Darkening Skies

[Karlynne]

Disclaimer: JKR owns all.

To Kassie who brightens my day


Darkening Skies


Chapter One

The last moments of night clung tightly to its hold on the sky. The stars had long since disappeared and only someone with a discernable eye could make out the glimmer of a ray of light just beyond the mountains overlooking Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Albus Dumbledore turned pale blue eyes towards his office window to catch the first glimpse of a paler black sky. Once again he was awake to greet the new day. He tilted back in his chair and tried to discover what was bothering him. For months he had felt a vague disquiet whenever he had a few moments to relax. The past several weeks he had endured many sleepless nights but beyond a niggling doubt that he was overlooking the obvious, nothing had come to mind.

The hours of darkness always gave way to the light of morning but lately the sun did not dispel the gloom. He found himself pleading with the sun to shine brighter to chase away the night rather than easing it away.

He rose from his desk and walked over to a large mahogany cabinet and opened it. He pulled out his pensieve and settled it on his desk. He took his seat again and began removing memories from his head. It took over half an hour to remove them before he began swirling his memories around in the pensieve. Two hours later the sun had risen fully and he felt the castle awaken with the movements of students heading to the great hall for breakfast. After carefully replacing the memories he returned the pensieve to its place in his cabinet and folded his hands beneath his chin.

It had been over thirty years but he was certain it was beginning again; another dark lord was on the rise. After the defeat of Grindelwald Albus prayed there would be a great many years of peace for the wizarding world and mankind in general. The muggles determinedly continued to wage war but the wizarding world had been in a relatively calm state for the past few decades. Now his fears were coming to light again. He could see a pattern to the random deaths and disappearances that had been reported.

There would always be wizards determined to wield their way to power over others by any means necessary. There were several wizards that Albus had been keeping his eye on for many years. Most would never gain the support of followers willing to aid them in their quest for dominance but one wizard was particularly troublesome in Albus’ opinion. Tom Riddle had left Hogwarts and delved into the dark arts with a relish he had not seen before.

Albus had known Tom Riddle during his seven years as a student at Hogwarts. He had taught the boy each year and knew the evil growing within the child. Unfortunately, he could not prove any of his suspicions after the death of poor Myrtle and the wrongful expulsion of Hagrid from school, but he had no doubt the Riddle boy was behind the events despite the lack of evidence.

Then he had been Deputy Headmaster to Armando Dippet and unable to convince the man that the Head Boy was not what he seemed. Albus had kept an eye on Riddle after he left Hogwarts. He kept tabs on his travels and knew he studied beneath several wizards known to be proficient in the dark arts.

Several reports had come to Albus mentioning the quest for immortality that Riddle seemed to hope to achieve. Tom wanted power but he wanted to enjoy it forever not just for a lifetime. World domination would not be enough unless it lasted until the end of time if it existed.

Albus certainly didn’t want the peace to end. He enjoyed being Headmaster and although several chided him for eccentricities he was very popular among members within the Wizengamot and the Ministry of Magic. Many held him as not only the most powerful wizard of the times but also the wisest. This amused him greatly but he did not discourage this belief. If it provided comfort to any person who chose to believe he could keep them safe then he was willing to allow them that small measure of relief.

The days had been so dark during the reign of Grindelwald. Albus could recall the times he picked up the newspaper at breakfast to discover another of his friends had perished at the hands of the evil dark lord or his minions. The deaths had been hard to bear and it was years later that he had finally been able to mourn for them properly. With so many lives lost it had been hard to grieve each loss individually. Faces would blur together after awhile and often he had forgotten someone had died due to not having many funerals performed during the darkest of times.

Worse than the deaths were the disappearances. Too many nights spent wondering if a loved one would return only to discover weeks, months, or years later if you were fortunate, that they had perished. Grindelwald had cast the wizarding world into the grimmest era Albus had ever known but this new terror would prove far worse. He was certain Tom Riddle, while still a young man during Grindelwald’s reign, was not going to make the same mistakes his predecessor had. No, Grindewald was boastful and flaunted his power over weaker witches and wizards. The new dark lord was already working in secrecy. There would be no letters sent to the ministry to announce an attack nor would Tom try to overthrow the ministry. He would recruit and infiltrate until he leached his control in all areas of wizardry.

