

"It's Snape, Tori."

"I can see very well who it is. Not now. If he has something say, he'll say it."

He seemed to walk right past them like he was going to sit with Minerva McGonagall and Aberforth Dumbledore, but he stopped and backed up. He looked at both girls.

"Miss Greengrass and Madam Dolohov, a word with the both of you before the night is out."

"Yes, sir," they chorused.

Before he walked off, Snape glared right at Charlie. He also glared where Charlie and Daphne were now holding hands and raised a brow. Then he stalked off, robes billowing.

"Was he just in your head," Astoria whispered.

"Yes."

Charlie squeezed Daph's hand in reassurance. He wouldn't be surprised if Snape cornered him later to ask his intentions. Snape had the reputation for being a bastard, yes, but he'd also been notorious for being protective of Slytherins.

It was good, though. Snape would be able to help Daphne prepare for what she had chosen to do. If it gave her an edge, Charlie would kneel down and kiss the man's arse himself to get him to agree to help.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Several people had tried to sit on the opposite side of Astoria.

"No, this seat is taken."

Daphne would shoot her an odd look every so often. Astoria did not know who would be sitting there. She just knew she would know when they asked.

Dean walked into the room a bit hesitantly. He knew he and Daphne needed the support that the Order could provide, but the prospect of actually joining was a bit daunting. Not to mention the fact that the current roster is a bit intimidating, he thought as he scanned the room. Oh, hell. They even managed to roust Snape from whatever crypt he's been hiding in.

Astoria's smile was slow. She motioned Dean Thomas over.

"I didn't know who I was saving this seat for until you walked into the room. Sit please."

Dean smiled wryly. "I should have known," he said as he took his seat. "So, how have you been, Tor..." He stopped himself when he saw Daphne begin to scowl. "Astoria. Well, I hope."

"Quite well," she said smiling. "And you? More naked ladies?"

Daphne was glaring at her.

Dean chuckled. "Among other things," he replied as he patted her arm. He took the opportunity to quickly push a quick image of a particularly... limber couple who had come to him for some boudoir paintings, and grinned as her eyes widened slightly.

Astoria raised a brow. She patted his hand and pushed a bunch of Marcus to the fore of her mind. Specifically him ripping her shirt off to get at her chest.

"I've been a bit busy myself."

"I have no doubt," he murmured as he let the montage wash over him. While he could have done with a bit less of Marcus Flint, he was intrigued by the fact that in addition to the images, he also experienced the associated physical sensations. He was also fascinated by the single image of Angelina Johnson that slipped into his mind as well. Well, now. I didn't see that one coming. Deciding to save that little tidbit for later, he grinned wickedly and recalled one of his recent evenings with Natalie - specifically the feel of her mouth on him. Two can play this game, little miss.

Astoria blushed darkly.

Daphne reached around Dean and knocked Astoria's hand off of his. "Will you two stop being creepy," she hissed.

"But I learn the most interesting things this way." Dean grinned at Astoria. "Angie? Really?" He laughed lightly as her blushed deepened. "I have to admit that I didn't expect that one." Touching her hand one last time, he shared the memory of the two of them singing together on Halloween. He pulled his hand back quickly before Daphne could manage to smack him again.

"I think you and I need to talk later," Astoria said. He knew Angelina. No matter that she sort of liked him as well. It really was rather unfortunate that he had a girlfriend and that Marcus was not the sharing sort.

"Of course." Dean smirked. "Intelligence gathering, are we?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hestia rushed in late. Kingsley lifted a brow at her.

"No one had to wait on me," she said loudly.

Hestia looked around to see who all was there. It was a mighty crowd. Moody was giving her this amused sort of look that seemed to ask if she knew how to tell time and laugh at her tardiness all at the same time. He ought to know better about her by now.

"Are we going to start this or are we going to start? What do we know?"

Moody hauled himself to his feet with a groan. "Well, now that we've all arrived, let's get moving." He went to the front of the room and pulled a few cubes of something out of his pocket. He cast an engorgement charm and a large pile of comb-bound booklets grew on the table.

"I bet you're all wondering what you're all doing here in Harry's place after all this time."

There was a susurration in the gathered crowd as they shifted in their seats. Remus stood back against a wall, intent on being an observer for the time being. So many people were gathered, just like the last time, and he feared that at the end of it all they'd be left with what they had last time as well.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen... To put it bluntly, we've got a problem. A number of our membership has been noticing interesting goings-on lately, and we felt that it was time to bring it up to the rest of you.

