April, 1978
As weeks turned into months, the eight of us grew closer. We obviously had our own groups. The boys were the Marauders and would always remain the closest. But me and the girls had our own group and I was confident nothing could tear us apart.
But as time went on we soon took our NEWTs and graduation was coming up. That meant we planned our careers. Me, for instance, already planned to be an Auror and was making the necessary arrangements. Lydia wanted to be a healer and she got an internship at St. Mungos. So far everything was going swimmingly. Except, of course, with the business of Veronique being a Death Eater.
There had been more attacks and as I walked the corridors and looked at the first years I couldn't help but wonder what sort of life they'll live in. I wanted to help ensure that they wouldn't grow up hearing of Death Eater attacks. I didn't want kids of their age to be hearing and worrying about such things. They were young wizards and witches. They needed to be focus on their school (not that I ever did).
Anyway, as April was drawing to an end I found myself in a very unique situation. I walked back from classes alone as everyone went to do their own thing. I was planning on meeting with Sirius when a voice from behind me said,
"Ms. Kaiser, is it?"
Turning around, I nearly dropped my books when I saw who was addressing me. It was none other than Head Master Albus Dumbledore. He walked towards me with a smile and folded his hands in front of him as he and I stood face to face. It took me too long a moment to find my voice again.
"Y-yes," I replied, adjusting the books I held in my arms. "May I help you, Head Master?"
Dumbledore smiled and walked past me. "Yes, actually. Come."
I was confused and I hesitated before following after him. He led me in front of a statue of a Griffon (I think that was what it was) and beyond my very eyes it turned and revealed a staircase leading upwards. Dumbledore ascended the steps and I followed suit, becoming more and more confused as to what the great Albus Dumbledore would want with me.
When we climed the steps, Dumbledore led me into a large room which I guessed what his office. My mind tried to process everything that was inside but in the end my brain only focused on one things. And that was the Sorting Hat, which laid on top of a shelf, looking at me with interest.
"We meet again," I said.
"Indeed we do," it replied. "And I can see you haven't yet figured out why I put you in Gryffindor."
"No, I haven't," I admitted. "But I've stopped thinking about it."
"You don't wonder?"
I scoffed. "No, not anymore. I just hope you will be more kind to the next generation of witches and wizards."
Not waiting for him to answer, I turned away and faced Dumbledore, who sat down at his desk. He beckoned me to sit down and offered me a large smile before adjusting the glasses atop his nose.
When I had sat down, he began. "It is my understanding that your sister, Veronique Teora Kaiser, is now a known Death Eater."
I froze. "Yes."
"It is also my understanding that your brother, Julien Lothair Kaiser, was dubbed blood-traitor for marrying a muggle."
Every minute that passed was another minute in which I became more confused. "Yes."
"What of your other family members?" Dumbledore asked, placing a lemon drop in his mouth. "Where do they stand on blood status?"
"My parents," I started hesitantly. "Are being influenced to be prejudiced against muggles and muggleborns. As for Ghislaine, I cannot say. She and I used to be close, but not any longer."
"Interesting," Dumbledore said mostly to himself. "And what of you, Ms. Kaiser? Where do you stand?"
"I think witches and wizards are all equal, and that their blood doesn't matter," I replied firmly.
"I have a feeling you were the rebel in the family." Dumbledore said with a smile.
"Not always. Only just recently have I learned my family's opinions don't matter."
Dumbledore frowned. "But shouldn't your family's opinion matter most of all—aside from your own?"
I shook my head and smiled sadly. "Not in my case."
"Hmm... But in the end your opinion is the only one that matters I suppose," Dumbledore told me, placing another lemon drop in his mouth. "Now, tell me, Ms. Kaiser. Have you ever heard of the Order of the Phoenix?"
I frowned, shaking my head. From there Dumbledore smiled and began to tell me all about it, as well as who is now a part of it—mainly Marlene, Lydia, and the others. And in the end, when Dumbledore was finished, he placed a life changing question before me.
"Ms. Kaiser, would you like to join the Order of the Phoenix?"
I didn't miss a beat. "Yes."
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May 1978
And so after seven longs, eventful years, I have finally graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Joining the others—Lily, Marlene, Lydia, and the Maruaders—in a pub in muggle London, I raised my glass in celebration.
"Well we did it folks," James said, draining what had to have been his fourth glass. "We've graduated!"
We all raised our glasses and cheered once more. Not being able to help myself, I turned to Sirius and pulled him down for a kiss. When we pulled away we were both smiling.
"Can you believe it?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck as he had his arms around my waist. "Can you believe it's been seven years?"
Sirius grinned. "To be honest, no. Do you remember when it all began?"
"Yes," I replied with a laugh. "On the Hogwarts Express, when you so rudely declined me a seat in your compartment. Good times, Black."
Sirius chuckled and kissed me once more. I wouldn't have mind never pulling away but then someone rudely tapped my shoulder. Rolling my eyes I glanced over my shoulder at Marlene, who held up a muggle camera. Before either of us could protest, the camera flashed as she took a picture.
"Really, Marlene?" I asked.
Marlene grinned. "Oh yeah. It's one for the books. It will be proof to my grandchildren when I fell them of the Black Plague victim, Cerisa Kaiser. Besides, Remus and I are making a whole book out of it."
Remus and Marlene gave each other a high five and for the rest of the night they took dozens of both wanted and unwanted pictures. And the rest of the night was pure bliss as we all laughed and had a general good time. I stuck close to Sirius as we guessed how many drinks it would take for Peter and Lydia to leave right then and there for a night at a motel.
We guessed about lots of other things too. We guessed the whole night through and then we reminisced about our seven years in Hogwarts. All our interactions, both big and small. We laughed at the betrothal Mother and Father had planned the with Blacks (let's be honest, Sirius wasn't the marrying type) and then we laughed about our first trip to Hogsmeade together.
The night was full of laughter, fueling us for the dark, dark rode ahead.
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Only two more chapters left!!! Thanks for sticking around for so long. Remember to read and review!! Love you guys!
