Harry Potter and the Angel of Justice

Chapter Seven - Mars and The Order

Click here for chapter illustration.

Each morning Harry and Hermione read the Daily Prophet together during breakfast. While Harry had been reading it all summer, neither Ron nor Ginny seemed too interested in the news. Hermione, however, read it very thoroughly and this encouraged Harry to do the same. Hermione was also adept at seeing subtle hints or trends in the paper. For the next few days following his birthday, the Daily Prophet had quite interesting news.

Five known Death Eaters were found dead in an large flat in Bristol. All five sported multiple bruises and broken bones, and all were wandless. The Prophet listed their names, but the only one that Harry or Hermione recognized was Crabbe. His son, Vincent Crabbe, was in the same year as they at Hogwarts, but he was in Slytherin. He was one of Draco Malfoy's cronies, who followed Draco around like a bodyguard. The article intimated that the killings were probably part of some rivalry between factions amongst Voldemort's followers. Harry didn't think that was likely, but Hermione found it plausible. "I doubt they're particularly nice to each other, Harry," she commented.
The next day the headlines announced that Cornelius Fudge had created an independent committee in charge of investigating allegations concerning Voldemort's spies in the Ministry. Jo Anne Lennon was, unsurprisingly, named committee chairwoman. It was called the Committee Against Dark Sorcerers (or CADS). The group would have vast powers to investigate, arrest and try individuals named as dangers to public security. Lennon was quoted as saying, "At last the people will know there is some accountability in the Ministry and that the menace of You-Know-Who is being taken seriously. All threats, large and small, will be dealt with."

"The committee is going to try people themselves? What's the point of the Wizengamot if these CADS people are going to be trying the suspects?" asked Harry.

"Maybe the Wizengamot hears the appeal? Though it sure doesn't sound like CADS cares about justice," answered Hermione, frowning.
Harry nodded in agreement. Lennon did not strike him as someone who cared about anything other than being the next Minister of Magic.

After the breakfast dishes were cleaned, Hermione called Harry, Ron and Ginny into the living room.

"You two," said Hermione, pointing at Harry and Ron , "need to fill out your Hogwarts class requests today."

"Oh, come on, Hermione, we have plenty of time," retorted Ron.

"No you don't!" Hermione replied fiercely. "You've been putting this off for days. You read the letters: the OWL results arrived late, and the Hogwarts staff needs the replies as soon as possible. If you don't send your requests in soon, you might not get the classes you need to become Aurors. Do you want to spend your adult life seating people on the Knight Bus?"

"Okay, okay! We'll fill out the forms," answered Ron grumpily.

Hermione passed out the forms for them to fill out. She scowled at her own form. "You're only allowed to study nine NEWT subjects," whined Hermione.

"Only?" exclaimed Ron.

"It's terrible; I had to drop History of Magic," she pouted.

"It was worth failing my OWL just to get out of that class," said Harry wryly.

Ron and Ginny chuckled, while Hermione looked scandalized. Harry doubted that Hermione could ever think that something good could come out of failing an exam.

"McGonagall told me that to be an auror you needed to get a NEWT in Potions, Transfiguration, Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. How about we just sign up for those four subjects, Harry?" suggested Ron.

"Only four subjects? That would be pathetic, Ron!" sneered Hermione.

"Well, you don't play Quidditch. It takes a lot of time," retorted Ron.

"I hope you're not planning to put Quidditch ahead of your studies. Your mother would be very disappointed when she found out," Hermione threatened.

From the tone of Hermione's voice, Harry was quite sure Mrs. Weasley would find out very quickly if he and Ron only selected four subjects. He thought he saw an argument brewing, so he piped up.

"Ron, we have to take Care of Magical Creatures. Hagrid would be terribly hurt if we didn't take his class, mate."

"That's true enough. Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without Hagrid," agreed Ron.

"There's no way you can drop Astronomy either! You both got O's on your OWLs, and Mars got Harry that wonderful model," Hermione pointed out.

"Yeah, that class should be a breeze now," said Ron.

Harry nodded agreement. It would be a terrible waste not use the model. Besides, he didn't want to disappoint Mars by not taking his advice on the importance of Astronomy, although Harry didn't really understand why Mars considered it so essential.

"Of course, Herbology isn't too hard and it can come in really handy--" Hermione was saying when Ron interrupted her.

"Forget it, Hermione! Six NEWT classes are enough, and don't even think about getting Mum on your side. Six will be enough for her."

"Oh well, if you're dead sure?" asked Hermione, disappointed.

"We are!" Harry and Ron chorused.

The three of them finished filling out their school forms and sent them off with Pigwidgeon.

Later that day Harry and Ron were playing wizard chess in the living room while Ginny teased Crookshanks and Hermione hand-knitted more house elf clothes. These peaceful activities were interrupted when Charlie entered the front door and slammed it.

"Have any of you lot seen Bill or Fleur today?" he asked tensely.

They shook their heads, and Ginny spoke up. "I know Fleur's coming to dinner tonight, but she told me that yesterday."

Charlie looked at the Weasley family clock. The hand for Bill was on "Work."

"Tell Mum to get in contact with Dumbledore or Moody right away," Charlie said to Ron.

"What's going on, Charlie?" Ron asked.

"A meeting of the Order of the Phoenix needs to be arranged by tomorrow at the latest. This is awful!" Charlie fretted anxiously.

"What's wrong, Charlie?" asked Ginny nervously.

"Not now Gin, I have to get to Gringotts right away," and Charlie disapparated with a *Crack*.

"What's going on?" asked Ron.

"Ron, Charlie said tell your mum right away. He seemed very serious," said Hermione, sounding almost as anxious as Charlie.

"Right!" said Ron, and he sped upstairs.

A few minutes later Ron came back downstairs alone, looking confused.

"Where's Mum?" asked Ginny.

"As soon as I told her what Charlie said, she told me to make sure we all stayed inside the house until she or Dad got back, no matter what. Then she disapparated," said Ron in a bewildered tone.

"That's all she said?" asked Hermione.

Ron nodded solemnly.

"What's going on?" Harry wondered aloud.

Harry's question seemed destined to go unanswered, as the four of them were left alone in the house for the rest of the afternoon. When Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, Bill, and Fleur finally arrived at the Burrow, it seemed they had conspired to leave Harry and his friends in confusion. All of them arrived within minutes of each other, and none of them were talking.

After an hour of being ignored, Harry had had enough. With Ginny's help, he cornered Charlie. "Charlie! You told me Mars explicitly said that I was to be kept in the loop. What's going on? Why's everyone acting so odd?" demanded Harry.

"Harry, look, mate, this is different. Dumbledore himself made me swear to keep this under wraps. Dumbledore was mad that I even warned Bill and Fleur, and I did that before he knew himself. I've never seen him so unreasonable," said Charlie in concern.

"Warned them about what?" demanded Ginny.

