Astra

LXXI - The Order of the Phoenix

Sirius' eyes widened in realization, though he still wore a stern expression. "But you won't be joining the Order -"

"I'm literally offering a group of spies that can go anywhere around the world in half a second, track people, have no trace on themselves and no chance of betrayal, and most of them are driven by revenge of their deaths. I'll be in no danger whatsoever!"

Sirius sighed, visibly contemplating the situation. Astra had made a strong point, she wouldn't be in any danger at all, and it would be extremely helpful, even if Sirius honestly didn't care as much about that point.

"And if you don't let me join I'll be learning everything that's going on from Regulus, who has agreed that I need this information."

So there really wasn't any decision for him at all.

***

There was a crash downstairs that lead to screaming from Walburga Black, and Sirius and Astra running to the hallway. 

There, in front of the door, was a woman with bright pink hair who had tripped over some sort of coat hanger, Remus Lupin, and a group of redheads that were the Weasleys behind them.

"Sorry 'bout that," said the pink-haired woman, who looked vaguely familiar, yet Astra wasn't exactly sure who she was.

Remus helped her up and the Weasleys bustled around them, bringing in bags that were either carried or levitated. There, Astra could see Bill, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny. All of them other than Ron seemed shocked at seeing Sirius so casually standing in the hall, though he quickly left to take care of the portrait, even if they had been told of his innocence.

"Come along, I'll show you to your rooms," said Astra, trying to make somewhat of an effort to befriend Ginny, the only one who she hadn't completely gotten along well with.

Ginny simply nodded, not saying anything, though Ron gave a grateful, "Thank you."

"You'll be sharing with me for now, but Hermione and Luna might be coming later this summer and then I'll move to Reg's room -" she realized her mistake in mentioning Regulus so casually, but continued in hopes that they wouldn't realize, "And Ron, you'll be by yourself for now until Harry comes. Fred and George- where are Fred and George?"

A loud crack sounded in front of them, making Ron and Ginny drop their bags, though Astra was used to it from Kreacher.

"How can we be of service?"

"By not being a nuisance," Astra responded cooly, grabbing on of Ginny's bags and heading the rest of the way to their room, leaving the twins, Ron, and Ginny slightly in awe.

She introduced each of the Weasleys to their rooms, warned them not to go up to the fifth floor where the hippogriff was staying, and moved on to the kitchen where the adults were now starting to clean.

"Ah, Astra, there you are. Remus, Tonks, and Bill won't be staying here the whole time but they'll probably be visiting a bit for the Order -"

"Why are you talking about the Order in front of her?" Mrs. Weasley whipped her head around and whispered harshly.

"Don't worry Mrs. Weasley, I already know everything; I'll explain tomorrow." She glanced around the room and realized that the pink-haired woman was Nymphadora Tonks, her third cousin if she wasn't mistaken and the daughter of Andromeda Tonks.

Mrs. Weasley looked questioningly at Sirius, but Astra left before she could cause an argument, instead heading to Ginny's room.

She was about to open the door when she heard two people talking inside.