Chapter 9- A sour end
After dwelling soley on her brief encounter with the mysterious woman for the remaining time of her holidays, Lily was now heading back to Hogwarts. She sat the train journey revising, sifting through spell book after spell book, making colour co-ordinated nites and sorting through pages of mock questions. By the time the train pulled to a hault she was exhausted. But looking out the window she caught the glance of an eager Griffindor, who looked as though he was freezing and had been waiting around for ages, but truly delighted she was here.
Love, it's what we're willing to live for, yet what we're willing to die for. You can leave some one because you love someone, and what you're willing to sacrifice is more than noble and brave. A worthy deed of dear Griffindor, yet that is not to suggest that other founders are not capable of this gesture.
Lily seeing her one true love left her belongings, ran outside and flung herself unto her expectant boyfriend.
"Miss me then?" he grinned sarcastically.
"More than the sun if it failed to shine." She replied. James escorted the petite head girl to a thestral drawn carridge and they rode to the beautiful castle arm in arm.
With just one week to go until the newts, the seventh years were extremely tense. Even James "Mr smart" "mr cool" was found handing out detentions to anyone who disturbed the peacefulness of the common room, class room or even the great hall at dinner , breakfast or lunch. A few people (Crystal included) even had to go to madame pomfrey as they were becoming ill of nerves and stress. Much like Lily was in her 5th year.
NEWT Defence against the dark arts
This was the notice outside the great hall after breakfast had been eaten. The seventh years waited outside in their respective houses waiting to be called in and sat in althabetical order. The air was thin and tesion could be felt throughout. This was their written exam, the practical would be taken later on that day. Lily gave James a last encouraging sqeeze of the hand and went to join her other house members. Crystal did the same with Peter and Haley the same with Rabastan. And suddenly the doors swung open and the dawnting site of rows and rows of tables containing pieces of parchment was before them. The heads of houses called out the names of their house members in alphabetical order and told them where to sit. And then it begun. The first of many tests to come. It became hard to concentrate as the noise of quills filled the air and the odd shuffle of parchment being moved up. James finished his no problem, this was a subject he had great strength in as well as every other subject he took. Not to be modest. And after 3 hours of writing everyone had had enough of defence against the dark arts to last a life time. Unfortunately for them they had another hour and a half of practical on it this after noon. They had to fight against dark creatures, deflect a few hexes and curses and be abe to idetify when people had been put uder several different curses. everyone in their group seemed to have done ok except peter who had come out with a slight wobble from the jelly legs curse which had managed to get through the sheild he had put up. And this is how the remainder of their tests went- slowly. At one point it seemed as though they would never end. Lily thought she did ok in most of her exams. She was a little worried about her transfiguration, but James reassured her that she would be fine. Lily didn't like to say that she had done well in any of her exams because she didn't like to be over confident- get her hopes up then fail misrebly. Unlike Sirius who swore if he didn't get an Outstanding in every exam he'd be thoroughly suprised.
They were all looking forward to the day that they would finally be over.
Finally the exams came to an end and the seventh years were free. That was it they never had to learn a thing again if that was their choice. They shared mixed feelings- some were scared,At least before they knew where they would be and what they would be doing. others were excited and a few were over joyed. Lily wasn't sure which side of the exams she preferred. She had a rough idea of what she would do, she had written a few people and was awaiting their. It would just take a lot of bravery and determination on her part to follow through with it.
James was over joyed, he knew exactly what he was going to do. He had everything set for graduation night- well his plans. He and lily still had a bit of planning for the ball to go through. And that's how they spent their last two weeks of freedom- planning a ball. And of course The Marauders needed one Mahusive finale of a prank. One which would be talked about for years after they had left. They also needed to plant their two most helpful items of mischief. Their map and their book. The latter was the easy option. They hid the book formally known as the PG in a secret passage by the charms corridor. They figured anyone who found the passage(as it was hidden well) would deem worthy of using their ideas and adding to them. The map however was different. They needed to make sure whoever got hold of it was as mischeivous as they were. So they would plant it where they would have a problem getting to it. Filch's office. James and Sirius started a dung bomb war with Peeves the poltergeist who of course retalliated. And Filch was straight after them, threatening them with the usual- detention, expulsion, torture (Ha they were leaving in a few days!) and he chased them as they ran off. they stopped round a corner knowing he was still following closely and began to talk to each other making sure he heard.
"James, if we get caught with this make Filch'll be able to get us for sure!" Sirius said trying not to laugh out loud.
"You're right," James continued. "Let's leave it here. We can always come back for it later. If we have it on us we'll get done cause it is bad and highly dangerous!" Suirius grinned.
"Ok we'll leave it under this statue of Gordon the Gullible."
"UNDER GORDON THE GULLIBLE!" James repeated slowly making sure Filch caught every sillable. "Quick lets go." And they ran off.
Meanwhile, Peter and Remus were tailing Filch under James' invisibility cloak, making sure he picked it up (He did) and that he didn't actually work out how to use it. They laughed as he stood staring at the blank parchment then started muttering things to himself. They knew he couldn't manage it as he was a squib, and you needed a wand to oporate it. It was a job well done. Only the best of mischeif makers would get their hands on it. Maybe even one of their future children.
The Slytherins were discussing a few leaving plans aswell. Rabastan had received an owl from his brothers fiancee saying she had tipped the boat and she just needed to get an insider. Rabastan and Snape had put their heads together and formed the perfect plan. So evil the Dark lord himself would've been proud.
"Come on babe, you would do it if you loved me. It's not as though we're splitting up." Rabastan said to his girlfriend. She looked at him warily. "Come on my love, you know I would do it for you."
"I... You... I can't." She stuttered.
"Do it or we're through!" He said sharply, then walked off leaving Haley crossed between doing what was right and what would keep the man she loved. Well it wasn't as if they were her friends any more.
So she shared a dorm with them- they didn't want to know her any more. They couldn't accept that she was dating a Slytherin. Her mind was made. She would do it.
Two nights before Graduation, Haley hunted Peter down. He was heading out of the great hall. She knew he was meeting Crystal soon in the library. Rabastan had found it out for her. This was it.
