Chapter Ten: Birth of Resistance

* Quickly Sirius and Remus ended the spells that kept James attached to the chair and looked up, soundlessly awaiting Dumbledore’s next move. Peter, beside them, gulped in an anxious state, and even James had to readjust the tie beneath his robe due to his sudden nerves. Frank Longbottom and Alice Dove joined the ranks of the Marauders equally tense about the coming announcement.

“My fellow witches and wizards,” Dumbledore smiled out towards the crowd, “welcome to my humble office. I do hope you’ve all been comfortable while waiting, I was delayed for a moment, and I apologize. Now then, I’m quite sure you’re all wondering exactly why I have asked you here today.

“By now you all well know that Hogwarts is considered the safest place in the world, wizarding or otherwise. However, it is the growing danger outside these walls that has led me to call you here. Why Hogwarts, more particularly my office, you might ask? Because eyes and ears that should not be privy to this conversation are around every corner, and I wanted to take the utmost precautions today.

“The Dark Lord is growing in power. He is gaining a following the size of a small army- and it will not be long before it can grow to the size of a large army if given the chance. I have invited you here today because each of you has made it a high priority to fight against this growing revolt in the wizarding world, and each of you cares what our future holds.” Dumbledore, in James’ eyes, looked both hopeful and reminiscent all in one. The old headmaster’s eyes twinkled with the hope, but his sad, knowing smile told the truth- fear of the unknown. James knew the feeling all too well; he had known it since the day he had received the letter about his parent’s deaths.

“I ask you today, during this meeting of great minds and ability, what are we going to do about the growing threat?” A few coughs and a strained silence permeated the atmosphere of the cluttered office.

“Albus. Do you suggest we do something above the Ministry’s knowledge?” A bold wizard finally spoke out.

The headmaster of Hogwarts looked at the faces in the room, and James felt as though his soul was being searched on sight. “Will such an action save more lives? Save more people from the terrible fate that awaits the world if Voldemort gains power of our wizarding world?” He put the question to the crowd.

“Maybe. But the question remains, is that our job?” Another voice rang out.

“Let me get this straight,” Sirius butted in. “You want to know whether or not it is our responsibility to save human life? We ourselves are human! How would you like it if someone refused to help you save your life? Of course it’s our job! It’s not only our job, but we are, as humans, are honor bound to it as well!”

“And that was Sirius Black, the resident hellion of Hogwarts people.” Remus snickered. A few people chuckled, and thin smiles broke out amongst the crowd.

“Albus, tell us more about your idea. What do you want from us exactly?”

“No more than you are willing to give. I will not ask you to do anything you do not feel comfortable doing. However, I have sat by long enough. I am working in complete cooperation with the Ministry, as well as other groups around the globe to try and solve the growing resistance, however, it has now come time that I see it is not enough. Voldemort- no, don’t shudder at his name- is continuing to gain power, and what is worse; he has been growing in his knowledge. One step ahead of the Ministry constantly, he has spies everywhere. His Death Eaters have permeated our system, and I fear that it will not be long before the Ministry is nothing more than an old system that has been wrought with infiltration and hatred.

“In light of this new revelation of mine, I have decided it is time that I do more to help. I had an idea of bringing together the finest minds that were strongly willing to act for the safety of our future, and put this situation to you. Have you any ideas?”

“What you seem to be saying, or at the very least implying, Professor, is that you would like to create a secret club to fight against Voldemort. Am I right?” James prompted. A hushed murmur fell across the crowd.

“An excellent idea in my opinion!” Frank stood besides James and clasped his shoulders. “Professor Dumbledore is right when he says the Ministry can only do so much. They are bogged down by protocol and rules… we can use this group to our advantage!”

“We can counteract Voldemort’s spies by sending in our own… a danger, of course, but how many lives would we save? We can’t just sit down and watch Voldemort ruin our way of life!” Alice piped up.

“The young ones…” Moody’s voice broke through the crowd. “They have high hopes, they care perhaps too much, they have too much emotion.” He stopped for a moment, and it became impossible to read what he was thinking. “Then again, the Ministry’s not of much help anyway. I agree—a secret society would do us loads of good in hunting down those Death Eaters.”

“Is this what you had in mind Dumbledore? A secret society?” Hagrid asked, his sulking momentarily forgotten.

“I had in mind a meeting at which people could openly discuss a new way to perhaps counteract Voldemort’s growing power. What I have gotten during this meeting however, sounds like a brilliant idea. A secret society to fight against Voldemort. One where trust can be shared exclusively until we can stop the evil madness that is spreading.” Dumbledore smiled, and stroked Fawkes, who was settled on his desk.