Albus took in a deep breath and released it slowly. He was getting older. At one hundred and thirty years of age he was in his prime by wizarding standards, at least in his opinion. Riddle was at least ninety years his junior. No, he had defeated his dark lord. This new threat was up to someone else. He would just have to do all he could to aid the next savior of the wizarding world.

After the defeat of Grindelwald, Albus had formed an organization to work against threats to the wizarding world. By careful maneuvering he hoped to squelch burgeoning danger with a carefully placed word in the minister’s ear or in the ear of an auror loyal to the cause. The Order of the Phoenix had been born a year after the downfall of Grindelwald. He had gathered a few trusted and loyal friends to aid in the defeat of any self-proclaimed dark lord.

Chief among his worries of another dark lord rising was his budding relationship with his Deputy. Minerva McGonagall was Head of Gryffindor House, Professor of Transfiguration, as well as Deputy Headmistress and their friendship was growing stronger than ever. They had worked together approximately twenty years but within the last couple of years he noticed she was opening up more. She was certainly more relaxed when they met in his office. Her laughter was rare but when she indulged it brought a light to her eyes that lifted his countenance. To her students she was strict yet fair, stern yet shockingly sentimental at times.

They did not see each other during their free time but they lingered after meetings and attended most mandatory ministry functions together. He wasn’t certain when it had become customary for him to escort her to those events but it had become an unspoken question each time an invitation was received and she never failed to inform him she would gladly accompany him.

Her loyalty to him knew no bounds that he had discovered and she ruled over her house with a firm hand. Gryffindors fiercely protected their Head of House against slanderous remarks, which never failed to melt his heart. She was a formidable adversary to anyone threat, an ideal candidate to become a member of the Order of the Phoenix.

He feared he was losing his heart at last.

[TartanPhoenix]

This is a really good start. I enjoyed how you set up Abus' emotions; it should be interesting to see how it plays out. Great job

[Sensiblyquirky]

Excellent. I'm glad you posted this, and I'm eager for the rest.

Christy

[ginger newts]

That was really well done, I could feel Albus' emotions and worry...very powerful. I hope there's more soon.

[Kassandra]

I don't know if this is what you were doing yesterday but I can't wait to read more. I hope Minerva feels the same way about Albus.

[QuillofMinerva]

An interesting start and I cant wait to see the directiom you take this story in

keep up the great work

[Lady Lavendar]

You had to stop right when it was getting good didnt you? Well, this story is vary good, and I hope you update soon!

LL ;D

[Kandice]

Cool I didn't know you were writing another. Update soon. I know your schedule.

[Isabelle]

This is an interesting start. I'm looking forward to more!

Liz

[Karmin]

So this is why we can't get on is it? I hope to see quick updates then. I like the start.

[Orion's Guard]

Excellent, man!! Good strong beginning before we hit any of the fun dialogue and large conflicts. I can't wait for more!

[Kamdra]

I hope the romance starts quickly. I'm sort of impatient but no pressure. I'll wait. Kammie

[griseldalafey]

I like the start of this. *grin* I wonder what Minerva's thinking right this minute

[Jaya]

really wonderful first chapter!!!!

Jaya

[Hogwarts Duo]

What a wonderful start to the story. I'm definitely looking forward to more of this so don't keep me in suspense for too long! ;D

[Karlynne]

Darkening Skies

Chapter Two


Alastor Moody and Albus Dumbledore had been friends for many years. Sitting in Albus’ office at Hogwarts was not his favorite activity in the world but it was secure from prying ears and eyes. He always eyed the portraits of the former Headmasters and Headmistresses with mistrust despite Albus’ reassurance that nothing would ever be repeated to anyone.

No, Alastor did not trust many and he included animated and inanimate objects as well. He had been personally visited by Albus and told that the old group needed to meet and such a meeting had taken place last night. The auror had personally examined each person that entered his home for traces of any signs of enchantments performed and recording devices.

The mere mention of the possibility of another dark lord had brought distress to several members but they listened to the evidence presented and it hadn’t taken much discussion to convince them of the birth of a new menace.

