Disclaimer: I own nothing except Orion Black...and my dogs Simba and Kenobi. :)

Chapter 1

Awkward Situations

Awkward was certainly an understatement. Orion Black felt completely out of place…again even though he was surrounded be people he knew and trusted. Much had happened in the past month. Rita Skeeter had been arrested and fined for being an illegal Animagus once Sirius had taken her out of Hermione's custody. Orion had received a very long letter from Hermione afterwards partially apologizing and partially scolding Orion for getting her in trouble with her parents. From the sounds of it, Sirius had implied that Hermione had interfered with criminal investigation by not handing Rita over immediately.

On a normal day, the news of Rita Skeeter's arrest would have been front page news but it hadn't been a normal day. It had been the same day as the press conference concerning 'the event'. As many had predicted, Cornelius Fudge had tried to weasel his way out of telling the public leaving Rufus Scrimgeour to do it for him. The reporters had taken the news better than expected, at least in Orion's opinion. They hadn't panicked, just begged for more information which gave Rufus the opportunity to take some of the credit for the quick reaction of the Aurors and forcing Voldemort to retreat.

The action hadn't been a surprise. That night had been put under both praise and reproach. Those who had responded to Kingsley's summons had done so without consulting their superiors. They had willingly entered a life and death situation under the command of someone who could have been classified as 'under duress'. Allowing Rufus to take responsibility prevented anyone with grudges against Sirius from putting his actions under review.

Of course, that also meant that Sirius had to be present to visibly show his support which also gave the press the opportunity to bring up Orion. No one had expected Orion's sudden popularity. When he and Sirius visited the injured at St. Mungo's, Orion's picture was on the front page of the Daily Prophet the next day. When Orion had gone with Sirius to the Ministry to 'thank' Rufus Scrimgeour, it suddenly became the event of the day. Everyone wanted a picture with the Tri-Wizard Champion and wanted to know what it had been like to face You-Know-Who.

It had quickly became impossible for Orion to go anywhere without members of the Black Team acting as protection. Of course, there were some that didn't agree. Professor Dumbledore had suggested Orion stay in Black Manor but that was something Orion couldn't do, at least not completely. A part of Orion felt that he needed to maintain a good relationship with Rufus Scrimgeour. They were heading to war and would need as many people as possible.

That wasn't the end of the disagreements with Professor Dumbledore. One was still ongoing which was concerning the Order of the Phoenix; an organization to fight Voldemort that Professor Dumbledore was the leader of. The Black Team was a part of the organization however they were mostly as a source of information. That, Professor Dumbledore understood. What he and half of the Order didn't agree with was Sirius' second requirement. Even now, a month later, people still make their feelings known.

The door opened and Orion had to fight the urge to physically look and see who entered. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape move towards the end of the table where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were already seated. The large table was about half full but that had been expected. A number of people were retrieving the Potters out of hiding.

Orion didn't know too many of the details, just that the Potters had been visiting family when Hayden, Rose and a cousin of theirs had a run in with a couple of Dementors. Luckily, Hayden managed to fight them off. Unfortunately, the Ministry had taken notice too. Hayden now had to report to the Ministry on the first of August for a hearing. It was a bit ridiculous and it was clear that politics were involved. The question was what was the Minister hoping to gain?

"I believe that should be everyone for the moment," Professor Dumbledore began and all chatter ceased. "As we all have noticed, Voldemort has yet to emerge from hiding. Sirius, any news from the Ministry?"

"Many are divided on what to believe," Sirius began. "They know the Ministry wouldn't have announced Voldemort's return if it hadn't happened but the lack of activity has created some vocal skeptics. We are discretely investigating them to determine if they have any ties to Voldemort or any of the known Death Eaters."

Professor Dumbledore nodded before shifting his attention to Professor Snape. "Have you made any progress, Severus?"

"The Dark Lord—"

There was a knock at the door causing everyone to look and see it open to reveal a group of people hurrying in led by Remus Lupin. Orion couldn't help letting out a small sigh of relief. Remus' return meant that he would have even more support and that the Potter children had made it safely. It was just the others traveling with them that he didn't want to see.

"Remus, Nymphadora," Professor Dumbledore greeted with a smile. "I trust there were no problems."

"Mad-Eye wanted to take the scenic route," Remus said as he moved around the table to where the Black Team was seated. As he sat down in one of the open seats behind Sirius, Orion caught a discrete shake of the head and Sirius casting him an aggravated look. "I couldn't with the children there," he muttered.

"Coward," Sirius scoffed.

"Ah, James, Lily, welcome back," Professor Dumbledore said brightly.

