Chapter 77

The buzz of morning conversation filled the Great Hall as students discussed exams, holiday plans, and, in hushed tones, the attack on Mary Macdonald. Dumbledore descended from his office and made his way to the staff table with measured steps, his usual twinkle notably absent.

He didn't wait for silence to fall naturally. A sharp tap of his wand against his goblet sent a resonant chime through the hall, cutting through conversations mid-sentence. Students looked up, surprised, Dumbledore rarely interrupted breakfast for announcements.

The weight of the coming battle visibly sat on his shoulders. "Good morning, " he began, his voice carrying with unusual gravity. "I have an important announcement regarding our end-of-term celebrations."

Severus tensed, sensing the strategic maneuver before Dumbledore even spoke the words. Across the room, he caught Lily's gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between them through their bond.

"Due to unavoidable circumstances, " Dumbledore continued, "we shall be having our end-term celebration tomorrow evening, Wednesday, instead of Friday as is the norm."

The hall erupted into confused chatter.

"Additionally, " Dumbledore raised his voice slightly, bringing silence again, "all students will remain at Hogwarts until Thursday afternoon, when special Ministry transportation will be arranged to return you safely to your families."

"Wednesday?" A fifth-year Ravenclaw's voice carried over the din. "But that's, "

"Tomorrow?" Someone from Hufflepuff sounded genuinely distressed. "We haven't even finished our preparations!"

Professor McGonagall stood, her expression severe. "The Headmaster has made his decision. There will be no further discussion."

Severus maintained a carefully neutral expression, but his mind raced. Dumbledore was ensuring no students would be departing on Thursday morning, when the Death Eaters planned to attack. The "special Ministry transportation" would likely involve Aurors and enhanced security measures. It was a clear indication that Dumbledore knew exactly when the attack would occur.

At the Slytherin table, Severus observed Rosier and Wilkes huddled in whispered conversation. He couldn't hear them, but their body language spoke volumes, tense, agitated, suspicious.

Wilkes leaned in toward Rosier. "Does this change our plans?"

"No, " Rosier said firmly, just loud enough for Severus to catch. "If anything, it confirms we're on the right track. The old man is nervous."

Severus stole another glance toward Lily. Her green eyes were fixed on him, a mixture of relief and tension in her expression. Through their blood bond, he felt her calm determination rippling toward him like gentle waves against a shore. He's protecting the students, her thought came clearly through their connection.

But exposing his hand, Severus replied silently. Voldemort will know Dumbledore has been warned.

Dumbledore continued, his voice gentle but firm. "I understand this is unexpected, but I ask for your cooperation. House prefects will coordinate with their Heads to ensure all preparations are completed by tomorrow evening. Now, please continue with your breakfast."

The moment Dumbledore sat down, the hall exploded into speculative chatter.

"Something's happening, " whispered a Hufflepuff girl nearby. "My father works for Magical Transportation, and he said there have been increased security measures everywhere."

"I heard the Ministry's been infiltrated, " added another student. "They're saying You-Know-Who has people inside."

Mulciber slid onto the bench beside Severus, his expression carefully constructed to appear smug while his eyes betrayed anxiety. "Quite the performance by our Headmaster, " he murmured. "Almost as impressive as mine last night."

"Indeed, " Severus replied coolly. "Speaking of performances, how did your meeting with Rosier go afterward?"

Mulciber's voice dropped further. "He told me everything. Dawn attack, Thursday morning. They plan to breach the eastern wards where they're weakest, then split into four teams. And..." he hesitated.

"And?" Severus prompted, keeping his face impassive.

"Dolohov specifically wants you captured alive. Rosier says they're saving you for something special." Mulciber swallowed hard. "He wants me to help them take you."

Severus showed no reaction, though internally he felt ice spreading through his veins. "I see."

"What do I do?" Mulciber whispered, genuine terror bleeding through his carefully maintained facade. "If I refuse, they'll kill me on the spot. If I agree..."

"You'll do exactly as they ask, " Severus said calmly, serving himself porridge as if discussing the weather. "You'll lead them directly to me."

