It was seven nerve-wracking days later, after dinner, when the Skulls moved on Albus and not only were the answers to all the riddles finally revealed, but his anxiety over Malfoy's decision regarding them as a couple was laid to rest.

A black hood had been placed over his head, he'd been marched around the castle this way and that to confuse his sense of direction and he'd been magically Confunded to keep his wits scrambled, so he couldn't identify his "kidnappers". Amused at the precautions to confuse him, as his sense of direction was impeccable and his ability to read auras allowed him to know whom his captors were right away, he played along.

When they finally stopped walking around in circles through the halls, and up and down staircases, they arrived inside a room he hadn't ever remembered being in before, although he knew from the march that he was somewhere on the fourth floor, near the library. He stretched out his magical senses to "feel" the auras of those around him.

Mister Personality, Shale Finnegan, was hovering behind and to his left. Violet Zabini was situated behind and to his right. At his own back was Malcolm. Besides them, there were two others in the room: on his direct left, Gryffindor's 'Golden Boy' Justin Diggory, second cousin to the boy who'd been murdered during the Tri-Wizard Tournament more than twenty-five years before, and at his right shoulder, Brick Flint.

Al's heart rate increased as he realized what this meant: he was either being initiated into the Skulls tonight or stripped of his pledge pin and denied membership. The likelihood of either happening was about fifty-fifty, as he knew he'd not been the model novitiate.

Pressure on his shoulders was a silent command for him to sink down. He obeyed without protest, going to his knees, wondering what would be required of him as soon as the hood was removed.

A familiar aura rolled into the room with all the power of a humid summer storm closing in fast, overwhelming Albus' senses like a punch to the gut and sending his cock into a painful, tight erection almost immediately. He took a deep breath, trying to will oxygen into his lungs.

Scorpius had been ignoring him for the last week; he hadn't even looked his way once. Al had tried not to let it bother him, as he'd promised to give the man space and time to work through his issues and make a decision. Still, it had been an emotionally difficult time, as it seemed that every time he shut his eyes, all he could remember was the taste and feel of Malfoy's heavy length pumping between his lips. He'd wanked so much over the intervening days that he was seriously dick-sore. So it was probably not much of an exaggeration to believe that being in the same enclosed space with Slytherin's undisputed head boy now was almost torture to poor Albus' libido and heart.

"Are the initiates ready to serve?" Scor asked, his smooth, cultured voice as compelling as his aura.

Well, that answered the question as to what Albus was doing there. It seemed he was being indoctrinated after all.

Macmillan gave his shoulders a small squeeze, letting him know that he had permission to speak. He paused, considered it… standing on the edge of the precipice. If he went forward now and made the vow, there would be no turning back. But was he willing to join the Skulls for his father or for himself? What did he want?

"This pin means more than you can possibly imagine, Al. You received it because someone didn't see your father's worth in you, but your worth as an individual. To them, you weren't just Harry Potter's son, but Albus Potter, a wizard in his own right. I can't tell you anymore, but… please don't give it up. I think you really could bring something unique to the Skulls."

Mac had sponsored him, as he'd suspected all along – and the guy's aura read proud and 'clean' to Al's senses. There wasn't a niggle of dark magic on him, or the feel of lies and deceit that accompanied someone with ill intent. He should have never doubted the guy. He should have trusted his own instincts more. Whatever the Skulls were, they weren't into an anarchistic overthrow of the government. No way would Mac be involved in something like that.

And his best friend believed in him; he thought the Skulls was where Albus belonged… Yet, was this what he wanted for himself?

"Sis said she thinks you're under too much stress from the pledging, and that maybe you should reconsider."

Rose had always known him better than he'd known himself. Perhaps there was something to her concerns.

"If the Skulls isn't your thing, Al, then you make the right decision for you about what is – and don't let anyone tell you differently."

He had the support of a respected teacher and mentor to pursue the things he loved.

"You need to just put yourself out there and stop letting fear or other people's expectations dictate your actions… and your future."

