Adligo Magus

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Ginny had begun to avoid Hermione more than would be considered normal. Hermione thought about confronting her, but decided just to give her time to cool off. This year had truly turned out to be a magical one. It was supposed to be an exciting year to remember forever. Her graduating year as Head Girl, what she had always wanted would be perfect, on the arm of the perfect guy. She used to think it would be Harry. A foolish thought. Hermione didn't agree with the thought of being the woman "behind her man" or any such nonsense but she always had the fancy of being swept off her feet.

Hermione rolled her head back and sighed. How was she ever going to get anything accomplished if this was how she spent her time? She sprawled herself out over the plush chesterfield she was occupying and lavished in the warmth and comfort of the Gryffindor common room. She plopped the massive hardcover text she had been perusing through on the ground and wondered what she was going to be doing this weekend. All her homework was already finished, but she could use some catching up on her studying. "Maybe a visit to Hagrid this afternoon will help to clear my head." She said while nodding as if reassuring herself that that would do the trick.

"Miss Granger, I wonder if I might have a word." A familiar Scottish brogue voiced. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything." She said questioningly.

"No Professor McGonagall, I was just resting." Hermione replied. Professor McGonagall smiled in relief and stepped fully through the porthole into the room.

"I think it would be more suitable if we spoke where curious ears have no opportunities to listen." Hermione nodded as her Head of House walked back through the porthole and down the corridor. They walked in silence side-by-side at a brisk pace that looked surprising to see from a woman as aged as Professor McGonagall. Hermione was having trouble keeping pace.

After McGonagall unlocked the door, they entered the Transfiguration classroom and made their way to the back room, McGonagall's office.

"Please, Miss Granger, have a seat." McGonagall said as the chair she had been motioning to was pulled from the desk and placed near Hermione. Hermione took the opportunity gladly. All this stalling was making her more edgy by the second. Silence proved a useful tool in many situations.

Professor McGonagall sat in the chair on the opposite side of the desk and looked directly at Hermione as if deciding whether to begin or not. "You know of the Order and it's...dealings." She paused and Hermione nodded. "Well, I'm not quite sure how to say this Miss Granger, but I have been asked to request that you become a member." Hermione stared for a moment and then frowned slightly. "Yes Miss Granger, you are still in school and that is a breach in the rules of the Order. The Headmaster is expecting you shortly and will explain everything as well as formally induct you into the Order of the Phoenix, if you wish to join that is. We don't want to keep the Headmaster waiting." She said rising from her seat.

Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. As far as she knew, the rules of the Order were practically set in stone, and most likely were. Times were getting desperate though and the final battle was drawing ever closer.

Hermione followed again in silence, though her mind certainly wasn't. There were so many things she wished to know about this whole ordeal. She supposed Dumbledore would explain in due time but until then it was impossible not to wonder. Why would she be asked and not Harry and Ron? Why had she never known that there was a formal initiation process and what exactly did that entail?

"Don't be nervous child." Professor McGonagall said with a warm smile, all too knowing. Hermione smiled back gratefully and felt somewhat more at ease about this whole ordeal. Twenty minutes ago she was worrying about which position on the couch would be the most comfortable.

They soon reached the stone statue of the gargoyle, and paused a moment for Professor McGonagall to recall the password.

"He's just changed it. Give me a moment dear. It's some sort of muggle sweet." She said impatiently. She tapped gently on the Gargoyle's shoulder and repeated quietly, "Lauvance." A strange sound began to emanate from the figure, as of the crunching of stones beneath ones foot, until finally the face seemed to come to life. The eyes were blinking and looking at the two, though it was hard to read any emotion in them as they were still made of stone. The mouth however was formed into a wide smile.

"Minerva! I haven't had a chat with you in ages." It said in a cheery voice that Hermione wouldn't have placed with the creature. She tried to hide her look of pure astonishment but McGonagall saw completely through it.

"Miss Granger, there is no need to be alarmed. Of all people I thought you would know of Lauvance. No matter, Hermione Granger I would like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine. This is Lauvance Lapideus, keeper of Hogwarts. He is the rightful owner of the school."

"Pl...pleased to meet you." Hermione said, a bit unsure of herself. She made a mental note to look into Mr. Lapideus' history later on.

"Well, I haven't been formally introduced like that in years. It feels good to hear your name like that." He said chuckling.

