Disclaimer: Sadly, this is not really mine, in which case it is not published.

Chapter 1: Prologue

August 1972

That time of year again, Albus Dumbledore thought as he sat.

"That time of year again," said the painting.

"Yes, thank you, Dippet, I am aware," Dumbledore said calmly. The sheets of parchment with names of eligible students lay out in front of him.

The choice for Head Boy would not be hard, Dumbledore knew. James Potter was the brightest wizard of his age Dumbledore had ever seen. His power rivaled what Tom Riddle and Dumbledore himself had had at that age. James was a natural leader. He had never been a prefect, but Dumbledore felt he was an excellent candidate for the job. Times like this, the old man thought, his eyes sparkling, we need a few pranks and fun every once in a while. Dumbledore tucked his cloud-colored beard under the desk and circled "Potter, James Winston" on the parchment.

"Forgive me, Headmaster, for this may be rude," the painting Dippet said. "I do respect you, Dumbledore, and your decisions, but I couldn't help but notice that you seen to be appointing one of the biggest trouble-makers in Hogwarts history as Head Boy."

"You are correct, Mr. Dippet."

"Of course, I'm not trying to interfere in any way, but Mr. Potter's grades must be lacking, considering the circumstances –"

"Mr. Potter," Dumbledore interrupted, "is one of the brightest wizards I have ever met. His O.W.L. scores placed him far above the rest of his class."

The picture seemed surprised at this, and Dumbledore smiled inwardly. As much as he respected Dippet, he disliked him; the two had been rivals at school (rather like Serverus Snape and James, Dumbledore thought fondly.)

"I just wondered," Dippet's picture said, "whether you wanted to consider the appointment further."

"And to whom do you propose I appoint the post other than James Potter?"

"I was thinking someone from my old house, perhaps." Then, after a pause, "Serverus Snape."

"Mr. Snape is quite a bright boy. Sadly, he lacks certain leadership qualities it is mandatory a Head Boy posses. I am sure you can attest to that, Mr. Dippet."

Dippet's painting sniffed disdainfully and stormed out of the portrait.

Left in peace now, Dumbledore pulled the parchment of eligible Head Girls closer to him and pushed his half-moon spectacles up on his nose. The choice would pose a challenge.

Autumn Pherson, the Ravenclaw prefect, was very smart, but quiet, and far too serious to work with James. Hannah Wendlyn from Hufflepuff – again, not the required spirit. Dumbledore could not think of any Slytherin girl who would work well with James, or, the headmaster thought sadly, who would protect the school in dark times as any Head Girl should.

And then, Albus Dumbledore saw it: a flash of red hair, an emerald green eye. A pretty girl, but not the most beautiful, intelligent, but not the top of her class. A good witch, but not incredibly powerful. He'd seen smarter witches she, taught people who had mastered spells much more quickly than she did, glanced hopefully at prettier girls in his youth. But something clicked on the parchment, and the name jumped out at him. From the middle of the pack, she was noticeable. The Gryffindor prefect – a fiery temper, hair to match, a spunky spirit and emerald green eyes, she could lead a group and was respected by the general student body. But would she listen to James?

Lily Evans hated James Potter – anyone could see that. But what was seeing? Dumbledore had been one of the few to notice that after James had saved Mr. Snape's life Miss Evans had gotten off James's case for a while, as if she respected him for saving an enemy. Granted, Dumbledore did have a bit of Seer blood in him, and the fact that one Harry James Potter with black hair that wouldn't lay flat and bright emerald green eyes would be passing through Hogwarts doors in approximately 19 years meant nothing to the bearded man, of course.

Blue eyes twinkling, Albus Dumbledore circled "Evans, Lily Rebecca" on the parchment, slid his half-moon spectacles off his crooked nose and said good-night to Fawks.

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