Orion sat back slightly, trying to blend in with the crowd. A hand grasped his arm causing Orion to turn slightly and see the sympathetic gaze of Nymphadora Tonks, Sirius' cousin. Dora had just finished Auror training and was the newest member of the Black Team. Many Aurors had claimed nepotism but they couldn't deny that Dora was an asset to the team due to her being a Metamorphmagus. Her clumsiness, on the other hand, was a work in progress.

Mr. and Mrs. Potter went in the opposite direction as everyone else, taking the open chairs by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Orion couldn't ignore the dread that pooled in his stomach as he noticed Mrs. Weasley quietly saying something to Mrs. Potter as she glanced at him. Mrs. Potter's head immediately turned, making Orion lean back and Sirius sit forward. However, the damage had been done.

"What's this?" Mrs. Potter asked incredulously then turned to Professor Dumbledore. "Albus—what's Orion doing here? You're not—you're not letting him be a part of this, are you? He's just a boy!"

"As his parent, I will decide what Orion will be a part of, Lily," Sirius said firmly. "Voldemort didn't seem to care about his age when he tried to kill him a month ago."

"But that doesn't mean—"

"—yes it does, Lily," Remus interjected. "You and others may not agree with Sirius' methods but you can't deny the results. Orion knows not to say anything to his friends and I'm sure Neville and Hermione are telling Hayden and Rose the rules. After all, you know more than anyone how good Orion is at keeping secrets."

Lily visibly flinched and didn't say any more. Mr. Potter wrapped an arm around her shoulder, glaring at Sirius and Remus. Thankfully Professor Dumbledore once again took control of the meeting and nothing else was said on the topic. The rest of the meeting was just like previous meetings. Professor Snape reported that he was still trying to prove his loyalty to Voldemort while keeping his cover as spy, scouting assignments were given and guard duty was scheduled.

In all honesty, Orion thought that guard duty was ridiculous. Order members were spending hours of their time guarding the Hall of Prophecy in the Department of Mysteries to protect something nearly untouchable. Theoretically, a prophecy could only be touched by whom it pertained too and since it was highly unlikely that Voldemort would physically go to the Ministry, all Orion had to do was avoid the Department of Mysteries. Easy thing to do since the department didn't allow visitors.

Professor Dumbledore, however, was certain the guard was necessary so Orion kept his opinion to himself. That had been a lesson Orion had learned early. He could voice his thoughts to Sirius or anyone else in the Black Team but as far as everyone else was concerned, Orion had no right to question anything decided in the Order.

"If there is nothing else," Professor Dumbledore said, pulling Orion out of his thoughts, "I believe that concludes our meeting. Orion, if I could have a word."

"I'll go talk to my mum…again," Bill said to Sirius as he stood up.

Orion rose from his chair and moved through the crowd towards Professor Dumbledore, avoiding the stares he was receiving from the Potters as well as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Bill had already spoken to his mum once before and it didn't go well. Mrs. Weasley didn't like it when others disagreed with her beliefs especially when it concerned 'children'. The only benefit to her continued behavior that it was making more people support Sirius mostly out of sympathy.

Not exactly the united front that Professor Dumbledore was hoping for to say the least.

Reaching Professor Dumbledore, Orion immediately tensed when he noticed Professor Snape waiting for him too. That could only mean one thing.

"Orion," Professor Dumbledore said pleasantly. "I have just a few questions and then I will let you meet up with your friends. First of all, how is your Occulmency? Have your headaches eased at all?"

"The pain is still there, sir, but it's not as bad as it was," Orion answered honestly. The headaches had been a constant ever since summer began. Mostly they were an annoyance but there had been times when the pain had been rather intense, mostly during the night. "I'm practicing every night but it doesn't seem to make a difference."

Professor Dumbledore frowned slightly. "Have you had any odd dreams?" he asked curiously.

Orion stared at Professor Dumbledore suspiciously. "I haven't…but Hayden has, hasn't he? The link between us is still open."

"I doubt it will ever close, Orion," Professor Dumbledore placated. "There is so much unknown concerning magical twins. The two of you are linked by tragedy, intensifying that bond. Had the adoption not taken place, I believe you two would have been closer than the Weasley twins."

"No, I would have been dead," Orion said bluntly. "I've seen the medical reports, Professor. At most, I had a few years left. Whoever gave me that potion saved my life. It's not my or my dad's fault that some people don't see it that way."

"Very well," Professor Dumbledore conceded. "We will be on our way then. Good evening, Orion."

Orion watched as Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape left the room with others following suit. Most of them were heading to the fireplace while the rest were moving to the next room that was set up for dinner. It had become a pattern after Order meetings, something that Mindy and Toby had enjoyed. It seemed that Mindy and Toby lately enjoyed everything that annoyed Sirius, including the fact that Black Manor had become a hotel for the families of some Order members.

Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny Weasley had taken residence in the East Wing along with their parents, Hermione, Neville, the majority of the Black Team and now the Potter family. It had been the only way Sirius would agree to any of it. They could stay in Black Manor but they had to respect that it was Sirius' house and therefore the West Wing was off limits unless they were invited by Sirius, Remus or Orion.

Stepping out of the Meeting Room, Orion followed the crowd heading to dinner only to come face to face with Hayden and Rose. He had known this was bound to happen. He had dreaded it for a month. He had yet to make the decision regarding the type of relationship he wanted from them. The easiest was to have no relationship whatsoever but Orion knew Hayden and Rose wouldn't take that well. No matter how much they may deny it, Orion knew the Potter children were eager to have their 'brother' back.

Turning away, Orion continued following the crowd and took the open seat between Sirius and Remus. It had been an intentional action by his father and uncle. He knew it and was grateful for it.

"Hayden, Rose!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed a little too enthusiastically from across the table. "It's so good to see you. I trust that you've caught up with Ron and Ginny?"

"A bit," Hayden said as he sat down a few seats away from Sirius. "They were about as helpful as their letters."

"Hayden!" Mrs. Potter scolded as she sat down next to Mrs. Weasley. "You know there was reason for secrecy!"

Hayden scoffed. "I do now but a little heads up would have been nice," he grumbled.

"Don't blame your friends, Hayden," Remus said gently. "As you have to listen to your parents, they have to listen to theirs."

"We've been through this, Hayden," Mr. Potter said sitting down next to Mrs. Potter. "We know you're angry and frustrated but now is not the time to voice it."

Hayden scowled but let the argument die, for now. The table was suddenly full of food and nothing was said while everyone dug in.

Glancing around the table, Orion noticed that mostly everyone occupied the same seats as they always did. The Black Team sat together with Neville sitting between his parents. Mrs. Weasley always across from Sirius, ready to once again fight over their conflicting views. It had gotten to the point that Mrs. Weasley was just bringing up old concerns over and over again, something that made a significant number of people roll their eyes in annoyance when she started up.

Fred and George sat across from Kingsley and Mad-Eye Moody, leaning over their food a bit too much. It was clear they were trying to overhear what the two men were whispering about. Hermione and Ginny sat across from Tonks who put her Metamorphmagus abilities on display for them. The only person once again missing was Percy Weasley which wasn't much of a loss. Percy now worked for Cornelius Fudge and didn't exactly agree with his family's 'vigilante actions'. According to Percy, it was up to the Ministry to solve this 'problem' and everyone needed to support the Ministry in this 'time of need'.

Ridiculous was probably the most polite response Orion could think of to that belief and heard a significant number of not-so-polite responses from the Black Team. It was obvious that no one believed the Minister was actually doing anything proactive concerning Voldemort.

Soon the food vanished and was replaced by dessert. By then the atmosphere had calmed slightly and conversations had broken out around the table. It was clear that everyone was trying to refrain from discussing Order related material but a few things slipped out. Sirius and Evelyn were quietly talking about shift duty since the entire team was trying to balance Auror duty, training duty and Order duty.

Once dessert vanished too, Mrs. Weasley was the first to rise to her feet. "Nearly time for bed, I think," she said with a yawn.

"Not just yet, Molly," Sirius said as he turned to look at Hayden and Rose. "I know you two have questions so I'm going to give you the basics to save you from hounding Orion."

"Sirius—"

"No, Lily," Sirius interrupted firmly. "It's better they be told the truth from us than partial conversations that some may overhear."

"They're not your children, Sirius," Mrs. Weasley protested. "If Lily and James don't want them to know—"

"—Molly," Mr. Potter interrupted softly. "Sirius is right. Hayden and Rose deserve to have some questions answered. If you don't want your children a part of the conversation, that's your choice."

"But Dumbledore—"

"—is their Headmaster, not their guardian," Sirius interrupted Mrs. Weasley.

"Molly," Mrs. Potter said gently. "Please."

Mrs. Weasley stared at Mrs. Potter with a look of betrayal on her face. "Well, if that's what you want," she said finally. "Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Neville—"

"—Neville can stay, Molly," Uncle Frank said firmly over the instant uproar.

"We're of age!" Fred and George bellowed together.

"If Hayden's allowed, why can't I?" Ron shouted.

"Mum, I want to hear!" Ginny wailed.

"NO!" Mrs. Weasley shouted. "I absolutely forbid—"

"Molly, you can't stop Fred and George," Mr. Weasley said wearily. "They are of age and legal adults."