"Hestia," he continued, slipping into his old 'Training Officer' mindset, "Since you were tardy, you may help hand out the booklets."

She huffed and resisted the urge to snap that she had just sat down. Hestia got up and started passing out the booklets. She felt like she was in Hogwarts again. Several people made comments as she handed them out, mostly greetings, but Malfoy had to be a smart arse.

"I was told there would be no arithmancy on this test."

Hestia approached Mad-Eye.

"I cannot believe you had booklets made," she whispered to him. "No, wait, yes I can."

"Well, it was either this or drag everyone up to my attic, and while there's enough room, it's not terribly comfortable up there."

Hestia snickered. "I would have liked the attic, I think."

"As fascinating as this is, some of us do have other locations to be at. Shall we get to the point?"

Some things never changed. Snape was one of them. Hestia held up her hands in surrender and took a seat.

"I'm sure you all have been noticing that things have been a bit... off lately. The exchange rate. People disappearing. The Saint Mungo's mess."

There was a general murmuring in the audience as his comments struck home.

"What you have in your hands," Moody announced, "is all of the data that I -- and several of my informants and accomplices -- have gathered on a new pureblood organization bent on subjugating anyone of mixed or mundane ancestry. They call themselves 'Liberi de Sanctimonia', and you may have seen their Peacock in the skies of Hogsmeade on Halloween."

Luna glanced through the booklet. The information was almost identical to what "Deep Thought" had given her. Her assumption that her source was a member of the Order was looking more and more likely. She studied the people present, wondering who it could be. While her source had appeared to be male, for all she knew "he" could have been a she using polyjuice potion.

"There's a camp in France," Justin said loudly.

Several people seemed shocked that he was speaking aloud.

"A man escaped. Andrew. Don't have a last name yet. He was killed by someone we only know as the Frenchman. He was taken from a nightclub in Paris that burned down where everyone supposedly died in the fire, so it's likely that the camp in France is near Paris somewhere. I have reason to be believe it might be near Versailles. Most of the people in the London camp were Londoners, yeah?"

"Yes," Hestia answered. She noticed how he had not mentioned Brown by name.

"They're also willing to be a bit more flexible on the blood issue as it relates to recruiting, if they think that it might benefit them," Dean added. He gave Hestia a small grin. "I was right about Daphne, it turns out."

Several heads turned to Daphne, and she tried to make herself small.

Charlie nuzzled Daphne's hair with his nose, offering her what support he could. He could feel the weight of his entire family's gaze on them. No doubt they'd descend upon them en mass once the meeting was over, asking how he could allow this. Or, in Gin's case, how he could stand being around someone who had willing joined the Liberi.

"Does Natalie know," someone all but shouted - the someone being Natalie's father.

"Sit down, Gray," Hestia snapped. She looked at Dean. "You certain about this?"

"About their being interested? Absolutely. As for actually being recruited?" Dean shrugged. "You'd have to ask Daphne. Though Madam Dolohov seems to be of the opinion that I will be."

Dean glanced over at Grayson. "And no, Natalie does not know. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell her, either. I'll tell her when and if I am actually approached by them."

"I'm not wrong about that," Astoria snapped. "Some things are certain, set. That is one of them. Daphne lied well for you, and they want me. I am disinclined to join."

"How old are you? Twelve? What do you know?"

"Hand me your palm."

"Leave her alone," Daphne snapped with her head down.

"That's not possible," Astoria whispered to her sister. Then spoke loudly again. "Auror Moody trusts me... somewhat. Unspeakable Finch-Fletchley knows what I am, what I can do. These people, these children don't know yet, and can you imagine what their Glorious Mother would do with me if they knew? I don't have to imagine. I have nightmares about it."

"All right," Hestia said. "Two moles? Is that what we are looking at?"

"Yes," Daphne snapped, still looking at hers and Charlie's clasped hands.

"Dean?"

"That sounds about right, Hestia. Even if I wasn't already inclined to do this, I got the distinct impression that it might be vital to Daphne's continued well-being." Some errant images from Astoria had illustrated that point quite clearly.

"I can't leave her to fend for herself. I won't."

Hestia nodded.