"I told you, I'm not allowed to talk about it. We can, however, tell you a few things. Get Ron and Hermione and meet us in the garden in ten minutes, and we'll have something for you." Charlie said, looking around furtively.

Harry and Ginny set off to find Ron and Hermione and after a few minutes found them in conversation by the wolves in the front yard. Harry explained what Charlie had told them and they headed back to the garden together to wait for Charlie. When they arrived in the garden, Bill and Fleur were waiting for them. Bill waved them over so they were out of hearing distance from the house and started speaking.

"Now look, you lot. You need to know right up front that all of us--Mars, Charlie, Fleur and I--agree that you are completely trustworthy. We expect and need your help in this war. But this situation was taken out of our hands. Dumbledore made us swear to keep quiet; not even Mum and Dad know what made Charlie come find us at work today. I can tell you a few things, but before I do, you'll have to swear an oath yourselves. This is not something to take lightly; breaking an oath to Mars is not healthy. Are you interested in entering this pact? If not, you can go back inside and have no worries."

"A pact? That sounds so diabolical, Bill," said Hermione nervously.

"What's the oath, Bill?" asked Harry.

"The oath is one of secrecy. The pact, Hermione, is as far from diabolical as you can get. It is an alliance against You-Know--dammit, Voldemort!" said Bill. He pronounced Voldemort's name so venomously that even Harry flinched. "The Alliances' missions and intelligence can no longer be shared openly with the Order of the Phoenix."

"Why not?" asked Ron.

"'E as already told you. Dumbly-dore 'as forbidden us to tell anyone!" said Fleur crossly.

"Any information we give you must be kept amongst our numbers. There are others in the Alliance that you haven't met. If we introduce you to them, they can be trusted also. No one else, though! Not Mum, not Dad, not Hagrid or even Remus. No one--well, except Dumbledore. He and Mars might not always agree, but they trust each other completely. Are you committed to this?" asked Bill, looking down at them.

Harry, Ron and Ginny quickly agreed. Hermione, however, looked doubtful as she rubbed her chin with her hand. "I still don't understand why Mars isn't in the order?"

"Three members blocked his entry. Didn't Charlie tell you lot that?" he answered.

"He did, Bill. What's the problem, Hermione?" asked Harry, annoyed.

"The problem is," Hermione said firmly, "that I can't see any reason why two groups totally dedicated to the same thing should be at such odds with each other."

"There's a damn good reason, Hermione, but if you want to hear it you have to swear the oath. If you have doubts," Bill pointed at the house, "go back inside and don't let these affairs bother you." He stared directly at Hermione.

Hermione looked torn between loyalties. Harry, however, didn't see it that way. The Order had rejected Mars and him. The only logical choice was to start up his own resistance. Last year, Hermione had helped organize Dumbledore's Army; how was this any different?

Hermione turned slowly, looking at Ginny, Ron and Harry in turn. Each of them met her gaze determinedly and after a few seconds she answered Bill.

"Okay, I'm in."

Bill made them swear the oath officially, which they all did quickly. His face looked pale and worried.

"Charlie, Fleur and I are in the Order as well as the Alliance of Mars. We make sure that we keep each group's secrets to themselves. Only Dumbledore and Mars discuss things relating to both groups. I have a feeling that after the meeting tomorrow, however, the Order will isolate us some from the rest of the group."

"Why?" asked Hermione.

"Mars found out that there is a spy in the Order who has informed Voldemort of the identities of the Order's members and almost everything that they've planned," answered Bill coldly.

They all gasped.

"Who is it?" asked Harry and Ron.

"Is he sure?" asked Hermione.

"We're completely positive, Hermione. Mars told Dumbledore and gave him irrefutable proof. Charlie was there with them, and Mars demanded that Dumbledore expel the spy from the Order immediately. Dumbledore refused and told them that they could handle it themselves," answered Bill.

Fleur growled at Bill's last sentence.

"What do they mean, handle it?" demanded Ginny.

"They should do more than throw the spy out!" blurted Ron.

"Dumbledore insisted that he and the spy could work things out. Then he made Charlie swear not to tell anyone else who the spy was," said Bill.

"That doesn't make any sense. Why would Dumbledore protect a spy?" asked Hermione.

"It makes perfect sense, Hermione. Dumbledore's greatest weakness and strength is his willingness to trust. He has many friends and allies because he gave them a chance when others wouldn't, but he's gone off the deep end here. He refuses to cut him loose. So you can see why you can't pass on any information to other members of the Order. They might tell the spy! Only Dumbledore knows who it is or that he even exists.

"There'll be a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix here tomorrow night. It won't deal with the spy, but Mars will be addressing the Order before the meeting. He'll share some intelligence with them, but much less than we'd planned. We're going to have to work much harder now. You can ask Mars after the meeting if you have any more questions.

"We need to get back inside before Mum gets too suspicious," finished Bill. He and Fleur then walked up to the house.

"I bet it's Snape!" said Ron eagerly. "No wonder he blackballed Mars from joining the Order. He knew Mars would see right through his evil self."

"Yeah; it didn't help, though, did it? Mars still tagged him as a Death Eater," Harry agreed.

"When will you two learn? This is the fifth time you've both labeled Snape a Voldemort supporter, and every other time you've been shown to be completely wrong. Dumbledore trusts Snape, and that should be good enough for you," snapped Hermione.

"Well, it's not good enough any more. You heard Bill; Mars gave Dumbledore irrefutable proof that someone in the Order was a spy, but Dumbledore still insisted on trusting them. Dumbledore didn't dispute the facts Mars gave him, Hermione, he just chose to keep trusting the spy anyway. That strikes me as misplaced trust," said Ginny firmly.

Harry and Ron nodded agreement with Ginny and all three stared at Hermione.

"Well, we'll just have to find out then. We've sworn not to tell Snape anything, so there's no way we have to worry about trusting him," she shrugged.

"It's not us trusting Snape that I worry about," said Harry gravely as they headed back to the house.

The next day was quite tense in the Burrow. Harry could not concentrate on anything. All he could think of was seeing Mars that night to ask him about the spy. The morning seemed to drag out forever, and no one spoke much. At lunch, Mrs. Weasley announced that a meeting of the Order would be taking place before dinner that night, so everyone should dress well.

Shortly after Mr. Weasley, Bill and Fleur arrived at the Burrow after work, the Order members started arriving. Lupin, Moody, Dedalus Diggle, Elphias Doge, Emmeline Vance entered the Burrow, followed by Mad-Eye Moody, Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Tonks and Moody came straight over to greet the four teenagers.

"Wotcher, Harry," said Tonks brightly. She shook his hand and hugged Hermione and Ginny.

"Been keeping your head low this summer, Potter?" asked Moody in his gravelly voice.

"I've tried to, honestly," replied Harry earnestly.

"Not easy being a marked man, is it? Well, it should be pretty interesting with Mars back in town, eh? I always liked that kid," said Moody.

