Order of the Phoenix
AU / Same world as all of my previous stories.
The world and the characters in it belongs to J.K. Rowling
AN: This story will be a multi-chapter one, I don t know how long or how frequently will I update but I will try not to finish on a cliffhanger. If you got any constructive criticism feel free to share it.
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In the heart of Hogwarts Castle, the night hung heavy like a secret waiting to be uncovered. Professor Minerva McGonagall, with her robes billowing behind her like the wings of a vigilant owl, traversed the dimly lit corridors with purpose. Her footsteps echoed softly against the stone floor, a solitary sound in the silent castle.
Tonight was different. A sense of urgency prickled at the edges of Professor McGonagall's consciousness as she made her way to the headmaster's office. The silver wisps of her breath danced in the cold air, mingling with the faint luminescence of the enchanted torches that lined the walls.
She reached the familiar stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the headmaster's tower and uttered the password. With a low rumble, the gargoyle stepped aside, revealing the spiral staircase that led to Professor Dumbledore's sanctum.
As she ascended, her mind raced with questions, each more troubling than the last. What could have prompted Dumbledore to summon her at this late hour? Was it another disturbance in the Forbidden Forest, or perhaps news from the Ministry of Magic?
With each step, the weight of responsibility settled deeper upon her shoulders. Whatever awaited her in Dumbledore's office, she knew one thing for certain: the night held secrets, and it was her duty to uncover them, whatever the cost.
As Professor McGonagall reached the top of the staircase, the familiar sight of Dumbledore's office greeted her: shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes, curious magical artifacts twinkling in the soft candlelight, and the towering figure of Albus Dumbledore himself, seated behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes fixed upon her.
"Minerva," Dumbledore said, his voice a gentle breeze in the stillness of the room. "Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."
Minerva nodded, her expression grave, as she settled into the chair opposite Dumbledore. "What is it, Albus? What has brought you to summon me at such a late hour?"
Dumbledore's expression grew somber. "It concerns Tom Riddle."
At the mention of the name, a chill swept through the room. Tom Riddle was the enigmatic student whose dark charisma seemed to draw others like moths to a flame.
Dumbledore continued, his voice tinged with concern. "I fear that Riddle's influence is growing, Minerva. He has been luring young mainly Slytherin students to his cause, whispering promises of power and greatness, all at the expense of our Muggle-born brethren."
Minerva's jaw tightened at the news. She had long suspected that there was something sinister lurking beneath , but to hear confirmation of this sent a shiver down her spine.
What can we do, Albus?" she asked, her voice tinged with urgency.-
I'm forming an order and hope you can take a big part of it by my side Minerva."
Dumbledore observed the mix of confusion and determination in Minerva's expression, realizing she needed clarity. "Minerva, allow me to explain. The Order of the Phoenix is an organization dedicated to opposing Tom. We are can stand against the darkness, protecting the innocent, and preserving the values of acceptance."
Minerva listened intently, absorbing the gravity of Dumbledore's words. "
"And you want me to join this Order," she stated, more as a statement than a question.
Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "Indeed. I believe your strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to our cause would make you an invaluable asset. That is why I am asking you to join me as my right hand."
Minerva's heart swelled with a mixture of honor and apprehension. The weight of Dumbledore's request was immense, but she knew deep within her soul that it was a call she could not ignore. "I accept," she replied, her voice steady with conviction.
Dumbledore leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "We must be vigilant, Minerva. Keep a close watch on the students, especially those vulnerable to Riddle's influence. We cannot allow his dark ambitions to take root within Hogwarts." He leaned back in his chair, his expression grave. "Severus Snape has shown a remarkable aptitude for the Dark Arts, Minerva. But he is not beyond redemption. I have managed to persuade him to join Riddle's ranks as a spy for the Order.
So that is why you meet with him in the Astronomy Tower. -Minerva's eyebrows knit together in surprise, her eyes full with doubt. *(See author note at the end)
"Minerva, I can see the turmoil in your eyes. Speak your mind, my dear friend."
Minerva expression was full of grave. "Albus, I fear Severus's proximity to Lucius Malfoy and his companions may compromise any attempt at espionage. He's too deeply entrenched in their world, too close to the darkness."
Dumbledore regarded her thoughtfully, his piercing blue eyes seeming to penetrate to her very soul. "I understand your reservations, Minerva. But we must consider all avenues in this fight. Severus possesses a rare gift a deep understanding of the Dark Arts that could prove invaluable in our struggle."
Minerva bristled slightly at the mention of dark magic, but Dumbledore continued before she could interject.
"Remember, Severus has always been a complex individual. His loyalty may not always be apparent on the surface, but it runs deep. He has his own reasons, reasons that go beyond mere allegiance to our cause."
Albus's gaze grew distant, a shadow passing over his features. "For the sake of himself... and for the sake of Lily Evans."
Understanding dawned on Minerva as she realized the depth of Snape's sacrifice. Lily Evans, the bright young Gryffindor who had captured Snape's heart, even as their paths diverged.
"He cares for her deeply," Minerva murmured, more to herself than to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "Indeed. Snape's allegiance may be tenuous, but as long as there is love in his heart, there is hope."
"Love can be a powerful motivator," Minerva mused, her gaze drifting to the window where the moon cast its silvery glow over the grounds of Hogwarts. "But it can also be a vulnerability. I hope you are not forgetting what happened between him, James and Lily"
The old wizard nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Minerva. Love has the power to inspire greatness, but it can also be exploited by those who seek to do harm. That is why we must tread carefully and ensure that Snape's motivations remain aligned with our own."
A heavy silence settled between them, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl.
"Severus is a learning Occlumecy from me, and He proved to become a natural in it" Dumbledore continued, his voice low and measured. "But even the strongest shields can falter under the weight of emotion. We must provide him with the support he needs to withstand the temptations that will undoubtedly come his way."
Minerva nodded, her mind racing with the implications of Dumbledore's words. The fate of the wizarding world hung in the balance, and the role of one young student Severus Snape was more critical than ever.
"We will do everything in our power to ensure his success," Minerva said firmly, her resolve strengthening with each passing moment. "For the sake of muggle born, and for the sake of all those who depend on us."
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*This is happening in the first part of my another story, called: Memories in Time
AN: So with this I started to lay down the the bases of my AU universe.
The main differences will be:
1. The main pairing is Severus and Hermione (she will be of age by then)
2. Severus will be a bit OOC, and He joined Voldemort as a spy for Albus and for the newly formed Order of the Phoenix.
3. Lily and James will survive the attack.