Professor Dumbledore was in his study that evening. It was Sunday, and it was his custom to spend the night relaxing, reading a bit of fiction, perhaps, or discarding burdensome memories into his pensive. But tonight an unexpected visit from Lily Evans promised to stir up rather than relieve his troubled mind.

The old headmaster's brow was furrowed on his white forehead as he regarded the Head Girl in the chair before him. He had anticipated this night—it was very like Lord Voldemort to recruit Hogwarts students, given his interest in the school and his peculiar ability to manipulate the young; and Severus Snape was exactly the sort of well-intentioned but cynical idealist most tempted by the dark arts. These situations, however, are never easier simply because they are foreseen (which is why Albus Dumbledore held a particular distaste for the art of divination.)

As for Lily, Dumbledore could not help but admire her. She was visibly sad but quietly confident, with a strong but unassuming presence. She sat up straight with her shoulders lowered, ankles crossed, hands folded neatly in her lap. She did not fidget, but looked at her headmaster intently and directly, her eyes distressed and imploring. The candlelight glimpsed a tear welling up in each.

Dumbledore sighed and interlocked his fingers. "Lily, I too have known that Severus has pledged allegiance to Lord Voldemort," he said.

Lily was taken aback. "How—how did you know? How long?"

"All semester," Dumbledore said. "Lily, you must understand, if I let him see that I know, Voldemort will kill him. He is an accomplished Legilimens."

"Which one? Voldemort or Snape?" Lily asked.

"Both, actually," Dumbledore replied. "I dare not so much as look at the boy. I know that he is a Death Eater, and he would be able to see that knowledge in my face. When Voldemort studies him, he will discover it as well. A Death Eater known by Voldemort's arch nemesis is a danger to Voldemort himself, and he will not hesitate to dispose of him."

Lily gave a restrained sob and exclaimed, "So you can't help him!"

Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "No one can help Severus, I'm afraid. I have kept a discreet eye on him and alerted very few Professors so that they may do the same. You are, as far as I know, the first and, I hope, the only student to discover his secret."

"But shouldn't we turn him in?" Lily asked. Even as she said it, she looked horrified at the idea. Nevertheless, she continued, "Your students may be in danger! What if Voldemort has him on a mission here? He may be told to harm us! He may be after your own life, Professor!"

"Severus is not ready to kill," Dumbledore told her.

"How do you know that?" Lily asked. She was crying openly now. "I didn't think he was ready to have his arm branded either! I didn't think he was ready to give his support to the most evil dark sorcerer this world has ever known!"

Dumbledore's sad eyes softened. "Of course you feel betrayed, Lily. Severus was a good friend of yours. Your own mother was killed by Death Eaters."

Lily nodded and released another fresh sob as Dumbledore so succinctly explained her situation to her.

"Perhaps you think I ought to turn Severus in, or simply tell him I have found him out," Dumbledore said. "Voldemort would murder him and we would lose one more Death Eater. It would be one less for the Aurors to find and kill."

Lily stared at him for a moment, silent. "I don't think that is the best solution, Professor," she said slowly.

"I don't think so either," Dumbledore said. "Severus is a good person who has grown up with bad influences. Surely you of all people know that, Lily. He will come back to the right side. When he does, he will need our aid and protection, and may offer his services."

"You will make him a spy?" Lily asked.

"It is quite possible," Dumbledore answered. "In the meantime, my concern is the safety of my students. It is unlikely that Voldemort is giving murderous assignments to his youngest and least experienced supporters. Still, I have my most trusted colleagues watching his movements and listening to his conversations. We have not detected any danger yet."

"Professor," Lily began, "is he the only Death Eater here at Hogwarts?"

"As far as I know, yes," the Headmaster replied.

"How long do you think it will stay that way?"

"If Voldemort has his way, not very long," he answered sadly.

Lily fell silent, looking down at her hands. Dumbledore laid his hand upon his weary forehead, engrossed in some distant thought.

"The enemies are within us now," Lily broke the silence. She seemed utterly lost, defeated even. "Within our walls, our hearts, even. How can we fight that? We're all wizards, all humans. Professor, how can we fight the foes we love, the enemy that is a part of us?"

"Lily, my friend, you have just discovered the crux of all civil war," Dumbledore said. There was a strange pride commingled with sadness in his bitter smile and a paternal love in his pained eyes.

Lily opened her mouth to speak, sure that there was some resolution to be reached, some comfort or security to be had, but she could find nothing to say. The portraits on the walls were quiet, ruminating. Only Phineas Nigellus seemed disaffected, twirling his gray goatee around one finger, leaning back leisurely in his burgundy chair.

"There is another matter, Lily," Dumbledore broke the silence. Lily looked at him again, jolted as if from some dark reverie. "Your safety."

"What?" Lily asked. It had not occurred to her that she might be in peril.

"There is a possibility that Voldemort will know that you have discovered one of his Death Eaters," the headmaster pointed out calmly.

Lily's eyes widened, and she was suddenly afraid. "You think they will come after me?" she asked.

"It's not improbable," Dumbledore replied. He adjusted his spectacles and looked at her very seriously. "Lily, you are in no danger within these walls," he told her. "I want you to have as little contact with Severus as possible. While I do not think him dangerous to the general student body, I am more concerned for you because you now know his secret. Please do all you can to avoid him. If any scuffle arises involving him, let James take care of it."

Lily nodded.

"We must discuss the holidays," Dumbledore proceeded. "You may want to consider remaining here at Hogwarts. If not, I can try to arrange protective enchantments. Within the next few weeks, I will also be able to ascertain whether or not Voldemort will target you."

Again, Lily nodded. Dumbledore was silent, studying a spinning silver instrument upon the marble table next to Lily's chair. He stared at it for a moment as if transfixed, then finally looked back at Lily's face and asked, "Does anyone else know?"

Lily shook her head.

"Not even James?"

"I couldn't possibly tell him without consulting you first," Lily said. "James is defensive, and he and Severus have always despised each other. He would turn him in, no questions asked, or seek him out himself."

"That was a wise decision," Dumbledore said. "I know this may be difficult for you, Lily, but I would ask that you keep this confidential, even from James."

Lily looked at him for a moment, reading his sage blue eyes, uncertain but trusting. Then, reluctantly this time, she nodded her assent.