Mrs. Weasley looked like she was about to explode.

"Molly, I hate to bring this up again but this is my house," Sirius said firmly. "If you don't want Ron and Ginny in here, that's your decision but you have no right to order Neville and Hermione around. I think it would be best if you were to take Ron and Ginny to their rooms so you're certain they make it."

"But—"

"NO RON!" Mrs. Weasley yelled in frustration. "Bed, Now!"

No one said a word as Mrs. Weasley, Ron and Ginny left. Once the stomping and arguing was too far away to make out, Sirius spoke.

"Arthur, I'm sorry for making the situation worse—"

"—no, Sirius, you're right," Mr. Weasley interrupted tiredly. "If Molly had had her way the children would be shipped off to some remote country."

"Not very realistic," Mad-Eye growled. "Keeping their heads in the sand will get them killed."

Sirius let out a sigh. "That, I know," he said then looked back at Hayden and Rose. "All right you two. Here's the truth. There has been no sight of Voldemort since he escaped the night of the Third Task. I'm sure you've read the Daily Prophet and know that the Ministry acknowledged his return and are taking steps to find his followers. Until Voldemort makes an appearance, that's all we can do."

"So everyone's just waiting around?" Rose asked dumbfounded.

"Of course not," Remus answered, "but research, recruiting and investigating takes time."

"This move by the Ministry has caught Voldemort off guard," Sirius continued. "He needs to rebuild his army again and is short on time. Aurors are sent out on reconnaissance missions daily and once we find him, he'll need more than a dozen Death Eaters."

"We need to be careful of how things are done," Mr. Potter spoke up. "You don't understand how things were before you were born. We were fighting a losing battle—of course now we know why."

"James," Mrs. Potter said gently as she rested her hand on his.

Mr. Potter let out a long breath. "What Sirius and his team is trying to do…it may not look like much but trust me—if it can help us be proactive instead of reactive, it could make all the difference in the world."

Hayden moved to speak but Sirius raised his hand to silence him. "Before you say it, Orion is in the Order because he is involved in this. Voldemort will be coming after him and I want him to be ready. It is a special circumstance. The one restriction is that Orion is not allowed to tell you what he hears in the meetings so don't ask."

"But I want to help," Hayden insisted. "Orion's helped me for years. I owe him—we all owe him."

Mr. and Mrs. Potter glanced at each other before shifting their gazes to Sirius.

"You can help by not pestering him for answers he can't give you," Sirius said at last before his gaze shifted to Hermione, Fred and George. "Others haven't been so understanding."

Hermione flinched slightly as she suddenly found the table very interesting. Fred and George, on the other hand, didn't look apologetic which didn't surprise Orion. They were so desperate for any information that they were willing to do anything.

"But—"

"—it's a start," Rose said interrupting Hayden. Her eyes rested on Mr. and Mrs. Potter. "Just understand that we will help in any way we can. Hayden's right. We all owe Orion so much more than we can ever repay."

Orion shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He knew they weren't talking about the times he had helped them at Hogwarts.

"Regardless," Sirius said firmly, "you two need to understand that there's a time to be supportive and a time to follow orders. Since this is Headquarters, there will be people coming and going all the time. There will always be at least one member from my team here unless there is an emergency. That person in charge. If they tell you to go to your rooms and stay there or even just get lost, you will listen or you and your parents will be asked to leave. If there is an emergency, the same rules follow for the adult in charge. Do you two understand?"

Hayden and Rose nodded.

"Also, if you two have questions, please ask," Sirius added. "However, accept that there are some things we can't answer. Some topics are confidential and others we just don't know." He shifted his gaze to Mr. and Mrs. Potter. "Are we in agreement?"

All four Potters nodded.

"Good," Sirius said sitting back and relaxing slightly. "I suggest we all call it a night. I believe tomorrow Evelyn will be here with you and she's twice as strict as me."

"On a good day," Evelyn added with a smile.

Orion watched as the room emptied. He had avoided one confrontation but knew it was only a matter of time. Hopefully Evelyn would keep them busy tomorrow.

"You all right, Ori?" Sirius quietly asked the moment all that remained in the room was the Black Team and Neville.

Orion let out a sigh. "I know I have to talk to them," he admitted. "I just don't know what to say."

"Then tell them that, dear," Aunt Alice said gently. "If they truly want to help you, they'll understand."

Orion nodded and bid goodnight to everyone before retreating to the West Wing. He could only hope that Hayden and Rose were that understanding.

A/N: I know, I know. This took forever. I'm trying, I really am. Real life-especially my job has been a real killer lately.