Jamie had made the best argument of all, however. Albus had wanted in with the Skulls for years. He'd worked hard to pull his grades up so he could be recognized, and he trusted Mac and Scorpius not to be involved in anything dark magic-related. Being a member was his decision based on what he wanted, not on what his dad had required of him. Therefore, he decided that he wouldn't be tattling any secrets to his father… unless, of course, it did turn out that the Skulls were into dark magic. Then he'd have to deal with the fallout.

His money was on them being a legit organization though. He was willing to take the chance in trusting his own instincts in this case. "I'm ready to serve," he replied, putting conviction behind his words.

Flint and Diggory mimicked his response.

"Excellent," Scorpius commented with aplomb. "Then, Sponsors, please remove the hood from your charges."

With a yank and a rustle of fabric, the darkness gave way…

…to reveal a mostly empty room with tall, cathedral windows made of stained glass. Moonlight filtered down through them, casting rainbow shadows across the bare, stone floor. A large, white wooden throne was situated directly before them, its seat upholstered in russet-coloured velvet. Scorpius lounged back in its plush majesty, fully comfortable in his position of authority. Candles burned in a matching pair of standing candelabras to either side, providing the only other light in the room.

He clapped his hands twice, to a very precise beat. "Come forth all members of the Order of the Skull and Serpent."

A door off to the right opened, and in walked all of his classmates who had already passed the membership test. They filed in by twos, walking as if they were partnered up with the person at their side. Each of them wore a costume that resembled their school uniforms – but instead of the standard colours of their individual Houses striping their ties or lining their robes, they wore instead an earthy brown-dyed tie, and pitch-black robes. The House insignias that normally rested over the heart were gone, replaced with a design that merged the two types of club pins: a key with wings styled behind a silver skull, with a serpent lying in a coil around them both. In their right hands, each member gripped their wand, while in their left hand they all carried a small tea candle lantern that was magically lit.

The room filled, as the group circled around behind him and came up on his left side, to finally stop when the first members reached the throne and the last had come in through the door. As the final individual stepped through, the portal to the corridor was shut and locked, and a Silencing Charm was cast over it to ensure privacy.

It was with some strong measure of surprise that Albus recognized Professor Longbottom stepping up to Scorpius' side.

Now that was something he hadn't expected. He'd known his teacher's son, Orin, was in the Skulls, but the man himself was too?

Speaking of the devil, Orin Longbottom broke away from the group and sauntered up behind Albus, taking up a place next to Malcolm. He placed his hand on Al's right shoulder when Malcolm relinquished his hold on that side. The move made him feel as if the two blokes were sharing rights to him or something equally as strange.

A sudden seriousness swept through the proceedings. Scorpius sat up straight in his oversized chair, the entire membership stood at attention, and it was deathly quiet.

"Sponsors, you have carefully selected your recruit from amongst the top percentage of your classmates," Professor Longbottom addressed the four members who stood behind Albus, Diggory, and Flint. "They represent all of the best attributes upon which this fraternity was founded: loyalty, integrity, and strength of conviction. Their wand arms are strong, and their hearts fierce. Speak now the name of your charge, so that all in this assembly may hear it and remember."

Violet Zabini's voice rang out true. "I stand firm behind Bradley Allen Flint, also known as 'Brick'."

Shale Finnigan slapped his hands on both of Justin's shoulders and nodded with conviction. "This 'ere is Justin Noel Diggory, an' a finer man there no be. I stake me very bones on 'im." His Irish accent was strong, but clear as he beamed with pride.

Albus wanted to tilt his head back to see what his two sponsors were up to, but he kept his face front and his attention on Scorpius, looking for any sign of potential trouble. So far, the man had remained stoic, fixated on the proceedings.

"I offer my hand in life-long friendship to Albus Severus Potter," Malcolm called out with conviction.

"And I pledge my wand to him in the same spirit," Orin added.

"He is deserving," they stated together, their answer clearly rehearsed in advance of today's ceremony.

To his mortification, Al felt the unexpected sting of tears begin to prick his eyes at the poignancy of his Sponsors' words. Quickly, he lowered his gaze to the floor and blinked them away. The proclamation had been sincere from both men; he'd felt it in the marrow of his very bones. He'd also felt Malcolm's sad resignation to the fact that he and Al would never be more than what they were right then, and Al's heart ached for his best friend.

