"Are you sure this is wise?" Dumbledore's office was quiet, the only noise being the snores of sleeping head masters and mistresses. McGonagall wore her bed robe but she had not actually slept. It was three in the morning and they had been up all night discussing the choices for prefects and heads in the upcoming year. The other heads of houses had left at about two but Minerva was still debating.

"I see no reason as to why you should object." Dumbledore spoke gently, stroking Fawkes head. Minerva sighed in exasperation.

"Have you forgotten who we are talking about Albus? The boy is a Marauder for Agrippa's sake! He is not fit to be Head Boy. I do not deny that he is clever enough but not at all mature."

"I think you have forgotten who we are talking about Professor. Potter is mature. More mature than any boy at seventeen should be. The war has done that to him." Whilst McGonagall was remembering the time Potter and his friends had sent Howlers to the whole Slytherin table at the Halloween feast, Dumbledore was thinking of the boy who – upon hearing his Father had passed away – had nto cried but thrown himself into his schoolwork and Quidditch. So much so, that he had won the Quidditch cup for Gryffindor and had even managed to surpass Lily Evans in Charms, a very hard feat to achieve.

Of course he had caused a lot of trouble over the years but for all that trouble had had also caused laughter, friendship, shown compassion and courage and never stepped down from a challenge. A Gryffindor through and through.

"The only responsibility the boy as ever had is keeping Remus Lupin's secret a secret. Not exactly experience in that area." The fact that each Marauder transformed into an animal every full moon was not known to either teacher; neither knew of the support the Marauders had given Remus over the years.

"Exactly. He needs more responsibility, especially if he is intent on joining the war effort."

"Oh, Albus, there won't be stopping any of them from joining the war effort. If it is going to be one of those four, surely Remus is the obvious choice." Remus Lupin was where Dumbledore's mind has gone at first but he knew the other, less accepting teachers, would object strongly.

"You know he is not an option." Dumbledore said grimly. "I think Potter is the best choice Minerva. He knows the students, the rules-"

"Only because he has broken all of them"

"Alas, he still knows them... if you are going to object to him being Head Boy so determinedly so be it. I will reconsider the other candidates." McGonagall knew she was beaten. Potter could be a brilliant Head Boy, if he tried, but she was also worried that being given the position would only strengthen the boy's belief that he should going the Order he had somehow found out Dumbledore was planning on forming.

"Fine. James Potter will be Head Boy. How Lily will react I do not know – and on your head be it I might add. If it goes wrong those two will probably end up burning down the school." Dumbledore smiled, holding the door open to show McGonagall that she was dismissed.

"Of that fact I have no doubt so let us hope it does not go awry. Sweet dreams Professor." The door shut behind the Deputy Head and she shook her head.

"Potter and Evans... they will never work together."