Purpose

~ Chapter 17: Meeting ~

Sunday, 27^th August. The day of the Meeting...

Everyone had woken up unusually early and they were bustling about the house, taking care of Mrs. Weasley's numerous errands. The presence of the Fire Master was able to soothe the woman's nerves as Mrs. Weasley sought to prepare a number of dishes and refreshments for the people attending the meeting that night. The male adults were up in the sitting room, trying to make the room as functional as possible but the youths were starting to feel useless and wandered about aimlessly until they heard Mrs. Weasley called for them.

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley?" Harry was the first to poke his head into the kitchen.

"Did Sirius or any of them give you something to do?" Mrs. Weasley asked, and was relieved when Harry shook his head. The woman heaved a large bag of potatoes and handed it to Harry, and the teenage boy staggered at the weight.

"Ron--there you are...take these and you ought to help Harry..." Mrs. Weasley quickly handed Ron several peelers and a large rubbish bag.

"Hello, guys..." Fenix greeted the group of Gryffindors as they walked into the hall, smiling a little and then concentrated on sifting her flour. The Fire Master was dressed in simple Muggle clothes that morning, wearing a dark blue Linkin Park T-shirt and her faded blue jeans. Like Sirius, she had taken to walk about the house barefooted. Ron placed the trash bag down and the four youths sat around it in a circle and began peeling the potatoes.

"What are you baking?" Harry asked the Fire Master.

"A variety of things and I'm supposed to finish by four in the afternoon. I've already done the marble cake...now I have chocolate cake, Victorian sandwiches, scones and custard puffs, mango pudding...some butter cookies and Sirius wants more gingersnap," she said absently.

"Why don't you do all of these in the kitchen?" Ginny asked curiously as she pared her potato deftly.

"It's a family trait, I think. I get a little selfish with space when I really, really need to work in the kitchen. But it looks like your mother needs the space more than I do and it's not good for me to get in her way. She has already managed to work herself into panic. I don't think I want to accelerate her tension."

Ron nodded his agreement and paid careful attention to his potato. They were halfway through the bag of potatoes when Moody and McGonagall came in and several more members of the Order trickled in.

"Saw anything weird, Moody?" Fenix questioned as she began to batter the cake mix.

"If you mean having the Death Eaters skirting about the shield, yes, it was weird," Moody replied then cackled roughly.

"What kind of idiots are they?" Fenix asked in amusement. "They're just attracting trouble for themselves..." her voice suddenly trailed off. "I wonder what His plans are that the Lucius Malfoy is still walking about."

"He's alive?" Harry asked, his eyes alert.

"Yup...but it seemed that the stick did major damage to his eye and his pretty face...oh I see. He's giving out instructions to pull back..." Fenix replied, and suddenly a sphere-like substance appeared before her. Before long, they saw images flickering on it and they were able to hear the wizard's voice.

"It's useless for us to remain here...the Master does not want to risk any more lives...we'll make a move when we're ready. He has other plans,"

the voice of Lucius Malfoy whispered harshly.

"But the Master did instruct us to find out more about the strange woman...if only you had your wits about, Lucius...you could have retained your memory,"

a tall, huge man in dark blue whispered back.

"Aelwyn...go sent some of your kind and spy on them...don't make yourself too obvious, though."

"Don't worry, lady. It isn't the first time we do intelligence work, you know," the Sylph replied with dignity.

"Still, be careful." Fenix dissolved the image and concentrated on pouring the right amount of hot chocolate that Krill had been warming for her into the batter. Professor McGonagall looked at the nondescript Fire Master with interest.

"Lucius's memory of you and the encounter has been erased?"

"It seems so...I wish I knew what He was up to...none of the Death Eaters or Voldemort--," McGonagall winced as Fenix said his name casually, "are aware of the existence of the Elves nor does he know the peculiarities of the Elementals. I wonder if Mr. Malfoy remembered that I was the one who had erased Severus's Dark Mark ...well, I'm not going to worry about it." Fenix shrugged as she folded the batter carefully and reached for tin and poured the cake mixture into it. Two Salamanders took it and then vanished.

"Fenix, what did you do to the cake?" Hermione asked quizzically.

"I've sent it to the Salamanders for baking of course," Fenix said in surprise, smiling wickedly. "Gods, Hermione!" the Fire Master chuckled. "You seriously don't think that Sirius's oven will be able to cope with the extravaganza? I know it's big but with two women rushing to prepare an extended menu, it's quite difficult you know."

"How convenient..." Hermione replied dryly.

"Fenix?" Mrs. Weasley approached the Fire Master with a tray of stuffed chicken. "Would you mind asking the Salamanders to cook this slowly for me?"

"See..." Fenix said humorously. The stuffed chicken immediately vanished from the woman's hands and she went back to her kitchen.