The largest problem was quickly revealed. Deaths and disappearances had been occurring for several years already. The random events had no visible pattern and many of them were muggles or muggleborn and had gone unreported by the wizarding newspapers. It was evidently the work of more than one individual and there was no way of knowing how many recruits he had. They needed to verify that Tom Riddle was indeed behind the attacks and responsible for the deaths. They needed to determine as closely as possible the number of followers he had and how Riddle planned to reach his goals.

Unfortunately, the Order was comprised of approximately a dozen or so individuals and they would have to increase their own numbers. Alastor, and surprisingly most of the others, had insisted on complete secrecy. Grindelwald had decimated entire families when just one member refused to join his ranks or if one person tried to resist him. No one wanted to be on the hit list of this next dark lord.

It was agreed that names would be submitted to Albus and he would invite or decline to invite those he received. He wanted wizards and witches from a variety of fields. He needed many ears to listen and learn and this was best if the ministry, St. Mungos, and other areas with a high concentration of magical folk were carefully watched. He needed clerks and housewives, office workers and athletes, involved.

Alastor drummed his fingers on the desk as he watched Albus pace the room. Four names had been immediately submitted and Albus had agreed at once on their entry into the Order. Edgar Bones, Dedalus Diggle, Dorcas Meadows, and Emmaline Vance would be invaluable new members.

“Albus, take a seat. You’re making me jumpy,” growled Alastor. Albus stopped pacing and reluctantly sat in his chair across from the auror.

“Anything to report, Alastor?” Long fingers were on either side of Albus’ face as he massaged his temples.

“I don’t have to tell you that you will be high on the list of those needed to be eliminated as quickly as possible. You are a symbol of hope and a hero to the population.” Alastor grimaced at the faces in their frames pretending not to pay attention to every word he was saying. “You need to make sure your staff is loyal and you need to make sure those closest to you are members or replace them with those that are.”

“I am confident that my staff is not at risk to defect into the camp of Riddle.” Albus stood and began pacing again. “I am considering asking Minerva to join the Order. She is my Deputy and will be in jeopardy simply because of her position at the school.”

“So why are you hesitating? I know you don’t doubt her allegiance and she is certainly devoted to the school.” Alastor fixed both his eyes on Albus and slowly smiled. “Has the lady turned your head around and caused your heart to go thumpety thump?”

Albus frowned. “I don’t like putting women in such dangerous roles without letting them know all that’s involved. She may very well decline to join.”

Alastor wanted to smirk but refrained and simply shook his head. “The woman that has attended every conference, meeting, and seminar on the administration, curriculum, and management of this school is not going to decline to support you in this either.” Alastor stood and slowly limped towards the door. “Although she might hex you if she finds she was fifth on your list of inductees.” He waved his hand at his old friend and departed with a chuckle.

He passed Minerva on the stairs as she was heading towards Albus’ office and wished her a good afternoon.

Minerva nodded her head in return and finished climbing the stairs leading up to the Headmaster’s office. She knocked perfunctorily and entered. She placed several sheets of parchment on his desk that needed his signature and took a seat across from him.

They had grown accustomed to meeting after her last class until dinner to discuss the day’s events before assembling with the other professors in the Great Hall. It was usually a pleasant interlude prior to dinner and Albus would gently tease her about teaching his former subject.

Minerva was, without a doubt, an excellent Transfigurations professor and he appreciated the way she kept her class captivated. This might be misleading, as lately he was the one mesmerized by the lilt of her voice and the upright manner in which she moved about the classroom. He wondered if he would have excelled in the subject with her as his teacher. He would have fallen in love and failed his OWL in Transfigurations simply because he would lack the concentration to work on his lessons.

Even now he stared as she wrote in her tidy penmanship while twirling a pendant with her other hand.

“Albus, is there something you want to say?” Minerva never raised her head from the parchment in front of her but did pause in her writing.

“I wanted to discuss something with you but I am not sure how to begin,” admitted Albus. “Perhaps we can sit over by the fire?”

At his suggestion Minerva lifted her eyes to meet his. Bad news was normally given as soon as she entered. His eyes were serious and his trademark twinkle was gone. If he wanted her to get comfortable it must be the worst sort of news. She rose gracefully and headed to the sofa. She settled at one end and fiddled with her hands in her lap.

“Is it my parents? Has something happened to one of them?” She couldn’t stop herself from blurting out the questions. Her parents were getting on in years and she worried about them living alone.

