A/N: This is it, folks. It's complete, finished….I may do a sequel, depends how much HBP alters my story. I hope everyone gets their copy and enjoys it. I'll write a sort of epilogue to to explain some things to you (like the title) after this chapter…tomorrow, most likely. Have a good night everyone!

Chapter Forty-Eight: Graduation

"I can't believe it's here." Lily stated early their last Saturday morning at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Allison, James, Remus, Sirius, Peter, and Ellie nodded their heads quietly as they ate. The group was filled silence, but mostly for the excitement in it, the fact that they were putting on their graduation robes right after breakfast and returning to the Great Hall, where it would be changed into a ceremonial masterpiece was just thrilling.

James and Lily made their way back to their Heads Quarters in the same silence that had filled the breakfast table, they reached the quarter and went their separate ways to put on their black robes and hats, with their badges pinned on nicely, of course.

Lily and James had perfect right to be especially nervous; they had been given the task to right a sort of motivational speech. Lily had written it, and James was to deliver the message, as Lily had decided, he was simply the better politician, and naturally more charismatic.

She caught a sight of James with his graduation robes and pointed hat on. He looked charming, yet silly all the same. Lily couldn't laugh, however, as she was wearing exactly the same thing.

"Ready?" James asked, in a strong, confident tone. Lily caught sight of their speech in his pocket and smiled.

"Yes, are you?" she asked.

James nodded. "Couldn't be more ready."

"Then let's go." Lily replied.

"Let's graduate!"

Lily laughed as she and James walked down, arm in arm to the Great Hall.

The Great Hall had been decorated elaborately. Where the Professors usually sat, rows of chairs were made for the students to sit on. Chairs were made in rows where the House tables usually sat, filled with Professors, and to the students surprise, some parents were there. Magical ones, of course, as Muggle parents could not see Hogwarts. Lily smiled at Mr. and Mrs. Potter as she took her seat next to James in front of all the other students.

Professor Dumbledore got everyone's attention as he stood behind the podium.

"Yes, welcome, welcome students and parents! " Professor Dumbledore beamed. "It is my honor to present the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Class of 1979. This class has been through a lot, as they leave this school to go into a world that was in a very different state when they left it. This bunch of students began their educatation before darkness surrounded the world, and thus they will be key in bringing the world back to the harmonious state they left it. I have complete faith in this class. And now, a word from James Potter, Head Boy and Quidditch Captain for Gryffindor, which one the Quidditch Cup this year."

A small applause was given, as James thanked Professor Dumbledore as he put Lily's speech on the podium and looked out into the crowd of proud professors and expectant parents.

James cleared his throat and took a breath. He looked at Lily and smiled and then began to speak.

"Good morning, my fellow students, parents, and teachers. I am honored to have this opportunity, to give the speech for my graduating class, as Head Boy. This year was an amazing one, not only for me, but also for the entire class. We learned more, we matured more. We grew together and made new friends, and most importantly, we had fun. I cannot take all the credit for this great year and how smoothly it ran, Lily Evans, Head Girl, deserves most of it." James smiled. Lily looked up at him. James was changing the speech.

"You see, in my Hogwarts career, I was more of a troublemaker, I didn't really care about school or marks, and Lily Evans knew that. I was in love with her from the moment I saw her, but she wouldn't tolerate me, because, as she so eloquently put it, I was a bullying toerag. Although I wouldn't have agreed then, I'll be the first to admit it now, that she was right. So my sixth year summer, I took it upon myself to mature, to become responsible, not only to impress Lily, but to gain the respect of my professors and classmates. I needed to grow up, I was seventeen with no future. I don't know how he knew I had decided to take myself seriously, it just lies in what me and my friends theory… that he knows everything, but Professor Dumbledore decided to make me Head Boy. And I appreciate it so much that he trusted me, that he respected me. And I know he cares about all of us so much, and that he'll do anything for us, so I'd like to thank him now, for the great headmaster he's been for these past seven years."

The Great Hall erupted in applause as everyone turned and looked at the headmaster, who was smiling modestly at James.