Daphne just leaned around Astoria to look at Dean with wide eyes, shocked.

Dean gave her a small smile and a wink.

"Hestia, I was hoping that I could use you and Astoria as my drop points for any information. With you as Natalie's mentor, I'm sure we can get together without suspicion. As for Astoria?" Dean grinned. "We've become fairly adept at passing information along clandestinely."

"So we are sending a bunch of children to the wolves," Snape added loudly.

"They are no longer children, Severus," Hestia snapped. She didn't like it either, especially the part with Dean, but he was a grown man.

"And I don't care for your choice of words either," Hestia said, eyes darting to Remus.

"Enough on that point, I think," Kingsley said before anyone could say anything else. "Tempers seem to be hot on the subject. What else is there?"

Ginny's frowned had only deepened while listening to the conversation. She apparently needed to have a very serious conversation with Dean soon. He was planning on spying on this group and hadn't even told her. Her eyes narrowed when he looked over at her finally. She mouthed 'we need to talk' towards him.

Dean sighed and nodded. He had a feeling that he would not be enjoying that particular conversation.

"While we're on the subject of camps, there is supposedly a large one somewhere in Scotland." Moody announced, "Mister Finch-Fletchley and I will be visiting a contact of mine in the next few days to see about some aerial photography. It's a long shot, but if these people are as arrogant and narrow-minded as I believe them to be, they won't know enough to mask their installations against mundane automatous scans."

He paused, and then continued.

"And if we find nothing, then we'll know that they were prepared for muggle forms of surveillance."

There was some hub-bub and Moody waited for it to calm down. "There is one portion of the booklet that I'd like to ensure that everyone's attention is drawn to. If everyone could please turn to page fifty-six, you will find a report made by Doktor Werner Jager, certified spell weaver and retired unspeakable. The report is on a charmed piece of silver that is used as a communications device between Liberi. It appears that there is some sort of modified protean charm on it -- ah, I see that a number of you already know what that is, excellent -- and the spell has a very distinct magical signature. Yes?"

Moody pointed at a raised hand.

"Maybe this is a stupid question," Ginny began, "but can we really trust that everyone that's a member of this group is truly a member? Obviously we have people pulling double-duty, but are we sure that there's no one else spying that we're not aware of?"

Moody tapped the side of his eye socket.

"I am sure."

Harry leaned forward. "As soon as people start hearing about this, start taking this group seriously, they're going to be looking for people to turn to. Most of us are known Order members, but there are new faces. People are going to want to know who they can trust, who they-"

"I'll be putting a sign in the front of the clinic, letting everyone know that I accept any patients, regardless of blood status," Ginny said, shrinking a bit when most of the eyes in the room turned to look at her. "I think it's pretty well known already, but I want it public."

Moody just sighed. "While it is no secret where many of us stand -- myself probably the most well-known after Potter -- if you are less known, I would recommend as much discretion as you can muster, if only for the sake of your families."

Charlie watched as the better known members cast worried looks at their friends and loved ones. He understood perfectly. He'd do anything to protect Daphne and his family from the coming storm.

Moody continued the overview of what was known, answering the smattering of questions and trusting that everyone would read their booklets later... and then destroy them.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When everyone had stood, talking in quiet little groups before departing, Ginny stood as well, flicking her wand at the empty glasses littering the tables before sending them to the kitchen. She'd lived at Grimmauld Place with Harry for a bit, and she still felt a little bit like a host in the large house.

She blinked when Draco stepped directly in front of her, a look of determination on his face. "We can leave soon, I promise, I just want to help clean up." It didn't look like that was what he'd wanted to hear. Ginny's eyebrows furrowed. "Draco, what?"

"Are you pregnant," he snapped a bit loudly. "Because if you are, I am locking you in the house until this is over."

Her eyes widened and she glanced around the kitchen, glad no one was paying them too much attention. "What," she hissed, grabbing his arm and pulling him aside.

"Your brother sent you a rather large 'congratulations it's a boy' package? I don't want any sodding boys in the first go. Boys are trouble. We're having a whole brood of girls."

Ginny was sure her face registered shock. "Draco, I am not pregnant. I'm also the first girl in my family for generations. Sorry to say that genetics are against us, dear, but it's more likely that we're having boys."