"Speaking of Mars, is he here yet?" asked Tonks hopefully.

"Not yet, Tonks," answered Ginny, smiling at her.

A few minutes later, Fred and George Weasley showed up. Harry was mildly surprised to hear that they had joined the Order. Right after the twins were Hestia Jones and Sturgis Podmore. Snape then arrived by himself. He entered the house, greeted Mr. Weasley stiffly, and sneered at Harry and Ron, who were in a corner of the living room.

"Stupid git," muttered Ron as Snape left the room.

"I don't care for the grot myself, but he has been valuable on occasion," murmured Moody.

Harry smiled; he liked knowing how many people detested Snape besides himself and Ron.

"Just waiting on Dumbledore himself, now, I guess," Moody growled.

"And Mars, Mad-Eye," added Tonks.

As Tonks finished speaking, there was a knock at the door. Bill answered it and greeted Dumbledore and Mars, asking them in. All eyes were on the pair of them and a few people issued greetings. Mrs. Weasley entered from the kitchen and called above the chatter: "We're a little late getting started, so we should hurry a bit. Albus, could you help with the seating arrangements?"

Dumbledore smiled at her and waved his wand around. A large table appeared in the middle of the living room with seats all around it. Harry was not sure what had happened to the furniture that had been there, but right now he wasn't concerned about that. He, Ron, Ginny and Hermione all headed for empty seats.

"What do you lot think you're doing?" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley.

"We're sitting down for the meeting," said Harry bravely.

Mrs. Weasley replied, "Don't be ridiculous, Harry dear. You have enough to worry about. I want all of you upstairs this instant!"

Immediately noises of protest came from Ginny, Ron, Hermione and Harry.

"Mum, we're not children anymore!"

"Don't you think we should know what's .."

"You are SO unfair!"

"Mrs Weasley, how fragile do you think I am?"

"I'll not have any arguments about this in my house! UPSTAIRS!"

Just as Harry was about to admit defeat and head for the steps, a large and powerful hand squeezed his shoulder.

"Molly, these young adults," said Mars, beaming as he waved his other hand at Harry and the others, "have more than proved their merit in the war against Tom Riddle." The four teenagers glowed at this pronouncement. "Surely including them in the meetings would be--"
"Mars! You stay out of this!" shrilled Mrs. Weasley, shaking her finger up at Mars, who towered over her. "I will not be told how to treat my own children by a ... a ... with all due respect, by a desperado!"
"Desperado?" Mars smiled. "That may be the nicest thing you ever said about me."
"This is no joke. I know they're not children, but Mars," she said desperately, "how can you be so cruel as to subject them to this?"

Harry started to object, but Mars cut him off.
"ME subject them? Their suffering comes from our enemy! I only want to give them their best chance for survival."

"Survival?!?! You are cold blooded! Right! You lot, UPSTAIRS! NOW!" said Mrs. Weasley with a finality that left no room for debate.

The group all gathered in Ron's bedroom, murmuring in dissent. Harry put his face in his hands and wondered what he had to do to be taken seriously by adult wizards. Surely he had proved himself more times than most. This was ludicrous. He was quite fond of Mrs. Weasley, but her mollycoddling was getting very annoying.

"Ron, do you have any of the twins' extendable ears handy?" asked Hermione.
Before Ron could answer, a small woodpecker flew in the window and landed on Ginny's arm. Ginny was paralyzed in shock and delight and everyone but Harry sucked in their breath. He said, "That's Lilandria! She is Mars' ... bird, or friend, or something."

The bird hopped up Ginny's arm and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. The woodpecker then hopped onto her shoulder, and out of its mouth they heard Mars' voice. "Molly, I want to restate my objection to leaving these teenagers out of the loop. I think it's insane to pretend they don't know what is going on. This is not protecting them at all."

"I agree, Mum," they clearly heard Bill say. "Why keep them in the dark? Surely the truth is superior to the rumors that they'll hear?"

"That's enough!" wailed Mrs. Weasley. "Albus agreed to my demands, and I will hear no more arguments. Mars, you are lucky just to be allowed in this house."

"Ahem," Dumbledore's voice was heard. "Mars, I think it's time we heard the intelligence you've gathered on Voldemort since you arrived back in Britain."

Harry heard several people from the table murmur at the sound of Voldemort's name. However, neither Ron nor Ginny flinched. He looked at them with respect and noticed that Hermione was looking at Ron with surprise and the same respect in her eyes.

"Okay," said Mars quickly. "I'll jump right into it. There are many small-scale plots, but today I'll concentrate on the four items that have dominated their efforts this summer.

"One: Riddle spent three weeks in Eastern Europe recruiting. I do not know all the wizards he visited, but I have a partial list here." Harry heard paper rustling.
"I don't know who on this list was merely visited or actually signed up. I lost Riddle after three days in Belarus."

"Then how do you know how long he was there and who he saw?" asked George Weasley.

"I had a chat with a Donnie in London three and a half weeks later," replied Mars.

A chair was heard scraping the floor. "Chatting with Death Eaters, are you now?" thundered a voice that had to be Kingsley's.

Mars shot back, "Sit down, Kingsley. I can assure you that he didn't enjoy our conversation." Mad-Eye Moody's gravely chuckle could be heard at this. "I caught him trying to use the Imperious Curse on an official from the Ministry of Law Enforcement. A few drops of veritaserum later and I had this list. However, he didn't know much more than I've already mentioned. He was kept very much in the dark."

"Secrecy, even from his own followers, has always been a hallmark of Voldemort's," said Dumbledore.

"The use of veritaserum is very restricted by the Ministry, you know, Mars," said a voice that Harry recognized as belonging to one of his least favorite people--Severus Snape.

Harry scowled and heard Ron fume, "Mum tells off Mars and welcomes that git Snape, it's--"

"Shh!" the girls on both sides of Ron hissed.
"Feeling sorry for one of your old buddies, are you, Severus?" scoffed Mars. "He told me a lot more than you've gotten out of them!"

Harry grinned and met Ron's eyes. Harry could tell from Ron's face they were both in agreement that Mars' last statement confirmed Snape was indeed the spy.

"He's no better than the ones he hunts, Headmaster. Laws aren't meant for marvelous Mars, are they? Send him back to Texas!" cried Snape. A few voices mumbled in agreement.

"Severus, Mars has traveled thousands of miles to help us. He has skills and talents shared by no one else at this table. His assistance will be invaluable. Kindly do not interrupt his report again," said Dumbledore calmly.

Mars continued his report. The second point he brought up was that quite a few officials in the Ministry had been bribed or were under the Imperious curse. Many others there seemed terrified and were looking to Jo Anne Lennon for leadership instead of the Minister of Magic.

Thirdly, Mars reported that forty or so giants were in the mountains near Tomintoul, awaiting orders to attack an as-yet-undisclosed location in Scotland.

