I'm posting this prologue to see if there's interest in this story, and if there is, I'll continue. Anyway, warning, if you're obsessed with canon, I've completely jumbled the timeline, making Minerva and Albus younger while making the marauders slightly older. Yes, this is an AU fic set in the marauder era, and will feature Lily and the marauders. Just don't expect dates and immaculate age stuff. Also, there's OCs, which feature prominently, so yes, this is an OC fic.
Anyway, on with the story, and enjoy!
WINTER CHILD
By Tides of Gray
PROLOGUE
It had been a warm, bright day. Now, the moon had ascended to its seat in the high inky sky, and peered down, its shafts of pearly light sprinkling onto the figure of Minerva McGonagall, who was sitting by the window in the Headmaster's study.
Cassandra Trelawney was sitting before the Headmaster, her hair tamed and her beautiful gold glasses perched on her thin nose. There was a delicate air to her, with her long spidery limbs. Her eyes were a soft grey, luminous as she peered at the Headmaster.
Albus Dumbledore was inspecting the sheet of paper in front of him, written was Trelawney's resume and other details. She was a noted Seer, having made several prophecies which now resided in the Department of Mysteries. She had applied for a job at Hogwarts.
Minerva had been invited to the interview as she was newly appointed Deputy Headmistress after Albus had taken the position of Headmaster following Dippet's retirement, and was frowning at the idea of Divination. Maybe it was because the only OWL that Minerva had received a Dreadful in was Divination, or maybe it was because she didn't believe in a set future. But Minerva had respect for Trelawney as a person, although not much for her subject.
After Albus offered the position and was accepted by Trelawney at once, the three sat down to talk about recent events. Tom Riddle, now otherwise known as Lord Voldemort, was beginning to gain a substantial power base. The Wizarding World was not in turmoil, for Riddle's organisation was young and Wizards were still slightly punch-drunk after Grindelwald's defeat by Albus a few years back, but Riddles activities concerning Muggles and the Dark Arts were beginning to become frightening and vivid. Frequent reports of murders were appearing in the Daily Prophet, and even the thick-headed ones knew that something was simmering.
Soon, Dumbledore gazed at his starry watch and realised that the meeting should be drawing to a close. He rose, showing Trelawney to the door, when suddenly, Cassandra's eyes became unfocused, and her body became limp. Dumbledore gripped Trelawney's shoulder; he knew what was to happen. Minerva stood there, shocked, gazing at Trelawney with large eyes.
Cassandra opened her mouth, and her voice was no longer airy.
"Winter child of phoenix friend
Born as the twelfth month fades
To united war and light
She will destroy a Dark Lord's delight
Mother, she will need
And find, as the 13th moon is defined
Born she is as the twelfth month wanes
Marked by a war's love and pain."
Cassandra slackened into Dumbledore's arms, and the room was silent. Minerva gazed at Dumbledore with questioning eyes. He was about to answer her questioning gaze when Cassandra suddenly awoke, confused.
"What happened, Headmaster? I feel tired."
Dumbledore smiled, "I think you tripped and knocked your head slightly. I checked you for injuries, and discovered you in perfect health. Allow me to show you out."
After both Minerva and Dumbledore had escorted Cassandra to the Great Hall where she flooed back to The Three Broomsticks, the two walked back up to Albus' office. After the door was closed, Minerva turned on Albus.
"Why did you lie to her?" Minerva demanded, "And why did she not know of what she said?"
"My dear," Albus smiled, "You must have not taken Divination."
At this, Minerva's cheeks became slightly red. She turned her nose up in the air to hide her embarrassment in disdain.
"Cassandra just made a Prophecy, my dear. She is a Seer, with a very clear Inner Eye. Yet all Seers are unable to know of their own Prophecies, only the listener shall know and those who work in the Department of Mysteries," he raised his hand to stop Minerva's sure interruption, "You are wondering why I did not tell her about what she had just said. The Prophecy she has just made is of great importance."
He walked over to the Pensieve, and lifted his wand to his temple. A thin substance streamed out and floated down to the water.
A shadowy form of Cassandra Trelawney arose from the depths, and recited the prophecy once more to Minerva's curious ears. She spiralled back into the misty Pensieve she had come from, and Minerva turned to Albus, who had a bemused expression on his face. Their eyes met, and she saw his confusion written in the wrinkles around his face. She moved closer to him and took his hand to comfort him.
"Winter child of phoenix friend," Albus reiterated, and turned to Minerva, "Phoenix friend, Minerva. Fawkes...I have never seen another with a Phoenix familiar, my dear. Winter child...Minerva, I fathom I shall have a child! But to whom, I wonder."
Fawkes trilled from his perch, his clever eyes watching his friend talk with Minerva.
But the happiness was extinguished from his eyes, "The prophecy predicts war and a Dark Lord. Tom Riddle, I shall hazard a guess. Oh no, my dear, so close after Grindelwald..."
"There is hope, Albus," Minerva touched his chin, "The Prophecy. And we always have you, my love."
He melted into her soft embrace; they would have each other during this inevitable war to come, no matter what occurred. They placed the Prophecy out of their mind for the evening, yet were unknowingly fulfilling it. The Fates were winding a new thread.
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