"I can't remember the new password Lauvance, would you be able to help us out?"

He looked a little put out when she said that and replied, "You don't wish to speak with me a little while longer? Dumbledore's gotten so busy lately that he barely has time to mutter the new password on to me. I suppose it won't be trouble to just let you pass. An imposter wouldn't know of me so it must be you." With that he seemed to harden back to his old self, repeating that crunching noise and the way opened before them.

"He doesn't get to talk much with people, as nobody really remembers that he's there anymore. I feel bad for him but I never really know what to say when we talk. I can't even mention the weather or any such thing." Professor McGonagall confessed to Hermione as soon as they were a fair ways up the spiraling stairs and out of earshot from Lauvance. "I'd appreciate if you didn't tell many people of him Miss Granger. I don't want the whole school stampeding over to him. He is also supposed to be the guard in any emergencies so it's better that not many people know of him."

"I understand Professor. He is quite extraordinary though." Hermione said, still bewildered by the thing. Gargoyle's coming to life was something she thought she had left behind in Muggle fantasy. It almost made her forget why she was going to see Dumbledore.

Professor McGonagall knocked gently on the Headmaster's door and it was opened almost immediately by Remus, who possessed a small and warm smile that was directed towards Hermione. "Hello Hermione. Come in." He said. Hermione entered and Professor McGonagall followed. A small group of Order members was inside as well as Dumbledore.

"Ah, Minerva, Miss Granger, it's wonderful to see you on such a lovely day. I hate to run straight to business but, Minerva were you able to explain what exactly Miss Granger is here for?"

"I told her Albus. Though, I decided to leave the details to you." She replied simply.

"Wonderful. Then let us begin." Dumbledore said. "Hermione would you please step forward." She walked to the center of the room and the Order members present formed a circle around her. She recognized all, and was sure that that had been the intention. Tonks smiled gracefully at her, with a wiser look to her today. Her hair was completely straight and white though her face was not quite as old. McGonagall took her place beside Tonks. Molly Weasley was beaming at Hermione and standing next to Hagrid who was also beaming. Hagrid however looked as if he was trying not to cry. Snape eyed her casually and stood next to him and with Dumbledore on his other side.

Dumbledore opened a large book with silver pages and gold lining. "You have been called forth to join in our alliance. We witness this day with trust, loyalty and kinsmanship. Who stands before us in acceptance, equal to those that surround you?"

"Hermione Granger." She replied, hoping that was all she was supposed to say. She almost felt like she was getting married or something.

"Through great peril and loss you must stand by the Order. You have been chosen for your strength, perseverance, compassion and great understanding for all those that you know." Hermione's face was beet red from embarrassment. "Under the oath and the eyes of our Gods and Goddesses; the Firsts, do you swear? Under your oath you profess your love for all the creatures and magic that make this world. Under your oath you swear never to be swayed by greed, hate and the promise for power." Dumbledore paused.

"Hermione Granger, do you swear?" The Order members said together.

Hermione jumped slightly in surprise. "I swear by my essence of which is pure, that I will never be swayed by evil. I swear to stand by the Order through great torment and all dangers that may follow. I swear to love and cherish all that exist in this world." Hermione hoped that was adequate.

She didn't have much time to think over her response as a great glow came from the book and seemed to surround her. She felt a cold air sweep over her as if water was being poured over her entire body. It was over in a matter of seconds.

Dumbledore then continued, "Hermione Granger, I accept thee into the Order of the Phoenix." He wrapped his hands around a small charm from a necklace she hadn't noticed before. She could see it glowing through his hand.

"Hermione Granger, I accept thee into the Order of the Phoenix." Hagrid said with a gigantic grin plastered across his face. He too placed his large hand around a charm and it began to glow. This continued until finally Snape uttered the words that Dumbledore had started. All had a hand around a glowing charm. Hermione was completely unsure of what to expect at this point.

Dumbledore pulled out his wand from his other hand and the rest mirrored his actions. "Adligo Magus." They all whispered in unison with their wands pointed towards Hermione. She felt a strange sensation on her neck and as she looked down she saw a black chain with a silver pendant. The pendant was a small bar and in the center was a red gem that she was sure was a ruby.

"Welcome to the Order of the Phoenix." Dumbledore said smiling. All began to clap and cheer.