Lily met James and Sirius at the owelry later that night, having said goodbye to Remus after their prefect's meeting with Dumbledore. Never had she been more grateful than she was now for James' and Sirius' antics because the owelry looked and smelled as though it hadn't been cleaned since long before Dumbledore was born. James and Sirius greeted her at the door with identical impish grins. Lily groaned.

"Why do I feel like I'm about to walk into something that I'd do better to avoid?"

"It's the natural feeling that comes with being in a Marauder's presence," Sirius told her seriously.

James threw him a dirty look. "We've done nothing! We took down the magic ward while we were waiting for you, is all."

"Eh, ok. Well, thanks. I guess we'd better get started, then."

"Not so fast! You have to tell us about your meeting with Dumbledore, of course."

Lily frowned at Sirius. "I'm really not supposed to talk about it, you know."

"Oh, come on. Remus will be asleep by the time we get upstairs and then we'll have to wake him up so he can tell us."

"And believe me," James added. "We don't want to wake Remus. He'll dole out such a hexing that we'll probably need you to undo it. So then we'd have to wake you up, too." James had a go at a persuasive puppy dog look, and Lily tried to tell herself that she wasn't swayed.

"Nice try, Potter. But last time I checked, you can't be a bloke and get up the stairs to my dormitory."

Sirius smiled wickedly. "It's been done before."

Lily choked. "You- how? You've been in the girls' dormitories? I can't believe you, Black!"

"As flattering as I find your speechlessness in my presence, Evans, it wasn't me."

Lily drew in a breath sharply and whipped her head around to scrutinize James. "You've been up in our dormitory? With who?"

James faltered back a step looking nervously at Lily's wand. "It wasn't me, I swear."

Lily laughed. "Please. I know Remus wouldn't and I know that Pettigrew isn't cleaver enough to get past the enchantment. So which one of you was it?"

"You'd be surprised at what Peter can accomplish for a good cause, Lily." Sirius said sharply.

Evidently, criticizing Pettigrew was strictly against the code of conduct of James' and Sirius' little group, although it was abundantly clear to any outsider that Peter was the weak link in the chain.

Lily tried her best to look abashed. "Right. I guess I shouldn't assume he's not cleaver." Although she did think it was dodgy that Peter Pettigrew, the bloke who quite a few fourth years were smarter than, could have somehow hoodwinked the stairs to her dorm forget that he was a boy. Not to mention, that he would have any cause to be in the girls' dorm. But she wasn't in the mood to get into an argument over the sixth year Gryffindor that she knew the least, so she let it go.

James brought her out of her reverie. "Back to the point, Lily. What happened tonight at the prefects' meeting?"

Lily sighed and set a mop to scrub the floor while she ran over the events of the night in her head.

She and Remus had arrived at the Headmaster's office out of breath as they'd ran all the way from the great hall. Rumors had been flying all day between the prefects and even some of the younger students about the meeting. Only once before had there been an emergency meeting with all of the prefects, and that time had followed a major attack on a Muggle village near Hogsmede.

"Do you think there's been another attack?" Lily heard a second year Hufflepuff whisper nervously to his friend earlier that morning.

"Oh, definately," the friend said gravely, nodding his head. "Dumbledore wouldn't call such an important meeting if it weren't something serious. Do you know that I was the one he asked to deliver the message to the Hufflepuff prefects?"

"Yeah, Finn, you haven't stopped talking about it since this morning."

Some students assumed a second attack on Muggles, some thought it was about a suspected attack on the school, and many of the Gryffindors were convinced the meeting was going to address the group of sixth and seventh year students who were rumored to be joining forces with Voldemort. Some students were even convinced that Dumbledore was on his death bed.

And although Lily believed nothing of what she heard, she couldn't help her apprehension as she and Remus entered the meeting. The Head Boy and Girl were conferring quietly with Dumbledore, but he stopped the conversation by holding up a hand as Lily and Remus walked in the door. He turned to the room at large and smiled.

"It seems we're all present and accounted for. Let us begin."

