Scattered

Hermione watched the two brothers, knowing what the outcome would eventually be. Bill's face was still drawn and exhausted. He looked confident, and she knew they could depend on him -- but she also sensed he wanted to be able to depend on them, as well. And Ron's face was set and determined, implacable. Oldest and youngest of Weasley boys, Ron and Bill were more alike than any of the rest, save the twins -- and furthermore, each knew it. Bill knew his brother wasn't going to give in on this, and deep down, she could tell, he didn't blame him.

Bill looked at her suddenly, wordlessly asking if she felt the same as Ron. She glanced over at Neville and he met her eyes, nodding. "We're all in agreement on this one," she told Bill firmly.

"I'd like to know where Luna is," Neville said quietly. "We weren't family or close but -- we're friends. I don't want to think any of my friends are in trouble, you know, when I'm sitting here safe."

Bill gripped Neville's shoulder briefly in compassion; the young man's simple statement had made more of an impression than all of Ron's rantings. "Okay," Bill conceded finally. "Okay. I can't tell you where anyone is. I can't," he stressed, cutting Ron off before he could interrupt. "Not won't. Can't. I don't know where they are, and they don't know where we are. But I can tell you who they're with, will that satisfy you?"

Ron scowled. "Ginny's with McGonagall. And Mum and Dad?"

"They're with each other, I know that much. Neville, Luna is with Tonks. I think they'll get along, actually, don't you?"

Neville smiled.

"And Harry?" Hermione asked. "Is he with Professor Dumbledore?"

Bill glanced away briefly before answering. "Harry's with Alastor Moody."

"Moody?!" Neville gasped.

"Come on, there's someone tougher than Moody you'd want watching your back? Someone scarier?" Bill attempted to tease.

Hermione had to concede this was true. But -- she felt a twinge of guilt. She and Ron were together, if not by design then by circumstance. And Neville was with them, even, and Bill -- all friends. Harry was stuck with Moody -- sure, he was probably safest that way, but it couldn't be very, well, comforting. "So it's just Harry and Moody, then?" she asked.

"And Hagrid."

Hermione, Ron and Neville each breathed a sigh of relief. Harry was going to be okay, then. Aside from the fact that he'd been one of the most supportive and caring people in Harry's life since his fateful eleventh birthday, Hagrid would, frankly, do anything to keep Harry safe. Anything.

She shuddered. It wasn't supposed to come to that, though. And if it had...

It was time to stop avoiding the issue, she thought. She tucked her hair behind her ears and sat up straighter, forcing the deep pit in her stomach to be still, forcing her hands to stop shaking, and making sure her voice was clear and strong. "Okay," she said, looking at Ron, then Neville, and finally facing Bill straight on. "That's that, then. I have quite a few more questions, but just one I really want you to answer right now."

Bill didn't blink. He'd known all along that she'd work it out first, much sooner than he wanted her to. He wished the words never had to be said, but all the wishing in the world wouldn't make that possible. "Go ahead and ask," he said quietly, and with all the sadness in the world in his voice.

She took a quick, deep breath. "Bill, where is Professor Dumbledore?"

He didn't let himself hesitate. "Professor Dumbledore is dead."

* * * * *

The compartment was silent for a long time, except for the sound of Ron's thick, troubled breathing as he bent over, head in his hands. Hermione put a sympathetic hand on his arm for a moment, and then wiped away her own tears. She stole a glance at Neville. The other boy had gone utterly pale and was staring fixedly at a spot on the wall; she could tell he was struggling for control.

"Are we sure?" Hermione asked in a small but steady voice. "Just -- I know we must be but, I need to know. We're sure?"

Bill nodded. "I know. I understand. I -- had the same reaction. But it's true. I'm so sorry -- Ron," he said fervently, looking worried at his younger brother's continued panic. "Neville. Hermione. There's a lot I have to tell you and only so much time. We're safe on this train, this compartment and the ones around it, for a small radius. No one can find us here. The charm was activated when I brought us here. But it only lasts a certain amount of time and when we leave, we'll be on our own."

"On... on our own?" Neville asked, confused.

"Yes. There are supplies -- there are things for us here, hidden with another charm. I'll take care of that in a second. We'll be on the train awhile... I need to get some sleep. And we should eat. And get ready. And then we start heading out for our safehouse."

"Safehouse?" Neville asked.

Bill turned to answer, but Hermione cut him off. "Bill, you're obviously exhausted. We definitely all need to eat, and rest and -- you know -- let this all sink in. Just tell us, well, the short version. From the beginning."

He nodded. "You're right. I apologize."

With a deep breath, he began.