"Hey Peter." She smiled at him walking up. She decidied to completely ignore the expression he had given her. One of utter confusion.
"Whats up Haley?" He asked her.
"Huh," She sighed. "Not much really. It's a little depressing. My friends aren't really talking to me, not now. And I broke up with my boyfriend a few days ago." She put on a fake expression of saddness. Peter looked at her with pity.
"Ow, thats to bad. I'm sure things'll work out. I'll talk to Cris for you if you want, I'm sure she's missing you." Haley smiled at his sympathy and placed a hand on his forearm.
"Thank you, but please don't. It's up to me to make the first move... Plus" She looked at him seductively, squeasing his arm. "I'd much rather talk to you." Peter tried to move away, but it was all happening to fast. One second Peter was talkin to Haley the next she was forcing her lips against his the next he was kissing her back. He had never been one to give in to temptation. Finally the last second that night which had mattered to him critically was the scream he heard. It was that scream that mattered. It had been the noise of the end of his relationship. He had been with his girl for about a year and now he would never have anything as good. He pulled from Haley who was grinning like a hyenna and *SLAP* That hurt.
*Slap* He didn't feel that one? Was his face already numb from pain? No Crystal had slapped Haley too.
"You home wrecking tramp. It wasn't enough that you had to go off with that... that Slytherin, you go and ruin things for me too!" She turned to Peter. "We're through, I thought I could trust you- obvisly not." She turned round and walked away, trying her hardest not to cry. She refused to let them see they had gotten to her.
Peter looked at Haley outreaged.
"What did you do that for?" He yelled.
"Listen pete." She poked him playfully in the chest. "In 2 days exactly, we're going to be entering the REAL world. I did that to you to help you. SHE is not living in the real world- the real world you're either on the side who wins or the side who thinks they will win. But they are seriously wrong. Just look at your friends. James- parents dead. Lily parents dead. Remus is always ill. Sirius his mothers dead and he was expelled last year for admitting he had done something wrong. Crystal, well you just wirtnessed that one. And me all I did was date someone different and they all turned on me! Compare sides and there will always be a sure winner. Choose the one you want." And with that she walked off leaving Peter to think about what had just happened and what she had just told him.
She had started a cog turning in his head, one which was extremely dangerous to his friends and one which would haunt them in later years.
Mean while it had done a satisfactory job of putting a small crack between the girls and the boys. The girls siding with Crystal and the boys siding with Peter. Evidently causing more friction between the group.
So now Crystal hated Peter, Andi and Sirius still dispised each other, Haley had long ago parted ways from everyone and was now just as welcome as the giant squid was to their group. Remus had never really been one to get in anyones bad books and Lily and James were still very much in love. However, the Marauders siding point blank with Peter gave James no favour.
Lily's friends were talking him down non stop and she herself was annoyed with his decision. This just made her plans easier.
The morning of graduation, James and Lily were extremly excited. Thier fued aside, they begun to decorate the great hall. Both had a weight in their stomaches, neither one was to do with their breakfast or the speech they would later on be delivering. The decorations were magnificent.
Rows of chairs set in different colours were set around a stage which had been erected in the centre of the hall. Each set of coloured chairs representing a house. There were also chairs of plain black on the out skirts of tose, these being for the parents. The stage itself had a chair for each head of house, Lily, James and proffessor Dumbledore. And there was also a podium in the centre. Along the stage and podium were ribons of the house colours entertwined to show the mixing of the houses into the real world. And on the back wall was the Hogwarts coat of arms in all it's glory.
Lily and James stood hand in hand admiring thier wand work. Lily sighed, she was going to miss this.
"You know, I'll always love you." she stated squeezing his hand tighter, as though scared if he let go she'd never again see him. He smiled, this was a good sign for his proposal later on. He had been worried, because all throughout the morning she had been uncharacteristically quiet. He gathered it was due to nerves.
Once the graduation ceremony was complete, the students, teachers and parents would be escorted to the quidditch field where the ball would be held. It was mid July so the weather was warm enough. Lily and James also had the task of decorating this. They put balloons, ribbons and allsorts on the outskirts of the pitch decorated in the house colours . They also charmed confetti to fall out of the air in the same colours and disappear just before it hit the heads of the tallest person. (Well not quite Hagrid height) The set up a stage for a band (The enchanters) and a floor which looked crystal clear was set down as a dance floor.
He an to his room and threw on his dress robes. Both he and Lily had been told to were robes the colour representing their house. So he had a noble red dress robe with golden toggles, cuffs and linning. Looking in the mirror he straightened his glasses and tried to flatten his hair. It didn't work which got him frustrated. In the end he was so annoyed he scruffed it up more. "Hey that's not bad" He thought to himself, so he left it be. James smiled as he unlocked his trunk and found the ring he would later be giving Lily. He placed that in his pocket grabbed his speech from his bed and ran down to Griffindor common room. When he entered he found his mates waiting for him on the couch.
"HES HERE!" Sirius shouted. "MAN OF THE HOUR! OUR HEAD BOY. ON BEHALF OF ALL OF GRIFFINDOR I WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU GOOD LUCK TONIGHT WITH YOUR SPEECH AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU FEEL THE NEED TO BE DOING!" Sirius started clapping, as did Remus and Peter. Everyone else seemed to get the message and the whole of Griffindor clapped along wishing him good luck. James jumped on one of the tables.
"Thank you, thank you." He started bowing. "I would like to wish you all good luck with your futures. This is our last night at Hogwarts and My fellow seventh years and myselfs last ever. So next year I expect it will be a lot quieter!" He smiled at everyone and jumped down. "Cya later looses!" He said to his mates and went out to meet Lily.
Lily was waiting for him wearing deep blue Ravenclaw robes with a silver Raven printed on it. Her hair was down And she had a faint ble eye shadow on.
"Hey beautiful." James said smiling at her. She smiled weakly back. Lily didn't want to go through with this night. They walked down to the great hall to meet Dumbledore. He smiled as his two top students walked in hand in hand.
