A day went by it was easy not to think about the centaurs, Jessica was practically school free. None of the teachers were giving them homework and some of them were not even teaching anymore, giving the seventh years plenty of free time. Jessica lost count of how many times she went to Hogsmeade and back, they went everyday and sometimes more than once.

After lunch on Wednesday as they were sneaking out, they bumped into Dumbledore on their way out of the Great Hall. All of them tried to look innocent, Dumbledore stared at them and said, "I am craving acid pops," and he left without another word. They broke into a run, laughing. First thing they did when they got to the village was to buy a fair amount of acid pops. Later that day Lily and James had a meeting with Dumbledore, and to his delight, they just happened to have their pockets full of his favorite threat.

And the week went on like that, pure enjoyment, from the morning till when Jessica laid her head on her pillow at night. She didn't even feel the weekend go by, because everyday felt like a weekend now. On Monday night Lily and James had their last meeting with Dumbledore. Jessica, Sirius, Remus and Peter were waiting in the common room, because they knew Lily and James were going to come back full of information regarding their graduation celebration. And they were right. Lily and James had a lot to say.

"So," Lily started. "The ceremony will take place on the grounds, by the lake. They will put chairs…" and she went on describing every detail. "Oh, and Dumbledore arranged so your parents can come…"

"Joy," said Jessica. "They will only see ruins."

"Of course not Jess," snapped Lily. "They will see the real deal. It's going to be for just couple of hours."

"But won't the other muggles see it too?" asked Remus.

"The Ministry will take care of it, they will have people making sure no muggle comes near the castle, unless of course, they are a guest," explained James.

"After the ceremony," Lily continued, "the parents will leave. We will have about two hours to change and then head down to the Great Hall, for a dance," she said giving Remus and Peter a sharp look. "With dates," she added.

"Dance? Really? Oh that is so cool." Jessica definitely liked the news, she jumped and on Sirius lap and said, "Aren't you glad you don't need to hunt for a date?" He smiled and kissed her.

"Dates? Well that sucks, I will need to go on a hunt then," said Remus, "me and Peter. Depressing."

"Oh it will be fun," Lily tried to cheer Remus up.

"Hurray, can't wait," he said in a very unenthusiastic way.

"Next day," James said, "we leave Hogwarts forever. It's our choice if we want to ride the train back or not. It leaves at noon, personally I want to ride the train."

"Me too," said five voices together.

After that bunch of news, the time started going even faster. Three days went by without Jessica noticing. Friday afternoon she got an owl from home.

"My mom, dad and Willy are coming," she told Sirius. "They are so happy for us. Mom said my grandparents want to come, but they don't know for sure yet."

"I guess I can't count on my family to be there," said Sirius depressingly.

"Yes you can," said Jessica with a gentle smile. "Sirius, we are a big family. The Potters have you as a son, and my family already considers you part of the family too. It will be great."

"You're right, I can care less if my real parents don't come, the people that care about me will be here."

"Tomorrow it's the day…" Jessica said and gave him a soft kiss.

"Yes, it is…" he replied putting his arms around her waist and lifting her feet out of the ground as he kissed her.

Graduation day at last. Right after breakfast all the students left, living just he seventh years behind. It was great having the whole castle for themselves. In the morning Jessica and Sirius went for a walk on the grounds and they saw the chairs already out and well organized.

They played their last Quidditch game right before lunch. Since there were not a lot of students left, Sirius, Lily, Remus and Peter played too, with addition of a couple Ravenclaws and Huffepuffs. The game was a big joke Lily was really bad, she got stuck being keeper, and she did not safe a single quaffle. Sirius was playing chaser side by side with Jessica, he would get mad by the second, he yelled more than he played. Peter didn't really do anything, just flew around pretending he was playing. Remus was actually kind of good, he was playing beater.

After lunch they were off to their dormitories to get ready, their parents were arriving in two hours. Of course, the girls needed some much time to get ready. Sirius and James took Jessica and Lily to the common room and they said "see you latter" and went out of the portrait again.

"Wait…" Jessica yelled. "Where are you guys going? You are supposed to get ready."

"I know. But we don't need two hours. We can get ready in two minutes," said Sirius.