I'm sorry, he thought. If I could love you like that, I would.

Scorpius abruptly stood up, and this pulled Al's gaze back to him. A piercing, grey-eyed stare met his, then Justin's, and finally Brick's before moving back to Albus. "Pledges, your Sponsors have spoken of your worth and wish to add your names to our rolls. If this is not your desire as well, speak now so that you may be forever released of all obligations to the Skull and Serpent."

None of the three initiates opened their mouths.

As if expecting that response, Malfoy nodded. "Let it be noted that Justin Diggory, Bradley Flint, and Albus Potter have no dispute with their membership application."

Glancing over, Al noted that Professor Longbottom was giving him a bright smile. He attempted to return it, fighting off an uncontrollable, nervous twitch in his cheek. So far, the entire proceeding had seemed relatively benign – well, except for the black hood and kidnapping part. But then, he'd sort of expected something so ridiculous, given the hazing he'd undergone.

"Pledges: lift your right hands, palm outwards," Scorpius instructed.

The three initiates did as required.

Albus wondered if he was about to learn some sort of bizarre handshake, as he'd often heard secret societies tended to have as part of their ritual. Instead, to his astonishment, Orin and Malcolm came around and both pressed their wands into his hand. He noted the other novices similarly being armed by their Sponsors.

"Do you, pledges, so solemnly swear on your honour and your powers as wizards to serve the cause of righteousness and justice?" Malfoy asked them.

That one seemed relatively easy to answer. Albus nodded. "I do," he vowed. He heard his answer once more mimicked by the other initiates.

"Do you, pledges, so solemnly swear to faithfully serve the cause of fairness, promising to be impartial and according equal respect to all Beings – both magical and Muggle – to the best of your power?"

"I do," Albus replied. Again, a no-brainer for him.

Violet nudged Brick with her wand when he took a moment longer to answer. "Oh… I do. Absolutely," he stated in a rush, his cheeks blooming crimson. Al glanced over and noted that the guy's aura was a unique combination of lust, love, and embarrassment just then, and Al had the distinct impression from the way Flint's eyes dipped to Violet's bared legs, that those feelings were being directed at the witch.

Scorpius didn't seem to be bothered by the pause. As Master of Ceremonies, he kept the show going. "Do you, pledges, so solemnly swear to faithfully uphold the laws of the British Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards, and to defend these organizations' rights to govern Wizarding law in your capacity as Junior Auror Apprentices?"

Albus' jaw hit the floor.

What?

That was the big secret: the Skull and Serpent were Junior Aurors?

With owlish eyes, he blinked several times, fixating on the pins on Malcolm's and Orin's ties, and slowly, everything clicked into place.

A winged key… the symbol for seeking knowledge. Perhaps it was even a symbolic homage to his father, who had once chased such an object around in an effort to open a door that would lead him to the Philosopher's Stone. That tale had been ingrained into Al's mind since he'd been a child, and it made sense that the Junior Auror Apprenticeship program would refer to its Department head in some manner.

A skull… the universal sign of secret power, signifying the right to make life and death decisions. Aurors were tasked with such burdens in the line of duty, he knew.

A serpent coiled, vigilant and ready to strike when necessary… denoting the role of law enforcement authority.

Holy. Fucking. Shite. Why hadn't he figured it out sooner? Why hadn't his father?

Malcolm nudged his hand to remind him to respond. "I do," he murmured, cleared his throat, and tried again. The second time, he spoke with more conviction. His roommate grinned down at him, nodding in approval.

Vaguely, Al heard Scorpius continuing the swearing in. "Do you, pledges, so solemnly swear to obey the laws of the Skull and Serpent, including its most sacred vows of commitment to excellence, of fraternal loyalty, and of secrecy. Do you swear to protect your brother wizards and sister witches to the best of your ability, and to lay down your life for the cause of creating a world of equity, of hope, and of peace?"