"You did a splendid job of decorating." He stated. "I'll tell you what will happen tonight. We will greet all the students and parents giving them a program each, then we will do the presentations of every body's wizarding licences, then we will do speeches each. Then everybody will head out to the quidditch pitch, I will transform the stage into a buffet and put out some tables in here so everyone can help themselves to food when need be. If by any chance it should rain then escort everyone back here please. Ow and the main thing, make sure you have fun."
They went over a few thoughts and queries of the evening then, positioned themselves to greet every one.
All the students started filing in, they had to escort them to the correct section of seating. Then all the parents came, and they were seated around the hall. The students all were wearing black robes with the Hogwarts coat of arms, they would get the opportunity to change later. Then Dumbledore stood up on stage and welcomed everyone. He called the name of each student, in houses and their head of house joined wands with them, muttering a spell which enabled them to use magic outside school wth out being arrested for it. When they had been called, when the retook their seat it changed to black. Once every one had been done, Dumbledore started the first of many speeches that evening.
"Congratulations students, you made it to graduate. You now know enough magic to fly the nest and support yourselves in our world. You will notice that your chair has changed colour to black, the same as your parents or guardians. This is to show you, that you are now an equal. We are all equals. In the real world you don't belong to a house you are all individuals who have equal oppotunites. Only one word of wisdom. If you treat people with the same amount of trust and respect as you yourself would like to be treated, then the world will be a better place. Whatever you give you will receive back 10 times worse. Now a word from you peers. James Potter and head boy." The hall applauded politely as Dumbledore sat down and James took the podium. He looked around at the sea of smiling faces. His sister Claire being one of them.
"Hi, I'd just like to reflect on our time here at Hogwarts. I know everyone will have their different stories of how they found out they had a place. Their first journey here, meeting other witches and wizards from all over the uk and some even from different parts of the world. How Jazz fell into the lake on the boat journey across the lake and Hagrid had to fish her out. How we were all sorted into different houses. How Davy Gudgeon nearly lost an eye to the whomping willow in the second year when we played the great game of &* I know lets see who can get the closest to a tree that will whomp the living daylight out of me! * Remember when Krista started a food fight in the third year, changing everybodies food to cookie dough ice cream. How every body even the teachers were covered from head to toe in the stuff- all because she was fed up of every body asking to copy her home work. We've had some truly memorable times. Most of mine have caused the school a lot of trouble and I have often landed myself in detention. But hey" He turned to the teachers. "Please professors, I beg you to believe me Sirius put me up to all of I!" He grinned as the hall started laughing. And Sirius stood up smirking.
"OK I admit a lot of it was my idea but if you didn't have to help me. I just want to add that It was James Idea to turn Professor Mcgonnagal into a giant chicken!" The hall erupted in laughter again remembering Mcgonnagal's coating of feathers in fifth year.
"Any way, I just want to thank the professors for putting up with us for so long and actually teaching us things. It was a tough job and personally I think you all deserve Orders of Merlin first class for it.
School has taught me the finer lessons in life- how to make friends, how to do magic and holding a party till early hours of the morning WITHOUT sound proofing the walls will cause Professor Mcgonnagal to come in her pyjamas which is a SCARY sight! I wish everyone here good luck." James received a large round of applause sitting down. And Lily took the stage.
"Hi, I'm Lily Evans. When I was younger, I never really fitted in, you see I am a muggle born. Before I knew about being a witch, I wasn't able to control my powers and I often did things to which were unordinary to my family. But then when I was eleven I came here and now I could never imagine any other way to live. I am a witch, I am head girl, I hope to gt good NEWTS, but in the end none of that will matter as the most important thing in life is to be a good person. If anything in life I want for my parents to have been proud of me. And I know as long as I choose the correct paths and stay good and incorrupt they would have been. Even if they are not with me now they will always be in my heart telling me right from wrong. My advice to everyone before we leave is to stay on the right path, if something isn't working for you then put some effort into it and make it work. I was taught this by the person who means the most in this world to me." She looked meaningfully to James, mouthing a thank you. "As James said, good luck in the future." Everyone clapped once again as she took her seat. James kissed her on the cheek and took her hand.
"Now each head of house will give awards to the most memorable students in their house." Dumbledore spoke. Professor Sprout stood up.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Professor Sprout, head of Hufflepuff, Firstly I would like to award Jazz for the best Hogwarts entrance. As mr Potter earlier explained. She fell in to the lake, and was fished out by Hagrid. Yes and then she told me it's because when she was looking over the edge a kappa jumped out at her and made her jump, Ad lose balance.
My second award is to Archibald Tucker for his ever so famous stunt of turning up to the Halloween ball fully costumed as a giant pumpkin a day early! I would like to thank all of my students, you have been wonderful to teach." And professor Spout sat down as Professor knoles stood up.
"The Ravenclaw awards will go to Francis Merriwether for the most determination in getting her charm work correct. After 10 failed attempts, leaving the common room in flames and herself in the hospital wing, she finally mastered the Matonus charm. My other award goes to Christy Birchanger. No one will ever forget when she impersonated professor Dumbledore using whipped cream for a beard. Ravenclaw you have been truly smashing to govern and I am ever so proud that the head girl is one of our own." Everyone clapped and professor Lucifer faced them.
"For Slytherin I would like to award Severus Snape for managing to with stand the rath of cetain others in this year and retailiating giving myself and a lot of opthers a good laugh. And I would also like to award Geoffrey Nott, for a great improvement in his studies. I wish my house great prosperity in the future." Finally professor Mcgonagal took the spot light.
"Good evening, My first Grifindor award goes to Faye anne, for when she had a charm placed on her, turning her world upside down. She didn't move from her position until I myself was fetched. Secondly, this award is joint and to be expected. The most trouble Hogwarts has ever seen was managed by these, messers, Potter, Lupin, Pettigrew and Black."
"Hey I resent that!" Sirius shouted, "My name should be first!" Mcgonagal smiled down at him as Dumbledore replaced her position.