“But we’ll have to swear a pact. One that binds us to each other and our duties. Otherwise…” Remus trailed off, not wanting to finish the ‘otherwise’ that he had envisioned.

“Agreed.” Another witch joined him nodding. “We need something binding us, something that will create a union between us members.”

“We need to have the cunning of a fox, the strength of a dragon, the stealth of a ghost, the courage of bears, and the faithfulness of phoenixes. We need it all ladies and gentlemen!” Sirius announced, grinning doggishly. The occupants of the room groaned, but smiled at his odd sense of humor.

“Why, that’s a brilliant idea Sirius!” Alice exclaimed.

“It is?” Sirius scratched his head. “I wasn’t even trying that time!”

“No, I mean, the Society of the Phoenix.” She announced.

“That’s right! We’ll be bound to each other if we take the oath on Fawkes.” Remus elaborated for her. “It’s perfect!”

“The Society of the Phoenix? It doesn’t sound too impressive to me.” Peter mumbled.

“Peter’s right, it needs something.” James murmured. “Well, if Dumbledore thought of it… we’re using Fawkes… Order of Merlin… alright, the Order of the Phoenix.”

“Much better.” Frank grinned. People around them started laughing.

“And our primary goal?” Moody prompted.

“To keep a close watch on the movements of Lord Voldemort, his spies, and when necessary, to give aid to those in danger of his power.” Dumbledore spoke aloud.

“And do we all agree that we will use whatever power we have, including our lives if need be, to stop the Dark Lord and his allies?” Remus asked.

“We do!” Came the cry from amongst the crowd.

“And to think, the Marauders are leading the charge… some things never change…” James heard McGonagall mutter to herself. He had to smile. Then he frowned.

“What about Lily?” He whispered to Sirius. “She’d want to be a part of this!”

“Professor!” Sirius immediately shouted. “What about Lily Evans? She couldn’t be here, but…”

“Miss Evans would be welcome to join- in fact, at this very moment she is on a mission that well falls under the conditions of this newly founded order. You’ll have to ask her once she returns. Until then, however, she as, shall we say, an honorary member?” James nodded. Good enough. He wanted Lily out of the way of harm any way…

“What! Lily is what?” He yelped. Dumbledore smiled.

“On a mission that falls under the category of work done by the Order of the Phoenix.”

“I know what you said! Where is she? If she’s in danger, someone’s going to die!” James growled. His friends grinned like maniacs at him, and even Hagrid’s face lit up at James’ threat.

“Don’t mind him everyone! He doesn’t really mean it! He and Lily are having a row, nothing to worry over!” Remus assured the rest of the group.

“A small row? She left him!” Sirius roared with laughter.”

“Shut up!” James grumbled, a beaten man. The crowd laughed again, then turned back to their original trail of thought.

“I have a question. I know that we all know each other, but how will we distinguish ourselves?” McGonagall posed the question.

“Tattoos!” Sirius half suggested, half pleaded. People instantly denied his idea.

“A ring? Or maybe a necklace?” Alice suggested.

“And if we’re caught? It’ll be obvious after a few of us are caught that we’re part of an organization against the Dark Lord. His spies’ll be warned, and we’ll lose our advantage.” Remus countered.

“Just a thought…”

“I like the idea of jewelry, though.” Peter timidly added. “It can be removed.”

“True…” Remus mussed.

“What about earrings?” Frank asked. “One for the wizards in their right ear, and a pair for the witches. Earrings are always mass produced, unlike necklaces and rings… it could just be a fluke that we all have the same ones—not to mention, we can always remove them like Peter said.”

“Earrings?” Remus gulped. “I don’t want to be pierced…”

“Bloody brilliant idea mate! Earrings! Gives the bad look the witches go crazy for…” Sirius grinned.

“Sirius Black, what do you mean witches? Aren’t I the only witch in your life?” Arabella stepped out of the crowd with her hands on her hips. Sirius visibly looked ill.

“Ara… he, he, didn’t see you…”

“Don’t you ‘Ara’ me, you’ve got some explaining to do!” She stamped her foot. The crowd broke into applause. Sirius shuddered.

“Will we always meet here, Professor?” A voice called out from the crowd.

“Anyone know of a safer place?” Hagrid snorted. “That creature will have spies everywhere else.”

“Good point. My office may be a little crammed, but it is at the very least, a safe haven. If we find a better place, we shall move to it.” Dumbledore answered.

“Well, now we know who we are, what we do, how to tell each other apart, where to meet, what about when?” Remus asked.

“Once a week, at least. So we can update each other, share information, and ideas about how to handle situations.” Frank jumped on the question. “Sundays would be ideal—the end of one week and the beginning of the next.”

