Hello, everyone, continuing on the theme track. Not sure how well this one went, but I wanted to put Lily and James in someone else's perspective. Anyway, hope you enjoy.

Audrie Melone

Professor McGonagall stood before Professor Dumbledore, two letters clutched in her hand.

The Headmaster examined her with a slight smile. She would have bet all the biscuits in her tin that he knew exactly what she was referring to. "How has there been a mistake, Minerva?" he inquired quietly.

"Albus, you have made Lily Evans and James Potter Head Girl and Head Boy."

He nodded and leaned back in his chair; his eyebrows lifted ever so slightly. "So I have."

She pursed her lips. She trusted Dumbledore's judgment greatly, but perhaps he was taking his faith in cooperation a little too far in this decision. For Merlin's sake, James Potter had possibly set the record for school detentions! And saw it as one of his greatest accomplishments! Dumbledore waved his hand at a seat. "Sit, Minerva, I believe that you came here to discuss this with me. You quite clearly have opinions that challenge the wisdom of my decision."

She perched on the end of her seat. "Albus, Mr. Potter is no doubt a charming young man and talented student. He is an excellent captain for the Gryffindor team. He was a satisfactory prefect this year, but Head Boy? With Lily Evans as his partner? I do not believe I have ever seen a more volatile combination, Gryffindors and Slytherins not withstanding!"

The Headmaster seemed to consider his response as he gazed out the window. When he turned back to her, he was no longer smiling. "Miss Evans is mature enough to handle her position with Mr. Potter, however much she may seem to dislike him." He looked at her over the rims of his half-moon glasses, his eyes twinkling. "I do believe that is your concern, Minerva, rather than their capabilities of handling the role?"

McGonagall's eyebrows had arched at the word 'seem.' "Yes, I do not doubt," she paused and reconsidered her words, "in the case of Miss Evans, that she is capable of handling the role. Mr. Potter is a bit of a stretch for my mind, but he served his prefect role without causing too much complaint. Merlin knows, he's certainly the only one who can keep Mr. Black in check! But, Albus, seem to dislike him? Lily and James are as opposite as day and night! Miss Evans has always regarded her peers with respect, proved to be an exceptionally brilliant and dedicated student, and carefully observed the rules. She carries herself with an astounding maturity and constantly has everyone's best interests in mind." She had leapt up and begun to pace, unable to hold herself still any longer. "Mr. Potter on the other hand has been, simultaneously, the greatest troublemaker and one of most brilliant students that I have ever taught. Yet, he directs his intelligence in most unproductive ways. As charming as he is, he has occasionally been arrogant and at times inconsiderate of the feelings of those around him. I have witnessed the confrontations between Miss Evans and Mr. Potter, of which there have been no few number. We have enough to handle without mediating a falling out between the Head students!" She stopped and pursed her lips. "Albus, I will admit that I like both students, perhaps more than I ought to as their professor, but we must be practical here." She tapped the letters in her hand for emphasis.

Professor Dumbledore sighed heavily. "I understand your concerns, Minerva, and I have taken them into account. But Miss Evans and Mr. Potter are not so opposite as you portray them. Miss Evans can be as mischievous minded as Mr. Potter, she simply elects not to act upon those impulses—most of the time." McGonagall's lips parted at the Headmaster's exception, but she did not interrupt. A recollection of Miss Evans emptying a bowl of potatoes and then gravy over Mr. Potter's head came to mind. Dumbledore observed her amusement and continued, "And Mr. Potter, as we saw last year in the incident regarding Mr. Snape and Mr. Lupin, possesses a maturity equal to Miss Evans'. As for their arguing, I have reason to believe that Mr. Potter will be sure Miss Evans has little to be exasperated about."

Professor McGonagall frowned at the knowing look on the Headmaster's face and he chuckled. "Minerva, one who possesses such observation skills as yours can surely see my understanding."
She glanced down at the letters. What was she supposed to see? What she saw was James constantly harassing Lily. What she saw was Lily trudging from the hospital wing. What she saw was the puffiness of Lily's eyes and James badgering her on their way from class.What she saw was James's scattered parchments on the floor and the letters L and J scrawled in the corner of several. Professor McGonagall gasped at her lapse in understanding. She was not used to blushing, but felt her cheeks doing so as she looked up at the Headmaster.

"Your role as Headmaster is not to play matchmaker," she said sharply to disguise her embarrassment.

Dumbledore smiled benevolently. "You are correct, Minerva. I am to match students who will work exceptionally well together."

"Well, let's just hope that Mr. Potter and Miss Evans realize they're not so opposite as they think they are," she said tersely as she turned to go.

Just before the door closed behind her, she heard the Headmaster muse, "Then again, opposites are said to attract."

Professor McGonagall shook her head as she hurried to the owlry. After all, geniuses were never said to be fully sane and Dumbledore was certainly a genius.