"We also have some other awards,
Mr Potter and Mr Snape- Biggest rivals,
Miss Spencer- Most magic related incidents and most times in the hospital wing,
Mr Friar- Most times caught sleeping in class,
Miss Evans and Mr Potter- Cutest couple." James' grin broadened. Lily just gulped.
"Mr Black- Most detentions." Sirius stood up proudly waving his hands in the air causing everyone to laugh and applaud him. He sat down hastily however when he caught a glimpse of his fathers frown.
"Finally Miss Evans- Most improved work over the years." Everyone clapped and Dumbledore led everyone out to the newly designed Quidditch pitch.
Out on the Quidditch pitch everyone complemented Lily and James on the décor, Dumbledore had earlier charmed the stadium so if it decided to rain they wouldn't all get wet. As James led Lily over to talk to his sister who had turned up to see him graduate she gained the biggest sinking feeling she had ever felt, she didn't want to go through with this evening, she wanted this, she wanted to have a family his family. They were both orphans, they loved each other and belonged with each other. Why was life so unfair? But if she was going to be the target of a mass murderer then she wasn't going to drag the only person in the world she loved down with her. This had to be done. She stood limply at James' side as he talked to his sister. That evening they shared a couple of dances and just over saw the dance as it folded out.
Meanwhile, Sirius had been dancing with various girls as well as talking to his father occasionally. But there was one person he couldn't leave without talking to. He finally plucked up all of his courage and approached her. Only to be shot down again.
"Andi, can I have this dance?" he asked her hopefully.
"No you jolly well can't you arrogant pr*t." She returned coldly.
"Come on, just one dance, I really wanted to clear the air between us before we left." She looked deep in to his sincere looking eyes.
"No." She returned, half still angry with him, the other half scared she'd reveal something she didn't want him knowing.
"Well at least come out for a walk with me and let me apologise?" He almost pleaded with her. "I won't leave until you let me." He added stubbornly. She had no option but to accept.
"Ok then, but make it quick." She snapped. He took her out of the stadium and led her to a tree. Sitting her at the base he knelt in front of her.
"Listen just let me get this out before I chicken out. I really didn't mean a word of what I said, well when we properly fell out. I was just hurt by what you said and by the fact you kept turning me down. You.. you see. and I'm only telling you this because it is probably the last time I will be seeing you ever, I really, really like you. More than I have any other girl ever. When we first met and I kept calling you Andromeda to annoy you when I always argued with everything you said and so on. Well I never realised until just a few months ago in the 3 broomsticks when we had that conversation, that it was because I liked you and I had never been in that situation before where I was mentally attracted to someone as well as physically. I didn't know how to act, so I did the thing I'm best at. Annoying people. Anything to get you to talk to me. Any way I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what ever pain I caused you and to say that I really don't agree with what Peter did to Crystal, we just had to stick with him. He would do the same for us. That's all I have to say, you don't have to reply." Sirius got up and started walking towards the stadium again. Andi sat there dazed. He liked her? That's why he annoyed he constantly? He liked her? Her liked her back?!
"SIRIUS! WAIT!" Andi called him back and he turned to face her. "Sirius," She panted running to him. "You meant all that?" He looked into her eyes ad nodded. "Sirius, that was all so sweet. And well I suppose none of the stuff would have really ever bothered me if. well if I didn't like you back." She grinned. Did she just say she liked him back? His smile broadened splitting his face. "And, well I don't want to leave Hogwarts and not ever see you again. Do you think we could maybe go out together some time?" She asked him out? This was different. Sirius liked it. Being bossed around by his lady. On a short leash. Yes, he would let her wear the trousers.
"That's sounds great! I'll pick you up tomorrow at eight!"
Eager are we?" she smiled.
"You have no idea how much I have wanted you this past few months!"
"Ow believe me I have!" Finally he sealed the deal and leant in for their first of many kisses. It was pure magic.
"I have to talk to you." Lily told James, near the end of the evening. This was it.
"Well I have to talk to you too." James said smiling. "In fact I need to take you somewhere to talk to you follow me." Lily frowned and reluctantly let James lead her away out the Quidditch stadium and to a clearing by the lake. As they neared it, Lily saw how it had been decorated. It was breath taking, the flowers which covered everything round a small bench which James sat her down on were amazing, most looking rare, magical and wonderful. Now she felt guilty. Really guilty.
"What do you think?" He smiled taking her hand. She felt as though she was about to vomit. He wasn't going to make her job easy was he?
James looked deep into her tearful eyes and got down on one knee.
Oh my god no!
"Lily, all my life I didn't know I could love any body as much as I love you," Lily was going to cry she knew it. This was supposed to be the happiest moment in a girls life.
"James no."
"Lily you would make me the happiest man alive, if you."
"James, don't." Lily had tears coming from her eyes; she was about to do the hardest thing she ever would do. "James, I can't marry you. In fact, . I. I can't even go out with you anymore." It took a few seconds for what Lily had just said to register with James.
"What? Why? What have I done?"
"It's not you James, you could never do anything wrong!" She turned around and started running back to the castle. It had started to rain quite heavily and just as Lily reached the steps, James had caught up to her and grabbed her wrist. She turned around, her eyes were red and puffy, her red hair, wet and matted, but in James' opinion, she was still beautiful.
"Why?" James choked out, "Don't leave me." He could feel his eyes burning, tears threatening to fall. And he NEVER cried.
"James.don't."
"WHY?"
"James, I love you, I always have loved you and I always will. It is best for both of us this way."
"No, no. Lily you can't!" James desperately pulled her into one final kiss, trying to persuade her, she kissed him back then pulled away.
"James never forget that I love you, you are all I have ever wanted and ever needed. I would spend the rest of my life with you gladly, if I could. But I can't." She turned round and sprinted up through the castle, through the Ravenclaw common room into her dorm. She jumped into her bed for the last time she ever would. Pulled the curtains round her and cried hysterically until she fell asleep. James had followed and was frantically trying to get up the slope, which was the girls staircase.
"LILY!" LILY!" He shouted. He didn't stop until someone got Mcgonnagal, who had to get Sirius, who practically dragged James out, back into the Griffindor boy's dorm.