"Where do they go to bake them?" Harry asked curiously, peeling the last of the potato. Hermione got up to stretch and Ginny went to the kitchen for further instructions on the peeled potatoes.

"Somewhere in the house...believe it or not. If you guys come across a locked door, don't give your wand a wave and say 'Alohomora'. You'll regret it."

: Then don't you think it's prudent that you should inform those blokes up there who is wondering if they should expand the sitting room? :

Silver's mindvoice called out, his tone very much amused.

"What are they trying to do?" Fenix asked, getting up and dusted her shirt.

: They're deciding if they should break the wall, :

Wind replied. Fenix chuckled and vanished as she Teleported herself into the sitting room, surprising the Potions Master tremendously.

"Did not mean to surprise you, Severus," Fenix said apologetically. "Just popped in to warn you not to think about exposing this side of the room," the Fire Master gestured at the wall adjoining the other sitting room.

"Why?" Remus asked as he gave a little frown.

"Because the whole house will heat up like a very hot sweat-house if you do. My Salamanders are baking in there."

"Oh...luckily you warned us," Sirius sighed then looked about the room. "Any suggestions on how to make the room bigger?"

"Remove all the unnecessary furniture," Fenix pointed to several of the furniture about the room. "Then you should place the table horizontally right here..." Fenix tapped her foot about her current position. "Anyway, just call me if you need more help. And don't get too curious about the next room." She vanished without a sound as the three wizards exchanged glances and shrugged, waving their wands, as the furniture vanished up into the attic.

She reappeared in the hallway and to Harry's surprise she vanished again.

"What is she up to?" he asked in a piqued voice.

: She's designing a very large warning sign on the door where her Salamanders are massed, :

Silver said helpfully.

Ginny came back, struggling to carry a very large pail that was filled with water. "Mom says to wash the potatoes and then dice them."

Fenix popped back into the hall and resumed her chores. Time passed quickly as the youths amused themselves by wagering on which potato will be diced the fastest. Moody stayed to guard the entrance. More of the members came as the evening slowly approached. Fenix and the youths had already finished their tasks and were going up to the second floor to get a breath and relaxed as they waited their turn to wash in the bathroom. Hermione curiously laid the flat of her palm on the door where the Salamanders had congregated and exclaimed that the door was warm to her touch.

Fenix went to the other sitting room where her oathbrother was and nodded her head in approval as she came into a very empty room.

"Where did you say we should place the table?" Sirius said, his voice sounding indecisive, as the big rectangular table floated four inches from the floor.

"Would you get on with it?" Snape tapped his foot impatiently and Fenix took pity on the three wizards. They look just about ready to drop.

"Place the table there," Fenix answered, gesturing at a spot. Together, Remus, Sirius and Snape moved the floating massive table in concert and placed it gently down on the floor. Snape instantly conjured up chairs and arranged them quickly around the table.

"I doubt that all of us can get a seat," Remus remarked casually, massaging his aching neck.

"Severus," Fenix started, as she leaned against the wall to look at the Potions Master. "What are the objectives of the meeting?"

Snape stared at her for a moment as he tucked his wand back to its hideout before answering her. "I guess, mainly to introduce you and the new members. Other than that, I'm sure that the Headmaster wishes to address his concern for the safety of the students."

"Yes, your observation is indeed accurate, Severus," a husky voice emerged from the corridor, and the ancient, most powerful wizard stepped in to the room, looking about him critically. "Adequate," the Headmaster turned to Fenix, who was watching the sorcerer calmly. "Some of my friends and fellow colleagues had been demanding about your whereabouts. Moody insisted that you were among us but they chose not to believe him," his eyes twinkled with amusement as he spoke.

Fenix looked down at herself and gave the Headmaster a crooked smile. "I bet that no one had noticed the famous Harry Potter either?" she asked archly and Remus exchanged an amused look with her oathbrother. "It's just like they don't believe a king will go down and toil the farmland himself," the Fire Master commented, earning a throaty chuckle from Professor Dumbledore.

"Anyway," the Headmaster began, "other organizations would be having similar meetings in other parts of the world to ensure their own security."

"Is there any chance that Voldemort will go and attack other countries first?" Fenix asked suddenly.

"It's unlikely but I do not dare say it is impossible," the aged Headmaster conceded. "But I hope and pray that it does not come down to that."

"Hello, Professor," Harry greeted the wizard from behind.

"Good afternoon, Harry."

Harry peeked into the room and finally located Fenix. "The bathroom's free."

"Okie..." Fenix smiled and pushed herself off the wall. She winked at Remus who suddenly looked a little flustered. Harry left the corridor, feeling suddenly like an intruder and went off to find his friends in each bedroom.

