Meanwhile, in the Hospital Wing

"Mr. Lupin is here." the wizened old witch called, as she levitated the wounded boy with her wand. He was shivering, obviously cold from his sudden lack of fur and clothing. Madame Pomfrey helped him dress, while Lily retrieved the extra blankets. Soon, he was covered in fleece and wool, drifting in and out of sleep. As slight as his form, and light as his footsteps, he was very much alive in his heart and eyes. This was particularly evident whenever a certain James Potter came to visit him in the hospital wing. They never hugged or kissed, rarely even spoke. It was simply understood, just was.

Lily was slightly jealous, but she understood. She didn't have much time for a boyfriend anyway; she had a job to do if she was ever going to be the chief of medical staff at St. Mungo's. It was her life's dream to be a doctor; one that didn't change or miss a beat, even after she found out she was a witch. A few details changed, that's all. She wanted to fix things in the world, and she knew that was one of the best ways to do it.

James was in there again, Lily knew. The sound of laughter was a hard one to ignore when one is scrubbing bedpans. She saw his shadow from behind the screen, holding Remus' hand. All the sudden, things got quiet. James bent down, whispering into Remus' ear. Remus spoke softly; Lily didn't hear it at all from the other end of the room, a few short footsteps away.

"So it's true then."

James replied, eyes glued to the floor, "Yes. They're actually going through with it, even after all Ian did. They're going to test me tomorrow, just before I start training. If they find out about you... I... I'm afraid they won't let me in."

Remus was silent, obviously thinking of the implications this would have on both his and his lover's life. He bit his lip and took a deep breath, trying not to cry. "You can't beat the test, can you?"

James took a glance at the man he loved, and the glance was all Remus needed. "Rem, I can't beat the potion they're going to make me take. I can't live my life in fear of Lord Voldemort. I pledged to my father on his deathbed I'd fight them until the last man went down. I've got to be an Auror. As much as I may love you..." James paused, unable to finish.

Hogwarts, 1995

"Albus, come quickly!" shouted Severus, his voice echoing through out the castle. Severus stormed into the other man's office, "You recommended her, and now she's left, no doubt a spy for Lord Voldemort!"

Remus glanced at Severus, eyebrows raised. "Oh yes, she's going to go tell the men who killed her boyfriend how to go kill everyone's boyfriend."

"Alright then, smart ass, where did she go then, and how?" snapped Severus.

"Gentlemen! I was under the impression we had grown beyond or old school rivalries." Albus gave them both a meaningful look. "You both have the best of intentions, but you're both driving me crazy!" Now, if you can behave, I think I know what happened..." the other two wizards crowded closely around him, whispering softly in hushed voices.