The sun filtered softly through the windows of Albus Dumbledore's office.
In front of him sat five students.
Dumbledore looked at them sadly over his half-moon glasses.
Here they were.
The ones Alastor had chosen.
It took a moment for him to remember how to speak.
"Ms. Evans, Mr. Potter, Mr. Pettigrew...Mr. Lupin... Mr. Black ..." As he addressed them, he met their eyes.
"You have been chosen to join the Order of the Phoenix."
A rustle of movement passed through them.
"The Order," Dumbledore continued, "Is a group that fights against Lord Voldemort."
More movement. Then, a voice.
"Professor... we're not of age." Lily looked nervous. Albus smiled. "The order will continue your education. Your mentor will be Alastor Moody—"
"I can't join."
The simple act of defiance came from Sirius. He looked almost...angry.
"Why not? You stated earlier that you wanted to be an auror—"
"You said I couldn't! you told me last year that nobody would hire a Black to be an auror!" the sixteen-year-old was almost yelling at this point.
"Sirius, please—"
"YOU LIED! YOU LIED TO ME—"
"Sirius, please. Sit down." Remus' quiet voice seemed to have a calming effect on the boy, and he slowly sat. Dumbledore continued.
"I...I did say that. But Alastor has decided that it would be better...to use his own words, 'to get you before they do.' You know that you're target of the death eaters..."
"Professor, I'm of a similar situation. What happens when I... you know..." Remus looked scared.
"It's all arranged."
The silence pressed in on them until they could almost hear it. Then:
"All I need you to do is sign this paper."
And they did.
Lily Evans
James Potter
Peter Pettigrew
Remus Lupin
Sirius Black
They would leave on August first.