Antilitigation Charm: Harry Potter and his world are JK Rowling's creations. The OCs and plot are mine.
Coromandel is my POV wrangler, tense Sheriff, and chief Brit-picker and deserves love and praise! She keeps borrowing Whit for some reason, but he doesn't seem to mind. Yes, my eyebrows are waggling.

Thanks to readers like you. Reviews are lovely rewards, thank you all!

Minerva McGonagall didn't like what Albus had in mind for the newest charge of their school. The girl needed to meet some more people, and she had decided exactly what she was going to do about it. She gathered up Lily Evans and Remus Lupin, two of her House Prefects of like age, and herded them out ahead of the burgeoning crowd. As they went, she explained her intentions. "There is a new transfer who just arrived. She's an orphan, poor thing. Parents died in that Nundu attack in Zaire." She checked to see that her right and left hands were listening. Finding them reasonably attentive, she forged on. "She doesn't remember much, but it was clear that she was terribly ill when she arrived, and she has been ensconced in the Infirmary for the better part of two weeks, recovering from the cursed breath."

Lily listened politely to the tale of woe, her lips pressing together in a thin line. Remus came fully alert, his amber eyes searching McGonagall's face before he asked, "Curly haired witch, walking about with Severus Snape today?"

That fetched Lily's interest. Oh, yes. Green eyes homed in on Remus, narrowing as if she were able to measure his veracity before turning her gaze to McGonagall.

McGonagall's expression firmed, and her frosty tone conveyed exactly what she thought of that. "Yes, that would be Miss Deirdre Ward."

Lily sniffed in derision. "What does that have to do with us?" She folded her arms across her chest, speeding her steps so that she was walking ahead of her Head of House, her back indicating her lack of enthusiasm for the subject.

Remus goggled at Lily's indifference as he kept pace with Professor McGonagall. "Well, everything, doesn't it? She's been left to the likes of Snape. We know what he is, surely the girl deserves our help, Evans." His voice was loaded with reproach as he talked to the back of his fellow Prefect's head. He looked to McGonagall. "Has she been sorted yet?"

McGonagall continued clonking down the steps, a back-passage used by the staff to bypass the throngs of Quidditch-crazed students. "No. She will be sorted privately tomorrow, at the staff meeting." McGonagall eyed Lily's squared shoulders, perceiving that she was in fact walking a bit faster, threatening to pull away from the conversation entirely. The redhead was rather defensive. McGonagall expected this to be an easier pitch. She was almost never wrong, so the discordance plucked at her nerves.

Lily remained quiet, but Remus had obviously understood the implications. He went on, "You think she'll be drawn into whatever Snape's been up to, don't you? She is new here." He pitched his voice to carry to Lily's ears, "A friendless, helpless girl, Evans." He hurried on, elaborating further, "And Snape's been there almost the whole time as it is." His expression darkened with dismay, "What wretched luck for her."

"Just so." McGonagall's eyes were boring into the back of Lily's head, waiting for the girl to respond properly. She didn't have to wait long as Lily stepped to the side on the next landing, turning to face the rest of their little party.

Her pale brow was wrinkled, and her green eyes seemed to flash unnaturally bright in the dim stairwell. "So. What you are saying is that those Idiots put Severus Snape into the Hospital Wing for almost two weeks, and now the fate of an innocent girl hangs in the balance because of their cruelty? And you want me to try and extricate her from this disaster?" She drummed her fingers on the fabric of her folded arm in irritation. She glared at Remus, "They're your friends. Make them fix it. I don't think I want any part of this."

Remus' jaw worked open and shut soundlessly, aghast. He looked like a fish out of water. "Erk. But..."

Professor McGonagall nodded affirmation. "That's an interesting way to view these circumstances, you are quite right. Our House is largely responsible for the situation, we should at least show her that she has alternatives. Miss Evans, I must insist that you extend yourself in this matter. Make friends with her. Show her what school life can be like. She was pleasant enough when I took her shopping earlier. Didn't fuss a bit." Her gaze shifted back to Remus, taking up her story of the damsel in imminent distress. "Prize her away from the Slytherins. They've nothing to offer her anyway. I don't think she is a pureblood, and you know what might happen if they find out." She looked at the ceiling and shot off, "Her father was American, from what I am told." The tone with which she uttered that nationality would have been equally appropriate if he were a neanderthal.

Minerva knew about the slur carved into the girl's arm, and was quite sure that at some point others would know too. Really, she was doing the girl a great service by taking an interest. Professor Nott and the Headmaster were very wrong to allow Severus to become her appointed protector. She looked over at Remus, and added, "And she will need strong friends who can watch her back should that happen. Slytherins are so narrow minded."

Lily looked decidedly uncomfortable with this whole situation and would not immediately agree. "What of Snape? He already has this witch's ear, won't he poison her against us?"

Remus flashed a vulpine grin at Lily. "We'll just have to be all that much more persuasive. Come on, Evans. Don't tell us you are afraid of Severus Snape after all of those years of defending his sorry hide? A little too late for that, don't you think?"

