Sirius stretched, his joints cracking, then headed for the door.
"I'm going to Diagon Alley to pick out a few flashy robes and tip off the Daily Prophet while I'm at it. Tell them the Marauders Power Company has something big in the works."
Green flames flared, and Sirius vanished into the fireplace.
Lupin glanced at Douglas, nodded, and followed him out.
Only Douglas and Bill remained in the room.
Bill did not leave right away.
He stood by the window, watching the crowds coming and going along Diagon Alley.
"What is it? Still worried?"
Douglas asked casually as he read the documents Sirius had left behind.
"No, not about the plan."
Bill shrugged.
"I was just thinking... after this operation, whatever happens, the wizarding world is bound to be in turmoil for a while."
"I want... I want to see Pheobe before going to that hellhole full of Dementors."
Douglas's hand paused, and then a wicked grin curled his lips.
"Oh, not even Azkaban can keep out the sickly stink of young love?"
"It's called mental preparation, Old Dao."
Bill countered with perfect confidence, the fang earring on his earlobe swaying.
"Think about it. I'm going to face hundreds of monsters that want nothing but to suck all the happiness out of me. If I don't recharge first, what if I can't cast the Patronus Charm when the time comes?"
"Go on, go on."
Douglas waved dismissively, as though shooing away a fly.
"Just don't be too late. And don't tell Pheobe the specifics of the operation.
French girls may be romantic, but safety still matters.
I don't want the headmistress of Beauxbatons storming over to demand answers before we've even set off."
"I know where to draw the line."
Bill chuckled and strode toward the door.
As he