Advance Guard

The Advance Guard were the members of the Order of the Phoenix that retrieved Harry Potter from 4 Privet Drive and escorted him to 12 Grimmauld Place on 6 August, 1995. This was done to provide Harry with a more secure environment after a pair of Dementors attacked him and Dudley Dursley in Little Whinging.

History
Prior to its arrival, the Advance Guard lured the Dursley family away from their house. Nymphadora Tonks fabricated a letter informing them that they were among the finalists for the All-England Best-Kept Lawn competition, and the family was heading to the awards ceremony when the Advance Guard arrived at 4 Privet Drive.

Out of the group, Harry only knew Lupin from before, and had spoken to the real Alastor Moody and Dedalus Diggle only briefly. This was Harry's first meeting with the remaining members, most notably Nymphadora Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt. The Advance Guard and Harry travelled to Grimmauld Place by Broomstick, flying in formation with Tonks flying in front of Harry, Lupin underneath, Moody behind and the rest circling. There was a rear guard set up, so that if anything happened to the advance guard, the rear guard could take over, but this was, fortunately, not required.<

Alastor Moody suggested the entire group travel above cloud level for better concealment, but he was overruled by Nymphadora Tonks, who protested they would get soaked with water. Later, he also suggested that they double back to ensure that they were not being followed, but Tonks once again screamed at him, and the group was saved by their arrival at Grimmauld Place.