"Okay, what are you guys up to?" asked Lily.

James got the marauders map out of his pocket. "We will make sure Filch confiscates it."

"And why exactly are you doing this?" she asked again.

"'Cause we don't need it anymore. So we are leaving it behind, so another student can have it," James said slowly.

"I can't believe you guys are going to get in trouble on graduation day," Jessica was disbelieving.

"Just a little bit, you know, close with golden key," Sirius said laughing. "Don't worry we will be fine, see you in a bit." And they left.

Jessica and Lily looked at each other with disapproving eyes, but none dared to say anything. They went to their dormitory to get ready instead.

They were ready with half an hour to spare, so they went to the boys dormitories. Jessica had curled her hair, and put make up on, she loved wearing make up, since the girls at Hogwarts don't wear it she never wore it either. Lily was wearing her hair up and had just a little bit of make up, she was not into it like Jessica was. Both Sirius and James were blown away when the two entered their room. James rushed to hold Lily and kiss her. Sirius did the same, but when he went to kiss Jessica she said. "No. Lipstick."

"I don't care." And he kissed her anyway.

Jessica started laughing. "You look silly with lipstick on Sirius."

"You think? I kind of like it. You need to let me borrow it sometime." Jessica laughed even harder.

"You guys haven't changed," Jessica realized. "We need to be down in twenty minutes."

"Right," said Sirius.

All four of them opened their trunks and got the graduation robes out. They slipped it on, then they walked to the mirror and ran their fingers through their hair.

"Okay, we are ready," said James.

Jessica and Lily looked at each other with the same disapproving eyes as before, but again didn't dare to say anything.

The grounds looked beautiful, there was a long table in front of all chairs now, all decorated with pretty and colorful flowers. They saw students leaving the gates towards the village.

"Where are they going?" asked Jessica.

"Probably meet their parents down at the Hogsmeade station," said Sirius.

A lot of people were starting to apparate out of no where.

"Looks like Dumbledore lifted the Apparating charm too," said Lily.

"James!" They heard someone call. It was Mr. Potter, followed by Mrs. Potter.

"We are so proud of you," said his mom kissing him all over his face. "We thought you would be expelled before your graduation." And she kissed him some more.

"Mom you are embarrassing me." She let go of him and went for Sirius.

"We are proud of you too. My our second son. We always wanted more than one. You are my dream come true." She was hugging him very tightly. He was starting to blush.

"Sirius." They heard a third voice. Jessica did not know the woman that called. But Sirius let go of Mrs. Potter at once and ran towards her and gave her a huge hug lifting her up. She had a little girl with her, she didn't look more than eight years old.

"I can't believe you came," he said as he let her go. "I wasn't expecting anyone."

"Of course I was going to come. I would not miss your graduation for anything. Ted send his apologies, he couldn't get off work," the woman said looking proud.

"It's fine, I am glad you are here. I want to meet someone." He pulled her by the hand to where Jessica was standing. "This is my girlfriend, Jessica Thompson. Jessica this is Andromeda, my favorite cousin, this little girl it's her little daughter Tonks."

Jessica was pleased to meet some of Sirius relatives. They greeted each other politely, but were interrupted by Jessica's family and Lily's family. Soon after that Remus dad and Peter parents arrived.

"Hi Remus." Jessica heard a low shy voice, it was the little girl.

"Hi Tonks. How are you?" but she didn't answer, she went hiding behind her mom.

Sirius whispered to Jessica. "She fancies Remus."

"Nonsense Sirius, she it's just a kid, she is too young," she snapped.

"You're never too young to have a crush, and believe me," He added looking at Tonks, her face was bright red. "She does have a crush on Remus."

It was like a big party, everybody were glowing if joy and happiness. Some people were already getting seats. Since their group turned out to be quite big they did the same, so they would be able to sit all together.

The ceremony started. All teachers were sitting up in the long table in front of them. Dumbledore spoke a little bit. The Minister then stood up and said a few words too. Dumbledore stood up again and started to give the diplomas away. It looked pretty much like a normal muggle graduation, he would say the student name, the student would go there get the diploma, shake hands with all the professors then go back to their seat, only difference was that when the name of the student was called he or she would just apparate right in front of Dumbledore, followed by sounds of amazements from the parents.