"Well, Severus...I am absolutely pleased to have Miss Maxwell with us," Professor Dumbledore gave a piercing look at the Potions Master. "Already I have seen some changes in you. That's good...and as you can see for yourself, taking a vacation once in a while with the right company would do wonders..." the Headmaster said magnanimously as he headed out of the room.

"God..." Remus sighed. "I'm going to take a bath and then find some place and lie down for a bit. I'll see you later, Padfoot."

That left Harry's godfather and the Potions Master in the same room. Before the tension in the room became tangible, Sirius took several steps forward and paused beside the silent Snape. Sirius did not face the Potions Master as he said softly, "I am sorry, Severus." Sirius went out of the room without another word and Snape stared at his back in shock.

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"Now, don't think I like your decisions Ron, but I know you can't help it," Mrs. Weasley said shortly. "Better go and assemble in the meeting room. Harry, where's Fenix?"

"She's with Remus--"

"Don't bother them then."

"--and Sirius." Harry finished his sentence and Mrs. Weasley shook her head, embarrassed at her conclusion.

"Please fetch them for me, would you, Harry?"

Harry got up from his seat and placed Hedwig back on her sturdy perch. He went on to Fenix's bedroom and found them laughing merrily as they drank glasses of pumpkin juice.

: Hello there. How are you doing? :

Sirius asked his godson.

: I should be fine, :

Harry said sarcastically and Fenix gave a soft chuckle. : Mrs. Weasley wants all of us to go into the meeting room now. :

: Asoka, :

Fenix answered, getting up from her curled position and bounded to her feet.

"You speak Japanese?" Remus asked in wonder.

"A bit but I understand the language better than I could speak it," Fenix said modestly. "So, Harry, do you think I'm much visible now I'm all dressed up?"

"Kind of..." Harry said, feeling a little uncertain when Fenix suddenly grinned devilishly.

"Then maybe I should dress up like how I did dress up this morn," she said jovially, her face lighting up with merriment.

"You can, but don't blame me if Ron and Ginny decide to team up and jinx you," Harry said in mock despair. She laughed and gave the youth a kiss on the cheek before eyeing Remus mischievously, making the werewolf blush.

: What's that about? :

Harry asked his godfather, his voice sounding a little baffled.

: You wouldn't understand it, Harry, :

Sirius replied in mock solemnity.

Remus walked ahead of them as Fenix fall back to walk beside Sirius.

: I hope you don't mind me sharing your godfather's company, :

Fenix said privately to Harry. The boy looked at her in surprise.

: Why should I? :

Harry questioned her curiously.

: Don't you feel like I'm an intruder to your life or something? :

: No...I dunno...I feel that you've been with him all this time. It's strange, isn't it? :

: You really don't mind then? :

She asked anxiously and gave a tremulous smile when Harry shook his head slightly. They entered the room and squeezed right in next to the twins who winked at them in greeting. "Kind of crowded in here," Fenix tiptoed to whisper in Fred's ear.

"Feeling a little small?" the twin said and winced when Fenix casually pinched him. "Ouch." They were distracted suddenly when benches appeared over their heads and the Headmaster announced that the meeting would begin. They took their seats, with Fenix sandwiched between Harry and Fred and watched attentively as Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"Welcome all, members of the Order. We are assembled here to discuss some major and important stuff regarding of our actions in the next few days. But first, I would like introduce you to some new members who would be at least be contributing something for the Order. Conal Bryson," as Professor Dumbledore called out his name, the wizard stood up from his bench and inclined his head for a moment, before sitting down again, "Fearn and Blade McNoel, Jason Reef and Kage Aoshi. They are the junior Aurors of the Order, with various talents that will be useful to us in time. Spies for the Order and Ministry: Hassan and Jareet Idris and Michael Wee. Fred and George Weasley, Aerona Aisley, Clas Dursmii, who do intelligence work for me. And as you all know: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley." Dumbledore raised his hand to cut off the protests that were about to emerge from some of the older looking witches and wizards. "It is absolutely better for them to work with us than having them making the mistake to rectify problems by themselves," he said calmly and that managed to satisfy them a bit. "Now, I have the honor to present someone whom has so far not only changed Sirius's life, but also our Professor Snape and the entire Weasley family. Miss Fenix Maxwell."

Fenix felt totally uncomfortable at the many pair of eyes staring at her, silently assessing her. She kept her expression still as she stood up and inclined her head gravely to the company. She smiled slightly when she caught both Hermione and Ginny giving her the thumbs-up. She was about to resume her seat when she felt a familiar presence and one horrified thought flitted in her mind. He must be crazy.: Albus, an Elven Lord is waiting outside the door. Might I invite him to the meeting? : Fenix asked the Headmaster, who looked a little surprised but recovered his composure and nodded slightly. : Hang on, I'll be back, : Fenix said to Harry as she made her way gracefully to the back of the room.