The fires of fury rose in Lily's cheeks, and her voice rose in irritation. "I do NOT want to be reminded of my former sham of a friendship with that odious…" She fortunately remembered where she was and whom she was with, so she amended the chosen appellative to, "Wizard." It was spat out, as one might utter a deep slur. "I have no wish to interfere in his affairs, the girl will simply have to learn the hard way, like I did."

McGonagall thought quickly, "I can't see how my introducing you all to the girl would make you two the authors of interference, just my agents which you already have pledged to be. I have already voiced my misgivings in Mr Snape's hearing. There are no lies or subterfuge passed here, only a clear intention for Miss Ward's betterment. We are exactly as we seem and I must remind you that I am the Head of your House and do still hold rather a lot of authority over all of the students as well as responsibility for their well being, which I remind you both that as Prefects you both share." She looked back up the passage as the sound of feet descending alerted them to impending company. "Now, let's be about it."

Ushering the two students in front of her, they traversed the rest of the stair quickly, and came out into the diminishing light of early evening.

Just a few yards off stood Severus Snape and the witch they were about to meet for the first time. Her back was to them, but Remus saw a flash of pink tail hanging from her hair. His eyes narrowed in recognition. Good. Wormtail hadn't forgotten his assigned mission, and found his way to Morag instead. Sturdy chap, that rat.

The cadences of a southern English accent floated to their ears as they approached, but the words petered out as Deirdre turned to see what had Severus' guard up so.

Deirdre Ward was a pretty girl, and looked to be a like age to Lily. Her light brown eyes reflected the warmth of the setting sun as she looked from face to face, and stepped back a pace, so she stood shoulder to shoulder with Severus. The two seemed discordant together to Remus. The girl was bright with interest, all soft with warm golden tones. She offered an uncertain smile, but Lupin wasn't completely taken in. She might look like a rabbit, but this was a predator. He breathed in deeply through his nose and he caught an impression of something feline, clever.

Snape was pale, cold, and aloof. His black eyes flickered as he stole a quick glance at Lily Evans before he retrained his gaze on the winning team's Head of House. He cleared his throat, and uncharacteristically started the conversation. "Congratulations, Professor McGonagall. Your House team acquitted themselves well today." Any sincerity to be found in his voice was threadbare and begrudging at best.

"Thank you, Mr Snape." The Transfiguration Professor's raven hair had been coiffed elegantly and had held through the day. Her hat was pinned in place, tartan earflaps loosely tied beneath her chin. She wasted no time in dismissing the Slytherin, turning her attention to Deirdre. "Miss Ward. I'd like to introduce two of the best students in the Sixth Year here at Hogwarts."

Deirdre's eyes widened and she shifted a fraction closer to Snape. Remus looked away, embarrassed that the Professor was being so direct. Surely she saw that the girl was ready to run?

"This is Miss Lily Evans, and this..." He felt fingers plucking at his sleeve, "is Mr Remus Lupin." She pulled both reluctant socialites forward to make their niceties.

The curly-haired girl bobbed her head in acknowledgement, and responded. "Um, pleasure is all mine, I'm sure."

Remus glanced at Lily, having fully expected his fellow Prefect to turn on the charm as she was ever able, but the proximity to Snape seemed to have chilled her to the bone. She threw the girl a half hearted smile, uttered, "Likewise," and then re-crossed her arms before her. Remus had seen her watch potions simmer with more warmth and interest.

Sighing, Remus stepped forward and stuck his hand out. In that instant, he formulated a plan as he spotted Wormtail peeking out at him between curls. "Nice to meet you, Miss Ward." He shook hands with the witch, taking note of the stiffening of Snape's posture. Well, too bad old chap. You'll have to share her sometime. "Imagine my surprise when I heard we had spent a day together, and me in ignorance."

The girl took her hand back and looked up at the tall Prefect, appearing to measure him against some unknown standard. Her expression was difficult to read as she responded, "Can't say I recall you, Mr Lupin."

Quickly, Remus interjected, "Remus. You must call me Remus." He smiled winningly down at the girl as she released his hand.

Lily Evans turned away at this statement, her nose up in the air as if looking at an interesting cloud in that clear, darkening sky. A gentle breeze was all that remained of the squall from earlier.

Deirdre, under the firm eye of Minerva McGonagall, answered, "Well, that is kind of you to say, Remus. And you must call me Deirdre." She cast a worried glance Lily's way before turning her attention back to him.

Remus noticed her glance but was now focused on Wormtail. A quiet squeak shifted the girl's attention, and she flushed as he exclaimed as though he had only noticed the rat now. "What do we have here?" He shifted his gaze back at her, capturing her in the intensity of his regard. "That rat belongs to one of our first years. Did you know that?"

A chittering came from under Deirdre's curls. It seemed upset. Deirdre put up a hand, having noticed that the Prefect was edging closer. "No. And I don't think he likes you very much."

