The next few days for Genieve would be difficult. She was doing well in her classes and making friends in her house, but something troubled her. She couldn't quite but a finger on what was wrong but she knew something was going to happen. Genieve dismissed it as just new student jitters.

" So, Genieve, how do you like Hogwarts so far?" Snape asked her from across the table during breakfast the next day.

" It's all right," Genieve smiled quickly before starting on her breakfast.

" A little nervous?" Snape asked.

" Not in the least," Genieve answered. " I just need to get used to it all. It's quite different for me."

" It's different for us all," Snape smiled. " But you'll get used to it. I know it. You're a strong one."

" Thanks," Genieve whispered.

" We're here for you," Snape squeezed her shoulders. Genieve stood quickly, her eyes staring into Snape's.

" I'm very thankful for having a friend like you," Genieve narrowed her eyes quickly before leaving the Great Hall. Snape watched her leave.

" She told you."

" Shut up!" Snape snapped at another Slytherin.

" She told you."

" She merely needs to adjust, but she will soon know where her loyalties lie," Snape stood up, holding his robes to his side. " I will see you all later," with that Snape left, following Genieve who was already to the doors.

Genieve left the Great Hall quickly, not wanting to continue her conversation with Snape. She quickly pushed the doors open and headed up the stairs. Halfway up the stairs a hand grasped her shoulder. Genieve turned around.

" Genieve," James Potter smiled. " I've been trying to find you."

" I can't believe it," Genieve whispered. " I'm supposed to be Gryffindor," Genieve's eyes dropped to the floor and she closed her eyes. " What happened?"

" I'm not sure yet," James shook his head, trying to clear his mind. " I guess… well… I tried to talk to Dumbledoor yesterday but McGonagall stopped me. Snape was there too. There's nothing good in that man."

" I don't see anything wrong with him," Genieve walked with James as the two mounted the rest of the steps.

" He's just… evil," James whispered. " Don't you see that?"

" I don't see anything," Genieve shook her head. " I just see someone trying to help me fit in," Genieve looked up at James, glancing into his eyes.

" I see something more than that," James sighed. " I wish you could see that. I wish I could protect you all the time, but I can't. So you must learn to see who is against you."

" What do you mean?" Genieve narrowed her eyes, trying to understand exactly what he was saying.

" There are some people here who want you to join…" James swallowed quickly. " Who want you to join you-know-who," Genieve pulled back quickly, aghast.

" Why would I join him?" Genieve whispered. James took her elbow steering her down another hall.

" They know you are a powerful wizard and they think that you would be an asset to him," James let go of her elbow, taking her hands. " Promise me you'll never ever join him," Genieve's hands shook lightly, her face slightly pale.

" Why would I do such a thing?" Genieve asked.

" PROMISE me!" James raised his voice, grasping her hands tightly.

" I promise!" Genieve nodded, tears coming to her eyes. " I just don't understand why they would think that way."

" Some students aren't all good," James lowered his voice. " We don't always turn out good wizards here. So keep your eyes open and watch your back."

" Maybe I shouldn't be here," Genieve glanced around. " Maybe I should go home. Go to another school where there aren't… conspirators."

" I think you belong here," James smiled. " I know you belong here."

" If I belong here then why am I in such danger?" Genieve sighed.

" Because you can live through this. They won't get you Genieve," James wrapped his arms around her. " I promised your father that I would take care of you for as long as I live. Only when I die is when you might fall into evil hands. Then you will have to take care of yourself. And I hope by then you are ready. I plan to be around for quite some time. And I promise to take care of you until my death."

" I hope I'm ready to take care of myself when you leave too," Genieve smiled. " And I hope you don't leave for quite some time."

" I won't leave," James smiled. " And I won't stop protecting you."

" Thank you," Genieve smiled, hugging him quickly. " That makes me feel so much better."

" Now," James let go of her, holding her out to look at her. " Go to your classes and do your best. The professors are expecting a lot from you."

" I will," Genieve turned to head back to her room to get some items. She turned and smiled over her shoulder at James. " Thanks again, James. Trust me, I will never forget you. Even after you're gone."

" And I will never forget you. I promise," James waved as she left.