The Unwelcome Return

It was a few days until Dumbledore appeared again, no doubt having just returned from interfering with someone else’s life. I knew when he came back it would be to discuss Harry and the upcoming year at Hogwarts, no more mention of Sirius or anything relating to him. I personally felt it was too soon, but then again it was paramount that we keep the boy alive. I wonder if Severus is going to be there too?

“The meeting will start in approximately half an hour, we’re just waiting for a few more members.”

“Righty-ho Molly.”

I made my way into the front room just in time to see the Mr. Wonderful himself, Dumbledore, arrive via Floo.

“One more to arrive then we shall start, I presume we all know the nature of this gathering.”

I glanced over to Harry to see a bored look upon his face, as if he so used to these meetings they were becoming part of his day to day life. Although my life can be hellish, it is nothing compared to his life and I never would want it to be.

The front door slammed open, then shut. “Right, let’s start this thing.”

That’s the voice I’ve been longing to hear for years, it hadn’t changed too much, just a little more bitter, if that was at all possible.

“Great, Snivellus is here.”

“Ron!” Sirius may be gone, but his spirit remains, much to his delight I’m sure. “Leave him alone.”

This is going to be a shock for everyone. I forced myself further into the sofa and further still when he came to stop just behind me. His shadow cast itself over me begging me to turn around, my head started to turn of its own accord before I could stop myself. So before I knew it I was looking up at the once love of my life, and his nose.

“Severus I want you to meet the new Order member, you may recognise her.”

Dumbledore gestured towards me, so I stood up to face him. He was just an older, more war torn version of his former self, just now it comes in a frock coat. A bloody good looking frock coat it seems. All I could manage was a smile, no words could form at my lips, none that I would want children to hear anyway. His expression was one of contemplation, not sure whether to react or to totally ignore the situation.

“Hello Severus.”

“What are you doing here?” His arms were folded tightly across his chest.

“Saving humanity, what does it look like?” Do I attempt to embrace him, no, not in front of people. “Come here.” I led him into the kitchen by the elbow.

“So what are you really doing here?” His arms were still crossed.

“Didn’t you hear, I’m the new Order member.” I said in a sing-song voice.

“Good for you.”

“Thank you.” Do I say it? “Do you know how long I’ve been wanting to see you again?” I then wrapped my arms around his neck.

“I’m sure you had plenty of time in which to visit.”

“I wish I could have, but being banished from the Wizarding World kind of stopped me.”

“Since when do you…Molly?”

“We need to start.”

We both walked into the front room and Dumbledore began the meeting. The room was crowded with all variants from the Wizarding World, young, old, all body parts, few body parts, giant, dwarf, male, female. All this was for Harry and the coming year and I was still uncertain as to my part in this, surely he doesn’t need a temperamental women about.

“We should all know why we are here, to discuss the coming year at Hogwarts. We are to approach it with sensitivity and careful planning. I know most years do not run smoothly, but we must aim for that this time around.” Does Dumbledore actually remember being a teenager? “However the first issue to be resolved is Occlumency training.” Several groans were heard from the teens in the corner and surprisingly I heard one uttered under Severus’s breath. “I wish to introduce Miss Blayton, she and Professor Snape shall undertake the task.”

“Albus, you cannot be serious!”

“Molly I assure you I am.”

“That’s why you dragged me here? That’s why I am sat in a dead friends house having tea! You already have a fully competent person available. Why the hell me?” I growled.

“We had a few troubles between teacher and student.”

“Well thanks for the prior knowledge, or did you realise that I wouldn’t come.”

“Are you so sure you wouldn’t have come?”

“I’m not sure of anything anymore.”