Disclaimer: Harry Potter and his world all belong to J. K. Rowling and I’m just grateful that she lets me play in them.
Professor Dumbledore stood up at the end of supper and motioned to all the school to remain seated.
‘I have something of a very serious nature to say to you all,’ he announced.
Everyone looked round at each other, wondering what on earth this might be. Seeing only blank looks and shrugs, they turned back to Dumbledore, waiting for him to explain.
‘Some of you may be aware that there have been an increasing number of… unfortunate incidents involving the deaths of not only some well known witches and wizards but even recently, a few Muggles. It has become clear to the Ministry of Magic that this is part of a planned campaign to terrorise the whole wizarding community and, I am sad to have to tell you, that it is masterminded by one of Hogwarts’ own former pupils.’ Dumbledore leaned forward and removed his glasses. ‘Let no-one be in any doubt. Tom Riddle, or Lord Voldemort as he prefers his followers to call him, is the most able wizard I have ever had the privilege of teaching. He is clever and he is evil and together that makes him very, very, dangerous.’
Nobody moved a muscle. Even the ghosts seemed to be holding their breath. Lily felt her stomach churning but tried to maintain a calm expression.
Dumbledore continued. ‘As a consequence, the Ministry have asked me to set in place extra protection around Hogwarts. I know you will all understand the need for this and comply with all the restrictions. In particular, I must ask that nobody, and I do mean nobody, goes beyond the school boundaries without explicit permission. And, may I remind you, that means that the Forbidden Forest is absolutely forbidden. Now, I wish to speak to the sixth and seventh years. The rest of you may leave.’
There was a certain amount of chaos as the younger pupils, some of them crying and all of them looking shaken up, left under the supervision of the Heads of House, and the older pupils gathered together near the High Table. Lily ended up sitting beside James Potter and discovered that the sight of his placid, familiar face was surprisingly comforting.
‘The Ministry anticipates that the present situation is likely to escalate for some time to come. As many qualified Aurors as possible will be required to fight the danger. Therefore, I have decided to encourage any of you who are not taking the necessary subjects at present to transfer. Extra classes will be laid on for seventh years to allow you to catch up on the work you missed last year. Anyone who wishes to make such a change should inform their Head of House who will arrange your timetables. For all of you, I urge you to work as hard as you are able. Your studies will not be merely academic; one day soon you may be called upon to defend yourselves and those you love. Make every effort not to be found wanting.’
In the next few days, the library was busier than Lily had ever known it. Sixth and seventh year students were working late into the night, not only to complete their usual homework but desperately trying to catch up with work they’d missed. They had their free periods filled with extra classes and many had given up playing Quidditch altogether. Lily found that she suddenly had more free time than most, since she was already taking the necessary subjects and was well ahead with her work.
Coming back to the Gryffindor common room at 9:30 one evening, Lily was surprised to find James Potter alone at the table in the corner, his hair spiked in every direction and scrolls all over the floor around him. He looked up when she came in and smiled ruefully.
‘I wish Dumbledore had told us a year ago.’
‘Yes, it’s hard having to catch up,’ she agreed. ‘You’ve only got one extra class, haven’t you?’
He nodded. ‘If only that were it, it wouldn’t be so bad but my grades in the rest are hardly up to scratch. My sixth year notes are almost non-existent and my Potions are so awful, Slughorn’s taken to holding a handkerchief over his nose before he’ll even look at my cauldron.’
Lily laughed. ‘But you’re practically at the top of the Defence Against the Dark Arts class. And McGonagall’s always telling you that you’ve got the brains for Transfiguration if only you’d use them.’
He shrugged. ‘Still can’t make an Antidote and I’ll never remember all those Charms. Ah well.’ He stretched and yawned. ‘Coffee?’ he offered, indicating the flask on the table.
Lily hesitated.
‘Oh, come on. It won’t hurt you.’
She blushed. ‘It’s not that. It’s just, I was thinking…’ He regarded her steadily, waiting for her to finish. ‘Perhaps I could help you. Lend you my sixth year notes. Go through the Potions and Charms with you. If… if you like,’ she ended hurriedly, wondering if she’d made an awful fool of herself.
But James was grinning. ‘Would you really, Evans?’
She nodded awkwardly.
‘That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me,’ he remarked, handing her a cup of milky coffee.
‘Chocolate frog?’
‘No, thanks.’ She sat down and sipped her drink. ‘Are you afraid?’ she asked, suddenly remembering the reason for all this extra work.
‘Of whats-his-name, Voldemort? A bit. It’s hard to take on board, isn’t it?’
‘I suppose so.’ Lily sighed, gazing into the red and gold Gryffindor fire, wishing she felt as brave as she ought. ‘I just keep thinking of those Muggles. That’s what really gets me. It’s so unfair, when they can’t hope to defend themselves.’
‘Are you worried about your parents?’ James came to sit beside her.
Lily stared into her coffee cup, hardly daring to admit her aching fear, even to herself. James took her small, shaking hand in his warm, steady one and together they silently contemplated the future.
After what seemed like hours, a trickle of students began returning to the common room. Lily stood up quickly, faintly embarrassed to be found sitting so close to James.
‘Well, thanks for the coffee.’
‘My pleasure.’ He grinned wickedly at her, hazel eyes dancing in the firelight and she felt her knees weaken.
‘Goodnight, Potter.’ She attempted a casual air.
‘Hold on a minute, Evans.’ He clearly saw straight through her, but he merely said. ‘How about before breakfast?’
She looked confused. ‘How about it?’
‘To go through the extra work. Could we do it before breakfast?’
Lily had almost forgotten her offer, but she nodded brightly. ‘Yes, good idea. Six o’clock?’
‘Fine. D’you like coffee or tea first thing?’
‘Oh, um, tea, please.’
‘Right. See you then.’
She waited, uncertainly. He raised an eyebrow, wondering what the problem was.
Lily blushed furiously, looking down at the floor. ‘You… you didn’t say goodnight,’ she explained.
He laughed and, without thinking, raised a finger to stroke her cheek. ‘Goodnight, Lily,’ he murmured quietly, before she fled in embarrassment.