Remus Lupin arrived at Grimmauld Place a bit early for the Order’s meeting. He went into the meeting room where he found Sirius Black, Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, and Kingsley Shacklebolt exchanging news from the day. Sirius eagerly listened to each of the other’s stories. Remus knew that staying in the dark, dreary, dreadful house all day was wearing down the man’s spirit. He had traded one form of imprisonment for another, going from Azkaban to the house that held memories that were better left forgotten.

Nymphadora was telling a humorous tale of family life when a silver doe Patronus glided into the room. It stopped in front of Sirius and the room went silent as it heard the voice of Severus Snape say, “Are you alive and safe? Potter has had visions to the contrary.”

Sirius quickly sent a message back to Severus that all was well at Grimmauld Place and inquired about Harry. Unrest settled in the room as no reply came back from Severus for over 30 minutes. When the reply came, the room bustled with activity. The doe reappeared and said, “The foolish Potter has disappeared into the Forbidden Forest with Dolores Umbridge and has not emerged. I am worried that the foolish boy believes his visions that Sirius is being held prisoner by the Dark Lord at the Ministry of Magic. Sirius, remain at headquarters and to inform Dumbledore about what is happening. Everyone else go save the misguided fool and his friends.”

Remus quickly sent back a message that Alastor, Tonks, Kingsley, and himself were heading to the Department of Mysteries and that Dumbledore would be informed of everything once he arrived at headquarters.

The difficulty came when everyone tried to convince Sirius to remain at headquarters. “Sirius, someone needs to remain behind and tell Dumbledore what is happening! Your life is endangered at the Department of Mysteries! You are the best person to remain behind.” Remus tried his best to convince his friend, but in the end Sirius would not hear any of it. He was not going to ignore that fact that his God Son was in danger. He was not going to be left behind this time. Kreacher could tell Dumbledore everything. Remus would ever more feel guilt at loosing this battle with Sirius. If he had tried just a bit harder, would his friend still be alive?