Mulciber stared at him. "Have you lost your mind?"

"On the contrary, " Severus replied. "I'm thinking quite clearly. They expect to find me in my usual place, they don't know that I know they're coming. We can use that."

"They'll kill you, " Mulciber hissed. "Or worse."

A cold smile touched Severus's lips. "No, they won't. Because I won't be there. Someone else will."

Across the room, James Potter caught Severus's eye and nodded almost imperceptibly. The Marauders had already noticed Dumbledore's strategic announcement and understood its implications.

After breakfast, Severus found Lily waiting for him in the corridor, her red hair glinting in the morning light streaming through the high windows.

"Dumbledore's changed everything, " she said without preamble. "We need to adjust our plans."

"He's making sure no students will be departing Thursday morning, " Severus agreed. "Smart, but it also alerts the Death Eaters that we know they're coming."

Lily's brow furrowed. "Does that matter? They'll still attack, won't they?"

"Yes, but they'll be more cautious, more suspicious. They'll expect traps." Severus guided her toward an empty classroom, ensuring privacy. "Mulciber confirmed everything. Thursday dawn, eastern wards. Four teams."

"And?" Lily prompted, sensing there was more.

Severus hesitated. "Dolohov wants me specifically. Alive."

Fear flashed across Lily's face, followed quickly by fierce determination. "That's not happening."

"No, it's not, " he agreed. "But we can use it to our advantage."

Lily studied his face. "You have a plan."

"The beginning of one, " Severus admitted. "We need to meet with the others. Now that Dumbledore's moved the feast, we have even less time to prepare."

"He's trying to help, " Lily pointed out.

"I know. But he's also operating independently of us, which complicates things." Severus ran a hand through his hair. "We need to coordinate with him more directly."

"Through McGonagall?"

"No. Directly. Tonight, after his 'detention' with Mulciber. We can't afford miscommunication now."

Lily touched his arm gently. "Whatever Dolohov wants you for, Sev, it's not going to happen. We won't let it."

The conviction in her voice warmed him, . "I know, " he said simply.

"Do you? Really?" Lily stepped closer. "I meant what I said during our oath. You before all others. Always."

"Lily, "

"No, " she cut him off. "I know what you're thinking. That my safety matters more than yours. That's not how this works. Not anymore." Her green eyes blazed with intensity. "We save each other. That's the deal."

Through their bond, Severus felt her unwavering commitment, a fortress of certainty that wouldn't be moved. It was both terrifying and exhilarating to be the object of such fierce protection.

"We save each other, " he repeated softly, accepting the truth of it.

As they left to gather the others, Severus glanced back toward the Great Hall where Dumbledore was speaking quietly with McGonagall. The Headmaster looked up, meeting Severus's gaze across the distance. Something passed between them, not communication through Legilimency, but a simpler understanding.

The battle was coming whether they were ready or not. They had less than forty-eight hours to prepare for war.

Gryffindor Common Room, mid-morning break between classes. The portrait hole burst open as Gryffindors poured in, still animated from the breakfast announcement. The common room quickly divided into camps, those excited about an early celebration, and those upset about tradition being disrupted.

"Three hundred years!" A sixth-year was saying indignantly to anyone who'd listen. "Three hundred years of Friday feasts, and Dumbledore just changes it on a whim? My father always said tradition is the backbone of wizarding society!"

"Oh, shut it, Malcolm, " replied a fourth-year girl rolling her eyes. "At least we get to eat treacle tart sooner."

James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter claimed their usual spot by the fireplace, keeping their voices low despite the surrounding chaos.

"Can we join you?" Lily asked, approaching with Mary beside her. Mary still moved gingerly from the previous night's staged attack, her ribs bandaged beneath her robes.

James shifted to make room. "Of course."

"Does anyone else think it's mad that we're planning to fight Death Eaters while our classmates argue about feast scheduling?" James asked suddenly, watching a heated debate erupt between two seventh-years about whether dress robes would still be required.

"That's the whole point of what we're doing, " Remus said quietly. "Fighting so they can worry about feast schedules instead of survival."

