Never Is Our Always

Number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London. 5

(Minnie pov) (order of the Phoenix)

(August)

I whistled a sweet tune as I waited in the rain, Moody was going to meet me at the corner of a street.

"I don't want to be crippled and cracked
Shoulders and wrists, knees and back
Ground to dust and ash
Crawling on all fours
When you've got to feel it in your bones~"

Crack!

I take out an earphone out and smile at Moody as he grunts while he walks towards me.

Clunk!

Clunk!

Clunk!

"Hello, Moody," he just grunts in reply.

"Here," Moody muttered, thrusting a piece of parchment towards my hand and holding his lit wand close to it, so as to illuminate the writing. "Read quickly and memorise."

I looked down at the piece of paper. The narrow handwriting was vaguely familiar. It said: The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London.

"I'll see you soon, Moody," I say and he nods.

"Make sure that mark is hidden," he growls, "don't want any ruddy death eater seeing you alone or they'll getcha."

"Got it," I say, eyes narrowing, "feeling all right?"

"Get to headquarters," he growls. "Don't be late."

Crack!

Moody disapparated out of my sight, I just sigh as I put the paper into my pocket and started walking in the rain.

—

As I walked up the worn stone steps, staring at the newly materialized door. Its black paint was shabby and scratched. The silver door knocker was in the form of a twisted serpent. There was no keyhole or letterbox.

I pulled out my wand and tapped the door once. I heard many loud, metallic clicks and what sounded like the clatter of a chain. The door creaked open.

I stepped over the threshold into the almost total darkness of the hall. I could smell damp, dust, and a sweetish, rotting smell; the place had the feeling of a derelict building.

"Lumos." My wand lights up as the door slammed behind me.

There were hurried footsteps, it made me nervous before I saw Mrs. Weasley emerge from a door at the far end of the hall.

She was beaming in welcome as she hurried toward me.

"Oh, Minnie, it's lovely to see you!" she whispered, pulling me into a rib-cracking hug before holding me at arm's length and examining me critically. "You're looking very peaky; you need feeding up, but you'll have to wait a bit for dinner, I'm afraid..."

"Oh," I chuckled, "that's all right then, need any help?" I ask, "I'm happy to cook or clean..."

"No, no go on upstairs and put your bags away," she smiles.

"Can I apparate there?" I ask, a sly grin spreading across my face, she glowers at me.

"Oh all right," she sighs and wink, "well done for passing your test, my dear."

"Thank you, Mrs Weasley," I say before grabbing my things, "nox." I whispered, and apparated.

-