Soon, you and your three sisters were in an entertainingly decorated room to have a quick council before heading to the tree. It was relatively early and students were still frightened to go out some so you should have at least some privacy when out there; a small silver lining to the sad state of the student body; It also didn’t hurt that the tree was somewhat far from most thing that would have people around, save patrols by teachers, Caretakers, and the ‘Wudgies which Aubrey knew by heart.

“First order of business is to grab some leaves if we can. I think me and my harlot of a twin-“

“Frick you, girl lover.”

“- can pick them so we have a reason to be over there. Plausible deniability and since you are getting some, Major Macy, for mad science stuff it is an added benefit. And fuck you, how many little boys are you up to now? 20? 30?”

“Just the one and David, even if he is a little older. And maybe I'll add Brandon to the collection too if I can find him after we graduate. And…”

“Wait! The little kid!? I can not condone that! You are like 4 years older!”, your extremely well-armed adoptive sister sputtered out.

“Don’t mind them. They have been doing this shtick since I met them. That cute boy is safer than safe around Brigadier General Emily, Captain Aubrey. Heh. These code names are fun.”, your cinnamon-haired little sister laughed out and played with a very expensive looking fidget toy Aubrey had.

“Ah… okay. Not like I have room to really speak, I guess… next, General?”

“Second order of business, girls. I think we need more help. Not that many, it would draw too much attention, but… we should bring Travis. He is out of the infirmary, right? And I am not expecting to need to beat up any monsters or jerks today, so him being in no shape to fight is fine.”, you said while sitting in front of the others like a commander.

“Blackthorn! That willy villain? What if we find something? Discover a tool he can use to grow his already immense Dark Powers, General?!”, Aubrey shouted out in objection. Stood at attention when addressing you for some odd reason. “And… he is still hurt. I need him in good shape for our final showdown”, she said, and a bit of concern leaked past the mask.

“He is also the only one of us who can send a Patronus if something happens, ‘Brey. He has known that we are looking for the wand even before my twin. He is a history nerd and good enough to hold off a Hidebehind that took all of us to kill; strong. Smart. He is a useful soldier in our fight to protect the School.”, you countered.

“He is already involved, Captain ‘Brey. And those sigils? He recognized them from somewhere. If anything were to happen, we will keep him safe or help you take him down if he goes all Dark Lord.”, Emmy added.

“F-fine. You're the boss. I am getting stacked, though. I'll make an exception and let you borrow some real guns and knives for this mission, General Jenn”