After dwelling soley on her brief encounter with the mysterious woman for the remaining time of her holidays, Lily was now heading back to Hogwarts. She sat the train journey revising, sifting through spell book after spell book, making colour co-ordinated nites and sorting through pages of mock questions. By the time the train pulled to a hault she was exhausted. But looking out the window she caught the glance of an eager Griffindor, who looked as though he was freezing and had been waiting around for ages, but truly delighted she was here.
Love, it's what we're willing to live for, yet what we're willing to die for. You can leave some one because you love someone, and what you're willing to sacrifice is more than noble and brave. A worthy deed of dear Griffindor, yet that is not to suggest that other founders are not capable of this gesture.
Lily seeing her one true love left her belongings, ran outside and flung herself unto her expectant boyfriend.
"Miss me then?" he grinned sarcastically.
"More than the sun if it failed to shine." She replied. James escorted the petite head girl to a thestral drawn carridge and they rode to the beautiful castle arm in arm.
With just one week to go until the newts, the seventh years were extremely tense. Even James "Mr smart" "mr cool" was found handing out detentions to anyone who disturbed the peacefulness of the common room, class room or even the great hall at dinner , breakfast or lunch. A few people (Crystal included) even had to go to madame pomfrey as they were becoming ill of nerves and stress. Much like Lily was in her 5th year.
NEWT Defence against the dark arts
This was the notice outside the great hall after breakfast had been eaten. The seventh years waited outside in their respective houses waiting to be called in and sat in althabetical order. The air was thin and tesion could be felt throughout. This was their written exam, the practical would be taken later on that day. Lily gave James a last encouraging sqeeze of the hand and went to join her other house members. Crystal did the same with Peter and Haley the same with Rabastan. And suddenly the doors swung open and the dawnting site of rows and rows of tables containing pieces of parchment was before them. The heads of houses called out the names of their house members in alphabetical order and told them where to sit. And then it begun. The first of many tests to come. It became hard to concentrate as the noise of quills filled the air and the odd shuffle of parchment being moved up. James finished his no problem, this was a subject he had great strength in as well as every other subject he took. Not to be modest. And after 3 hours of writing everyone had had enough of defence against the dark arts to last a life time. Unfortunately for them they had another hour and a half of practical on it this after noon. They had to fight against dark creatures, deflect a few hexes and curses and be abe to idetify when people had been put uder several different curses. everyone in their group seemed to have done ok except peter who had come out with a slight wobble from the jelly legs curse which had managed to get through the sheild he had put up. And this is how the remainder of their tests went- slowly. At one point it seemed as though they would never end. Lily thought she did ok in most of her exams. She was a little worried about her transfiguration, but James reassured her that she would be fine. Lily didn't like to say that she had done well in any of her exams because she didn't like to be over confident- get her hopes up then fail misrebly. Unlike Sirius who swore if he didn't get an Outstanding in every exam he'd be thoroughly suprised.
They were all looking forward to the day that they would finally be over.
Finally the exams came to an end and the seventh years were free. That was it they never had to learn a thing again if that was their choice. They shared mixed feelings- some were scared,At least before they knew where they would be and what they would be doing. others were excited and a few were over joyed. Lily wasn't sure which side of the exams she preferred. She had a rough idea of what she would do, she had written a few people and was awaiting their. It would just take a lot of bravery and determination on her part to follow through with it.
James was over joyed, he knew exactly what he was going to do. He had everything set for graduation night- well his plans. He and lily still had a bit of planning for the ball to go through. And that's how they spent their last two weeks of freedom- planning a ball. And of course The Marauders needed one Mahusive finale of a prank. One which would be talked about for years after they had left. They also needed to plant their two most helpful items of mischief. Their map and their book. The latter was the easy option. They hid the book formally known as the PG in a secret passage by the charms corridor. They figured anyone who found the passage(as it was hidden well) would deem worthy of using their ideas and adding to them. The map however was different. They needed to make sure whoever got hold of it was as mischeivous as they were. So they would plant it where they would have a problem getting to it. Filch's office. James and Sirius started a dung bomb war with Peeves the poltergeist who of course retalliated. And Filch was straight after them, threatening them with the usual- detention, expulsion, torture (Ha they were leaving in a few days!) and he chased them as they ran off. they stopped round a corner knowing he was still following closely and began to talk to each other making sure he heard.
"James, if we get caught with this make Filch'll be able to get us for sure!" Sirius said trying not to laugh out loud.
"You're right," James continued. "Let's leave it here. We can always come back for it later. If we have it on us we'll get done cause it is bad and highly dangerous!" Suirius grinned.
"Ok we'll leave it under this statue of Gordon the Gullible."
"UNDER GORDON THE GULLIBLE!" James repeated slowly making sure Filch caught every sillable. "Quick lets go." And they ran off.
Meanwhile, Peter and Remus were tailing Filch under James' invisibility cloak, making sure he picked it up (He did) and that he didn't actually work out how to use it. They laughed as he stood staring at the blank parchment then started muttering things to himself. They knew he couldn't manage it as he was a squib, and you needed a wand to oporate it. It was a job well done. Only the best of mischeif makers would get their hands on it. Maybe even one of their future children.
The Slytherins were discussing a few leaving plans aswell. Rabastan had received an owl from his brothers fiancee saying she had tipped the boat and she just needed to get an insider. Rabastan and Snape had put their heads together and formed the perfect plan. So evil the Dark lord himself would've been proud.
"Come on babe, you would do it if you loved me. It's not as though we're splitting up." Rabastan said to his girlfriend. She looked at him warily. "Come on my love, you know I would do it for you."
"I... You... I can't." She stuttered.
"Do it or we're through!" He said sharply, then walked off leaving Haley crossed between doing what was right and what would keep the man she loved. Well it wasn't as if they were her friends any more.
So she shared a dorm with them- they didn't want to know her any more. They couldn't accept that she was dating a Slytherin. Her mind was made. She would do it.
Two nights before Graduation, Haley hunted Peter down. He was heading out of the great hall. She knew he was meeting Crystal soon in the library. Rabastan had found it out for her. This was it.
