They arrived at their dormitory a few minutes later. Seconds after that Lily and Peter appeared. It was nightfall by the time this had all finished, their last day had been taken up by the frightening events of Snape and his Slytherin buddies. The fire place was on and was the only light in the room. Everyone else seemed to be at the Departing Feast in the Great Hall. But they were not hungry. Not after all that had happened. Not after what remained of their childish innocence had been taken away with just a few actions. Not after today.

James, Sirius, and Remus were all silhouetted in front of the fireplace where they sat, unmoving as Lily and Peter approached silently. As she stepped closer, Lily could see the dead haunted looks that covered their faces. The firelight seemed to enhance them even more so. They looked at Lily and Peter and they also had the same looks on their faces. They had lost almost everything today. Innocence, laughter, being carefree and happy.... All they were left with was sorrow and anger.... And each other. They were grateful for that, but despair hung in the air as they silently watched the flames dance in the fireplace. Lily sat down next to James and he put an arm around her. Peter also sat down and Sirius and Remus clapped him on the shoulder and then they all resumed motionless and silence.

About an hour later they all silently agreed to head up to their dormitories before the other happy and content students crowded into the Common Room. If they could do anything good, it would be to allow the other Gryffindors a chance to have fun without worrying about their fellow classmates.

They all went to their separate beds and closed their curtains. They all tried to act as if they were sleeping. But they remained wide awake the whole night through.