She held up her hands to stop the conversation when she realized what they were talking about. "Draco, I'm not pregnant. My brother is an arse who decided to get me back for an inappropriate, but rather funny, gift I sent him and Susan a few weeks ago."

Draco's eyes narrowed. "Which brother?"

"Ron."

"Your brother's an arse," Draco snapped before he started washing the dishes.

Dobby was looking at him with his mouth hanging open.

"All my brothers are arses," Ginny said, frowning at his back, "but they're good-natured arses. He was only getting me back. I hexed him and now we're fine. It's how my family works." She grinned, walking up behind him to wrap her arms around his waist. "Do you really think I wouldn't tell you if I was pregnant?"

"I don't know," Draco said, trying not to sound pouty.

"The correct answer would have been 'No, Ginny, I know you would never keep something like that from me.' That would be the right, and true, answer." She rested her chin on his shoulder and watched him wash the dishes.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Arthur, might I have a word?"

He turned around and found himself face-to-face with Minerva McGonagall. "Certainly, Minerva."

"Would you be so kind as to come and collect your automobile from the grounds? The Centaurs are very nearly on the warpath, and while they are quite perpetually in that state, the mere fact that they have seen me thrice in as many days about it makes me a bit nervous."

Arthur looked around for his wife. Not seeing her, he responded, "I'll be out next week."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

People were dispersing. Daphne excused herself from Charlie and approached Snape. He was looking particularly irritated with her just now.

She did not even know she had been hexed until the familiar feeling of her spilling her secrets started. Since the man before her was on her mind, he got to see a few things before she sent a stinging hex into his shoulder.

Daphne made a screeching sound and took a swing at him.

He avoided her punch and grabbed a handful of her hair. "You are going to have to be much better than this, Miss Greengrass, if you wish to live."

He was distracted by the back of his robes catching afire. Snape released Daphne. She stumbled a bit but caught herself on a chair. He used his wand to put himself out then looked around angrily for the culprit. He did not have to look far.

Astoria Dolohov was looking at him with a serene expression, her wand still at the ready. Her other hand was resting on Charlie's arm. He looked about ready to charge.

Daphne held up a hand to Charlie. She was okay. No need to get violent.

"Madam Dolohov," Snape said smoothly. "A word in private, please?"

"But of course," she replied, like they were sitting at a tea party.

Astoria tucked her wand into the hidden sheath on the back of her skirt and followed Snape. Daphne hurried back to where Charlie was standing to assure him in person that she was all right, that Snape had just been testing her.

Charlie gathered Daphne close and glared at Snape's back as the bastard walked away. Part of him knew that harsh training was what she needed to survive the upcoming trials. Nevertheless, knowing that she'd be attacked by her teachers and seeing it were two different things. At the moment he wanted to do nothing but rip Snape apart with his bare hands.

"You OK?"

"I'm all right, Charlie. Don't pick any fights on my account, love."

She snuggled against him, despite the looks. Daphne didn't care.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Charlie saw Ron heading towards the door and indicated to Daphne that he was going to go talk to his brother. She didn't look happy about the prospect of being left alone, but nodded her head. He gave her a kiss to the temple in thanks and bounded over to his baby brother.

"Ronnikins," he said, crashing into him just enough to send him off balance. He remembered when he'd been taller than Ron. Now, he was the shortest male in the family, something that had earned him quite a bit of teasing over the years.

"How's life in the League treating you?"

Ron looked over and grimaced at his brother. He very much towered over him, but apparently that wasn't enough to stop the baby names. That didn't mean he couldn't throw out a few of his own.

"Half pint." Ron smirked, "Been good, got really close to beating the Appleby Arrows. That was something, really." He smiled remembering the match, "But then their Seeker caught the Snitch. Really lousy, that was." Ron frowned.

"The Seeker caught the Snitch. Funny how that works." He waved a hand to indicate the broken up meeting. "What do you think?"

"I think this is unreal. I hadn't heard of half this stuff until now, haven't read the Prophet or the Quibbler in ages. Also, Harry's secretary is evil? I have to say, that's somewhat funny," Ron said, trying to lighten the mood.

"It is," Charlie agreed. He cast a quick glance at Daphne was was pleased to see that Astoria had rejoined her. She looked a little less tense with her sister around. "I have a feeling a lot of people are going to surprise us."

"Hello, little brothers." Bill wandered over to the corner in which Charlie and Ron had congregated. "This a private party?"