"This afternoon... I was at my desk, at the bank, I'd just gotten the bad news about Dumbledore from Dad, and I was clearing off my desk to leave early. I was upset, of course, and worried. A little panicked. And then, it came over me like... Has anyone ever cast a memory charm on you?"

"No," Neville replied.

Ron amended, "Well, not that we remember, after all."

"Exactly," Bill said, as if he'd been expecting that answer. "So, you've never had one lifted. It's a bizarre feeling. All of the sudden it's like someone unlocks a door in your mind, a door you didn't even know was there. And even as you turn the handle and step through the doorway, you can't really fathom how you missed it before. That's what happened to me. It was like walking into a room and finding myself back in time..."

They were in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place; it was the middle of the night, but the room was filled with more Order members than Bill had seen gathered together in a long time, all familiar to him to some degree or another. His parents. Charlie. The twins, Percy, even. And others -- Remus Lupin, of course. Minerva McGonagall and the other Hogwarts professors. Aurors -- Alastor Moody, Tonks, Shacklebolt. A couple of Ministry officials. Other people he only knew as members of the Order. People who, like his own parents, wanted to make a difference. And, of course, Albus Dumbledore.

Dumbledore had called this meeting, an unprecedented collection of, as far as Bill knew, every single member of the Order of the Phoenix. They were all here under this roof -- even Ron and Ginny were upstairs, and Hermione, unaware of the momentous gathering below. Ironically, Harry Potter was the only one of Voldemort's foes not present. All of this, the more he thought about it, was making Bill distinctly nervous. He glanced at his parents: Mum looked strained and worried. Dad met his eyes and gave him a small reassuring smile, as always.

"Thank you all for coming," Dumbledore said quietly, standing in the center of the room. "Our time here will be short, as I hesitate to leave our other loved ones unprotected for any length of time. I have gone to great measures to plan this meeting, placing wards around all of our homes, casting charms on all of you who traveled here tonight. The effort required has been... taxing. But I had no choice."

Bill took a quick look around the room, studying the faces of the other members of the Order. Everyone was watching Dumbledore, and waiting. They were all as in the dark as he was.

"We are here tonight to lay out a contingency plan," Dumbledore said. "The war we are now facing will be hard-fought and unfortunately, as you all are aware, filled with peril. We will suffer losses. It is my belief that we will also suffer victories; in fact, that ultimately, we will gain the final victory. Evil is powerful; Voldemort is powerful. But the courage, strength of will, and the love in this room - that is powerful as well. You have all heard the prophecy," he continued. "You all know that it falls to Mr. Potter to stand in that final battle and save us all. But he will not stand alone. Nor, I fear, will we escape unscathed in the days between now and then, as we strive to unite the wizarding world against a terrible evil.

"We will suffer loss. And we will persevere. And yet, I have begun to think, lately, that we should not ignore the possibility of -- defeat. Not the ultimate defeat. Whether today, this year, or a decade from now, I truly believe that those who stand for what is right will strike down those who follow what is wrong. We would be foolish, however, to ignore the possibility that we will find ourselves in -- a dire circumstance."

Dumbledore paused. To his right, Alastor Moody was nodding agreement. The other Aurors seemed to be of the same mind. The twins, Bill noticed, looked confused and troubled. McGonagall's face was unreadable.

"What... what kind of circumstance?" a woman across the room said finally. Bill glanced in her direction; she worked at the Ministry with his father. "I mean, I understand the whole point is that we can't entirely predict what will come but..."

"I understand," Dumbledore replied gently when the woman trailed off uncertainly. "There is, of course, no reliable way for us to be sure of what the future may bring. This plan is for, frankly, the worst of outcomes. A pivotal battle lost, for example. A crisis that has disabled the Order completely." The old wizard took a deep breath. "If, my dear friends, somehow, Mr. Potter is unsuccessful, and unable to defeat Voldemort. Or if, it must be said, I am defeated myself, or if -- my friends, I am loathe to put it into words, but I am speaking of what we must do if we are crippled, and Voldemort has won. Not forever. Never forever. But for now.

"I have gathered you here tonight so that I can share with you the plans I have made in case of such a catastrophe. Do not misunderstand me; I do not expect or believe that we shall fail. I have such faith in each and every one of you, and in Mr. Potter and all those who stand with us. I am certain that we will face the days ahead bravely, and wisely, and we will not fail to do all we are capable of doing. And our capabilities are more than enough, I am sure of it, to win us the war. These plans will, in all likelihood, never come into use. But... it is a foolish man who does not recognize that times of war are uncertain. We will not fail to do what needs to be done, but there is no way to predict which way the tide will turn, or how fate may conspire against us. We must plan a way to protect those who remain: our loved ones, our allies, our children and ourselves. We must plan a way to give us the means to survive, and to grow strong once again."