After the ceremony, the Thompsons and the Evans to took a tour of the castle. They didn't have a lot of time so it was a very quick thing. Their visit was indeed very short. After Sirius and James family left, they took the Thompsons and the Evans to the carriage. On their way back they met Mr. Brisson.

"Hello, Miss Thompson. It was a lovely graduation, don't you think?"

"Yes it was," she replied

He totally ignored Sirius, Lily and James. "I was wondering if you could come sometime next week to my office, for that job interview."

"Sure, when?" she asked.

"Anytime it's good for me, just send an owl ahead."

"Okay," she agreed. "See you next week."

"See you, Miss Thompson."

Lily and James started teasing her, about being the first one to get a job. Sirius was the only that did not look pleased.

"What's the matter Sirius?" Jessica asked.

"He is head of the Department of Mysteries, isn't he?" he asked with a frown.

"Yes, why?"

"It's a dangerous place, and people that work there don't have a life," he said thoughtfully. "Because everything they do it's top secret. Is that what you want?"

"I didn't get the job yet," she said feeling a bit annoyed. "Let's not stress before time." Sirius was still tense.

"Oh, come on mate," James jumped in, he put his arm around Sirius, in brotherly embrace. "It's time to get ready. We have a dance to go to. And we will have lots of fun!" Sirius loosened up at once and they walked back up to the castle.

This time around the boys took longer to get ready, because they took baths before going down to meet Jessica and Lily at the common room. Both, Sirius and James were looking very good, they combed their hair back, it was actually the first time Jessica saw Sirius face without hair falling into his eyes, which Jessica loved, at least his natural hair showed elegance, different from James's hair, which was naturally messy and all over the place.

"You are gorgeous," she said running her fingers up and down his face.

"Not as gorgeous as you are," he handed her a single red rose. "I can be cheesy when I want," he joked.

The dance was perfect, Sirius decided to step up and act like an gentleman, giving Jessica the time of her life. They danced for hours and most of the time forgetting about their friends, because they were so in to each other. By the end of the night Jessica was soaking wet.

"I need to go up and change my dress," Jessica told Sirius. "I can't stand this anymore,"

"I will go with you." And they left together.

Jessica went in the common room first, Sirius following her close behind. She was almost going upstairs to change when Sirius got hold of her arms, turned her around and started kissing her, he pressed her against the wall, holding her firmly.

"Sirius, Please let me go. I am all sweaty…," she tried to push him away.

"I don't care," he cut her off and kissed her with even more passion. He tipped his head to the side, kissing her bare neck, his lips felt smooth and firm as it wondered down to her shoulder. Part of Jessica wanted to get in action, but the other kept staring at the common room entrance, fearing someone would walk in, her hands dangled at her side, not active in the activity, it felt awkward, but it was the only way she kept her sanity in this moment.

Sirius got frustrated with her lack of participation and stopped kissing her for a second. He put her arms around him, grabbed her waist pulling her up onto her toes, and started kissing her fiercely. His hands started traveling up her legs under her dress and she felt her body throbbing. Jessica wanted to feel the moment and get into it like he was, but she couldn't.

"Sirius," she said trying to push him away again. "We are in the common room, someone can come in."

"You are right," he broke off. "Lets look for a room."

"What?" she asked outraged.

"Almost all students left, there are bunch of empty dormitories. Lets go find one," he said pulling her, but she did not move.

"I understood what you said the first time."

"So what are you waiting for?" he pulled her hand again but she did not move. "What? Don't you want to?"

"No, it's not that, of course I want," she tried to explain. "But not like this. Not sneaking around, we still at Hogwarts. If you wait we can have a special night together, one that we will remember forever. Not something like this, not in an empty dormitory, with the tension of being caught, I can't possibly relax."

"Jess, I am a guy," he muttered. "How long do you think I can wait?"

"I am not asking for you to wait a long time," she said. "But please, not tonight."

"Okay," he said letting go of her hand. "You can go change. I will wait here so we can get back down together."