Ron looked over at Bill and grinned, clapping him on the back. "Bill, how goes it? Fleur not joining us tonight?"

Bill shook his head. "No one to baby-sit and as Mum reminded me earlier, this is no place for an infant." He looked towards the people milling around. "Who's the blonde sitting next to Gin?"

Ron's eye twitched.

Charlie cut Ron off as he opened his mouth to speak. "Draco Malfoy. Seems alright enough considering his background." He smirked as he remembered the thing Astoria had said during the visit to Healing Hands. He wondered if Gin had found the booties at the bottom of the basket yet.

"And they're serious, no doubt to Ronnikins' annoyance. From what I understand, it takes a special sort of personality to get along with Malfoy, which is why our dear baby brother doesn't like him."

Bill choked. "Do you mean I invited the Ferret to my home?"

Ron chuckled, "The Ferret," he murmured to himself. "Sorry, Bill. Guess you're just stuck with him."

"Damn it. Of course," he eyed his brothers, "unless you'd like to join in my misery."

Charlie snorted and shook his head. "Not unless you want a battle over the dinner table. Daphne and Malfoy aren't exactly the best of friends. Neither are she and Gin, for that matter." He winced as he remembered why exactly that was. "Hopefully tonight will help them see each other in a different light."

"Now that sounds like a good time..." Arthur came up behind his sons and wrapped an arm around Charlie's and Ron's shoulders. He'd only heard the last bit. "Well... Not the Ginny aspect, but watching Young Draco and Daphne squabble from opposite ends of the table."

Bill mirrored his father's grin. "Well, in that case, I'll rescind my offer. I'll happily watch Draco and Daphne though."

"I'm almost surprised you haven't gotten a taste of it all ready," Charlie confessed. Daphne was looking more and more irritated by the moment. He was impressed that she'd held her temper for as long as she had. Maybe Moody's training was doing her some good.

"And, no, Dad, I've not forgotten the dinner invitation that Mum no doubt wants you to remind me of. I'd just prefer not to subject Daphs to that many crazy Weasleys in one go."

"Nothing like a trial by fire, my boy." Arthur laughed. "Did I ever tell you the story about the first time I ate at your grandparents?"

"Mum's brothers hit you with a scratching hex in an uncomfortable place and you were too embarrassed to excuse yourself in order to cast the reversal," Charlie said. He'd heard the story many times. No doubt stories about the Prewett boys had given Fred and George some of their ideas.

Bill shrugged. "That idea has some possibilities." He tapped his chin. "Of course, I'll have to watch for the end of Ginny's wand. Do you think she'd hex me if I had Fabian in my arms?"

"That might be the only way for you to avoid getting hexed," Charlie offered. "Her bat-bogeys are still legendary. Of course, holding Fabian probably won't protect you from getting a good, old fashioned smack. She's good with those as well."

"She got me good the other day," Ron started, suddenly realizing he probably shouldn't have said anything. Dad probably wouldn't appreciate the owl he'd sent her. "Not her bat-bogey, but she definitely sent me to the floor. I'd be careful, she still packs a mean stinging hex."

"It'd be worth it," Bill mused. "Besides, it would give me a chance to practice for Gabby's boyfriends." He made a face. "She's making cow eyes at some of the file clerks."

"Could be worse," Arthur said. "File clerks scare easy. Do you want to borrow the Henry?"

Bill shook his head. "I think my wand should suffice."

"True, but there's just something about a rifle that just makes suitors nervous."

"I bet they'd be less nervous if they knew that you have no idea how the bloody thing works," Charlie ribbed. Then he reconsidered his words. "On second thought, maybe they'd be more afraid."

Bill nodded, considering. "Then I'll borrow it for a spell. Gabby might hate me for it, but the file clerks are grabby with the girls in the tea room. I hate for them to be the same with her."

Arthur nodded. "Well... Before you go and brass the poor lass off, make sure he warrants the extra attention."

"But that takes all the fun out of it." Bill made a face.

Arthur just smirked.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Greengrass," Draco snapped as he approached the sisters.

"Malfoy," Daphne replied tartly. "Where's your boyfriend?"

"You know this isn't his cup of tea." Draco would like nothing better than to throttle her right here. She'd poisoned Ginny.

"You lay a hand on her and I'll hex you so hard," Astoria snapped.