"But this isn't about me, or how I've changed." James continued. Lily smiled timidly, he was back to her speech. "Hogwarts class of '79, we've come a long way, from being tiny scared first years, to responsible hopeful young adults. We've got to continue to work together, and we've got to put aside tiny differences and disputes as we go out into the world. There's a war we'll be going into, to live in. We will be faced with temptations and challenges, and it's important to keep our heads clear, to keep the target straight. We've got to overcome the war, we've got to work together and do the best we can to defeat Voldemort."

A sucking in of breath was heard throughout the hall as Voldemort's name was spoken.

"We can do it, if we work together." James finished with a final, demanding tone. "I look forward to the future, because I believe that it's still bright."

The Great Hall erupted in applause as James took his seat beside Lily. Lily squeezed his arm.

"That was very good, James. I'm proud of you." she smiled.

James smiled back at her. "I really owe a lot to you, Lily. I love you."

"I love you too, James."

Professor Dumbledore returned to the podium.

"Well that was a very touching speech given by Mr. Potter. Now, let's continue. Deputy Headmistress McGonagall will call out the students' names in alphabetical order, and I will hand them their diplomas."

Professor Dumbledore backed away from the podium and let McGonagall take the stand. She held out a list and began to read out the names.

"I'm glad that's over." Sirius commented as they walked out into the Great Hall to go and greet James's parents.

James nodded and let out a breath. "That was hard."

Lily grinned and gave him a peck on the cheek. "But you did so well."

James smiled as they approached his parents. His mother jovially hugged him, crushing him.

"Oh, Jamie! That was beautiful! I am so proud of you, honey!" she exclaimed.

"Mum, you're smothering me!" James squeezed out between breaths. His mother let go and then saw Lily.

"And Lily!" she gave Lily a crushing hug as well before letting go. "You look beautiful today, dear."

Lily beamed. "Thank you, Margaret."

Sirius suddenly grasped hold of James's mother.

"I've got to get my hug, Margie!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Oh, Sirius, now you're squashing me!" Margaret said, gasping for air.

Sirius grinned and let go and then caught sight of Mr. Potter.

"And Sam…" He gave Mr. Potter a giant bear hug and then broke away with a smile.

"Congratulations, Sirius, James, Lily." he stated, smiling at the three of them. "I'm really proud of you all."

James looked at his father, pure respect glowing from his hazel eyes. "Thanks for coming, Dad."

James father nodded.

"We'd better be going." Mrs. Potter said after a few seconds, in a disappointed tone. "Your father has to work this evening."

James nodded understanding. His father waved, but before he was out of James sight, James ran up to him and through his arms quickly around his father, who matched him in overall size.

Sam Potter was surprised at his son's action, but hugged him back.

"I'll see you when I get home." James said when he broke away. "Good luck tonight."

James's dad nodded, and smiled. "I really am proud of you, son. Now go have fun."

James beamed at his father and then turned to go catch up with Lily and Sirius.

Lily checked herself out in the mirror of her vanity in her bedroom.

She had to admit, she felt gorgeous. Her red hair was done up, with red ringlets coming down along her face. She pinned a white daisy daintily in her hair for decoration. She had on her pearl earrings and necklace set that her mother had given her for her sixteenth birthday; they matched perfectly with her cream robes.

She smiled at herself and then went out into the common room, where James was standing, waiting for her. He was wearing black dress robes with a tail, a cream-colored cummerbund and matching bow tie. His hair was as messy as ever, and he was grinning madly at her. And Lily thought he looked like the sexiest thing she had ever laid eyes on. James's jaw had dropped once his hazel, bespectacled eyes had looked her over, but he had closed it quickly.

"Good evening, beautiful." he greeted as he took her hand and kissed it.

Lily felt silly all of a sudden and blushed.

"Hi." she whispered.

"Shall we go?" James asked in his typical polite manner.

Lily nodded, green eyes shimmering with excitement.

James took her hand and led the way down to the Great Hall, which, thanks to Lily and James's wonderful ideas, had been transformed a second time that day, into a elegant 1920's theme. Lively jazz music was played by a jazz band Lily and James had been reluctant to find and teenagers that had already arrived were dancing in quick paces and doing dances like the Charleston.