Lily took out a roll of parchment and a quill, but she forgot her notes as soon as Dumbledore began to speak.

"As all of you are no doubt aware, the situation outside of Hogwarts has escalated over the past few months. The wizard who calls himself Lord Voldemort has become more active in England, whereas just a year ago, he confined himself abroad. Measures need to be taken to secure the school against attack, of course, we will need all hands on deck to accomplish this task. As you know, Hogwarts has many generations worth of protective enchantments and it would be very difficult for a break in to occur. That being said, Voldemort has not been caught yet, and seems to possess higher than average skills in concealment and trickery." Dumbledore had paused there, looking students in the eye with his piercing gaze.

"Lord Voldemort wishes to recruit Hogwarts students to his cause. As I have said before, he possesses a unique level of cunning and may succeed in this wish should all of us not be at the height of awareness at all times. We have no use for euphemisms at this point, so I feel that I may as well state this bluntly. You all sit in front of me today, representing the top students at the top wizarding school in England. Therefore, you are all targets. It is no secret that Lord Voldemort wishes to recruit young, clever, and willing witches and wizards. I trust that, being cleverer and more mature than the average Hogwarts students, you all will take this danger very seriously." Dumbledore paused once again, but there was no answering whispering between the prefects. Lily felt stunned and completely speechless. So the rumors had been right, then, or at least some of them. She met Remus' eyes and his expression mirrored how she felt, but there was something more there that Lily was surprised to see. Grim determination. She experienced a moment of doubt and a fleeting feeling of inadequacy because she herself did not immediately feel determined to fight as it appeared Remus did.

"It pains me to say this, because I feel as though it should be self-evident. But I would like to announce to you all that Hogwarts will not be supporting Lord Voldemort, or any of his followers or belief systems, in any way, shape, or form. Any student who exhibits such inappropriate behavior shall be brought directly to their head of house, who will act as he or she sees fit. This means that all of you, as prefects, need to be on the lookout for this sort of behavior in all students and ready to act as soon as you observe a breach in this new code of conduct."

Lily nodded seriously, feeling as though this task, at least, she could commit herself to fully. However, she also felt certain that this was not the main point that Dumbledore called them here specially for. Sure enough, Dumbledore continued his speech.

"Hogwarts has been in close contact with the Ministry of Magic over the past several weeks, and earlier this morning, we have reached an important decision. We are dealing with an unfortunate shortage of Aurors this year, and we foresee a need for an increased number of Aurors over the next couple of years. As some of you may know, typical Auror training takes an additional four years after one graduates Hogwarts. I have pointed out, and the Minister quite agrees, that we will need Hogwarts students to be fully trained Aurors much sooner than four or more years from now. And it is for that reason, that we open up a special program to the sixth and seventh year students of Hogwarts this year."

Lily had barely been able to pay attention to Dumbledore's explanation of the special program, which basically entailed a double course load for the remainder of sixth year, and all throughout seventh year. It would enable sixth years to graduate from Hogwarts and become Aurors the very next day. But Lily was too anxious to focus on something as simple as a double course load- that she could surely handle. But fighting Dark wizards? She wracked her brains, trying to recall everything she knew about the last time this had happened. Grindlewald's reign of terror had lasted decades before Dumbledore finally put a stop to it. And since that very wizard was now standing in front of her saying that he doesn't have enough Aurors on his side to fight Voldemort? Lily found that terrifying.

It was only when Remus stood up next to her and people had begun filing out that Lily realized the meeting had adjourned. She made to stand up as well, but Dumbledore caught her eye and shook his head slightly. Remus sat back down. When everyone else had vacated the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore approached Lily and Remus with a kind eye.

"Hello, sir." Remus addressed Dumbledore. Lily remained silent.

"Hello, Remus, Lily. It is my wish that the two of you take part in this program. Am I to assume that you were planning to participate, even had I not asked you to do so?"

Remus nodded. "Of course, sir."

Lily hesitated. "I-"

Dumbledore's eyes pierced Lily's. "I see. Remus, forgive me, could you give the two of us some privacy for a moment?"