"Hey Peter." She smiled at him walking up. She decidied to completely ignore the expression he had given her. One of utter confusion.
"Whats up Haley?" He asked her.
"Huh," She sighed. "Not much really. It's a little depressing. My friends aren't really talking to me, not now. And I broke up with my boyfriend a few days ago." She put on a fake expression of saddness. Peter looked at her with pity.
"Ow, thats to bad. I'm sure things'll work out. I'll talk to Cris for you if you want, I'm sure she's missing you." Haley smiled at his sympathy and placed a hand on his forearm.
"Thank you, but please don't. It's up to me to make the first move... Plus" She looked at him seductively, squeasing his arm. "I'd much rather talk to you." Peter tried to move away, but it was all happening to fast. One second Peter was talkin to Haley the next she was forcing her lips against his the next he was kissing her back. He had never been one to give in to temptation. Finally the last second that night which had mattered to him critically was the scream he heard. It was that scream that mattered. It had been the noise of the end of his relationship. He had been with his girl for about a year and now he would never have anything as good. He pulled from Haley who was grinning like a hyenna and *SLAP* That hurt.
*Slap* He didn't feel that one? Was his face already numb from pain? No Crystal had slapped Haley too.
"You home wrecking tramp. It wasn't enough that you had to go off with that... that Slytherin, you go and ruin things for me too!" She turned to Peter. "We're through, I thought I could trust you- obvisly not." She turned round and walked away, trying her hardest not to cry. She refused to let them see they had gotten to her.
Peter looked at Haley outreaged.
"What did you do that for?" He yelled.
"Listen pete." She poked him playfully in the chest. "In 2 days exactly, we're going to be entering the REAL world. I did that to you to help you. SHE is not living in the real world- the real world you're either on the side who wins or the side who thinks they will win. But they are seriously wrong. Just look at your friends. James- parents dead. Lily parents dead. Remus is always ill. Sirius his mothers dead and he was expelled last year for admitting he had done something wrong. Crystal, well you just wirtnessed that one. And me all I did was date someone different and they all turned on me! Compare sides and there will always be a sure winner. Choose the one you want." And with that she walked off leaving Peter to think about what had just happened and what she had just told him.
She had started a cog turning in his head, one which was extremely dangerous to his friends and one which would haunt them in later years.
Mean while it had done a satisfactory job of putting a small crack between the girls and the boys. The girls siding with Crystal and the boys siding with Peter. Evidently causing more friction between the group.
So now Crystal hated Peter, Andi and Sirius still dispised each other, Haley had long ago parted ways from everyone and was now just as welcome as the giant squid was to their group. Remus had never really been one to get in anyones bad books and Lily and James were still very much in love. However, the Marauders siding point blank with Peter gave James no favour.
Lily's friends were talking him down non stop and she herself was annoyed with his decision. This just made her plans easier.
The morning of graduation, James and Lily were extremly excited. Thier fued aside, they begun to decorate the great hall. Both had a weight in their stomaches, neither one was to do with their breakfast or the speech they would later on be delivering. The decorations were magnificent.
Rows of chairs set in different colours were set around a stage which had been erected in the centre of the hall. Each set of coloured chairs representing a house. There were also chairs of plain black on the out skirts of tose, these being for the parents. The stage itself had a chair for each head of house, Lily, James and proffessor Dumbledore. And there was also a podium in the centre. Along the stage and podium were ribons of the house colours entertwined to show the mixing of the houses into the real world. And on the back wall was the Hogwarts coat of arms in all it's glory.
Lily and James stood hand in hand admiring thier wand work. Lily sighed, she was going to miss this.
"You know, I'll always love you." she stated squeezing his hand tighter, as though scared if he let go she'd never again see him. He smiled, this was a good sign for his proposal later on. He had been worried, because all throughout the morning she had been uncharacteristically quiet. He gathered it was due to nerves.
Once the graduation ceremony was complete, the students, teachers and parents would be escorted to the quidditch field where the ball would be held. It was mid July so the weather was warm enough. Lily and James also had the task of decorating this. They put balloons, ribbons and allsorts on the outskirts of the pitch decorated in the house colours . They also charmed confetti to fall out of the air in the same colours and disappear just before it hit the heads of the tallest person. (Well not quite Hagrid height) The set up a stage for a band (The enchanters) and a floor which looked crystal clear was set down as a dance floor.
He an to his room and threw on his dress robes. Both he and Lily had been told to were robes the colour representing their house. So he had a noble red dress robe with golden toggles, cuffs and linning. Looking in the mirror he straightened his glasses and tried to flatten his hair. It didn't work which got him frustrated. In the end he was so annoyed he scruffed it up more. "Hey that's not bad" He thought to himself, so he left it be. James smiled as he unlocked his trunk and found the ring he would later be giving Lily. He placed that in his pocket grabbed his speech from his bed and ran down to Griffindor common room. When he entered he found his mates waiting for him on the couch.
"HES HERE!" Sirius shouted. "MAN OF THE HOUR! OUR HEAD BOY. ON BEHALF OF ALL OF GRIFFINDOR I WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU GOOD LUCK TONIGHT WITH YOUR SPEECH AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU FEEL THE NEED TO BE DOING!" Sirius started clapping, as did Remus and Peter. Everyone else seemed to get the message and the whole of Griffindor clapped along wishing him good luck. James jumped on one of the tables.
"Thank you, thank you." He started bowing. "I would like to wish you all good luck with your futures. This is our last night at Hogwarts and My fellow seventh years and myselfs last ever. So next year I expect it will be a lot quieter!" He smiled at everyone and jumped down. "Cya later looses!" He said to his mates and went out to meet Lily.
Lily was waiting for him wearing deep blue Ravenclaw robes with a silver Raven printed on it. Her hair was down And she had a faint ble eye shadow on.
"Hey beautiful." James said smiling at her. She smiled weakly back. Lily didn't want to go through with this night. They walked down to the great hall to meet Dumbledore. He smiled as his two top students walked in hand in hand.
