A/N: JK Rowling's characters plot etc. Not mine. :)
The Beginning of the End
They stood solemnly at the base of a tree, facing the Great Lake of Hogwarts. Their eyes were downcast and their faces showed determination; The Marauders would not be granted this view anymore. They were leaving Hogwarts and the sense of finality was overwhelming. James Potter grasped Lily Evans' hand tightly. The three remaining boys stood solo, and they stood more quietly than they ever had.
"You don't reckon," Sirius Black said after a moment, turning to look at James, "we'll find any good-looking girls on our quest to save the world from Voldemort?"
James laughed abruptly, then fell silent.
While Sirius spoke lightly of the situation, it was hard to reflect that light feeling in their attitudes. This was it. They were leaving Hogwarts, moving onto big and better things.
"I wish we could stay here forever," Wormtail said, more passionately than expected. Sirius, who was standing next to the watery-eyed boy, patted him awkwardly on the shoulder. "Well, mate, it looks as though we'll be seeing a lot of each other," Black reasoned. "What with risking our lives for the greater good and all."
If only they knew then what they know now about Peter's intentions.
Betrayal however was the last thing on their minds as they all threw their arms around each other's shoulders. The bond they shared was all they had in the troublesome time; sticking together was their best bet. Remus, who had been quite silent, smiled faintly. "How strange it will be to applaud rather than reprrimand you for hexing people," he mused.
"These ones won't be so innocent," James said darkly, releasing Lily's hand to run his fingers through his hair. Evans piped in, too. "Are you attesting to Severus' innocence?" She smiled slightly. James scowled. "Filthy scum," he said simply.
Long gone were the days of Lily defending her old friend Severus.
"Also, Padfoot," James piped in, "Finding girls is never exactly a challenge for you, is it? I expect you'll impregnate a fair amount of Death Eaters in between having a go at them."
The group laughed together. "My Mum would be pleased. 'Finally, keeping in the right company, I never thought you'd rid yourself of the scum you kept company with,'" Sirius said in a comical falsetto. "And perhaps Regulus could stand to look at me, then." He smirked. "Not that I care."
"You'll always have us, mate," Remus said, reflecting the acceptance the rest of the group had shown him when he arrived at Hogwarts in shabby robes and with serious social problems.
"Unless we get killed off. Then you're out of luck." James always had the right thing to say. Lily went pale at this and shoved him, shaking her head. "Merlin, I hope we don't..." she whispered, grabbing James' hand once more. He squeezed reassuringly.
"Whatever happens... it's worth it. If my death prevents the deaths of countless others, so be it." Remus said firmly, and James and Sirius nodded in agreeance. Lily paused then nodded as well. Peter, looking quite out of place, finally added in a "Very true" before chewing worriedly on his lower lip.
"Here's to eternal friendship... and defeating the Dark Lord." Sirius said.
And with one last look at the serene lake, they turned and left.
