Disclaimer: I own nothing. It is all belongs to JKR.

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Protection

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Chapter One: Dark Times Ahead

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"On the darkest night, even the light from a distant star is appreciated."

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(Rev. Darrell W. Boswell)

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"You have to be kidding me! It's so... so... so archaic!" she spluttered. "I mean this... we... were in the Twentieth Century for Merlin sake! This is the 1970's not the 700's!"

He did not react to her outbursts, but instead continued to calmly survey the fuming redhead over the top of his half moon spectacles. Over his many years as not only Headmaster, but also as a teacher, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus Dumbledore had learnt that it was best to let people have their rant before even beginning to try getting any sense out of them. Yet he could understand where his newly appointed head girl was coming from and sympathised with her, indeed it would take a very stoned-hearted person not to. Had he been in her situation he may not have expressed it as colourfully as she was, but he would certainly make sure that his opinion on the issue was heard.

"I'm not stupid you know." Her voice broke through the aging Headmasters thoughts, bringing his full attention back to the girl, or young woman rather, that stood before him.

"I would never dream of referring to you as such." It was a completely honest reply. She was not head girl for nothing, no she was a witch far brighter and more astute than any other her age. It was in fact these, among other attributes of hers that had her standing before him now, learning the news in advance from him, rather than the gossip rags, which claimed to be newspapers in a few days time.

"I mean I do understand why they are doing this!" She continued, "Its persecution! It's them, letting their fear of some power crazed nut job overtake what little brains and sense them had to begin with!"

"Indeed it is." He replied, suppressing his urge to chuckle at her description of the feared Dark Lord, who was even as the spoke gaining more power and support.

"And there are no loopholes? No minuet details they have missed? No cracks in the legality of it all?" She asked in an almost pleading tone, he had never heard from her.

"You have read through it all yourself my dear. If you could not find anything, do you really think I would have been able to?" He voice was laced with apology.

She scoffed at him, as though what he was saying was absurd. "I highly doubt that I would be able to find a fault with it if you have been unable to Headmaster." Her tone was polite enough, although slightly biting. He knew it was not aimed at himself though, rather it was directed to the situation she now found herself in, and those who had brought it about.

"You would be surprised what the eye of one who has more at stake will fine." And almost as an afterthought her added, "Especially compared to the eye of an old man."

There was a period of silence between the two. The Headmaster looked at his star pupil with saddened eyes. He truly would not wish this fate on anyone, most especially not the person standing in front of him, the usually strong head girl, looking so defeated. It was heartbreaking.

"Well then," She began in a rather business like tone, after a while. "I suppose all that remains to be decided is who."

"Indeed." He replied in sympathetic tone. His heart really did go out for this girl.

"Do you..." She paused and bit her bottom lip nervously, "Do you have any... suggestions? Do you know anyone who will... have me?"

Had it not been such a serious matter he may have laughed. Did she really think that no one would come forward? That she would not be inundated with offers? She was beautiful, intelligent, kind... the list went on.

"You need not fear." He answered her gently, "I know of the perfect person. You need not fear." He could see her visibly relaxing at his words, as though his words had given her great comfort, had relieved her of a terrible burden. If he thought about it he had in a way. Finding and choosing someone would have been a stressful and somewhat humiliating job for the young witch. "He is coming up to the school tomorrow, after dinner."

She nodded, not even asking of whom he spoke.

"And when will the news of this, abomination of a law become public knowledge?" She asked.

"Not for a few more days at least," he answered. "Monday at the latest I believe. Yet by then all provisions should have been made for you." As if to ease her worrying, he added, "You will not need to worry about anything. You will be safe, I will do my everything within my power to insure it."

Her lip twitched, "I never doubted that you would do anything but Headmaster." Then she paused, "What of the others? What of Mary and Marlene? I will not take your help if they will suffer. I would rather one of them were given this opportunity."

He found it touching how, even when her everything she knew, her whole life was hanging in the balance she thought of her friends first. How she would give up what was possibly her only lifeline for the sake of her friends.

"You need not worry for them," he told her. "Miss McKinnon will receive more than enough protection from just her family name." Here halted for a moment, becoming rather grave, "As for Miss McDonald, her parents I am afraid to say, like many others in the same situations, have decided that it would be best that their daughter continues her education elsewhere, away from Hogwarts."

"You mean she's not coming back?" She blurted out in shock.

"I am afraid that is the case." He said gravely. "You are one of but a handful left at Hogwarts who will be affected."

Her eyes widened in astonishment. "You mean that all the parents are pulling their children out?"

"Not all, just a select few."

She stiffened, her whole body becoming more ridged, "You mean just the Muggleborns, don't you Sir?"

"Unfortunately," he answered bowing his head ashamedly. He was not able to fully protect his students, to fully guard them from the prejudice and pain they were to encounter. There was yet another uncomfortable pause in there stilted conversation.

"If it would be alright Sir I would like to go back to my dormitory. I mean if what you say about Mary is true I would like to be able to see her before she leaves."

He gave the redhead a small smile, "Of course, by all means go to your friend. Strong friendships will be needed in the days to come."

"Not just days Sir." She replied seeming resigned, "Weeks, months and maybe even years. I have eyes and ears Professor, we live in dark times and they are only going to get darker. I am aware that this will not be over soon."

"No, I fear not, but we must have hope that the light of the few will help to guide us. But enough of that, away with you, go." He made a shooing motion. She headed to the door and opened it. "And remember straight after dinner tomorrow he will be arriving."

She nodded and made to leave, but seemed to change her mind as she was closing the door. She turned to face her tired looking headmaster. "I was just wondering Sir, what is his name?"

He looked the head girl straight in the eye, "James Potter."

She nodded again, and with that Lily Evans left the headmasters office, her head spinning and her temper flaring.

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Authors Note: I have had this sitting on my laptop for over a month now, half written. So I decided to finish this chapter and post it. I realise I have two other Lily/James stories on the go, which I am appalling at updating, but this one just won't leave me alone. I plan on making it a lot darker than the other two, there will be a lot more direct interaction with the goings on in the war, and the effects of it. The rating is to reflect this and also for what will happen in later chapters.

I realise this chapter might be a bit confusing at the moment but it will all make sense soon. I also think it is important to point out that this story is slightly AU. In this story James and his friends are a few years older than Lily, so have already graduated. I hope that doesn't but anyone off.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Reviews are also really appreciated, good or bad.

The only other thing I have to say is that I really need a beta reader for this story, so any volunteers please email me. I need someone who is very good with spelling and grammar!

Thank you as always, Sareface x

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