Sirius stretched his legs out, displaying his typical casual arrogance. "Imagine being upset about pudding timing when there's a war on. 'Oh no, my treacle tart is coming forty-eight hours early! The horror!'" His dramatic impression drew a few curious glances.

"Keep your voice down, " Lily hissed.

"Sorry, Evans, " Sirius replied, not looking particularly sorry. "It's just, look at them." He gestured toward a group of third-years frantically discussing whether they'd have time to enchant their dress robes with twinkling stars before tomorrow. "Blissfully oblivious."

"That's exactly what we want, " Mary pointed out. "The longer they stay oblivious, the better."

"I know, I know, " Sirius sighed. "Still feels like we're living in a different reality."

Peter fidgeted with a loose thread on his sleeve. "Maybe Dumbledore's announcement will make the Death Eaters change their plans? If they know he knows, "

"They'll still come, " James cut in firmly. "They'll just be more cautious."

Frank Longbottom appeared at the portrait hole, slightly out of breath. "Lily, James, McGonagall wants to see all the zone leaders. Now. Her office."

"There's our next briefing, " James said, standing. "Sirius, Remus, keep things calm here. Try to keep people from completely losing it over the feast change."

Sirius grinned wickedly. "Leave it to me. I'll distract them with tales of the time James tried to transfigure his eyebrows into butterflies for Lily and ended up with caterpillars crawling across his face instead."

"You wouldn't dare, " James growled.

"I absolutely would." Sirius's eyes glinted with mischief. "It's a matter of public safety now."

"I hate you, " James muttered without heat.

"You love me, " Sirius countered. "Now go save the world while I save these poor sods from their pudding-related existential crisis."

As Lily and James headed toward the portrait hole, they heard Sirius dramatically clearing his throat behind them.

"ATTENTION, FELLOW GRYFFINDORS!" he bellowed. "While you're all fretting about feast schedules, let me tell you about the time James Potter tried to impress Evans by enchanting his dress robes to sing romantic ballads, but they got stuck on a particularly vulgar verse about a hag and a hippogriff, "

"I NEVER DID THAT!" James shouted back over the sudden laughter.

"That's not even the story you threatened to tell!" Lily pointed out, fighting a smile.

"I'm improvising!" Sirius called back cheerfully. "Creative license! Now get going before I start on the tale of the Great Quidditch Pants Incident of '75!"

James grabbed Lily's hand and practically dragged her through the portrait hole. "Let's go before he does actual damage to my reputation."

Behind them, the common room had erupted in laughter as Sirius stood on a chair, gesturing wildly while spinning an entirely fictional tale.

"Has he always been like this?" Lily asked as they hurried down the corridor.

"Worse, " James replied with fond exasperation. "Much, much worse."

McGonagall's office was already crowded when they arrived. Severus and Regulus stood near the window, maintaining careful distance from the others. Mulciber leaned against a bookshelf, eyes darting nervously. Frank and Alice Longbottom stood together by the desk, while Avery lurked near the door. McGonagall herself sat behind her desk, her expression grave.

"Good, you're all here, " she said, flicking her wand to lock the door and cast privacy charms. "Dumbledore's announcement changes our timeline. The attack is still coming at dawn Thursday, but now the Death Eaters know we're expecting them."

"How can you be certain they won't change their plans?" Alice asked.

"Because changing plans on such short notice would be disastrous for them, " Severus replied. "They've likely spent weeks preparing for this specific approach. Changing now would create too many variables."

McGonagall nodded. "Mr. Snape is correct. According to our intelligence, they will proceed as planned, but with heightened caution. This means we must modify our defensive strategy."

She unrolled a large map of Hogwarts on her desk. "Mr. Mulciber, please share what you've learned."

Mulciber stepped forward nervously. "Four teams, as we suspected. First team will breach the eastern wards where they're weakest, near the greenhouses. Second team will target the main entrance. Third and fourth will attempt entry through the astronomy tower and the boathouse passages." He hesitated. "There's also... specialized targeting."

"Meaning?" Frank prompted.

