Chapter 155 - Ch. 155 The Order of the Phoenix

After my meeting with what I would call my inner circle, I've been very busy catching up to what I had missed during my month long absence and making sure my new and prior orders had been and are being implemented properly.

From what my network has told me, the ministry is behaving pretty much as predicted.

They've put pressure on the prophet to run what they dictate and have avoided trying to antagonize the Herald due to it being privately owned and even Fudge wasn't stupid enough to poke a sleeping dragon when he's already dealing with enough fires. The pressure I've been exerting on the Prophet from my side stopped it from trash talking Harry so far, I'm sure I'll manage to keep it that way.

It seems like the Minister is currently focusing his attention on removing Dumbledore from his positions in the government. His first goal seems to be the supreme Mugwump position so he can try and pass whatever he, his toad and the little snake in his ear, want. Funny thing is, Dumbledore never cared about any position beyond his Headmastership. The man just wants to stop others from repeating his mistakes and help young minds grow in positive directions. (Even if he hasn't really done the best of jobs.)

It seems mother took my advice to clean up her department, only a few Death Eater and Ministry stooges are even in the ministry at the moment and everyone else has been sent out on crap assignments while she consolidates her position. It helped her that, after his 'assassination attempt' two years ago, Fudge decided to have his bodyguards be from Fortress instead of Aurors. Many were insulted by this and became less enthusiastic in following the man's orders, followed by constant cuts to the department and then mother stepping up, it was almost easy for her to completely take command. Now she only has to worry about ones who would follow Dumbledore's lead like the last war.

On the other side of things, Jennifer has given me a good enough report for someone who's only recently been brought into Voldemort's side. She obviously hasn't reached his inner circle or gained the trust of anyone in it due to her statuses as a werewolf and a mercenary, but it is still good enough information.

The most important piece was that they've hidden themselves in the Malfoy Manor like the canon, under the Fidelius Charm as well, making searches generally useless. Now, although we can't get in or find the building itself, we can still do plenty to monitor them. This is linked to a minor detail people forget when they lay the charm, you might make people forget about its location and force them to not be able to find it, but you can't remove the records about it from existence and Malfoy Manor is at least 300 years old. So instead of monitoring the house, we focus on the surrounding area and make sure we know what happens as best we can. It helped that we already had known Death Eaters under varying levels of surveillance.

I know they are capable of using apparition or maybe portkeys to get in or out, but they need to appear outside the manor unless the Malfoy's add everyone that needs to go there into their family wards. Fat chance of that happening, so logically most would need to show up outside and within the range of my people. We also have people in the ministry of transportation at all times, helping us keep track of Floo network activity.

Her second piece of intel she brought was about their plans to break their people out of Azkaban. Voldemort already knew where the prison was and already began the process of getting the Dementors on his side again. What he was really planning for was on how to remain hidden while he builds up his power again. He knows that he can't take on the entire country with what he has so far and the people he'll get from the breakout will need months to recover at least. This means he needs to stay in the dark for now.

There was a minor change in canon from my decision to remove a few of his men before his return and that is the moving up of the jail break. It is minor so far, but I will need to keep an eye out on what he will do to build up his army after my other actions in the underworld and werewolf communities.

Her last major piece was her own assignment from her 'new lord'. He seemed to be testing her abilities by ordering her to track some people down and recruiting them. He wants her to help his lieutenants find old allies still in Europe and some of the outcasts of the magical world.

I didn't have a problem with such an order since it lets me monitor who his allies will be for a while and give me a chance to poach some people who could actually do good from the ones who don't want to follow the maniac.

Then we have Dumbledore's side.

His honestly hasn't seen much action or progress so far.

I know for a fact that he's recruited Shacklebolt already and I assume Moody brought in or is about to bring in Tonks, but that seems to be his limit in terms of activity in the ministry itself. I don't know how many personal connections the man truly has, but he is limited by the fact that he is currently the minister's number one undesirable.