"I- of course, sir," Remus faltered, casting a worried look at Lily. "See you later, Lil."

"I'm sorry, Professor, it's just that I hadn't given it much thought." Lily hurried to try to explain herself. "Of course, I want to help, but I can't help but worry about my family."

Dumbledore smiled. "I'm quite pleased to hear that your family is the source of your hesitation, not concern for yourself, as it so easily could have been."

Lily didn't answer, looking down. This was not entirely true, of course, because she was terrified for herself as well as her family, and she suspected that Dumbledore knew this. The difference was, Lily knew how to take care of herself, whereas her family wouldn't even know what hit them.

"I understand your reluctance, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to protect your family, should there be any signs of danger for them. However, it is still my wish that you participate in this Auror program. You have a part to play."

Dumbledore did not wait for an answer, but changed the subject. The grim mood dissipated almost as quickly as it had come. "You have detention with Potter and Black this evening, I believe?"

"Yes, Professor."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled lightly. "Then let me give you fair warning at the persuasive powers of the two of them combined when they want to know something. I myself have found it impossible to refuse them information on certain occasions." He winked, and sent Lily on her way. "I will speak with you once again tomorrow."

"Lily? Anybody home?" Lily blinked as James waved his hand in front of her eyes. "There she is!"

"What happened at the meeting?" Sirius asked as soon as it became clear that Lily was paying attention now.

"I'm not supposed to tell anyone about it yet, technically," Lily told them. "But I think Dumbledore gave me license to tell the two of you."

At once, they both fell to their knees and started begging in earnest.

"Please, Lily? If you only tell us, I'll do your History of Magic homework for the rest of the year!"

"I'll get you a spot on the Quidditch team!"

"I'll stop losing so many points for Gryffindor!"

"I'll never ask you out again!" James cried suddenly, and Sirius and Lily both burst out laughing.

"Fine! I'll tell you, then! Just shut up, first."

And James and Sirius, who had trouble getting through normal school lessons without falling asleep (or at least causing some form of mischief), sat still in front of Lily, listening with rapt attention, never interrupting her once throughout her story.

Lily surveyed their reactions carefully. James had the same look on his face as Remus had when he first heard this news, while Sirius, on the other hand, looked completely gutted.

But they both had the same immediate response as soon as Lily stopped talking. "We'll do it."

And, weirdly, that was what made up Lily's mind once and for all. The way neither of them hesitated, how they both just trusted Dumbledore's judgment without question. And how they were both so willing to spring into action.

Lily wanted to be a part of that. All her life, she had never been part of the Muggle world, and she knew she never would be. She knew that, and that was fine. But if she weren't part of the wizarding world… well, what would life be? She couldn't even imagine life without Hogwarts, without magic, and suddenly she realized that that's what it would be like. For Muggle born witches and wizards, there might as well be no Hogwarts if someone like Voldemort gained influence. Muggle-borns would have to grow up in hiding, or else just live as Muggles, never discovering the best part of their life.

She stood up quickly, brushing off her robes.

"I have to go find Dumbledore! I'll see you guys later."

James and Sirius looked at her in disbelief. "You can't just go, we're in detention!"

"What? Why-" James started, but Lily was already gathering up her things and hurrying out the door.

"Lily, wait!"

She turned around briefly. "If McGonagall comes by, cover for me!" Lily jumped down the steps of the owlry, and sprinted towards Dumbledore's office.

Although she should have been on a sharp lookout for McGonagall or Filch, or anyone else who knew she was supposed to be in detention, Lily might as well have been blind as she ran across the castle in search of Dumbledore. As she rounded a corner, she hit someone hard and went sprawling.

"Sorry, sorry!" Lily got up and gathered up the papers that had spilled out of her bag before turning around. "Are you-"

"Lily." Her name rolled off his tongue, seemingly without his control and he bit his lip, scowling, apparently unsure what to do in this situation. Severus. Indeed, the two of them hadn't been alone together for over a year now and Lily was quite uncomfortable, herself. She cleared her throat.