"Meaning they have specific capture orders for certain individuals." Mulciber's eyes flickered to Severus. "Snape is to be taken alive for Dolohov. Evans too, if possible. And the freed vessels if they're still here, which they aren't, but the Death Eaters don't know their locations yet."

Lily crossed her arms. "So Severus is their primary target."

"Yes, " McGonagall confirmed. "Which is why we're changing his assignment."

Severus's head snapped up. "What?"

"You can't possibly expect to hold the entrance hall position when you're their specific target, " McGonagall said firmly. "It would be tactically unsound."

"It would also be exactly what they expect, " Severus countered. "Which makes it perfect for a trap."

James stepped forward. "Actually, I agree with Snape." The room fell silent at this unprecedented alliance. "If they're coming specifically for him, we can use that. Draw their attention exactly where we want it."

"While the real Severus is elsewhere, " Lily added, catching on.

Severus nodded. "Polyjuice."

"Absolutely not, " McGonagall said firmly. "I will not risk a student posing as another student who is specifically targeted for capture."

"What if it's not a student?" James suggested. "What if it's someone who can handle themselves in a fight?"

All eyes turned to McGonagall, who looked distinctly uncomfortable. "Mr. Potter, if you're suggesting what I think you're suggesting..."

"Frank, " James said, turning to Longbottom. "You're close to Severus's height. With Polyjuice,"

"I'll do it, " Frank said immediately.

"No, you won't, " Severus interrupted. "This is my fight."

"It's all of our fight, " Frank countered. "And I'm of age. I've been training for Auror qualification all year. I can handle myself."

"This isn't some training exercise, " Severus snapped. "Dolohov is one of the most dangerous Death Eaters in Voldemort's inner circle."

The room flinched at the name, but Frank held his ground. "All the more reason it shouldn't be you. You're their specific target for a reason, Snape. We can't risk you falling into their hands."

A tense silence fell over the room.

"He's right, " Lily said quietly. "We need you coordinating the defense, not acting as bait."

Severus's jaw tightened. "And what happens when they realize Frank isn't me?"

"By then, it won't matter, " James explained. "We'll have already sprung the trap. The aim isn't to fool them indefinitely, just long enough to get them where we want them."

McGonagall surveyed the room, her expression conflicted. "I don't like this plan. But I see its strategic value." She turned to Frank. "Mr. Longbottom, this would be entirely voluntary. I cannot and will not order you to place yourself in such danger."

"I understand, Professor, " Frank said firmly. "But this is bigger than any of us. If playing Snape for an hour helps us protect the school, I'm in."

Severus studied Frank's face, searching for any sign of hesitation or fear. He found none, only steady resolve and clear-eyed determination.

"We'd need to prepare you, " Severus said finally. "My mannerisms, my voice, how I hold my wand."

"I've been watching you all year, " Frank replied with a slight smile. "You're not as inscrutable as you think, Snape."

"And where will the real Severus be during all this?" McGonagall asked.

"With me, " Lily answered immediately. "Mobile response team. We'll be ready to intervene when the trap is sprung."

McGonagall sighed heavily. "Very well. We'll adjust the defense plan accordingly." She rolled up the map. "Zone leaders, inform your teams of the changes, but only what they need to know. The fewer people who know about this deception, the better."

As they prepared to leave, McGonagall added, "And someone please ensure Mr. Black doesn't turn the entire common room into a circus before Thursday. We need everyone alert and ready."

James grinned. "Don't worry, Professor. Sirius is just keeping morale up."

"Heaven help us all, " McGonagall muttered.

Malfoy Manor had never felt colder. The grand drawing room, despite its roaring fire and elaborate tapestries, held a chill that seeped into the bones of those gathered around the long ebony table. Thirteen Death Eaters sat in rigid silence, their breath visible in small puffs despite the flames.

At the head of the table, Lord Voldemort's pale fingers drummed rhythmically against the polished wood. His serpentine features remained impassive, but the tension radiating from him was palpable. Nagini coiled at his feet, her massive form occasionally shifting with soft, sinister rustles against the hardwood floor.

"Dumbledore reschedules a school feast, " Voldemort finally spoke, his voice deceptively soft, "and moves all student departures to after our planned attack. How... clever."