The fourth item on Mars's agenda was Igor Karkaroff. At least six Death Eaters had been sent to hunt Karkaroff in Denmark. Mars informed the Order that he had followed them and managed to get to Karkaroff first.

"He was very hesitant to trust me," said Mars.

"Hardly surprising," said Dumbledore mirthfully.

"I negotiated an agreement--a, er, magically binding contract with him. Briefly, it means I get information and insights from him, and from me he gets protection," Mars explained.

"Just like the Mafioso, eh Mars?" quipped Kingsley.

"Give him a break!" Tonks interjected.

"I--uh," Mars hesitated, "took him to a safe place. He was much more informative than the other Donnie, but some of what he said was a bit dated.

"No Donnie should be allowed to walk, I say, but on rare occasions you have to let one live--for a while, anyway," Mars finished coldly. Harry could guess at whom he was staring.

"Not if you give me his address, Mars," said Moody with a laugh. "I didn't sign any contracts."

Mars replied, laughing also, "Oh, you were in his thoughts, Alastor. Not revealing his location was obviously part of the deal. I've told Professor Dumbledore all the interesting things Karkaroff had to say, and I'm sure he can fill your group in on what he thinks is relevant.

"The last thing I want to add is not about what Riddle and his henchman are doing, but about their change in philosophy. Up to now, it seems their plan was purely logical. Get intelligence, get power over people, and create disarray in their foes. However, I think his plans are turning personal."

"Personal? What's that rubbish supposed to mean?" snorted Snape.

"It means, Severus, that Riddle is now out to hurt Harry Potter merely to make him suffer. When I first arrived in Britain I found out all I could about Harry. He is very close to the Weasley family, and also to Miss Hermione Granger. After all the humiliations that Harry had given Riddle, I wondered if Riddle would strike at Harry's friends because Harry was so well protected. Tom Riddle is a twisted man, and I thought his vindictiveness could give me a lead. Sure enough, I discovered that the Weasley's house was being watched. I then worried most gravely for the Grangers. She's muggleborn, you know. What could they do if Riddle wanted them dead? I found out where she lived and scouted the area. Two ugly old witches were plainly spying on her family. Their invisibility made them careless and I easily spotted them. I watched them for two days as they spied on the Grangers. I didn't know if your Order had sent them to protect the Grangers or if they were Riddle's. I didn't dare expose myself, so I just observed them. Finally, on the second day Hermione and her parents drove off from their house in their Austin Martin. The witches followed on their broomsticks, and when the car reached the freeway and was going at high speed, one of the witches jinxed their car so that it headed straight towards oncoming traffic."

As Mars said this, Hermione gasped, and Harry saw she had turned white and put her hands over her mouth. She leaned into Ron's shoulder, trembling from head to toe.

"I reacted instinctively and hexed both witches off of their brooms. Mr. Granger must be a great driver, because he avoided crashing and the Grangers continued on their way," finished Mars.

"Who were the witches?" asked Mr. Weasley.

"Hard to recognize them after a fall from that height, Arthur."

Several murmurs of disgust were heard from both the meeting room and Ron's bedroom.

"If you didn't kill every Death Eater you saw, we might be able to question a few of them, Mars," Kingsley commented. "Severus has got Mars tagged correctly, Dumbledore. He's a bloodthirsty bounty hunter. He's spent more time with demons than humans over the past decade."

"Would it 'ave been better for 'eem to let ze Grangers die, meester Shacklebolt?" asked Fleur angrily.

"I'm sorry I couldn't question them, Kingsley. I would have loved to discover if they were really working for Riddle or were being forced to kill under the Imperious curse, but I had to act quickly. I didn't dare risk the Granger's lives further," added Mars with sincerity in his voice.

"The Order thanks you deeply for your alliance in this war, Mars. Your wolves outside are a magnificent achievement. Some of the best transfiguration I have ever seen," said Dumbledore.

"It is the best I've ever seen," added Minerva McGonagall. "I am quite impressed, Mars."

Harry could almost hear Mars' smile.

"Clearly, we should have seen the risk to Harry's friends and their families," Dumbledore continued. "Voldemort will have good intelligence on whom Harry is friends with from the children of his servants at Hogwarts. Remus, I would like you to look into the monitoring of Harry's friends in the future."

"I'll get right on it," answered Lupin.

"Well, if that is the end of your report, Mars, I think that it is best you be going," said Mrs. Weasley. "We need to start the Order's meeting, and you obviously are not part of the Order..."

"Mother!" cried Charlie and Bill together.

"Why do you treat him like that?" exclaimed Bill.

"No need to make waves over me, Bill," Mars interjected. "I respect your parents' wishes in their house. I'll leave, Molly. I'll just go upstairs and wait for dinner."

Lilandria was now silent. Harry looked over at Hermione and noticed Ron had put his arm around her protectively. Ginny too was staring at her. Harry felt wretched that being his friend had endangered Hermione's family. Harry knew Hermione was tough, clever, and brave enough to handle whatever Voldemort threw at her, but her muggle parents? It was unthinkably evil to threaten them. Mars had guessed it, though. Why hadn't anyone else?

"I remember the day Daddy's car lost control," said Hermione in a small voice. "We were very scared. I didn't have my wand with me. We were just going out to eat." Hermione sniffled loudly and then continued. "We thought something had simply gone wrong with the steering. I had no idea it was a jinx. If Mars hadn't been watching our house..."

Hermione's recollection was interrupted by a knock at the door. Harry knew who it was and didn't want to make Hermione move from Ron's arms, so he jumped up to answer the knock. As he expected, Mars' tall frame filled the doorway.

"Can I come in, Ron?" asked Mars politely.

"'Course you can," answered Ron quickly.

"I'm sorry they kicked me out before they started their official meeting. I had hoped y'all would get to listen in on it, but your mother," Mars looked at Ron, "is still pretty mad at me." Mars closed the door behind him.

Ginny got up from Ron's bunk and walked over to Mars, looking straight up into his eyes. "I'm very sorry our mum was so rude to you. She, Kingsley, and Snape had no reason to be so--"

"Oh, Ginny, don't concern yourself," said Mars. "Your mom has plenty of reasons to be sore at me. I completely understand how she feels. Kingsley is so straight-laced I doubt his own mom doesn't get on his nerves. And I consider it a point of pride that the louse named Severus Snape hates me."

Ron, Ginny and Harry all grinned broadly at this remark. Hermione, however, kept her face buried in Ron's chest. She was still trembling, but not as badly as before.

"Who was the Death Eater that you caught trying to curse the Ministry official?" asked Ginny.

"A greasy thug named Geoff Reynolds. More wand than brains, if you ask me. Any of y'all ever hear of him?" asked Mars.

Ginny, Harry and Ron all shook their heads.

"Harry," said Mars, " I'll be back in three days to see you."

