A/N: This story will be long, so bear with me. However, I am excited to write it and hope that readers will enjoy it. I am going to do my best to update at least monthly. This is your classic Lily/James, Marauders-era fanfic. It will have romance, but it won't be fluffy. I want to focus on the how war forged and destroyed so many relationships and friendships during this era. It will be dark because these were dark times, but it's Hogwarts-era, so there will be lightness too. It begins in Lily and James' 7th year. I haven't quite decided where it'll end but my guess is shortly after their graduation.

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling, goddess among humans, is owner of all content heretofore mentioned.

Prologue

July 15, 1977

Albus Dumbledore's office was warm and comfortable, but Minerva McGonagall couldn't help but feel a chill in the air as the group of six witches and wizards concluded their meeting. The mood was particularly tense and somber in the wake of the three brutal attacks that had occurred in succession yesterday. The group meeting today – consisting of herself, Albus, Alastor Moody, Caradoc Dearborn, Edgar Bones, and Elphias Doge – had been less than productive. Their numbers were still too few to make a real impact and most wizards these days seemed terrified at the prospect of taking any sort of stand on the war against Lord Voldemort, let alone joining the fight outright. Minerva was disheartened and the sentiment seemed to be shared by most of their company, though Albus maintained his persistently hopeful outlook. Concluding the meeting, the old headmaster had bid them goodnight before asking if she might stay behind briefly.

"How are you faring, Minerva?" Dumbledore's tone, paired with a knowing glint in his sea blue eyes, indicated he already knew the answer to that question.

"As good as anyone could be, I suppose, Professor," she replied stiffly. He gave a small nod of his head indicating she should continue. With a small sigh, she added in a softer tone: "Thirteen people, Albus. Three children attacked in their homes with their families only days after they found out what they are – only days after they found out about the wizarding world at all. I can't help feel... those families would still be safe..." She found herself trembling now, her voice suddenly trapped in the depths of her throat.

"I know." Dumbledore's tone was quiet but powerful. "I know it's horrific, but you can't think that way. Those children deserved to be a part of the wizarding world, and Voldemort took that from them. They and their families deserved more time than they had. But in their honor, we continue the fight. You know that there will be pressure from the very Ministry to keep out muggle-born students now – for their own protection, they'll claim. I've already received a summons from the Ministry to meet with the Minister and his cabinet."

"But they couldn't!" Suddenly, shock and anger outweighed sorrow and she fought the urge to jump from her chair in outrage.

"I wouldn't dream of allowing it. It's exactly what he wants."

She nodded, reassured. "And the other muggle-born first years – you're sure they're safe?"

"We were lucky enough to get early notice about the first attacks. There are a number of protections on the houses of all muggle-born students and you heard Alastor tell us that the incoming first years and their families have aurors stationed on guard in their neighborhoods at all times."

"At least they're taking it seriously," she said, taking no measures to hide the note of annoyance in her voice. The Ministry had been less than eager to intervene earlier and provide extra protection to the muggle-born students who now found themselves at a much greater risk of attack.

"Forgive me, Minerva, but I did have one other thing I wanted to discuss with you." Dumbledore's tone remained serious, but the trace of darkness seemed to have vanished from it. "We've spoken about student leadership and its vital importance at a time like this. This year more than ever, Hogwarts needs a Head Girl and Boy who can model the qualities we will need these students to demonstrate if they are to join us in the fight against the Dark Lord."

Minerva nodded. "I remember. Did you have a pair in mind?"

"In fact I did. These are the recommendations I will be submitting with your approval – they're both in your house, after all." Dumbledore pushed a sheet of paper across his desk. Minerva looked down curiously and she did a poor job of hiding her surprise at what she read, her eyebrows standing squarely in the middle of her creased forehead.

"Really, Albus?" She couldn't help but blurt out. The headmaster simply let out a light chuckle. "I'll admit, they have leadership potential, but of all our options... Potter is in and out of my office every other day, and Miss Evans... well, she can be quite difficult at times, not to mention how her blood status might prejudice other students against following her leadership. Not that that should disqualify her, of course – but it will be hard for her..." She trailed off.

"In the darkest of times, Minerva, the brightest of light is needed to guide us through." As though demonstrating, with a swift wave of his wand, he lit its tip. Bit dramatic, Minerva couldn't help but think to herself. "And James Potter and Lily Evans are many things, but – and I'm sure you've found this too, in the years that you've watched them grow – anyone who sees them could tell you that those two burn as brightly as the sun."

A/N: Hope you enjoyed that little teaser. Chapter one is up or will be literally momentarily. Reviews warm my cold, cold heart.