No one dared speak. The drumming of his fingers continued, each tap echoing like a miniature death knell.

"This indicates, does it not, " he continued, "that our plans are known to him." The drumming stopped abruptly. "I find myself curious as to how that might have happened."

Bellatrix leaned forward eagerly. "My Lord, someone has betrayed us. Let me find them, "

Voldemort raised a hand, silencing her instantly. "Perhaps. Or perhaps Dumbledore simply has his own methods of gathering intelligence. Regardless, this changes nothing about Thursday's attack."

Lucius Malfoy cleared his throat carefully. "My Lord, if they're expecting us, "

"They expect us to reconsider, " Voldemort cut him off. "To delay or cancel. That is precisely why we shall proceed exactly as planned. The only difference is that we shall be even more... methodical."

He rose from his chair and began to circle the table slowly, each Death Eater stiffening as he passed behind them.

"What interests me more, " he continued, stopping behind Dolohov, "is the information Antonin has brought to my attention."

Dolohov straightened in his chair. "Yes, my Lord. As I was saying before the others arrived, my sources within Hogwarts confirm it. The Evans girl, Potter's Mudblood, she speaks Parseltongue."

Murmurs of disbelief rippled around the table.

"Impossible, " Avery Senior scoffed. "A Mudblood with the sacred language?"

Voldemort's eyes flashed dangerously. "Nothing is impossible when it comes to magic, Avery. Only limited by your pitiful imagination." He continued his predatory circle of the table. "Parseltongue is exceedingly rare. For it to manifest in someone supposedly Muggle-born is... intriguing."

"Could your source be mistaken?" Narcissa asked carefully.

"No, " Dolohov replied firmly. "She was observed entering a location that requires Parseltongue to access. There is no other explanation."

Voldemort stopped his pacing, staring into the fire. "A Mudblood who speaks the language of serpents. This Evans girl becomes more interesting by the moment."

"My Lord, " Bellatrix's voice dripped with disdain, "surely her blood status, "

"Blood can lie, Bella, " Voldemort interrupted, his voice suddenly sharp. "Family trees can be obscured. Secrets can be buried for generations."

He returned to his seat, absently stroking Nagini's head as she raised it to his hand. "I find myself wondering what other secrets might be hidden in the Evans girl's bloodline."

"The girl and Severus Snape are to be taken alive and brought directly to me. Unharmed, if possible, though I understand circumstances might necessitate... subduing them."

Nagini hissed softly, slithering up to coil partially on the table. Several Death Eaters leaned away instinctively.

"Nagini is hungry, " Voldemort observed with a cold smile. "She tells me she desires something... substantial. Perhaps one of Dumbledore's precious students would make a fitting meal."

Bellatrix giggled, a disturbing sound in the tense atmosphere. "Any preferences, my Lord?"

"I'm not particular, " Voldemort replied, stroking Nagini's scales. "Though I think she would enjoy one of their defenders. Someone who thinks themselves brave. The self-righteous are always more... satisfying to break." His red eyes gleamed in the firelight. "But not Snape or the Evans girl. They are mine."

"What of the vessels who escaped their contracts?" Nott

asked. "Four have disappeared, but Regulus Black remains at Hogwarts."

"Another priority target, " Voldemort confirmed. "I want him alive as well. The others we will locate in time."

Yaxley shifted uncomfortably. "My Lord, with Dumbledore aware of our coming, the castle will be heavily defended."

"Are you suggesting we abandon the attack, Yaxley?" Voldemort's voice was dangerously quiet.

"N-no, my Lord, " Yaxley stammered. "Merely acknowledging the challenge."

"The difficulty makes success all the sweeter, " Voldemort replied. "And failure all the more... disappointing." The threat hung in the air like a physical presence.

He rose again, this time with purpose. "Dumbledore's rescheduling changes nothing except my anger. If anything, it makes me more determined to show him, to show everyone, that nowhere is beyond my reach. Not even his precious school."