"Thats' great!" Harry smiled. Ron too had a smile on his lips.

"I'll be giving you Occlumency lessons for the rest of your summer vacation," added Mars.

Harry was taken aback. His Occlumency lessons from Snape last year had been some of the worst experiences of his life. He finally managed to blurt out, "But they didn't help last year!"

"Harry," said Mars kindly, "I know Severus really messed up your lessons last year. But I promise mine won't be so awful. Your Headmaster should never have trusted a vindictive S.O.B. like Snape to give you such important training. Professor Snape only weakened you to Riddle's interference. Not only is Occlumency much easier when the student and teacher do not despise each other, but I'm a better teacher than Snape and I am much more experienced with Occlumency. Trust me, you'll learn fast and probably enjoy your lessons."

Harry managed a smile at Mars. He did feel more comfortable about learning Occlumency, but his memory of Voldemort tricking him last year, and how it led to his godfather's death, was prominent.

Mars had turned to leave when Hermione finally spoke. "Mars," she said, with her face still in Ron's chest. "Thank you so much for looking out for my family." She then lifted her head, but kept her arms around Ron. "Without you, we'd be--"

"Don't dwell on it. It'll just depress you, darlin'," interrupted Mars. "No muggle family in Britain is safer. I have two witches and magical wards protecting your family. I think of these things, Hermione. I do have a bad rep with many people you respect, but I can promise you that I will never let you down." Mars' eyes reflected confidence as well as concern. "I'm sure you'll all have questions, and when I return in a few days I promise to answer them."

Lilandria flew from Ginny's shoulder and landed on the back of Mars' neck.

"Aren't you staying for dinner?" demanded Ginny.

"Oh yes, Ginny. I am just going to look around your perimeter for a while," Mars answered.

"Why?" asked Harry. "Is something out there?"

"No, no...nothing like that. I just want to walk by myself for a while. Severus can really get me riled up," Mars smiled.

Mars quickly turned and left. The scene was quite surreal to Harry. Hermione vulnerable, Ron protective and even affectionate, and Ginny mature beyond her years. Harry's brain raced with ideas. They all centered around Mars. How could Mars protect the Weasleys, the Grangers and Harry all at the same time? Didn't Mars say he had just arrived in Britain from Texas? How did he get two witches to watch over Hermione's family, AND follow Voldemort though Eastern Europe, AND track down Karkaroff AND spy on the evil giants in Tomintoul? It was simply impossible. Harry put his head in his hands again and tried to imagine how Mars could manage all this and teach him Occlumency at the same time. It simply did not add up. Mars had to be lying about something, but Harry could not help but trust everything Mars said as the absolute truth.

Hermione seemed much calmer now and after a few minutes she sat up on her own. She and Ginny were now talking about Mars' bird. Ron, like Harry, looked lost in thought. Soon all four teenagers were discussing what they had heard in Mars' briefing. Ron and Ginny seemed simply amazed by Mars. Hermione seemed impressed, but Harry got the feeling that she too wondered how one wizard could manage all those feats.

About forty minutes later, Charlie knocked at Ron's door to fetch them for dinner. Compared to the hostility Mars had faced in the pre-meeting, dinner must have seemed like Christmas. Ginny and Fleur fussed over keeping his dinner plate full, ignoring Mrs Weasley's sneers; Bill made sure to pour him a nice large jigger of Firewhiskey, and Dumbledore and Mad-Eye traded lots of jokes with him. Snape and Kingsley were not among those who had stayed for dinner, so the Mars-bashing was minimal.

Tonks, too, seemed to have taken a liking to Mars. She tried often to speak to him, but it was difficult because Ron and Hermione seemed to be fighting for his ear. Mars made the mistake of saying he wanted to hear about Ron's great saves to win the Quidditch cup for Gryffindor last year. After a few minutes, Harry rescued Mars from some of Ron's more boring points by asking Mars what the Malsumis Spirits looked like that he'd fought in the American West. Mars was about to answer Harry when Hermione moved in.

"Mars, when my family was in California I discovered that House Elves had recently been freed from enslavement in parts of America," Hermione announced.

Most of the diners at the table rolled their eyes or moaned at this. She simply ignored them, however, and stared at Mars.

"Oh yes, about six years ago the clans in the South West and North West passed laws freeing all house elves," answered Mars. "It was about time, if you asked me. I had been calling for it for years."

Hermione's eyes widened with excitement. She began to describe her views on house elves, to explain about S.P.E.W., and to complain about how few people in Britain even thought about the suffering of the house elves. She glared at Ron and Harry several times during this conversation. Harry concentrated on chatting with George and Bill and tried to ignore her nasty looks. Mars expressed interest in what Hermione had to say about House Elves and chatted away with her. A few minutes later Hermione asked Mars if would join S.P.E.W., and to Harry's surprise Mars gladly accepted the invitation.

"I'll just nip upstairs and fetch you a badge," said Hermione, rising excitedly.

"Oh, there's no need, Hermione. I can change the shape of one the charms I wear on my jacket. This one," Mars said, tapping a silver charm that was a circle with a unicorn inside of it, "is superfluous since I added this guy down here," and he touched a pewter charm of a red rose with a bumblebee in it. Mars pulled out his wand and tapped the silver charm, which changed into a circle with the letters S.P.E.W. twinkling in it. Mars smiled at Hermione.

"Oh Mars, that's wonderful!" exclaimed Hermione.

Harry exchanged doomed looks with Ron. They both knew Hermione's enthusiasm for S.P.E.W. had probably just been redoubled. Many boring lectures loomed in their futures. The rest of the conversations, however, were more to Harry's liking. Dumbledore was not ignoring him like last year, and Professor Lupin asked a lot of questions about the Dark Arts Defense Club that Harry had led.

"Harry, I'm so proud of you, teaching that class on your own and in the face of that wicked Umbridge. That took great courage and foresight," Lupin enthused.

"Well, Hermione," said Harry, "--er, and Ron--," he added, as Ron glanced at him, "persuaded me to teach the class."

"Well, I'm proud of the lot of you," said Lupin. "We could never have expected such a fantastic resistance to Umbridge's horrible regime at Hogwarts."

"I concur, Remus. Your performance was both brave and brilliant, Harry. I have never been prouder of my pupils," said Dumbledore, beaming. The twins, Ginny, Harry, Ron and Hermione all basked in his praise. Arthur and Molly Weasley looked proud.

Hermione and Ron returned to fighting over who would engage Mars in conversation. Ginny chatted with Bill and Fleur, while Charlie and Harry quizzed the twins on their joke shop.

The food at the dinner table was as good as the conversation. Mrs. Weasley had done a superb job, and she even managed a smile at Mars when he thanked her for such a wonderful meal. Harry and the other guests all then bestowed great thanks on Mrs Weasley and Fleur (who had helped quite a bit), who both looked pleased.