In the silence that followed these words, Bill found himself feeling the truth of Dumbledore's words. It was disheartening indeed to plan defeat, but it was more frightening still to think of those who might live to see their world destroyed.

It was Remus Lupin, finally, who spoke. "None of us wants to imagine what you're describing, Albus. But you're right: it's foolhardy to refuse to consider any possibility, no matter how unappealing."

"I agree," Arthur Weasley said. "What are the plans?"

Dumbledore raised his wand and made a quick, barely perceptible movement. Instantly, a rolled scroll appeared in each person's hands.

"On this scroll, you will find instructions tailored to each of you, detailing what your tasks will be in the event that this plan is put into action. In a moment I will ask you to read the scroll. When you are finished reading, bring the scroll to me and I will destroy it... and, with Professor Flitwick's assistance, cast a memory charm on each of you."

There was a low rumble of muttering throughout the room; most members of the Order looked confused. Only the Aurors, again, seemed surprised but accepting.

"Smart idea," Moody said.

"What kind of memory charm?" Amos Diggory said from across the room, looking angry. Then again, Bill thought to himself, Diggory had looked angry for years, ever since his son became the first casualty in this second war. Bill didn't blame him, though his dad said he sometimes worried about the other man's bitterness clouding his reason.

"A very complex kind created by myself, Professor Flitwick, and Professor McGonagall, though my colleagues were unaware of the use to which I intended it," Dumbledore added, with a kindly smile to the other two professors. "They were focused entirely on the spellcrafting itself and are learning of how it will be used in our contingency plan only now. The charm will do three things: it will cause you to immediately return to your homes and forget everything you have seen and heard here tonight. It will place in your mind a false memory of a simple meeting of the Order, a rather dull meeting, really, one you might even feel some annoyance at having had to attend. And lastly, it will cast half of a Charm of Remembrance, so that when -- if the time comes, a simple activation spell will cause each of you, wherever you are, to regain the memory of what we have done here tonight, what we have planned, and -- most importantly -- the contents of the scroll you are about to read."

"That's some spell, Professor!" Fred exclaimed, with a low whistle of appreciation.

Dumbledore chuckled, and most others joined in. Bill found himself laughing a bit as well and could feel even more strongly the nervous tension in the room.

"Yes, it is, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore agreed. "I thank you. And now, my friends, our time here grows very short: we must hurry. I must ask you to simply read and then come forward."

Around the room, members of the Order quickly turned to the task at hand. Bill fumbled with his scroll and, taking a deep breath, began to read.

"The Order of the Phoenix

William Weasley

Mission: Scattering

Mission Task: Protector and Group Leader

Mr. Weasley:

Each member of the Order has been assigned a task. For your own safety, and the safety of those young wizards that will be assigned to you, you will have no knowledge of other task areas, and only limited knowledge of the activities and assignments of other Group Leaders.

As an adult wizard, you are charged with the protection of two young wizards who may or may not be underage at the time you are called to duty. Your assignment is to transport, prepare and guide them in the days to come. The following members of the Order are also assigned to this task: Minerva McGonagall, Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, Fred Weasley, and George Weasley. Additionally, Alastor Moody and Rubeus Hagrid have been assigned the task of accompanying and assisting Mr. Harry Potter, should he still be surviving at the time of the plan's implementation. Although there is some danger in revealing these names to you, it will become important, in the future, for those of you who remain to bring these young men and women -- our future -- together, so that they may one day, it must be hoped, begin the fight anew.

Upon the completion of the Charm of Remembrance, you are to immediately Apparate to your place of residence. There you will find a knapsack; inside the knapsack will be two portkeys. Quickly pack your personal effects - and only personal effects. Do not pack supplies; these will be provided later. Concentrate on clothes, items of a private nature. Pack light. Next, you will Apparate to the current location of Hermione Granger. Instruct Ms. Granger to pack her bag, and take her via portkey to the current location of Neville Longbottom. Instruct Mr. Longbottom to pack as well. Then use the second portkey to reach Checkpoint #17, a traveling location you learned the details of during your induction into the Order. This time of traveling will be extremely dangerous, Mr. Weasley. You must assume that you are but a hair's breadth ahead of Death Eaters at all times. You must not perform any communication spells or make any attempt to contact another member of the Order until you reach the Checkpoint. Once there safely, cast a Reveal charm and your supplies, gear, and further instructions will await your use."

Bill took a deep shaking breath. It was a good plan. He understood the need for this kind of thing but - he had to admit, he was a bit puzzled at this assignment. He couldn't help thinking there had to be some better way for him to help, some important work he could do, some curse to break or battle to fight. He felt odd, suddenly, as if someone were staring at him. Looking up, he saw Albus Dumbledore watching him kindly. The old wizard nodded, slowly, and gestured for Bill to continue reading.

