"There's a little margin for error since you're not my actual mother."

"And James is currently sporting a somewhat different look than usual... She let me turn her into a - very pretty - girl last time."

"How... inventive."

"Definitely worth the lecture from Professor McGonagall. Though I'd honestly been expecting James to resist me a bit more... But she's a very good girl."

Oookay. Yep. Firmly separating the concept of 'parents' and the Lily Evans in front of her. No problem at all.

"I understand that sort of compatibility is desirable in a relationship."

"It's been - nice."

"I never pursued a school days romance."

"Any romance at all?"

"I joined the Unspeakables almost right after, so no."

"Being an Unspeakable sounds interesting."

"I can't talk about it." Smirk.

She laughs. "Pity, that."

"It is in the name. But I liked the anonymity."

"Anonymity is often useful."

"More restful than useful."

"...Your life attracted a lot of attention and fame, didn't it?"

"It did. But they wanted the idea of me, not the real thing. I was never- what they expected. Sometimes people resented that."

"...I'm sorry."

"Thanks."

"I don't blame you- her. My mother. She didn't mean for it to turn out like that."

"Still - we'll do better this time, and I'll help you avoid any limelight."

"I appreciate that."

"You're welcome."

Smile.

They reach Fay Reynolds' rooms soon after that. 

The door is answered by a young woman! Ellie has definitely never seen her before in her life. "Who's this - ?"