The conversations wound down along with Harry's energy. He was quite sleepy. Dumbledore may have noticed this and he spoke. "Mars, will you and Alastor accompany me to Hogwarts? I have a few things I want the both of you to look at. Mars, you have been quite difficult to pin down lately."

"Of course," said Mad-Eye and Mars together.

As Mars, Dumbledore and Moody, were leaving Bill called out.

"Mars," said Bill with his arms around Fleur's waist, "We forgot to invite you to our wedding next month. It's at Hogwarts. We would be so happy if you could come."

Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione all glanced carefully at Mrs. Weasley. Her lip curled, but her face was not too furious, and she remained silent. Clearly Bill had warned her of this earlier, thought Harry.

"Oh, I'd be honored," said Mars. "Thanks a million for the invite." Mars left the room to catch up with Dumbledore, as the rest of the guests either left or started to help with the cleanup.

Chapter Eight - Percy Persecuted

Click here for chapter illustration.

It had been four days of bad news since the order's meeting at the Burrow. Jo Anne Lennon and her Committee Against Dark Sorcerers had made the front page of the Daily Prophet each morning, announcing new conspirators that had been discovered inside the Ministry, Gringott's, St. Mungo's, and other organizations. The first day's news had sent the Weasley household into chaos: Percy had been arrested. He was accused of being a spy for Voldemort; a picture of Percy in manacles being led through the Department of Magical Law Enforcement was part of the lead story.

Percy's relationships with Bartemius Crouch, Sr. and Delores Umbridge showed he was a supporter of You-Know-Who, the article claimed. As Crouch's personal assistant two years ago, Percy would have known that Crouch was under the Imperious Curse, so obviously he was guilty. The article intimated that Percy had assisted in the attack on Crouch, Sr., helping Crouch's son, one of Voldemort's most loyal followers, to subdue his father. Umbridge had earlier been sentenced to six years in Azkaban for aiding Voldemort by hiding facts that would show proof of his return. The article not only accused Percy of being a close confidant of Umbridge, but hinted that he was probably the mastermind behind the entire plot to obscure the truth of Voldemort's return and prevent the preparation of defenses. He was to be tried by a closed-door tribunal immediately.

Harry and Hermione wondered how Fudge had escaped any blame when he was the one who ordered Umbridge to conceal the truth in the first place. The Weasleys, however, could only worry. Though Percy had infuriated them all when he disowned his family to advance his career, they knew he was no Voldemort supporter. Even Fred, George and Ron, who were embarrassed to have Percy as a brother, were furious at this miscarriage of justice.

Mrs. Weasley was simply inconsolable. She was constantly on the verge of tears and was prone to staring blankly at the walls for hours at a time. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny had taken to doing more and more of the household chores because she could not concentrate. Ron often complained about the workload, but Hermione and Ginny would guilt him into silence. Harry was glad to help the Weasleys in any way he could. He didn't like Percy any more than did Ron, Fred or George, but seeing Mr. and Mrs. Weasley so distraught tore his insides apart. Harry hated this feeling of powerlessness more than anything else he had ever felt before.

The news two days later, however, brought a new low point to the Weasley family. Lennon was quoted as saying that she would seek the use of the newly reinstated death penalty in the case of Percy Weasley. She claimed that its use was indicated because Percy had enabled the escape of Barty Crouch, Jr., and the return of Voldemort, resulting directly in the murders of two people, Crouch, Sr., and Cedric Diggory. Mr. Weasley now had bags under his eyes, which were constantly red. Ginny was often in tears, and Mrs. Weasley was in such a state that she rarely moved or spoke. Harry's feelings of impotence grew and even Hermione seemed at a loss for ideas. Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley were leading a furious effort to get Percy's trial in the open so they could present testimony, but it seemed to be going nowhere.

The day after Lennon's threat to use the death penalty, Harry and the others were cleaning up the kitchen and Mrs. Weasley was sitting at the table staring out the window, silent tears rolling down her face, when a loud *CRACK* was heard from the living room. Everyone, even Mrs. Weasley, hurried into the next room to see who had apparated. Bill stood there with his wand out and his eyes blazing in fury.

"Where's Charlie?" he demanded loudly.

"Upstairs," answered Ginny and Ron.

"Go get him now, Ron! Hurry, I mean it. Tell him to bring his wand."

If Ron wondered why the hurry, he didn't show it, but immediately sped up the stairs towards Charlie's room.

"What is it, Bill?" cried Mrs. Weasley, her first coherent sentence of the day.

"I just got word from Mars; they're going to execute Percy in half an hour! They're using the old Death Chamber in the Department of Mysteries," said Bill fiercely.

"What?!?!?" stammered Hermione and Harry.

"They can't!" yelled Ginny.

"Oh Bill, what will we do?" sobbed Mrs. Weasley.

"Mars has a plan, Mum. We're not letting this happen. Where's Charlie, dammit?" asked Bill.

"Bill, how will you--" Ginny started to ask.

"Quiet, everyone! I need to get my head around this. No one talk till Mars gets here," said Bill angrily.

Charlie and Ron sprinted into the room. Charlie had his wand in one hand and was carrying two neck chains, each sporting two gold medallions, in the other.

"Are we busting out Perce?" panted Charlie.

"Yes! Mars'll be here any minute. He's scouting out the ambush site and deactivating the defensive charms. Good thinking in bringing the charms," said Bill, as Charlie handed him one. They each put a chain over their heads.

"How long have you been planning this?" asked Ron.

"I said no talking, Ron!" snapped Bill.

Ron backed away, looking apologetic. Mrs. Weasley and Ginny were both now tearing up and Hermione was biting her nails. Harry's stomach turned over and over and he thought he might be sick any second. Then he heard another loud apparating *CRACK* and Mars appeared before them. Charlie and Bill turned to him and he nodded at them.

"They leave the cells with Percy for the Death Chamber in ten minutes. The best ambush spot will be in the circular room that connects everything in the Department of Mysteries. Can you two place that in your minds?" asked Mars.

Charlie and Bill both nodded, looking grim. Mars turned and looked at Ginny and Ron.

"This place won't be safe for Percy to stay once we get back. Collect some clothes, books and other things that Percy might want while he's in exile. Go on, hurry." Mars made a shooing motion.

Ginny and Ron obediently took off in different directions.

"Oh Mars! Do you think you'll be able to rescue him?" asked Mrs. Weasley tearfully.

"We have a good plan, Molly. Your kids are very brave. Just be ready when we return in twelve minutes or so," Mars answered. He then turned to Bill, looking as if he was about to say something, but Harry spoke up first.

"Mars, take me with you. I want to help!" said Harry. "Please let me, I know I can be of use."

"Me too, Mars!" piped Hermione.

Charlie and Bill looked ready to tell them off but Mars smiled and put a large hand on each of their shoulders. He replied, "If you two could apparate you can bet I'd want you along, but we have to be fast and we three have been planning this since Percy was arrested. We can't risk changing anything in the plan at the last minute."

