"Is that true?" Lupin's face lit up at once. He grabbed Harry's hand in surprise and exclaimed, "Congratulations, Harry!"
Harry smiled shyly, though the joy on his face was impossible to hide.
Beside him, Sirius rested a hand proudly on Harry's shoulder. "Harry, I have to say—you're looking more and more like your father."
"Yes… when Dumbledore told James he could join the Order of the Phoenix, he had exactly the same expression you do now," Lupin added with a nostalgic smile.
Nearby, Mrs. Weasley kept adjusting the wooden wireless with her wand, turning up the volume so that Celestina Warbeck's voice rang louder and louder. As the jazzy tune "A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love" filled the room, the whole drawing room felt warm and festive.
"Is that so… I see." A cold voice drifted in from the doorway. "So that idiotic look Potter wears—he inherited it from his father?"
"Snape?" Mrs. Weasley lowered her wand in surprise. "You've come?"
"Merry Christmas," Snape said coolly as he removed his black cloak and hung it on the rack by the door.
"Snivellus!" Sirius growled like an enraged wolfhound. "What did you just say?"
"I merely stated a fact," Snape replied with a contemptuous sneer. "What is it, Black? Do you intend to duel me here?"
"I've warned you, Snivellus!" Sirius's face twisted with fury. "Dumbledore may think you've changed, but I don't!"
Lupin hurried to restrain Sirius before he could draw his wand and charge forward.
"I couldn't care less about your opinion, Black," Snape said indifferently, turning away. "I am rather busy—unlike someone who enjoys endless leisure."
"What's all this shouting about?" an angry voice interrupted.
Alastor Moody stomped over, his staff striking the floor with heavy thuds.
Sirius Black and Severus Snape both turned their heads aside, offering no explanation. The others watching looked equally uncomfortable, unsure what to say.
"I don't know what grievance you two have," Moody growled. "But since Dumbledore trusts you, I'll assume you're both on our side. This petty squabbling will only amuse our enemies."
Sirius and Snape both lowered their heads, though neither appeared convinced.
"All right, Alastor, Sirius… Professor Snape…" Mrs. Weasley interjected awkwardly. "Dinner's ready. Let's continue the meeting afterward."
...
Everyone followed Mrs. Weasley into the dining room.
Ginny and the Weasley brothers had decorated it in a riot of color—so lavish it bordered on chaotic. A little angel perched atop the Christmas tree, though in truth it was a garden gnome that George Weasley had Transfigured.
Mrs. Weasley waved her wand, and roast turkey, salmon, and ale appeared on the table.
The hungry younger members immediately began eating with enthusiasm.
Mrs. Weasley stepped beside her husband and whispered, "Didn't Professor Dumbledore say he would come tonight? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"
"I'm not sure… Professor Dumbledore's been very busy lately. Perhaps something came up," Arthur Weasley replied, swallowing a mouthful of salmon.
Then he leaned toward Kingsley. "By the way, Kingsley—did you just say Lucius Malfoy escaped from Azkaban?"
"Yes," Kingsley nodded. "I overheard my superior, Gawain Robards, reporting it to the Ministry."
"That scoundrel! They actually let him escape again!" Mr. Weasley clenched his fists angrily. "I'll make sure he's caught and sent back!"
Meanwhile, Harry was excitedly questioning Lupin.
"Remus, you're saying that back in Romania… you thwarted a plot by vampires and werewolves loyal to Voldemort?"
"Yes, but that was nearly half a year ago," Lupin nodded. "I mostly handled the aftermath."
"How did you manage it? I heard Romanian vampires are extremely powerful!" Ron Weasley asked through a mouthful of turkey.
Lupin smiled and shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't share the details just yet. Professor Dumbledore has asked me to keep them confidential for the time being."
Not far away, Mad-Eye Moody had seized Sirius Black and was berating him loudly.
"The defenses around here are appalling! This is the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Even with the Fidelius Charm in place, you can't afford to be careless. What if something happens?"
Sirius nodded weakly, looking rather deflated.
The dining room was alive with Christmas cheer.
Only Severus Snape sat alone in a corner, holding a glass of bourbon whiskey and taking occasional sips.
He didn't look at the lively crowd. Instead, he kept his head lowered—glancing at his watch from time to time, as if calculating something.
Suddenly, an odd noise sounded from outside.
Snape lifted his head sharply.
...
A large crimson bird burst through the window in a spray of shattered glass, flying urgently into the room.
Every member of the Order of the Phoenix at the table fell silent, staring at the phoenix in astonishment.
At the same moment, a single feather drifted down from its body, landing in front of Alastor Moody.
Mad-Eye's expression changed instantly. He snatched up the feather at once.
"Damn it—this is a warning! Dumbledore's warning!" Moody shouted, his voice trembling.
"The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix has been exposed. Someone is on their way here. Everyone, prepare for battle and follow me. Sirius, take Harry and the others—get out of here!"