I am definitely going to strangle Aldren when I get a chance to...

She briskly walked down the stairs and nodded to Tonks who was guarding the door. She looked hesitantly at Fenix but complied and two richly dressed elves walked into the room.

"Everything going all right?" Fenix whispered to Tonks.

"Yeah..." the Metamorphmagus answered just as softly.

: I'm going to kill the both of you later, :

Fenix threatened Mineif and Cadriel severely.

: I thought it was supposed to be hugs and kisses? :

The Elven Lord looked innocently back at her. Fenix led them towards the meeting room and the occupants looked at the pair of elves in amazement.

"I'm sure you want me to ensure that there will no leakage of information after the meeting is over?" Fenix spoke to the Headmaster. He nodded and Fenix took several seconds to place a spell upon the entire company and spoke up again. "Ladies, gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to my friends, allies and kin. This is Mineif, the Elven Lord of Shadow Wood and his Mage and Warrior, Cadriel."

The Elven Lord looked solemnly at the Headmaster and spoke with accented English. "I must beg pardon for the sudden intrusion, but I believe that having myself here and not a spokesperson will allow us to probe certain issues into greater detail."

"Your presence in this meeting are much welcome." Dumbledore inclined his head politely. Harry abandoned his seat and offered it to the Elven Lord.

: Thank you, Mr. Potter, :

was all Mineif said. Harry went to stand beside his godfather while Fenix and Cadriel stood at Mineif's back.

Thus the meeting began and the Headmaster highlighted on issues of the safety of students, treaties and alliances and intelligence reports of the Dark Lord. They were discussing and debating on the issue of giving protection to the various Ministers when Hermione timidly raised her hand.

"Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked kindly.

"I seriously think we should consider putting more effort in St. Mungo," Hermione said in a soft voice. Total silence. Hermione looked down in embarrassment and prayed that nothing bad will happen to her.

"The young witch is right, Albus," a witch with a very stern look on her face spoke up. "We do have a couple of ex-Aurors there, and it's the best hospital in the wizarding world. It's either we put more protection to it or we move it to a safer area."

That began a new discussion with most of them agreeing that they should find a much safer occupation. "As difficult task this will be," a handsome black wizard spoke up as her rubbed his temple tiredly, "we have to do it because we simply do not have much Aurors with us now. We're stretched thin enough as we are already. It'll be a pretty hectic day for us come the first of September."

Then came the hardest part of the meeting, trying to gain the aid of the elves to act as a back-up force. They finally concluded that the elves would willingly help if their part in the war remained a secret to everyone else, and Mineif stressed especially on the media and the Ministry.

"When you have Fenix, it can be said it is useless to have the rest of us around," Cadriel said soberly. "I have several suggestions that you might want to consider carefully. The first: your concern regarding the welfare of the family of Muggle-born students. You do not have to worry about them, as it is better and easier for us to keep an eye on. For the wizard families, if they happen to have house-elves, then that's where you will get protection. That is one of the ancient duties of the house-elf. But if they don't have one," Cadriel looked at Fenix with a smile.

"We will help," an airy voice emerged from a source above their heads.

The meeting went on until about two-thirty the next morning, mainly making clear of the details on the major congregation of students, while munching on the snacks that both Fenix and Mrs. Weasley had prepared during the day. The company departed in threes every ten minutes and it was about four in the morning when the elves turned to leave. Only Dumbledore and Moody were left in the house of Blacks and Fenix advanced on the unsuspecting pair.

: Now, this is the time for me to skin you both. Cadriel, how could you let him step out of the Grove? And Mineif, how could you be so reckless to come up here? :

Fenix said angrily, although her face remained impassive.

"Well, it was safe for us t--" Cadriel began meekly, and looked down in embarrassment when Fenix stared him at him icily.

: What did you tell your sons? :

Fenix asked relentlessly. Mineif stared at his former student uneasily. "What am I going to do with the both of you?" she asked herself. "Mineif, please...please stay at home. Leave the work to your underlings. It will not be good to the Wood if you were to..." she could not find the courage to continue her sentence. Mineif looked tenderly at the Fire Master and embraced her.

: I promise, young Fenix. And thank you for caring, :

Mineif whispered softly in her mind. Cadriel hugged her briefly and shook Sirius's hand before they headed out.

"Stupid elves..." Fenix muttered. She realized that Snape and Remus was looking at her strangely. "What?"

"I thought that her nature to mother everyone is because perhaps, to her we all look and behave like children. But I can't believe my eyes when she did the same thing to the Elven Lord," Remus said truthfully and winced when Fenix glared at him.

"A mother hen, am I?" Fenix hissed.

"Uh...oh..." Ginny said softly.

"I'm going to bed!" Sirius yelled and fled away from the hall, taking Snape and Harry away absently, leaving the couple to bicker.

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