Albus picked up one of her hands and held it a moment. “To my knowledge all is well with your parents. I did not intend to cause alarm.” Her sigh of relief was audible and he tried to smile reassuringly. “I do want to discuss something important to you.”

It took over an hour to explain the Order of the Phoenix and its duties to Minerva. He didn’t soften the blunt realities of war nor did he try to convince her to join. He simply presented all the facts to her, told her of several circumstances he had encountered while fighting Grindelwald, and asked her not to accept or reject the invitation without considerable thought.

“You’re asking others to join aren’t you? It’s true there have been some suspicious deaths. Angela Baker’s parents were killed last month. She is muggleborn and graduated two years ago. No one could explain their deaths or find a cause but then muggles never could.” Minerva stood and began pacing which was normally Albus’ role.

“There is also the unidentified body found in Glasgow last summer. Definitely a muggle but not known how or why it happened to be found in such an isolated location.” Albus watched her mind at work and marveled at how quickly she assimilated information. “You’re increasing your numbers because the deaths are increasing and there will be much work to do. I will join.” Her decision made she returned to her chair at his desk and picked up the parchment again.

Albus quickly strode over to his desk to stand over her. “Minerva, you need to think it over carefully.”

“Albus, you are already committed to fighting. I am also. How long did it take you to decide?” His twinkle returned and he allowed a small smile. She had a point. It was a simple choice if you divided your thoughts into black and white, good and evil, pro and con. He took a seat and reached for another letter. He felt disquieted now that she had reached her decision. He did not want her in danger but a small part of him was thrilled to share another part of his life with her and proud she was ready to stand by his side.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Woo Hoo...another chapter! Great way to start my day. It's wonderful to see Albus so flustered by Minerva and yet remain so composed around her. I love how you're building their relationship!

[Kassandra]

Is Minerva going to be in love with him also? You haven't given us her point of view really. Not that you don't know that already. Kassie

[Sensiblyquirky]

Loved the second chapter, and the way you had Minerva's mind working instantly. I'm very much interested to see how Minerva feels, and how you will get them together.

Christy

[Jaya]

Great second chapter! Minerva thinks on her feet and makes her decision... do some private feelings for a certain headmaster have anything to do with that! Also like the way you wrote Alastor!

Jaya

[QuillofMinerva]

Great second chapter and I loved Alastor saying “Has the lady turned your head around and caused your heart to go thumpety thump?”

Great line

Clayre xx

[ginger newts]

Of course she agreed to join, silly Albus. I do hope he tells her soon that he has deeper feelings for her. Update soon!

[angeldust]

wooo! i loved alastors line about min ;D a fabby chap update soon!

[TartanPhoenix]

Great chapter, and I loved Moody's line about Minerva. She would hurt him if she found out. Update soon.

[Karlynne]

Darkening Skies

Special thanks to Clayre (Quill of Minerva) for providing ideas when my mind failed to cooperate.


Chapter Three

Minerva had never been so busy in her entire life. She performed her teaching duties with years of studied ease and fortunately her lesson plans had become automatic to her. Her classes still pushed her students to their limits and she was grateful that the few students straggling behind the rest of their peers had not caused any excessive disasters in class lately.

Her Gryffindors were pushing the rules to the limit, as was their norm. If there was a loophole you can guarantee that one of her cubs would discover it. Secretly she praised their ingenuity. Their high spirits were soothing to her rapidly fraying nerves. The stress of entering another dark period was keeping her awake at night.

Now that she was a member of the Order she was privy to confidences she otherwise would not hear and she was dismayed to learn that several witches and wizards had gone missing without even a token of concern from the ministry. She wasn’t one for politics but she had naively believed that the powers in charge would search for a missing individual at least minimally but there seemed to be no efforts being made to find the whereabouts of any missing persons.

Albus had been discussing many possibilities with her regarding the threat of war and Minerva was amazed at the planning involved. Whatever free time she used to own had disappeared as she struggled to stay on top of the duties she performed for the Order. Basically she attended meetings with Albus and a few others. Albus wanted her own thoughts afterwards which pleased her immensely. Her opinions and theories interested him. He had taken her words into account before but now he was listening to each word that left her mouth and she often found him watching her. She wondered if he had underestimated her and was now discovering she was more than just his Deputy but an actual person with her own mind.