"Thank you." But Sirius had already turned his back, she felt awful and for a second she considered taking it all back, but she didn't.

Jessica changed and they went back down together. Sirius was not the same after that. They danced together but he avoided getting too close. James and Lily were not where to be seen and Jessica was sure Lily took the offer Jessica had turned down, that was not helping Sirius mood.

"I am tired, I think I am done for tonight," she told Sirius, but she wasn't telling the truth, she couldn't take seeing Sirius like that anymore.

"Me too, shall we," he smiled and gave his arm so she could hold it, in a poor attempt to fake he was alright.

They kissed goodnight and she went to her dormitory. She laid awake wondering if she did the right thing. Sirius obviously looked miserable, and it hurt Jessica to see him like that.

When she woke up the next morning Lily was not back yet. Assuming James did not spend the night on his dormitory either, Jessica did not want to imagine in what kind of bad mood Sirius was going to be in. She packed her things, got dressed and was about to leave when Lily came in, she looked at Jessica and blushed at once.

"Don't ask," she told Jessica.

"Don't worry I won't," and she left.

Jessica went straight to the boys dormitory to find Sirius. When she came in she saw Remus, Peter and James, who was just starting to pack, confirming her fears that he indeed did not sleep there.

"Sirius already left," said Remus. "Did you guys fight or something? 'Cause he is in an awful mood this morning."

"No we didn't fight. I will go find him and find out what's wrong." But she did know exactly what was wrong.

She tried the Great Hall first, but he wasn't there. Since she was starving she decided to eat before looking for him. She was sure they would get in some kind of argument and would be better if she at least had a full stomach.

When she was leaving the Great Hall, James. Peter, Remus and Lily were coming in.

"Have you found him yet?" Remus asked.

"No."

"Try the grounds," added James.

"I will."

She was heading to the grounds when she heard a low voice speak to her ear.

"May I have a word?" the familiar voice asked, it was Severus. His hand was on her back, leading her to a room. She got hold of her wand and held it tightly.

"No need for wands, I am in a friendly matter today," he said when they finally got in an empty room. It was an odd classroom, it was narrow and long and there was a door in the other side.

"I didn't see you at the dance, I thought you were gone," she said putting her wand away.

"I was gone, but I had to come back, I knew I had to speak with you once more and I have no idea where to find you after today."

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Stay away from the Order," he said.

"I am not going over this again," she said rolling her eyes. "I am fighting him Severus, you won't change my mind. I am not joining him."

"That is not what I am asking. I respect your decision of not joining him. But I do not what you to get on his way," he explained.

"But I have to," said Jessica crisply "I know that is what I am supposed to be doing."

"Do you really?" this question bugged her, brought doubts to her mind almost instantly. "I've been talking with Lily."

"You talked with her?"

"Yes, a lot. We kept it a secret. She didn't want James to know, or you. She was afraid you may not like it. The point is, she told me about the centaurs."

"She told you?" she asked.

He nodded. "I am glad she did, because that is why I know you can't get on his way now."

"What are you talking about?" she said irritably. "I don't know what Lily told you but what the centaur told me it's the prove that I will fight against him."

"That is exactly why I knew I had to talk with you. You are not getting this right. Didn't he say you were going to assist the only one that will be able to defeat the Dark Lord?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied.

"And didn't he say the wasn't born yet?"

"Yes…" she knew where Severus was going, and he was right.

"The Order does not stand a change against him, not now. He is too strong; he has many followers, probably twice the number of members in the Order. I promised Lily I will try to keep her safe, as much as I can, because she made her mind, she is joining the Order even if she dies for it. And I will watch your back if I have to, but I hope you won't get on the Dark Lord's way. I know you have to live through this."

"You can't take a centaur seriously, Severus," she said weakly. "They tell the future by looking at stars and planets."

"They are very accurate, they get it right, believe me," he said

"Severus you don't have to put yourself in danger to watch my and Lily's back, we will be okay."

"I do this because I care." He fell silent for a moment. "Seeing you and Sirius together is killing me." He moved closer. "He does not deserve you." He ran his finger through her hair. Her heart was racing. Severus never, ever got this close. "Promise me you will take care, and please, think about what I just said."