"You did a splendid job of decorating." He stated. "I'll tell you what will happen tonight. We will greet all the students and parents giving them a program each, then we will do the presentations of every body's wizarding licences, then we will do speeches each. Then everybody will head out to the quidditch pitch, I will transform the stage into a buffet and put out some tables in here so everyone can help themselves to food when need be. If by any chance it should rain then escort everyone back here please. Ow and the main thing, make sure you have fun."
They went over a few thoughts and queries of the evening then, positioned themselves to greet every one.
All the students started filing in, they had to escort them to the correct section of seating. Then all the parents came, and they were seated around the hall. The students all were wearing black robes with the Hogwarts coat of arms, they would get the opportunity to change later. Then Dumbledore stood up on stage and welcomed everyone. He called the name of each student, in houses and their head of house joined wands with them, muttering a spell which enabled them to use magic outside school wth out being arrested for it. When they had been called, when the retook their seat it changed to black. Once every one had been done, Dumbledore started the first of many speeches that evening.
"Congratulations students, you made it to graduate. You now know enough magic to fly the nest and support yourselves in our world. You will notice that your chair has changed colour to black, the same as your parents or guardians. This is to show you, that you are now an equal. We are all equals. In the real world you don't belong to a house you are all individuals who have equal oppotunites. Only one word of wisdom. If you treat people with the same amount of trust and respect as you yourself would like to be treated, then the world will be a better place. Whatever you give you will receive back 10 times worse. Now a word from you peers. James Potter and head boy." The hall applauded politely as Dumbledore sat down and James took the podium. He looked around at the sea of smiling faces. His sister Claire being one of them.
"Hi, I'd just like to reflect on our time here at Hogwarts. I know everyone will have their different stories of how they found out they had a place. Their first journey here, meeting other witches and wizards from all over the uk and some even from different parts of the world. How Jazz fell into the lake on the boat journey across the lake and Hagrid had to fish her out. How we were all sorted into different houses. How Davy Gudgeon nearly lost an eye to the whomping willow in the second year when we played the great game of &* I know lets see who can get the closest to a tree that will whomp the living daylight out of me! * Remember when Krista started a food fight in the third year, changing everybodies food to cookie dough ice cream. How every body even the teachers were covered from head to toe in the stuff- all because she was fed up of every body asking to copy her home work. We've had some truly memorable times. Most of mine have caused the school a lot of trouble and I have often landed myself in detention. But hey" He turned to the teachers. "Please professors, I beg you to believe me Sirius put me up to all of I!" He grinned as the hall started laughing. And Sirius stood up smirking.
"OK I admit a lot of it was my idea but if you didn't have to help me. I just want to add that It was James Idea to turn Professor Mcgonnagal into a giant chicken!" The hall erupted in laughter again remembering Mcgonnagal's coating of feathers in fifth year.
"Any way, I just want to thank the professors for putting up with us for so long and actually teaching us things. It was a tough job and personally I think you all deserve Orders of Merlin first class for it.
School has taught me the finer lessons in life- how to make friends, how to do magic and holding a party till early hours of the morning WITHOUT sound proofing the walls will cause Professor Mcgonnagal to come in her pyjamas which is a SCARY sight! I wish everyone here good luck." James received a large round of applause sitting down. And Lily took the stage.
"Hi, I'm Lily Evans. When I was younger, I never really fitted in, you see I am a muggle born. Before I knew about being a witch, I wasn't able to control my powers and I often did things to which were unordinary to my family. But then when I was eleven I came here and now I could never imagine any other way to live. I am a witch, I am head girl, I hope to gt good NEWTS, but in the end none of that will matter as the most important thing in life is to be a good person. If anything in life I want for my parents to have been proud of me. And I know as long as I choose the correct paths and stay good and incorrupt they would have been. Even if they are not with me now they will always be in my heart telling me right from wrong. My advice to everyone before we leave is to stay on the right path, if something isn't working for you then put some effort into it and make it work. I was taught this by the person who means the most in this world to me." She looked meaningfully to James, mouthing a thank you. "As James said, good luck in the future." Everyone clapped once again as she took her seat. James kissed her on the cheek and took her hand.
"Now each head of house will give awards to the most memorable students in their house." Dumbledore spoke. Professor Sprout stood up.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Professor Sprout, head of Hufflepuff, Firstly I would like to award Jazz for the best Hogwarts entrance. As mr Potter earlier explained. She fell in to the lake, and was fished out by Hagrid. Yes and then she told me it's because when she was looking over the edge a kappa jumped out at her and made her jump, Ad lose balance.
My second award is to Archibald Tucker for his ever so famous stunt of turning up to the Halloween ball fully costumed as a giant pumpkin a day early! I would like to thank all of my students, you have been wonderful to teach." And professor Spout sat down as Professor knoles stood up.
"The Ravenclaw awards will go to Francis Merriwether for the most determination in getting her charm work correct. After 10 failed attempts, leaving the common room in flames and herself in the hospital wing, she finally mastered the Matonus charm. My other award goes to Christy Birchanger. No one will ever forget when she impersonated professor Dumbledore using whipped cream for a beard. Ravenclaw you have been truly smashing to govern and I am ever so proud that the head girl is one of our own." Everyone clapped and professor Lucifer faced them.
"For Slytherin I would like to award Severus Snape for managing to with stand the rath of cetain others in this year and retailiating giving myself and a lot of opthers a good laugh. And I would also like to award Geoffrey Nott, for a great improvement in his studies. I wish my house great prosperity in the future." Finally professor Mcgonagal took the spot light.
"Good evening, My first Grifindor award goes to Faye anne, for when she had a charm placed on her, turning her world upside down. She didn't move from her position until I myself was fetched. Secondly, this award is joint and to be expected. The most trouble Hogwarts has ever seen was managed by these, messers, Potter, Lupin, Pettigrew and Black."
"Hey I resent that!" Sirius shouted, "My name should be first!" Mcgonagal smiled down at him as Dumbledore replaced her position.
