Poison Ivy | T. Riddle ✔

[58] Order Of The Phoenix

Days lapsed into weeks and weeks into months yet there was no sign of peace anywhere in the wizarding community of Britain and its neighboring areas. Witches and wizards had started to get abducted, whole families who had opposed pureblood supremacy were targeted and it seemed as if the Ministry had lost all its power and influence.

Every passing day made the future look even darker and filled with turmoil. And in such dark times, the people needed a savior or rather a group of saviors to look up to, those who could defend them from the terrible darkness spread by Lord Voldemort.

And that group which intended to become a source of light to clear up all the darkness was the Order of the Phoenix. Founded by Albus Dumbledore along with the help of a few select of his trusted acquaintances as well as other notable wizards, the Order of the Phoenix took up arms to fight the Dark Wizards threatening to destroy their community.

The safe house's location where Perseus, Nathan and Demelza had taken refuge in was only known to Albus Dumbledore since he had been made their secret keeper. So it was possible for only him to visit them anytime he preferred.

It was one such day that Dumbledore visited along with Minerva McGonagall. Perseus had been keeping guard over the safe house at that time while Nathan and Demelza had been taking a rest. 

Demelza's condition had improved with time but the sorrow of her parents' death still weighed her down like a never ending curse. Nathan had made sure to do all he could to alleviate her health but with the current depressing times it had taken quite long for her to recover.

Perseus heard the slight signal that Dumbledore had told them of and he opened the door cautiously to see him and Minerva standing outside. He stepped aside to let the two in and led them to the living room, closing the door behind them and securing all the enchantments again.

"Perseus, this is Minerva McGonagall, she is a fellow professor at Hogwarts," Dumbledore began to introduce them, "and Minerva, this is Perseus Burke."

It seemed as if Dumbledore had already told her a lot about him for she gave an acknowledging nod, her eyes minutely observing the surroundings. Hearing the voices, Nathan came out from his room as well and since he had been a teacher at Hogwarts for a considerable time as well, he recognized McGonagall immediately.

Both Perseus and Nathan were curious of the reason to the two's visit though they hadn't yet asked it out loud knowing that Dumbledore would eventually reveal the reason himself. 

And true enough, he spoke up, "as you both know, these are not the best times for the wizarding world. A war has started and we have no other option but to fight for our own survival. Not much hope has been given by the Ministry so I have come to the conclusion along with a few of my trusted fellows that it is time for us to become our saviors ourselves."

They were listening closely to Dumbledore, waiting for him to elaborate further.

"We have come together to form an organization called the Order of the Phoenix to defend the wizarding world from this darkness that is being spread around. Witches and wizards of any blood, family or ethnicity are welcome to join. It is a union of all those who wish to take part in banishing the darkness and restoring our world to its former light."

Nathan nodded, understanding the initiative as he spoke, "and you want us to join?"

"I want more than just that, Mister Whitburg. I know the three of you can be very valuable in defeating Lord Voldemort. So I not only require your assistance as your complete devotion in this cause. Minerva here is one of the founding members of the Order, any questions you might have regarding it can be asked from her. And if you decide to join, then I will let you know of my next line of action."

Perseus's blue eyes flickered in doubt, "Sir, why do you think we can help you in defeating him?"

He had refrained from using the name knowing that it had become some sort of taboo among the wizards and even though it wasn't sure whether the rumors regarding him being summoned wherever his name was spoke were true or not, still Perseus did not wish to take any risk.

"Because you three are probably the only ones who have survived his motives from even before he became what he is now. You three are among the very few people who have known Tom Riddle and seen his transition to Voldemort yourselves."

Nathan had a thoughtful expression on his face, "and what if we decide to join the Order... What will we be supposed to do then?"

"Firstly, I would request you to allow us to use your safe house as the Order's headquarters. It is well protected, can not be accessed by many people and is probably the last place where Riddle would check for us."

"And would it not put us in jeopardy?"

"You are still not safe, Mister Burke," McGonagall answered that once, "all of us are in a state of jeopardy."

Nathan gave an affirmative nod to Perce in order to reassure him before turning towards Dumbledore, "we need some time to think. We can not decide anything without taking Demelza into confidence."

Dumbledore understood as he spoke, "absolutely. I will return for your answer. Take all the time you need until then."

"Thank you, Sir."

Before they were about to leave, Perseus asked McGonagall, "have you taught Eridanus? Eridanus Whitburg, my nephew. He is in Slytherin house, year seventh."

"Yes I have. He is a brilliant student," McGonagall replied, "and he fulfills his duties as Head Boy very well."

"I have a request to make," Perseus resumed, "keep a close watch on him. You may not know the reason but he will be targeted first of all if there ever is an attack at Hogwarts."

Dumbledore paused at his words," an attack at Hogwarts?"

"Your school might get infiltrated," Perseus elaborated, "you must know that even under your strict supervision, Riddle has laid out his traps. And I suppose you know the connection between Eridanus and Riddle, then you should also consider that he will try all means to get him on his side."

"I had never thought about it in such a way," the Headmaster mused, brow furrowing in concern, "but you are right."

"I request both of you to make sure that my nephew does not come to any harm. Because as long as he is a student at Hogwarts, his safety is the school's responsibility."

McGonagall knew not what connection existed between Riddle and the school's current Head Boy but due to the duty she felt towards all her students, she nodded in affirmation, "stay assured, Mister Burke, I will look after Eridanus myself."

***