Ephemeral | A Lily & James Story

Decisions

     Professor Dumbledore is waiting patiently at his desk when we all enter. James still has his arm around me protectively, as if he can protect me from whatever Dumbledore has to tell us. I feel the tears ready to spill over as soon as the bad news is delivered. My brain is screaming at me to run because this is all too familiar, and I don't think I can do it again.

      But, Dumbledore does not look solemn today. He wears a smile instead of a grimace. Two men stand behind him. Alastor Moody stands behind Dumbledore with his usual frown and glares at all of us as we enter. The other man looks younger than Moody and more friendly. He has long, flowing brown hair with big brown eyes. He smiles at us as we enter.

     There are six chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk. He gestures for us to sit; we all do so without speaking a word. "Hello," Dumbledore greets us warmly. "I'm glad you all could finally make it." He gazes at James and I for a second, and I feel my cheeks become warm. Does he know everything?

     "This is Alastor Moody, I believe you all have met," he gestures to the left. "And this is Edgar Bones," he gestures to the right. "They are both aurors for the Ministry of Magic, and they are members of the Order of the Phoenix. You are all familiar with the Order as they rescued you six a few months ago."

     We all nod, shuddering at the memory. "Now, you are all mere months from graduating and being out in the real world. I wanted you all to know, you're invited to join the Order. It is a dangerous job. Nobody is promised complete safety or even to live. You are not permitted to tell anyone you are in the Order. You will fight, so if fighting is not for you, I do not recommend membership."

     I hear a sharp intake of breath come from James. I look at him out of the corner of my eye, and he looks like he's fighting himself to stay still. I lower my head to hide my grin.

     Dumbledore continues, "You can think about it, or you may accept the offer now if you would like."

     "I accept," the words fly from James' mouth so quickly it sounds like a jumbled mess.

     Dumbledore chuckles at James' answer. "Alright, anyone else?"

     "I accept," I say. I've never been so sure of anything. I've known for a few years I wanted to fight against Voldemort, but after he killed my parents, it made my few on everything different. It made the war real.

     Remus clears his throat, "Me too."

     "Me too," Marlene grins, a knowing gleam in her eyes. 

     "I accept," Peter squeaks nervously.

     All of our eyes shift to Sirius. His eyes have a faraway look in them. "Mr. Black?" Dumbledore prods.

     He looks over at the call of his name. There's a dark haze in his eyes keeping him guarded from the rest of us. "Do you accept?" Dumbledore asks.

     Sirius doesn't answer verbally, instead he nods curtly and looks out the window. "Well," Dumbledore smiles at all of us. "Congratulations, you six. You are all officially members of the Order of the Phoenix. You'll start after graduation."

     We all grin at one another, except for Sirius who continues to glare out the window. "Off to bed now," Dumbledore smiles at us, amusement brewing in his blue eyes.

     We all leave, buzzing with excitement. We talk hurriedly wondering what all we'll get to do in the order. Sirius remains silent, and nobody pushes him on it. "I'll meet you in the common room!" James shouts running in the opposite direction.

     "Where are you going?" I call after him.

     "You'll see!" He calls back with a wicked grin plastered to his face.