"Want something to drink?" James offered as they found a seat.

"Yes please, Precious." she grinned at him and James laughed.

"Be right back, Shnuckums."

Lily smiled and took a seat, crossing her legs elegantly as she waited for James to return.

James found his way to the punch bowl, where Sirius was standing by himself, grinning as he watched the dancing and tapped his feet to the music.

"I thought you had a date." James commented.

Sirius grinned and shook his head. "No, I didn't want one."

James raised his eyebrow. Sirius not wanting a date was enough to make the world stop turning.

"Why not?" James asked.

Sirius shrugged and smiled. "I just didn't."

"Oh. How many drinks have you had?" James remarked.

"Three butterbeers, I've almost gotten a nice buzz." Sirius replied with a grin. "One or two more will get me there."

James nodded as he held the drinks for Lily and himself. "You know, you can dance with Lily tonight if you like."

Sirius grinned at him. "You'd share your Lily flower?"

"For one dance, and one dance only." James added with a smile. "Honestly, I'm sure she'd dance with you once or twice. You aren't a bad dancer or anything."

"I might take you up on that." Sirius replied. "But right now, just go to your girl, Prongs."

James nodded and went back to Lily.

After taking a few sips of their drinks, James got back on his feet and offered his hand.

"Care to dance?"

Lily grinned. "With you? I don't know…"

James pouted, and Lily laughed.

"Why of course I'll dance with you."

Throughout the night, Lily and James danced, he did let Sirius cut in once or twice, and he even danced with Allison, who was wearing her light pink robes once.

After two hours or so of dancing and being in the high-spirited atmosphere, James was beginning to get hot.

"Care to go sit outside?" he asked Lily.

Lily nodded. "Yes, it'll be refreshing." Her face was red from the heat of dancing and James was glad to escort her outside.

Once outside, they walked a ways before James found a stone and transfigured it into a park bench.

He took a seat and Lily did the same.

"I had a really good time tonight, James." Lily said as she enjoyed the fresh air.

James smiled at her. "I've enjoyed the last six months, Lily."

Lily grinned and kissed him.

"This year really was amazing, Lily." James said after a while. "I can't believe you decided to date me."

Lily laughed. "Honestly, James, I can't believe how wonderful you turned out to be."

"Well I could have vouched for that long ago." James teased as he lent in to kiss her again.

When they broke apart, Lily leant back and smiled. "I can't believe that on Monday, we'll be back on the Hogwarts Express for the last time, and we'll be out into the real world."

James nodded, understanding. "I know, it's so exciting."

"I'm glad I have you to be there with me, James." Lily replied.

James turned to Lily, smiling, gazing in her eyes, she looked so beautiful, so happy.

James reached into his pocket, and pulled out a ring box he had been carrying around all evening. The timing was now, James thought.

Lily studied him slowly, as if his actions were in slow motion, and she sucked in her breath.

"Lily, you are the most amazing person I have ever met, and I thank God everyday that you are in my life. You make feel like a better man, you make me want to be a better man. You are the most beautiful woman in the entire world, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you make me feel every moment of the day. Lily Evans, will you marry me?"

Lily was speechless. She hadn't thought this was possible…so soon.

She moved her lips to speak but nothing came out, as her mind was completely blank. She stared at James for a moment, stunned. James was beginning to wonder if she had heard him and began to speak again.

Lily took a breath and spoke. "Are you sure you're ready for this? I mean, are you sure we're ready for this…we've only dated six months, James, do you think that's long enough? And we're so young…"

James looked at her in the most serious expression she had ever seen him use.

"Lily, I've been ready for years. I think we're ready. I don't think we're too young, because we're in love, and that's all that matters." he stated in a confident, deep tone that reassured Lily of her worst thoughts.

Lily looked into his eyes, and realized she could spend the rest of her life just being with him.

"Yes, James, I'll marry you."

And with her words, they both leaned in to share the sweetest kiss either of them had ever experienced.