"We also have some other awards,
Mr Potter and Mr Snape- Biggest rivals,
Miss Spencer- Most magic related incidents and most times in the hospital wing,
Mr Friar- Most times caught sleeping in class,
Miss Evans and Mr Potter- Cutest couple." James' grin broadened. Lily just gulped.
"Mr Black- Most detentions." Sirius stood up proudly waving his hands in the air causing everyone to laugh and applaud him. He sat down hastily however when he caught a glimpse of his fathers frown.
"Finally Miss Evans- Most improved work over the years." Everyone clapped and Dumbledore led everyone out to the newly designed Quidditch pitch.
Out on the Quidditch pitch everyone complemented Lily and James on the décor, Dumbledore had earlier charmed the stadium so if it decided to rain they wouldn't all get wet. As James led Lily over to talk to his sister who had turned up to see him graduate she gained the biggest sinking feeling she had ever felt, she didn't want to go through with this evening, she wanted this, she wanted to have a family his family. They were both orphans, they loved each other and belonged with each other. Why was life so unfair? But if she was going to be the target of a mass murderer then she wasn't going to drag the only person in the world she loved down with her. This had to be done. She stood limply at James' side as he talked to his sister. That evening they shared a couple of dances and just over saw the dance as it folded out.
Meanwhile, Sirius had been dancing with various girls as well as talking to his father occasionally. But there was one person he couldn't leave without talking to. He finally plucked up all of his courage and approached her. Only to be shot down again.
"Andi, can I have this dance?" he asked her hopefully.
"No you jolly well can't you arrogant pr*t." She returned coldly.
"Come on, just one dance, I really wanted to clear the air between us before we left." She looked deep in to his sincere looking eyes.
"No." She returned, half still angry with him, the other half scared she'd reveal something she didn't want him knowing.
"Well at least come out for a walk with me and let me apologise?" He almost pleaded with her. "I won't leave until you let me." He added stubbornly. She had no option but to accept.
"Ok then, but make it quick." She snapped. He took her out of the stadium and led her to a tree. Sitting her at the base he knelt in front of her.
"Listen just let me get this out before I chicken out. I really didn't mean a word of what I said, well when we properly fell out. I was just hurt by what you said and by the fact you kept turning me down. You.. you see. and I'm only telling you this because it is probably the last time I will be seeing you ever, I really, really like you. More than I have any other girl ever. When we first met and I kept calling you Andromeda to annoy you when I always argued with everything you said and so on. Well I never realised until just a few months ago in the 3 broomsticks when we had that conversation, that it was because I liked you and I had never been in that situation before where I was mentally attracted to someone as well as physically. I didn't know how to act, so I did the thing I'm best at. Annoying people. Anything to get you to talk to me. Any way I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what ever pain I caused you and to say that I really don't agree with what Peter did to Crystal, we just had to stick with him. He would do the same for us. That's all I have to say, you don't have to reply." Sirius got up and started walking towards the stadium again. Andi sat there dazed. He liked her? That's why he annoyed he constantly? He liked her? Her liked her back?!
"SIRIUS! WAIT!" Andi called him back and he turned to face her. "Sirius," She panted running to him. "You meant all that?" He looked into her eyes ad nodded. "Sirius, that was all so sweet. And well I suppose none of the stuff would have really ever bothered me if. well if I didn't like you back." She grinned. Did she just say she liked him back? His smile broadened splitting his face. "And, well I don't want to leave Hogwarts and not ever see you again. Do you think we could maybe go out together some time?" She asked him out? This was different. Sirius liked it. Being bossed around by his lady. On a short leash. Yes, he would let her wear the trousers.
"That's sounds great! I'll pick you up tomorrow at eight!"
Eager are we?" she smiled.
"You have no idea how much I have wanted you this past few months!"
"Ow believe me I have!" Finally he sealed the deal and leant in for their first of many kisses. It was pure magic.
"I have to talk to you." Lily told James, near the end of the evening. This was it.
"Well I have to talk to you too." James said smiling. "In fact I need to take you somewhere to talk to you follow me." Lily frowned and reluctantly let James lead her away out the Quidditch stadium and to a clearing by the lake. As they neared it, Lily saw how it had been decorated. It was breath taking, the flowers which covered everything round a small bench which James sat her down on were amazing, most looking rare, magical and wonderful. Now she felt guilty. Really guilty.
"What do you think?" He smiled taking her hand. She felt as though she was about to vomit. He wasn't going to make her job easy was he?
James looked deep into her tearful eyes and got down on one knee.
Oh my god no!
"Lily, all my life I didn't know I could love any body as much as I love you," Lily was going to cry she knew it. This was supposed to be the happiest moment in a girls life.
"James no."
"Lily you would make me the happiest man alive, if you."
"James, don't." Lily had tears coming from her eyes; she was about to do the hardest thing she ever would do. "James, I can't marry you. In fact, . I. I can't even go out with you anymore." It took a few seconds for what Lily had just said to register with James.
"What? Why? What have I done?"
"It's not you James, you could never do anything wrong!" She turned around and started running back to the castle. It had started to rain quite heavily and just as Lily reached the steps, James had caught up to her and grabbed her wrist. She turned around, her eyes were red and puffy, her red hair, wet and matted, but in James' opinion, she was still beautiful.
"Why?" James choked out, "Don't leave me." He could feel his eyes burning, tears threatening to fall. And he NEVER cried.
"James.don't."
"WHY?"
"James, I love you, I always have loved you and I always will. It is best for both of us this way."
"No, no. Lily you can't!" James desperately pulled her into one final kiss, trying to persuade her, she kissed him back then pulled away.
"James never forget that I love you, you are all I have ever wanted and ever needed. I would spend the rest of my life with you gladly, if I could. But I can't." She turned round and sprinted up through the castle, through the Ravenclaw common room into her dorm. She jumped into her bed for the last time she ever would. Pulled the curtains round her and cried hysterically until she fell asleep. James had followed and was frantically trying to get up the slope, which was the girls staircase.
"LILY!" LILY!" He shouted. He didn't stop until someone got Mcgonnagal, who had to get Sirius, who practically dragged James out, back into the Griffindor boy's dorm.