Al fervently nodded as he stated an enthusiastic, "I do."

"It is time to reveal our secret mandate, given down to us by one whose wise guidance has never failed," Scorpius announced. As he stepped back, and the Sponsors moved behind their charges once more, a figure covered from head to toe in black velvet robes stepped before him. The individual was of medium height and feminine of gait. When she pushed the hood of her cloak back, Albus actually gasped aloud.

It was his Aunt Hermione.

Her warm, earthen gaze rested on him but a moment before moving to the other two recruits. "Know this, newest members: this secret order was founded during a dark time in our history. When I was a young girl, Ronald Weasley, Harry Potter, and I, along with others formed a coalition of students to fight back against those from within the Ministry as well as without who would bring about its downfall and allow the darkest wizard in our history to reign supreme."

"Dumbledore's Army," Al breathed in awe.

His aunt nodded. "Yes, Dumbledore's Army. Its purpose at its inception was to educate and prepare my generation for the fight that was to come. I fully believe that without that vital preparation, the student body here wouldn't have been in as solid a position to fight back against the Death Eaters and Snatchers who made war on this school. I have since worked with the former Headmistress, Professor McGonagall, rest her soul, as well as with the current one – Professor Sinistra – to assure that our children are prepared for the world outside the walls of Hogwarts. Hence, the mandate of Dumbledore's Army has been reinstated in recent years to recruit young wizards and witches who would be interested in pursuing a career in either the Aurors or Hit Wizards after graduation."

She turned to Scorpius. "With the help of President Malfoy, we've been able to do an admirable job of ramping up the program over the last several years."

Albus' crush gave a modest nod of his blond head in acceptance of the praise.

"Our selection process has been refined to determine those with the greatest potential to succeed," she nodded at Albus and the two recruits at his side. "The specialized and focused training you'll receive from your Sponsors, not only for the rest of the school year, but also during the summer, after you graduate, will clear the way for you to take the Auror test this winter, rather than waiting two additional years, as normal recruits would. That is, if you choose to continue into the Auror Apprenticeship Program. If not" – she shrugged – "the choice is yours, but we hope you will consider it for a career option."

She addressed the assemblage as a whole. "As we do every meeting, I call you to remember your place, members of the Order of the Skull and Serpent. The Aurors are our world's silent watchers - the ones who keep us safe from the darkness. The Skulls are their legacy – their secret second hand, should the Aurors fail in their duty. This is your charge, members all. While you wear the pin, should you be called up into action, you will answer the summons. This is part of the responsibility of membership. If this is not your wish, speak now so that you may be relieved of the burden."

She gave it a long minute, but no one stepped forward or spoke up. Everyone, it seemed was proud of their affiliation with the Skulls. Albus could feel their pride radiating from them like a warm wave. It lit up every person in the room with a golden halo.

"Let the record show that no pin was relinquished this night, and three new ones were added to our roles," his aunt intoned.

She stepped back, taking up a spot next to Professor Longbottom, and Scorpius took over.

At that point, the ceremony began to fuzz. Al was so excited to swap out his pledge pin for a member one, and to have Malfoy not only replace his House tie with a nut-brown one like the other members, but also to place his new pin on his new tie personally, that everything else seemed to fall away.

As Scor's elegant fingers adjusted the tie, and assured the pin was properly situated, the man lectured him on the responsibilities to the dress code. "And don't forget your pin again," he joked, reminding Al of the hazing incident that seemed a million years ago.

"No, sir," he replied.

Malfoy's gaze cut to his, and a lustful nimbus began cushioning around his form. He reached up to readjust the pin. "Good, because the next time, I'd have to officially reprimand you." As he pretending to fumble with the clasp of the pin, the backs of his fingers caressed Al's chest.

The sly touch quickened Al's heart rate, heated his blood, and made him realize that Scorpius was giving him a signal: he was still very interested, despite his apparent distance all week. A knot in his chest relaxed a bit at that.

Malfoy moved on, applying the member pin to Justin's tie next, but the whole time, Albus could see from the man's aura where his thoughts truly lay.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Author's Notes:

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