The Legilamander (Book 1) ~ An Original Harry Potter AU

Prologue

A     C H A N G E     I N     T I M E

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The sky darkened in color as the sun began to set behind the hills in the cool, early evening. Stars aligned the depths of the atmosphere as it changed into different shades of pink, orange and blue. The small, white specks above fought to shine brightly. Some remained small and distant in the lighter regions of space. Others glowed immensely so they appeared twice their actual size. The outlines of trees darkened until they were silhouettes along the immense range of grassy fields that stretched on for miles. Owls hooted a quiet calling while crickets gave their rhythmic chirp as the moon started to appear from behind the translucent clouds.

A castle lay beyond the forest at the edge of the hill where the ocean's waves roared at the bank like a mighty beast. The lights of the marvelous structure illuminated its surroundings, but it gave an eerie effect as it loomed over the sea's dark waters. The grounds around it lay peaceful and undisturbed, the mysterious creatures inhabiting the forest remaining within their comfort. They didn't dare break the peace with whatever lay beyond their boundaries.

Meanwhile, within the colossal stronghold, few beings occupied the area, and quietly went about their evening business. In a lower area of the castle however, an elderly wizard sat at his desk within a large, spectacular office which was filled with all sorts of portraits, files, and magical items. A phoenix lay silent in its cage beside a window, it's golden and red feathers being warmed by the gentle, evening moonlight.

The man beside the majestic bird gazed down at the paperwork before his hands but did nothing to them except examine each written line with meticulous scrutiny. He was clothed in magnificent, silky gray robes along with half-moon spectacles over his pale blue eyes and a tassel hat detailed with an interesting pattern of thread at the rims. Even though he sat in a low chair, he still looked reasonably tall and thin, not to mention his long, silver hair and beard that nearly reached his knees. Many years of experience and wisdom clouded his gaze, but something occupied his thoughts at the moment while he remained behind his cluttered workstation. A wand, unique to any other in the world, lay beside the papers, the lightly colored wood remaining warm from when its owner last held a firm grip upon it.

Silence filled the room as the only sounds to be heard were the clock's ticking and the soft snores and breathes of the portraits above. But the quiet atmosphere was soon disturbed as a knock echoed from behind the large door of the office. The old wizard looked towards the noise. "Come in," he called gently, his voice as soft as fleece, but as old as the castle he sat in. Slowly, the door opened, and from the other side came a witch who looked almost as elderly as the wizard that owned the large workroom.

She was clothed in long, emerald green and black robes with a matching pointed hat resting on the top of her mousy brown and grey hair. Her light blue eyes complimented her light-toned and slightly wrinkled skin which made the female sorcerer look wise, powerful, and even stern. However, another emotion, another thought, clouded her gaze as she stepped half-heartedly into the spacious area. Heels of her shoes clicking on the ground below, the witch stood before the older wizard and remained silent at first. 

Eventually, she spoke in an easy, yet slightly anxious voice, "You requested a word with me, Professor Dumbledore?"

"Indeed, Professor McGonagall," Dumbledore nodded. "I have an urgent matter to discuss with you. One that may just change the future of our era." An eerie silence filled the room, nothing moving except for the hand of the ticking clock and the flaming red phoenix who had awoken from its slumber. Its eyes curiously examined the two magical beings before itself, neither of them uttering a word for a few moments.