Remus sent me an message about staying in the village, which I am told is asking permission to be named Freewolf, most likely to keep an eye on the population in case some decide to follow Voldemort. Cautious but ultimately kinda pointless as long as I maintain the trust I've built over the years. As for the name, I don't mind since it isn't stupid.

Not a sound strategy to just try and stop your enemy from gathering allies while not building up your own. I understand why the man does things like this, but it tells me he can't fight a war. He's already too broken to take on the burden of being a general in this fight and ending his foe.

His only other move was to contact me almost as soon as he received my notice that I had finished my seclusion, asking for a meeting at Grimmauld Place as soon as possible.

And this is a meeting I would attend after I finished dressing myself properly since I only sent Dumbledore the notice after I had finished the majority of my work.

I simply chose to wear one of my black bespoke suits. This meeting will be a very serious affair due to him most likely asking me to join his order.

I had warned mother that I would be heading out after my work was done, saying it was business. She was used to it and simply acknowledged my notice.

No point in telling her what I am truly going to do when I am not going to become a member of the order. Mentioning this particular topic would make mother freak out due to the actions of my parents and their subsequent passing.

I sent a quick message about my impending arrival so they could send someone to let me in on the secret and apparated without a single sound.

With a silent apparition just outside of where I remembered Grimmauld place being, I was suddenly struck with the realization that I couldn't remember where the address I was going to was. I couldn't see nor remember it. It felt really weird for me to forcefully forget something due to my eidetic memory.

Then I noticed one Sirius Black coming my way with a cheeky smile on his face.

"Well, looks like even you can't escape the effect from that spell." The smirking man said to me.

"And that is why so few people are actually capable of casting such a spell in the first place. Doubt you could Padfoot." I responded as I countered the man's grin with my own.

"I'd have that spell figured out in a week." He c.o.c.kily answered.

"Yeah, after Remus explained it to you step by step and then helped you cast it." I say as I make his ego take a solid hit.

"You can't let me win can you?" Sirius with a bit of drama.

"If I ever let you win I'll never hear the end of it. But seriously, how have you been? How's the lordship been treating?" I ask, moving on from the messing around.

"I can say with certainty that I could live without it. So many pieces of paper, stuff from years ago, people annoying me to go to this ball or that function, idiots asking for money and then I have to deal with those annoyances who are indebted to the Blacks. It's all such a pain in the a.s.s and I'd rather be bitten by flees again than sign more papers. I feel like I can't even wave my wand after finishing everything." Sirius said with a great big sigh.

"Yeah, the paperwork is a pain. But that's what happens when you don't have any real training or experience in dealing with it." I replied looking at the man's pained expression at the memory of paperwork.

"There must be something good that came out of having full control over the Black family." I said as I tried to help him out of his funk a bit.

"Well, it was fun to kick out cousins Bella and Cissa from the families. Andy's been great and her daughter his a barrel of laughs. Glad to reconnect with some decent family for once. I also can't wait to see what will happen as a result of me cancelling the marriage contracts my two less likable cousins have. I hope it makes the papers." He answered with a smile as he tells me about implementing the suggestion I had given him.

"Ever the prankster huh? And wait a minute. Did you say your hand hurts from paperwork? Haven't you gotten one of my paperwork quills? They're a great help." I informed the man as a realization hit me, making him look at me like I'd just provided him with the key to salvation.

"How come no one told me about these things?!" He then exclaimed with what appeared to be sorrow.

"Well, they probably assumed you would have already looked for any way to have to do less paperwork and gotten at least one already." I answered as I thought about the man's usual character.

The man didn't even answer me at that point, probably due to me having just correctly guessed exactly what he's done already. He just passed me a piece of paper with the address of 12 Grimmauld Place and the I could immediately remember the place as it appeared.

When I got to the place it was quite the surprise. The renovations Sirius arranged did wonders to the place, and with the wards and expansions properly reactivated by Lord Black, the place looked quite different from the movie.