Nagini slithered fully onto the table now, her massive form moving between the Death Eaters, who remained frozen in their seats. She stopped before Yaxley, raising her head to his eye level, tongue flicking out to taste his fear.

"Nagini senses your doubt, Yaxley, " Voldemort observed. "She finds it... appetizing."

Yaxley's face drained of color. "I have no doubts, my Lord. Only determination to serve."

"Good, " Voldemort said softly. "Because those who doubt have no place among us."

He gestured for Nagini to return, which she did reluctantly. "Four teams, as planned. Eastern wards, main entrance, astronomy tower, and boathouse passage. Prioritize capturing Snape, Evans, and Black. Kill anyone who interferes."

"And Dumbledore?" Dolohov asked.

"Leave him to me, " Voldemort replied. "If he appears, do not engage. I shall deal with Albus personally when the time comes."

He surveyed the table, his red eyes moving from face to face. "Any further questions?"

No one spoke.

"Very well. We attack at dawn Thursday, as planned. But first..." He pointed his wand toward the door. "Enter."

The drawing room doors opened to reveal two masked lower-ranking Death Eaters dragging a terrified-looking wizard between them. The man's Ministry robes were torn and dirty, his face bruised.

"Ah, Mr. Cattermole from the Department of Magical Transportation, " Voldemort greeted him as if welcoming a dinner guest. "How kind of you to join us."

"Please, " the man whimpered. "I've told you everything I know about the student transportation plans, "

"Yes, yes, " Voldemort waved dismissively. "And you've been most helpful. But your usefulness has ended, and Nagini is still hungry."

Understanding dawned on Cattermole's face. "No, please, I have children, "

"Then they will learn an important lesson about choosing the right side, " Voldemort replied coldly. He looked down at his serpent. "Nagini... dinner."

What followed made even some of the hardened Death Eaters look away. Bellatrix watched with gleeful fascination, while Narcissa kept her eyes firmly fixed on the wall beyond. When it was over, Voldemort seemed invigorated, his eyes brighter, his movements more fluid.

"A taste of what's to come, " he announced, watching the remains being cleared away. "After Thursday, no one will doubt our resolve or our reach."

He dismissed them with a wave, but called Dolohov back as the others filed out.

"This Parseltongue ability, " Voldemort said quietly once they were alone. "It confirms my suspicions about the girl."

"What suspicions, my Lord?" Dolohov asked.

"That not all is as it seems with Lily Evans, " Voldemort replied. "Her blood may be more interesting than anyone realizes. I want her captured intact, Antonin. Her and Severus Snape. They may hold answers to questions I've been pursuing for some time."

"It will be done, my Lord, " Dolohov promised.

"See that it is, " Voldemort replied. "I find myself increasingly... curious about this pair. A Half-Blood Prince and a Mudblood who speaks Parseltongue, working together to break unbreakable contracts." His lipless mouth formed what might have been a smile. "The magical world is full of surprises, is it not?"

As Dolohov left, Voldemort remained alone in the drawing room, absently stroking Nagini's head as she digested her meal.

"Soon, " he whispered to her. "Soon we will have them. And then we shall discover what secrets they're hiding."

Nagini hissed in what sounded almost like anticipation.

Outside the door, Narcissa Malfoy lingered in the shadows, having heard every word. Her face remained impassive, but her mind worked quickly. The Dark Lord's interest in the Evans girl and Severus went beyond simple punishment for defiance. Something deeper was at play, something even the inner circle wasn't privy to.

She slipped away silently, wondering if her husband realized just how dangerous the game had become.

The Gryffindor common room had finally emptied, the last excited students retreating to their dormitories to rest before tomorrow's unexpectedly early feast. The fire had died down to glowing embers, casting long shadows across the familiar red and gold furnishings.

Four figures remained, sprawled across their usual armchairs in the corner. The Marauders, keeping their nightly tradition even as war loomed at the castle gates.

James ran his hands through his, a nervous habit that had intensified over recent days. "The plan's set then. Everyone knows their positions?"

Sirius nodded, his handsome features tight with unusual seriousness. "Frank takes your precious Snape's place at the entrance hall while the real greasy git hides away with Evans."