"Will you?" Draco asked removing his wand.

Astoria pulled hers from the hidden sheath. "In a heartbeat."

"Oh my gods," Daphne snapped, stepping between them. She pushed them back with her hands. "Stop it."

Draco knocked her hand off of his chest.

"What? What!" Daphne shouted. "I had enough of you years ago, Malfoy. You want to settle this? You want to step outside? Let's go."

Charlie came up behind Daphne and put his hands on her shoulders, trying to calm her down. He'd seen Malfoy approach Daphne and had hurried over as quickly as he could, no doubt drawing his whole family's attention to the upcoming altercation.

"Calm down, Love."

Ginny had followed Charlie, going to the other hostile member of the party. "Draco, don't. Not here, not tonight." She had a hand lightly holding his arm, only partially attempting to hold him back.

Draco raised a brow.

That eyebrow. Daphne had hated it always.

"Daphne... no," Astoria said weakly.

She balled up her fist and hoped Moody was watching. She punched Malfoy in the eye. He seemed shocked. Then he grabbed her around the middle and tackled her to the floor. Astoria screamed. They weren't even fighting properly.

"Get off of me, you bastard."

"You hit me in my face like a Muggle, bitch!"

Everyone was a little stunned. Astoria tried to part them and was sucked into the fray with a panicked shriek. She was wearing a dress and was pretty sure she flashed the room.

Ginny yelled when the three of them started rolling around on the floor. She bent down, wrapping her arms around Daphne's waist before trying to jerk her away from the tussle. They needed to stop this before it got worse. "Hey! Leave him alone!"

"Get away from her, you bloody prat," Charlie snarled as he grabbed one of Malfoy's flailing arms. Daphne shouldn't have punched him, but tackling her to the ground was uncalled for.

Astoria was just lying on the floor waiting for someone to help her up.

Bill trailed behind his brother and sister. Apparently, Draco Malfoy and Daphne Greengrass were fighting. At least it saves everyone from having to witness it over the dinner table. He sighed as he saw the two pulled apart by his siblings; they had left someone on the ground.

Typical

"Let me help you up." He offered the young woman his hand. She didn't look any older than Gabby. What the hell was she doing there?

"Thank you, Bill," Astoria said, patting his hand. "Charlie's brother then. The eldest, and I'm twenty-one, not sixteen."

Bill nodded, unsure of what to say. Instead, he turned his attention towards the ensuing tussle.

Draco batted Charlie's hands off of him.

Ron walked over and punched Draco in the face. "Oi! Leave my brother alone!" He had a moment of pure unadulterated joy that he hadn't felt for years before he was hit in the face.

Ginny's hands flew to her mouth with Ron and Draco punched each other.

Draco was quite satisfied with the punch he landed. It appeared Ron Weasley had not expected it.

"Oh, for the love of Merlin." Bill sighed and nodded to the woman he helped up. "Excuse me for a moment."

He walked between Draco and his youngest brother. "Break it up, will you?" He pulled Ron away, sparing a glance at Ginny. He shouldn't of bothered, for all he got was a right hook to the jaw. "Merlin's left tit!" He shook his youngest brother sharply. "What the hell was that, you arse?"

Ron had just assumed Draco had gotten in an extra punch, "Oh, er... sorry Bill," he said, holding his nose up so it would stop bleeding.

Across the room, Arthur watched the developing brawl. He was grinning a bit and winced when Bill got it in the jaw. Secretly, he was enjoying himself a little more than he should have been, but he knew that he probably should go over and break things up. Then he saw that his wife was watching things as well, and figured that he'd let her take things. She was more experienced in that area, and he might scare everyone if he took care of it.

Molly Weasley could not believe what she was seeing. "What on earth do you think you're doing?!" She saw everyone look over at her, a few of them having the grace to look down towards their feet in shame. "Well?"

No one answered her.

"To me," she began, her voice low and offering no place for arguments, "it looks like a bunch of school children who don't know the proper way to act in public!" She held up a hand when she heard someone begin to speak. "If you lot want to act like children, go ahead, but this is not a place for children! This is a place for adults who would like to stop people from being kidnapped and killed! If you don't think you can conduct yourself in a manner befitting a member of the Order of the Phoenix, then do not come to the next meeting, do I make myself clear?! Well?"

