"This meeting is called to order." Dumbledore announced a short while later. "It is a great pleasure to introduce Amos and Cedric Diggory, our two newest members of the Order of the Phoenix." There was a smattering of appluase as both Diggory's stood and waved hello. "Sadly, I must also announce the death of Remus Lupin. He was a brave and loyal man, and it was my great honor to have known him."
"Hear, hear." Sirius said sadly. The others around the table nodded in agreement.
"Sirius, how did Daniel Greengrass respond to our invitation?" Dumbledore asked.
"Positively." Sirius answered. "He seems willing to ally himself with us."
"Excellent." Dumbledore replied, a small amount of surprise evident in his voice. "I know this will be difficult, but could you please explain what happened yesterday?" Sirius shrugged and began to tell them all that had happened the previous day, beginning with their arrival at Diagon Alley all the way until after the fight when the Aurors had finally arrived. The others listened quietly for the most part, but with obvious interest when he described the fight with the Death Eaters.
"Nymphadora, I assume your account matches his?" Dumbledore asked.
"It's Tonks. And yeah, he got it all right." Tonks answered, a bit sadly.
"What'll this mean for the werewolves?" Elphias Doge asked. Several discussions on the topic started up all at once, but were silenced with a wave from Dumbledore.
"It is likely that without Greyback the werewolves will fight amongst themselves in an effort to determine a new leader of the pack." Dumbledore explained. "However there was no clear second in command, so this process could be long and bloody. It is unlikely they will be of much use for Voldemort for some time."
"We should have killed Greyback a long time ago." Moody said gruffly. Dumbledore looked at his old friend as if he was disappointed in what he had said, but otherwise did nothing.
"I must confess I am concerned about Harry's state of mind." Dumbledore said, looking at Sirius. "No matter what the circumstances, he has just taken a life-"
"Two lives, actually." Snape said, interrupting him. Dumbledore looked at him with a confused look on his face and then motioned for his spy to continue. "Rabastan Lestrange has died from injuries suffered during the battle."
"But he was alive when they left." Sirius replied. "Surely he could have been healed."
"Bones broken, blood lost, organs damaged… all these things can be repaired if properly attended to." Snape explained. "Rabastan, however, was a fool. He mended his own bones and refused to allow a healer to inspect him. When Bellatrix awoke this morning she found him dead as a result of injuries he had failed to heal."
"Good riddance!" Moody proclaimed. "Guess I won't have to throw him back into Azkaban after all."
"Bellatrix was enraged." Snape said, continuing. "She swore vengence on both Potter and you, Black."
"Why? She hated Rabastan." Sirius said with a laugh.
"Perhaps. Bella is responding like a child who has had a toy taken from her. That she did not like the toy is of no consequence." Snape replied.
"Bellatrix Lestrange is a dangerous enemy to have, Sirius." Dumbledore reminded him. "I would hope you and Harry take this threat seriously."
"Of course." Sirius answered.
"Emotionally, how is Harry?" Dumbledore asked him.
"Pissed at you, old man." Sirius replied. "And so am I, now that I mention it. He's also sad about Remus and probably worried about me. But if you're asking if he is depressed and upset about killing Greyback the answer is: absolutely not. In fact I think he is more disappointed that he couldn't kill Crouch, too."
"This is not an issue to joke about, Sirius." Dumbledore scolded him. "I am only worried about his mental well being. We do not expect children to be soldiers."
"Excuse me." Cedric interrupted, clearly nervous about speaking up. "But I don't think you guys should be treating Harry like a little kid. He's a good wizard and much more mature than most of the guys that were in my year. He won the tournament this year on his own merits."
"I appreciate your point of view, Mr Diggory, but Harry still has a lot of growing to do." Dumbledore answered, giving it his best 'wise old man' look. Cedric shrugged and sat back quietly. "Perhaps I could talk to him afterwards…"
"No, Albus, I don't think that's a good idea." Sirius replied. "I'm his godfather, and if he needs someone to talk to it will be me." Dumbledore, knowing Sirius would not budge on this issue, reluctantly let it go. "I have another question, how are we going to respond to what happened? One of our best men, and one of my best friends, is dead."
"Yes, and two of their men are dead." Dumbledore pointed out. "The question is how will they respond? We must be ready to deal with whatever it is. Severus, any insight you have would be greatly appreciated."
"I have not spoken with the Dark Lord since the attack." Snape replied. "However, I can not imagine he would be happy with the outcome. Someone will feel his wrath because of this."
Sirius sighed, realizing that he was correct when he guessed that Dumbledore would do nothing in response. He considered raising Harry's idea of attacking the Dementors but decided not to, knowing that Dumbledore would never approve. It would be better to approach the others individually. Moody would probably agree to it and he felt pretty confident he could convince Tonks too as well. The others he asked would have to be chosen carefully. Clearly, the plan needed quite a bit of work before they could even consider trying it.
The rest of the meeting progressed as expected. No one seemed to know what the Death Eaters or Voldemort were doing or when their next attack would take place. Just like last time, people were beginning to disappear. Some had probably gone in to hiding, but how many others had been kidnapped and murdered by Voldemort? No one knew and it would be almost impossible to find out. Sirius yearned to do something to avenge his friend and the significant step they had taken by destroying one of Voldemort's Horcruxes earlier in the day did little to dampen that urge. He woud just have to be content with the fact that they were doing something, with or without Dumbledore's approval.
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