"Don't call him that, " James said, the automatic defense surprising even himself.

Sirius's eyebrows shot up. "who are you and what have you done with James Potter?"

"I'm just saying, after everything, "

"After everything, he's still got Lily at his side while you're stuck with us, " Sirius cut in. "And now she's apparently some sort of Parseltongue prodigy that Voldemort himself wants to collect. How very convenient."

Peter shifted uncomfortably. "Do you really think she can speak to snakes? That's... creepy."

"It doesn't matter what she can do, " Remus said quietly from his position by the window, where he'd been staring out at the nearly-full moon. "What matters is that Voldemort wants her captured alive."

James's face darkened. "This crushed me to the core, knowing that Voldemort wants Lily captured alive. I can feel my hatred for Snape rising again. If he hadn't dragged her into all this, "

"This is not about Snape, Prongs, " Remus interrupted sharply. "He did not create Lily's blood to carry these abilities."

"But he's the reason they found out about her!" James countered, leaning forward. "If she hadn't been working with him on these bloody rituals and potions, "

"Spare your nonsense, Potter, " Remus finished, uncharacteristically stern. "You become unreasonable where it concerns Evans, even on matters so clear."

Sirius whistled low. "Someone's got their werewolf knickers in a twist tonight."

"Shut up, Padfoot, " Remus growled, the approaching full moon making his temper shorter than usual. "I'm tired of this ridiculous jealousy. We're facing actual Death Eaters in less than forty-eight hours, and James is still fixated on who Lily chooses to spend time with."

James stood abruptly. "That's not fair! I'm worried about her safety!"

"Are you?" Remus challenged. "Or are you upset that when the danger came, she turned to Snape instead of you?"

The words hung in the air like a physical blow. Peter's eyes widened as he looked between his friends.

"Low blow, Moony, " Sirius murmured, though there was a gleam of respect in his eyes for Remus's boldness.

James paced in front of the dying fire, his shadow elongating and contracting with each turn. "You don't understand, " he said finally. "None of you do. I've tried everything to protect her, to be there for her, and somehow she still chooses him."

"Maybe that's exactly why, " Remus replied, his voice gentler now. "You're trying to protect her. Snape is working with her as an equal."

"An equal who's gotten her specifically targeted by Voldemort!"

Sirius stretched his long legs out toward the fire. "I hate to agree with our furry friend here, but Snape didn't make Evans a Parselmouth. That's pure coincidence."

"Is it, though?" James stopped pacing, his face suddenly thoughtful. "Don't you find it strange? First Snape suddenly changes completely over the summer, then we discover Lily has this rare ability, then they're breaking unbreakable blood contracts together."

Peter perked up. "What are you suggesting?"

"I don't know exactly, " James admitted, running his hand through his hair again. "But something doesn't add up. Snape knows things he shouldn't know. He's been ten steps ahead of everyone all year."

Sirius sat up straighter. "You think he's working for Voldemort? Feeding him information about Lily?"

"No, " James shook his head. "The opposite, maybe. What if... what if he knows something about Lily that even she didn't know until recently?"

"Like her bloodline?" Remus asked, suddenly interested despite himself.

"Exactly!" James snapped his fingers. "Remember what McGonagall said in the briefing? Dolohov told Voldemort that Lily's 'bloodline might hold unexpected value.' What if Snape discovered something about her heritage and that's why he's been so determined to stay close to her?"

Sirius barked a laugh. "Are you suggesting Evans isn't a Muggleborn after all? That's absurd."

"Is it?" James countered. "Parseltongue doesn't just appear randomly in Muggleborns. It's hereditary."

"So you think what, that she's secretly related to Salazar Slytherin?" Peter asked, his voice squeaking slightly.

"I don't know, " James admitted. "But I think Snape might."

Remus stood up from his window seat and joined the circle. "Prongs, listen to yourself. You're spinning theories just to justify your distrust of Snape."

"Am I?" James challenged. "Haven't you noticed how protective he is of her specifically? How he looks at her sometimes like... like he's ?"

"He looks at her like he's in love with her, " Sirius corrected bluntly. "Always has."