She nodded. He kissed her, softy on her lips, more like a friendly kiss goodbye, nothing romantically about it.

"Severus, please don't join him," she whispered to his ears giving him a hug.

"It's too late for that," he gently pulled his sleeve up reveling a tattoo all death eaters had, a skull with a snake coming out of it's mouth.

"I care about you too. I don't what to hurt you in anyway," she said softly.

"It's too late for that too." He stepped back, Jessica heart was breaking in millions of pieces.

"Please, don't do this." She tried to reach his hand but he stepped back again.

"I got to go, and if you decide to join the Order, the moment I walk out the door we will be enemies, mortal enemies. I don't want to fight you."

"Severus please…." He walked away, towards the door on the far end. She sank on the floor and started crying softly. Sirius came in, at the door near her. He looked at her then at Severus, who broke unto a run.

"What did he do to you?" He got his wand out, but Severs was already out the door. He knelt by her and asked again. "What did he do?"

"He didn't do anything," she said sobbing softly.

"Of course he did, you are sobbing. Please tell me."

She stopped crying and told him everything Severus said.

Sirius broke into a laugh. "He actually said that?" his lack of understanding made Jessica frustrated. "Of course he doesn't want you to join the Order, he knows you are brilliant and has great potential, he doesn't want to fight against you, he is afraid. I can't believe you took him seriously." He laughed again. "Stop crying. He is nothing but a coward."

"He it's not a coward," she snapped at once. "Don't call him that. He cares about me."

"Yes, I saw how much he cares about you when he called you a mud-blood," he added.

"How dare you," she thundered. Jessica was furious now, she stood up. "For your information I care about him too."

"What it's that supposed to mean?" he stood up too.

She did not want to fight with him, so the calmed down and said in a really soft voice. "It's just that we are friends for years now and I cared for him for a long time."

"So you are trying to say you care more about him than me?" he asked angry.

"Sirius, please don't do this. This has nothing to do with you."

"Why don't you answer my question?" he was screaming now, she started crying again. "Answer me Jessica." He was even louder.

"It' just that, I cared for him for much longer," she said in between sobs. "We have been friends since your first year, and you and I are together for just a few months…"

"I can't believe you." He had a disgusting look on his face. "WHY DON'T YOU GO AFTER HIM THEN, IF YOU CARE THAT MUCH, GO FIND HIM," he roared.

"Sirius I was not done speaking," she tried say.

"I am," he said kicking a chair near him. "I don't want to hear more, see you around Jessica. Have a great life." He turned around going to the door.

"Please don't…" but he was gone. She sank on the floor again and sobbed harder then before.

Not long after that Lily came in to the room panting.

"Thank… goodness…. I found you… I just saw Sirius… and… and… Oh, Jess… I am so sorry." She didn't say anything else, just knelt down by her and gave her a warm hug. After a while she said, "Lets go, the train it's almost leaving."

Lily helped Jessica up and they went down the road that leads to the Hogsmeade Station.

"Lily, I am sorry I can't go."

"Nonsense Jess," Lily said pulling Jessica's hand. "It will do you good. Sirius it's already gone anyway, he is not riding with us."

They were getting closer and closer, all of a sudden Jessica said. "I am really sorry." And she disapparated, she heard Lily's voice fading in the distance. "Jess, no…." and she was gone. A second later Jessica was standing in her bedroom. She looked around and collapsed on her bed, crying harder than ever before. Someone came in, but she didn't look to see who it was.

"Sweetie," it was her mom. "What happened? I thought we were suppose to pick you up at King's Cross. What's wrong?"

Jessica cried a little louder.

"Is it Sirius?" he mom asked

Jessica nodded, her head was buried on her pillow.

"I am so sorry." Her mom ran her hands on her back. "When you feel ready to talk, call me."

But was a matter of fact Jessica did not feel like talking. She didn't eat lunch or dinner. Her mom came in every hour or so asked if she was alright, if she needed anything then left again. After a couple of hour she stopped crying and was left alone with her thoughts. "What now?", "What's next?", "Is Sirius ever going to forgive her?", "Is it really the end?" And she went on like that all afternoon.