“Everyone free Sunday nights?” Sirius yelled. The general consensus was yes.

“One final detail remains. Wizards, witches, I have asked you here today because I have the highest trust and utmost respect for you. If our Order of the Phoenix is to succeed, we must remember that secrecy is the key. Tell no one, not your wives, not your children, friends, not even your pets. Write nothing of it, and never speak of it unless you are absolutely sure no one can hear you. If we lose our secrecy, we lose our lives. Does everyone agree to the terms we have set here, today, for the Order of the Phoenix?”

“We do!” Was the uproar that clamored.

“Before you leave,” Both Sirius and Remus stood in front of Dumbledore’s office door, “you need to sign your name on this list—in blood. It will make the contract binding.” A few people shrank away from the two young men, but many nodded gravely, fully understanding why. This was a serious undertaking, and under no circumstances should they take it lightly. A signing in blood would be the perfect way to completely bind them to their oaths.

“I’ll sign.” James was the first to speak up when no one made a move. He took the quill from Remus’ hand and pricked himself with the tip. Then he scratched his name down on the parchment, and blew on it for good measure. Turning around, he eyed the crowd. “Who’s next?”
“I am.” Sirius quickly signed. Flickering his eyes to the figure next to him, he passed the quill to her. Arabella stepped forward. Wincing slightly, she too pricked her finger and then signed her blood to the parchment.

Following her, Remus took a turn signing. Frank Longbottom was next, and afterwards he handed the quill to Alice Dove, who had been right behind him. Hagrid made sure he was next to sign, quickly pricking his large finger and then scrawling his messy signature across the parchment.

Peter was next up, and though he hesitated with the quill, staring at it for a moment before he pricked his finger, he quickly scratched his name down. Soon the rest the people in the room had formed a line, once they had signed they were leaving the office.

After a time, everyone had left the room aside from Dumbledore, Hagrid, and McGonagall, the Marauders, and Frank and Alice. Dumbledore took the list from Remus and placed it in a drawer in a closet, which he then locked with a spell. James approached Hagrid as they were waiting.

“Hagrid?”

“Going to snap at me again, are ye?” The big man sniffed.

“Hagrid, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I was just… frustrated. Lily, I, well, she’s all I am. She’s what makes me me, make any sense? Without her, I’m lost.”

“James, you drove ‘er away. You did. Not the Dark Lord, not one of your friends, you. You broke ‘er heart, and then you forced ‘er away. I may not be the smartest bloke, but I know when you’re wrong, and this time, you are.”

“I know!” James sighed tiredly. “I was an idiot, a bloody jackass! And now I need to find her and make up for it, before it’s too late…”

“Well James, I’m sure once Lils cools off, she’ll be willing to forgive you.” Remus clapped his shoulder.

“Yes. Miss Evans was quite upset, but once she has had her holiday, I’m quite sure she’ll return.” Dumbledore smiled at James.

“What sort of a mission did you send her on anyway?” James asked, narrowing his eyes. “If she’s in danger, I want to know right now! In fact, I want to help her, if at all possible.”

“Mr. Potter. I doubt you would be of much help in Lily’s current mission, however I can safely assure you that she is well and out of harm’s way. My best advice would be to leave her for the moment, and let her return in her own time and of her own accord.”

“I suppose.” James sighed and blinked. Taking his glasses off, her cleaned them on his robes, then put them back on.

“Remus, Peter, you have a place to sleep tonight?” Ara asked.

“No.” They replied together, grinning.

“You can stay with James and I.” Sirius offered generously. “One of you can have my bed, the other can have the couch.”

“Where’ll you sleep?” Peter asked. Sirius laughed.

“I’ll be in Lily’s bed.” He winked slyly.

“You most certainly will not be in Lily’s bed!” She glared. “I’m giving it to Alice here. I heard she had just gotten here from Ireland and hasn’t a place to stay yet.”

“Really, oh Bella, thanks so much! I was wondering what I would do!” Alice laughed.

“Then where am I going to sleep?” Sirius pouted.

“The floor.” Remus answered wickedly. Everyone laughed and made their way towards the door. As they left, the walk to Hogsmead was enjoyable and full of laughter and smiles—save for James, who spent the time sulking as he thought of his Lily. Where had she gone? Was she safe? Was she in a bed tonight, warm and comfortable? Was she crying because he had broken her heart?

James knew more than anyone how fragile Lily’s heart was, and to think that he was now responsible for shattering it… It ripped his insides to shreds and tore into him like the guilt of a thousands years multiplied. He missed her, loved her, and wanted her back. *

~~~I hope this is at least interesting to you guys! I’m trying to make this good, I really am! Please Review and let me know if you like it or not. Much love, Vixen~~~