The floor was redone using nice cherry wood, with the old dark green wallpaper replaced for a Rosewood one and the carpets removed. I'm guessing he essentially changed the place out of slytherin colors and into Gryffindors. He also took down the old portraits of past Blacks besides his uncle Alphard. The various cursed objects were removed, old furniture replaced or fixed up and I could see a newly redone kitchen as we walked towards what I would assume was the meeting/dinning room.

We reached the place and sitting at the table was most of the Order waiting for us.

Dumbledore was obviously there, but neither Professors McGonagall or Snape were amongst those present. Tonks, Moody and Shaklebolt were seated with Molly and Arthur Weasley. Mundungus had made it and was trying to sell something shady to Remus as Bill and Charlie Weasley watched.

"It seems I've made you all wait, my apologies." I said as I enter the room.

"Ah, Aedan. A p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to have you with us. I assume you know most present today." Dumbledore said as he welcomed me.

"Actually, I at least know of everyone present today. 3 Aurors from my aunts department, one being our supposed to be teacher last year, the second being someone my aunt thinks highly of and the third being an old friend. Then we have one of my successors parents and people I've been in contact with regarding Harry's well being, their eldest son who recently transferred to the English branch of Gringotts after working as a curse-breaker in Egypt, the second eldest who worked in the dragon preserve in Romania I nearly had majority ownership off. There's Remus, who actually works for me, and one Mundungus Fletcher. I know everyone here, but I am surprised someone as self-serving as him would be invested in fighting again. I guess you can find courage in the most unexpected places after all." I say before Dumbledore does unneeded introductions.

"How could you possibly know about my transfer? I've just done it." Bill asked, stunned I could know about him.

"I am a friend of the Goblin nation and I am very good at finding information I want. And in these times, I make sure to keep track of those related to the ones I am related to. Your family has done good by Harry and Ron could almost be considered my student in the art of Dueling and Combat, hence I know about the entire Weasley family in great detail." I answered smoothly as I revealed a bit of my abilities.

"Madame Bones has not exaggerated your abilities it seems. Thorough and intelligent indeed." The deep voice of Shaklebolt said as he evaluated me.

"I have heard more than a few positive comments about you as well." I politely answered as he chuckles a bit.

"Wotcher, where have you been for the last month? You said we could hang out this summer." A wild Dora said as she looked right at me.

"Sorry Dora, after my little fight against Voldemort I felt the next step in my growth and it couldn't wait any longer. I am actually surprised it only took me a month to finish, but I am back and stronger then ever. You can come visit whenever from now on alright?" I say as I try to placate this emotional friend of mine.

"Fine, but you better show me the good stuff when I come. You promised to teach me some things mister super genius." She said as she relented and smirked.

"Nothing but the best for my friends." I agree without hesitation.

"You said you fought the dark lord kid? Then why aren't you saying he's back? It could force Fudge to admit it." Moody suddenly piped in as everyone looked at me for a reason.

"A few reasons honestly. First is that Fudge will never admit to it unless everyone sees that Voldemort's back. He's always done everything he could to burry the problems leftover from the last war and the Dark Lord being back would ruin everything he has ever achieved.

Second is that this way we can actually have aunt Amelia get her department ready using our families wealth. We also decided to clean the Aurors and Hit wizards of Death Eater sympathizers and limited the activity of blood purists. This wouldn't have happened if Fudge wasn't afraid of pushing me over to your side and making his life a nightmare. This way only Dumbledore is under fire and at risk of loosing positions he doesn't care for, while we can get ready.

And lastly, the Order of the Phoenix has nothing to do with me." I said calmly as the last words make the majority question me simultaneously before Dumbledore raises his hand to stop them.

"What do you mean Aedan? Will you not fight against Voldemort? I know you have a strong dislike for him and his followers. Please tell us why you do not wish to join the Order." The Headmaster asked as he urged me for an answer.

"It is simple, I believe the way all of you have chosen to deal with the situation is wrong and that you are all severely weakened as an organization without the ministry." I answered without showing any emotions.

"That's preposterous! Your own parents fought alongside us until their death! How can you insult their ideals!" Sirius loudly responded as he almost glared at me.