Barking laughter escaped from Lupin. "Oh, I guess you must be right. I haven't given him any cheese this week." Mischief glinted in his golden eyes as he suggested, "I think you should walk back to our common room with me, Deirdre. Give your little friend there a lift, and join our celebration. See the best of Hogwarts." He trained all of his charm on her in that moment and held his breath, waiting for her response.

Deirdre stepped back a pace. "Well, I..."

Lily had been examining her nails in the fading light and chose to interject, "You really should. And if you don't want to stay, one of us will gladly walk you back to whatever dank hole you wish." She looked at Deirdre, one elegant brow arched in challenge. "Or, you could see how the losers party. I don't care. Just make up your mind. We're missing it." She tossed her red hair, setting it fluttering in the wind.

Remus growled under his breath. "Evans, don't be rude."

Deirdre had extended a hand to her shoulder. Her little friend clung to her thumb and cowered, his tail whipping in agitation. Her eyes sought out Severus, ever her anchor thus far. He was looking at the ground, his fists balled tight in white-knuckled fury. "Se… Severus?"

"You should go and see what Gryffindor has to offer, Miss Ward. If you wish to find me, I'll be where we met this morning." He reached out and grasped her by the hand, raising it to his lips in a gesture of genteel farewell. What should have been a romantic gesture seemed cold and mechanical under the circumstances, and he didn't even look directly at Deirdre. A glance was spared for Remus. It was stacked with warning, and Lupin inclined his head in acknowledgement of the challenge. He had won this round.

Deirdre watched with an expression of confusion as Severus took his leave, politely wishing McGonagall and Evans a pleasant evening as well. She felt McGonagall's place pressure on her back, and just like that, she was Miss Ward, a stranger, and Hogwarts once again a foreign land. The little group moved off, leaving Severus behind.

Professor McGonagall cooed, "Oh, well, isn't this nice." She continued to stroll with the little group and seemed bent on drawing Lily in.

"Miss Evans, what have you been up to? I heard that the Potter heir is still trying to get your attention."

Lily rolled her eyes so hard that Remus could hear it, "The day I consent to a date with James Potter will be the day after my own funeral, Professor." She added in for good measure, "I was thinking about asking Kingsley Shacklebolt to the Yule Ball. That'd get James Potter to leave me alone. He's so tiresome." Slyly, she looked back over her shoulder at them before she continued, "Some boys don't know how to take no for an answer, am I right, Deirdre?"

Deirdre had been falling behind the other witches, but Remus was keeping pace with her at her left. "I am not quite sure what you mean."

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "Yes, well. This has been very nice, but I think I'll head up to the staff room. I wouldn't want to keep Professor Svartrunir waiting with that drink he owes me. See you tomorrow morning, Deirdre. I think your Aunt will be bringing you in for the meeting." With barely that much as a by-your-leave, the Head of House Gryffindor sped off.

Remus asked, "Aunt? You have family here at school?"

Deirdre nodded slightly, looking about her with the posture of a caged animal. "Professor Sprout. She's more of a cousin on my mother's side, I'm told. I only just met her, but given the age difference I'm to call her Aunt."

Remus started to feel a shade of conscience as he observed the lost expression on his quarry's face. She really was rather alone in all of this. He offered her his arm, schooling his expression to one of friendly interest.

Lily cocked her head, green eyes flashing with wicked intent. "Mark my words. If you hang about with Snape long enough, you will find out how persistently awful he can be." She sighed airily, as though she didn't give two shakes. "Some people can't take advice, I'll warrant. We'll see which you are, won't we?"

Remus murmured into Deirdre's ear. "I know she sounds off, but Lily had a very bad experience with Snape, Deirdre." His tone was much gentler, and he seemed to be apologetic. "It might seem hard to believe, but they grew up together. They were inseparable until last year. Very ugly scene."

That voice cut into their revelation, "Well, Remus. I see you've got things under control. I'll see you back at the commons in a bit. I think I might go find Kingsley now. Intelligent conversation would be a welcome relief." Without waiting, she too walked off, taking a fork in the road that led down, rather than back up to the Aqueduct.

A small ratty face emerged from Deirdre's hair, and Remus and Deirdre were treated to a rodent tirade of chitters and squeaks. He clung to her shoulders with tails and hind legs, and his front paws were held up in little fists, a sign of defiance at the witch's retreating back.

Remus chuckled, "You could say that again. No, I don't see what James sees in her either. Still, he won't be swayed."

Deirdre's expression changed to one of understanding. "James Potter, the chaser who hurt his..." She giggled, "Erm, pride," She glanced at Remus to be sure he caught her meaning. "That James Potter?"

The Prefect gave her a long apprising look before answering, "Noticed that, did you? Yes. That Potter. And that Evans." He shook his head, "James swears that someday he's going to marry Lily. And I have NO idea why. She's never given him a moment's encouragement. Even after she came to her senses."

"Isn't he a bully? He and that Black fellow. Oh, and Pettigrew, wasn't it?" Wide innocent eyes looked back up at him, when he didn't respond, "Friends of yours? Oh, well, don't answer. But if even a small fraction of what I've heard about those fellows is true…" Deirdre's voice became as saccharine as treacle, "They're perfect for each other."