That gets a laugh out of her. "Like what?"

"I'm not sure how much of a hint I should give... Half the fun's in the mystery, you know."

"But sharing's also fun."

Ellie pauses and the humor drains from her expression. "For all that you've done and counterfactually will do," she says in the level tone of the Unspeakable giving a report, "I don't know you all that well and so I can't tell you how to walk your path. Or if I should. Intent matters with old magics. You've seen it's possible. That's all I can give for now."

She sighs. "You and Dumbledore both," she grumbles under her breath, though she doesn't say it very loud, and she doesn't seem that upset. "I said once that I'd be a better Dark Lord than the current one, and now it's all 'Sorry, I won't answer your questions about the Philosopher's Stone until I trust you to not commit genocide with this information.'" She rolls her eyes. "You can ask him and Fay about me though, I guess. And I'll prove to you I'm trustworthy, too."

It's not about trust, Ellie doesn't say. It's about how some things can't be taught, only learned.

"I'll look forward to that, then," she says with a little smirk.

She laughs. "I'll look forward to seeing you again, too."

"No genocides while I'm busy, all right?"

Innocent face. "Of course not - that'd be very inefficient. Though I might lay the groundwork to run for Minister..." It's very unclear if she's joking or not. "Part of being a better Dark Lord is better considered methods, you know."

"Just be careful of the line where you tip over into just being a Lord instead. Or don't, something something transcend entirely the shackles of petty morality."

"Being celebrated for generations does sound nice..."

"Whatever floats your boat."

"And leads to the greatest success."

"Yep. Speaking of which, I should be off..."

"I'll see you in the summer."

"And I'm sure you'll feel free to bother Fay for her mirror if the mood strikes," Ellie says, moving over to mount one of the thestrals.

"That goes without saying."

"Until next time, Lily." And she takes off in a flutter of deathly wings.

She lets Fay know that Ellie left successfully, then goes to find James.

She does currently possess the Marauders' Map, so that's not exactly an onerous task.

"Hey cutie. Mind if I borrow you?"

"Lily!"

     "Don't you already own Snuffles?" snickers Sirius. "Not much need for borrowing, is there."

James elbows her friend. "Shut it, Padfoot." She starts packing up her Charms notes. "Just a sec."

"Hmmm, true enough..."

Blush!

"Okay, I'm ready."

"Good girl. Now come along." She turns to lead James out of the common room.