She didn’t fault him for not really considering who she was. They had worked together for a long time before she agreed to share tea in his office. He had reminded her for three years to call him Albus before she conceded. She noticed she had become less formal over the years but their relationship was still professional.

Last night he told her that several wizards known to have a dislike for muggleborns and muggles in general had met in the Leaky Cauldron in a private room. Albus wished the children could be spared another war and Minerva had to agree with him.

She had been fortunate to have had a childhood free from war. Grindelwald had surfaced by her twentieth birthday and she remembered the grim days of watching for owls carrying news and spending the evenings in the dark so the roving bands of the dark lords men would not pay any unwarranted attention to them. She had lived at home still and her parents were extremely cautious. They had spent the years until the war ended in relative safety although they took measures to remain unnoticed by most.

Having Ravenclaw parents had provided Minerva with a drive to learn and she had easily excelled at Hogwarts. There had never been a question of her continuing her education after she graduated. It had been decided that a teaching profession was not only agreeable with her nature but would allow her the opportunity to continue her search for knowledge. Minerva didn’t know how she became a spinster at the young age of fifty but somehow she hadn’t fallen in love nor had she paid particular mind to the ticking of her biological clock. Children surrounded her nearly ten months out of the year and she needed the summer holiday to recoup. A thousand students could in no way compare to her own babe carried in her arms but she was not dismayed at the thought of not bearing her own.

Minerva was shaken from her thoughts by the knocking on her office door. She frowned. It was after midnight and if one of her charges was wandering the halls in search of mischief she would hand out a week’s worth of detentions to the culprits when she located them.

She stood and opened the door after tying the belt on her dressing gown firmly around her waist.

Albus was about to knock again when Minerva appeared before him.

“Minerva, I’d like you to come with me if you please.” His face was grave and Minerva was certain the news was unpleasant.

Albus was dressed in a royal blue dressing gown and his brilliant white nightshirt peeked from beneath the upper portion. His slippers were gold and Minerva glanced down at her own feet that were covered in silk slippers.

“Eric Jacobs has gone missing.” The husband of Evangeline Moore, the DADA professor, was well known to the staff of Hogwarts. He generally visited the castle every weekend to spend time with his wife. She had her weekends free since she didn’t have Head of House duties and it was often joked that Eric and Evangeline would disappear as soon as classes ended on Friday and only emerged Monday morning after the students had finished breakfast and she needed to report for class. She had only been married two years and even Minerva was waiting for the announcement of the anticipated arrival of a wee one.

Her eyes widened as his words sank in and she grabbed his hand and held it. He used his other hand to cover hers and rubbed them gently.

“I would like you to stay with her until we know more. I am going to leave the castle and search. Alastor has drummed up a few good men who have volunteered their time to look for Eric.”

“I’ll go to her now, Albus. Do be careful.” Her forehead wrinkled for a moment before she gave her head a shake and looked up at him. “You can count on me to make sure the school runs smoothly.”

He smiled softly and she forced her worries from her mind. Somehow his very presence was reassuring.

“Thank you, Minerva. I will owl if I am delayed too long.” He patted her shoulder awkwardly and left.

Minerva hurried to the professors’ wing and knocked on Evangeline’s door. It opened quickly and the hope on the DADA professor’s face dissipated as she recognized Minerva.

“Evangeline, I am sorry for your troubles. Please allow me to sit with you while you wait.” Minerva was ushered inside and offered a chair. Conversation was limited to a few words here and there but both women took comfort in the silence when it came. No news was better than hearing her husband had died. Minerva had taken the quiet young professor under her wing two years ago and although she was still shy around her colleagues, Minerva was pleased with her teaching abilities.

It was dawn before they heard footsteps approaching. Albus entered and Minerva was dismayed at the torn and filthy robes Albus wore. Eric had been found but he only just clung to life and was in St. Mungos. He urged Minerva to get Evangeline dressed quickly and by the time they returned to the sitting room, Albus had reappeared dressed in clean robes and his face no longer filthy.

Minerva accompanied them to the magical hospital and sat in the waiting room with Albus while Evangeline was at her husband’s bedside.