"And that's why they died." I coldly countered as I made everyone present shut their mouths right quick, listening as I continued. "They fought a war trying not to kill those willing to slaughter, torture and **** countless innocents to achieve their goals. They decided to try to imprison animals who would escape, be jail broken or simply let go by corrupt officials, fighting the same people over and over again while those same people killed more and more of their allies. And I remember that even as they waited and hoped for help from this very Order, as my entire family was being slaughtered, they still fought to defeat and not kill. They then left me to be taken by Death Eaters and suffer under their hands. They then left the woman I consider my mother to weep at least once a week until myself and my cousin managed to help her move on. And even after the war was over, those same people who everyone here fought or lost loved ones to, were allowed to walk away from every horrible act they've committed using piss weak defenses and continue to harm people to this day.

So I think I am fully in my rights when I say I do not approve of the way the Order operates and that I will continue to do as I wish to actually win the coming war."

"Aedan, I know what you've experienced as a young age has marked you, but you cannot let yourself get lost in your hate." Dumbledore said with concern apparent in his eyes.

"Headmaster, my decision is not based on emotions alone. This is the result of me taking every bit of information I had on the subject, every possible conclusions I could think off as a result of my choices and even historical precedents. This is my choice after listening to both my brain and my heart." I responded calmly as the man ponders his options for a moment.

"I know you are strong Aedan, far stronger than me now, of that I am certain." That statement got a lot of shock from those present. "But you still cannot fight this battle alone."

"Who said I was alone?" I replied with a confident smile. "I am more than ready for what is to come."

"Then how about cooperation? I am sure we could help each other to pushback the encroaching darkness." Dumbledore suggested hopefully.

"I am open to such, but it shall be limited to my side providing logistics and information for your information and possible movements. I cannot tell you about my movements for reasons I am sure you can guess Headmaster, and your order has nothing else which I do not already possess." I answered, laying down my terms.

"I cannot possibly tell you about all of our movements. I am sure you already understand this, so I will only agree to disclose movements we could use you're assistance with. Anything else would endanger our operations." The elderly man countered.

"I am fine with that. I understand the need for secrecy and reporting all of your movements to someone creates problems. In exchange, if it involves Harry, I want to know. I will not be left out of the loop when it comes to my little brother." I offered in response to his downgrade.

"I am more than willing to agree. Now, what do you mean by 'providing logistics'?" Dumbledore asked after closing issue.

"I can discreetly supply you with pretty much any ingredient, potion, poison, equipment, trinket or book you'll need for nothing. I don't lack money and your group is too small to make any kind of dent in my stockpiles. I also have a good number of safe houses in the country no one knows about, perfect when on the run or to meet up. Anything else would have to be discussed ahead of time and you'll need to ask to use one ahead of time because they are very well defended." I answered in a succinct manner.

"That would be greatly appreciated Aedan." Dumbledore said with a grateful look on his face.

"I don't want to join, but that doesn't mean I want good and honest people to die, especially when it's not like I dislike any of you. I am more than willing to help, but I will be handling things my way and doing my own thing." I responded as I let myself relax a bit.

"Thank you." The man simply said a smile returned to his face.

"No problem. But now I believe I should take my leave. This is an Order meeting and since I have refused to join, I should get going." I said as I excused myself with a slight bow.

"Ah, a moment Aedan." Dumbledore said before I could leave.

"What's wrong?" I simply questioned.

"It appears I might need to call on your assistance sooner than I realized. This is just as an insurance policy, but could you keep your schedule open this year?" He asked as the man's mind seemed to be troubled.

"Aside from my new positions in the Wizengamot and Board of Governors, I will be taking care of my duties as lord during the day, hence not usually busy. The latter can almost be done whenever and the others will only happen occasionally, so my schedule is fairly free at moment." I answered truthfully since those would be my most regular activities.

"That is good. I should be able to let you know if your aide will be needed by the end of the month." Dumbledore nodded with some relief.

"If that is all, I shall take my leave. It is good to see all those present and hope everyone is the same the next time we meet." I finally said as I take my leave and exit Grimmauld Place.