March 4, 1974
In the Headmaster's office, ALBUS sits behind his desk and MINERVA sits in one of the chintz armchairs before him. They each hold a glass of firewhiskey. Towards the side, Fawkes the phoenix suddenly bursts into flames, burning to a small pile of ash.
MINERVA: (covering her face) Goodness, Albus. You need to warn me when that happens.
ALBUS: My apologies, Minerva. I knew that Fawkes' departure from us would come any day now.
MINERVA: (sipping her firewhiskey) Anyway. What's the latest, Albus?
ALBUS: I'm afraid things are taking a turn for the worse.
MINERVA: In what way?
ALBUS: (sighing) The Dark Mark was cast in the Forest of Dean last night.
MINERVA: No! It can't be!
ALBUS: I assure you that I speak the truth.
MINERVA: That terrible skull and snake- that sign that Riddle had when he was a student here, the one they copied in their notebooks and branded on the walls-
ALBUS: The very same.
MINERVA: But what does this mean?
ALBUS: There were no deaths reported. But this- this is the start of it all. This is how war begins. Riots, rebellions.
MINERVA: And the Minister refuses to act?
ALBUS: She tracked down the caster of the Mark, actually.
MINERVA: Who on earth was it?
ALBUS: Antonin Dolohov. He was interrogated, but eventually released.
MINERVA: Is that a joke? How in Merlin-
ALBUS: Technically, they did not commit any crimes, Minerva. But I believe this most recent event will predict the significance of such a symbol. The Dark Mark will soon become Voldemort's signature: one of chaos, and confusion.
MINERVA: (ominously) And death.
ALBUS: Death is only a part of life, Minerva. To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.
MINERVA: How can you say that? Our people might be attacked any day now! You just said it, the war is coming-
ALBUS: I know it seems chaotic right now, Minerva. But the night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the sun is rising.
From the pedestal, a new Fawkes the phoenix emerges from the ashes, reincarnated. ALBUS smiles and slowly pets the bird.
YOU ARE READING
The Marauders Rise (II)
FanfictionIn 1973, the Marauders enter their third year at Hogwarts and are immediately thrown back into a world of magic and mayhem. James, Sirius, and Peter, under the guidance of Minerva, devise an unorthodox way to help Remus during his transformations, a...
