The Marauders Begin (I)

The Order of the Phoenix

December 17, 1971

In the Headmaster's office, ALBUS and MINERVA sit at the desk, each clutching a glass of firewhiskey. Near the side of the room, Fawkes the phoenix stands perched on a pedestal.

ALBUS: So, it was a good term all in all?

MINERVA: (nodding) I'm just starting to get the exams graded.

ALBUS: Very good. I must say, there are some things about teaching I certainly do miss, but grading exams is not one of them.

MINERVA: You've got more important responsibilities though, Albus.

ALBUS: (nodding solemnly) Indeed, I do.

MINERVA: What do you foresee is going to happen, in the near future?

ALBUS: Concerning what?

MINERVA: Don't pretend with me, Albus. You-Know-Who is out there. Biding his time. Growing stronger. Gaining followers. It won't be long until his regime takes a dark turn.

ALBUS: The fault of this situation lies with me and me alone, I'm afraid.

MINERVA: Don't try to act so noble.

ALBUS: I am merely speaking the truth. I was the one who told Tom Riddle about the wizarding world, Minerva. I am the one who introduced him to this life. And I am the one who should have seen the monster that existed within him.

MINERVA: We all thought he was destined for great things, Albus. It's as much my fault as yours. (She refills her glass of firewhiskey).

ALBUS: Well, what's done is done.

MINERVA: And your plan?

ALBUS: (laughing) My plan? There's not that much of a plan, Minerva.

MINERVA: We talked about this, Albus. When this becomes war, the Ministry will not stand with us. They will deny that You-Know-Who is a threat.

ALBUS: And you propose that we form an army outside of the Ministry's control?

MINERVA: Not an army, but a- a vigilante group. Secret service. Strong wizards who are able to work in the shadows without being detected.

ALBUS: It sounds interesting. And highly illegal.

MINERVA: Since when were you one to follow the rules?

ALBUS smiles.

MINERVA: So has anyone expressed interest?

ALBUS: (stands up and walks to the window, gazing out over the grounds) Several have. Let's see, there's Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mundungus Fletcher, Arabella Figg, Dedalus Diggle- and Arthur and Molly, of course.

MINERVA: I hear Arthur and Molly are expecting their second child soon. They might not be able to help out very much.

ALBUS: All the same, I think we'll be able to put an impressive group together.

MINERVA: (skeptically) Really? An "impressive group"? Mundungus Fletcher is an embarrassment to the name of wizard, Arabella Figg is a Squib, a load of help she'll be to our cause-

ALBUS: (smiling) You underestimate these people, Minerva. Mundungus has connections in the black market underworld, and having a Squib informant will be valuable to gaining insight in the Muggle world.

MINERVA: Very well. I think our numbers will grow nevertheless.

ALBUS: They might, Minerva. But for the time being, you yourself cannot be a part of this organization just yet.

MINERVA: (surprised) And why ever not?

ALBUS: It's a renegade group, Minerva. Supporters of the Ministry will not take lightly to it, and if all else fails, I need to be sure a strong teacher remains here to take my place.

MINERVA: You're not going anywhere anytime soon, Albus.

ALBUS: Nevertheless. What I need now is an Animagus. Especially one with a small and easily concealed form such as your own.

MINERVA: May I ask why you require such a unique person?

ALBUS: (smiling) I'm sure you'll find out soon enough.

MINERVA: (standing up and sighing heavily) Well, you have certainly given me a lot to think about, Headmaster.

ALBUS: I'm afraid I must also ask you to think of one more thing for me.

MINERVA: Oh?

ALBUS: The name of this organization.

MINERVA: (laughing) The name? Hmm. (She gazes around the office, and her eyes eventually fall on Fawkes, who is fast asleep on the pedestal). Phoenix.

ALBUS: The Phoenix?

MINERVA: The Order of the Phoenix. There's your name. Take it or leave it. (She turns around and makes her way out of the office).

ALBUS: (calling after her) Have a good holiday, Minerva dear.

The door closes and the office falls into a steady silence; ALBUS sits down at his desk, smiles slightly, and leans back in his chair.