Harry turned around to look at Ron and Hermione, barely able to hide his joy. For days now, Mrs. Weasley had been pestering him with constant, thinly veiled questions about what he planned to do after leaving Hogwarts.
The three entered the meeting room one after another. The moment Ron stepped in, he couldn't help but let out a "Wow!" It wasn't surprising, this room was enormous. Even Hagrid could stand fully upright without needing to duck.
"I think this place is bigger than my whole house," Ron muttered under his breath.
The members of the Order of the Phoenix all seemed to have designated seats and quickly settled in. Hagrid, naturally, took up two seats by himself.
"You three, sit wherever you'd like," Skoll said, standing beside the head chair.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged a glance before choosing the seats directly across from Hagrid. Fred was sitting next to Harry and gave him a wide grin.
"Relax, the first time's always the hardest. But there's no need to be nervous, there aren't many formalities here," Fred said reassuringly.
Mrs. Weasley came in last, carrying a large tray of drinks, with Ginny right behind her holding another. Once Ginny had stepped out and Mrs. Weasley had taken her seat, Skoll waved his wand and drew a complex pattern in the air. The flap of the tent sealed itself tight as if glued shut, and the magical chandelier above brightened noticeably.
Two whiteboards slid out from the corners of the room and positioned themselves behind Skoll's chair. He pulled a stack of parchment from his bag and, with a tap of his wand, distributed a copy to each desk in the room.
A quill and a sheet of parchment floated into the air.
"The meeting begins now," Skoll announced. "First item, Vice President, explain the message you sent me. How exactly did Dumbledore die?"
Lupin, who had just been flipping through the parchment, looked up and cleared his throat before succinctly recounting the events at Hogwarts that night.
Skoll sat with one hand on the armrest and the other propping up his chin, his eyes thoughtful. Only after Lupin finished speaking did he nod.
"All right. Got it."
"Second item, what's the current situation at Hogwarts?" Skoll looked to Professor McGonagall.
She clasped her hands on the table. "At the moment, the school is officially closed. The Board of Governors had a preliminary meeting and decided not to shut it down permanently. The Ministry of Magic plans to assign another squad of Aurors to patrol the grounds..."
"Third item, what's the current status of 12 Grimmauld Place?" Skoll turned to Moody.
"We've placed several...'interesting' enchantments there," Moody said, gruffly. "If Snape tries to bring anyone over, he'll regret it. And we'll know immediately."
Skoll nodded again, his fingers drumming steadily on the armrest. "Okay, I've got the general picture. Take a look at the objectives and plans on your parchment. Once you've read it, I'll explain a bit more, and then we can open the floor for questions."
The contents on the parchment were minimal, mostly intelligence-gathering missions by outer members of the Order and a few targeted operations against Dementors.
Round after round of discussion flew by. Some operations were paused for reevaluation, others were canceled, and a few were pushed forward.
By 10 PM, everyone had finally caught up on all recent developments.
"Alright, that wraps up the general updates. The current security level for the Order is B-Class. Headquarters will temporarily be The Burrow. Primary contacts: Lupin and the Weasleys," Skoll stated. "Next, we're going to discuss Dumbledore's final mission."
Everyone in the room visibly straightened in their seats. Many eyes turned to Harry.
"This mission is arguably the core of all others under the Order," Skoll began. The floating quill stopped writing and dropped to the table.
"The reason it's referred to as a hidden mission," Skoll said, carefully enunciating every word, "is because its activation was simple: it was triggered the moment Dumbledore died."
Everyone exchanged confused looks. Skoll continued.
"This means Dumbledore anticipated his own death. I can confirm that. So, for those of you who feel responsible or burdened with guilt, know that it wasn't in your control."
"The second reason it's hidden," Skoll added, "is because of its classification. It's rated S-Class, top-level security. That means you can't know its content. You can't know its goal. Even as core members of the Order. Everything about this mission is need-to-know."
"What does that mean?" Hagrid asked, slamming his cup down.
"It means," Skoll said plainly, "this mission isn't yours. It belongs to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Only they and I are privy to its details."
"But they're just kids!" Mrs. Weasley protested. "There are so many of us in the Order, why?"
"Mrs. Weasley," Harry stood up. "Dumbledore was very clear, he didn't want anyone else involved. He stressed that to me again and again. I trust Skoll. But Ron and Hermione don't need to go, "
"We already talked about this!" Hermione and Ron both stood up, shouting at once. "I'm definitely going!" Hermione added.
Skoll raised a hand to silence them. "Mrs. Weasley, I understand your concerns. I won't lie, this mission is dangerous. Even though I can't share the details, from now on, anything tagged S-Class will indirectly assist this mission. That much, you can understand."
Moody slammed his cane. "Alright, alright, we get it! You could've just said that sooner!"
"Sorry, Moody, but this needed to be crystal clear. It's important," Skoll replied.
Lupin raised his hand. "I have a question."
