“War?” I asked, eyes wide. “Like ‘bang bang, you’re dead’ war?”

“No,” Dumbledore replied. “Like ‘Avada Kedavra, you’re dead’ war.”

“So what can we do?” James asked.

“We?” Professor Dumbledore asked. “You can do nothing. I’m sorry, but you’re too young and inexperienced.”

“We’re all of age,” Remus replied. “And I think we’ve accomplished a lot more than you think.”

“Oh, yes?” Dumbledore asked. “Surprise me.”

“Lily has nearly finished one of the hardest potions ever created,” James said. “And she’s invented tons of her own. She’s the best in our grade, has amazing tracking skills, and has sources in the Muggle and Wizarding world.”

“Remus has defended other kids unselfishly, putting his life on the line several times,” I imputed, remembering our interviews. “He’s entwined in the magical beast’s side of life, which could all be key sources to whatever this war is about. He’s also amazing at Defense Against the Dark Arts.”

“And James,” Remus concluded, “Is excellent in charms and transfiguration. In his fifth year he became an Animagus. He knows his way around the school better than the Keeper himself and has assisted in creating a map that shows everyone in it, which took loads of talent and time. He’s diligent and intelligent.”

We all looked at each other proudly.

Professor Dumbledore each gave us a penetrating look. “Some of that is surprising to me, and a lot of it could get you into trouble. I must admit though, your accomplishments are greater than I expected…”

Right then, something told me that Dumbledore had every intention of us fighting in the war, he just wanted to see if we’d stand up for each other.

“All right,” he said. “I give in. However, I must test you all. Let’s talk.

“At the beginning of this year I created something called the Order of the Phoenix. Several Professors, workers in the Ministry of Magic, and underground people participate in gathering information and spying on the opposite side.”

“But just who is the other side?” Remus asked.

“They’re called Death Eaters… headed by a man more fierce and evil than any others. He has no sympathy, no regrets. He will kill anyone who crosses him, child or adult. His name is Tom Riddle… but he’s proclaimed himself Lord Voldemort.”

Just the name sounded evil. I shuddered, but I was not scared. “And how do you plan on stopping him? How can we help you?”

“We can’t plan on stopping him,” Dumbledore answered. “But we can try our hardest. Right now there is only one thing you can do to help, which is successfully create that potion. Once you can do that we can have Remus help get the other werewolves on our side… Right now James and Remus need to help you as much as they can; they need to randomly ask you questions and have you recite the potion from memory.”

“Is it that important?” James questioned.

“Yes,” he emphasized. “Remus, of all people, knows what it’s like to not be able to control his cravings as a werewolf. Lord Voldemort will be using that to his advantage; it’s just one more thing he can use to scare everyone.”

Remus nodded. “I can imagine.”

“Fenrir Greyback,” Dumbledore said softly.

“No,” Remus hissed.

“What?” I asked. “Who is he?”

“He’s… he’s the werewolf who bit me,” Remus said, his voice shaky. “Dumbledore is right. You guys… this is really extreme.”

“This is also our families,” James interjected. “This is our friends, our teachers, our future kids that we’re protecting. You’re going to tell me it’s extreme? Of course it is Remus, but wouldn’t you rather die fighting for what you believe in then just sitting back and watching it happen?”

Silence followed.

“I want you three to realize that I’m not asking just anyone to join,” said Dumbledore. “I’ve picked you three out for individual reasons that you haven’t even named. I’m trusting the utmost secrecy from you all.”

I nodded. “I promise I won’t say a thing.”

“And I,” said James.

Remus nodded. “And I.”

“Well, let’s begin.” Dumbledore instructed, and pulled out his wand.