Below the instructions was a hand-written note.

"Mr. Weasley, I know you may feel that you are not suited to this assignment, or that there could be, perhaps, other ways for you to better assist the Order. Please know that there is in fact no assignment more important than this one. These young wizards may be our only hope for a future that is not ruled by fear and hatred. You will be training a resistance movement, and, at the same time, protecting those we all love.

You may be wondering why Miss Granger and Mr. Longbottom have been assigned to your care and not instead, perhaps, your young brother Ronald. I must confess this is by design rather than circumstance. Though it pains me to say it, after careful consideration I have decided that the Weasley family presents too much of a target to the wrath of Death Eaters, and to Voldemort himself. Your parents, and all of their children, embody all that is good and noble in the wizarding world -- everything that Voldemort is not. I fear it is safe to assume that for this, and for your family's close association with Mr. Potter, you will all be in grave danger, and much sought-after by Death Eaters everywhere. I would not risk you all by gathering you together; I would not risk that kind of tragedy on your mother's shoulders. Years ago, in the Muggle wars, a good and kindly woman lost all of her sons in one battle, on one ship. I would not risk causing your mother and father such pain, nor any mother and father already risking so much for our cause. Our good and strong families must spread out, and in doing so, stand a better chance of survival.

Similarly, I have concerns about Miss Granger and young Ronald; unfortunately, Voldemort is all-too-aware of the bond they share with Mr. Potter. It may give you comfort to know that each member of your family, though separated, will be taking part in the most important endeavor of our lives. Your parents (who have, you might like to know, been assigned to their own task together) will be as proud of you as they always have been.

I have such faith in you, William, in your courage, your maturity, and your reason. I know you will live up to and exceed all of my expectations, and I feel very proud of the fine wizard you have become. Good fortune, my boy.

Albus Dumbledore."

He absentmindedly rolled the parchment closed, staring unseeing ahead. Bill promised himself, then, that he wouldn't let his former Headmaster down -- or his parents, his family, or Hermione and Neville. He would do as Dumbledore had asked.

Around the room, other members had finished reading as well. Some had already approached Dumbledore, their scrolls disintegrating and, with a few inaudible words and a wave of the old wizard's wand, they themselves disappearing with the distinctive "pop" of air that indicated Apparition.

"Who've you got?" George asked quietly. Bill looked around and realized the twins and Remus Lupin had drifted over, still clutching their scrolls.

Bill frowned. "I don't know if we're supposed to tell each other that."

"What difference does it make?" Fred asked. "We won't remember it now, and later, well, Dumbledore said we'll all be working together... eventually."

They looked at Remus, who shrugged. "You are correct, Mr. Weasley. For what it's worth, I've been charged with the care of your brother Ron, along with Seamus Finnegan and Hannah Abbott."

"I've got Padma Patil and Dean Thomas. George here has Parvati and Lavender," Fred crowed. Turning to his twin, he continued, "Make sure you pack some girly stuff, you know, like that nail polisher Ginny was talking about. Lipstick. Witch Weekly."

George shrugged. "You should probably pack Contraception Potion, for the two you've got."

"Oi," Fred said. "I didn't even think of that. Hey," he said suddenly, as if it had just occurred to him, "who's got Hermione? Bill?"

Bill nodded. "And Neville Longbottom."

"And Professor Lupin, you've got Ron?" George asked.

The older wizard nodded. "Really, though, boys, you're -- how do they say it, putting the cart before the horse? I agree that it's smart to prepare for a worst-case scenario but do remember that the war is just begun."

"Oh, sure," Fred agreed. "But for the sake of argument... Ron'll never go with you."

"What do you mean?" Bill asked, puzzled.

"He's right; we'll bet ten galleons that our little brother will end up with you, Bill," George said.

Lupin shook his head. "No, the Headmaster was very clear about how he feels about these assignments, and with good reason, I think."

"I stand by my bet. What, no takers?" George asked mockingly.

"You two will turn anything into a joke, won't you?" Bill chastised them. "This is serious. I'm not betting on anything to do with this."

Fred pretended to look offended. "Who's joking? We're talking profit."

Their old professor couldn't quite hide a small grin. "Actually, Bill, I personally find your brothers' indefatigable quest for both humor and monetary gain in the face of adversity to be oddly reassuring. I won't take your bet either, boys, but tell me why you're so sure you'd win?"

"Well, if you're sure," George said with mock disappointment. "Because Hermione'll be with Bill. If the end of the world really does come, Ron won't let her out of his sight ever again."

"...And I guess they were right," Bill added, trying to smile.