"It's more than that, " James insisted. "It's like he knows something about her future."

An uncomfortable silence fell over the group.

"Divination?" Peter suggested weakly.

Sirius snorted. "Please. Snape thinks Divination is a load of unicorn dung. We all do."

"Then what?" James demanded.

Remus sighed heavily. "James, you need to let this go. We're all working together to defend the castle. These suspicions aren't helping anyone."

"They could if I'm right, " James insisted. "What if there's something about Lily that makes her valuable to Voldemort? Something beyond this Parseltongue business? Shouldn't we know what it is?"

"And you think Snape is hiding this information because...?" Remus prompted.

"To protect her, obviously, " James said. "But what if keeping her in the dark puts her in more danger?"

Sirius laughed suddenly. "I love how you've gone from 'Snape is endangering Lily' to 'Snape is protecting Lily but doing it wrong' in the span of five minutes."

"Shut up, Padfoot, " James grumbled, but there was no real heat in it.

"Look, " Remus said reasonably, "if, and that's a big if, Snape knows something important about Lily's heritage that might affect her safety, don't you think McGonagall or Dumbledore would know too?"

"Not necessarily, " James countered. "Snape's been playing everything close to his chest all year. Even with the professors."

Peter cleared his throat nervously. "Maybe we should just ask Lily directly?"

The other three turned to stare at him.

"What?" Peter said defensively. "It seems simpler than all this speculation."

"Actually, " Remus said slowly, "that's not a bad idea. Why not just talk to her?"

James slumped back into his armchair. "Because she'll think I'm just being jealous again."

"Well, aren't you?" Sirius asked with a grin.

"Not entirely, " James muttered. "I'm genuinely worried."

Remus yawned and stood up. "Well, I suggest we all get some sleep. Voldemort's forces will be here in less than two days, and I'd rather not face Death Eaters while sleep-deprived."

As they headed toward the dormitory stairs, Peter lingered behind.

"James, " he said quietly when the others were out of earshot. "I could... follow them. Tomorrow. See if I can learn anything about what Snape and Lily are planning."

James hesitated. "I don't know, Wormtail. That seems..."

"I'm good at not being noticed, " Peter insisted, an unusual intensity in his watery eyes. "And you're right, something strange is happening with those two. Don't you want to know what it is? Before the attack?"

James studied his friend's face, temptation warring with his better judgment.

"Just think about it, " Peter added, his voice eerily earnest. "It could make all the difference."

In the Slytherin common room that evening, Mulciber recounted his meeting with Dumbledore to an eager audience of Rosier, Wilkes, and several junior Death Eater sympathizers.

"Detention and house points, " he scoffed. "As if that matters."

Rosier nodded approvingly. "The old man's losing his touch. In the past, you'd have been suspended at minimum."

"He's afraid, " Wilkes suggested, leaning forward eagerly. "The staff knows something's coming. They're trying not to provoke confrontation."

"Exactly, " Mulciber agreed, secretly relieved they were drawing precisely the conclusions he needed them to. "Dumbledore's playing for time, trying to keep the peace until holiday break."

"Did he suspect anything else?" Rosier asked casually. "About why you targeted MacDonald specifically?"

"No, " Mulciber lied smoothly. "He thinks it was just house rivalry."

Rosier seemed satisfied. "Good. Then our plans remain intact."

Later, alone in his bed with curtains drawn and silencing charms in place, Mulciber pressed his palms against his eyes. They expected him to betray Severus, to deliver him to Dolohov like a gift-wrapped package. The staged attack on Mary had worked too well; now he faced an even more impossible choice.

As he stared into the darkness, Mulciber realized something that chilled him to the bone: for a brief moment during the attack, when Mary had defied him instead of begging, he'd enjoyed hurting her. The old patterns had surged back with terrifying ease. One day of playing Death Eater, and the monster inside him had awakened.

Two days until the real attack. Two days until people would die for real, not just pretend to be injured. Two days to decide who he truly was, the person he'd been, or the person he was trying to become.

Sleep eluded him as the question echoed in his mind: When the moment came, which version of himself would win?