Story Title: To Trust an Enemy

School and Theme: Hogwarts

Mandatory Prompt: [First/last line] It was 11 o'clock when time stopped.

Year: 1

Word count: 1,121

It was 11 o'clock when time stopped. Sirius looks at Dumbledore like he was crazy.

"Oh no. Bloody hell no! We are not going to let Snape, of all people, join the Order of the Phoenix. No! Just no way," Sirius says as he glares at Dumbledore.

"Sirius, hear me out," Dumbledore calmly says as he folds his arms in his lap.

"Why should I? Snape's a Death Eater! He gladly followed You-Know-Who! Who says he won't go back to his side when he returns," Sirius points out.

"Sirius calm down," Molly says as he glances at her. "We should hear Dumbledore out before we come to a final decision."

"Thank you Molly. Now then, it would be best if you sit down while I explain everything," Dumbledore states as he glances at Sirius.

Huffing, Sirius plops himself down in his chair. He crosses his arms as he glares at Dumbledore. Waiting for him to start with the explanation.

"So, what do you have to say? We don't have all day."

"Very well. It all starts in the first wizarding war against Voldemort," Dumbledore starts. "I was sitting at my desk in my office when there was a knock at my door..."

Dumbledore looks up from the papers. He places his quill down.

"You may enter," Dumbledore tells them as the door opens up.

Severus Snape walks in, closing the door behind him. He walks over to Dumbledore's desk, a frown present on his slightly pale face.

"Ah Severus. What a pleasant surprise. I didn't know you were in the area. Would you like a lemon drop? They are my favorite candy," Dumbledore says as he gestures at the bowl of lemon drops.

"No. I don't have time to stay and chit chat."

"Oh? Well then, what do you need to tell me?"

"You-Know-Who knows of the prophecy," Severus tells Dumbledore.

Dumbledore's eyes widen slightly as he looks at Severus. He tries to find any hint of lies, but couldn't find any.

"What? How does he know? What does he know?"

"Apparently someone overheard the beginning part of the prophecy. He doesn't know the whole thing, but he knows enough that he is on the lookout for a baby that matches the one foretold in the prophecy," Snape explains to Dumbledore.

"Severus, what does he know?" Dumbledore asks him, folding his hands together.

"He knows that the baby's parents would refuse him three times and that the baby is born at the end of July. Lastly, You-Know-Who knows that the baby will lead to his downfall," Severus tells Dumbledore.

"Why tell me? Why come and tell your enemy about your plans? Unless, unless there is someone you want to protect. There is, isn't there?" Dumbledore says as he looks into Severus's eyes.

"Does it matter why I tell you?"

"It's Lily. She's the reason why you are telling me. You still love her," Dumbledore calmly states. "You don't want her to be killed by Voldemort."

Severus stiffens slightly as he stares at Dumbledore.

"I see. Alright, she and her family will be notified and we'll use the Fidelius Charm to hide them. We'll warn the Longbottoms as well."

The tension in Severus's poster disappears slightly. He opens his mouth to say something, only to be cut off by Dumbledore.

"You will keep me informed with what's happening, correct? It would be best if we know Voldemort's moves before he makes them so that we can make sure that the Potters and Longbottoms are safe."

"Of course," Severus draws out.

"Good. You'll report what is happening to me. It would be best if we keep this just between us. It will not help you or us if word somehow gets back to him. Not only would you be killed but it would also put everyone on our side at risk," Dumbledore explains.

"Alright, fine. I better get going."

"Sounds fair. I'll see you at our next meeting Severus," Dumbledore says as Snape turns towards the door and leaves.

"...And that's how Severus became a spy for us," Dumbledore finished explaining. "I know that telling you this won't make you trust him right away. But maybe it'll give you some proof that Severus will be able to help our cause. He's the only one who can tell us what the Death Eaters are up to."

Silence falls in the room as everyone thinks over what Dumbledore has just told them. Sirius looks over to Remus, who is sitting across and to his left. His eyes are closed and his chin is resting on his folded hands.

"I say we give Severus a chance," Molly speaks up for her spot. "He's an asset and an allay in our fight against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

Sirius looks over and opens his mouth to speak, only to be cut off.

"I agree. We don't have to fully trust Severus for him to help us. As the saying goes, 'an enemy of my enemy is my friend'. And as of now, we need every help that we can get. With the Ministry in denial, even after what happened at the TriWizard Tournament, we don't have the full support of the Auror Department," Tonks says. "With only Mad-Eye and myself, any helping hand will be a benefit."

Sirius takes a deep breath as he reflects with what Dumbledore told them. Even if what he said is true, can he truly trust Snape? No, no he can't. But the real question is can he tolerate him? If it's to protect Harry, then yes. Yes he will. Sirius folds his hands and opens his mouth.

"Well I don't trust him," Sirius says as they look at him. "But I do agree that we will need every help we can. If having him on our side helps protect Harry, I'll tolerate Snape."

Dumbledore smiles slightly and nods his head as he looks around the table.

"Alright. Anyone else want to say something?"

There is a soft murmur as people shake their heads.

"Splendid. I'll let Severus know and tell him of our location. Until our next meeting," Dumbledore says as he stands up and heads to the chimney to use the floo network to get back to Hogwarts.

Sirius slumps in his chair as everyone else starts to get up and head off to their next destination.

'I hope that this was the right choice,' Sirius silently thinks as he releases a sign.

Only time will tell.