Skoll nodded.
"If Dumbledore left them with this mission, can we assign someone to protect them? We've got Aurors, "
"No!" Harry interrupted again, standing with renewed firmness. "Dumbledore said only Skoll, me, Hermione, Ron, and, "
Hermione yanked on Harry's sleeve hard.
"Ahem, only us. No one else, absolutely."
"I agree with Harry," Skoll said. "This is non-negotiable. So, Harry, when do you plan to leave?"
"After Bill and Fleur's wedding," Harry said, scratching his head.
"Can't you stay just a little longer, " Mrs. Weasley began.
"I understand," Skoll cut in. "One more thing, after this, I won't disclose their whereabouts to anyone. You three don't need to withdraw from Hogwarts officially. Just apply for a leave of absence. Professor McGonagall, Hogwarts allows for that, yes?"
Hermione's hand shot up. Everyone turned to look.
Harry and Ron both chuckled.
"Ah, sorry, Professor. Old habit," Hermione said, blushing and lowering her hand.
Even Skoll, usually expressionless, looked momentarily stunned, a fleeting smile flashing at the corners of his mouth.
McGonagall blinked, but then said, "Granger, although I can't give Gryffindor points for that, if you don't mind, go ahead."
"Hogwarts: A History, student admission policy, section nineteen," Hermione recited, cheeks still pink. "Students may complete their studies in phases. In cases of family hardship or personal matters, a student may apply for a leave of absence with school approval. The number and length of absences are subject to school regulations."
"Very good," McGonagall said. "She's correct. As long as the request is submitted before term begins and signed by the Headmaster or Deputy Headmaster, leave is permitted. In fact, I've already received several such requests this summer."
"Alright," Skoll said, rising to his feet. "That concludes today's meeting. Before you go, let me share something Dumbledore said at our last gathering: 'Harry is our most precious hope. Believe in him.'"
"Harry, Ron, Hermione, stay behind for a quick follow-up. We have more to discuss," Skoll added.
Harry nodded. "I have something I want to talk to you about too."
People filed out. As Fred and George passed through the doorway, Skoll suddenly called out, "Fred, George! That's your second warning."
A dull, gray disc-shaped object flew toward them.
"Third strike, and I won't be so forgiving. Don't treat serious meetings like a joke," Skoll said, lowering his wand.
Fred and George exchanged a look and left the room silently.
Hagrid was the last to leave. He patted Harry on the shoulder and said to Skoll, "If Dumbledore trusted you with this, then I trust you too. You have my support."
Once the room was empty except for Skoll and the trio, he exhaled deeply and sealed the tent again with a wave of his wand. The lights above brightened.
Just as Harry began to speak, Skoll held up a hand.
"Wait," he said, smiling suddenly as he looked at Hermione. "No small talk. Let's get to it. Hermione, I think you've figured it out."
Hermione stepped forward, half curious, half incredulous, and pinched Skoll's face. "Anne? But how did you do it?"
Harry and Ron's eyes widened.
Anne smiled affectionately and undid her gray cloak. She removed a ring, her facial features and hands morphing back to normal. Just as she reached for the ear cuff on her left ear, Hermione stood on tiptoe and plucked it off with a grin.
With her true appearance restored, features, hair, everything, Hermione giggled and took Anne's glasses off too. Amber eyes sparkled as they looked at her.
"The cuff and ring are a set, crafted by goblins. Enchanted with advanced transfiguration magic," Anne explained. "As for the glasses, you've seen this before. Members of the Roland family can't alter their eye color with transfiguration or potions, so we rely on objects like these."
"Whew, no more standing," Anne sighed, flopping into a large chair designed for Hagrid. "I'm exhausted. I've been running around all afternoon."
Hermione plopped down on Anne's lap and hugged her around the neck, setting the glasses and ear cuff on the table. As she let go, Anne instinctively wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist to keep her from falling, but Hermione only smiled and started massaging her shoulders.
"I really didn't think it was you, Anne?" Harry said, glancing at the table.
"Those are really goblin-made?" Ron said enviously. "I heard they only craft for people they personally approve of. And it costs a fortune, even more if you have to provide the materials!"
"They're genuine," Anne nodded. "Otherwise Moody's magic eye would've spotted me. So? Mystery solved? Next time, don't try to keep secrets from me," she teased Hermione.
"Actually," Harry said as he sat down, "before Dumbledore's third lesson, Hermione told us she suspected Skoll might be you."
Anne raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"But that day in class, you weren't hiding under your cloak, you actually showed your face. So…" Harry trailed off.
"I figured that might throw you off," Anne said with a playful glance at Hermione. "You three had the Marauder's Map, and Hermione, you even spotted me once in Hogsmeade. I had to be extra cautious."
"But why go to such lengths to hide your identity?" Ron asked, clearly confused.
