July 1995

"The board of governors have been given an ultimatum by Thicknesse with regards to the decision I made in February. They have been told 'Pick a side.' I rather think many of them will side with the ministry, and those who do not. Then they will be at risk of attack." Dumbledore sighed breezily, looking out at the grounds. "But nevertheless, at this point we are extremely fortunate that Voldemort has not acted out. Though my sources tell me that the disappearances are increasing. My good friend Florean has been missing now for two weeks."

Severus nodded formally, his hands clasped in front of him and looked to Lily who was sat on the squishy chair beside him.

"Of course, Cornelius is trying to convert as many as he can. But as he is no longer Minister, his influence is decidedly less." Dumbledore continued. "Many of the shops on Diagon Alley are now empty. Their owners have either been declared missing, are dead, or have fled the country, and few can blame them…"

"We have intelligence that the Death eaters have been less than subtle when they are taking people away. Some people are concerned that it's only a matter of time before Gringotts is taken by Voldemort." Lupin continued, his hands in his pockets. "It seems that every day, the Wizarding world is taken a little more hostage by Voldemort."

Dumbledore nodded.

"I am aware of this."

"And what of Umbridge?" asked Tonks, twisting a lock of Aquamarine hair around her finger. "Everyone at the ministry is saying she's up to something. Her and the Minister have been awfully cosy."

"That's very true." continued Arthur Weasley, rubbing his forehead. "Without guidance, the Wizarding world are going to be completely in the dark about everything. We only have the students to rely on and half of those will be dismissed by their parents for fear of upsetting the Ministry."

"We're in a very difficult place, Professor." Sirius added, looking at the old man next to the window.

Albus looked to his magnificent Phoenix who was sat on his polished wooden perch and paying attention.

"I understand all of your fears. Believe me I do. For those of you who are unfortunately old enough to remember the first war, you remember this is how it started. I remember hearing the children speak of their parents kissing them good bye on the platform with tears in their eyes…"

Albus turned to Lily. His eyes lingering on her.

"We cannot let another generation fear Voldemort's shadow."

Lily looked up sat Severus who put his hand on her shoulder.

"And what of Longbottom? How long can we entrust him to an elderly man who may die any time now." Mad Eye said, stirring in the shadows.

"The Sacrificial Protection." Albus began. "Is something we are all relying on. When his Uncle passes on, or if Algie has to be taken in to St. Mungo's permanently…Longbottom will be at great risk."

"Molly and I would take him. We would be willing to put up with the necessary protections, the limitations." Arthur said immediately. "Molly and I have discussed this many times."

"That is very kind." Albus continued. "But we are currently at the mercy of an impartial enemy. Death."

"…And if he does die?" asked Sirius. "Algie?"

"Then Neville will be at the mercy of the Dark Lord. The last trace of his mothers bloodline will no longer protect him and he will be in danger as soon as the dark lord knows."

Severus sighed deeply at the gravity of the situation.

"Neville is a boy of Fifteen. And there is much left to teach him…" Albus began thoughtfully. "I think it is time we started trusting him with certain truths."

"…Headmaster?" Lupin asked. "…What truths?"

Albus shook his head to suggest he was not going to discuss it further at this time.

There was a long silence as Dumbledore looked back out of the window.

Lily patted Severus' hip.

"Go on…"

Severus looked questioning then realized and nodded.

"Uh…" he cleared his throat. "If it's acceptable…we would like to invite you, to our wedding, which will be taking place here at Hogwarts on the 31st of August. It is…"

Snape straightened up oddly formally. "It is to be a very informal, modest affair so there will be no need to make any fuss."

Tonks grinned and winked at Lily who smiled back.

"So…Yes, we'd like you there."

Lupin's lips twitched into a smile.

"Now, there's something to look forwards to." Smiled Albus.

"When's the baby due?" growled Mad-Eye.

"Mid September." smiled Lily, patting her now very evident bump.

"Aye. So this'd be a 'marriage of necessity' then?" he suggested.

Tonks burst out laughing as Arthur smiled weakly, scratching his bald spot on his head. Sirius grinned.

Lily chuckled as a flash of scarlet seared Severus' cheeks.

"Certainly not." snapped Snape rapidly. "I was planning to propose in…I…How…"

Lily took his hand that was balled into a fist at his side and brought it to her lips to comfort him.

He looked down at her and she winked up at him.

He soothed a little and looked down at his shoes, trying to avoid the gaze of the others.

"Right, the next time we shall see each other will be the wedding, or at least the stag party." Albus nodded. "To which I am sure Severus has appointed a marvellous best man to organize."

Severus looked up.

"Actually headmaster, I wasn't too keen on having a sta-"

"Yeah, which devilishly fantastic man have you appointed to organize your last night of freedom?" Sirius grinned.

"You." Lily began with a smile.

"Me?"

"Sirius?!" Lupin echoed.

"Yeah, Sev thought it would be a cool way to repay you for all your help the last two years." Lily continued, squeezing Severus' hand hard.

"Oh wow, well…uhm, Snape, I'll do my best!" Sirius beamed. "Never been anyone's best man before."

"No…" Severus agreed and looked down at Lily with a raised eyebrow.

She smiled sweetly back up at him, giving his hand another careful squeeze.