"Sorry. Are you ok?"

He ignored her words completely, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

Lily bristled. "None of your business."

Severus made a grab for the jumble of papers in her arms and Lily jerked back. "You're off to pledge your life to Dumbledore," Severus stated sourly.

"And if I am?"

"Then you're letting yourself be brainwashed. That tale that your dear Headmaster spun for you wasn't the whole truth."

Lily was confused. "You weren't at the meeting. You weren't even supposed to know what it was about yet."

Severus laughed harshly. "As if that would stop me. Malfoy, of course, told us everything."

Lily clenched her jaw. "Look, Severus. These sporadic attacks on muggle borns and muggles have been going on since I found out about the wizarding world. Just because you've grown up in a sheltered, protected world, doesn't mean the rest of us have. It's time to start doing something about it."

Severus looked so mad he could have jinxed Lily but instead he just stood there, mute and staring.

Lily continued. "You! You take it all for granted, don't you? Always knowing that you'd have a place here, you never thought about what life would be like without your little cult. You might not have any real friends, but those of us who have, know quite well what it would be like to lose them. To lose this. Hogwarts. I'm going to fight for those people. You know why? Because I can, Severus. Because I'm good at this, and I'm good at dueling, and I care about Hogwarts and everything it stands for. Now, you look me in the eye and understand that this is me talking, not my dear Headmaster talking for me."

Severus regarded her calmly with stone cold eyes. "Fine, Evans. Just remember that you did it first. You burned this bridge, when I could have protected you. Instead, we're at war."

Lily did her best not to flinch at this word.

Severus gave her a knowing look, playing on the fear he saw clearly on Lily's face. "It's not going to be my fault when someone hurts you. I tried to warn you." He fell silent, just gazing fixedly at Lily. "But," he added carefully, "my offer will always stand. Don't blame me if you get hurt, but you can always come to me for protection. It's never too late."

Lily was so mad she didn't even think about it but drew her wand at once. Severus faltered back a step, but to his credit, didn't draw his own wand.

"I will never ask for help from such a pathetic excuse for a wizard." Lily looked him in the eye. "You say we're at war; well, so be it. And I'll give you a warning of my own. I'm taking this very seriously. I won't hesitate if you stand in my way."

Severus started. "Lily! You can't be serious- you can't mean-"

Lily stuck her chin out defiantly. "I think you know exactly what I mean. And I think we both know who would be able to walk away from that situation. So stay away from me, Severus. Goodbye."

It was all Lily could do not to turn and flee the corridor. She forced herself to walk calmly back the way she'd come, trying desperately not to hyperventilate. Suddenly, talking to Dumbledore didn't seem so important and so she made her way back to the owlry to finish her detention.

By the time she got there, James and Sirius had the room spotless and Lily was holding back sobs. She leaned against the wall, sliding down until she hit the floor. She closed her eyes and tried to pretend that nothing had happened. It didn't work, of course, not least because Sirius and James descended on her at once.

"What happened?"

"Where'd you just go?"

"Hey- are you crying?"

Lily opened her eyes reluctantly. "I'm not crying," she said dully. "I ran into Severus on my way to Dumbledore's office. I don't want to talk about it."

"WHAT? Did he say something to you?" James gasped and lowered his voice to a hushed whisper. "He didn't threaten you, did he? I swear to Merlin, I'll jinx him into next year if he so much as-"

Lily glared. "Don't you dare!"

Sirius looked up in alarm. "What? No, Lily, you can't just let him push you around like that!"

"I already threatened one person at wand point today," Lily snapped. "Don't make me do it again, Black." She took a breath. "We're not talking about this. I'm going to sleep." She pulled out her wand and conjured a long, fluffy cushion and a blanket and pillow. "Wake me up when you need me for the magic ward."

Lily sank into her makeshift bed gratefully, falling asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Sirius shrugged and conjured a bed of his own. "Take first watch?"

James groaned. "Fine. I'm waking you up in an hour, though."