Final Year, Final Chance

The light that usually danced in Albus Dumbledore's eyes was dim.

Lily Evans and James Potter sat in the his office, their heads hung in shame. Professor McGonagall took it upon herself to pace the room, her nostrils flaring in anger.

"I know that you two are aware of the consequences that come from your behaviour, therefore I will not harp on about it."

"Oh Professor, really!" James protested.

Dumbledore looked to his colleague. "Minerva? Have you a solution to this small hitch?"

"Well, no," she stammered. "But..."

"Then, let us be patient."

He turned to James and Lily.

"Please explain why on earth two bright, fine young students simply cannot see eye to eye?"

There was silence. Neither spoke, for they had no solution, no right answer.

"You have nothing for me?"

They shook their heads.

"Very well then," Dumbledore sat back, staring at them through his half-moon spectacles. "I am asking you once, and only once. Find it within yourselves to heal this wound that prevents you from being friends. For the sake of your school."

"Sir-"

Dumbledore cut James off. "Mr Potter, you assured me there was nothing you could say." James fell silent, again looking at his feet.

"I will, again, say this once. And that will be the end of it."

Lily looked up at the headmaster, tears brimming in her eyes.

"I'm not angry at either of you," he assured her. "However I have this to say."

James was furiously blinking, also trying to mask the tears that were threatening to spill out.

"I know there is a tension between you two, whatever kind of tension it may be. However I also know that when you work together, a spark ignites bright enough to light up a room. Whether you are friends or not, it is your duty as head girl and boy to set example and lead the school. You must care for the students and for each other. I told you this at the beginning of the year."

"Yes, sir," said Lily.

"So please, try and avoid another confrontation such as this-"

"We are-" Lily began.

"We won't speak of it again. There is no need. Just promise it won't happen again."

"Yes, sir," James nodded.

"Yes," Lily whispered.

Dumbledore inclined his head to them. "You may go."

James moved towards Lily, but she jumped up from her seat and left the room in a flash. James' head drooped as he too stood up.

"Give her time," he heard as he ambled to the door.

James turned to face the headmaster. "I'm sorry sir?"

"Give her time, Mr Potter."

"I don't-"

"You will," Dumbledore nodded. "Just be patient."

Though he did not entirely understand the headmaster's cryptic comment, James nodded and left, closing the door behind him.

"What can we do with them?" Dumbledore sighed.

"Albus this is ridiculous," McGonagall snapped. "We will just have to keep them separate. They can do separate tasks. They just cannot be near each other."

But Dumbledore was deep in thought, struggling to recall the event that triggered this meeting...

Lily spun around to face James. "You are the most egotistical-"

"Get some new material, Evans," James interrupted. "These simple insults are wearing thin."

"Just stay out of my way, Potter."

James took a step closer. "Or what? What're you going to do?"

"I'll report you."

"Oooh!" James taunted. "I'm shaking in my dragon-hide boots."

A flash of light omitted from Lily's wand, barely missing James.

"You wouldn't!" James gasped in horror.

Lily rose to full height. "Oh I would, you snake!"

"That's it." James threw his arms in the air. "I've decided I really can't stand you."

Lily's breath caught. "What?"

"That's right," said James, but he wasn't sure he meant it.

"Well...good! From the moment I met you, you were nothing but arrogant, conceited and a complete bully."

"Oh really?"

"Yes! I can't believe I was beginning to think you were half decent. But you're nothing but a smouldering git."

They looked at each other, both hurt.

"You were beginning to what?" James whispered.

"Nothing! I hate you!"

"Right back at you!"

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" roared McGonagall...

"Albus! Have you been listening to a word I have said??"

"I'm sorry, Minerva. I was just recalling the sparring partners at work."

McGonagall sat down. "You really should stop reliving that Albus. I know you are closer to these two than any other head boy and girl that has come through here. But you must understand; these are two people you cannot help to find one another."

Dumbledore was still thinking. He stood up and walked to his Pensieve and gazed into it, searching for answers.

"They already have."

"It's no use...what?"

"They have found each other. Each has just taken a detour."

"But Albus..."

"Give them time, Minerva. "

"Are you sure?"

Dumbledore again looked into the Pensieve.

"Yes. I am more certain than ever."