“Albus, what happened to him?” Minerva spoke softly so no one would overhear but Albus had taken out his wand and cast a privacy charm around them to dissuade eavesdropping.

“He was ambushed. He decided to pick up dinner for them in Hogsmeade instead of having the house elves at the castle provide for them.” Albus shook his head wearily. “He said several men in similar robes and covered heads stunned him and when he regained his senses they were discussing him. They knew his name and that his wife taught at Hogwarts. Apparently they want to replace Evangeline with a member from their group. They felt the death of Eric would cause her to quit but a disagreement broke out on whether she would stay and finish the term.”

“Eric heard them say that the dark lord would reward them for their efforts. He wants his wife out of Hogwarts, not that I blame him.”

Minerva looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to them but the waiting room was sparsely occupied at six thirty in the morning.

[Karlynne]

“It’s already April. How could we find a replacement and what about the students who have OWLs and NEWTs?’

He gave her hand a squeeze but did not release it. “I believe a leave of absence would be necessary until he recovers anyway. I am going to ask an Order member to substitute for the last few weeks of school and offer Eric and Evangeline rooms in the castle until the threat to them, if any, is over.”

“Albus, the Board of Governors…”

“Will not know about it. I am allowed personal guests and teachers are allowed leaves of absence for emergencies.” Albus sighed. “I think there is an attempt to get someone closer to me.”

“They will have to go through me in order to get to you, Albus.” The fire in Minerva’s eyes warmed Albus’ heart.

“Your loyalty touches me, Minerva.” Albus kept his eyes locked on hers until a blush began to form on her cheeks. He moved closer and her emerald eyes grew darker.

“Professor Dumbledore?” A hand on his shoulder pulled him back and Albus looked up at Evangeline. “The healer says Eric will have to spend at least two weeks here.”

Albus discreetly removed the privacy charm so Evangeline could hear him. “If you desire a leave of absence, Minerva can guide you through the necessary paperwork. When Eric is released I would like to offer you protection within the castle until term is over or longer if you wish.”

Evangeline faced him with eyes blazing and Minerva was startled at the anger she saw inside of them. “I am not letting those monsters drive me from my job. I have already told Eric. I will finish out the term. We can decide what to do about next year later but if I am safe in the castle then we will remain there until the school year is over.”

Minerva wanted to congratulate the former Hufflepuff for standing her ground but Albus was quicker. She watched him thank her and his eyes appeared moist as he embraced her in a short hug. It was at that moment that Minerva realized the confidence he inspired in people. A determined young woman had replaced the soft-spoken professor. Albus had given her the fuel needed to fight and she was certain he had also gained another ally in the war.

Minerva cocked her head and studied Albus carefully. Sure, he was a great wizard and many admired him but the confidence people had in him was touching. He didn’t obtain his strength by robbing others of their own. He seemed to share his to strengthen others and in turn he became stronger. She had always felt a touch of awe around him but now she noticed that he was a man. Definitely not your ordinary run-of-the-mill man but a man nonetheless. A man willing to give so much of his time and energy for others. He seemed to sincerely care about others.

Minerva took a moment to wonder who cared for him but chased that thought from her mind. He would keep his personal affairs private as she did her own.

Albus and Minerva left Evangeline at the hospital in order to return to Hogwarts before lunch. It was Saturday so there weren’t classes to teach and a nap seemed in order.

It was nearly an hour later after Minerva had bathed and eaten a bite that she laid her weary head to her pillow only to remain awake for several minutes thinking about Albus.

[Sensiblyquirky]

I really liked this chapter, and how we got more of Minerva's thoughts. Choosing a Hogwarts teacher was good so it hit closer to home. I'm very interested in how the story progresses from here.

Glad you posted!

Christy

[QuillofMinerva]

I am glad that Evangeline isnt going to be pushed from her job and surely she is safe within Hogwarts (I like to think so anyway)

I am glad I could be of some help and I look forward to the next chapter

Clayre xx

[Kamdra]

I am glad Minerva is beginning to wonder a little about Albus. It must be his personality. I don't know where its going but I'm along for the ride. Kammie

[Jaya]

Great chapter! Minerva is really beginning to pay more attention to those subtle traits Albus has... I agree that having the victim attached to a Hogwarts teacher made the drama more effective. Can't wait for the next part!

Jaya