"Well," Anne said with a shrug, "because 'Anne Roland-Reeve' doesn't just represent me as a person. If my identity were exposed, it could drag a lot of people down with me. Sometimes, I can only act on my own behalf to do what I need to do."
"Like what, exactly?" Harry asked, glancing at the obsidian ring on the table. "Protect the people you care about? Defeat Voldemort?"
"Yes." Anne nodded. "Everything I said that day, I meant it."
Before she could say another word, Hermione leaned in and kissed her. Ron gave a low whistle.
Both Hermione and Anne turned a shade pinker.
"Ahem," Anne cleared her throat and adjusted her posture, "it's getting late. Let's finish up the important stuff. Harry, when Dumbledore took you to find the Horcrux that night, what happened?"
Harry shook his head and began recounting everything: from entering the cave with Dumbledore to retrieving the fake Horcrux. Finally, he took out a small locket and placed it on the table.
"This note inside the locket is the only clue we found."
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To the Dark Lord,
I know I will be dead long before you read this but I want you to know that it was I who discovered your secret. I have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can. I face death in the hope that when you meet your match, you will be mortal once more.
R.A.B.
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Anne let out a slow breath, silent for a moment before she spoke. "I see. Well, we don't need to rush this part. The wedding's at the end of the month, right? Use the time until then to figure out where to look next."
"You don't know either?" Harry asked, visibly disappointed. He had hoped Skoll, no, Anne, might have some hidden leads.
"Dumbledore searched for a long time," Anne replied. "He already told you nearly everything he knew. Honestly, all the Order can really offer now is support. Dumbledore made it clear that given the Dark Lord's current condition, he believed he was the only one who understood the full extent of the Horcruxes. That's why this information is under the highest secrecy. Even if you find one, only you three can destroy it."
Harry nodded, though he looked a bit pale. "Yeah. Actually, there's… one more thing."
"Yes?" Anne looked at him. Hermione turned toward Harry, concern in her eyes.
"These past few days… I keep seeing things. In my head."
Both Hermione and Ron paled.
"Your scar?" Hermione's voice trembled. "I thought it had stopped, Harry, you can't let that connection open again, "
"I know," Harry said, clearly frustrated, then looked toward Anne. "But this time it's different."
"It's all right," Anne said gently, tightening her arm around Hermione's waist. "It might not be as bad as you think. What exactly did you see, Harry?"
"I saw Voldemort… looking for someone. I'm not sure who, but it looked like he was getting close." Harry rubbed his scar. "And the night Dumbledore died, I could feel how happy he was."
"When did this happen?" Anne asked, completely calm.
"Last night. Right before dinner," Harry said, calming down a bit himself in response to Anne's composed demeanor. "And then the night Dumbledore died."
"Don't worry, Harry," Anne said. "So far, it seems that you only feel his emotions when he experiences something extreme. Dumbledore once thought Voldemort had managed to close off his emotions entirely, but this shows he hasn't. Actually, I think we might want to keep that connection, "
"Anne?" Hermione grabbed the front of Anne's robes.
Harry looked slightly relieved.
"It's okay, Hermione," Anne said seriously. "But Harry, if you ever feel like his emotions are affecting you too strongly, I can teach you Occlumency."
"No," Harry shook his head. "It's awful, yeah, but I think I might be able to learn something useful from these visions."
Hermione frowned deeply.
Ron jumped in, "Right, remember last time? Harry saw the attack at the Ministry and saved my dad."
Hermione shot Ron a glare. Harry gave a weak smile. Ron realized a little too late that he may not have helped.
"Ahem." Anne cleared her throat. "That kind of mistake won't happen again. If you're certain, Harry, then we'll go with your judgment. After all, you're the one leading the search for the Horcruxes."
Harry nodded silently.
"Oh, right. I've got a few books on Horcruxes," Anne said, pulling several volumes from her backpack. "Hermione, I know you've probably gone through everything in the library, but Dumbledore had these hidden away."
She handed the books to Hermione. "You should all take a look when you have time. But be careful, don't let anyone else see them."
Anne gave a teasing smile. "Though when it comes to keeping secrets, I'd say you lot are already doing an excellent job."
Hermione blushed, accepting the books and flipping one open without looking at Anne.
On top of the stack sat a thick, dark brown volume titled "Secrets of Advanced Dark Magic."
"Handle that one carefully," Anne cautioned. "It goes into great detail about how to make a Horcrux. If you don't read it with a clear and steady mind, some of the enchantments inside might affect your emotions."
Hermione hugged the book to her chest and nodded.
Anne leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. "That's all for tonight. I need to head back. I'll stop by again in a few days."
Harry and Ron stood up and nodded. Hermione also rose and carefully tucked the books into her handbag.
"Tomorrow morning at nine, meet me at the alley we came through today?" Anne whispered into Hermione's ear as she hugged her tightly. "I didn't move the car. I'll Apparate back tonight."
"Okay. Good night." Hermione smiled and kissed her on the cheek.
"Good night."
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