When no one made a move to answer her, she shook her head and grabbed her coat off the rack by the door. "I expect to see you all for dinner soon." With that, Molly Weasley stalked out the front door.

Ginny moved after her. She brushed a hand off when it tried to grab her arm. "No! If you all want to make it easier for them to take over because you've all killed each other, be my guest! Don't expect me to heal any of your bruises. You deserve to wear them." She looked up at Luna, who was hovering in the doorway to the foyer with very large eyes. "Moon, I'll be staying at Orchard's Gate tonight." She turned and followed her mother out the door, muttering angrily under her breath the entire way.

Bill watched his mother and sister walk out the door. He rubbed his jaw, making the move to follow the pair. He was just trying to help out. All he got for his good deed was a sore jaw and a scolding from his mother. "I'll see you all later," he muttered and made his way out. He had to go fill Fleur in. Maybe she'd kiss his jaw and make it better.

Charlie gave Draco a sheepish smile. "She'll cool down quick enough," he assured the younger man, who was pouting, of all things. He wrapped an arm around Daphne's shoulders and pulled her close. "Ready to go home, Petal?"

"A thousand times yes."

Draco wiped a hand over his face. This was a mistake. What am I even doing here? I don't belong here.

Astoria hauled off and slapped him. "Snap out of it. Put on your big boy pants. She's not going anywhere, and stop thinking like that. It's counterproductive."

Draco put his hands to his ears. "No. Stop that. You're creepy."

Again with the creepy. Astoria gave Daphne a look and walked out.

"I'm sorry I hit your face," Daphne whispered.

Draco scowled at her. "I'm sorry I tackled you."

"They don't understand us."

Draco shook his head. "No."

"I can't promise not to hit you again."

Draco smirked. "I can't promise not to return fire."

"Fair enough," Daphne said holding out a hand.

Draco looked at it before he shook it. A reluctant truce.

Ron had his nose pinched between his fingers as he made his way to the door. He looked over at Harry, nodding with a bit of victory. Sure, it had stunned him when Draco had gotten a punch in, but in the end, he still had the first.

Harry watched Ron walk out the front door then turned back to the gaggle of Weasley's still in his entrance way. "See you lot next time," he said hesitantly.

"Count on it, Harry," Charlie assured him as he led Daphne and Astoria out the door.

Hannah sided up to Draco, having caught the end of that. "If you don't want to go home alone, Draco, Blaise and I would love to have you over."

"He know you're running a boarding house now?" Draco put an arm around Hannah and smirked at Potter as they left.

"Potter," Moody said, as he retrieved his cloak, "This has been quite an evening. I'll be sure to have a word with Greengrass about throwing punches at parties."

"I get the feeling that will be a useless conversation," Harry said, shaking his head as he watched people that had not been in on the Weasley/Slytherin brawl of 2003 file out of his house.

"Something tells me that we may be speaking about different things," Moody told him. "Good evening."

McGonagall walked out after Moody and nodded to Harry. "Potter."

Arthur followed McGonagall and Moody out. "Harry, Molly and I would love to see you for dinner some time soon. Be sure to bring Luna along." He smiled. "See you both at dinner."

Luna blushed and nodded goodbye to Arthur before hurrying away to work on the clean up.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The last stragglers had finally left and the house once again became quiet. Luna breathed a sigh of relief as she carried the last plate into the kitchen. She hadn't realized that the Order was so large. Or so talkative.

She'd let Gin play hostess, both because her friend seemed to need something to do and because Luna had worried about what would happen if her relationship with Harry was suddenly forced into the spot light. Instead she'd stuck to a corner of the room, largely ignored by the older members of the group as she took everything in.

Dobby was in his element and practically vibrated with happiness as he cleaned dish after dish. From the looks of it, he'd be doing so for the rest of the night.

"Do you want any help, Dobby?" she asked. The answer was the expected no.

After seeing the last of the Order out the door, still a bit shocked with the events of the evening, Harry slowly made his way towards the kitchen. He sighed loudly, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned against the door jamb. "It's nice when it's quiet," he said, looking at Luna's back. And when there isn't a bloody duel going on in my foyer.

He frowned. I didn't even get to hit Draco. Bloody Ron getting there first. It was funny to think about after it'd happened, but after everyone had left, Harry's mind had once again turned to the reason for the meeting.