Harry instantly felt his apprehension disappear. He was sure now that Mars and the Weasleys would rescue Percy cleanly and everything would be all right. He should have known all along that Mars would come and stop the madness. Harry looked at Hermione, and she, too, looked calmer as she gazed at Mars with wide eyes.

"OK, remember: wait 'till the door closes behind them. Hit them with stunners immediately. Even if you have to hit Percy, it's all right, we can revive him. My contact says there'll be five guards, so we have to be quick. Once the guards are down, one of you grab a wand for Percy and the three of you disapparate back here. Then get Percy ready to leave so when I make it back we can leave the Burrow quickly. Got all that?" asked Mars.

Everyone in the room nodded. Mrs. Weasley kissed both her sons goodbye and grabbed Mars' hand. "Bless you, Mars; good luck."

Mars nodded and said "Now!" He, Bill and Charlie disappeared with another loud *CRACK*.

Then the waiting commenced.

Ron and Ginny returned five minutes later with a packed trunk for Percy. Harry filled them in on what had happened in their absence and then he started pacing nervously. Ginny hugged her mother and sat on her lap, both of them white as sheets. Hermione was also pacing the room, twisting her hands together with tears welling up in her eyes, until Ron called her over next to him on the couch. Hermione sat down and put her arms around him and buried her head as deep in his chest as she could manage. Ron stared back and forth from where his brothers and Mars had disapparated to where Harry was pacing.

Harry knew it would be at least twelve minutes before Percy and his escort arrived at the ambush spot, but he was certain Mars and the Weasleys could appear at any moment. For some reason he was still confident, but the tension was beginning to press upon him. Five minutes passed, and then ten. After fifteen minutes Ron looked at him worriedly, but Harry gave him a confident nod. He knew they could not fail. Mrs. Weasley looked around the room nervously, but Ginny and Hermione had not lifted their heads. No one made a sound.

Suddenly a loud *CRACK* was heard and Bill, Charlie and Percy Weasley appeared. Bill and Charlie looked fine, but Percy looked woozy and sullen. Relief filled Harry's veins and he shouted a triumphant "Yes!" simultaneously with Ron, who jumped off the couch and ran towards his brothers, with Hermione right behind him. The Weasleys and Hermione embraced the three brothers wildly. Harry reached the happy group last and asked Bill, shouting above the celebrations, "Where's Mars?"

"He's erasing the guards' real memories and implanting ones to make them think Percy overpowered them single-handedly," answered Bill, locked in a very tight hug from Ginny.

"You can do that with a Memory Charm?" asked Hermione, who was now hugging Harry and jumping up and down.

"Mars can," answered Charlie, slinging an arm around Ron's shoulder.

"Oh Percy, we were so worried. We missed you very much," said Mrs. Weasley, tears of happiness rolling down her glowing face as she embraced him.

"I'm not sure if I can apologize enough," Percy said slowly. He seemed to be having difficulty speaking. "I am ashamed of my actions. I should never have doubted you or Father, or Dumbledore. Please, please forgive me. I don't know what came over me. I thought for sure I was going to die in that chamber all alone and never see my family again," said Percy as tears welled up in his eyes. He hugged his mother tightly.

Harry had never heard Percy speak this way before. All of his arrogance was gone and his voice held the sound of true regret. There was no doubt that Percy was sincerely sorry for his actions. Harry had no problem forgiving him. Apparently, neither did the Weasleys, as even Ron hugged his brother and welcomed him home. Charlie grabbed the trunk that Ron and Ginny had packed and dragged it over to Percy's side.

"Oh, Percy, dear, we're just so glad to have you--" Mrs Weasley was saying when she was interrupted by a loud *CRACK.* Mars apparated into the middle of the living room.

"Mars!" everyone shouted, and they rushed over to him. Mrs. Weasley was first to reach him. She grabbed his hand and kissed it over and over.

"Oh Mars, we're so grateful to you for rescuing Percy. Will you ever forgive me for being so horrible to you?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"Of course, Molly, I never blamed you," answered Mars, putting his arms around the much shorter. Mrs Weasley. "However, we have very little time. Percy, do you need anything else from here before I deliver you to sanctuary?"

"There are a few things I want to collect. I'll be back straight away," answered Percy and he staggered towards the stairs.

"I knew you could do it, Mars!" said Harry.

"Brilliant, Mars!" shrieked Hermione.

"Things certainly went our way; let's hope our luck continues. All the intelligence that the contact gave us was perfect, and the Weasley boys were straight shooters with their wands, for once," said Mars, smiling as he gave Charlie a playful shove.

"Molly, I can't tell you immediately where I'm taking Percy, but once I'm sure it's safe I'll show you how to visit him." Mars turned from Mrs. Weasley and faced the others. "Now, this next bit is very important. I expect this very night you will be visited by Department of Magical Law Enforcement wizards and members of the Committee Against Dark Sorcerers. And they may bring Veritaserum with them."

"Oh no!" squeaked Hermione.

"There is some protection from that potion, Hermione. Here are a few vials of a drought that will counteract Veritaserum's effects for about 24 hours. If they want you to prove your innocence, go ahead and agree to take the Veritaserum within that time period. It should clear you of any involvement. Just remember, you should have no idea that Percy was to be executed until you see it in the Daily Prophet," warned Mars.

"I didn't think using Veritaserum like that was legal," objected Harry.

"It isn't normally, Harry, but Ministry officials are terrified of having CADS accuse them of being spies for Riddle. They don't dare object to anything CADS wants to do in the name of fighting Voldemort. Even Fudge is terrified of Lennon now. I'm sure he gave up Umbridge and Percy to placate Jo Anne Lennon so she'd leave his name off of her infernal list," said Mars, looking disgusted.

Percy lurched back into the room and his mother hugged him again. He looked to Mars for direction.

"Percy, you see that truck?" asked Mars as he pointed out the window into the Weasley's front yard. Percy nodded. "Apparate into the front seat, and don't worry about being seen through the windows. They're bewitched to make the vehicle look empty. We'll bring your baggage."

Percy disentangled himself from his mother and disapparated. Mrs. Weasley moved over to Mars and hugged him.

"Oh, how can we thank you, Mars?" she asked.

"Being welcome in this house again is the greatest reward I could ever ask for, Molly." Mars beamed down at her. "Your ordeal is not yet over, however. Make sure you're prepared for the inquiry to come."

Mars grabbed the trunk and Bill picked up the bags Percy had packed, and they went outside to load the truck. Mars and Bill spoke briefly and then Mars and Percy left in the SUV.

Mrs. Weasley's face no longer looked downtrodden, but determined. When Bill came back inside, she gathered everyone together to prepare for the unpleasant visits to come. They all agreed that Mrs. Weasley would appear be worried sick about Percy, while everyone else would seem to be of the opinion that since Percy had disowned them, he was no longer a Weasley. The wait was tense, but everyone's spirits were still high from Percy's dramatic rescue.

