Disclaimer: everything belongs to JK Rowling, apart from characters and events unrecognizable as being part of the Harry Potter series.

A/N: wow. Last chapter- I have to say I feel a little nostalgic, but this fic was drawing to a close anyway, hey? Thankyou all for reading and reviewing this far, this has actually (with the exception of Changing Rooms) been a very successful fic, and it's all thanks to you guys! So pat yourselves heartily on the backs on my behalf.

Really, the encouragement and support were much appreciated, and I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Although its basically just wrapping things up, it should be fun (I wouldn't know, I still haven't actually written it yet, as I'm typing this). Onwards, fellows, and enjoy!

Chapter Twelve

The Platform

"So you made it out alive," Alyssa commented nonchalantly to Lily as they stood awaiting the boarding call for the Hogwarts Express. "I mean, living with three teenage, rather nice and extremely hot guys- must have been painful."

"You have no idea," Lily sighed dramatically. "It was all blood, guts and terror, everywhere I looked."

"Yeah right. More like triceps, biceps and pectorals, if you get what I mean?" Chloe piped up, her words contrasting starkly with her rather posh accent.

"Um, actually, I wouldn't say they're that buff-" Lily began, but a hand suddenly caught her around her waist, pulling her back to slam into a soft body.

"You wouldn't happen to be talking about us, now then, would you?" James' voice was low and husky in her ear. He was doing that on purpose, and she knew it. By now, James knew just how to get Lily where he wanted her.

"Typical male," Lily snorted. "You immediately assume that any conversation three beautiful girls could be having must be about you."

"Well, who but we inspire that desire, Lily m'dear?" Sirius said theatrically, appearing from the mist behind them with Remus in reluctant tow.

"Hi Lily," the latter said, making up for the lack of greetings from his two friends. "Did you and Elena get here very early?"

The boys had arrived at the station with Harold that morning, while Lily had come with Elena, as they had needed extra space to bring all the luggage. Also, Lily suspected that Elena had simply wanted some time alone with Lily. She had told her that she was always welcome at the Potter's for the holidays, and that she was expected at Christmas. Lily felt as if she had received not only a boyfriend but and entire family from one summer. It was like having two wishes granted in one.

"Yeah, we were a little early," Lily said, smiling up at the tall boy. "But I guess early is better than late like some."

Remus sighed.

"I blame that entirely on Sirius," he said, shaking his head. "He didn't even pack."

"Hey, I had more important things to do, alright?" Sirius said, looking injured. He had already managed to get cozy with Lily's friends, standing between them with an arm around Alyssa. "Like doing my summer homework, for example."

Remus sighed, but apparently had no comment.

The arms around Lily tightened, and James nudged the top of her head with his chin.

"Hello? A little attention, please?" he said. Taking her shoulders, he gently turned her around to face him. "Soon we'll be back at school, and all displays of affection will have to be restricted to the common room, you know."

"Oh, I know," Lily grinned "How will you ever survive."

"How will I survive? I don't see you exactly running away when we kiss."

"Probably because you're restricting my movement."

Just then, Elena and Harold reappeared, looking as worried and anxious as every other parent on the platform.

"Now, you will all be good this year, right? No more pranks and foolery, right?" Elena said, sounding less warning, and more hopeful.

"Geez, mum, that's what we love about you," James said breezily. "Your everlasting optimism."

"James, show your mother some respect," Harold said, btu he wasn't really serious. How could he be with such youthful, hopeful teenagers infrotn fo him? the aksmost mad him feel young again.

The bell rang loud overhead, signallign that it was time to board.

"Take care, all of you," Elena said, hugging each boy in turn (and even hugging Alyssa and Chloe though she was a little uncertain as to who they were). She turned to Lily, her eyes a little brighter than usual. "And you too, Lily. Write to me, ok?"

Lily smiled, her own eyes stinging.

"Of course," she mumbled, her voice muffled as Elena hugged her fiercely.

"Well, on we get," Sirius said brightly, leading the way over to the train.

With one last wave, the six teenagers boarded the train, seeking an empty compartment. James and Lily hung back a little, watching the Potter's getting smaller and smaller in the distance as the Train pulled away from the station.

"Well, Evans, that was some summer," James murmured, not looking at her. "You feeling ready for the new year?"

"I don't know," Lily said honestly. "But there's definitely one improvement from last year."

"Oh?" James said, now turning to glance at her.

"Yeah. I've got you now."

James looked at her. Her hair was even more red than usual, her eyes still bright form unshed tears.

"You definitely have me," he assured her, leaning forwards to press a kiss into her forehead. "For ever and always."

And Lily found, as she looked out the window at the sun rising high and bright over the world, that that wasn't so hard to believe.

FIN

A/N: I know, I know, a trademark short last chapter. So sue me. I have issues writing long chapters. Well, that's the end of that. Please do review, and I hope you liked the end. I am thinking of writing a new fic, I have a few ideas but no promises, k? I hate starting a fic and not finishing it.

Once again, thanks for staying with me this far!

Review,

JB