The Choosing

Authors Notes: Thanks to my beta Ashley, with her very speedy read and return!

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Minerva was not sure she had heard quite correctly.

"I'm sorry, Albus. Did you suggest Potter?"

"Why yes, Minerva. You seem shocked. No, perhaps appalled would describe your reaction better."

"I certainly accepted Mr. Lupin as the male Gryffindor prefect, if not for the sole reason he was the most responsible out of the lot, but Mr. Potter? James Potter? Albus, there are so many others to consider for Head Boy!"

Albus looked at her for a moment before nodding slightly to the seat across from his desk. "Lemon drop?" he asked pleasantly.

"No, no thank you. What about Robins? He is quite the capable student. High grades, a prefect--"

"I am not sure why you are so strongly objecting to the idea of James. Certainly you would not mind having the Head Boy and Girl both in your house this coming school year?"

"No, it isn't that, it's just--" Minerva hesitated. Albus watched her patiently as she groped for the words.

"He's not good," she finished lamely. Dumbledore smiled at her, patiently waiting for her to say something else while un-sticking a lemon drop for himself. She remained silent for a moment and continued slowly, "James Potter is a troublemaker, Albus, and I do not think you wish to encourage behavior like his. I feel that even with his improvements near the end of the past school year, there are plenty of others--"

"I see your concern, but I feel that in a time where dangers outside the school are looming, a cheery and unconventional Head Boy would be good for our students. I think that James will step up to the challenge. He does have several traits that I would see fit for a Head Boy such as loyalty, spirit, intelligence..."

"An aptitude for mischief, a bit of an ego, and..." Minerva sighed. "Yes, Albus, I see that look. Yes, he does have talent."

"I think he and Miss Evans would make a splendid team, don't you?"

"Splendid? No, I do not."

Dumbledore sighed and looked out the window. "Who would you suggest, Minerva?"

"Almost anyone else. Yes, anyone else, except Black. He might be worse than Potter for other reasons."

"No, not Sirius, I agree." He waited for her to go on.

"Well, Robins as I said."

"You don't think he is rather conventional?"

"Are you looking for strictly unconventional? I can only imagine what the school board might have to say to that."

"I want a Head Boy that will be best for our students."

"What about Remus Lupin?"

"Remus, I fear, will have many things to worry about in his final year at school. I do not wish to add to his horrible burden." When Minerva looked at him quizzically, he looked away from the window and elaborated, "There has never been a werewolf with a Hogwarts education before, Minerva, and I do not think many will be willing to hire one. Remus has a rough time approaching him as he looks for a job and adult life. I can only hope he keeps his friends; they would take care of him if need should arise."

Minerva bowed her head. "Of course, not Mr. Lupin. Perhaps..."

"Minerva?"

"I was considering Severus Snape. He has close to top grades and though he is not very sociable--"

"I do not wish to have Severus Snape in a position of power this next year. I've already sensed that he is evolving his powers in the dark arts outside of school. I feel strongly that he is in a danger that we cannot rescue him from just now; a danger which we must not expose to all of our young minds here at Hogwarts."

"But you thoroughly believe in James Potter? And you do not fear people will see it as favouritism? I know that I would, were I on the outside looking in."

Albus began signing the sheet before him as he spoke. "Minerva, I am sure. I need your consent, however, as Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor house." He paused for a moment to place his quill in its well and look at Minerva as he slowly added, "But most of all, I need your consent as the person whom I trust more than any other."

Minerva was silent as she rose and stood behind Albus's chair, looking over his shoulder at the parchment concerning student authority for next year. She mulled over his words. The person whom I trust more than any other. Unconsciously, she placed her left hand gently on his arm as they considered the paper.

Albus seemed slightly surprised but not uncomfortable. He covered Minerva's left hand with his own as she signed her name below his with her right, pleased that the hour was late and the portraits on his wall were all in slumber.