𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐑𝐀 | 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

✧ chapter 52 ✧

1977

The selected seventh years didn't need to wait long for their answers, as by lunchtime the time sheet was posted in the common rooms.

Aurora noted that it was impossible for anyone else to have signed up even if they wanted to in the short time it took for the meetings to be organised and the times posted. Each of the seven's names were listed alphabetically with a different time printed next to it throughout the day. It didn't seem plausible that meetings could have been arranged in less than a few hours should anyone else have chosen to set up a meeting and everyone's suspicions only grew.

No matter how hard they tried to understand however, none of them could come up with a realistic answer as to why they were even having these so-called counselling sessions. The idea that they would actually be receiving career advice also seemed less and less credible as the minutes ticked by. The whole situation was fishy and the Gryffindor's were eager to find out what was actually going on.

✧✧✧

The following day was when the meetings would take place. They had been scheduled alphabetically, another indicator that this had been decided upon well in advance. First on the list was Sirius, who was to leave during Transfiguration; their first lesson for the day.

Sirius approached Dumbledore's office full of apprehension. He muttered the password McGonagall had given him to the gargoyle, which in turn stepped aside and let him through.

"You may enter, Mr Black." Dumbledore's voice sounded just as Sirius was about to knock on the door.

He slowly stepped into the room, closing the door behind him and taking a seat opposite Dumbledore at his desk.

"I have it on good authority that you wish to become and Auror, Mr Black. Is this true?" Dumbledore began, glancing over his half-moon spectacles at the nervous boy in front of him. Sirius just nodded, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He noted that Dumbledore held a long roll of parchment in front of him and brandished a quill, as if ready to mark a checklist. This did little to settle Sirius's nerves.

"Well, you're performing at a satisfactory level in all of your classes. You got all E's and O's in your O.W.L's and I don't doubt you will do just as well in your N.E.W.T'S should you really dedicate your time wisely." He continued, glancing back at the parchment in front of him and marking something off, "But we aren't here to discuss your grades, Mr Black."

"Excuse me, Professor, but may I ask what we are here to discuss?" Sirius finally asked, feeling a lot less nervous now that it was clear he wasn't being reprimanded for performing poorly in his classes.

"You may ask, yes." Dumbledore replied. The two sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, Sirius furrowing his eyebrows.

"I granted you permission to ask, I did not say that I would answer." Dumbledore stated after another long silence where Sirius grew increasingly perplexed and slightly annoyed.

"Right," was all he replied.

"What I really called you here for was proof."

"Proof?"

"Yes, proof that you have what it takes."

"What it takes for what, Professor?"

"What it takes to fight." Dumbledore finally revealed, although in all honesty he still had not revealed much.

"Well, I do well in all my classes and work well under pressure so I think I would make quite a good Auror-" Sirius was cut off by Dumbledore raising a hand.

"I do not wish to hear of academics. What have you done thus far to prove yourself? What motivations have you for fighting the dark forces in this world?"