She gave him a tired smile. "It must be odd having so many people suddenly descend upon you. Are you going to allow them to continue to use the house for meetings? Or do you think maybe we can find somewhere that people can tussle without having to worry about broken furniture?"

"It's what Sirius would have wanted," Harry said like it explained everything. Probably would have enjoyed the fight. Joined in, even. "This is more the Order's house than it is mine, in some ways." There were still whole rooms he hadn't ventured into. Too many memories. Too many chances that he'd stumble upon something that would only remind him of what he'd already lost. "It's safe here, which is important. We need to keep everyone safe." Like you. Especially you.

She went over and wrapped her arms around him, resting her forehead on his chest.

"You can't protect everyone, Harry," she reminded him, giving him a little squeeze to indicate that she understood the desire to. "No matter how much you want to."

Luna stepped back slightly, but left her hands on his arms. "There was a lot of information exchanged tonight. A lot of plans talked about. It... It made me feel better, knowing that things were being done to prevent another war. Was it like this last time?"

"No. This is quieter. More organized, in a way." They're in the Ministry. In the papers. In the hospitals. They're everywhere, and they don't wear masks to distinguish themselves. "It makes it more dangerous. We don't know who we can trust."

Her hands on his arms were warm and a small part of him was calmed at the idea of her being here, with him. Grimmauld Place was the safest place he knew of, and as long as she stayed here, she'd be safe.

"We're going to lose people. I know it." He looked at a spot over her shoulder, trying to remember the faces of the people that had filled the house. If it was anything like last time, half of them would be gone when this was over.

Luna hugged him again, sensing that he needed the contact. "We'll do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen," she assured him. Deep inside herself, she wondered what they could possibly do to stop any of it. The Liberi had already infiltrated so many areas of the wizarding world. Like Harry said, they were everywhere.

"Did you eat at all?" People had brought food to share, and a few had even eaten. She'd seen him with a plate at one point, but didn't know if he'd actually eaten anything.

"Ron finished it off," he said, resting his chin on the top of her head. "I'm not really hungry." Hearing what other Order members had seen or heard made Harry's stomach twist with worry. This was so much bigger than he'd wanted to believe. "Really," he assured her.

She didn't push. Not when her own stomach was tied in knots.

"Which one do you think is 'Deep Thought'?" she asked, trying for a lighter tone than the meeting had inspired. "The obvious answer is Professor Moody, since he was the one who seemed to have put everything together. Had all the same information as well. But Moody has never been one for the obvious, has he?"

"No. I also think he'd take offense to you calling him 'Professor' as he constantly reminds me that he was never a teacher for Hogwarts." Harry smiled softly. Moody had taken on a lot of the responsibility with the meeting, and while he felt a bit guilty about it, Harry was fine with that. He would do everything he could, keep his eyes opened, but Moody was by far the better man to lead the Order.

"I don't know who 'Deep Thought' is. Maybe you should just ask next time."

"At the next order meeting, or the next time I meet with 'Deep Thought'? And why are we standing in the doorway of the kitchen?"

She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards his bedroom. At least there they wouldn't have the memory of the meeting haunt them.

Harry allowed her to lead him to the bedroom. "Either one. Both. Neither." He didn't like the idea of Luna meeting with people in dark alleys, even if they were supposedly on the same side. "You don't go to those meeting alone, do you?"

"I've only been to one," she reminded him. "And that was originally to back Adam up. I'm usually more interested in writing about pyrrl scorange than political conspiracies, and there's very little likelihood that a scorange would try to harm me. Unless someone turned me into a pile of thestral poo."

She flopped down onto the bed and sighed. "And if that happens, then I have bigger problems than getting hexed by a mysterious source."

Shaking his head, chuckling at the images she'd put there, Harry laid down next to her. "As long as you don't go to any by yourself."

Luna rolled over and nestled her cheek into that perfect space on his chest that seemed to have been made for her head. "I won't," she promised. "And you won't go running off to one of those dreadful camps without the whole of the Auror department as backup," she demanded.

"Trust me, that won't be happening." Harry wrapped his arm around Luna's shoulder and sighed, laying back against the pillows. "If we find them, everyone is going to want a piece of it."

Some how, that didn't make her feel any better.


{SUMMARY} The Order of the Phoenix is back. With familiar faces and new members. Moody passes on his information, there's a few squabbles and surprises, and people are figuring out about Harry and Luna.