Two hours later, the sounds of wizards apparating outside could be heard and there was a knock on the front door. "Places, everyone," murmured Mrs. Weasley as she sat on the couch, looking sad. Everyone busied themselves with something while Bill checked the bewitched mirror and then answered the door.

One auror stood on either side of the door, and a broad, square-jawed witch with short gray hair, wearing a monocle, stood behind them. Harry knew all three. The aurors were Dawlish and Tonks, while the witch behind them was the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones. Harry had heard that Mrs Bones was a firm but fair woman, and she had treated him well at his hearing last summer. With her and Tonks in the delegation, Harry had high hopes that everything would turn out all right.

Bones introduced herself and the aurors, and Bill politely invited them in. Molly greeted Amelia as an old acquaintance. Bones sat down and started asking questions about Percy. Harry thought things were going really well. Bones seemed satisfied with the answers she was receiving, and the acting was, in Harry's opinion, superb. Mrs. Weasley looked generally aghast when told that Percy had escaped--("Oh why did he do that? He surely would have been cleared by the tribunal,")--but Harry noticed that Bones failed to mention that Percy had received a death sentence. The Weasley children unanimously declared Percy no brother of theirs, and Mrs. Weasley sighed sadly as each child denounced Percy. Harry had to work hard not to smile.

Harry and Hermione prepared tea for everyone. The aurors declined, though Tonks winked at Harry when she knew Dawlish wasn't looking, but Amelia Bones accepted a cup. Except for taking the teacup from Hermione, Bones ignored her and Harry completely, which suited him just fine. It seemed that Bones' questioning of the Weasleys was about over, because the two women were now talking about their husbands instead of Percy, and they seemed to be getting on just fine. Everyone seemed to relax except for Charlie, Bill, and Dawlish, who were eying each other carefully.

Again the sounds of apparating were heard outside. Bill and Charlie quickly jumped to their feet and ran out into the front yard. Harry was surprised. They must know that people from CADS would be coming; why act surprised, or, even worse, aggressive? Harry and Ron quickly followed Bill and Charlie outside, and then froze.

Neither of the guardian wolves were in their normal positions. They were crouched and looked ready to pounce on the new arrivals. There were five CADS members, but Harry only recognized two. One was the auror who had asked to see Mars at the Premiership, and the other was the CADS chairwoman, Jo Ann Lennon herself. Bill was directly in front of the wolves with his hands raised, making a stop gesture with one hand while the other held his wand. Charlie was between Bill and the CADS members.

"Stop! I mean it, do not move! Let Bill sort them out. These sentinel guardians are very dangerous. If any of you draw your wands they will kill you, that's a promise," said Charlie loudly and clearly.

All five CADS members looked nervous, but none went for their wands. The two aurors in the group certainly looked like they wished for their wands, however.

"Return!" cried Bill and waved his wand at the wolves. Neither of them moved, and he repeated his command. The wolves remained motionless, their glowing red eyes staring directly at the CADS members.

"It's no use, they simply don't like you lot," said Bill as he turned to face the group.

"What do you mean?" asked Lennon harshly.

"I mean, if any of you get closer to that door, those wolves will kill you and there's nothing to be done about it. They won't listen to me on this," answered Bill.

"What? How dare you threaten me? Do you know who I am?" yelled Lennon.

"Yes, Ms. Lennon, I know who you are, but these wolves that Mars conjured do not. He gave me a lot of control over them, but not total control. Please, don't take out your wands," Bill pleaded.

The other four people with her murmured, sounding concerned. Lennon's angry face changed to a look of forced friendliness.

"Oh, Mars conjured them. Well, then, we won't want to upset them. I do, however, have to speak with your family. Perhaps we can apparate back to the Ministry to conduct the interviews?" she suggested, showing her beautiful white teeth.

"Actually, Ms. Lennon, I am afraid we can't leave at this moment," interjected Mrs. Weasley, coming out of the house along with Mrs. Bones and her escort. Ginny and Hermione followed closely behind them. "Amelia here has informed me that my son Percy has escaped capture, and I need to talk to my husband Arthur as soon as he comes home. I am very upset about these events, as I'm sure you can understand."

Lennon frowned.

"You could conduct the interview out here," suggested Charlie.

Lennon looked at the two wolves staring at her with those glowing red eyes and shuddered slightly. "No, no, I'll just ask Amelia for a complete report of her discussion, that should do nicely," she replied.

"I'll have it for you in the morning, Jo Anne," said Mrs. Bones, with a touch of mirth in her voice.

The CADS members disapparated with several *Cracks*.

"Well, this has been quite an interesting afternoon," said Amelia Bones. "The end of a very rough day. Yes, I think I will go home and finish my report. Goodbye, Molly, thanks for the tea. I shall see you two at the office tomorrow," She nodded at the aurors and then disapparated.

Dawlish nodded at Tonks and was gone.

The wolves then moved quietly back to their original places and stances; their eyes were no longer glowing.

"Fancy some tea, Tonks?" asked Charlie, putting his arm around her shoulder. She nodded, smiling, and everyone headed into the house.

After Harry and Hermione had served tea, Bill agreed to answer their questions.

"Why did the wolves want to attack those CADS people?" asked Ron.

"Obvious, isn't it? One of them had to have been a Donnie," answered Bill.

"Or under the Imperious Curse of one," added Hermione.

"Good point, Hermione. The wolves would not let the CADS in, even though I ordered them to stand down." He shook his head grimly. "Nothing less than a direct link to Voldemort would have caused them to ignore my orders. They may have been planning something worse than Veritaserum."

"Lennon looked pretty scared once you mentioned Mars' name, though," said Charlie.

"No doubt, Charlie. He certainly has not turned out to be the tool she had hoped for," replied Bill.

"Tool?" exclaimed Ginny, Ron and Harry together.

"Oh, yes. Remember her speech at the Premiership? She mentioned Mars to try and scare Fudge into thinking that Mars supported her as the next Minister of Magic. She's been trying to recruit him into her committee all summer. I guess she thought praising him to that huge crowd along with Dumbledore would bring him to her side," answered Bill.

"Is that why the nasty looking auror with the crew cut was so disappointed when you told him Mars couldn't make it?" asked Harry.

Bill and Charlie nodded in agreement. Harry was about to ask about the red-headed wizard who had handed Lennon something at the match, but he remembered his oath and that two members of the Order were in the room, and stopped himself.

"How did you know that the wolves would want to attack Lennon's party?" asked Hermione.

"We didn't know they would, but Mars warned me that it might happen, just before he drove off with Percy," answered Bill.

Harry really wanted to ask Bill more questions, but he bit his tongue instead. He had been adamant that he was to be included in the fight against Voldemort and he didn't intend to make Bill or Charlie sorry they had trusted him.